063023 - San Diego Edition

COVID relief grants open to CA small nonprofits, businesses through June

WHILE COVID relief grants have phased down nationwide since the end of the federal health emergency declaration, California has announced a new one.

Through June 30, small nonprofits and businesses with 26 to 49 employees in 2021 or 2022, and who paid COVID sick leave, are eligible for a grant ranging from $5K to $50K through the state’s Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) program, outreach partner CalNonprofits has announced.

The program, created by California Assembly Bill 152 and administered through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), offers grants funded to match sick leave provided, on small businesses’ payroll records, between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Eligible businesses and nonprofits must have a physical presence in California.

Robert Gibbons, director of education and advocacy at CalNonprofits, said the bill “was a tailwind piece of legislation for COVID

Undrafted Fil-Am Kihei Clark joins Utah Jazz Summer League roster

IN recent basketball news, the spotlight was often directed to Filipino Kai Sotto. Still, there’s one Filipino-American basketball player who is also determined to establish his name in the NBA, Kihei Clark.

Despite being undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Clark’s journey took an exciting turn when he received an invitation from the Utah Jazz to show his basketball skills in the next Summer League.

This considerable opportunity gave the talented Fil-Am player to prove his skills and secure a spot in the league. The Salt Lake City Summer League, happening on July 3-6, will be his opportunity to impress NBA coaches and scouts.

After the summer league, he will continue playing in the Las Vegas off-season on July 7 until July 17. As mentioned earlier, he will join the Utah Jazz, a team that has promising first-round drafts.

Jazz’s picks include Keynote George (no.16), Taylor Hendricks (No.9), And Brice Sensabaugh (no. 28). After the summer league, they will head to Las Vegas for a match with Denver, Minnesota, and Phoenix.

No longer just for ‘fun’: DOT launches new ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign

by rosette aDel Philstar.com

MANILA — It’s official! The Philippines is bidding goodbye to its longtime tourism slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

On its

new tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” that is eyed to promote the country and its tourism offerings beyond fun.

The tourism agency retired the popular slogan that replaced “Wow Philippines” after 11 years.

“It’s More Fun in the Philippines” was launched in 2012, during the tenure of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. by the DOT and BBDO, one of

Senate to seek inquiry into ‘unadvised’ landing of US military aircraft at Naia

by Faith argosino Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos is seeking a Senate inquiry into why a United States air force aircraft purportedly landed “unadvised” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), last June 26. Marcos, who heads the Senate committee on foreign relations, filed Senate Resolution 667 on Tuesday (June 27), directing the appropriate panel to probe the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the US military aircraft on June 26.

In the resolution, Marcos said a Boeing

Taiwan seeks security cooperation with Philippines

by ana Marie PaMintuan Philstar.com

TAIPEI – With the Philippines and Taiwan facing the same threat, security cooperation may be possible between the two, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Jaushieh Wu said.

Wu said he could not go into details about possible security cooperation, but that “this is one area that we should think about.”

Another area, he said, is coast guard cooperation and disaster response.

Taiwan is optimistic of improved ties with the Philippines under President Marcos.

Wu told The STAR in an interview here Tuesday, June 27 that his government welcomed U.S. moves to strengthen the

defense capabilities of the Philippines, such as setting up additional U.S. military installations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

He brushed aside concerns that setting up the U.S. military facilities under EDCA, two of which are in the northern Philippines just across the sea from Taiwan, is a provocative act directed at China.

“What is causing provocation in this region is China’s expansionism,” Wu said.

“As far as I can see, there are prospects for better relations between Taiwan and the Philippines under the current President BBM,” Wu said. “Some of his public statements concerning Taiwan have been

u PAGE 2

C-17 strategic transport aircraft operated by the United States military, which has nine military crew and one passenger onboard, landed at Naia around 8:08 a.m. from Guam and departed the airport 10 hours later at around 6:10 p.m. before heading to its original destination in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

“According to a source, the Manila International Airport Integrated Command and Control Center was not given any advisory on the arrival of aforesaid aircraft,” Marcos said in the resolution. Citing the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Marcos added

the country’s award-winning advertising agencies. In August last year, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, however, said it’s about time to “evolve” and “move on” from the campaign. She thanked those who developed the tagline which she said earned merits and successes. The tourism chief said the new tagline now takes

Palace keeping Gadon despite SC disbarment

by Dona Z. PaZZibugan

Corrales Inquirer.net

MANILA — All 15 justices of the Supreme Court have voted to revoke the license of newly appointed presidential adviser Larry Gadon to practice law for his “scandalous behavior” when he harangued journalist Raissa Robles last year.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 28, the high court said it had ordered Gadon’s disbarment — the most severe sanction for lawyer misconduct — for “misogynistic, sexist, abusive and repeated intemperate language.”

Despite this, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. felt that Gadon’s disbarment would not affect his work as a presidential adviser on poverty alleviation.

“The president believes he will do a good job,” Bersamin said.

“He will continue in his new role as presidential adviser on poverty alleviation as there are urgent u PAGE 3

Reshuffle of top police officials halted by DILG

by Dexter CabalZa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The country’s economic growth remained robust in the second quarter, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by around six percent, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

Outgoing BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said in an economic forum that the economy likely expanded by around six percent from April to June this year.

“But what we know, the numbers I have seen and the forecasts I have seen from the staff, (it) is going to be more than six percent. Whether it’s higher or lower than the first quarter, we don’t know.”

The Philippines booked a GDP growth of 6.4 percent in the first quarter, albeit slower

MANILA — In a rare move, the head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday, June 27 halted the reshuffle of some senior officials in the Philippine National Police.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the reassignment of eight high-ranking PNP officials announced on Monday, June 26 were “currently just recommendations” and not yet in effect.

“There are processes that should be followed. The list of the officials should be submitted to the Napolcom (National

Police Commission) first for confirmation. After that, it shall be subjected to the President’s approval,” Abalos said in a statement.

In special orders dated June 26, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. reassigned eight generals, including the regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

The reassignment orders were signed by Maj. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, head of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, and Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, the

‘Economy likely grew by a robust 6% in Q2’

nestor

GOLDEN. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center), in between Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco (to his left) and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and other officials celebrate 50 years of Philippine tourism at the

City of The Manila Hotel on

enjoined

photo by Joey O. Razon

Interior Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. delivers his opening statement during the press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. File photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta / Philippine

No longer just for ‘fun’: DOT launches new ‘Love the...

into consideration “everything that we’ve been through,” referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We must evolve and we must move on taking into consideration everything that we have been through,” Frasco said.

“So, the Philippines will continue to be fun. But now also it will have a very substantial approach to its branding campaign,” she added.

‘Change in traveler preference’

In a presentation, Marie Adriano, marketing firm DDB Group Philippines’ brand and strategic planner, cited that there was a change in the preference of travelers who are now going beyond leisure.

Adriano said that given this shift, “brand enhancement is imperative to stay competitive and relevant.”

She said the group conducted social listening that showed the change in travelers’ associations with the Philippines.

“Love is the positive theme they associate with our country, frequently mentioned in high volumes globally,” Adriano cited.

“And while fun remains a positive thing and certainly part of the Pinoy DNA, there’s less volume of mentions,” she added, explaining the new enhanced

by McCann Worldgroup Philippines. However, we underscore that there has never been any intention to copy others’ creative work,” it said.

Fast forward to 2023, the DOT once again made headlines after a campaign featuring Filipina nurse May Parsons, with the tagline “We give the world our best,” was spotted in the United Kingdom and went viral.

Taiwan seeks security cooperation with...

welcomed by Taiwanese people. For example, he spoke about the importance of peace and stability in this area. He spoke about the need to oppose unilateral change of status quo in all these areas, including South China Sea.”

During Super Typhoon Yolanda, he said the Taiwan air force was able to deliver a planeload of relief goods in the Philippines before China exerted pressure, “and therefore we had to stop.”

Wu lamented that this is part of the “cognitive warfare” being waged by China against Taiwan – “saying that geopolitics these days is a conflict or dispute or competition between the United States and China. And therefore our countries should stay away from this conflict, countries should stay neutral.”

launched an international video campaign dubbed “Experience Philippines.”

The video campaign, featuring a blind Japanese tourist enjoying the Philippines, however, drew flak after allegations that the concept of the video was copied from a tourism campaign in South Africa.

The Department of Tourism announces its new campaign slogan on June 27, 2023. Philstar.com photo by Rosette Adel tourism campaign. Not the first attempt This was not the first try to replace the eleven-yearold slogan. In 2017, former Undersecretary Kat De Castro, said there were also plans to revamp the slogan as a study found that it was not enough to attract tourists from Europe and the United States.

“The new campaign under Secretary Wanda Teo will be more specific in terms of destination and what activities tourists can do,” De Castro was quoted by Spot.PH as saying in 2017.

That plan did not push through and Teo’s admin instead

Marketing firm McCann World addressed the plagiarism allegations and took full responsibility for it, saying it was inspired by a real story of a visually-impaired foreigner who found home in the Philippines.

“We take full responsibility as ALL ideas and storyboards presented were conceptualized

Frasco, however, said the bus ad was not an official slogan of the DOT that would replace the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign. The ad is a project by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications (OPACC) as part of its branding campaign led by Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano.

Meanwhile, the move to launch a new tourism campaign is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement during his first State of the Nation Address when he mentioned his vision to enhance the Filipino brand of tourism.

