072123 - San Diego Edition

The heat is on: California ramps up coping strategies

EXTREME heat poses the greatest natural risk to human health. These days, there’s plenty of it, and more is on the way.

“This is not your grandmother’s summer,” Marta Segura, chief heat officer and director of climate emergency mobilization for the city of Los Angeles, warned at a July 13 press briefing, the first of three planned to discuss the health risks heat poses to Californians and the resources being marshaled to combat it. The briefing, hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, came the week after Planet Earth recorded highest-yet daily average temperatures on four consecutive days, from July 3-6.

President Bongbong Marcos signs

Maharlika Investment Fund into law

by Jean mangaluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, July 18 signed the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill into law.

The

Fil-Am community leader Jessica Caloza launches CA assembly campaign

LOS ANGELES — Filipina American public servant and longtime community organizer Jessica Caloza has officially announced her bid for a California state assembly seat. Caloza is running for California’s 52nd district, an area that covers portions of northeast Los Angeles, including Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Lincoln Heights, East Los Angeles, and the city of Glendale.

Backed with high-powered endorsements from Attorney General Rob Bonta, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California State Council, and seven state assemblymembers, Caloza kicked off her candidacy with an aggressive campaign battlecry of pushing for equal opportunity

attendance.

The MIF had drawn widespread criticism due to possible pitfalls of investments. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III had called for Marcos to veto the measure. According to Pimentel, the law would divert resources that could be used to solve immediate issues such as education and healthcare gaps. Senator Francis Escudero had described the MIF as a leap into the unknown.

Marcos on SONA: We have made significant progress

by Helen FloRes, Delon PoRcalla Philstar.com

SAN FERNANDO — President Marcos on Monday, July 17 described his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) that will be delivered on July 24 as “very simple,” but would explain to the people the significant progress his administration has achieved in his first year in office.

Speaking to reporters after attending the signing of a memorandum of agreement on the nationwide launch of Kadiwa ng Pangulo program here, Marcos disclosed that he has yet to finish writing his speech.

“It’s really very simple. It’s just a

Strong PH economy to persist into 2024

by Ronnel W. Domingo Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) kept its growth forecast for Philippine domestic product at 6 percent this year and 6.2 percent next year amid a steady pace of recovery from the pandemic across the region.

In the quarterly update of its Asian Development Outlook 2023 report, ADB said domestic demand and services activity are driving growth in the region, while many economies are also benefiting from a strong recovery in tourism including the Philippines.

The multilateral lender noted that robust investment and private consumption drove the Philippine economy to grow

by 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023, supported by rising employment, expanding production and retail sales, and brisk private and public construction.

On the other hand, merchandise export declined, though partly offset by expansion in service exports. “Tourism bounced back, and growth remained strong for business process outsourcing and information services,” the ADB said.

Victor Abola, economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said in a midyear briefing hosted by First Metro Investment Corp. he expected a 5.6-percent growth in the second quarter and then “much more robust recovery” in the third and fourth quarters.

“For the next full year (2024), I expect

performance report for Filipinos to see – on the many pronouncements, on the many words we said, if these were really significant or mere lip service,” he said partly in Filipino. “That’s what I want to explain to the people: that we have made significant progress. We can see the difference now, not only in terms of how the systems work, how the government works; it is also how we are seen or judged in the international community. That’s equally important,” he added.

The chief executive revealed that he would also present projects that are ongoing and those already in the pipeline.

SC upholds dismissal of over P1 billion forfeiture case vs. Marcoses

MANILA – The Supreme Court has affirmed the Sandiganbayan’s previous decision dismissing the P1.050 billion civil forfeiture suit filed against former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., former First Lady Imelda Marcos and their alleged cronies.

In a 25-page decision made public on Wednesday, July 19, the first division of Supreme Court ruled that the petition for review to reverse the Sandiganbayan’s ruling lacked merit.

The petition was submitted by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG).

“In order to consider petitioner’s evidence

Marcos has certified the bill as urgent for both chambers of Congress. The controversial MIF breezed through the legislative branch with an overwhelming majority in both chambers. In the House of Representatives, the measure garnered 279 yes votes while the bill got 19 votes in the Senate.

Only seven lawmakers voted against the MIF, namely Sen. Risa Hontiveros in the Senate and

ICC ‘not welcome’ if it pushes drug war probe

MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday, July 17 said the Philippine government will not bow to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if it issues warrants of arrest against certain individuals once the tribunal favors the resumption of its investigation of crimes against humanity committed during the drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“No, they won’t do anything here,” Remulla said. “They have nothing to do here. What will they do, invade us? Do they want to come here like we’re a colony? That’s a thing of the past… We are now a free country and we have our own system of laws.”

The Appeals Chamber of the ICC was expected to announce on Tuesday, July 18 its decision on the Philippine government’s appeal against the continuation of the ICC prosecutor’s probe into the killings during the drug war.

But Remulla told reporters: “They are not welcome u PAGE 2

Former President Duterte meets with China’s Xi Jinping

by zacaRian saRao Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, July 17 according to Hua Chunying, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila said that the two met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. CCTV Video News Agency posted a video of its report on the meeting.

According to Hua, Xi told Duterte he “appreciates the strategic choice” he made to improve China’s relationships

with the Philippines. “China values its relations with the Philippines and is ready to work with the Philippines to promote the steady and sustained growth of bilateral relations,” Hua said on Twitter.

Duterte’s administration acted as a close ally of China despite the tension with the Philippines due to China’s nine-dash line, a sweeping claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines challenged this claim in 2013 before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which it won on July 12, 2016. The arbitral

by melvin gascon, Tina g sanTos Inquirer.net

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Photo from a Twitter post by Hua Chunying

Jessica Caloza Contributed photo

President Bongbong Marcos signs Maharlika...

Mark Villar said there are safeguards to assure that the MIF will be an effective tool for the country’s investments, away from the hands of corruption.

sees the benefits of the MIF for the nation’s economy.

Marcos Jr. has publicly expressed support for the MIF that seeks to establish a sovereign wealth fund.

MIF has safeguards, viable benefits Principal author and sponsor of the MIF in the Senate, Senator

Villar already discussed the checks and balances incorporated in the MIF bill during its series of deliberations. Even the president himself

The president said the MIF would be needed to provide additional investment for the government.

“For sure. I would not have brought it up otherwise,” he told reporters when asked if the MIF would be “advantageous” for the government.

“It’s very clear that we need added investment. This is another way to get that,” he said.

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said there is no doubt that the MIF has benefits, but this can’t be felt immediately.

Zubiri nevertheless stressed that the MIF will help spur “increased economic activity.”

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said MIF is solid enough to safeguard against misappropriations and abuse. n

Former President Duterte meets with...

ruling invalidated China’s claim and upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte’s pivot to China — which weakened ties with the United States — ran in contrast with current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who restored those ties with the U.S.

ICC ‘not welcome’ if it pushes drug war...

here in the Philippines. We are a very hospitable people, but if what they will do is just meddling, we will not allow that. We have our own system of laws, we have our own tradition, we have our own police force, we have our own prosecution, and we have courts that they should not interfere with or ignore.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. and the Philippines agreed to additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in four locations in Luzon that were identified by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This drew the ire of the Chinese government, calling the move as “stoking the fire by offering the U.S. access to military bases near the Taiwan Strait.” n

“They should respect our sovereignty. My appeal is for them not to attempt to interfere with us,” he added.

According to the justice chief, the ICC has allowed itself to be used in political agendas which seek to meddle with the country’s sovereignty and judicial processes.

“The ICC is for countries with no prevailing justice system and it is where they are needed. They should not interfere in the established system of the Republic of the Philippines,” Remulla said.

Pass on evidence

He suggested that the ICC instead pass on its evidence to the Philippine government if they want certain individuals to be held accountable.

“As long as they have evidence against these persons that they want prosecuted, then they should give them to us so that we will be the ones to prosecute those who committed crimes in our country,” he said.

Remulla’s predecessor, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, said: “Going by the series of ICC actions, we are not

too sanguine about a favorable ruling… [W]e just want to exhaust all legal remedies available to us under the framework of the Rome Statute.”

He said that if the government’s appeal is upheld by the ICC’s Appeals Chamber, then that will be the end of the investigation.

Who will enforce?

“[But] if the appeal is dismissed, then the ICC prosecutor will be authorized to resume his investigation into the Philippine situation. There will be no further appeal available to the Philippine government,” Guevarra said.

He explained further that, “depending on the evidence he may be able to gather, the ICC prosecutor may seek the issuance of summonses or warrants of arrest against certain individuals. These persons who may be indicted will have to engage their own defense counsel.”

Guevarra noted in an earlier interview that the question remains as to who will enforce the ICC’s arrest warrants.

“Whether the ICC can enforce it or not is a totally different question because the ICC will have to depend on local authorities to enforce that warrant of arrest,” he said.

But regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, Guevarra said the Philippine government would continue its own investigation and prosecution of abuses in connection with the drug war.

Police in drug trade

Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros pointed out that Malacañang’s “silence” on the alleged involvement of the police in the drug trade compels the ICC’s continuing investigation.

“If this administration wants to exact accountability, if it wants to really solve our issue of problematic drug use, if they really want to fix government institutions including the (Philippine National Police), why aren’t they speaking up?” Hontiveros said at a forum on Monday.

It will be recalled that

President Marcos in January had sought the courtesy resignations of PNP officials, amid reports of violations committed by the police in the drug war and of police involvement in the drug trade.

