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Here’s what to know about the new COVID-19 variant BA.2.86

IF forever exists, we’d vouch for COVID-19 as tangible proof.

Just when we all thought this nightmare had ended, here comes a new “highly mutated” COVID-19 variant nicknamed “Pirola” that’s been spreading in the United States and other countries such as Denmark and Israel.

Known officially as BA.2.86, this new COVID-19 contender comes hot on the heels of “Eris.” As of Aug. 25, nine cases have been reported in the GISAID database with three from Denmark, two each from South Africa and the United States, and one case in Israel and the United Kingdom. The first known case in the US was reported on Aug. 3 in Michigan.

But what caught the scientists’ attention is its unusual mutation lineup; it has a genetic makeup with more than 30 mutations compared with parent strain BA.2.

“The critical thing about this variant is that it has a whole host of mutations compared to some of the Omicron variants that emerged about two years ago,” Dr. Andrew Pekosz,

Timing and cost of new vaccines vary by virus and health insurance status

AS summer edges toward fall, thoughts turn to, well, vaccines.

Yes, inevitably, it’s time to think about the usual suspects — influenza and COVID-19 shots — but also the new kid in town: recently approved vaccines for RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus.

But who should get the various vaccines, and when?

“For the eligible populations, all three shots are highly recommended,” said Georges Benjamin, a physician and the executive director of the American Public Health Association.

Still, there’s no need to get them all at the same time, and there are reasons to wait a bit for two of them. Some people may also face cost issues. Let’s break this down.

What’s the Price?

It depends on the vaccine — and on your insurance coverage.

For COVID shots, including the updated ones expected to be available this fall, most people will still be able to get the vaccines for

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Marcos urges Filipinos to embrace heroism within

by gaea KatReena CabiCo Philstar.com

and recognize their capacity to become champions within their families and communities. In a message on National Heroes’ Day, Marcos stressed the significance of remembering the lives and deeds of lesser-known and unnamed Filipinos who have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.

Marcos sees non-traditional defense alliances with Europe

by Jean Mangaluz Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is considering the possibility of forging defense alliances with Europe.

In a meeting with United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary James Spencer Cleverly in Malacañang on Tuesday, August 29, Marcos said there is a new development in terms of security and defense.

“It is not traditional for us to look to Europe… to seek alliances and partnerships, especially when it comes to security and defense,” the Philippine leader told Cleverly.

Longer airport queues, delays seen with tighter travel rules

MANILA — Opposition

Sen. Risa Hontiveros warned on Monday, August 28 of longer queues and delays at immigration counters in the country’s international airports as the Department of Justice (DOJ) stood pat on the soundness of the new travel guidelines for outbound Filipinos that would take effect on Sept. 3.

In a statement, Hontiveros said that while she commends the Inter-Agency Council International passengers at the immigration counter of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. Manila International Airport Administration Bryan Co said they added immigration counters in the airport so that it now has 44 counters for faster transactions. Inquirer.net file photo

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“From the defiance of our ancestors against the first invading forces to the diligence of our soldiers and statesmen held to see the last of them off—our unsung champions prove the heroism is not limited to the Herculean; it also includes the honest, earnest,

Gilas Pilipinas crashes out of Fiba World Cup after loss to Italy

by Denison Rey Dalupang Inquirer.net

MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas turned in its most cohesive outing in the 2023 Fiba World Cup on Tuesday night, August 29, but it was not enough against an Italy side that rediscovered its lethal touch.

The host Philippines bowed to the sweet-shooting Italians, 90-83, to end up winless in Group A play of the global showcase at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Jordan Clarkson had 23 points, cornerstone Dwight Ramos 14, while four more players finished with eight each in the losing stand relegated the Gilas Pilipinas to the crossover classification round.

The Philippines will next play the bottom two teams from Group B which could either be South Sudan or regional powerhouse China.

The only consolation–for now–is that Japan, which upset Finland last Sunday, lost to Australia, 109-89, in u PAGE 2

“But that seems to be the evolution of geopolitics these days, so it is a welcome evolution in my view,” he said.

While Marcos did not give details on these new military initiatives, his administration has repeatedly asserted Philippines’ sovereignty over West Philippine Sea.

For his part, Cleverly said after meeting Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, he realized that UK and Philippines share many similar interests.

“Comparing notes on our two countries’ various positions on things, it was really a kind of an audit of two countries that are, I think instinctively, very much likeminded, with very, very similar attitudes

PH GDP growth projection for ‘23 cut on

global woes

by Ronnel W. DoMingo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Persistently weak global economic prospects and high prices of goods and services as well as ebbing consumer spending are expected to continue to weigh down Philippine output, such that it will grow much lower than previously forecast, according to GlobalSource Partners.

In a quarterly report penned by Romeo Bernardo and Marie Christine Tang, the New York City-based think tank said they

VP accused of spending P125 million in funds in 19 days

by Julie auRelio Inquirer.net

DID Vice President Sara Duterte spend P125 million on confidential expenses in just 19 days?

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro posed this question on Monday, August 28, days before the Office of the Vice President (OVP) was set to present its P2.374 billion proposed funding for 2024.

“The OVP spent the whole P125-million confidential fund given to the office in a span of just 19 days, from Dec. 13 to Dec. 31, 2022. This translates to P6,578,947.37 or almost P7 million per day,” Castro said in a statement.

She cited a special allotment

release order (Saro) issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Dec. 13, 2022, pertaining to confidential expenses.

The 2022 SaroBMB-C-22-0012004 for the OVP was in the amount of P221,424 “to cover financial assistance/ subsidy and confidential fund.”

The Saro indicated that the Office of the President approved the release on Nov. 28, 2022.

Confidential expenses Castro also pointed to the Commission on Audit’s (COA) 2022 audit report on the OVP, which said this amount was composed of P125 million in confidential expenses and P96.424 million for medical assistance.”

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MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, August 28 called on Filipinos to honor the efforts of unsung heroes,

Vice President Sara Duterte and House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro. Inquirer.net file photos

Marcos urges Filipinos to embrace heroism...

and compassionate living that we do every day,” he said.

The chief executive also said each Filipino has the potential to become a hero of the country.

“Let us also realize our own power to become heroes for our families and communities,” Marcos said, adding this consciousness should ignite a sense of dedication among Filipinos to pursue the agenda of “creating a new Philippines that is strong, prosperous, resilient, and secure for present and future generations.”

Vice President Sara DuterteCarpio also called on Filipinos to “find the heroes within us.”

“Carve a soul that is fearless, a soul that is selfless—and forge

REMEMBERING

28. This year’s National Heroes Day carries the theme “Karangalan. Katungkulan. Kabayanihan.” PNA photo by Rey Baniquet

a unity that will allow us to overcome the challenges of the present day and enable us to

achieve our aspirations for our country,” she said. Meanwhile, the president

led the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. His father, a dictator, was buried there with military honors in 2016 despite protests saying he is not a hero.

The Marcos family has refused to apologize or even acknowledge the atrocities and mass looting of government coffers during their patriarch’s over two-decade rule.

In a speech delivered at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Marcos honored the late Department of Migrant Workers chief Susan Ople.

“She is a perfect example of what true heroism can be. She tirelessly dedicated a better part of her life to remote the welfare of our modern heroes,” he said.n

Gilas Pilipinas crashes...

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Okinawa and will also slide into the classification round, keeping the race among Asian teams vying for a Paris berth alive. Simone Fontecchio led the way for the Italians with 18 points, Giampaolo Ricci chipped in 14 while Marco Spissu and Stefano Tonut 13 each, flexing their outside shooting.

Here’s what to know about the new COVID-19 variant...

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Will our COVID-19 shots stand strong?

This new COVID-19 variant might be strong enough even for those who’ve had COVID-19 or a jab. The CDC shared in its BA.2.86 risk assessment that it could be sneakier in causing infections among those who have either contracted COVID-19 and been vaccinated.

While an updated COVID-19 booster is already in the works

to combat BA.2.86, the U.S. FDA might only give the green light by the end of the month. New COVID-19 variant symptoms to watch out for

With only a few reported cases, it’s still uncertain what this brings to the table. However, according to Dr. Pekosz, “there’s no data on symptoms associated with infection because the case numbers are just too small.” These are however the most common symptoms associated with other COVID-19 variants: • Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Altered sense of smell and taste

While the updated boosters have yet to be rolled out, it’s better to not let your guard down. As the CDC suggests, prevention and precautionary measures still work against any COVID-19 variant. Here are the guidelines to follow according to the health agency:

• Wear a mask

The Azzurri hit 17 of their 41 triples (41 percent), a timely comeback for the World No. 10 squad who have been frosty from beyond the arc in their first two games (20 percent). Gilas, meanwhile, was only able to convert 10 of their 29 shots from deep. n a virologist at Johns Hopkins University, shared with Today.

• Keep your distance from crowded places

• Stay away from sick people or when someone is sneezing or coughing

• Wash your hands well and often

While there’s no reason to panic, being cautious and maintaining a healthy immune system are good safeguards. After all, who wants to go through the doom of another cabin fever? (Mary Villegas/ Inquirer.net) n

VP accused of spending...

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In the OVP’s statement of appropriations, allotments, obligations, disbursements, and balances (SAAODB) as of the end of 2022, the OVP told the COA that it obligated and disbursed P155 million, with P66.424 million as the remaining unobligated allotment.