It is also part of the government’s push to make Philippines a “tourism powerhouse” in Southeast Asia, in accordance with the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023 to 2028. n

Senate to seek inquiry...

PAGE 1

that the alternate airport of the aircraft “for contingencies” was Clark International Airport instead of Naia.

Marcos also wanted the appropriate panel to probe the actual number and identities of those onboard the military aircraft and the lack of coordination between CAAP, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department National Defense, among others.

“In light of the recently revealed U.S. request for the Philippines to temporarily house Afghan Special Immigrant Visa applicants, the continued escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific Region, and the reemergence of internal security

threats, it is crucial for the State to carefully scrutinize the activities of foreign militaries in the country, particularly those which appear questionable or which are shrouded in secrecy,” she said.

On June 9, Marcos disclosed that her brother’s administration agreed to a supposed discreet plan, granting the US’ request to provide a safe haven in the Philippines for Afghans suspected to be “American spies” who fled their country.

Prior to baring the information from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), Marcos filed on June 8 a resolution seeking to probe the said plan, questioning the PMS’ decision to keep the results of the “technical coordination meeting” from the public. n

The cognitive warfare, he said, is in line with the “hybrid warfare” being waged by China against what it considers as its renegade province. Beijing has threatened to one day retake Taiwan, by force if necessary. “They are threatening Taiwan, day in and day out, and initiating hybrid warfare,” Wu said. “Cyber attacks. Disinformation campaign. Infiltration. Or cognitive warfare. Things that are under the threshold of real gunfighting. So this is what China has been waging against Taiwan. And other than that there is also economic coercion.”

Wu stressed that Taipei is open to “peaceful dialogues” with Beijing, but the Chinese insist that the Taiwanese must accept the one-China, two-systems model of reunification – something that he said cannot be accepted if Hong Kong is the model.

At this point, Wu said, public opinion polls show that the Taiwanese simply want to maintain the status quo, which is that Taiwan “is an autonomous state.”

“To us, we are not run by China,” he said. “Taiwan runs by itself. We have a president, publicly elected. We have a parliament, publicly elected as well, and we have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have a Ministry of National Defense and we even have an independent currency note, which is New Taiwan dollar. And therefore, Taiwan is not part of the PROC.”

He expressed hope that Chinese economic pressure would not be “overestimated” by the international community, noting that the massive investments promised by Beijing to the Philippines during the previous administration did not materialize.

“Of course we don’t want to impose,” Wu emphasized. “We hope the Philippine government can think through some of the things that will be in the interest of the Philippines.”

China had initiated the so-called nine-dash-line claim over the South China Sea. When the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated the claim in 2016, Taipei pointed out that it could not comment on the ruling because it was not consulted or asked to participate in the arbitration. Taiwan’s position on the issue is unchanged.

“We support the rights of freedom of navigation and freedom of overflights,” Wu said.

He stressed that Taiwan does not want to be “a provocateur.”

“We don’t want to offend anyone. We don’t want to cause any conflict in this region,” he said, adding that Taipei simply wants to preserve the status quo with China and resolve disputes over the South China Sea through peaceful dialogue.

If China wages war on Taiwan, he noted, “who will be the next target? I think it might be the Philippines.”

“We think that the best way for us at this moment is for Taiwan and other claimants of the South China Sea to enter into peaceful research of the natural resources (in the sea) or engage in scientific endeavors together or jointly develop the resources,” he said.

“As far as I can see, there’s prospects for better relations between Taiwan and the Philippines under the current President BBM,” Wu said. “As long as there’s a desire on the part of the Philippines, Taiwan will be there to work together with the Philippines. After all, the Philippines is the closest neighbor to us.” n

EID AL-ADHA PRAYERS. Filipino Muslims join the early morning prayers at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Wednesday, June 28 as they celebrate Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. Eid al-Adha also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims, one of the five pillars of Islam. PNA photo by Ben Briones

on the concerns of Filipino nurses, especially those considering leaving the country for better pay.

Undrafted Fil-Am Kihei...

Kihei Clark’s notable collegiate performance and impressive achievements

Clark started his basketball career at the University of Virginia in 2018. He played a significant role in leading the Virginia Cavaliers to the NCAA National Championship in 2019.

He showcased his remarkable ball-handling skills, ability to control the game’s tempo, and court goals. Despite not having a towering height, Clark makes up for his defensive tactics.

The move often frustrates opponents due to his unwavering onball pressure. In addition, his court skills also extend beyond the U.S. basketball courts.

Born from a Filipino mother and a Chinese African-American father, Clark had already graced the Philippine courts in 2018. He played with another Fil-Am player Jalen Green in the prominent NBTC All-Star Game.

Kihei Clark’s exceptional performance in the game led him to win the title of All-Star Game MVP. Philippine basketball legend Robert Jaworski himself awarded him the recognition.

Overall, this Filipino-American basketball achiever’s journey is proof of his determination and perseverance. From his exceptional college career to his remarkable performance in the Philippines, Kihei Clark has proven himself as a vital force inside basketball courts.

As he joins the NBA summer league, he can establish his name in the professional league and continue inspiring other new basketball players, particularly in the Filipino-Am community. (Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net) n

Palace keeping Gadon despite SC...

matters that need to be done in the President’s antipoverty programs,” added the former chief justice.

Gadon’s disbarment would be a matter which he will have to personally attend to, Bersamin said further.

In a statement following the high court’s ruling, Gadon said he would file a motion for reconsideration, claiming the decision was “too harsh.”

“My remedy and reaction to this is to file a motion for reconsideration on the ground that the penalty is too harsh for the alleged cause,” he noted.

Gadon also said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel on Wednesday that he would not apologize over his past remarks and actions.

“I will not apologize. The trouble with the Supreme Court is that they did not see why I had that kind of outburst. Because Ms Robles of Rappler was spreading lies against the president and it was done during the campaign season, campaign period. So it was really damaging on our part,” he said.

Rappler CEO Maria Ressa said in a tweet that Robles is not from Rappler.

Gadon said the high court’s ruling was a “political decision rather than a meritorious decision,” claiming that it could be punishing him for filing an impeachment complaint against Associate Justice Marvic Leonen in 2019 and against former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in 2017, which led to her ouster.

‘Slap in the face’ Lawmakers, however, disagreed with Malacañang’s decision to keep Gadon.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday said the decision of the Supreme Court to drop

Gadon from the country’s roll of attorneys should prompt President Marcos to banish the disbarred lawyer from the Cabinet.

“I ask the president to reconsider the appointment of… Gadon. Not only was he disbarred, he was also cited in direct contempt by the Supreme Court, voting 15-0,” Hontiveros told the Inquirer “A disgraced former attorney,” she pointed out, “does not inspire confidence in the Cabinet.”

According to the opposition senator, having Gadon in the government would only “demoralize the bureaucracy by incentivizing an official whom the court unanimously does not trust.”

Besides, Hontiveros pointed out, he did not have any expertise to serve as the government’s antipoverty head.

Rep. Arlene Brosas, House assistant minority leader, said Gadon should now be held accountable for crass and violent actions.

“Lawyers are supposed to be champions of justice and equality,” Brosas said in a statement sent to the Inquirer

For Liza Maza, former chief of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the president should reconsider Gadon’s appointment since his disbarment is a “slap in the face” of the chief executive. She said that appointing Gadon was an “insult” and a “great disservice to women who continue to bear the brunt of poverty in the Philippines.”

Robles has not responded to the Inquirer’s request for comment.

Meanwhile, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Francis Escudero both noted that Mr. Marcos has the prerogative to name individuals to his Cabinet.

Estrada, who joined the 2022 senatorial race with Gadon under the president’s UniTeam ticket, also defended him from those questioning his appointment.

“He’s actually a kind person,” the senator told the Inquirer in a mobile phone interview.

“The position to which [Gadon] was appointed does not require him to be a member of the Philippine bar nor a lawyer,” Escudero said.

‘Scandalous behavior’

Acting on its own without waiting for a complainant, the

Supreme Court in January last year suspended Gadon from law practice after a video of him cursing at Robles went viral on social media the previous month of December 2021.

Gadon verbally abused Robles apparently for calling Marcos, then a candidate, a tax evader.

The tribunal found Gadon’s behavior in the video “indisputably scandalous that it discredits the legal profession” in violation of their professional code, which demands the “appearance of propriety” among lawyers at all times.

“Gadon unfortunately failed to realize that lawyers are expected to avoid scandalous behavior, whether in their public or private life,” the Supreme Court said in its statement.

It also cited Gadon in direct contempt of court for his “baseless allegations of partiality and bias” against Senior Associate Justice Leonen and Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa, whom Gadon wanted to inhibit from his disbarment case.

The Supreme Court said Gadon has been previously suspended from law practice for three months for using offensive and intemperate language.

He was then warned of a more severe sanction if he repeated the offense.

Gadon is also facing six administrative cases before the Office of the Bar Confidant and four disciplinary cases before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, according to the high court.

“Although these cases have yet to be decided, the volume of administrative complaints filed against Atty. Gadon indubitably speaks of his character,” it noted.

—With reports from Marlon Ramos, Julie M. Aurelio, and Dempsey Reyes n

‘Economy likely grew by a robust 6% in...

than the 7.1 percent in the fourth quarter and eight percent in the first quarter last year, but faster than the market expectation of 6.1 percent.