The alleged role of the police in illegal drugs was especially underscored by the raid on Oct. 8, 2022, at a Manila warehouse operated by a narcotics officer and the apparent cover-up that followed that operation.

Hontiveros said Mr. Marcos “must be mindful that this war on drugs, which soon turned out to be a war on the poor, has led to the death of about 30,000 poor victims, which is one of the most severe, darkest legacies of the Duterte administration.”

She expressed optimism that the ICC will allow the resumption of the investigation of the government’s war on drugs. n

Representatives France Castro, Raoul Manuel, Arlene Brosas, Edcel Lagman, Mujiv Hataman, and Gabriel Bordado in the House of Representatives.

Participants in Davao City’s first responder skills and obstacle course competition simulate an emergency at the

grounds

CRY FOR JUSTICE. In this 2018 photo, leaders and supporters of Rise Up for Life and for Rights, a network of Church workers, human rights advocates, and relatives of victims of drug-related killings, air their appeal for justice for victims of then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

Photo by Grig C. Montegrande / Philippine Daily Inquirer

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the Maharlika Investment Fund bill into law on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Photo from RTV Malacañang

The heat is on: California...

Extreme heat can kill

Two days before, OCPSC had launched a $20 million “Heat Ready California” campaign to help people stay safe from the deadly effects of extreme heat.

Turner spoke of how urban development has created “heat islands” where asphalt predominates over shade and green space.

Something as simple as a shade structure, she said — strategically placed tree plantings, awnings, or bus shelters — can reduce people’s body heat temperatures by tens of degrees.

But currently, she said, “most Californians are effectively living in shade deserts.”

Less asphalt, more shade

It gets worse according to where you live. For example, research conducted in Pacoima, in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, found that less than 10% of the space at the schools provided shade.

“Play yards need less asphalt and more shade,” she said.

Other research has shown that some types of dwellings, such as mobile homes, even when air-conditioned, can’t always be sufficiently cooled.

She recommended “shade audits” for those communities that haven’t done them yet, as well as rental unit regulation not just for sufficient protection against cold, but for heat as well. And then, she mentioned, 40% of heat-related deaths currently are among those with no housing at all.

UCLA’s Luskin Center for Innovation, where she works, has published two extensive reports, Identifying and Addressing Heat Inequities in the City of Los Angeles, and Turning Down the Heat that detail disparities across Los Angeles’s communities that affect hot weather health, and recommendations for improvements.

Stay cool “Of all the natural disasters, heat is the main killer,” Abascal said. “It’s very, very important for everyone to understand the dangers of heat.”

“Stay cool,” she said. For those who can’t afford to run their home air conditioning or don’t have any, she recommended libraries, malls or cooling centers. A list of these and other resources is available by county at the “Heat Ready California” website.

Secondly: “Stay hydrated!” Especially high-risk populations such as those with disabilities, the young, the old, and pregnant women.

But “even somebody that’s healthy can suffer from heat stroke,” she said. Dizziness, leg cramps, disorientation are three warning signs.

Shade structures

Neighborhoods that have been short-changed in access to nearby public parks and green spaces that might offer shade, or whose residents have to travel farther to get health care, also have higher incidence of heat-related health problems.

“Los Angeles wants to take the lead by investing in those areas that have been historically neglected,” Segura said. As part of the “Heat Relief for L.A.” campaign, she said, all 73 libraries will be open, along with 10 cooling centers.

Among the efforts she advocated are accelerating current plans to add shade structures to bus stops in communities that rely on public transit and finding ways to make air conditioning more affordable to low-income users.

Communities already impacted by pollution, she noted, are also additionally vulnerable, because “heat exacerbates pollution.”

Workers, she said, should be aware of their rights to take breaks and ensure they stay hydrated.

Workers’ rights

Sandra Young also addressed the circumstances of agricultural workers, acknowledging that most are undocumented and therefore less likely to challenge employers about substandard working conditions.

Often, even when water is available, it’s too far from where the workers are to make it easily accessible without risking heat exhaustion and lost earnings.

She called for on-site advocacy for adequate working conditions and a health care system that goes beyond being service providers to being advocates for their clients.

SC upholds dismissal of over P1 billion...

as sufficient to prove the allegations of its expanded complaint, the Court has to perform many leaps of logic, engage in presumptions, and create inferences based on other inferences in order to bridge the gaps in the evidence adduced,” the resolution penned by SC Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario read.

“In the face of such gaps, petitioner’s allegations in its expanded complaint are reduced to mere speculations, insinuations and conjectures,” the magistrate noted.

“Thus, while it is truly disappointing that nothing has come of this case despite the lapse of 36 years spent in litigation, the Court agrees with the Sandiganbayan that petitioner’s evidence is insufficient to support the allegations of its Expanded Complaint by a preponderance of evidence,” the decision stated.

PCGG filed the forfeiture case in 1987 to recover assets and properties from the Marcos family and their alleged cronies.

These possessions included P609.27 million in shares of stocks and P443.05 million in real properties.

The expanded complaint included as respondents Bienvenido Tantoco Jr., Dominador Santiago, Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., Gliceria Tantoco, and Maria Lourdes Tantoco-Pineda. They allegedly acted as dummies for the Marcoses in acquiring franchises to operate tourist duty-free shops at international airports, hotels and commercial centers.

The Sandiganbayan, however, rejected many pieces of evidence presented by

The anti-graft court justified its action by saying the evidence were not presented during the discovery proceedings or that the documents submitted were mere photocopies.

Only 11 exhibits and four testimonies were admitted as evidence.

Afterwards, Sandiganbayan concluded the remaining admissible evidence were either insufficient to prove the allegations of the expanded complaint, or were not related

to the facts that PCGG had wanted to prove.

In affirming the anti-graft court’s earlier verdict, the High Court declared, “Clearly, these documents are insufficient to prove that respondents concealed illegally obtained assets, or amassed ill-gotten wealth.”

“Accordingly, the Sandiganbayan was correct in dismissing the Expanded Complaint for Reconveyance, Accounting, Restitution and Damages against all the respondents,” it concluded. (By Tetch Torres-Tupas/Inquirer.net) n

Marcos on SONA: We have made...

PAGE 1

Asked what he would be wearing in his SONA, Marcos responded in mixed Filipino and English: “I haven’t thought about what to wear. We’ve been worried about writing the speech.”

The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, which Marcos chairs, on July 5 approved 20 measures to be prioritized and passed within the year. Among these measures are the proposed amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer Law or the Public-Private Partnership Act, National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Internet Transactions Act/E-Commerce Law, Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team or HEART Act (formerly Medical Reserve Corps), Virology Institute of the Philippines, Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and National Service Training Program, Revitalizing the Salt Industry, Valuation Reform, E-Government/E-Governance

and Ease of Paying Taxes. Also targeted to be passed later this year are the proposed National Government Rightsizing Program, Unified System of Separation/Retirement and Pension of Military and Uniformed Personnel, Local Government Unit Income Classification, Waste-to-Energy Act, New Philippine Passport Act, Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, National Employment Action Plan, amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-endorsed Bank Deposit Secrecy and Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

Paul Soriano out as SONA director

The House of Representatives is “95 percent” prepared for Marcos’ second SONA, even if respected film director Paul Soriano – a nephew-in-law of the President – will no longer direct the event.

House secretary-general Reginald Velasco told Congress

reporters during the walkthrough om July 17 that the in-house Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) will take over managing the presidential address.

The House official refused to speculate, though, the reason or reasons behind the removal of Soriano, a nephew of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, explaining it’s really the prerogative of the Office of the President (OP) and the Presidential Communications Office.

SONA invitations for the VIPs have been sent, and about 90 percent will be attending.

“There are those who can’t make it for health reasons, that’s why they cannot attend – from the diplomatic corps, Cabinet, the OP. But we have already sent all the invitations, and we are of course waiting for the submission of the final guest list,” he said.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has confirmed her attendance, and

so has former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria MacapagalArroyo, now the House deputy speaker after she was elected last year as representative of Pampanga’s second district.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to confirm his attendance.

“All preparations have already been done, physical arrangements, security and we are confident that by Friday, everything will be all set because we will have a rehearsal,” Velasco said.

The entire 16-hectare premises of the Batasang Pambansa complex will be locked down starting July 20 until July 23, the day before Marcos delivers his second SONA and when Congress also resumes session.

As a matter of protocol, as in every SONA, the Presidential Security Group takes over the security usually supervised by the House’s in-house Legislative Security Bureau.

A FAMILY BACK IN POWER. The country’s 17th President and his family bask in the glow of a completed political comeback.

On stage after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ oathtaking are (from left) his son Joseph Simon Marcos, nephew Fernando Martin “Borgy” Manotoc, sister Sen. Imee

Marcos, nephew Matthew Joseph Manotoc, son Ferdinand Alexander, mother Imelda Romualdez Marcos, wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, son William Vincent and adopted sister Aimee. File photo by Lyn Rillon PCGG.

The heat is on: California...

“Our health care system still has a long way to go to meet the needs of the farmworker community,” she said.

Asian American elders are vulnerable

Dr. Kimberly Chang addressed some issues for AAPI communities in Oakland, where she works, and in the Central Valley, where in a single decade there was a 53% increase

in heat-related emergency department visits and hundreds of deaths. In Oakland, despite the relatively temperate climate, her clients too often live in crowded apartments, without elevators. Older adults, who typically have lost some of their innate ability to regulate their body temperatures, need to be mindful of what they’re wearing – Bay Area residents often dress

in layers to protect them from cold – and wear more white instead of black, she said.