In the OVP’s SAAODB as of June 30, 2023, the P66.424 million was also reported under “contingent fund: financial assistance/subsidyothers.”

“This implies that P125 million in confidential funds was already spent by Dec. 31, 2022, along with P30 million of the financial assistance, for a total of P155 million,” Castro said.

She said guidelines on the use of confidential funds limit the expenses to “surveillance-related activities such as purchase of information, rental of transport vehicles, rental and maintenance of safehouses, purchase or rental of supplies, material and equipment, payment of rewards to informers, and uncovering or prevention of certain illegal activities.”

No congressional authorization

The OVP is a civilian agency with no national defense or law enforcement function.

“We are curious as to how the OVP spent a huge amount in a short amount of time … How did they spend this big amount, which should not be considered confidential funds? It should not be kept secret because the OVP did not get congressional authorization for this in 2022,” Castro said.

Last week, the Makabayan solon flagged the OVP’s P125 million in confidential expenses for 2022 despite not having any appropriation for it in the 2022 General Appropriations Act.

She warned that the OVP may be held liable for violating provisions of the Constitution and the Revised Penal Code that require expenses to have corresponding appropriations in the national budget.

Castro pressed Duterte to explain how she incurred the expenses and called on the DBM and the Office of the President to explain the release of the funds.

She said the three-member bloc was mulling the filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte but said it would wait for COA’s findings on the P125-million confidential expenses first. n

Marcos sees...

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to world affairs, and very similar appetites to try and make the most of the bilateral

relationship, as well as the UK’s focus on Southeast Asia,” Cleverly told the chief executive. n

Longer airport...

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Against Trafficking (IACAT)

for intensifying its efforts against human trafficking, such measures should not be implemented at the expense of travelers.

“I urge the [DOJ] to not take for granted the complaints of passengers who may be inconvenienced by these latest travel guidelines. The public’s concerns with the revised international travel guidelines should not be dismissed as mere ‘miscommunication,’” she said.

“We (in government) shouldn’t turn a blind eye to warnings that some of the requirements would only promote delays and are prone to exploitation by corrupt immigration officers,” Hontiveros added.

‘Communications failure’

The DOJ earlier apologized, saying there was a “communications failure” when it announced the new travel restrictions.

“We will say sorry because communication regarding the revised guidelines was not done well,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said on Friday, August 25.

“We understand (the public uproar), and there was really that kind of side that came out; and I think it really is a communications failure that we did not release the 2015 guidelines … side by side with the 2023 [rules],” he added.

The DOJ is the lead agency of IACAT, with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla sitting as its chair.

Hontiveros scored the council’s supposed insistence on “dysfunctional guidelines,” which she feared could derail the government’s antitrafficking efforts.

Instead of shrugging off public criticism as stemming from a communications issue, IACAT must learn to listen to other stakeholders and their fellow policymakers, she said.

“The IACAT must take into

consideration the various inputs from lawmakers, legal experts, and everyday Filipinos about the new predeparture guidelines,” she stressed.

Hontiveros reminded the council that the Senate, through its committees on public services and on women, children, family relations and gender equality, had drawn ample findings from previous inquiries that could aid it in crafting travel guidelines.

“The IACAT must study thoroughly how the government can effectively implement the new guidelines in a manner that is both effective and practical,” she said.

Travel documents

Among the issues that Iacat needs to clarify is whether all first-time travelers must present “proof of hotel booking or accommodation.”

Hontiveros also wondered how the requirement of “notarized original affidavit of support and guarantee” for sponsored travelers could be complied with without unduly burdening them.

“If these problematic requirements are not rectified, then the ‘45-second’ processing time for travelers being promised by the Bureau of Immigration will become an empty promise,” she said.

At the House of Representatives, Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas, a member of the overseas workers’ affairs committee, said that the root of human trafficking should be addressed “instead of coming up with ridiculous measures that will further add insult to the suffering of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers).”

“We are burdening them with too many bureaucratic requirements when we should be looking at strategic solutions to address joblessness and poverty, notwithstanding the record of weak prosecution of traffickers in the country,” Brosas said in a statement. (by Melvin Gascon with a report from Julie Aurelio/ Inquirer.net) n

HEROES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday, August

Gilas defenders try to stop Italy’s main man Simone Fontecchio in their Fiba World Cup match. Inquirer.net photo by Marlon Cueto

PH GDP growth...

scaled down their forecast for growth of Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) for this year to 5.2 percent from 5.5 percent.

For 2024, their forecast was slashed significantly to 5 percent from 5.8 percent, mainly due to a lack of productive factors—other than inbound remittances and export receipts from services like business process outsourcing—that could drive output expansion.

The Marcos administration’s economic team, however, insisted that their goal of 6 percent to 7 percent GDP growth for 2023 was “still achievable.” For this to happen, GDP must grow by 6.6 percent in the second semester. GlobalSources’ downward revisions come after the widely proclaimed “disappointing” second-quarter results, which showed output growth of only 4.3 percent against the common forecast of 6 percent. Easing demand

GlobalSource said that while the slowdown in consumption was expected considering that postpandemic pent-up demand eased and high inflation erodes purchasing power, the 7-percent contraction in government spending was a surprise.

In addition, the benefit of an expected recovery in Chinese tourism is not being felt and might not be seen going forward. In the case of the Philippines, the group attributed this to Malacañang’s foreign policy pivot to the United States and to stricter regulation of online gaming.

Challenging goal

“[The] government’s challenging goal of keeping the economy on the fast lane, targeting 6.5 percent to 8 percent annual GDP growth, has been spoiled by the usual bane of new administrations, [which is] poor project execution that exacerbated the growth slowdown,”

GlobalSource said.

“Going forward, the economy will continue to face the same headwinds and dissipating tailwinds,” they added. “Externally, weaker global growth is projected through 2024 for the Philippine’s major trading partners.”

For one, there are the persistent concerns about an economic recession in the United States, where interest rates are being kept high for much longer.

Also, commodity prices remain high especially for crude oil while food prices are also on the uptrend, particularly rice.

Notices of local oil companies show that, since the end of the second quarter, pump prices of diesel have seen a net increase of P12.50 per liter. The net increase is P8.25 per liter for gasoline and P11.80 for kerosene.

But it may be worse, as GlobalSource noted factors that may push down actual GDP growth readouts lower than their latest forecast.

“A recession in the United States and financial market turbulence due to higher long-term yields as well as another spike in inflation due to a host of food supply problems, including rice producers’ export bans and a more severe El Niño drought, are the main downsides to our forecast,” the think tank said. n

Timing and cost of new vaccines vary by virus and...

free. People became accustomed to that nocost availability during the pandemic, but the federal government stopped picking up the entire tab with the end of the public health emergency this spring.

Now the actual cost of the vaccine, which manufacturers said could be far higher than what the government paid during the pandemic, will be borne by private insurers and Medicare and Medicaid.

For people without insurance, the Biden administration set up the Bridge Access Program, which will make free vaccines available this fall through community health centers and state health departments. Eventually, retail pharmacies may also participate.

Pfizer and Moderna, two of the companies producing updated covid vaccines, previously suggested they would charge $110 to $130 per dose, and plan to offer programs for people who cannot afford the vaccines. In July, the Biden administration urged both makers to set a “reasonable” rate for the updated versions. Another company, Novavax, has said it will also have an updated vaccine for the U.S. market. It is still unclear how prices will shake out. In a recent Moderna earnings call, company officials indicated they are negotiating contracts with payers but did not give perdose figures. The company expects covid vaccine sales worldwide to tally $6 billion to $8 billion this year.

The Affordable Care Act says patients don’t have to pay for certain preventive care, including some vaccines. That means flu shots are offered at no cost to people with insurance, including those on Medicare and Medicaid. Those without insurance may be able to land a free or low-cost shot from some health centers and state health departments. The cost of the flu vaccine depends on the type of shot and the pharmacy or medical outlet providing it but can range from $20 to more than $70.

Similar rules apply to the new RSV vaccines, which may carry a price tag between $180 and $295 a shot. Because they are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, they are covered for people with private insurance without a copay. The Inflation Reduction Act did the same for Medicare beneficiaries and provided incentives for states to follow suit with Medicaid. Still, Medicare beneficiaries should note that the RSV vaccine is covered under Part D of the program, so those who have not signed up for the drug benefit may have to pay out-of-pocket.

It may take a while for insurers to list the RSV vaccine on their formularies, so patients are advised to check their health plans before making an appointment.

The uninsured, however, will need to turn to low-cost clinics or health departments, although those programs may vary.

Such lack of access “means we will have another health disparity for people who can’t afford it,” said Benjamin, of the public health

association.

Luckily, most of those seeking the shot are likely to be on Medicare, which will cover it, he said. “But if you are 60 to 65 and not yet on Medicare, you might have some challenges.”

RSV vaccines

The newest of the vaccines target RSV, a common respiratory illness. The season for RSV infections usually begins in the fall and lasts into the spring, potentially peaking in January and February.

The CDC estimates that 60,000 to 160,000 people 65 and older are hospitalized because of RSV annually, with approximately 6,000 to 10,000 deaths among that age group. Infants and older adults are most at risk.

Risk factors for having a more severe case include increased age, but also underlying conditions like lung diseases, cardiovascular problems like congestive heart failure, diabetes, and kidney and liver disorders, and being immunocompromised. The illness can also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The two new vaccines have been approved for older adults, with the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel saying people 60 or older should be able to get one of them if they and their doctor or other medical provider agree it would be a good precaution.