Amid the external headwinds brought about by elevated inflation and the aggressive rate hikes delivered by global central banks led by the US Federal Reserve, the Cabinetlevel Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) decided to maintain this year’s GDP growth target at six to seven percent.

The country’s GDP expansion accelerated

to 7.6 percent last year from 5.7 percent in 2021 with the full reopening of the economy as the strict COVID quarantine and lockdown protocols were lifted.

The country slipped into recession in 2020 with the GDP shrinking by 9.5 percent as the economy stalled due to strict mobility restrictions imposed by the government to slow the spread of COVID-19 infections.

“Our own forecast is the GDP growth will be above six percent this year. Of course, it’s hard to grow when your base is larger,” Medalla told participants of the economic forum.

For the first quarter, he said spending in hotels and restaurants jumped by 23.8 percent in the first quarter, while car sales zoomed by 44.8 percent from January to May this year.

Likewise, tourism-related revenues amounted to P214 billion in the first quarter as the number of international tourists reached 1.47 million from January to April this year.

He added that there is also revenge spending by Filipino consumers.

“Pent-up demand has been a key growth u PAGE 4

ESSENTIAL WORKERS. Nurses go about their tasks inside the Philippine General Hospital compound in Manila on Tuesday, June 27. They will benefit from the planned creation of a National Nursing Advisory Council, which Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said will focus

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

‘KIND PERSON’. Gadon, whom a senator describes as “actually a kind person,” holds a press conference on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, saying he would file a motion for reconsideration on his disbarment.

Photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Kihei Clark

Photo from Instagram/@kihei.clark

New research reveals loneliness can shorten life span

WITH digital connections and social networks at our fingertips, it’s surprising to know that we are facing a crisis of isolation and loneliness.

Recent research has confirmed the dire consequences of social isolation and feeling lonely. It also shows that these situations can result in earlier death from specific causes, including cancer.

A team of researchers delved into the intricate link between health and loneliness. They also highlighted the urgent need to know the underlying processes and implement efficient strategies to fight this prevalent problem.

A review involving 90 studies of more than 2.2 million individuals

globally has revealed alarming data. People who confirmed feeling lonely or isolated are at higher risk of early death.

The findings are published in Nature Human Behavior. However, according to a Medical Xpress report, the study was only limited to individuals from highincome countries. So it might not be applicable to less prosperous countries.

Director of the Social Connection and Health Lab at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah Julianne HoltLunstad, shared her insights but was not part of the research. But most of her studies are focused on the health effects of loneliness.

Holt-Lunstad said, “[This study] is consistent with my [2015] meta-analysis that found

that both isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of [dying].”

She added, “This is also consistent with the U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on isolation and loneliness.”

The research shows that people who experience loneliness and self-isolation are more likely to have unhealthy lifestyles. These include lack of exercise, unhealthy food choices, excessive alcohol drinking, and smoking.

The health effects of loneliness

Social isolation was linked to weak immune systems and inflammation, leaving individuals more vulnerable to specific health conditions.

Limited social interactions of isolated people can also affect

their access to proper medical care.

Social isolation vs. loneliness: Their difference

Social isolation is the lack of connection or contact with others, while loneliness is the feeling of being alone, even if there are social connections.

Both can harm health, but research shows that social isolation has more significant risks. By understanding their differences, health experts can create effective methods to address them properly.

Effective strategies to overcome loneliness

Vice President of Health Services Research at the American Cancer Society Robin Yabroff said that there are several things one can do to fight

u PAGE 7

COVID relief grants open to CA small nonprofits...

aid toward the end of the pandemic. We were very involved in advocating for this legislation to include small nonprofits, who were previously not given the opportunity to apply for state-reimbursed grants. This issue has become cumbersome in the sense that small nonprofits now have to go back and identify their COVID sick leave with payroll providers and apply for funds, and we’re here to make that process as easy as possible.”

Since being informed in very late May that small nonprofits would be eligible for SPSL alongside other businesses, Gibbons has spearheaded CalNonprofits’ advocacy work at the community and legislative level in collaboration with the small business lending platform Lendistry, which the state chose to execute the program and vet applicants.

“One of the most potentially confusing aspects of the grant application for small businesses is employee headcount, given that it shifted drastically for many companies during the pandemic,” he added.

The challenges that may arise during the SPSL filing process do not owe to a lack of interest on the part of nonprofits — “the Lendistry folks were impressed to see that our webinars have turned out more than three times the numbers of small businesses,” said Gibbons — but rather to the limited bandwidth of many small nonprofits.

“That’s where CalNonprofits comes in,” he continued. “Call us, email us, and we will advocate on your behalf as the go-between between you and your payroll provider.”

“CalNonprofits is the only partner working with Lendistry in California to identify

eligible nonprofits, and advocate for them through the application process. This sets a precedent for more inclusivity with the way that we think about helping nonprofits in the context of state legislation,” Gibbons added.

An FAQ page for SPSL written by CalNonprofits and geared specifically toward nonprofit applicants is available at https://docs.google.com/document/ d/1u89v2Wpgmr5IdGhI2v5tAiVE_ lUXfO4xHY7HC3_sM1I/edit.

An informational webinar on the grant program, hosted by CalOSBA, took place on Monday, June 26. Eligibility requirements, an application guide, FAQs, and an application portal for the program is available at the California SPSL website (https://caspsl.com). (By Selen Oztruk/Ethnic Media Services) n

fourth in command as acting chief of directorial staff.

A joint turnover and assumption ceremony — with Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, PNP’s No. 2 as acting chief for administration, serving as the presiding officer — was scheduled in Camp Crame on Tuesday morning, which was moved to late in the afternoon, until it was eventually called off.

In stopping the action of the PNP leadership, Abalos, who sits as Napolcom chair, cited Section 6(3)(f) of Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 2019001, stating that “the assignment/ designation of the [concerned positions] shall be submitted to the Commission for confirmation prior to the submission of the same to the President for approval.”

“Civilian control over the police is a hallowed principle of our fundamental law. Rest assured that the Napolcom will carry out its duty to oversee and enhance the administration of the PNP,” Abalos said.

Changes

Under Acorda’s orders, Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who was formerly the intelligence director, was named the new acting regional director of the NCRPO. He would replace Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, who was named the new chief of the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR).

Interestingly, Nartatez was among the five brigadier generals who were reassigned in early May when Acorda implemented a “minor reorganization,” his first reshuffle in the PNP.

Before being named as chief of the intelligence service, Nartatez headed the Directorate for Comptrollership for barely a week—which was assigned to him by former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin days prior to his retirement and was criticized by some officials as a midnight appointment. Okubo would have been among the NCRPO chiefs with the shortest stint, serving for only four months, after being appointed in February also by Azurin.

Meanwhile, then DPCR director Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes was designated to head the Directorate for Logistics, while Maj. Gen. Jon Arnaldo replaced Nartatez as the new Directorate for Intelligence chief.

Brig. Gen. Ronald Oliver Lee was designated as the new

chief of the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development, replacing Arnaldo. Maj. Gen. Eric Noble, director of the PNP Academy (PNPA), was named the new head of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, while Brig. Gen. Samuel Nacion would be the acting PNPA director.

Brig. Gen. Alan Nazarro from the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology Management was named the acting director of the Highway Patrol Group.

Acorda’s third

It would have been the third revamp implemented by Acorda, following the May 8 major reshuffle of some senior police officials that affected the third and fourth highest posts of the force’s command group.

The previous reassignment orders of Acorda did not face any problems with the DILG chief. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the current positions of the officials would be maintained.

“Let’s wait for the official announcement of when the new schedule will be for the formal assumption of office and turnover of these positions,” she told reporters.

“But until such time that there is already a new schedule, the concerned officers will remain in their current positions,” she added.

Acorda earlier assured the PNP members that “promotions, assignments, and designations will be based on merit, ability and moral ascendancy, thereby placing the right people on the right job.”

He tasked the members of the Senior Officer Placement and Promotions Board— composed of officers duly authorized to vet, select and recommend PNP officers due for promotion, and placement to key positions—to conduct proper deliberations “to ensure that their recommendations are fair, objective and acceptable to all.”

Abalos, in his promise to cleanse the PNP of scalawags, ordered last April an independent Napolcom investigation of the October 2022 raid that yielded 990 kilos of “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P6.7 billion.

On June 9, 50 police personnel, including high-ranking officials, were named respondents in the criminal complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman for their involvement in the anti-drug operation. n

driver,” the BSP chief said.

Medalla pointed out that the current circumstance have allowed the BSP to prioritize its mandate of price stability by bringing back inflation back to within the two to four percent target range.

In the same forum, National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the Philippines performed remarkably over the past decade, with GDP growth posting between six and seven percent.

Unfortunately, the streak was interrupted in 2020 by mobility restrictions and policy response challenges during the height of the pandemic, resulting in a sharp contraction of 9.5 percent.

“Nevertheless, the economy demonstrated remarkable resilience. In 2022, the full-year growth reached 7.6 percent, surpassing the government’s official target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent. The first quarter of 2023 also brought good news, as growth remained strong at 6.4 percent, indicating a continued recovery and a return to the highgrowth trend observed before the pandemic,” Edillon said.

Edillon added that two main factors have played a significant role: consumption on the demand side and services on the supply side.