In general, looser, lightweight clothing, and deploying fans are also simple but effective strategies, she said.

“People don’t like to be told what to do,” Segura said, in closing. But, “prepare in advance. It’s a long-term game.”

(Mark Hedin/Ethnic Media Services) n

Marcos on SONA: We have...

Contra-SONA

A week before Marcos delivers his second SONA, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros delivered her virtual a la contra-SONA by pointing out a number of issues and concerns that need immediate and urgent action of the present administration.

During the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Monday, July 17, Hontiveros emphasized that the President still has five more years to address the country’s problems, as she noted that his upcoming SONA should be centered around the most vulnerable sectors – the poor, the jobless, women and children.

“It seems that there was no plan for these sectors in the previous SONA, so by Monday, there should

City of San Diego highlights significant infrastructure achievements in FY23

SAN DIEGO – Following the announcement of a record infrastructure investment in Mayor Todd Gloria’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, the City of San Diego is marking significant achievements of its Capital Improvements Program (CIP) during the past fiscal year, which ended on June 30. During fiscal year 2023 (FY23), nearly 1,100 CIP projects – with an estimated program value of over $5.2 billion – moved through various stages of planning, design, construction and/or completion.

• Castle Neighborhood New Streetlights in Council District 9

2. Replacement of 34.70 miles of water mains

3. Replacement of 40 miles of sewer mains.

Additionally, Engineering and Capital Projects completed asphalt overlay for nearly 52 miles of roads, a significant increase compared to 33 miles completed in fiscal ear 2022.

be,” the senator said in English and Filipino in her opening statement.

“The president has five more years. He was lucky in his first year because even though we have almost no exports or foreign investments, the income of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) and BPO (business process outsourcing) workers is always there, and our tax is still there to fund infrastructure programs and tourism has become lively again after we were locked up in the house of the pandemic. In the next two years, the economy will continue to grow slightly because Filipinos still have spending money,” she added.

During the forum, Hontiveros stressed that “unity was nothing but a hollow facade” during the first year of Marcos’ presidency. n

The city’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department manages between 80% and 90% of the City’s CIP projects. Among the department’s noteworthy achievements in FY23, construction contracts were awarded for:

1. 142 projects with a value of $792.6 million.

These include:

• Foothill Boulevard and Loring Street

Roundabout in Council District 1

• Bermuda Avenue Coastal Access

Replacement in Council District 2

• Olive Street Park Acquisition and Development in Council District 3

• John F Kennedy Neighborhood Park

Improvements in Council District 4

• Jerabek Park Improvements in Council District 5

• Street Reconstruction Group 1801 in Council District 6

• Solar Implementation at ETDC Building in Council District 7

• La Media Road Improvements in Council District 8

“We’re proud of the great work our team has accomplished in FY23; they are delivering on these vital projects across our San Diego communities,” said Rania Amen, City Engineer and Director of the city’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department. “The city’s infrastructure program is a top priority for Mayor Gloria, and we will continue to build on this success to deliver even more projects in FY24 with integrity, transparency and a sense of urgency.”

Additional accomplishments include the number of construction projects closed out in FY23, with 89 projects, freeing up funding needed to support other ongoing projects.

In FY23, the total amount of new funding dedicated to the city’s Capital Improvements Program was over $1.1 billion, including nearly $50 million in federal and state grant funds. The largest CIP project is Pure Water San Diego, a multi-year program that will provide nearly half of San Diego’s water supply locally by the end of 2035.

To learn more about the CIP and search for construction projects in your neighborhood, visit sandiego.gov/cip. (City of San Diego Release) n

Mayor Gloria, state and local leaders break ground on major road improvement project in Otay Mesa

La Media Road improvements will enhance safety, relieve congestion and alleviate flooding

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria, joined on Tuesday, July 18 by other state and local leaders and members of the Otay Mesa community, celebrated the start of construction of the City of San Diego’s La Media Road Improvements Project.

“With the start of construction of the La Media Road project, this is a great day for San Diego,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “An improved La Media Road will bring good jobs, economic growth and far more efficient movement of goods through the Otay Mesa border crossing. Without a doubt, this is a beacon of progress and opportunity for our entire binational region.”

La Media Road is part of the designated truck route for the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and is a vital location for boosting the cross-border economy. The $60.6 million project will raise the intersection of La Media and Airway roads to address persistent flooding. La Media Road will also be expanded to a six-lane primary arterial from State Route 905 to Airway Road, and a fivelane major road between Airway and Siempre

u PAGE 7

Fil-Am community leader Jessica

PAGE 1

for everybody especially the immigrants.

“My immigrant family had the opportunity to work hard, get good paying jobs, and build a better life. I want all families to have the same opportunity my family did. It’s not about one of us, it’s about all of us. That’s what my campaign for Assembly is about,” Caloza said in a campaign announcement on July 11.

Caloza made history as the first Filipina to serve as a Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner and oversaw 5,000 employees that delivered city services to four million people.

One of the key projects Caloza delivered during her time at the Department of Public Works was the Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway along Beverly Boulevard. She also worked as an Education Policy Advisor in the Obama administration, focusing on programs that helped students and families.

Adding to her campaign platform, Caloza said, “I want to bring the community’s voice to Sacramento. The challenges facing hard working families and neighborhoods across our district are many but I’m ready to fight for change.”

Caloza has served in various positions in federal, state, and local government, during LA Mayor Eric Garcetti’s administration, and most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the California Attorney General.

“People throughout the 52nd District need and deserve a representative in the State Assembly who will bring compassion, proven leadership, inclusiveness, and a forwardthinking vision to get things

Caloza...

done. We have many issues to tackle – a worsening homeless and housing crisis, lack of good paying middle class jobs, an underfunded public education system, a climate emergency, rampant gun violence, and more. My life’s work has been about bringing diverse communities together to find common ground and make positive change —that’s how I plan to lead in the Assembly. I want to fight for the people of the 52nd District like I would fight for my family,” she added.

In showing his strong support for Caloza, AG Bonta described Caloza as a fearless and visionary leader.

“She has the skills, proven abilities, and drive needed to be an effective leader in the State Assembly and a strong voice for communities in every corner of the 52nd District on Day 1. Whether it be enhancing neighborhood safety, curbing gun violence, making our criminal justice system more just, tackling homelessness, fighting for our rights and freedoms, and beyond, Jessica will be a powerful force for progress. I look forward to partnering with her in the California State Assembly.

Jessica has my full backing and support,” Bonta stressed.

SEIU California State Council and SEIU-CIR Regional Vice President, Los Angeles General Hospital Resident Physician Mahima Iyengar, on the other hand, said Caloza could be a bold champion for working class in the state Assembly.

“Working families need leaders in the State Assembly who understand the challenges our members face every day.

Jessica Caloza grew up in a working class community. She is the proud daughter of working class parents.

Given her background and experiences, Jessica knows firsthand the struggles workers grapple with on a regular basis. SEIU California State Council is proud to endorse Jessica Caloza because we know she will be a bold leader for change, fighting for livable wages, better working conditions and protections for workers’ rights. We’re excited to support her,” Iyengar said. Caloza also received support from key state Assemblymembrs Mia Bonta, Isaac Bryan (Assembly Majority Leader), Mike Fong, Matt Haney (Assistant Majority Whip), Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Evan Low (chair of the API Legislative Caucus) and Stephanie Nguyen (assistant speaker pro tem). Passionate about fully funding and improving public schools, Caloza also worked in President Barack Obama’s Administration as an education policy advisor. Prior to her service in the federal government, she worked as a community organizer on President Obama’s campaign, and before that, Caloza worked for social justice nonprofits that provided critical services to immigrants, working families, and youth. As longtime grassroots activist and community organizer, Caloza has been actively serving in the boards of local nonprofits that deliver services to survivors of human trafficking and provides mental health counseling to youth and their families.

Caloza is also active in Democratic politics and serves as the Southern California Chair of the Asian American & Pacific Islander Caucus in the California Democratic Party and is a longtime board member of the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD). (by Donnabelle Gatdula-Arevalo/ AJPress) n

Strong PH economy to persist into...

PAGE 1

Nearly 1,100 capital improvement projects valued at $5.2B moved through construction process

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH prepares for possible invasion of Taiwan by China

by FRanco Jose c. BaRoña ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine government is preparing contingencies for China’s possible invasion of Taiwan, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said in an interview on Thursday, July 20.

“First and foremost, we really have to make an assessment whether such is likely or not, nonetheless we continue to plan on all contingencies not merely as a flashpoint between China and Taiwan but any contingency within the theater,” Teodoro said.

Laoag diocese starts sainthood bid for Filipino teen girl

MANILA – The Diocese of Laoag has started the long process for a Filipino teenage girl to become a saint.

An article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Thursday, July 20 said Bishop Renato Mayugba presented to the bishops a request to open the sainthood cause of Niña Ruiz-Abad at the recently concluded plenary assembly held in Kalibo in Aklan.

The Laoag prelate said that at a very young age, Abad showed behaviors and acts that were unusual for her age.

“During her time, it is unusual that a young girl had already done acts to evangelize others,” he said.

“Niña’s life was a prayerful life full of reverence, worship and intimate relationship with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Mayugba added.

Abad died at the age of 13 on Aug. 16, 1993 after losing her battle against hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an incurable heart disease she was diagnosed with at the age of 10.

She had a strong devotion to the Eucharist and devoted her life to distributing rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, holy images, and other religious items.

