101123 - Southern California Midweek Edition

OCTOBER 11-13, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 81 • 12 Pages

Assure safety of Filipinos in Israel – Marcos DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Why ageism prevails and how to stop it

AGE isn’t everything when it comes to human health and ability, yet it often dominates conversations about these to the detriment of older adults.

In a Friday, Oct. 6 EMS briefing, aging experts discussed why ageism — discrimination on the basis of older age — prevails in the way we view older adults, and how to overcome it.

Talking about age How we talk about aging determines much of how we experience it, said Dr. Louise Aronson, a geriatrics professor at UC San Francisco. “We were about the same age as a species for a really long time, and though now we’re a whole lot older, some things haven’t changed. Old age still ends in death.”

As far back as 10,000 B.C. until as recently as 1820 A.D., the global life expectancy was 20 to 30 years; in 2019, it was over 73.

The COVID-19 pandemic “showed us how

by KrisTina maraliT, ma. reina TolenTino anD Javier Joe ismael ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure all Filipinos affected by the fighting in Israel are safe and accounted for, Malacañang said on Sunday, October 8.

"The government is closely coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Migrant

Workers Office (MWO) in Israel to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos affected in the ongoing conflict," the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

Palestinian militants over the weekend launched land, sea, and air attacks in Gaza that have killed hundreds of Israelis.

There are about 24,800 Filipinos in Israel, many of them working as caregivers and hotel and service sector employees, OWWA said.

The DMW has opened several Viber and WhatsApp hotline numbers that will accept calls and queries

7 Filipinos missing, 22 saved as war in Israel rages

by Dona Z. PaZZibugan anD Jerome aning Inquirer.net

u PAGE 4

US citizens can still fly to EU without travel authorization until 2025 ETIAS has been rescheduled for May 2025, with the potential for further delays Earlier this year, it was reported that if you hold a U.S. and Canadian passport, you will need to fulfill a new entry prerequisite for traveling to Europe. But this may not happen anytime soon.

Called the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), this travel authorization was scheduled to be implemented in 2024 for visa-exempt individuals who are traveling to any of the 30 European countries where it is mandated.

However, the latest update from European authorities indicates that the implementation of ETIAS has been delayed. Travelers from the U.S. and other visa-exempt countries to the Schengen Area member states will not need an ETIAS travel authorization until mid-2025, according to the European Commission.

EU officials have confirmed to SchengenVisaInfo.com that “due to u PAGE 4

from Filipino migrant workers and the Filipino community who need government assistance, the PCO said.

The Office of the President (OP) has condemned the violence "especially against civilian populations."

"The Philippines conveys its deepest sympathies and condolences to those who have lost family members and loved ones in recent attacks. The Philippines condemns the attacks, especially against civilian populations," the OP said in a statement.

It also said the Philippines "understands the right u PAGE 2

STAR OF CHRISTMAS. Rodel, who has been working in the parol (lantern)-making industry for eight years, installs LED lights on a colorful parol made of capiz shells in Pasay City on Monday, October 9. This type of lantern sells between PHP1,200 to PHP7,000 depending on the size and design.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

MANILA — Seven Filipinos remain missing while 22 others have been rescued in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant nationalist group Hamas, according to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), quoting the country’s ambassador to Israel, said on Monday night, October 9 that based on the information verified by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, “there were 29 Filipinos that were initially reported missing. Twenty-two have been rescued by Israeli security forces, transferred to a safer area and are now housed in hotels.”

One of those rescued was being treated in a hospital in Beersheba for “moderate injuries sustained during the rescue,” while another was treated for smoke inhalation but later discharged, it added. Both have been visited by the embassy’s labor attaché and welfare officer.

“Seven remain unaccounted for, who cannot be contacted via their mobile number and social media accounts,” the DFA said, adding that the Philippine Embassy was closely coordinating with Israeli security u PAGE 3

‘Special request’ seeks to let Manny Pacquiao fight at Paris Olympics THE Philippines has made a “special request” to the International Olympic Committee to let Manny Pacquiao box at the Paris Games despite the former world champion exceeding the age limit, a Filipino official said Tuesday, October 10.

Pacquiao, 44, retired from professional boxing in 2021 to make a failed tilt at the Philippines presidency.

The age limit for Olympic boxers is 40.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino told AFP he sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) two weeks ago seeking a “universality place” for Pacquiao.

Universality places are given to athletes from countries that struggle to secure slots in the Olympics through normal qualification channels.

The IOC said there were nine universality places for boxing in Paris, with five for women and four for men. The spots will be confirmed on June 7.

“He’s physically fit, better than other athletes,” Tolentino said, describing Pacquiao as an “icon of boxing” who could Tourists enjoy white beach on the resort island of Boracay in this photo. Philstar.com file photo help the image of the sport.