“The reopening of our economy, largely facilitated by the relaxation of mobility restrictions, provided a boost to household spending, particularly as people eagerly resumed travel. The services sector, which includes retail, tourism, transportation, and education, benefited the most from the reopening, as it encompasses highcontact industries,” she said. (Philstar.com) n

Mayon continues ‘quiet’ eruption

by ARlie o. CAlAlo ManilaTimes.net

MAYON Volcano in Albay province continues to discharge lava and spew rocks “in a gentle and quiet manner,” but experts have not ruled out an explosive eruption in the coming weeks or days.

Poll: Most Filipinos satisfied with Marcos administration

by Red mendozA ManilaTimes.net

MORE than seven out of 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a survey commissioned by OCTA Research showed.

In its Tugon ng Masa first quarter survey conducted from March 24 to 28, 72 percent of Filipinos said they were satisfied, while 8 percent said they were not satisfied with the performance of Marcos.

The 72 percent is a “nominal decrease” from the previous OCTA survey last October, where the administration got a 76 percent satisfaction rating.

Marcos’ satisfaction rating was highest in the Visayas at 83 percent, followed by Balanced Luzon at 77 percent and Mindanao at 67 percent.

The National Capital Region (NCR or Metro Manila) reported the lowest satisfaction rating at 51 percent.

It was also the region where the highest percentage of adult Filipinos were dissatisfied with the current administration at 13 percent.

The NCR too was the region with the highest percentage of those who said they were ambivalent about the performance of the administration at 35 percent.

Class D respondents comprised the highest percentage of adults who were satisfied with the performance of the Marcos

administration at 74 percent, followed by classes ABC and E at 68 percent.

Class ABC’s percentage is a 6-percent increase from the previous survey, while it is a 5-percent decrease for Class E.

The highest percentage of the dissatisfied came from Class ABC at 11 percent, and the ambivalent from Class E.

By regions, the administration had satisfaction ratings ranging from 51 percent to 96 percent, with the highest in the Cordillera Administrative Region at 96 percent and the lowest in the NCR at 51 percent.

Both Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao reported the highest levels of dissatisfaction at 18 percent.

From the 55 to 64 age group

came the highest satisfaction rating for the Marcos administration at 81 percent, and the 75 and above group the lowest satisfaction rating at 81 percent.

Seventy-seven percent of adult Filipinos with no formal or elementary education were satisfied with the current administration.

OCTA said the 4-point decrease was caused by a drop in all major areas except for Balanced Luzon, which reported an increase of 4 percentage points.

The survey had 1,200 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent across the country and plus or minus 6 percent in the NCR, Balanced Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. n

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito “Toto” Bacolcol told The Manila Times that the parameters recorded by the Mayon Volcano Network (MVN) have been changing every day.

“Sometimes, the parameters like the sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission, volcanic tremors and rockfall events would increase, then the next day they would decrease, so we can say that they are still lowrate parameters,” Bacolcol said Monday, June 26.

“The recorded low-level parameters reflect what is happening on the vent, which is an effusive eruption,” the Phivolcs chief added. Phivolcs explained that an effusive eruption is dominated by the outpouring, fountaining

or ejection of fluid lava, and the magma has a low viscosity or is runny, wherein gas can escape easily.

“Effusive eruption involves the gentle release of lava on the edifice of the volcano,” it said.

In the past 24 hours, Phivolcs said the lava slowly oozing out of the volcano’s crater reached 1.3 kilometers and 1.2 kilometers along the Mi-isi gully in Daraga town and the Bonga gully in Legazpi City, respectively.

The MVN also recorded 263 rock fall events, 102 volcanic earthquakes and eight pyroclastic density currents, which are avalanches of volcanic ash, rock and gases.

The S02 gas emissions averaged 925 tons per day on June 25, Phivolcs said.

Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 100 meters before drifting to the west, MVN said. n

Teodoro: Government studying hosting of Afghan refugees

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — The U.S. government’s request for the Philippines to temporarily host 50,000 former Afghan employees and their families has not reached President Marcos yet and is still being studied by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the defense department said on Monday, June 26.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said while the government would study all the implications of the request, it has to determine first whether it is allowed under the law, particularly the Immigration Act.

“This issue has not reached him (Marcos) yet because we are still studying it. We are still waiting for the opinion of the DOJ on whether it is legal because if it is not allowed under the law of the republic, what else will we talk about?”

Teodoro told reporters after the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service in Quezon City.

He said no specific timeframe has been set for the DOJ to finish its opinion on the matter.

“As soon as possible, but there is a need to scrutinize all issues,” the defense chief said in Filipino.

Teodoro said officials have not looked into the security aspects of the issue, reiterating that there is nothing to discuss if the request is not permitted under the law.

“We have not gone that far. With regard to claims that there is an agreement already, we are not yet there,” he said. “All our actions should have a legal basis.”

Earlier this month, Sen. Imee Marcos, sister of the president, questioned why the U.S. wanted to house the Afghans in the Philippines instead of the American mainland or countries closer to Afghanistan.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Afghans are not refugees but people “who have worked with the U.S. government and their qualified members.”

The Afghans worked for the American government before the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and are in the final stage

More than seven out of 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a survey commissioned by OCTA Research showed. Malacañang file photo

Mayon Volcano

Photo by Mike Alquinto

GOING HOME. A total of 188 inmates walk out of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on Tuesday, June 27. They are among the 423 released nationwide by the Bureau of Corrections, either on parole or probation or by acquittal or recognizance.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Gun culture

In Cebu last week, police armed with a court warrant raided the home of the barangay captain of Baclayan in Boljoon town, and arrested Elderson Han Baldezamo Mabalatan on gun charges. The police reported confiscating from the village chief two .45-caliber pistols and a hand grenade.

Earlier on March 20, another village chairman who is president of the local association of barangay captains, Angelito de Mesa of Barangay Masaya in Bay, Laguna, was arrested following a police search of his home. The raiders reported seizing an M16 rifle equipped with a silencer and telescope, a 9mm machine pistol, ammunition and magazines for the guns.

The country has tough laws against illegal gun possession, with stiff penalties as provided under Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act passed in 2013. Yet loose firearms continue to proliferate, promoting deadly violence that has marred politics and elections.

In this part of Asia, the Philippines has the second highest intentional homicide rate, ranking only behind Myanmar. Apart from thousands of drug suspects killed in the previous administration, the country has a long string of murders targeting activists, journalists and legal professionals. Every electoral exercise in this country is marked

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

“BY preserving the Philippines’ diplomatic relationship with China, while strengthening ties with the United States and regional allies, Marcos Jr. is performing a delicate balancing act.”

This was how Tokyo University of Foreign Studies lecturer Jenny Balboa described the foreign policy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in her article titled, “Marcos Jr.’s delicate balancing act between China and the United States” published last April at the East Asia Forum, an Australia-based international policy forum centered on the Asia Pacific region.

by lethal violence, with candidates seeing murder as the ultimate tool for eliminating political rivals. The massacre of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others at his home has been linked to his family’s feud with the rival Teves clan. Deadly violence is employed even in races for the smallest unit of government, the barangay.

With the elections for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan set this October, the Philippine National Police says it is monitoring at least 49 active and potential private armed groups across the country. Whether the PNP can actually crack down on those groups is another story. Many private armies are maintained by influential politicians who are themselves keepers of large arsenals.

If a barangay captain can have an unlicensed grenade in his possession, think of what higher ranking officials are keeping. The alleged mastermind in Degamo’s murder, Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., his two sons and his brother, Bayawan town Mayor Pryde

Henry Teves face charges over a cache of guns and explosives found in his property. Arnolfo Teves said the weapons were planted by the raiders. The easy availability of all sorts of guns and even grenades plus the weakness of the criminal

PBBM: Balancing US-PH-China relations

As President Xi himself acknowledged, the world needs the relationship between the two giant nations to be “generally stable.”

I personally saw how China has developed into the economic giant it is today, and marveled at the progress it has achieved over the decades, having first visited Beijing in 1974 just before we opened formal diplomatic relations with China in 1975.

I was then a news reporter for Channel 9 when I joined our basketball team, led by Basketball Association of the Philippines president Lito Puyat and the country’s top basketball players that included Ramon Fernandez, Sonny Jaworski and Francis Arnaiz, embarking on our “basketball diplomacy.”

local leaders then, like Olongapo mayor Richard Gordon, TawiTawi governor Nur Jaafar and Laoag City mayor Rudy Fariñas. My next trip to China was in 2005 when we visited Shanghai with the late Philippine STAR publisher Max Soliven. We were hosted by businessman Carlos Chan. The changes were remarkable, with five-star hotels and bustling shopping centers indicative of the economic transformation that was happening in China.

sovereignty? The president’s reply was on point: “The same way that we maintain our relationship with the U.S. We constantly consult with our allies. We constantly keep our lines of communication open.”

justice system have created a culture of violence and impunity. As the barangay and youth council elections approach, the PNP will have to do more than merely monitor private armed groups. (Philstar. com)

Human Face

Being virtually at the center of the intensive competition between the United States and China, we obviously have to deal with both nations even as we also need to thresh out individual issues with them. However, there have been developments that indicate the willingness of both nations to continue to restart the conversation with each other, as seen in the recent visit of U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who described the meeting as “very good,” saying that both sides “made progress and reached agreements on some specific issues.” m a . C eRes P. d oyo

AS we face the issue of whether or not the Philippines should accept some 50,000 refugees from Afghanistan that the United States government would be processing before they can become U.S. residents, one cannot help recalling the times our country became a halfway house, a foster home, so to speak, for those fleeing their homelands to seek friendly shores, if not the land oozing with milk and honey of their dreams.