The teenager was also known for always wearing a rosary around her neck and white

dresses.

With the bishops’ approval, it opened the door to the formal investigation of her life and witnessing, which may take years before a possible decision from Rome regarding her potential beatification and canonization.

The initial stages include gathering information about the candidate and interviewing witnesses who knew the person.

Abad was the daughter of a lawyer couple from Sarrat, a town in Ilocos Norte, but she was born and grew up in Quezon City.

Her remains were brought to her hometown in Ilocos Norte. She was laid to rest at a public cemetery in Sarrat.

The sainthood process normally begins on a local level in the diocese where a candidate

died. In the case of Abad, it is the Diocese of Novaliches.

On the other hand, Mayugba obtained the approval of Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa for the transfer of the “forum of competence” to the Laoag diocese, which was also approved by the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

The bishop said the young girl could serve as “a good model of piety and fortitude” for the youth.

“Knowing Niña’s character and traits and her strong faith in God will serve as a guide to the youth in handling their affairs towards a better Christian life,” Mayugba said.

If Abad becomes a saint, she will be one of the youngest saints in history. (PNA) n

He said the preparations being made involve several agencies and not just the Defense department.

“The assumption is that if this will happen, it

is a thing that we continue to monitor daily and hopefully the engagements bilaterally between the United States and China lead to the diffusion of tensions,” Teodoro said.

Security experts have said that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is no longer a question of “if” but “when.”

Admiral Mike Gilday, head of the U.S. Navy, warned of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan before 2024.

On the other hand, Taiwan’s top intelligence officials warned that China could threaten war this year to coerce the Taiwanese government to agree to talks designed to bring the island under Beijing’s rule.

They said Beijing is likely to threaten war in 2023 to force Taiwan to negotiate for a “unification.” n

Transparency, accountability in use of Maharlika funds assured

MANILA – A House leader on Thursday, July 20 said Congress would do its part to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the Philippines’ first sovereign wealth fund.

House deputy majority leader Alfred Delos Santos said the newly enacted Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act of 2023 is a significant step towards the progress and strengthening of key sectors, as it provides an “additional vehicle” to optimize the government surplus.

Delos Santos, representative of the Ang Probinsyano party-list, said the MIF will significantly expand the country’s fiscal space and alleviate pressures in financing public infrastructure projects, noting that the usual funding sources are from Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or Official Development Assistance (ODA) mechanisms.

“As committed by President Marcos, we in Congress will do our part to ensure the proper policies and mechanisms are in place to ensure that these funds are utilized in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner,” he said. He also said infrastructure

projects will be implemented with utmost efficiency, addressing the needs and development of the people.

Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia, for his part, said the newly signed sovereign fund law “gives foreign and local investors an added option on how to make their investible funds earn.”

“This (sovereign fund) becomes one among many options and caters to specific types of clientele or kinds of investors, depending on the appetite for earnings and risks,” Arrogancia said. He said the MIF is crucial to attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) because these “are investments that actually happen on the ground, build businesses, grow the environment for other businesses, whether downstream, upstream and lateral enterprises and most importantly, create jobs.”

“The Maharlika Fund combined with attracting foreign direct investments is a potent combination. Bringing in FDI means ease of doing business, infrastructure, transparency, integrity in business, and economic policies

that make workers, investors, and host communities welcome and interact harmoniously,” he added.

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday, July 19 said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to insulate the management of the MIF from politics is a prudent move that augurs well for the success of the country’s first-ever sovereign wealth fund.

On Tuesday, July 18 Marcos bared that he rejected proposals for him or the Secretary of Finance to chair the MIF, saying it must be run by competent and independent financial managers to avoid political interference.

Under Republic Act 11954 or the Act Establishing the MIF, which the president signed into law Tuesday, the Secretary of Finance is merely ex-officio chairperson and will not run the Fund. It will be governed by the nine-member Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) chaired by an Independent Director.

The MIF would be used to invest in a wide range of assets, including foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments,

Niña Ruiz-Abad

CBCP photo

HECTIC. The House of Representatives session hall is getting busier as the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. draws near. On Monday, July 17, representatives from the Office of the President, Senate, and the police conduct more inspections for the major event slated July 24. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Logovernance

SEEING the controversies that have hounded the rollout of new office logos and branding slogans, government agencies may want to put on pause further initiatives at rebranding.

After the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is also reportedly set to roll out a new logo. But unlike the DOT and PAGCOR, which allocated millions in public funds for their rebranding initiatives, TESDA has launched a contest for the redesign of its logo and will simply give prize money of P10,000 for the winning entry.

The DOT had initially said P49 million had been allocated for its tourism rebranding campaign, which includes changing the slogan from “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” to “Love the Philippines.” PAGCOR, meanwhile, reportedly spent P3 million for its rebrand, which includes a new logo and what the agency describes as other “deliverables.”

The cost to taxpayers is the main issue being raised against all these efforts at rebranding. Critics point out that the country is still recovering from its worst health and economic crisis, and the national debt breached the P14-trillion mark as of end-May. The finance secretary is warning of “fiscal collapse” in a push to reform

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

WITH so many Filipino nurses and health care workers now working abroad, “we have become victims of our own success,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his meeting in Malacañang with American businessmen belonging to the Business Executives for National Security (BENS), who were in Manila to explore areas of cooperation and investment particularly in health care, digital infrastructure and energy.

the pension system of military and other uniformed personnel. Critics, meanwhile, have pointed out that the Maharlika Investment Fund, which was enacted into law on Tuesday, July 18 with the fat salaries expected to be granted to the management team led by the finance secretary, will further bloat public expenditures.

In this situation, spending millions in public funds for a rebranding can smack of profligacy with people’s money and a misplaced sense of priorities. Even if new agency logos are developed at no cost to taxpayers, changing office signage and letterheads on official documents to reflect the new logo or slogan will require funds that can otherwise be used for more urgent purposes.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko”

Pimentel has described the preoccupation with logos as “logovernance.” He’s not the only one who believes that better than cosmetic rebranding, what is needed in all government agencies is to improve public services. There’s still a mountain of red tape that needs cutting across the bureaucracy. Many other measures

Founded in 1982, BENS is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that brings together top business executives and national security leaders who believe that private-sector expertise as well as best practices and cutting-edge ideas can help the United States in facing complex national security challenges. During the meeting, the president shared the government’s efforts to make the Philippines an attractive investment destination and transform the economy, while the members of BENS thanked the president for his leadership in restoring the “special and important alliance” between the United States and the Philippines.

of his own success.” Because of his successful visits abroad, he has been receiving a lot of invitations from all over the world because of so much interest in the Philippines as an investment destination from potential investors, not only from the U.S. but other nations as well.

are needed to improve efficiency and stop corruption. In any government agency, the best

rebranding is honest, efficient and dedicated public service. (Philstar.com)

only attract more investments into the country but will also create an environment conducive to business growth is “long overdue,” describing EO 18 as “a huge leap forward, ushering in a new era of efficiency and collaboration within and without.”

Nations to reject the claims of China.

defense treaty ally to help us in addressing issues involving the West Philippine Sea.

First Person

Filipino health care workers are very much in demand, especially in highly developed countries not only because of their reliability and professionalism but also due to the Filipino kindness and compassion in practicing their profession. In fact, their work is so much appreciated that world leaders are asking for more Filipino nurses, doctors and medical practitioners to be deployed in their countries, especially after the pandemic experience. a lex m agno

WE have seen how much the private sector can contribute to help the country modernize its infrastructure. We enjoy world class tollways, a much improved water distribution system and, yes, one of the world’s largest airports rising on the basis on an unsolicited proposal.

Today there is much talk about expanding publicprivate partnerships to enhance capitalization of our infra needs. For that to happen, however, government must cease being a risk factor for investments.

The most vivid illustration of government making itself a risk actor to investments is the case of tollways. All the contracts for the private sector to invest in tollways contain provisions for escalating toll charges to cover rising costs. More often, however, the escalation of toll charges is delayed – not by weeks but by years. That imposes added financing costs for the investors.

Very often, those with the power to delay obligatory toll

The stronger defense ties between the two nations have spurred more interest from American companies to invest in the Philippines, which they see as a place they can trust with their business operations and expansion plans.

We have been receiving a deluge of invitations from state entities and companies from all over the United States for President Marcos to come and visit. One can say that the president himself is a “victim

increases make a populist show of ordering them delayed. In many cases, the protest industry of the political Left seizes every toll escalation as an opportunity for rabblerousing to build public support for themselves. What is often ignored is that delays in the contractual obligation to adjust rates result in delayed improvements and poorer services.

The latest toll adjustments for NLEX gives us reason to be hopeful our public is maturing. The toll adjustments were delayed for years, notwithstanding the schedules provided for in the contracts. When the adjustments were finally allowed, the public generally accepted the necessity for doing so – especially as the rates were supposed to have been adjusted in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2020.

A few politicians, acting on reflex, objected to the rate adjustments even if toll rates have actually become cheaper if computed against inflation. They quickly realized they had no public support and abandoned their protestations.

Most motorists, enjoying

The country’s economic managers have been working very hard to create a more business-friendly environment through economic liberalization measures that include amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act that simplified requirements for foreign retailers. A recent welcome development is Executive Order No. 18 that seeks to reduce barriers to doing business in the Philippines by expediting, streamlining and automating government approval and registration processes for priority or strategic investments. A One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments will be created, which would serve as a singlepoint entry for all projects that would qualify as strategic investments.