Tolentino said the “special request” for Pacquiao would not affect the chances of u PAGE 3

3 islands in the Philippines hailed as among best in Asia 6 countries join PH in sea exercises

by Ghio onG

by Francisco Tuyay ManilaTimes.net

Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class frigate, BRP Antonio Luna FF151 - PF, together with foreign Navy counterparts carried out Division Tactics (DIVTACS) and Publication Exercise (PUBEX) among others during the first day of Exercise Samasama 2023 Sea Phase in the Naval Forces Southern Luzon area of operations.

Photo from the Philippine Navy

WARSHIPS from six countries joined the Philippine Navy in training maneuvers off the coast of Luzon in a show of solidarity and cooperation.

The exercise, Samasama (Together) 2023, highlights the commitment of the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia to support an ally, the Philippines, Lt. Kim Paulo Lopez, director for Naval for South Public Affairs Office, said.

Vice Admiral Carl Thomas, commander of the U.S. 7th

Philstar.com

Fleet, said the exercise allows participating nations to develop interoperability.

"Exercises like Samasama allow us to train and demonstrate our resolve, to sharpen our ability, and to enhance our interoperability.

In the preamble of the U.S.Philippine treaty, the parties reaffirm their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments and to strengthen the fabric of peace in the Pacific area," Thomas said.

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adani agreed that the exercise is about "enhancing interoperability,

MANILA — Boracay, Palawan and Siargao were included in the list of “Top Islands in Asia” by the foreign travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2023.

Boracay ranked third with a score of 91.07, Palawan sixth with 89.71 and Siargao 10th with 87.37, according to the results of the magazine’s online poll.

Bali in Indonesia topped the list, followed by Koh Samui in Thailand, Boracay, Phuket in Thailand, Langkawi in Malaysia, Palawan, Sri Lanka, Phú Quoc in Vietnam, Okinawa and Ryukyu Islands in Japan and Siargao.

Department of Tourism u PAGE 3

Secretary Christina GarciaFrasco praised the accolades for Boracay, Palawan and Siargao, saying in her statement, “This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication and sustainable tourism efforts of our country, from our local communities, national and local government agencies and stakeholders who have strived tirelessly to preserve and enhance the beauty of these islands.”

The agency also said around 600,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler registered and took part in the online poll.

Boracay topped Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Islands in Asia list in 2020 and 2022, while Palawan placed fourth in 2020 and eighth in 2022. n

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2 OCTOBER 11-13, 2023 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

“The government is closely coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Israel to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos affected in the ongoing conflict,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

Malacañang file photo

Assure safety of Filipinos in...

PAGE 1 of states to self-defense in the light of external aggression as recognized in the United Nations Charter."

Also on Sunday, Israel's ambassador to Manila asked for an expression of support from the Philippine government and their Filipino friends in the country.

In a media briefing via Zoom, Ilan Fluss said he expects their Filipino friends, both in the government and in the private sector, to express their support for Israel's rights to defend itself from the Hamas militants that attacked several towns and cities of Israel during a major Jewish holiday Saturday, October 7.

Fluss said he is hoping that Israel's friends in the Philippines will come out with an expression of support and condemnation of what is happening now in that country.

He said the Israeli Embassy has requested Philippine authorities to increase the security personnel assigned to secure members of the Israeli diplomatic mission in Manila.

Fluss also said Israeli authorities are verifying reports that Filipinos were taken as hostages by Hamas militants.

He advised Filipinos in Gaza to distance themselves from the Hamas militants, as he clarified that the peaceful Palestinians and foreigners living in Gaza are not their enemies.

On Saturday, October 7, Foreign Affairs spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv received

"unconfirmed reports" that some Filipinos working near the Israeli border had been captured by the militants.

Daza gave assurances that all Filipino agro-studies students in Israel are "accounted for," based on the latest update.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said the embassy in Tel Aviv held an emergency meeting to ensure the safety of the Filipinos in Israel.

No Filipino was reported hurt so far, de Vega said.

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Sunday condemned the violence committed against innocent civilians in the conflict in Israel.

"We strongly condemn the violence committed by terrorists against innocent civilians in the ongoing conflict in Israel. We deplore the taking of hostages and seek their immediate release," Zubiri said in a statement.

"Neither freedom nor justice can truly be won through this kind of violence," he said.

Zubiri also called on the DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other Philippine government agencies to secure the OFWs in Israel and ensure their safe passage if necessary.

"We urge the full utilization of the Assistance to Nationals Fund for this purpose," Zubiri said.

Sen. Rafael "Raffy" Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said that since the conflict broke out, his office has been in full contact with the DMW and

OWWA to find out the condition of OFWs and Filipinos in Israel.