The Philippines was never their country of choice as a final destination, and that sort of hurts the Pinoy ego. Well, but had they stayed, they would have contributed to this country’s population explosion. (No offense meant.) Nonetheless, refugees

My uncle, then-Philippine Ambassador to the United States Eduardo Z. Romualdez, was appointed by President Marcos Sr. to head the delegation.

At that time, China was nowhere near what it is today. We stayed at the only major hotel in Beijing – the Friendship Hotel with big rooms and only one restaurant – which was more like a guesthouse for official visitors. We had the opportunity to meet Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China’s modernization and economic transformation. Subsequently, we were formally received by Premier Chou En-lai at the Great Hall of the People.

In 1983, I was back in Beijing with then-Ilocos Norte Governor Bongbong Marcos and several

fleeing their respective countries found a temporary haven in our shores, never mind that their stay was not always problemfree or their accommodation first class.

As I had written in the past, we Filipinos are so accommodating. We always have an extra room and we say there will be enough, we can add water to the soup. But these welcomed aliens eventually leave because they think there are places better than our 7,641 islands. So much for our hospitality. As to those who’ve stayed behind and for good, we could only hope they have found treasures they were not looking for.

Why the Philippines and not our more affluent neighbors as their foster home? In the case of the Vietnamese who fled by boat after the so-called Fall of Saigon in 1975 that ended the decadesold U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, the Philippines was just across the South China

In September 2011, I was part of the business delegation of the late President Noynoy Aquino during his official visit to China, and it was apparent that our neighbor had become very prosperous, with the Chinese becoming the second biggest consumers of luxury items.

Contrary to misconceptions that we are pivoting towards one country at the expense of another, President Marcos Jr. has definitely made it clear that he is balancing the relationship with the two superpowers, and I think he is doing an excellent job – improving our country’s relationship with the United States while continually reaching out to China.

In the Q &A session at the ASEAN Leadership Forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies during his official visit to the U.S., PBBM was asked: How can he maintain a stable relationship with Beijing while still defending Philippine

Indeed, China is talking with us and as the president noted, he is seeing some progress in the situation regarding fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea. He knows, however, that desired results don’t happen overnight. “These things do not come very quickly… but we are slowly making progress because the key to that was really the improved communication between the Philippine government and the Chinese government.”

We do have a lot of serious issues with China regarding our territorial waters, but we continue to squarely face them head on. Our nation has faced so many challenges, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have also received help from our partners.

For my part, President Rodrigo Duterte gave clear instructions that we needed to get life-saving vaccines for Filipinos. It was a great honor when President Duterte awarded me with the Order of Sikatuna for our efforts to procure Moderna vaccines and subsequently received substantial vaccine donations from the United States.

Upon instructions of President Marcos, we continue to make strengthening economic ties

our number one priority in the U.S. Our defense strategy is already obviously being handled by our Department of National Defense, especially now with the appointment of Gilbert Teodoro as the new defense secretary.

This week, Senate President Migz Zubiri came to Washington, D.C. for a working visit. He had extensive interaction with U.S. lawmakers such as Senators Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas and Tim Scott of South Carolina.

I am pleased that SP Migz is very much into energy development, knowing fully well that our

country’s energy requirements are growing. Together with Senator Tolentino, SP Migz discussed a number of issues that include the reauthorization of the General System of Preferences and the defense procurement for our AFP modernization program. (Phiilstar.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

PH as refugees’ halfway house

Sea (West Philippine Sea) and an ally of the U.S. Theirs were perilous boat rides on choppy waters but when they landed, they were not shooed away but were brought to several refugee camps set up by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

I had written stories about their plight, among them about the ones who had nowhere to go after almost two decades (“Citizens without a country,” 4/16/95) because of factors too lengthy to mention here. And then a happier one about a permanent village in Palawan built by the Catholic Church for those who stayed (“Former Viet refugees say, Thank you, RP” 4/20/98, 4/21/98). I asked about the place the last time I was in Palawan and I was told it was no longer what it used to be. That says a lot.

The Afghan refugees, if we host them, might be different from other refugees the

Philippines had hosted in the past. The refugees of yore were mostly ordinary fearful citizens fleeing an oppressive situation, the Jews from Europe, for example, who found a temporary home here during World War II upon the invitation of former president Manuel L. Quezon. Then there were the Vietnamese and some from their neighboring countries, many of whom stayed for almost two decades before they could be settled in another country.

The Afghan refugees would be fleeing extremist Taliban rule and unlike the many Vietnamese who braved dangerous waters, these Afghan refugees would be bodily brought here by the U.S. government. Straight from where? Afghanistan? Or are they already in another country waiting to be transported first by land, then sea or air? What is the process like? Will the 50,000 or so come all at once or by batches? How long will they

stay and where? We are in the dark regarding this. And what is the Philippine government’s involvement?

Philippine ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez told CNN that the U.S. “will pay for everything, including the food, lodging. The reason why the Philippines is a logical place is because, number one, we are obviously an ally of the United States. Number two, the U.S. has a fairly big embassy in the Philippines. It will be a quick processing.” This may sound impertinent, but why not Guantanamo? It is closer to the U.S. mainland.

Now comes the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ episcopal commission for the pastoral care of migrants and itinerant people, saying that the Philippines should come to the aid of the refugees.

The Philippines, commission vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos said, is a signatory to the

United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention and, as Filipinos, it is our duty to extend acts of charity and compassion. He quoted Jesus: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

The Afghan refugees are surely mostly Muslims coming from a very, very restricted society, so unlike Muslim societies in Southeast Asia. Some may be assets of the U.S. forces who have no choice but to run for their lives. We, hospitable Christians and Muslims of this woebegone country, had not experienced dealing with the likes of them. It would be interesting to see how hosting these Afghans will unfold. (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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.

* * * Send feedback to cerespd@gmail.com

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with U.S. President Joe Biden

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Chinese President Xi Jinping Malacañang file photos

US, China pour aid into Batanes, PH island closest to Taiwan

by Frances Mangosing Inquirer.net

BASCO — Rival superpowers

United States and China are pouring aid into Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost island closest to Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory.

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco announced the new forms of assistance pledged by Washington and Beijing during the island province’s 240th founding anniversary on Monday, June 26.

Teodoro: Government studying...

of their U.S. special immigration visa application.

Some sectors and personalities, including Vice President Sara Duterte, are against the request, fearing the arrangement might worsen the situation as regards the local terrorists in some places and violate Philippine sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Teodoro said on Monday that proposals to bring the West Philippine Sea issue before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have to be carefully studied first, even as he stressed that the Philippines’ rights under international law must be asserted.

Some senators have backed retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio’s suggestion for the government to elevate the WPS issue to the UNGA, the highest policymaking body of the UN, as China continues to ignore the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines.

Teodoro agreed that the WPS issue must be brought before the international community to reassert the rights of the country under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

(UNCLOS).

“We must bring to the consciousness of the entire world the right of the Republic of the Philippines under the UNCLOS. We really need to transfer the debate on the WPS from our country to the rest of the world so they know our cause and if this should be done through the UNGA, the DFA has to weigh on that and study the matter,” he said.

In Senate Resolution 659, Sen. Risa Hontiveros called on the Philippine government through the DFA to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the WPS.

“Despite the Hague ruling, China continues to harass our navy, remain hostile to our fisherfolk and put the fishing industry in the area in jeopardy. This is nothing but a constant rejection of the basic tenets of international law. Beijing’s blunt refusal to accept her legal fate should have serious consequences. The UN General Assembly should be able to tell China to behave,” Hontiveros said. (Helen Flores, Cecille Suerte Felipe) n

New research reveals loneliness can...

loneliness and social isolation.

“The U.S. Surgeon General recently made a number of recommendations for increasing awareness of, recognizing, and addressing loneliness.”

Here are some of the effective methods based on experts’ advice:

Join social communities and groups Participating actively in social and community groups can form a sense of belonging that can aid individuals in building meaningful relationships.

Look for support

During times of self-isolation and loneliness, seeking support is vital. It is important to confide in

trusted family members, friends, or health professionals who can offer empathy, guidance, and companionship. Limit too much use of social media

While this digital age can provide digital connections and communication, excessive use of social media can result in feelings of comparison and disconnection. Opt for a healthy balance by setting limits and allocating quality time for faceto-face connections.

Prioritize self-care

Healthy self-care practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, and enough sleep can positively affect overall physical and mental well-being. A healthy individual

is more likely to build significant connections with others.

Participate and volunteer in acts of kindness

Helping improve the wellbeing of others through acts of kindness and volunteer work not only helps fight loneliness. But it also forms a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Overall, as loneliness is prevalent in our modern age, understanding its effects and enforcing effective methods to fight social isolation is crucial. By building social connections, seeking help when needed, and engaging in community activities, individuals can be free from the adverse effects of loneliness. n

Cayco said the United States Agency for International Development and the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology would set up a Starlink premium service for a faster internet service across Basco, the provincial capital.

U.S. Embassy officials are also scheduled to visit next month, she added.

“They said they will bring some good news about our requests for assistance,” she noted in her speech, without offering other details.

But Cayco said she also sought China’s help for food security.

“The Chinese consulate in Laoag (City in Ilocos Norte) has pledged more than P3 million worth of assistance to develop a production farm in [the municipality of] Itbayat. Chinese officials were here last month and vowed to continue helping us,” she said.