According to the president, having reforms that will not

savings in time and fuel using the facilities, understood the toll adjustments went through the proper procedures prescribed by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

Only one group, the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations (ACTOO), persisted in objecting to the toll adjustment. This is the same agitprop group that objected to the implementation of a new container registry and monitoring system by the Philippine Ports Authority that would speed up the movement of cargo throughout the archipelago.

It turns out that prior to the adjustment, dialogues among all stakeholders were dutifully held. ACTOO claims they were neither informed nor consulted about the toll increase. It turns out from the records, this group was given a whole month by the TRB to file a position paper opposing the adjustment. The group was too lazy to do that. Without a constituency, their objections could not stand. Not even a play for a toll discount exclusively for their group could be sustained.

Inclusive

The Supreme Court has ruled

Aside from state and official visits, the president’s participation in important meetings such as the UN General Assembly and the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia has also generated expectations for the Philippines to take the lead in upholding a rules-based international order in the region. This is one more example where we have become “a victim of our own success” – especially in light of the Philippines’ victory before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that handed down a ruling in 2016 that invalidated the wideranging claims of China in the South China Sea.

The 2016 arbitral award has taken a life of its own, so to speak, because even our neighbors with overlapping claims in the South China Sea are using the ruling as basis for their complaints and submissions before the United

Tolling

with finality in the decadeslong land dispute between the cities of Taguig and Makati. As a consequence of this ruling, about 10 villages encompassed by Fort Bonifacio and that were formerly with Makati will now be part of Taguig.

In this light, the city government of Taguig has reached out to the affected communities to assure them inclusion in the enviable social programs of their new city. This includes the generous scholarship program funded by the administration of Mayor Lani Cayetano.

Since its initiation, the program supported 83,000 scholars. Of this number, over 20,000 have graduated. At least 3,230 of the graduates have become licensed professionals: 50 lawyers, 29 doctors, 34 architects, 188 engineers, 229 accountants, 320 nurses, 722 teachers and many others in various fields.

Taguig benefitted immeasurably from these graduates. As productive members of the community, they have collectively contributed multiplier benefits to the city. They have added to the city’s rising prosperity.

We are also seeing a deluge of support from other countries in our bid to modernize our armed forces, which is part of our defense strategy. As I mentioned during an interview with Bloomberg, we have other like-minded nations such as Japan, Australia and even Italy as well as other European countries that are coming into the picture right now, expressing their recognition for the arbitral award and saying they would like to help in one way or another because they want to see peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Even India has changed its position regarding the arbitral award, saying it must be adhered to.

While this clearly shows that we are not depending entirely on the United States, it goes without saying that our alliance is helping sustain the momentum as far as our defense strategy is concerned. It must also be important to note that a large majority of Filipinos – 84 percent in fact – are supportive of our alliance with the United States and want the government to continue strengthening its security ties with our only

Taguig’s scholarship program does not pressure its beneficiaries to be at the top of their respective classes. It is enough that they acquire an education and eventually practice a profession. The scholars are given enough latitude to enjoy their educational journey and shape their own lives.

Because of its investment in education, Taguig has lower incidence of juvenile delinquency. Its citizens are more confident and more hopeful about the future. The city nurtures its own competitiveness.

Those from the villages transferred to Taguig’s jurisdiction will immediately qualify for the scholarship program. The city government assures them there will be no discrimination. They are welcomed as citizens of Taguig, with all the benefits this translates to.

Over the last few years, Taguig aspired to increase the social benefits enjoyed by its citizens. Those in the transferred villages should not lose any of the benefits they enjoyed when they were citizens of Makati.

Not surprisingly, political leaders who have been outspoken regarding incidents of aggression in the West Philippine Sea, like Senators Risa Hontiveros and JV Ejercito, are seeing their popularity grow because their statements resonate with many Filipinos who believe that alliances with the U.S. and likeminded nations are important to gather support in defending our sovereignty.

In retrospect, being a “victim of our own success” can in a way be a good problem because it puts the Philippines in the center of attention – opening up a lot of economic opportunities and underscoring the significant role we can play in maintaining peace and stability not only in the region but ultimately, the rest of the world. (Philstar. com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Taguig has evolved into one of the most caring local governments in the National Capital Region. Improvements in the city’s revenues due to the impressive development of the Bonifacio Global City should translate into improved social services for its citizens.

The development of Global City is, in part, due to the farsighted policies of the city government of Taguig. The city lured investors to locate in the new business district by offering lower tax rates. This led to the dizzying rise of businesses relocating to the Global City.

The transfer of the villages from Makati to Taguig’s jurisdiction should not diminish the quality of care they enjoyed under the previous dispensation. If at all, it should lead to a better quality of life.

The experience of Taguig must be a textbook case for exemplary local governance. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

‘We’re victims of our own success’

Marcos approves P170-B NAIA rehab

by caTHeRine s valenTe ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the P170-billion solicited publicprivate partnership (PPP) proposal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Arsenio Balisacan said on Wednesday, July 19.

Marcos, who chairs the NEDA Board, gave the nod for the project during a meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday morning.

Balisacan said the project, which will have a total cost of P170.6 billion, is expected “to address longstanding issues at NAIA such as the inadequate capacity of passenger terminal buildings and restricted aircraft movement.”

He said the project aims to increase the current airport capacity from 35 million passengers to at least 62 million passengers per year and increase air traffic movement from 40 to 48 per hour.

“The project is also expected to improve the overall passenger experience and service quality to prevent long queues, lengthy waiting

times, and other passenger inconveniences,” Balisacan told reporters.

“We expect to have the winning bidder within the year, so as early as next year, we can have the project started,” he added.

Balisacan said the project, under the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, would involve private-sector funds.

The Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) said it understands the NEDA’s decision “to undergo a solicited bid process” for the NAIA rehabilitation project.

“The MIAC is one with the government in its infrastructure priorities and is aligned with the DoTr and NEDA’s commitment to the urgent task of revitalizing NAIA given its importance as the country’s main international gateway,” the MIAC said in a statement.

“Regardless of the route, we believe that NAIA’s modernization requires a long-term and comprehensive solution delivered by a credible and capable party at the quickest possible time. These criteria — regardless of the approach — would best benefit NAIA and the Filipino people,”

he added.

Meanwhile, the president also approved the P7.48-billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 project and the P12.75-billion Laguindingan international airport project.

“The NEDA board also confirmed the proposed adoption of a national policy and infrastructure sector master plans. The policy aims to harmonize and rationalize the formulation of master plans for the infra sector across the government,” Balisacan said.

The Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 Project involves the construction of two marine bridges, the Laoang 2 Bridge and the Calomotan Bridge, as well as the improvement of existing roads between Laoang Island and mainland Samar Island. The 15-kilometer infrastructure development is expected to improve connectivity in the region and promote economic growth.

On the other hand, the Unsolicited Proposal for the Upgrade, Expansion, Operation, and Maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport Project focuses on integrating sustainable and digitally advanced features into the design and operation of the Laguindingan International

Airport in Misamis Oriental.

The project, which will be under the PPP, aims to enhance regional development, promote tourism, and provide a better travel experience for passengers.

In addition to the new projects, the NEDA Board also approved changes in scope, cost, design, and/or loan validity for four ongoing infrastructure projects.

This included the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, or IDRR-CCA Measures in Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay Project; the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage 2 project; the MalitubogMaridagao Irrigation Project Stage 2 or MMIP 2; and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project.

Balisacan also confirmed the Proposed Adoption of a National Policy on Infrastructure Sector Master Plans, which aims to harmonize and rationalize the formulation of master plans for the infrastructure sector.

This policy will ensure the coordination, synergy and responsiveness of the sector to emerging issues. An executive order will be issued to strengthen the implementation of this policy nationwide, Balisacan said. n

Mayor Gloria, state and local leaders break ground...

Viva roads with three southbound lanes and two northbound lanes. Additional improvements include buffered bike lanes, parkway landscaping, traffic signal installation and pedestrian improvements, including curb rams and continental crosswalks.

The improvements to La Media Road will make the street safer, provide congestion relief and improve access for freight trucks going through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

With support from stakeholders including Caltrans, the California Transportation Commission and SANDAG, the city was able to secure $22.7 million in state grant funds to help cover the costs of the construction phase of the project.

Thanks to collaboration with Rep. Juan Vargas, the city worked closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite permits allowing construction to proceed. Additionally, the city worked in close coordination with the Otay Water District to execute a reimbursement agreement for the relocation of facilities owned by the District.

“Widening La Media Road, between

Siempre Viva Road and the designated truck route, to the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, will enhance the movement of goods –improving our local and regional economy,” said Rep. Juan Vargas, who represents the 52nd Congressional District. “It will also lower traffic in the area and increase public safety by allowing emergency vehicles a dedicated road shoulder to travel freely. I’m proud to have secured these federal funds in Congress because it will strengthen San Diego’s infrastructure and benefit millions of residents.”

“The La Media Road Improvements Project will benefit our economic opportunities, binational trade and health of our region,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas of the County of San Diego and SANDAG.

“This major road improvement project in Otay Mesa will reduce idle cars and trucks to ensure everyone has access to clean air. These investments are what we need to have healthier and stronger communities.”

“I am excited to break ground on the La Media Road project,” said City Councilmember Vivian Moreno, who represents District 8. “This project will repair a vital piece of our freight transportation

network and make cross-border commerce more efficient while lowering greenhouse gas emissions by reducing truck idling and congestion caused by trucks on local streets.”