Tulfo said the government has formed a task force that includes the DMW, OWWA, and the DFA to monitor the situation of Filipinos in Israel.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assured Filipinos in Israel that government agencies were working doubly hard to ensure their safety.

"Today, I join voices from around the world in strongly condemning the heartbreaking attacks against innocent civilians in Israel. The devastation and loss suffered by families during such significant moments of reverence are beyond words," Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.

"It is a reminder that the path of violence only deepens wounds and rifts. I urge all involved parties, especially the militant rulers of Hamas, to pave a way toward a peaceful resolution. The history of this region has seen enough bloodshed; sustainable peace is the only way forward," he said.

In a statement issued also on Sunday, OFW Party List Rep. Marissa "Del Mar" Magsino said she was praying for the safety and well-being of Filipinos, especially migrant workers, in Israel.

Magsino encouraged members of the Filipino community to "maintain constant communication with the Philippine Embassy and MWO, take precautionary measures, and adhere to the instructions provided by the Israeli Homefront Command." n

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7 Filipinos missing, 22 saved as war in...

PAGE 1

authorities and community contacts to determine their whereabouts.

Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon news briefing aired on state television on Monday, Administrator Arnell Ignacio of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) identified the five “missing or unaccounted for” Filipinos as Grace Cabrera, Shelly Romillo, Norilyn Babadilla, Gallenor Leandro Pacheco and Loreta Alacre.

He also named four others who were rescued as Loreta de Costa, Buena Besol, Marilyn Magana, and Joey Fasulingan.

Fasulingan, who hails from Cagayan Valley region, was hit by a bullet and was already recovering at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, the Owwa chief said.

It was not clear if these missing, rescued, and injured Filipinos were among those monitored by the DFA through the embassy in Tel Aviv.

Repatriation requests According to the DFA, at least 25 of the 137 Filipinos in the Gaza area have asked to be repatriated.

The Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan, one of Israel’s neighbors, has also received requests for repatriation from Filipinos in Gaza, it said.

“Numbers may change as some are still undecided but as of [Monday], 25 who have signified their intention informed [the embassy that] they want to leave Gaza,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said.

The Philippine Embassy in Israel also said that it had relayed the call for help of a Filipino woman who claimed she recognized her husband as the man being held by armed individuals, most likely in Gaza,

in one of the war videos shown in social media.

Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, another guest at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon news briefing, said the Philippine Embassy had been in touch with authorities in Israel to ensure the safety of Filipinos there.

He said most of the 30,000 Filipinos in Israel were in Tel Aviv.

While there were around 300 agriculture students in the southern part of Israel, De Vega said they were all safe and the embassy was in touch with them.

In Gaza itself, there were around 150 Filipinos, according to De Vega, but Ignacio cited Owwa records showing there were 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Gaza and another 137 Filipinos who were already residents there and had married Israelis.

De Vega said that based on calls to the embassy’s hotlines, the top concerns that Filipinos in Israel relayed were their worries and fears about being in a shelter, messages to inquire about fellow Filipinos whom they were not able to contact, and assurances to the embassy that they were safe.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin on Monday urged the government to use the remainder of the P13 billion in contingent funds in the 2023 national budget to aid Filipinos affected by the conflict in Israel.

She said the funds were meant for emergency situations such as helping OFWs trapped in the ongoing conflict and providing them with jobs.

Rising death toll The death toll from Israel’s war with Hamas on Monday surged above 1,100 by the third day of clashes, with Israeli troops fighting to regain control of the desert around the Gaza Strip

and evacuate people from the embattled border area.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Israel on Sunday, October 8 to prepare for a “long and difficult” conflict a day after Hamas launched a surprise assault from Gaza, firing a barrage of rockets and sending a wave of fighters who gunned down civilians and took at least 100 hostages.

More than 700 Israelis have been killed since Hamas launched its large-scale attack, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday. Another 1,200 people have been wounded, many critically.

In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes hammered the impoverished and blockaded Gaza Strip, an enclave of 2.3 million people, with officials there reporting at least 413 Palestinian deaths.

“Overnight IDF fighter jets, helicopters, aircraft, and artillery struck over 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip,” the military said in a statement.

IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus estimated around 1,000 Palestinian militants had participated in Hamas’ assault on Saturday, October 7.

“Never before have so many Israelis been killed by one single thing, let alone enemy activity in one day,” he said.

The conflict has had a global impact, with several other countries reporting nationals killed, abducted, or missing, among them Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Nepal, Thailand, and Ukraine.

At least four U.S. citizens were killed in the attack, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement, adding that the toll was likely to rise. n

‘Special request’ seeks to let Manny...