If you fall into those categories, don’t wait too long, said William Schaffner, a physician and professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University. “That’s one you can do and get out of the way right now.”

Those who get one of the new RSV vaccines now should take a brief pause of at least two weeks before getting any other vaccination because there isn’t much data on whether they interact with other shots when received concurrently, he said.

The effectiveness of the RSV vaccines in preventing severe disease is expected to remain high through this year’s RSV season, and they may also provide some protection the following year, based on information from the clinical trials.

In early August a new monoclonal antibody,

which contains lab-made antibodies against RSV, was approved for infants under 8 months and certain other young children, and it should be available soon. The shot is similar to a vaccine, but it works faster because it supplies the antibodies itself rather than spurring a baby’s immune system to produce them. Among children under 5, RSV causes 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths each year, according to the CDC. On Monday, the FDA approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine to be given during pregnancy to convey protection to infants after they are born until they are 6 months old. It isn’t yet known when the vaccine will become available or the specific recommendations the CDC will make about who should get it.

As with any drug or vaccine, side effects are possible with any of the new shots, including pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and some other, rarer side effects.

“It’s always good to sit down and talk with your doctor. They know your medical history,” said Mahdee Sobhanie, an infectious diseases physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. COVID and influenza vaccines

Both covid and flu shots are worth getting, but it might be a good idea to wait a little bit.

One reason is that updated covid shots awaiting approval are formulated to work against strains more commonly circulating now, known as the XBB lineage. The boosters will not directly target the new “Eris” variant currently rising in the U.S., though Eris is considered a descendant of XBB.

If approved, the updated vaccines are expected to become available around late September.

When to get vaccinated can be confusing, with the seasonality of the illnesses varying a bit. Flu season usually starts in late fall and runs into spring. We have fewer years’ data on covid, but it appears to vary with the seasons, too, with upticks in winter when people gather inside, but also during hot summer months, when people are more likely to seek air-conditioned indoor venues. With the updated covid vaccines expected in the next couple of months, patients should be able to get a covid vaccination and an influenza shot at the same time, said Schaffner.

“We have good info they don’t interact,” he said.

The influenza vaccine is designed to last through the season, but effectiveness can wane. For that reason, even though you might start seeing ads in August, many experts suggest waiting until the end of September or early October to get a flu shot.

“If you get it too early, it might not cover you too well toward the end of the season,” Schaffner said. (Julie Appleby/KFF Health News)

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

PARAPHERNALIA. Campaign t-shirts and other election merchandise are on display outside the Commission on Elections-Davao City office on Tuesday, August 29. The poll body said the campaign period for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections should be on Oct. 19 to 28 only. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

People became accustomed to that no-cost availability during the pandemic, but the federal government stopped picking up the entire tab with the end of the public health emergency this spring. Pexels.com photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Sarina Bolden throws first pitch at SF Giants game

by Jonas teRRaDop Inquirer.net

PHILIPPINE women’s football team star striker

Sarina Bolden threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a Major League Baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds.

Bolden got the honor at the Giants home ballpark, Oracle Park, on Monday, August 28 as part of the team’s Filipino Heritage Night. The 26-year-old was born in nearby Santa Clara to an American father and a Filipina mother.

The player responsible for scoring the country’s first goal in the Fifa Women’s World Cup walked to the mound wearing a cream white No. 7 Giants jersey with her name inscribed before making a right-handed throw.

San Francisco went on to win, 4-1, to go 68-63 on the season while Cincinnati fell to 68-65.

Her appearance came a month after the Filipinas completed their maiden appearance in women’s football’s biggest stage, falling a win short of advancing to the round-of-16.

It was against co-host New Zealand where Bolden fired a header in the 24th minute that eventually gave the Philippines a historic 1-0 victory at Wellington’s Regional Stadium.

The Filipino Heritage Night is an annual fixture in the Giants season to honor Filipinos living in the Bay Area. n

Alex Eala rises to career-best

No. 195 in WTA rankings

by lanCe agCaoili Inquirer.net

MANILA — Alex Eala earned her career-best ranking in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles.

The 18-year-old Filipino reached the Top 200 as she improved to WTA Rank No. 195.

Eala soared 22 spots from being No. 217 last week. She surpassed her previous careerbest ranking of No.214 last year.

The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate ruled the W25 Roehampton tournament in Great Britain.

Eala finished second in the W25 Aldershot also in Great Britain, where she lost to Aussie Destanee Aiava in the

final, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6.

Eala has four International Tennis Federation (ITF) titles including the W25 Yecla in

Spain two months ago.

Eala will compete in the Asian Games starting on September 23 in Hangzhou, China. n

Astemperatures soar, City of San Diego reminds residents to stay cool

Locations

available across the city to provide relief from the heat

SAN DIEGO – With the National Weather Service (NWS) issuance of an Excessive Heat Warning through 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 29 the City of San Diego has been reminding everyone to stay safe and to seek relief from the sun and heat during the day. San Diegans can visit dozens of city recreation centers, libraries and other public buildings with air conditioning to cool off. Please note, these facilities may have regularly scheduled programs and activities underway.

When temperatures soar, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts are also reminded to take precautions when visiting local trails and open space parks.

“As with any significant change in weather conditions, preparedness is key,” said Chris Heiser, Executive Director of the City’s Office of Emergency Services. “Extreme heat is no different. Make sure your family and pets stay hydrated and protected from the heat.”

The NWS Excessive Heat Warning boundary includes the City of San Diego east of Interstate 5. An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days and night-time air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees.

During a high heat event, San Diegans and

visitors are encouraged to:

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned setting.

• Stay out of the sun.

• Reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or late evening.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

• Never leave children and pets unattended in cars.

To help San Diegans understand and better prepare for environmental threats including high heat events, the City developed the San Diego Hazard Dashboard (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ d9f0c66ae0124a1ba13b70960f12cd77/). This new tool is online and is accessible to anyone.

“The San Diego Hazard Dashboard is intended to provide regional information and situational awareness about real-time conditions,” Heiser said. “Residents can view current hazards and potential risks, including current weather conditions.”

The Hazard Dashboard was developed by the City’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), in coordination with the Department of Information Technology.

To find the list of locations in the City of San Diego where people can cool off, visit sandiego. gov/cool-zones. (City of San Diego Release) n

County announces new childcare blueprint to help families

SAN Diego County’s new Child and Family Well-Being department publicly unveiled on Tuesday, August 29 its Child Care Blueprint, a two-year strategy to improve access, equity, and the quality of childcare throughout the region.

It’s no secret many parents in San Diego County and elsewhere are struggling to find and pay for childcare. Families are often putting their names on coveted providers’ waiting lists before a child is even born.

“The Blueprint is part of our strategy to reimagine how we serve families and support providers,” said County Board of Supervisors chairwoman Nora Vargas. “Childcare is a public good, and we all have a role to play to ensure it is accessible to all families. Now more than ever, childcare is essential to support our workforce and help build back our economy.”

The challenges surrounding childcare became more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the County Board of Supervisors conducted a Child Care Conference in 2022 to hear from local and national experts.

From that conference the Blueprint was crafted to outline goals, priorities, and calls to action to expand access to quality childcare.

“This plan establishes a strong vision for childcare in the region. It builds on existing county and community programs and positions us to make San Diego County a place where every family has access to childcare that meets their needs,” said Dr. Eric McDonald, interim director of the Health and Human Services Agency.

The primary goals of the Childcare Blueprint are:

• A childcare workforce that is well-trained, supported, valued as a profession, and paid competitive wages.

• Safe and quality facilities are developed and renovated to expand childcare programs, particularly in geographic areas where childcare is scarce, or family demand outpaces supply.

• All families have access to childcare that

meets their needs and preferences and supports their children’s learning, physical and mental health and social emotional development.

“Together with our amazing partners we are committed to addressing this crisis,” said Alethea Arguilez, assistant director of the Office of Child and Family Strengthening. “We will work with them on shaping childcare throughout San Diego County. We encourage all in the community to be a part of this strategic work in support of workforce development, dedicated space and expanded access and affordability for working families.”

To volunteer for a work group, email the County at Liki.Porotesano@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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

California American Water Company lifts boil water advisory

CALIFORNIA American Water Company (Cal-Am) reports it has lifted a boil water advisory for affected areas in South County on Saturday, August 26.

The boil water advisory was put into effect Aug. 24, 2023, due to E. coli contamination in the drinking water. The County of San Diego Emergency Operations Center was activated and worked with the state, Cal-Am and the affected cities to help spread the word. The county also worked with impacted healthcare facilities and restaurants we govern to provide guidance to them.

After extensive water testing, Cal-Am and the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW) determined Saturday afternoon, the water is now safe to drink. Cal-Am says affected

customers no longer have to boil their water or drink bottled water.

Cal-Am says the affected areas in their boil water advisory were portions of Imperial Beach, the City of Coronado south of Fiddler’s Cove, certain customers within the City of San Diego neighborhoods of Nestor and Otay Mesa West, and portions of Southwest Chula Vista.

More than 17,000 customer accounts, as many as 106,000 people, were affected by the Cal-Am boil water advisory. The cause of the contamination is still under investigation.

Cal-Am made the first notification to its impacted customers that their boil water advisory was lifted, and the information will also be shared by impacted cities and agencies.