As construction work gets underway, La Media Road is closed in both directions from State Route 905 to Avenida de la Fuente. All access to southbound La Media Road from both SR-905 offramps will remain closed while the La Media Road closure is in effect.

The work will take place in two phases. The first phase includes La Media Road from SR-905 to Avenida de la Fuente and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024 with the reopening of the intersection, allowing truck traffic through the designated truck route. Work will then shift south on La Media Road from Avenida de la Fuente to Siempre Viva Road and include partial traffic closures. This phase of work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. For more information on La Media Road Improvements Project, visit the project CIP webpage at https://cipapp.sandiego. gov/CIPDetail.aspx?ID=S15018.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Philippine passport Philstar.com photo

Philippines rises four spots in 2023 passport ranking

by cRisTina cHi Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine passport has climbed up by four spots in the third quarter of this year’s Henley Passport Index, a global ranking that measures the most powerful passports in the world in terms of travel freedom of citizens from different countries. According to the index, the Philippines has placed 74th this year, up from 78th place in 2022.

This could be due to the growing economy of the country, Henley & Partners managing director Scott Moore told CNN Philippines’

The Final Word on Wednesday, July 19.

Since the index began in 2006, the Philippines only obtained its highest ranking at 62nd in 2009. The Philippines received its lowest rankings — 80th place — in the years 2015 and 2022.

Filipinos can currently travel visa-free to 67 countries, including Southeast Asian countries.

The Henley Passport Index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and assesses 199 passports in the world.

For 2023, Singapore has overtaken Japan in terms of having the most powerful passport in the world.

Germany, Italy and Spain share second place, with citizens in each country able to travel to at least 190 countries visa-free.

Japan has slid down to 3rd place, with its passport allowing visafree access to 189 countries, less than last year’s 193.

The Philippines’ tourism sector has seen a barrage of issues in recent months following the tourism department’s launch of new a campaign slogan marred with plagiarism and messaging mishaps, as well as incidents of domestic airport and air travel inconveniences. n

PAGE 5

domestic and foreign corporate bonds, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and high-impact infrastructure projects for the attainment of sustainable development, according the new law.

RA 11954 also establishes the MIC, which will serve as the

investment body responsible for the overall governance and management of the MIF. The MIC is expected to have at least PHP75 billion in paid-up capital this year, with PHP50 billion sourced from Landbank and PHP25 billion from Development Bank of the Philippines. (PNA) n

Remittances from overseas Filipinos seen to continue growing

by Ronnel W. Domingo Inquirer.net

MANILA — As the peso appreciates and approaches the 53:$1 territory, remittance firm WorldRemit sees a continued growth of inbound money transfers as overseas Filipinos face better job prospects.

The local currency closed on Friday, July 14 at 54.40:$1, strengthening against the greenback for the fourth straight day. It was the peso’s strongest showing in three months.

Data at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) show that last April, cash remittances from Filipinos abroad increased by 3.7 percent to $2.48 billion.

Earl Melivo, head of WorldRemit in the Asia-Pacific region, said in an interview with the Inquirer that remittances were poised to keep growing in the postpandemic global economy.

“This doesn’t affect remittances at all (because) the host countries (of overseas Filipinos) have already opened up or relaxed their restrictions, probably starting two years ago,” Melivo said

What’s helping keep remittances growing is the continuing expansion of transfer made digitally, he added.

“In the last three years, we’ve seen rapid growth (in the use of) mobile wallets,” Melivo said. “One of the silver linings of this pandemic is we’re all

Under Bongbong Marcos, peace talks with Reds ‘dim’– US nonprofit

by Bong s saRmienTo Inquirer.net

forced to go digital. So even on the receiving side, those who used to receive via cash are now actually conveniently receiving them 24/7 through mobile wallets.”

Even then, he said bank transfers continued to be strong because banks were more flexible now more than ever.

“It’s quite easier for you to open a bank account now, [especially] digital ones,” Melivo said. “So we’re seeing a lot more volumes going to bank accounts in the Philippines.”

Citing WorldRemit analysis, he said the growth of Philippine-bound remittances this year would probably be about 3 percent or 4 percent, which agreed with the BSP’s own forecast.

“It highly depends on what happens in major economies, particularly in the United States where there were concerns of a recession happening this year,” Melivo said.

“But even so, I think overseas Filipinos will keep on sending money especially because they are sending to their loved ones, whether they are immediate or extended family,” he said.

Melivo added that, because WorldRemit was a digital company bereft of costs that legacy players were faced with, the company expected to continue to see double-digit growth in terms of volume. n

KORONADAL CITY – The prospects of resuming the peace negotiations with the communist rebels are bleak under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a U.S.-based conflict monitoring nonprofit said.

In a report titled “The Communist Insurgency in the Philippines: A ‘Protracted People’s War’ Continues” released on July 13, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a nonprofit based in Wisconsin, noted that formal peace talks with the communists under the new Marcos regime were “unlikely to be revived.”

“This would make Marcos, Jr. the first Philippine president after the fall of his father’s dictatorship (in 1986) not to seek peace negotiations with the (communist rebels),” the ACLED report written by Tomas Buenaventura said.

ACLED, which operates as a nonprofit since 2014, has been engaged in disaggregated data collection, analysis and crisis mapping involving conflicts across the globe.

Marcos Jr.’s immediate predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, terminated the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing the New People’s Army and its broad united front alliance the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in November 2017.

The Duterte administration proclaimed the CPP-NPA-NDF as a terrorist group but a Manila court dismissed the petition to declare the rebel group as terrorist in September 2022.

In December 2018, Duterte established the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), a whole-of-nation strategy to defeat the communist insurgency.

ACLED noted that Marcos Jr. appeared

keen in pursuing the NTF-Elcac’s favored style of “localized peace talks,” where the government would pressure individuals identified as communist rebels in local areas to surrender, rather than negotiate with the rebel group’s highly centralized leadership.

The government had described the NTF-Elcac’s localized talks as “effective,” saying that this approach had convinced rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government assistance, the ACLED report observed. For its part, the CPP has repeatedly rejected the localized peace talks, calling it “a smokescreen for psychological warfare, pacification, and suppression operations” and does not address the “long-standing problems of landlessness, oppression, and exploitation.”

The last substantial agreement signed between the Philippine government and the communist guerrillas dates back to 1998 and was the first item in the Hague Joint Declaration agenda: the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

The CPP insists that the next step in the peace process should be to negotiate the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, followed by the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms, and finally the Comprehensive Agreement for the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said that Marcos’ marching order was for the NTF-Elcac to sustain the whole-ofnation approach to peace and development to prevent the communist “terrorists,” their front organizations, and other lawless elements from recruiting, regrouping and regaining power.

“He also directed the task force and the local government units to continue working together to seize the gains in the regions and ensure that we carry this momentum towards total victory over communist terrorism under his

administration,” Año said in a report from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

NPAs most active in Negros Occidental, Bukidnon

But ACLED noted that from June 30, 2016 to June 30, 2023, the NPA rebels were most active in Negros Occidental province in Western Visayas and Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao. It noted at least 63 clashes between the NPA and the military recorded during the period.

“This does not come as a surprise for a revolution with an agrarian base,” the report said. “Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao are both known for agrarian unrest, being two of the country’s most important agricultural centers, and therefore serve as ideal staging grounds for the CPP’s revolution,” it added.

Despite the higher levels of fighting between the NPA and state forces in Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao, fighting between both sides was seen in practically all parts of the country from the start of the Duterte regime and into the Marcos, Jr. regime, ACLED said.

This means that the NPA has been present in every region, mirroring the prevalence of agrarian issues across the country and widespread poverty of agricultural workers, it added.

Despite the NPA rebels’ expansive reach, the military and the communists publicly disagree on the strength of the NPA.

In its latest anniversary statement in December 2022, the CPP claimed that the NPA had established 110 fronts across the country, while the party itself had set up committees of leadership and branches in more than 70 out of 82 provinces.

The military, meanwhile, claimed that the number of NPA fronts is down to 22 as of December 2022.

In May this year, Año said that of these 22 fronts, the number of “active” guerrilla fronts had gone down to two, while 20 had been “weakened.” n

ANNOUNCEMENT LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

Request for Proposals (RFP) On-Call Legal Services – Public Finance

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide on-call legal services for public finance. It is anticipated that up to three contracts will be awarded.

A copy of the RFP (No. SOL1194797) and related documents/forms can be accessed from the vendor portal on BidNet or by contacting Melissa Antonoplis, Contract Administrator, at melissa.antonoplis@sandag.org

Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. PST on Friday, August 11, 2023.

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9013758

The Good Look Photo Booth located at 1094 Camino Levante, Chula VIsta, CA 91913.

Registrant: Ramir Morales, 1094 Camino Levante, Chula VIsta, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/29/2023.

Signature: Ramir Morales.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/29/2023. AJ 1213 07/07, 07/14, 07/21, and 07/28/2023. AJSD 1213

SD#0255

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9013695

Papis Birria located at 2924 Ridgeway Dr., National City, 91950.

Registrant: Papis Birria LLC, 2924 Ridgeway Dr., National City, 91950. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/28/2023.

Signature: Ivan Cruz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/28/2023. AJ 1214 07/14, 07/21, 07/28, and 08/04/2023. AJSD 1214

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. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/14/2017.

Signature: Lorene Macias. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/22/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9014538

Llama Kitchen located at 406 N. Hickory St., Apt 9, Escondido, CA 92025.