Food sufficiency has been a priority for the far-flung island province, especially during typhoons and earthquakes, as well as concerns over a possible Chinese military action against Taiwan. Farming and fishing are the main sources of food and income for the Ivatans.

Strategic location

An island chain and the country’s northernmost province where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea, Batanes is located less than 150 kilometers from its nearest point to the south of Taiwan. It has six municipalities and a population of 18,000.

Both the United States and China have been actively helping the strategically located province in recent years.

Analysts have said that selfruling Taiwan is a potential flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, with Washington as its most important backer.

Beijing considers the island a part of its territory and has not ruled out taking it by force if necessary.

In April, Filipino and American troops trained to defend Batanes from potential aggressors as part of the “Balikatan” military exercises.

Cayco said at the time that their residents were worried that the island would get caught in the crossfire amid the tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan.

The repeated calls to the national government from local officials to build bigger seaports

and airports in anticipation of hosting thousands of Filipino repatriates in the event of a crisis over Taiwan appeared to be finally making headway.

Cayco said in the same speech that the Philippine Ports Authority would help in planning the construction of a seaport and their architects would soon start training for its planning. n

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

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

Project Name Egger South Bay Community Park Project Number: K-23-2191DBB-3 Estimated Value: $3,900,000.00 Bid Open Date: 08/08/2023, at 2:00 P.M.

License Requirement: A

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

cfm?CompanyID=17950

Claudia C. Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department June 27, 2023 6/30/23

CNS-3713875#

JOURNAL

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco

Photo from the Facebook page of Batanes

Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. holds his first press briefing as the newly appointed secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on June 7, 2023. Philstar.com photo by Ernie Penaredondo

GETTING READY. Muslim women shop for new dresses and head coverings (hijab) in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday, June 27. On Wednesday, June 28, they celebrated Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice which is the second major Muslim festival in the Islamic calendar after Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan). PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

ANNOUNCEMENT

Filipinos in Russia unfazed by mutiny, opted to stay – DFA

by Beatrice Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — No Filipino in Russia has asked to be repatriated after the recent power struggle between the military and a mutinous paramilitary group, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Monday, June 26.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said there are 10,000 Filipinos in Russia.

At least 8,000 of them are in the capital Moscow, he added.

“In Rostov-on-Don, taken over by the Wagner group momentarily, there are 10 Filipinos. All indicated they were safe,” de Vega reported through a message to INQUIRER.net.

SD#0250

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FURNISH AND INSTALL HYDRATION STATIONS AT 10 SITES GROUP 5

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023, outside the main office of Knox Middle School, 1098 South 49th Street, San Diego, CA 92113. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s new online Planroom at sandiegousdplans. com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on JULY 27, 2023

Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP24-0222-23-00-00 Furnish and Install Hydration Stations at 10 Sites Group 5. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $2,650,000 to $2,750,000. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Director, Purchasing and Contracts, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP24-0222-23-00-00

EMPLOYMENT

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega Inquirer.net photo

“The crisis has been resolved due to Belarus’ intervention. But even during the crisis, no Filipino asked for repatriation,” he said. De Vega added that should

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012368

Something Jewelry located at 2790 Sparta Road #14, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: Jennifer Chao, 2790 Sparta Road #14, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: Rodolfo Apostol Gonzales, 1240 Calle Ultimo, Oceanside, CA 92056. This business is conducted by Individual.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9013256

Stay Learning CenterTutoring Services located at 2355 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91914. Registrant: Stay Learning Center-Tutoring Services, 2355 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91914. This business is conducted by Corporation.

anyone seek repatriation, assistance funds would be available.

In the meantime, he is urging Filipinos in Russia to stay indoors.

LEGAL SERVICES

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. AJSD 1199

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012232

Guzman’s Garage located at 2902 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Guzman’s Garage LLC, 2902 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/2023.

Signature: Miguel V. Guzman. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/06/2023. AJ

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 06/06/2023. AJ 1205 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9013363 Wises Barber Shop located at 8886 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942.

“Filipinos are advised not to undertake unnecessary travels outside their region,” he said.

Last Saturday, June 24, the embassy urged Filipinos to adhere to Russia’s rules.

It had also asked them to refrain from posting “political comments on social media.”

The advisory came after Wagner, a para-military group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, took control of two cities south of Moscow and began an advance toward the capital.

The situation was defused by evening after Belarus brokered a truce between Russia and Prigozhin.

This included his safe exile.

Prigozhin has a long-standing rivalry with two top officials in the Russian military. n

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. AJSD 1200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012349

Med-Dental Health

Concierge located at 5512

Santa Alicia, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: a. Laura Duran, 5512 Santa Alicia, San Diego, CA 92154.

b. Rodrigo Robledo, 5512 Santa Alicia, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/07/2023.

Signature: Laura Duran. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/07/2023.

AJ 1203 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023. AJSD 1203

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9011157

a. Spring’s Beauty Salon located at 914 E. 8th St #205, National City, CA 91950.

b. Spring’s Beauty Spa located at 914 E. 8th St #205, National City, CA 91950.

c. Spring’s Hair Skin And Nail Salon located at 914 E. 8th St #205, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Evelyn Bacho, 914 E. 8th St #205, National City, CA 91950.

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

Signature: Evelyn Bacho. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2023. AJ 1206 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9012042

Practical Solutions SP located at 10009 Corkwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071.

Registrant: Sarah Ann McCormack Pike-Peck, 10009 Corkwood Ave, Santee, CA 92071. This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Sarah Ann McCormack Pike-Peck. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/02/2023. AJ 1201 06/09, 06/16, 06/23, and 06/30/2023. AJSD 1201

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. 2023-9011286 Motivation.In.Action MIA located at 5894 Mission Center Rd. Ste 602-356, San Diego, CA 92106. Registrant: Perpetual Autobiographer, LLC, 5894 Mission Center Rd. Ste 602356, San Diego, CA 92106. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/15/2023.

Signature: Genevieve Jones-Wright. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/24/2023. AJ 1207 06/16, 06/23, 06/30, and 07/07/2023. AJSD 1207

Carlo Aquino admits to almost giving up on showbiz

By Bot Glorioso Philstar.com

THERE would have been no more Carlo Aquino in the acting scene today had he totally turned his back on showbiz due to unrelenting stress, coupled with doubts on his ability as an actor. The 37-year-old actor, whose acting career began when he was seven, revealed that he wanted to give up on being an actor at one point of his life.

“I (had) already (given) up on work before,” Carlo recently shared in a virtual media conference recently for his forthcoming six-part series, Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko, based on the bestselling book of poems by Marcelo Santos III, under the helm of Carlo Enciso Catu.

“Perhaps, it’s because I started as a child star that I already felt burnout aside from (the fact that I was) doubting myself, my ability. I got scared.”

In fact, Carlo had turned down several projects for films and TV after he decided to lay low and stay away from the madding crowd.

“Mga two years ‘yun kasi nga takot na takot ako at hindi na ako naniniwala sa sarili ko It even crossed my mind to go to the U.S. I was planning to migrate and ask my uncle to adopt me,” he recalled.

But fate had other plans for him. It didn’t allow him to do such a drastic move because after a two-year showbiz hiatus, Carlo had a change of heart.

“It was a good thing that I didn’t push through with my plan. I realized (while taking a break) that I truly love what I do. Sometimes, we really need to experience such phase in our life, ‘yung mapapag-isip tayo maigi kung gusto ba talaga natin iwan ‘yung trabaho natin.

I’m thankful that I was able to assess things without having to regret my decision later on,” he remarked.

Asked if he still had plans of migrating to the U.S., Carlo assured that he completely erased the idea from his mind. “I promised myself that I will always do my best. Magagandang bagay na ‘yung mangyayari sa mga susunod na taon.”

Carlo recently starred as the male lead character in the first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Love You Long Time, opposite Eisel Serrano, last April.

By now, Carlo must have been busy shooting for Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko that is set to stream on Viva One soon.

Carlo and his co-stars Coleen Garcia, Rhen Escano, Ryza Cenon, Jerome Ponce and Kiko Estrada expressed excitement over the start of their shooting. They initially had a “look-test” to see if their pairing was perfect.

Carlo has Coleen as leading lady. The two first worked

together in 2018 via the romantic drama Exes Baggage, directed by Dan Villegas but they were only seen in one scene, given that Coleen’s character Dwein in the movie was the ex-girlfriend of Carlo’s Nix.

This time around, Carlo and Coleen will be paired in a fulllength story of Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko

In the series, Carlo is Benedict, who works as a chef in an establishment near Allie’s (Coleen) workplace.

The two often see each other outside of their respective workplaces during breaks, and their connection begins. They become friends and eventually fall in love with each other.

Years later, Benedict proposes to Allie, and the two look forward to the years of spending life together.

But as they prepare for their wedding, they begin to rethink about and reconsider their decision since arguments and problems start to arise, not to mention the unpleasant stories and situations they learn from other couples. Will Benedict and Allie stick to their plan of exchanging “I do’s” or will they decide to part ways and go on with their respective lives?

Asked if he is the type of person who can give up on love when faced with problems, Carlo said, “They say that in every relationship, it should be 50/50 (effort). But it’s not always the case because sometimes all you can give is 20 (percent). But I’m not saying that your partner must exert an effort. But you should both fill up the 80 percent. You have to give and take.”