The county Department of

Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) is working with restaurants to provide updated guidance and resources on how to resume operations now that the boil water advisory is no longer in effect. Restaurants can also contact DEHQ at (858) 5056900 or fhdutyeh@sdcounty. ca.gov.

No food facility inspection or approval will be needed as part of the restaurant reopening process.

The county is requesting that any businesses affected by CalAm’s boil water advisory to complete a voluntary Boil Water Advisory Economic Impact Survey. The information collected will be used to determine if the County should attempt to seek state and/or federal assistance. The form is informational only,

County Board of Supervisors chair Nora Vargas speaking during the unveiling of the Child Care Blueprint. Screen capture from web

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala

Photo from Alex Eala’s Facebook

Filipinas’ Sarina Bolden Photo from Instagram/oraclepark

Teachers lament worsening education system

by JanviC Mateo, sheila CRisostoMo Philstar.com

MANILA — The country’s education system has worsened under the present administration, teachers’ organizations lamented on Tuesday, August 29.

Members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) held an early morning protest along Mendiola to call out the government for its failure to address the shortages and what it described as the “worsening education crisis.”

Teachers scored Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s recent order to leave classroom walls bare, saying instructional aids help students in the learning process.

They also questioned the proposed confidential funds for the Department of Education (DepEd).

“We need higher education budget, more classrooms, teachers, education support personnel, functional facilities and sufficient instructional and

learning materials. We need to increase teachers’ basic pay to decent and living salaries. We do not need confidential and intelligence funds at all,” ACT chairman Vladimer Quetua said.

For the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), the dire situation of teachers has remained the same for decades.

“There may be changes to the curriculum or even to the physical condition of our classrooms and schools, but the condition of the teachers is the most important and should be given priority. Our teachers are still overburdened with redundant clerical work that gets worse every day. Class sizes can reach as high as 50 to 55, and yet we expect our teachers to teach better,” TDC chairman Benjo Basas said in a separate statement.

The group challenged President Marcos to fulfill his campaign promise to increase the salary of public school

QCPD chief resigns amid backlash over presscon with ex-cop in road rage incident

teachers.

“As a senator, he was consistent in filing a bill to raise teacher pay during the 15th and 16th Congress. Now that he is President, he has all the power and influence he needs to make it happen and not just keep it as a campaign promise,” Basas said.

“Children’s welfare is always at the center of discussions whenever the classes open, that’s understood. But this time, those in authority should also consider the welfare of teachers and give it the attention it highly deserves. How could we safeguard the well-being of these children if their teachers’ welfare is uncertain?” he added.

Hiring program

As classes in public schools opened on Tuesday, a lawmaker called for the “urgent hiring” of teachers and education support personnel.

ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro made a round of some public schools and observed the “glaring lack of teachers and education support personnel.”

Castro said there is also an “urgent need” for additional personnel such as nurses and guidance counselors.

“The lack of teachers and education support personnel is a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately. It directly affects the quality of education and support services that our students receive,” she added.

The lawmaker stressed that students could not be expected to “thrive and succeed without

California American Water...

completing the survey form does not guarantee that you will be eligible or will receive assistance, and it is also not a substitution for submitting a claim with California American Water Company (Cal-Am) or your insurance company. The deadline for completing the survey is Sept. 15.

County Public Health continues to monitor for healthrelated issues and asks anyone experiencing gastrointestinal issues or any other symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.

For additional information regarding affected schools and guidelines for residential customers, please contact the

u PAGE 7

responsible agency, California American Water, at 1-888237-1333 or visit the California American alert page at https:// www.amwater.com/alerts/ extended/caaw-boil-wateradvisory-city-of-imperial-beachand-coronado-south-of-fiddlerscove.

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

MANILA — The director of the Quezon City Police District resigned from his post Wednesday, August 30 following criticism for a press conference he conducted with a gun-toting former policeman who was involved in a road rage incident.

Brig. General Nicolas Torre III told his superiors he was resigning as the head of the QCPD, The STAR reported.

In an interview with DWPM’s Teleradyo Serbisyo Wednesday morning, Torre said he is “seriously considering getting out of Quezon City to give way to an impartial investigation.”

Torre was criticized for allowing dismissed cop Wilfredo Gonzales to speak at a press conference at Camp Karingal Sunday afternoon. Gonzales was caught on video assaulting a cyclist and threatening the biker by drawing his firearm.

“I really regret that press conference. I really apologize

(Philstar. com) n

The

earlier

a

Senate OKs bill on welfare, protection of caregivers

by ChaRie abaRCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Senate on Tuesday, August 29 approved Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2019, otherwise known as the Caregivers’ Welfare Act.

With 21 affirmative votes, zero negative, and zero abstentions, SBN 2019 was approved on third and final reading during a plenary session.

The measure secures caregivers’ rights from implementation of decent employment and income policies to protect them from abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.

SB 2019 states that a caregiver’s working hours shall be based on the employment contract signed by the parties and in accordance with the labor laws, rules and regulations.

The measure likewise indicates that the minimum wage of a caregiver shall not be less than the applicable minimum wage in the region.

Among the recommendations included in the measure are the following:

• Wages shall be paid on time directly to the caregiver to whom they are due once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding 16 days.

• A caregiver who has rendered at least one

month of service is entitled to a thirteenth month pay which shall not be less than one-twelfth of his or her total basic salary earned in a calendar year.

• Employers shall also provide the caregiver with a copy of the pay slip containing the amount paid in cash every pay day, and indicating all deductions made, if any.

• A caregiver who has rendered at least one year of service shall be entitled to an annual service incentive leave of at least five days with pay.

• A caregiver shall be covered by the Social Security System (SSS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG, and shall be entitled to all the benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided by law.

• The employer shall also provide for the basic necessities of the caregiver, such as three adequate meals a day and appropriate rest and medical assistance in the form of firstaid medicines, in case of illness and injuries sustained during service without loss of benefits.

• A caregiver must also be able to terminate employment relationship an anytime for any of

u PAGE 7

Retired policeman Willie Gonzales is seen in images taken from video drawing a gun on a cyclist and striking him on the head during a traffic altercation near the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City on Aug. 8. Lower right photo shows Gonzales and Quezon City Police District chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III (left) holding a press conference at Camp Karingal on Wednesday, August 30, with the pistol Gonzales used in the incident in the foreground.

Photo by Michael Varcas

Students of Aurora Aquino Elementary School in Malate, Manila actively participate during their first day of classes on August 29, 2023. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

to the Filipino people for those actions,” Torre said. He earlier said that he arranged a press conference to give journalists an opportunity to talk with Gonzales.

QCPD

filed

complaint of alarm and scandal against Gonzales for the incident, which happened along Quezon Avenue last August 8. with report from The STAR/Manny Tupas

Deadly contests

There must be so much at stake in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections or BSKE that people are committing murder to eliminate candidates.

On the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the BSKE on August 28, Alex Repato was shot dead in front of his house in Libon town, Albay. Just hours earlier, Repato had filed his COC for reelection as barangay captain of San Jose. Days before his death, barangay councilor Reliosa Mata of Nagpo also in Libon along with her husband Alfredo were shot dead on their way home.

Over in the Cotabato town of Midsayap, Haron Dimalanes was shot before noon on Tuesday, August 29 in a parking area outside the Comelec office, within the town hall compound, where he was set to file his COC for barangay captain of Malingao, in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Dimalanes died in a hospital. His companion, Javier Samad Kambiyong, was injured. Even former barangay officials have been targeted. On July 30 this year, Anwar Ebrahim

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

ARRIVING in Manila earlier this week for consultations, we have been deluged with a series of interviews from the local media in relation to a smear campaign launched against some of our colleagues in government, including myself and other Filipino diplomats, with the use of cyberspace.

There is absolutely no doubt that there is a strong concerted effort to drive a wedge between the Philippines and its close allies like the United States to undermine our position and derail our efforts in upholding our territorial integrity and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. They’re using all kinds of inane tactics, like fake memos purportedly coming from the Department of Foreign Affairs where I am supposedly being recalled from Washington, or another ridiculous rumor of being reassigned to Beijing. They’re engaging in disinformation using fake emails and instant messaging apps. Some have also been creating fake accounts on Facebook and X (Twitter), with many of us being targeted.

Emails, smartphones and other communication systems are already severely compromised because of malware embedded in links that can steal user details. Once details are stolen, cybercriminals

Salem and his 21-year-old son Anwar Jr. were murdered in an ambush in Matalam, North Cotabato. The elder Salem was the former chairman of Barangay Arakan who served as president of the local Association of Barangay Captains. Police said his murder might not have been connected to the upcoming BSKE because Salem had said he did not intend to run in the elections. But the killing could be related to his former work as a barangay captain.

Police said that from Jan. 1 to July 31 this year, there had been 340 deadly gun attacks in the autonomous region, with over 20 targeting elected government officials. That translates to a daily average of 1.6 murders or homicides.