Registrant: Antonio O. Passano, 406 N. Hickory St., Apt 9, Escondido, CA 92025. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/12/2023.

Signature: Antonio O. Passano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/12/2023. AJ 1216 07/21, 07/28, 08/04, and 08/11/2023. AJSD 1216

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9013363

Wises Barber Shop located at 8886 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942.

Registrant: Nathaniel Wise, 4965 Pine St, La Mesa, CA 91942.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Nathaniel Wise. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/23/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9014665

REICROCHET located at 1548 Ravina Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Maricel Campollo, 1548 Ravina Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/01/2023.

Signature: Maricel Campollo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/13/2023.

AJ 1217 07/21, 0728, 08/04, and 08/11/2023. AJSD 1217

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9013714

a. Reynoso Law located at 1901 First Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.

b. The Reynoso Law Firm located at 1901 First Avenue 2nd Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.

Registrant: Michelle Luna Reynoso, 4354 38th Street, Unit A, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/2018.

Signature: Michelle Luna

Reynoso. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/28/2023.

and

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9013028

Green Lotus Organic Farm located at 2736 Arland Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Registrant: Green Lotus Organic Farm, 2736 Arland Road, Carlsbad, CA 92008. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/20/2023.

Signature: Michelle Lin.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/20/2023.

AJ 1218 07/21, 07/28, 08/04, and 08/11/2023. AJSD 1218

CASE NUMBER: 37-2023-00029564-CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL CALABRESE filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL CALABRESE to Christopher Michael Calabrese. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be

SAN DIEGO

After hiatus, John says he still has great passion for dance

By Dale calanog Inquirer.net

ACTOR-DIRECTOR John Prats brought back his “Dancefloor Dynamite” persona in a recently concluded three-show concert abroad, through which he realized that he’s still greatly passionate about dance.

In his Instagram post, Prats — who was also the director of the concert — uploaded a video, in which he exhibited his dancing prowess alongside artists such as Jason Dy and Iñigo Pascual.

“DYNAMITE IS BACK! [emoji],” he claimed in his post’s caption, referring to both his “Dancefloor Dynamite” title or to the songs they danced to — both entitled “Dynamite,” one by BTS, and the other by Taio Cruz.

The “Super Noypi” actor, who was once a regular in “ASAP’s” dance-focused segments such as “Ultimate Dance 4” and “Supah Dance,” expressed the joy he felt being back on the dance floor.

“Super saya ko na nakasayaw ulit ako (I’m so happy that I got to dance again),” shared Prats who revealed that eight years ago, he thought that, “[I]’m done na with dancing.”

He further reiterated how much fun he had performing in all three shows, and shared his realization that his great love for dance still resides in him.

“Na[-]realize ko na grabe din pala passion ko pa rin sa dancing (I realized that I still have great passion for dancing),” said the “Pinoy Big Brother” alum who has directed the concerts of local and international artists such as “ZOOM” singer Jessi and former 2NEI member Minzy.

In the comments section, The former “Ang TV” star received praise and support for his dancing, from several people including his family.

His mother, Alma wrote, “Anak ko yan[.] [W] alang kupas pa rin (That’s my son. He’s still great) [emojis],” while actress-TV host sister Camille Prats-Yambao told her older brother that she

Bea, Dominic now engaged

By KRisToFeR PuRnell Philstar.com

ACTORS Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque are now engaged!

Bea announced the good news on her social media accounts, detailing how Dominic popped the question to her at Bataan’s Las Casas FIlipinas de Acuzar last July 18.

The actress shared that she was at Las Casas for a shoot when celebrity photographer Mark Nicdao kept telling her to turn around so he could shoot the back portion of her dress, and when Bea did she found Dom on one knee with a box ready in hand.

“I have done so many proposal scenes in my entire career, but nothing beats the real thing. I have been doing it all wrong!” Bea said with a laugh, noting that time stood still when Dom said his part.

to end. I want this real thing to happen forever… and right then there… In front of the people we love… we decided on forever,”

Bea ended.

misses watching him dance.

Through the years, Prats has explored the directing space. He has helmed music videos and has also been involved in the production of shows such as “Ang Probinsyano” and “It’s Showtime,” on which he served as judge and mentor for the noontime show’s dance competition “Girl on Fire.”

During the run of “Girl on Fire” — which crowned its first champion in February — the former child star was able to introduce himself as a dancer to the younger generation, who might not associate him with dancing, which is actually his first love. Prats, who celebrated his third decade in the entertainment industry last year, is married to “Rosario” actress Isabel Oli, with whom he shares three kids — Feather, Freedom, and Forest. n

Cristine deserves another chance at love

By Ronnie caRRasco iii ManilaTimes.net

THERE’S always another chance at love. If one fails the first time, it doesn’t mean he or she should stop falling in love all over again, let alone the end of the world.

After all, being in love — no matter how many times — sets no limits.

One credible celebrity authority to this is Ara

Mina. Disregard all her past relationships before Bulacan Mayor Patrick Meneses came into her life (which produced a beautiful daughter), what would matter more now is the fact that Ara has finally found Mr. Right in the person of Dave Almarinez.

It may well be said that Ara embodies the realization of what a life partner Dave has always dreamt of and prayed for.

As Ara puts it, not because her previous

Bea recalled feeling joy, excitement, love, and other emotions, and began to ugly cry.

“I didn’t want that moment

Dominic commented on Bea’s Facebook post “I love you very much” accompanied by a heart emoji, and Bea responded with “Can’t wait to do life with you,” also using the same emoji.

Several individuals congratulated the newly-

engaged couple including Aga Muhlach, Maine Mendoza, Gabbi Garcia, Chito Miranda, Ellen Adarna, Khalil Ramos, Sanya Lopez, Miles Ocampo, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Jameson Blake, and Julie Anne San Jose. Bea confirmed she was in a relationship with Dominic in August 2021, and it was recently teased that an engagement might happen soon. And happen it did! n

Janella pairs with F4 Thailand actor in new Asian romantic film

By cHRisTina alPaD ManilaTimes.net

FILIPINA actress Janella Salvador and Thai actor Win Metawin will lead the upcoming Asian romantic film “Under Parallel Skies.”

Produced by 28 Squared Studios — headquartered in Manila and with footprints in Hong Kong — and co-produced with Two Infinity Entertainment, “Under Parallel Skies” will be directed by Filipina filmmaker Sigrid Bernardo.

No plot has been confirmed though earlier reports said the movie will follow Metawin’s character who is grappling with

John Prats Photo from Instagram/@johnprats

Dominic Roque proposing to Bea Alonzo Photos from Instagram/@beaalonzo

County ordinance update aids housing production affordability

THE County Board of Supervisors has approved a 2023 Housing Zoning Ordinance Update that incorporates 21 state laws to help make housing more affordable and accessible for people experiencing homelessness.

The update will also focus on creating housing for people who have lower, moderate and middle-class incomes.

The update complements how the County is supporting housing production through:

• Innovative neighborhood planning efforts

• Improvements to its approval process

• The assessment of

available land.

• The infrastructure needed to support housing in unincorporated communities. The update allows the County to continue to weave equity into housing planning by making it easier to have accessory dwelling units in more places. This combines with state laws to create more opportunities for first-time home buyers by allowing property owners to subdivide their lot to build small homes such as townhomes. Making it easier to build mid-sized multifamily housing developments of 3 to 10 units streamlines the process to provide housing

options for unsheltered residents.

Supporting families

Updating the local ordinance brings state and County rules into alignment providing more clarity on the process. The Board approved going beyond state laws. New affordable housing can now be located one mile away from a major transit stop instead of a half mile.

Other pro-housing efforts through the County’s Planning and Development Services department that go beyond state law include:

• Making more housing projects “by-right”, which means removing steps from

the permitting processes and reducing the time, cost, and risk to develop housing in certain locations.

• Streamlining development of senior housing by reducing permitting requirements.

• Allowing for smaller homes that are likely to be more affordable through a small lot subdivision ordinance.

• Further streamlining the construction of accessory dwelling units.

• Developing an inclusionary housing policy that will produce additional affordable housing.

In May, the County also

u PAGE 11

Cristine deserves another chance at...

PAGE 9

relationship was a failure means no better future awaited her.

This is the same belief that Ara adheres to in the case of her younger sister Cristine Reyes.

At the moment, Cristine and Marco Gumabao have been going steady for nearly three months.

“So far, so good” may well best describe their romantic relationship.

It’s no secret this side of showbiz that Cristine and Ali Khatabi were a couple before Mark came into the picture. Their liaison albeit short-lived produced a daughter they named Amarrah.

The first to have issued a stamp of approval to Cristine’s romance with Marco — who’s a couple of years her junior — was Ara.

Coming from the same experience, Ara is aware of the fact that her younger sister after all deserves to find her own happiness — and yes, regardless of age difference.

Netizens, however, take it as Cristine having eaten her words.

Seemingly unhappy for Cristine — out of sheer resourcefulness — these naysayers have dredged up a video clip of the actress’ 2019 guesting on “Tonight With Boy Abunda.”

To spice up the interview, Boy subjected Cristine to a fun segment called ‘Jojowain o Totropahin.’

Boy rattled off such names of the actors while Cristine chose which ones she’d like to have for a possible boyfriend or simply as a friend.

Boy’s mere mention of Marco Gumabao’s name became a bit too unsettling for his guest, Cristine’s face hardly lit up.

Cristine swore she and Marco were friends, giving the viewers the impression she wasn’t a sucker for younger men.

