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 cfm?CompanyID=17950

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.

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

CNS-3713875#

JOURNAL

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