All elections in this country are tainted with deadly armed violence. But the level of violence tends to be higher in local races, and those for the BSK are no exception. The ease of obtaining guns all over the country along with an ever growing list of unsolved murders emboldens

people to resort to assassinations as the ultimate way of eliminating political rivals. With another electoral exercise approaching, authorities should put an end to this impunity. (Philstar.com)

Philippines’ cybersecurity in real and present danger

use apps that create fake chats or conversations complete with a screen shot, which they can spread through social media sites and platforms. Even popular messaging apps like Viber may not be as secure as we think. According to some reports, cybercriminals can access Viber accounts on your phone or PC and install spyware that can monitor calls and messages, and see your conversation history. Worse, they can actually make calls and send messages that supposedly came from you. I have long accepted the fact that when one holds a government position or is in some measure a “high profile” personality – one will definitely be targeted for hatchet jobs, which unfortunately simply comes with the job. I was warned many months ago by intelligence agencies whom we work with in Washington, D.C. that pro-China groups “will go after [me]” – with the heightened attacks triggered by the president’s successful visit to Washington and the approval of four additional bases accessible to U.S. armed forces under the 2015 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

But what many others and I are extremely concerned about is the fact that our cybersecurity is currently severely compromised. So many of our government agencies are already penetrated. This is really far more serious than one can imagine – cyber spies can clearly undermine the country’s

economic and national security.

They can do this easily by spreading false information and propagating fake stories – picking up bits and pieces of information and manipulating them in such a way that they become believable.

Early this year, for instance, a fake memo circulated through Facebook about the Philippine National Police supposedly going on heightened alert due to the purported mass resignation of Defense personnel and a destabilization plot within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The scary part is that it looked authentic.

A report from Singapore cybersecurity company GroupIB also revealed that a hacker group identified as Dark Pink has been focusing its attacks on the government and military agencies of Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Dark Pink has been stealing data since 2021 through phishing emails – like a letter supposedly from a job applicant or inquiring about internships, with attached documents (presumably credentials) that would activate malware when downloaded.

Data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky revealed that the Philippines ranked Number 2 among countries most attacked by web threats in 2022. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), there have been over 3,000 high-level cyberattacks monitored from 2020 to 2022,

with 60 percent of those directed at government institutions. In fact, the DICT has admitted that the “increased vulnerability of our nation’s digital landscape” makes it “crucial to protect the country’s critical infrastructure.”

The United States of course is a major target of cyberattacks that seek to inflict economic damage, like what happened to Colonial Pipeline – a major pipeline system that supplies refined gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the U.S. East Coast – that was attacked by a Russian cybercriminal group known as DarkSide. Colonial went offline for several days, resulting in supply shortages, disrupting airline operations, causing fuel prices to skyrocket and triggering a nationwide state of emergency.

The fact is, highly sophisticated technology can now enable cybercriminals to reach for targets anywhere in the world. They can remotely access computers, turn off electricity, shut off communications facilities, disrupt airport operations – and you won’t even know where these attacks are coming from.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and other government offices have been severely compromised, confirmed to us by intelligence experts locally and in Washington, D.C.

But all is not lost. The president himself is very much aware of the need to “shore up our defenses when it comes to cybersecurity” – and to this end,

a National Plan on Cybersecurity has been drawn up by the DICT, underscoring that external security threats such as cybersecurity warfare need to be addressed. We have several international experts coming to assess our cybersecurity and a plan will be put in place to secure our cyberspace.

As ICT Secretary Ivan Uy had explained, in today’s warfare, the “first attack is not done with a bullet or a missile. It’s done in cyberspace,” adding that “cybersecurity should have an extremely dominant role”

because unlike physical attacks where damage is limited to a physical target like a building or facility, a cyberattack can shut down an entire country’s financial system or energy infrastructure. The damage would be unimaginable. (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

Fostering unsung heroism in the Philippines

ONE thing I am certain of, our nation is yearning for heroes. As we cast our gaze backward, we find ourselves repeatedly drawn to historical epochs such as the Philippine Revolution, World War II, and the EDSA People Power Revolution for our heroic icons. When our national anthem is sung, the usual accompanying imagery — Filipino soldiers trudging the Death March, Lapulapu felling Magellan, and the valiant fighters of the Philippine Revolution — evokes a sense of dull admiration that highlights a yearning for fresh heroism.

Remarkably, our interpretation of the phrase “ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo” (“to die in your cause”) in “Lupang Hinirang” has veered toward the literal, elevating sacrifice above all other forms of heroism. This

perception, though grounded in the monumental sacrifices of figures like Jose Rizal, Jose Abad Santos, and Benigno S. Aquino Jr., has marginalized countless others who have made substantial contributions to our society without offering their lives. Among these unsung champions are teachers, students, extension workers, community leaders, farmers, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, scientists, journalists, government officials, and civil society leaders who, in the shadows, toil to enhance our collective well-being.

These unsung heroes act as the linchpin of community resilience and progress. Amid emergencies and disasters, they selflessly volunteer their time and energy. They assume leadership roles, cultivate cleaner and safer neighborhoods, and initiate tree-planting campaigns. They uphold the pillars of justice by bearing witness against crime and corruption, and

they courageously confront those who perpetrate illegal and harmful actions in public spaces. Through their diligent work and daily lives, they personify responsibility and accountability.

Paradoxically, our lofty standards for heroism blind us to the heroes dwelling among us. This oversight stems from our lack of a structured process for hero cultivation. Other nations, such as China and Vietnam, cultivate heroes from an early age through programs like the Young Pioneers, fostering leadership potential, consciousness, and pride. This approach isn’t limited to socialism; it finds roots in the Boy Scouts movement initiated by Lord Robert Baden Powell. Regrettably, this noble concept has been subverted by politicians for personal gain, preventing its full realization in the Philippines.

Our nation requires a broader preparation for national service, one that embraces diverse

avenues of contribution. The proposed resurrection of the Reserve Officers’ Training Course signals a positive step forward, but its scope should transcend military-centric training. The National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) created by virtue of Republic Act No. 9163 known as the National Service Training Program or NSTP Act of 2001 is a better civic development model. Unfortunately, since the enactment of the NSTP law in 2001 until 2011, the NSRC was never organized and mobilized despite the issuance to that effect of a joint memorandum by the Department of National Defense, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Yet, the need for the NSRC keeps being affirmed. RA 10121 known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 provides that the NSRC be accredited and mobilized for

disaster risk reduction and management in the country.

It is time the NSRC is mobilized in earnest. It would provide the opportunity for youth civic engagement, guiding our young generation toward a profound understanding of duty and service and rekindling the spirit of patriotism.

Furthermore, initiatives like the Red Cross volunteers, the 4H Club, and the Young Farmers Challenge Club can captivate the imagination of our youth, offering platforms to acquire emergency skills and foster a sense of civic responsibility.

In my personal journey, I have had the privilege of encountering heroes whose contributions resonated deeply. Icons like Ninoy Aquino, Salvador P. Lopez, and Jesse Robredo have left an indelible mark on me. Yet, even beyond those I knew personally, I draw inspiration from figures like Wenceslao Vinzons, Maria Orosa, Juan Flavier, and Albert del Rosario, whose contributions have transformed the nation in

profound but often uncelebrated ways.

In sum, the Filipino narrative of heroism must expand its envelope to encompass the quiet champions who stand resolutely behind the curtains of history. True heroism transcends self-interest and demands our attention. We must shift our focus from a limited understanding of heroism to a broader acknowledgment of those who serve in diverse ways, nurturing a culture of responsibility and leadership from youth. As we recalibrate our definition of heroism, we pave the way for the emergence of countless hidden heroes, ultimately fortifying our nation’s foundation for a brighter future. (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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

* * * doyromero@gmail.com

Data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky revealed that the Philippines ranked Number 2 among countries most attacked by web threats in 2022. Philstar.com file photo

sufficient personnel to guide and support their learning journey.”

It is also important to have an adequate number of teachers to ensure “manageable class sizes and effective instruction,” according to Castro.

She also pointed out the need for more nurses and guidance counselors to provide the necessary health and emotional support to students.

“Our students deserve to have a conducive learning environment, and this includes having enough teachers and support personnel to cater to their needs,” she said.

Castro has called on the DepEd to urgently address the shortage of teachers and education support personnel by implementing a “comprehensive hiring program.”

“We need a systematic and strategic approach to address the lack of teachers and education support personnel in our public schools. It is high time that we prioritize the needs of our students and invest in their future,” she maintained.

‘Innovation solutions’

Amid all these concerns, Duterte sees a different approach to address the perennial problems in the country’s basic education system.

Speaking at Kaluangan I Primary School in Asturias, Cebu on Tuesday, the Vice President said the DepEd under the second Marcos administration is pursuing two tracks in addressing problems such as the shortage of teachers and classrooms.

“Since time immemorial, we saw that we approach our problems using the same solutions,” she said in English and Filipino.

“We have a problem with teachers, so we hire more teachers, we look for more teachers. And yet, we still cannot address our needs for teachers,” she added.

The two-track approach, she said, would introduce “innovative” solutions on top of the more traditional approaches that have been adopted by previous administrations.

For instance, in the case of teacher and classroom shortages, Duterte reiterated her previous proposal of institutionalizing blended learning.

“We can easily solve the shortages in classrooms, teachers and congestion in our classrooms with the blended learning program,” she said.

“We hope to be able to institute and implement reforms during the administration of President Marcos, and we hope that there will be improvements in the performance of our learners,” she added.

The Vice President visited the Cebu school for the opening of classes. She led the inauguration of the new building for what DepEd described as a “last-mile” school or those in the farthest communities in the country.

Military eyes repair of ship in shoal

Duterte likewise cited the rise of artificial intelligence, which she said could change how the education system would look like in the future.

The DepEd has yet to release the implementation guidelines for the institutionalized blended learning, with the latest policy mandating that faceto-face classes shall remain the primary learning delivery modality in all schools as it is “crucial role in enabling in-depth and real-time teacher-learner interaction.”