“I am not a cougar, am I?” she retorted.

Fast forward. It was on April 24 when Marco made a public admission on social media that he and Cristine were already a couple. Next thing was, Ara told the press at a mediacon for her new lifestyle show on Net25 how she admired Marco for being forthright to say so.

The netizens have since taken the short video clip against Cristine. We ought to remember that the video clip was culled from Cristine’s 2019 guesting, which was some three years or so ago. Between then and April of 2023, so many things inevitably happened.

Cristine’s spur-of-the-moment nonpreference-for-younger-men statement didn’t mean she was lying through her teeth. After all, she told on air there really existed friendship between her and Marco that time.

Perhaps, had Boy paraphrased his

County accepts $44.3M in one-time behavioral health bridge housing grant funding

THE County of San Diego Board of Supervisors has approved using $44.3 million in state Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program funds to provide more housing for San Diegans who have serious behavioral health conditions and are experiencing homelessness.

The funds will help address the need for board and care beds which are typically homelike settings for five or six adults or seniors who need some specialized care, but not in a hospital or clinical setting.

Luke Bergmann, director of Behavioral Health Services.

“These new funds will allow us to preserve and optimize current community-based care infrastructure in alignment with the Optimal Care Pathways Model and help ensure that those who are most vulnerable will get the care and housing that they need.”

The Tuesday, July 18 action allocates $41.5 million for new board and care payments to supplement funds for MediCal clients and help them meet escalating board and care rent costs.

question by asking if there stood a chance that she and Marco could hit it off, at the very least, Cristine would have been honest to say “Possible” or “Let’s see” or “I’ll cross the bridge when I get there.”

Of course, Boy had to contend with too little time to shoot rapid fire questions.

As for Cristine having eaten her words is unfair to say — on Marco’s and on her part.

It’s all the more relieving to know that Cristine and Marco’s relationship is anchored on friendship. At least, they’re already well aware of each other’s quirks.

We all know that enduring relationships are a rara avis in showbiz — pray tell me, just how many celebrity couples — married or otherwise — gave themselves a chance to discover each other?

Here’s hoping Cristine has found a “Dave Almarinez” in her life. n

In 2022, the Board approved the Optimal Care Pathways Model, which is the result of an in-depth review of current and historical data and existing care models to better understand and project regional need.

Recommendations guided by the Optimal Care Pathways Model indicate the region needs to increase board and care capacity by nearly 150%. This translates to about an additional 450 beds to assist this vulnerable population.

“This funding comes at a time of growing need for more behavioral health housing resources,” said Dr.

The remaining $2.8 million will be used for infrastructure start-up costs to speed up the creation of new beds.

Approved uses for the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program funds include hiring more assisted living workers, outreach and engagement, and start-up infrastructure and housing expenses, which include shelter, interim housing, rental assistance and patch funds for assisted living settings and housing navigation.

(Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Ara Mina endured failed relationships before eventually finding husband Dave Almarinez. So why would naysayers take a jab at Cristine Reyes for admitting her new romance with Marco Gumabao? Photos from Instagram/@therealaramina, @gumabaomarco

Creative City uplifts the arts and engages the world from our unique points of view, where diverse ideas and expressions create meaningful experiences for everyone — whether you are fortunate enough to live here or have the good fortune to visit. File photo/www.sandiego.gov

City of San Diego wants to hear from San Diegans on Creative City cultural plan

New survey, toolkit and events anticipated to boost public participation

SAN DIEGO – This month, the City of San Diego will host a new series of public engagement events and share tools that San Diegans can use to provide input for developing the first-ever cultural plan, Creative City. The seven to 10-year cultural plan aims to align arts and culture citywide with key priority areas, including housing, mobility, infrastructure, sustainability and regional prosperity.

“The Creative City cultural plan will guide the city’s investments in arts and cultural sectors and strategically position the city and transborder region as an equitable place of inspiration and prosperity,” said Jonathan Glus, Executive Director for Arts and Culture. “We were pleased to see many residents participate in the first round of engagement and anticipate more participation from all communities throughout San Diego.”

The cultural plan development process involves listening through a robust public engagement process, gathering and analyzing data to inform a future with culture and creativity at the center of San Diego’s collective well-being and livelihood.

To hear directly from residents, the city will host a virtual Creative City Forum on Monday, July 24, from 5:30-7 p.m., where San Diegans can learn about the cultural planning process, participate in interactive activities and weigh in on the city’s creative future.

San Diegans can also stop by in-person pop-up events to learn more about the planning process, share insights on what they want for the future of arts and culture in their neighborhoods and surrounding communities, enjoy refreshments and participate in a unique hands-on art-making experience. This month, pop-up events will be held at six locations on four different days:

• Tuesday, July 25, 2023

5:30-7 p.m. at San Ysidro Library

The event will be in Spanish; English interpretation is available.

• Wednesday, July 26, 2023

A) 5:30-7 p.m. at Bread & Salt

Spanish and Tagalog interpretations are available.

B) 5:30-7 p.m. at Mira Mesa Recreation Center

Mandarin, Vietnamese and Tagalog interpretations are available.

• Thursday, July 27, 2023

5:30-7 p.m. at WorldBeat Cultural Center

Spanish interpretation is available.

• Saturday, July 29, 2023

A) 10-11:30 a.m. at Rancho Peñasquitos Library

B) 2-3:30 p.m. Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library

Spanish and Tagalog interpretations are available.

Other language interpretation is available upon request in advance. To help the city’s cultural planning project team gather additional public input, they are also asking residents to fill out the online survey.

San Diegans are also encouraged to host community conversations with friends, family, colleagues, neighbors and other groups about the future of arts and culture with toolkits available on the city’s website (https://www.sandiego.gov/creative-city/get-involved). The toolkit is available in multiple languages. After their conversations, participants are encouraged to email their responses and notes to the cultural planning team as outlined in the toolkit.

The final Creative City cultural plan will be completed by March 2025. To learn more, visit sdcreativecity.com.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Janella pairs with F4...

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a painful past, and the woman (Salvador) he meets who might be connected to that past.

The film will be set against the enchanting backdrop of Hong Kong.

The pair confirmed the news after months of speculation from their fans, with an announcement video shared via 28 Squared Studios’ Instagram account.

“We are so excited to announce to you guys that we will be teaming up for the upcoming movie Under Parallel Skies,” Metawin said.

Registrar to hold election administration plan public hearings

THE Registrar of Voters office is holding two hearings on Wednesday, July 26, inviting the public to provide input on the renewal of the county’s Election Administration Plan.

The Registrar’s office adopted the plan in 2022 and is renewing the plan as part of the two-year review process. The plan describes how the Registrar’s office administers elections under the Voter’s Choice Act.

The vote center model falls under the Voter’s Choice Act, and it modernizes the election process in several ways:

• Active registered voters automatically receive a ballot in the mail.

• Voters can return their ballot by mail, a secure ballot drop box, or in person at any vote center.

• Vote centers open for up to 11 days, giving voters more time to return their ballot.

During the hearings, the public can give input on vote center and ballot drop box locations, and voter education and outreach plans.

suggestion forms for vote center and ballot drop box locations, and general comment forms on the Registrar’s Voter’s Choice Act page (https://www.sdvote.com/ content/rov/en/VotersChoiceAct. html).

• Public Hearing #1: In Person or Virtually 9 a.m.

Wednesday, July 26 Campus Center Chambers at County Operations Center, Kearny Mesa

5520 Overland Ave., 92123.

• Public Hearing #2: Virtual Only 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 26

Zoom details will be posted soon at sdvote.com under Voter’s Choice Actand on the Registrar’s Community Calendar.

Interpretation services will be available during both sessions in American Sign Language, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Persian and

Somali.

Important dates

July 12: The Registrar posted proposed updates to the Election Administration Plan at sdvote. com for a 14-day public review and comment period.

July 26: In-person and virtual public hearings including the county’s disability, and state and federally covered language communities.

July 26: The initial public review and comment period ends.

Aug. 9 – Aug. 23: The Registrar posts an amended Election Administration Plan for a second 14-day public review and comment period.

“We are very excited to share this with you very soon,” Salvador added.

Metawin became a household name after starring in the hit series “2gether: The Series” in 2020 and “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers” the following year.

Salvador, meanwhile, earned fame in the Philippines after her debut in the daytime drama “Be Careful With My Heart.” Since then, the singer-actress has done several TV shows and films. Her last role, the antagonist Valentina in “Darna,” earned her praises from fans and critics. n

The public can also find committed $14.5M to carry out actions that remove barriers to housing production by saving time and providing certainty in the development process which include:

Sept. 6: The Registrar posts the final adopted plan and sends it to the California Secretary of State for approval. The Election Administration Plan is reviewed every four years in the odd year prior to a scheduled election year. For more information about the Voter’s Choice Act, visit sdvote. com. (Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office)n

County ordinance update aids...

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• Offering pre-approved plans for singlefamily homes.

• Accepting tiny homes on wheels as an approved housing option.

• Making it easier to get a building

permit if you have a previously approved home design.

• Guaranteed approval timelines for the different types of housing and shelters.

• Technology changes that aid project tracking.

• More transparency, customer education, guidance tools and support.

The County continues to promote equitable access to affordable housing

in all its programs and services to allow for stakeholder participation and environmental study, where required.

The Board’s action is the result of extensive community input and engagement through webinars and outreach events on the new state laws included in this update.

(Shauni Lyles/County of San Diego Communications Office) n