The actor has a two-year-old daughter with former partner Trina Candaza. At present, Carlo is reportedly having a smoothsailing relationship with Charlie Dizon. n

Pauline Amelinckx vies for top 12 spot as Miss Supranational fan voting starts

By Armin AdinA Inquirer.net

MANILA — Pauline Amelinckx’s fans and supporters have already propelled her to the semifinals of two online competitions in the ongoing 2023 Miss Supranational pageant, but they can now also help her secure a guaranteed spot in the global tilt’s Top 12.

The pageant announced on social media that the “Supra Fan Vote” poll has started on the official Miss Supranational app, powered by Choicely, and available for download on the App Store for iOS, and Google Play for Android devices. The first vote is free, it added.

It was not clear, though, if this year’s competition will have an initial cut to just 12 semifinalists. The two most recent editions had a Top 24, while the previous ones announced a Top 25.

Amelinckx, the Belgian-Filipino delegate from the Philippines, has already advanced to the Top 10 of the “SupraChat” Challenge by winning her group’s round, and was also included in the Top 6 of the selection for “Miss Influencer” by winning the “YouTube Influencer” Challenge. Both prearrival competitions were conducted online, and relied on votes, views, and likes to determine the winners.

Canada’s Alexa Grant, whose mother is Filipino, also advanced to the semifinals of SupraChat and Miss Influencer. She also won in her group for SupraChat and was the “Facebook Challenge 4” winner. She and Amelinckx have already met and shared snaps together when all the delegates arrived in Poland and gathered in Malopolska.

“I guess you’ve seen some footage of me dancing around with the ladies. It was a lot of fun getting to know the Polish culture more. It was beautiful seeing everyone, regardless of age, live this experience and simply be happy,” Amelinckx captioned her Instagram photo, which was apparently taken prior to the traditional Polish dinner prepared by Miss Supranational organizers.

She also shared how she felt upon receiving her sash that bore the country’s name. “After all this time, Philippines [Philippine flag emoji]. I honestly did feel a little emotional. This moment was so surreal and filed me up with so much pride and gratitude. To everyone who lifted me up and kept on believing in me, this one’s for you. What

More on the Arjo-Maine ‘pamamanhikan’

By izA iGlesiAs ManilaTimes.net

ARJO Atayde and Maine Mendoza, the beloved celebrity couple, are one step closer to their wedding as their families officially gathered for the traditional “pamamanhikan” ceremony.

The pamamanhikan is a Filipino tradition where the groom’s family formally visits the bride’s family to discuss wedding plans and finalize details. It is a pre-wedding ritual that symbolizes respect and aims to strengthen the relationship between the two families.

Veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez, Atayde’s mother, took to Instagram to share touching clips of this significant milestone. The intimate affair took place on Sunday, June 25 at the charming “Casa Mendoza” in Bulacan, as captured in the poignant Instagram post by Sanchez.

The event witnessed the presence of both families, creating an atmosphere brimming with love and support. Alongside Sanchez were her husband Art, their children Ria, Gela and Xavi, and Mendoza’s parents, Teodoro “Teddy” and Mary Ann.

Also present from both sides were grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, happily celebrating the union of two families. Overflowing with excitement, Sanchez shared a heartfelt caption, proclaiming, “The Ataydes and Mendozas will soon merge as one family. Excited! #family #happiness #thankULord.”

Ria, joining the celebration, reposted the photos on her Instagram story, expressing her

happiness for the soon-to-be-married couple. She playfully quipped, “But I mean, would it be a proper introduction if we weren’t the entire Barangay Atayde? A first for our little barangay.”

While the exact details of the wedding date and venue remain undisclosed, fans eagerly anticipate further updates from the couple. Atayde, 32, and Mendoza, 28, confirmed their relationship on December 21, 2019, which marked their first anniversary.

The love story continued to unfold as the award-winning actor and Quezon City 1st district congressman Atayde proposed to popular noontime host and actress Mendoza on July 28, 2022, commemorating yet another milestone as a couple.

The nation now awaits the forthcoming nuptials with bated breath, expressing unwavering enthusiasm and support for Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza. Social media platforms buzz with well-wishes and heartwarming messages, solidifying the couple’s status as one of the country’s most beloved celebrity pairs, continue to pour in.

Photographs captured during the momentous pamamanhikan ceremony portray the genuine love and unity between the two families. One endearing image showcases Art, Sanchez, Atayde, Mendoza and her parents standing side by side, radiating happiness and anticipation.

Another shows the Mendoza and Atayde clans all bunched together, symbolizing the union of two households and the convergence of different generations. n

an incredible honor to represent our colorful nation and bring our stories and Filipino spirit to the [Miss Supranational] stage,” she said.

Amelinckx had to compete on the national stage four times before she got to represent the Philippines in an international competition. She earned a title in the Mutya ng Pilipinas pageant’s 50th anniversary edition in 2018, but the global contest she was supposed to join did not push through.

She then joined the Miss Universe Philippines pageant three times before finally getting a chance to compete abroad. She finished fourth on her first attempt in 2020, and was crowned Miss Universe Philippines-Charity in 2022. She finished in the Top 3 in this year’s contest, and received the Miss Supranational Philippines title in a separate program.

Amelinckx is now on her quest to score the Philippines’ second Miss Supranational victory, 10 years after Mutya Johanna Datul became the first Filipino woman to win the crown in 2013.

Reigning queen Lalela Mswane from South Africa will crown her successor at the 2023 Miss Supranational coronation show at the Strzelecki Park Amphitheater in Nowy Sacz, Poland, on July 14 (July 15 in Manila). Sixty-eight delegates are competing this year. n

na magpugay’: Bruno Mars composes new Filipino song as thanks for fans

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — Award-winning Filipino-American singer Bruno Mars had a funky and entertaining two nights back in the Philippines, and he left something special for his Filipino fans.

A day after his second concert at the Philippine

Carlo Aquino stars in the six-part series, Kung Hindi Lang Tayo Sumuko, directed by Carlo Enciso Catu. It will stream exclusively on Viva One. File photo/www.philstar.com

Photo from Twitter/@BrunoMars

‘Tayo

The “Barangay Atayde” at the pamamanhikan ceremony of celebrity couple Arjo Atayde and Maine Mendoza. Photo from The Manila Times

Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Philippines Supranational, is among the 68 delegates competing for the 2023 Miss Supranational title in Poland. Instagram Photo/@paulineamelinckx

Office of the City Clerk increases daily passport appointments With summer here, City of San Diego recruiting pool lifeguards

day. New passport appointments will become available two weeks prior to the appointment date on the City’s Get it Done website

(https://getitdone.sandiego. gov/SD_passportPage).

Additionally, the Passport Acceptance Facility will provide walk-in services weekly on Wednesdays between 9 am and 10 am. The San Diego City Clerk’s Acceptance Facility is the only agency in the county to provide walk-in services without requiring a previous appointment.

The Office of the City Clerk has been serving San Diegans as a Passport Acceptance Facility since 2013. Members of the public can call 619533-4000 or visit the Passport Services website (www. sandiego.gov/passports) to schedule an appointment Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“The City Clerk’s Passport

Acceptance Facility provides a vital community service and we are so excited to expand our appointments to serve more San Diegans,” said Interim City Clerk Diana Fuentes. “We can think of no better way of celebrating 10 years of serving the citizens of San Diego than by increasing access to passport services.”

(City of San Diego Release) n

Jones’s measure to protect human trafficking victims unanimously passes key committee

SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday June 28, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced that his measure to protect human trafficking victims and make it easier to prosecute human trafficking perpetrators unanimously passed out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

“Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery,” said Leader Jones. “The evil people who buy and sell humans for their own benefit must be convicted to prevent further trauma for all victims. This bill will help bring justice to human trafficking victims and prevent further exploitation of innocent people by putting perpetrators behind bars. Thank you to the members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee for understanding the importance of this issue and moving the bill forward.”

Specifically, Senate Bill 236 provides funding to District Attorneys for a “vertical prosecution” team to prosecute human trafficking cases. Vertical prosecution allows one prosecutor to stay with a human trafficking case from start to finish, rather than the traditional prosecution system where different prosecutors are responsible for each step of the process or each separate criminal charge. For a factsheet on SB 236, visit https://sr40.senate.ca.gov/sites/sr40. senate.ca.gov/files/SB%20236%20-%20

CA State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones File photo/www.sr40.senate.ca.gov

Vertical%20Prosecution%20Fact%20

Sheet_0.pdf. These vertical prosecution programs ease strain on victims, as they are able to develop and maintain a relationship with a single prosecutor throughout the process as opposed to repeatedly having to redevelop their relationship with a new district attorney

each step of the way. By having one district attorney responsible for prosecuting the case throughout all jurisdictions and charges, the prosecution process is streamlined and more effective.

Leader Jones submitted a corresponding budget request of $2.6 million to create a grant program for District Attorney Offices to establish or maintain vertical prosecution programs for the purpose of prosecuting human trafficking cases.

SB 236 is supported by the California District Attorneys Association, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the City of San Marcos, San Diegans Against Crime, and others.

The measure unanimously passed out of the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a bipartisan 7-0 vote with Assemblymembers Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer (D-South Los Angeles), Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro), Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) supporting the measure. Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) did not vote. SB 236 will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

(CA Senator Brian Jones’ Office Release) n

County of San Diego releases report with strategies to reduce gun violence

THE County of San Diego on Wednesday, June 28 released a report that highlights data related to gun violence in San Diego County and outlines recommendations to reduce this violence.