Officials earlier said the new curriculum, which will be piloted in select schools this school year, may be adopted to blended learning modality if necessary, but its initial rollout will focus on faceto-face setup.

It was Duterte who mandated the full implementation of face-to-face classes last school year, after two years of blended learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she cited the learning losses and the need to improve student performance.

Private schools are still allowed to implement blended or full online learning. Public schools need to obtain permission from the DepEd before they can utilize blended learning modality to address congestion.

Orderly, peaceful

The DepEd has not reported any untoward incident related to the opening of classes.

In Metro Manila, DepEd Assistant Secretary

Francis Cesar Bringas visited the 14 public schools that are at the center of the feud between the local governments of Makati and Taguig.

Bringas said the opening of classes in the said schools were orderly and peaceful.

The DepEd reported that as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 22,917,725 students are enrolled in public and private kindergarten, elementary and high schools.

While lower than last school year’s 28.8 million, education officials said they expect the number to increase in the coming days, noting that there are always late enrollees every school year.

Bringas also noted class suspensions in areas experiencing heavy rainfall due to Typhoon Goring and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

To address congestion, particularly in Metro Manila, he confirmed that there are schools that would implement blended learning and as many as three shifts.

Echoing Duterte, Bringas said they looking into the problem of shortage of facilities, saying they are going to “redefine” learning spaces, in reference to the plan to institutionalize blended learning and alternative delivery modes.

Learning, he said, is no longer limited to the four walls of the classroom. (With reports from Ramon Efren Lazaro, Emmanuel Tupas, Artemio Dumlao) n

Senate OKs bill on welfare...

the following reasons: verbal and emotional abuse, inhumane treatment, commission of a crime or offense against the caregiver by the client, and if any member of the household, employer or his/her representative has any disease prejudicial to the health of the

caregiver.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who also sits as the chairperson of the Senate’s committee on labor, employment and human resources development, said the Senate has united to approve the measure.

“This is an important and special opportunity for your

servant. We have passed a bill that will provide protection to a vulnerable but vigorous sector of our society. Just like the Caregiver Law that we celebrated the tenth anniversary of today, we hope that this is a step for the continued development and improvement of the condition of our caregivers,” said Estrada. n

by FRanCisCo tuyay anD beRnaDette e taMayo ManilaTimes.net

ARMED Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. is considering giving the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal a facelift as part of efforts to improve the living conditions of soldiers who have been protecting the country’s territory amid Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“We have the right to repair our [BRP Sierra Madre] vessel” and “make sure it is habitable for our soldiers,” said Brawner.

The Ayungin Shoal, however, is only one of nine islands where Philippine structures have been put up. The other eight are: the islands of Parola, Pagasa, Kota, Panata, Likas, Law, and Patag, and Rizal Reef. He cited the need to “maintain, sustain and fortify the Philippine military’s presence in the hotly contested waters.”

Brawner, however, refused to provide details of the timeline, except that the AFP is duty-bound to fulfill its mandate to ensure the wellbeing of soldiers.

“In case we bring construction materials intended for BRP Sierra Madre, they have no right to question it. It’s not their business. First, I’ve said that the Philippine ship we’re going to is within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Brawner said.

“So we have all the right to perform our resupply mission, we have all the right to protect our EEZ, and we have all the right to make sure our soldiers are safe in BRP Sierra Madre,” he said.

Brawner said they would commission civilian boats to carry various materials, but the frequency of the journey remained uncertain.

“The best thing to do is the use of civilian boats to avoid provocation, the same tactic utilized in the resupply mission successfully done last week,” he said.

He also proposed the use of gray ships to deliver vital cargoes to Ayungin Shoal, primarily to prolong the life of the dilapidated ship, but said it was an alternative to prevent another altercation with Chinese elements in the area.

Interagency coordination

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo raised the importance of “comprehensive” interagency coordination in asserting and securing the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights in its maritime zones.

Manalo stressed this on Wednesday when he visited the national headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the DFA said in a statement.

Aside from efficient interagency coordination among government offices, Manalo said there is also a need to understand the capabilities and challenges of those on the frontlines of protecting the Philippines’ sovereignty.

PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu led Manalo and the rest of the DFA delegation in touring the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), one of the two largest PCG patrol vessels.

Abu briefed the DFA officials on the work of the Coast Guard, including the implementation of their mandate in the WPS.

He appreciated the DFA’s support for the PCG in fostering “maritime cooperation with regional partners mindful of the needs of the Coast Guard.”

Abu also lauded the DFA’s readiness to work together to manage, within the respective mandates of the offices, the security concerns faced in the WPS.

Mutual Defense Treaty 72nd anniversary United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reiterated Washington’s “ironclad commitment to its alliance with Manila” as the two countries observed the 72nd anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“On the 72nd anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States stands firm in our ironclad commitment to our alliance and partnership with the Philippines as we face new and continuing challenges,” Carlson wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

In a separate post on X, the U.S. Embassy said on Aug. 30, 1951, the US and the Philippines signed the

MDT, “which serves as the foundation for our evolving alliance.”

“Our security forces continue to strengthen their capabilities and work together to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the embassy said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin 3rd on August 9 condemned the China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons and other dangerous maneuvers in the South China Sea (SCS) which put the safety of Philippine vessels and crew “at risk.”

He reaffirmed that the 1951 MDT between Washington and Manila “extends” to Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces — to include those of its coast guard in the Pacific and in the SCS.

Article 4 of the MDT states that “each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.”

“Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall be immediately reported to the Security Council of the United Nations. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security,” it further read.

The MDT also read, “For the purpose of Article 4, an armed attack on either of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the Parties, or on the Island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean, its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.”

Beijing, through the Chinese Embassy in Manila, slammed Washington for repeatedly threatening China by citing the U.S.-Philippines MDT.

China had accused the U.S. of rallying its allies to sensationalize the South China Sea row as it expressed hope that Manila would meet Beijing “halfway” to resolve their maritime dispute peacefully. n

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9015561

Zarlito’s Family Restaurant located at 505 E. 8th Street, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant:

a. Dorothy Ann Fredeluces, 7766 Bloomfield Rd, San Diego, CA 92114.

b. Ryan Fredeluces, 7766 Bloomfield Rd, San Diego, CA 92114

This business is conducted by Married Couple. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/26/2023.

Signature: Dorothy Ann Fredeluces. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/26/2023. AJ 1225 08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01/2023. AJSD 1225

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9015994

All Hands Residential Care Home located at 489 Berland Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Romel Gelacio, 489 Berland Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Romel Gelacio. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/01/2023. AJ 1230 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, and 09/15/2023. AJSD 1230

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017078

STATEMENT

OF

ABANDONMENT

OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9015559 Zarlito’s Family Restaurant located at 505 E. 8th Street, National City, CA 91950. THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 05/14/20202, and assigned File no. 2020-9008473 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: a. Revelina O. Talavera, 3403

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9014036

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9016766

Cash Star located at 610 Del Sol Drive #338, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Heather Samantha Vargas, 610 Del Sol Drive #338, San Diego, CA 92108.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9016422

Lieutenant Air located at 5893 Greycourt Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Charyna Maree Sevilla Delos Santos, 5893 Greycourt Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Charyna

Maree Sevilla Delos Santos. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/08/2023.

AJ 1231 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, and 09/15/2023. AJSD 1231

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017532

Honey Donuts located at 10718 Woodside Ave, Santee, CA 92071.

Registrant: Qui Van Do, 9901 Leavesly Trl, Santee, CA 92071.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017040

Pride Surf Skate Snow located at 5035 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach, CA 92107.

Registrant: 2CLEVEL INC., 4620 Tivou Street, Ocean Beach, CA 92107. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Carl Allen Cadwell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/17/2023. AJ 1232 08/25, 09/01, 09/08, and 09/15/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9015373

Concrete Connection located at 379 N. Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020.

Registrant: Susanna M. Sanchez, 379 N. Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020.

08/25,

and 09/08/2023.

FICTITIOUS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9014607 True Theorie Mental Health Services located at 8340 Clairmont Mesa Blvd Ste 209, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: Wang Marriage and Family Therapy Inc., 2415 West Ingersoll St, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/12/2022.

Signature: Jadelyn Wang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/13/2023. AJ 1229 08/18, 08/25, 09/01, and 09/08/2023. AJSD 1229

EMPLOYMENT

FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/15/2023.

Signature: Elvis Bautista Lansangan.

filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017654

Speed Drafts located at 9415 Lavell Street, La Mesa, CA 91941. Registrant: Nathan Lynd, 9415 Lavell Street, La Mesa, CA 91941.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Nathan Lynd.

filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/25/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9016620

CriAgave located at 753 Duval St, San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant: Peter Contreras, 753 Duval St, San Diego, CA 92102.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/10/2023.

Signature: Peter Contreras. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/10/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017239 Fast and Fair Flooring located at 4120 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: Felipe Herrera, 4120 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO

This business is conducted by an Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/29/2006.

Signature: Qui Van Do. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017309

Rohr Mobility located at 4745 Wilson Ave Apt 7, San Diego, CA 92116.

Registrant: Mark P Rohr, 4745 Wilson Ave Apt 7, San Diego, CA 92116. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME.

Signature Mark P Rohr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/21/2023.

1240 09/01, 09/08,

and 09/22/2023. AJSD 1240

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017697

Five Star Licensing Services located at 4630 Border Village Ct #201-D, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Registrant: Sandra Navarrete, 232 E Quintard St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST

This business is conducted by an Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/01/2016.

Signature: Susanna M. Sanchez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/24/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017867

LMC Industries located at 8117 Dorchester St, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Luis Miguel Gabriel Chavez, 8117 Dorchester St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/29/2023.

Signature: Luis Miguel Gabriel Chavez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 08/29/2023. AJ 1241 09/01, 09/08, 09/15, 09/22/2023. AJSD 1241

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9017996

Cash Star USA located at 610 Del Sol Drive #338, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Heather Samantha Vargas, 610 Del Sol Drive #338, San Diego, CA 92108. This business is conducted by Individual.

FOR RENT

Sage Canyon Apartments, a 72-unit affordable apartment community in San Marcos, is closing its waitlist by September 5, 2023! This property is located near schools, grocery-anchored retail and a park, and offers 1, 2, and 3-bdr apartments with rents from $704 - $1,662 per month. The community includes balconies, all electric kitchens, wall-to-wall carpets, and on-site parking. Residential community offers a community room with kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, and children’s play areas. Pre-applications for the waitlist will be accepted until Tuesday September 5, 2023 at 5PM. To apply, visit BRIDGE Housing Website at https://bridgehousing.com/ properties/sage-canyon/

The office is located at 1020 Stephanie Court in San Marcos, CA. Office hours are Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM. For more info, call 760-798-9113. Income and other restrictions apply. Section 8 welcome. EHO.

SD#0267

SAN DIEGO

US Open Fan Week: NYC’s best-kept secret achieves historic turnout Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, Opening Day attract record crowds as well

by MOMar G. Visaya / AJPress

THE USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center witnessed an unprecedented surge of enthusiasm during the 2023 US Open Fan Week, as over 150,000 fervent fans thronged the gates to revel in the blend of tennis and entertainment on offer. This remarkable turnout shattered all previous records, marking a new milestone in the history of the event.

The best thing about these events leading up to the main draw of the U.S. Open? They’re free.

Spanning six vibrant days, the Fan Week hosted an impressive 157,985 spectators, eclipsing the prior high attendance of 111,924 achieved just last year. This surge reflects a remarkable 41% increase in overall attendance compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing popularity of the U.S. Open Fan Week.

One standout day was the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which triumphantly etched its name in the record books with an astounding attendance of 40,868, surpassing the previous year’s record of 35,525.

The U.S. Open Fan Week ensured that fans could bask in the festivities without any financial barriers, offering free access to the U.S. Open grounds during the Qualifying Tournament. Additionally, an array of captivating events unfolded, including the exhibition match “Stars of the Open,” featuring tennis legends. This charitable match, aimed at aiding humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, raised over $300,000.

Fan Week also offers an exclusive opportunity for fans to witness their favorite players in practice sessions, engaging panels, and interactive events.

Culinary aficionados were treated to the delectable “Flavors of the Open,” a mouth-watering food-tasting event that showcased the tournament’s gourmet cuisine. Musical rhythms filled the air with the resonating notes of the “Sounds of the Open,” a captivating free concert featuring the Latin Grammy-winning sensation Sebastián Yatra. The youthful spirit of tennis found its expression as well, with the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day captivating the hearts of young tennis enthusiasts.

In a laudable effort to foster grassroots tennis, more than 12,000 Wilson-branded youth tennis racquets were generously distributed to fans throughout the six days. This initiative spreads the joy of the sport to its youngest fans.

The opening day of the 2023 U.S. Open on Monday, August 28 set the stage for a record-breaking start, with an impressive 72,957 fans attending the event. This includes 42,528 attendees for the day session and 30,429 for the night session, making it a historic day for tennis enthusiasts. The recordbreaking attendance not only reflects the event’s allure but also underscores the enduring charm of the sport and the captivating experiences it offers.

Among these experiences is dining, which is essential to every sporting event.

BY THE NUMBERS

Leylah Fernandez of Canada and Jason Kubler of Canada both had their first-round matches on Day 2.

Fernandez lost a tight, threesetter to the 22nd-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova. She had her Cinderella run in 2019, reaching the finals but eventually bowing to fellow teen and eventual champion Emma Raducanu. She will play doubles this week with Taylor Townsend. Kubler on the other hand crashed out and retired on the second set against Matteo Arnaldi of Italy. Early this year, Kubler and his compatriot Rinky Hijikata won the Australian Open men’s doubles.

Doubles specialist Sabrina Santamaria is set to play this week, along with Carson Tanguilig. Desirae Krawczyk is set to play both mixed and women’s doubles with partners Neal Skupski and Demi Schuurs, respectively.

A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup

From premium dining experiences curated by worldrenowned chefs to quick bites perfect for enjoying between matches, the culinary options cater to every taste and preference.

One of the culinary icons making his debut this year is James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi, known for his newest restaurant, Tatiana, located at New York City’s Lincoln Center. Onwuachi will add four dishes to this year’s Aces menu.

“It feels amazing to be here and to be able to cook for so many people. We have a lot of people coming out. So this is pretty incredible,” Chef Kwame told the Asian Journal, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the gastronomic offerings.

On his recently opened Tatiana at the Lincoln Center, Chef Kwame has this to say, “It’s been great. It’s been really great. You know, I’m from New York. So having a restaurant in New York is the dream for many chefs, but as a New Yorker, it feels right.”

This Top Chef star believes that the city’s restaurant scene lever left but it still faces some issues, “Probably labor you know, it takes a lot to put on the restaurant, and that’s probably where we spend a lot of our money trying to figure out the balance between that and not diminishing the guest experiences is and will always be a challenge,” said Chef Kwame, who grew up watching Venus and Serena Williams at the U.S. Open so this is special for him.

Chef Kwame’s creative prowess shines through in his

creation of a black bean hummus for Aces, a key culinary spot and the preeminent seafood stop at the U.S. Open. He explains his choice, saying, “I think it’s something that you know could feed a lot of people and remain its true identity at the same time.” The culinary maestro’s commitment to both flavor and accessibility is evident, reflecting the ethos of the U.S. Open’s dining experience. Also making their U.S. Open debut are chef Melba Wilson of the Harlem, N.Y.-based restaurant Melba’s and chef James Kent of the Michelinstarred restaurant Crown Shy.

Returning fan favorites also take the stage, including Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s restaurant, Fare by Alex Guarnaschelli. With delectable offerings like watermelon & feta salad and cavatappi pasta with yellow tomato sauce, Chef Guarnaschelli’s creations are back to delight for the third consecutive year. Chef David Burke’s Cuban-American fusion eatery, Mojito by David Burke, and Chef Josh Capon’s Fly Fish are also making a triumphant return, featuring dishes like lobster rolls, tuna poke, ceviche, and oysters.

“Come for the food, stay for the tennis,” Capon said at the launch.

Chef David Burke has been a staple at the U.S. Open with his Mojito by David Burke and he keeps on returning because “I enjoy it. I think it’s good for my staff to get involved with something like this and the U.S. Open is very much part of New York City.”

He believes that New York City’s restaurant scene is back, “I think the city has kind of come back strong,” he said adding that the city just had “one of the best restaurant weeks we’ve ever had, it just ended a week ago.”

Also featured at this year’s grand slam with both new options and returning popular dishes include King Souvlaki, The Migrant Kitchen, Side Piece Chicken, Champions by Benjamin Steakhouse, Pat LaFrieda Meat Co., San Matteo NYC, Hill Country BBQ, Korilla BBQ and Poke Yachty, Fuku, Nourish Spot, Taqueria Nixtamal, Eataly, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Crabby Shack. Whether you’re an avid tennis fan or a food enthusiast, the 2023 U.S. Open promises an unforgettable experience that caters to your passion for both the game and exceptional cuisine. As the event happens in the next fortnight, get ready to savor the flavors, relish the matches, and create memories with friends and loved ones to last a lifetime.

Filipinos at the U.S. Open We scoured the player lineup this year and found some new and returning players who are part-Filipino.

Previously a regular at the U.S. Open, Treat Huey announced his retirement this year and was honored earlier this month at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington. He represented the Philippines in various international competitions, including the Davis Cup, and was responsible for bringing the country several medals in the Southeast Asian Games starting in 2009. n

Celebrate the Harvest Moon Festival at Pechanga

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Come win a share of $100,000 in cash & EasyPlay giveaways

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Join Pechanga Resort Casino in celebration of the mid-Autumn festival with the exciting $100,000 Harvest Moon Drawing on Friday, September 15 & 29. Pechanga Club members can earn entries to the drawing by playing slots and table games from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. each drawing day.

Multiple entries can be earned depending on your Pechanga Club membership/tier level. Red Card members can earn up to 8x entries; Platinum Card members can earn up to 5x entries; Gold Card members can earn up to 3x entries, and Silver Card members can earn 1x entry. Each drawing night at 10 p.m., 30 winners of $250 EasyPlay will be announced, 20 winners of $500 EasyPlay will be announced, 10 winners of $750 EasyPlay will be announced, A grand prize winner will be drawn for $25,000 cash. Play more for the chance to win multiple times! Winners will be posted in display screens inside Pechanga Resort Casino.

Win up to $5,000 in EasyPlay with the Harvest Moon swipe to win promotion

In addition, every Tuesday in September, starting from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Pechanga Club members can swipe their Club card at the kiosk located in the promotional area to participate in the “Harvest Moon Swipe to Win” game promotion for a chance to win up to $5,000 in EasyPlay.