The Gun Violence Community Needs Assessment Final Report, authored by Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC), includes findings from more than 18 months of work with community and government leaders.

As stated in the report, between 2017-21, over 70% of firearmrelated deaths in San Diego County were suicide and over 28% were homicide. The report details populations most impacted by firearm-related deaths, injuries, and crimes, including age, race, and geographic location.

Recommendations in the report include prevention and

intervention strategies tailored to specific populations at highest risk for violence, such as developing and sharing suicide prevention materials, domestic and intimate partner violence, and working to change norms about gun violence through outreach programs. It also highlights the need to partner with agencies that offer free gun locks.

Enhancing community prevention services is also mentioned in the report, including expanding youth-focused programs, like mentorship and after school programs. Partnership building between trauma hospitals and community-based organizations that connect gun violence patients and their families to recovery services is also highlighted as a recommendation.

u PAGE 11

On-the-job certification training, great benefits and pay increases aim to attract new hires

SAN DIEGO – Summer is in full swing and the City of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department is currently hiring seasonal and year-round benefited pool guards for its 15 swimming pool facilities. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who is passionate about safety and fun and would like to jump start a career of public service with the city.

After hosting a successful hiring fair last month, the department hosted a second hiring fair on Saturday, June 24. Before attending the hiring fair, interested candidates must have applied online for a Pool Guard I or Pool Guard II position.

To encourage more applicants for Pool Guard positions, candidates who meet the age requirements for the Pool Guard I position do not need to be certified prior to applying. Successful candidates will be offered training and required certifications once hired. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Aquatic Pool Guard and Swimming Pool Manager positions are open on a continuous application period. These positions are part of a labor agreement between the city and the Municipal Employees Association (MEA) which recently announced a negotiated 21% pay increase over the next three years.

Working for the City of San Diego offers the potential for career growth and advancement, with opportunities to promote to positions throughout Parks and Recreation and other various departments.

More information about a career in aquatics with the City of San Diego can be found at sandiego.gov/parksjobs, click on Job Opportunities.

(City of San Diego Release) n

na magpugay’: Bruno...

Arena — Bruno performed back-to-back nights on June 24 and 25 — he uploaded on his social media accounts a special song thanking fans for coming out to see him after five years.

The video see Bruno teaching some of the Hooligans, his band, the words “Tayo na magpugay” or in English “Let’s pay tribute,” which they all sang as clips of Bruno’s concerts played.

Bruno was on the guitar as they sang “Tayo na magpugay” and “Dancing in Manila,” and it felt like an extension of his concerts where everyone in attendance were enamored by his vocals.

As a clip of confetti raining down inside the Philippine Arena ended the video, Bruno still managed to yell out “Mahal

kita, Manila!”

On both nights, Bruno sang a number of his hits from across the years including “Treasure,” “Marry You,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Just The Way You Are.” Bruno also performed songs from his Grammywinning album “24 Magic,” such as “Versace on the Floor,” “Finesse,” “That’s What I Like,” “Calling All My Lovelies,” and the album’s eponymous lead single. Toward the end he even sang a medley of hits he was involved in: “F**k You” by CeeLo Green, “Young, Wild & Free” by Wiz Khalifa, “Grenade” where he asked for more dramatic smoke; “Talking to the Moon,” “Nothin’ On You” by B.o.B., and Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open.” n

Filing period to open for property tax assessment appeals

SAN Diego County residents and businesses who disagree with their property tax assessments for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year may file an application to appeal their value between July 2 and Nov. 30.

The Clerk of the County Assessment Appeals Board, Andrew Potter, announced the filing period on Friday, June 23.

Applications and information booklets are available on the County’s website at www.sandiegocounty.gov/cob/aab.html. Residents may also pick them up and speak with Clerk of the Board staff at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA 92101-2471.

To file an application, taxpayers must know their parcel or tax bill number, property address and state their opinion of the property’s market value on the application. The Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office must receive applications no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 or postmarked by midnight of Nov. 30.

Mail applications and forms to: Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Assessment Appeals, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA 92101-2471. For additional information and helpful tips, watch a video online at https://youtu.be/MRuCTkOXkdc.

(Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

New grant to help more San Diegans get online

THE county is expanding its campaign to help more San Diegans get online. These new efforts will be rolled into the regionwide outreach efforts, allowing expansion thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Federal Communications Commission to tell people about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The ACP provides qualifying households a discount of $30 a month toward their internet bill. People living on tribal lands are eligible for up to $75 toward their internet bill. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) reports that more than 453,000 local households meet the criteria for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The new grant was awarded to the county’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities. Along with funding outreach, it will allow Community Health Workers who are trained in using culturally sensitive

Information about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was presented

press event in San Diego. Screengrab

YouTube video and multilingual approaches to directly enroll people who are eligible.

Outreach teams also will work with community partners, with a special focus on rural and urban areas with low rates of internet connectivity. A portion of the grant will be allocated for contracted outreach efforts. Eligibility for the ACP includes:

• Households whose income is at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

• Federal Pell Grant recipients

• Household members who participate in a government program like free and reduced school lunch or breakfast,

CalFresh, MediCal, federal housing assistance programs or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), WIC, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits

• Participants of assistance programs like Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and Tribal Head Start (income based) who live on Qualifying Tribal lands.

Full qualifying guidelines are online at getinternet.gov/apply.

Doing more to get San Diegans online

Beyond the expanded enrollment outreach, the County has already taken steps to improve

internet access across the County including:

• A new Comprehensive Broadband Plan, finalized in January, identifies access and infrastructure opportunities in the unincorporated area. Learn more at engage.sandiegocounty.gov/ broadband.

• The County partners with SANDAG on its Get Connected Campaign to advance affordable internet service and digital literacy programs.

• The County Housing and Community Development Services will be sharing ACP information with Public Housing residents, households receiving assistance through the housing choice voucher program, and those on waitlists.

• The county’s Aging & Independence Services Digital Inclusion program provides eligible older adults and adults with disabilities with data enabled iPads, technical trainings and/or digital skill support to set-up the tablet and access resources to maintain safety and stay socially engaged from home.

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/ County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Commissioner Lara announces over $50.5M in grants awarded statewide to assist law enforcement in fighting fraud

SACRAMENTO – Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Thursday, June 29 announced he has awarded $50,545,239 in grants to 34 district attorney offices representing 44 counties in California to combat insurance fraud. Under Commissioner Lara’s leadership, these grants, funded through annual employer assessments, support law enforcement efforts in investigating and prosecuting fraud and increase outreach to our communities.

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

County of San Diego...

PAGE 10

Community engagement and collaboration is central to many of the recommendations. Continued coordination with a Gun Violence Reduction Community Advisory Group and organizing networking events for community organizations working to reduce gun violence is recommended.

The County is developing a work plan, using HARC’s recommendations, to advance gun violence reduction activities in the county. The report and work plan will be presented to the County Board of Supervisors on July 18.

A link to the report can be found at https://engage. sandiegocounty.gov/gvrp.

(Chuck Westerheide/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Commissioner Lara also awarded an additional $400,000 in grants to protect consumers, the majority of whom are seniors, from abuse involving the sale of individual life and annuity products as part of the Life and Annuity Consumer Protection Program.

“Insurance fraud continues to be a drain on our economy. Partnership between my Department’s investigators and local law enforcement is crucial in fighting fraud and educating the public,” said Commissioner Lara. “These annual grants continue to show my department’s long-standing commitment to investigating and working with our law enforcement partners to combat fraud and protect consumers, businesses, and the insurance marketplace.”

Since Commissioner Lara took office in 2019, the department has particularly focused these grants on increasing outreach

throughout the state, especially to our state’s diverse and underserved communities. These grants also fund essential outreach programs for individual district attorney offices to deter fraud and increase consumer awareness. Consumers are sometimes unaware of their rights or are reluctant to exercise them. Outreach programs will educate them of those rights and of best anti-fraud practices to protect themselves and their loved ones. Visit our website for information on scams consumers and business may be susceptible to. The other focus for these grants is combating workers’ compensation fraud. A large part of these grants will go to the investigation and prosecution of medical provider fraud in the workers’ compensation system, protecting Californians who are unwittingly ensnared in schemes to bill for unnecessary or profit motivated medical treatment. A recent example of this type of fraud was the sentencing of former doctor, Julien Omidi, to 84 months in federal prison after a joint investigation with the department and law enforcement partners found that he defrauded insurance companies by fraudulently submitting nearly $120 million in claims.

Department investigators also work with law enforcement partners to target employer

premium fraud, employer defrauding employee fraud, insider fraud, claimant fraud, uninsured employers operating within the underground economy, and exploitation of workers. These investigations level the playing field for honest businesses and discourage future fraudulent activity, and protect all Californians. A recent example of this was the plea agreement reached with Golden Foods Inc. where the company admitted to a litany of labor violations, which includes over $437,000 in stolen wages ultimately paid back to more than 30 California workers.

The grants awarded through the Life and Annuity Consumer Protection Program protect all California consumers through the investigation of life and annuity transactions involving theft, embezzlement, twisting and churning, forgery, material misrepresentations, advanced commission schemes, and identity theft. The successful investigation and prosecution of these insurance crimes play an important role in protecting consumers and deterring fraudulent activities. In a recent investigation, two co-conspirators were convicted of grand theft and ordered to pay a total of $500,000 in restitution to the family of their victim, who they defrauded and convinced to purchase unnecessary annuities. (CA Dep’t of Insurance Release) n