For more information, please call 1-877711-2946 or visit Pechanga.com.

Pechanga Resort Casino wishes you a Happy Harvest Moon Festival!

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino

Lovi Poe turns emotional remembering FPJ at UK wedding; to return to ‘Batang Quiapo’

experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 5,500 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño

Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga. com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino.

California State Parks, California Department of Social Services expand Golden Bear Pass to TANF program recipients

Pass provides free day-use access to more than 200 state parks

SACRAMENTO — California State Parks and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) on Tuesday, August 29 announced the expansion of the Golden Bear Pass to participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, providing free day-use access to more than 200 state parks. The Golden Bear Pass is a calendar year (January to December) pass available to qualifying Californians who receive Supplemental Security Income, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program recipients, or incomeeligible Californians age 62 and over. Newly issued passes are valid for the remainder of 2023 with an additional pass for 2024 sent at the beginning of the year.

“Time in nature is healing and beneficial to our overall well-being, which is why equitable access to California’s stunning state parks is essential,” said California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Expanding eligibility of the Golden Bear Pass to include low-income Native families through the Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program is critical to ensuring kids, the aging population, and other vulnerable communities reap the benefits of nature and the outdoors.”

“Expanding access to our shared state parks continues to be a priority for State Parks, its partners and the Newsom Administration,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We are grateful for our partnership with the California

Department of Social Services to help bring that access to more Californians across our beautiful state.”

Last year, State Parks began a threeyear pilot program partnership with CDSS to make several improvements to how the Golden Bear Pass is administered. These improvements included a waiver of the $5 pass fee, direct notifications to eligible CalWORKs recipients, expedited verification of applicant eligibility and streamlined pass fulfillment.

“We hope that the Golden Bear Pass will continue to open state parks to more and more people,” said California Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “Since 2022, more than 61,000 passes have

by Jan Milo seveRo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya

actress Lovi Poe will be back to ABS-CBN hit teleserye “FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo” after her marriage with film producer

Monty Blencowe.

In a report by Gory Rula on Pilipino Star Ngayon, Lovi’s manager Leo Dominguez said that Lovi will return to the Philippines on September 1 for the “Batang Quiapo” taping.

Lovi will also join Coco Martin to Milan, Italy for the “ASAP Natin ‘To” show.

Meanwhile, Lovi turned emotional in her wedding reception when Sen. Grace Poe delivered her speech.

Sabi ni Senator Grace; ‘If FPJ

were alive today, he could have been so proud of you, Lovi’,” Leo said.

“’I wish he were here today so that he would be walking with you down the aisle on your wedding day,’

“Very emotional ang speech ni Sen. Grace sa reception na hindi mapigilan ang mga luha ni Lovi na kailangan niyang puntahan at yakapin si Senador Grace.”

Lovi married British movie producer Monty Blencowe last Saturday, August 26 (UK time).

While her TV character in Batang Quiapo” is a reluctant bride, Lovi was a radiant bride while walking down the aisle. Lovi announced her engagement with Monty last August 8. n

Mike Enriquez’s wake open to public on September 2

by KRistoFeR puRnell Philstar.com

MANILA — Members of the public wishing to pay their respects to the late veteran broadcaster Miguel Castro Enriquez, better known as Mike Enriquez or “Booma” to his peers, will be able to do so on Saturday, September 2.

Enriquez passed away last August 29 a month shy of his 72nd birthday. His death was officially announced on “24 Oras,” the flagship newscast of GMA which Enriquez had cohosted for nearly two decades, by his long-time colleague Mel Tiangco.

GMA, Enriquez’s home since

Lovi Poe and Monty Blencowe @mymetrophoto via Instagram

Mike Enriquez’s

1995, shared that the public can visit the late broadcast journalist’s remains this Saturday at Quezon City’s Christ The King Parish from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. as disclosed by Enriquez’s family.

Both the network and the family encouraged visitors to donate to the Kapuso Foundation instead of giving flowers.

Apart from “24 Oras” Enriquez is best known for reporting on the news and public affairs programs Saksi,” “Super Radyo DZBB” and “Imbestigador.”

Enriquez joined the broadcast scene in 1969 with the Manila Broadasting Company before moving to the Freedom Broadcasting Radio Network and Radio Mindanao Network and eventually at GMA.

The broadcaster took two medical leaves in the past five years because of several ailments, most recently in December 2021 to undergo a kidney transplant but returned in time to cover the 2022 national elections.

Tiangco and other GMA personnel Vicky Morales, Emil Sumangil, Arnold Clavio, Nelson Canlas, Oscar Oida,

Shaira Diaz, Kathy San Gabriel, Connie Sison, Pia Arcangel, Raffy Tima, Susan Enriquez, Boy Abunda, Kim Atienza and Dingdong Dantes — all shared tributes for Enriquez. Even rival show hosts Noli de Castro, Henry Omaga-Diaz and

Bernadette Sembrano of ABSCBN’s “TV Patrol” and TV5’s Julius Babao of “Frontline Pilipinas” paid their respects, as did the German Moreno Walk of Fame at Eastwood and Enriquez’s alma mater the De La Salle University. n

California State Parks, California Department...

PAGE 10

been distributed compared to an average of 2,500 passes before the partnership with the Department of Social Services.

Please make use of these passes because everyone is welcome at our state parks.”

Californians can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other webbased device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California state park units. A list of eligible units and FAQs on the Golden Bear Pass can be found at parks.ca.gov/ OutdoorsForAll and at cdss. ca.gov/GoldenBearPass.

“The Golden Bear Pass has been a great success, providing an equitable opportunity for more Californians to enjoy our state’s natural beauty,” said CDSS Director Kim Johnson. “We’re thrilled that the Golden Bear Pass has now been expanded to include Tribal TANF participants. It’s my hope that the Golden Bear Pass will help ensure more

people across California have an opportunity to get out, connect with their family and friends while experiencing our beautiful parks, beaches and trails.”

In addition to the Golden Bear Pass, State Parks is reminding the public about the two other free pass programs available, including the California State Park Adventure Pass for California’s fourth graders and their families. Championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom — whose California for All Kids initiatives support children’s physical, mental and social-emotional well-being — incoming fourth graders can obtain their California State Park Adventure Pass beginning Sept. 1, 2023, to explore 19 select state parks for free for a full year.

Also, all Californians can check out a California State Library Parks Pass using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. In partnership with the California State Library, the Library Pass

Recognizing the needs of people on the autism

spectrum and their families

SOCIAL Security is committed to reducing barriers and ensuring people who are eligible for our benefits receive them. We provide income security for the diverse populations we serve. This includes people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Many parents and caretakers of children with disabilities lose work hours and income because of their children’s care needs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly financial support to low-income families with children who have developmental and behavioral disabilities. These include ASD – and physical impairments. For more information on SSI, please visit www.ssa.gov/ssi.

People with ASD may have questions about how

ASD affects their employment options. They may also see their ASD as a barrier to employment. Employers have started to recognize that many people with ASD can bring a variety of skills and strengths to the workplace.

The Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security and want to work. The Ticket Program helps get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services. For more information about this program, please read www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-0510061.pdf.

program was expanded this year to also include Tribal libraries throughout the state.

The State of California champions the right of all Californians to have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the cultural, historical and natural resources found across the state. Too many Californians cannot access public outdoor spaces and the state’s array of museums and cultural and historical sites. The state is prioritizing efforts to expand all Californians’ access to parks, open space, nature and cultural amenities. This priority requires focusing funding and programs to expand opportunities to enjoy these places. Doing so advances Governor Gavin Newsom’s strong personal commitment to building a “California for All.”

For more information on all three State Parks pass programs, please visit parks.ca.gov/ OutdoorsForAll.

(California State Parks Release) n

SCAMMERS are at it again, this time pretending to be “Sheriff’s deputies” and threatening to arrest doctors, physician assistants, and nurses for missing a court date. So how do you spot this scam?

The scam begins with a phone call from someone who says they’re a Sheriff’s deputy. He’ll say you missed a court date where you were supposed to give expert testimony. His tone is urgent, and he says you’ll be arrested unless you pay a fine — in cash or gift cards.

In a twist, the caller says you have to pay the judge in person at the courthouse, by handing over those gift cards. The caller insists you stay on the phone with him while you go load money onto the gift cards. He may even threaten to arrest you if you hang up. Once you get the cards, but before you get to the courthouse, the caller (who’s still on the phone) says the judge can’t see you, after all. But, he says, you can pay the fine right away by giving him the numbers on the back of the cards.

That’s all a scam, and that scammer who called may use the name of a real officer or fake the caller ID to make their story more convincing. But the real officer isn’t calling. It’s a scammer who’s after your money. To spot the scam, know this:

(Annie

Walters/Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Nevada)

n

Impersonation scam targets doctors, nurses, and other medical providers to steal money

• Real law enforcement officers will never call to say you’re going to be arrested (or threaten to arrest you if you hang up).

• Real law enforcement officers will never demand that you pay fines by phone.

• Only scammers will call, text, or email demanding that you pay by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, payment app, or a wire transfer service. The

government will never do that. So: Stop. Don’t pay. Learn how to spot a gift card scam and what to do if you paid by gift card.

If you spot a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Thanks to our partners at Cuyahoga County Scam Squad for alerting us to this scam.

(Larissa Bungo/Senior Attorney, FTC) n