PAGE 1 other Filipino boxers qualifying for Paris.

Fighting in Paris would be a chance to realize his life-long dream of winning an Olympic gold medal, Pacquiao told AFP on Tuesday.

Pacquiao, the winner of multiple world titles, has never competed at the Olympics.

He insisted he was “not too old” to take on younger boxers, saying he felt like he was “30 years old or 28 years In this file photo taken on June 22, 2021 shows Philippine boxing legend and Senator old”.

“It’s the secret of Manny Pacquiao,” Manny Pacquiao training at his gym in the city of General Santos in southern island of Mindanao.

Inquirer.net file photo he said. (Inquirer.net)

STABLE SUPPLY. The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) on Tuesday, October 10 assures stable supply of pork meat and by-products during the holiday season. In Davao City’s Bankerohan Public Market, pork meat sells for PHP300 per kilo.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

6 countries join PH in sea...

PAGE 1

fostering regional cooperation and tackling non-traditional challenges that transcend our borders. From territorial defense to countering transnational crimes, Samasama equips us to face an array of threats together."

The exercise was held days after Philippine Navy vessels completed a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal despite blocking attempts by the Chinese coast guard.

The drills focused on Air Defense Exercise (ADEX), which tracks and identifies approaching aircraft and integrates various defense systems.

ADEX is essential in protecting vital assets, maintaining readiness and fostering coordination among naval forces.

Helicopters from the participating forces also executed cross-deck landings to improve and maintain proficiency in landing on different types of carriers.

In a related development, the Philippines and the Netherlands agreed on a broadranging defense cooperation to strengthen the country's capability to protect its interests in its exclusive economic zone

defense cooperation to include cyber and artificial intelligence.

He also discussed the recalibration of the Philippines' defense strategy from internal concerns to protecting its borders. n

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP NO. QM166-24 EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES The

Southern California Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking proposals for External Audit Services.

Proposal documents may be downloaded at SCRRA's website at http://www.metrolinktrains. com/contracts. Proposals are due on 11/21/23.

For further information contact: Tammi Phillips, Contract and Compliance Administrator, at PhillipsT@ scrra.net.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Regional ManilaTimes.net file photo

(EEZ).

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. discussed with the Netherlands Ambassador Marielle Geraedts propositions of greenfield opportunities in various industries, particularly in defense and security, with the Netherlands and the European Union.

Geraedts reiterated the proposal to establish a naval defense industry cooperation with the Philippines.

Teodoro agreed and further proposed to develop broader

10/11/23 CNS-3736881# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

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Why ageism prevails and how to...

PAGE 1 age matters,” she added, as older adults had disproportionately greater risks and fatalities. U.S. adults 65 and over made up over 75% of COVID-related deaths as of September 2023, according to the CDC. The health system’s very definition of older adults as anyone 65 or older, however, prevents practitioners from meeting these adults’ individual needs.

For example, “We give vaccines based on people’s biology and social behaviors, so there are 17 subcategories for children, three for adults between the ages of 19 and 64,” Aronson said. “But everybody aged 65 and up is lumped into a single category, even though a child would instantly see the physical and assume the differences between a 64 year old and 104 year old. This distinction is not based on scientific evidence about our lives.”

Nevertheless, “age isn’t everything,” Aronson said.

Ethnic differences also compounded these risks, with Black Americans aged 75 to 84 having a nearly 900-fold difference, Latinos well over a 500-fold difference, Native Americans a 200-fold difference, and AAPI a 150-fold difference over non-Hispanic whites in the first six months of the pandemic.

This way of viewing age in terms of vulnerability to death has particular implications for ageism in the U.S., where life expectancy has declined to 76.4 years — the shortest in two

decades.

However, life expectancy, too, is disproportionately divided among racial and economic lines. Even before the pandemic, for example, 56 of the 500 largest U.S. cities had life expectancy gaps up to 30 years between neighborhoods a few miles apart.

“That isn’t about biology,” said Aronson. “That’s about social choices, and where we put our money, our values and our priorities … I would like to see a world in which you may be “over the hill,” but the entire range of the hill has value … ‘anti-aging’ terminology is not helpful. The only way not to age is to die.”

The need to address ageism Cheryl Brown, Chair of the Executive Committee for the California Commission on Aging (CCOA), said that behavioral health, caregiver training, and housing access are key to addressing ageism.

Such policies prioritizing equity for older adults are key given that by 2030, California will be home to 10.8 million older adults — comprising onequarter of the state’s population, and nearly twice as many as in 2010.

The trend is similar nationwide: by 2030, U.S. adults 65 and over are projected to increase by nearly 18 million from 2020, comprising one in every five Americans and outnumbering children for the first time.

Brown urged efforts in other states and nationwide similar to the California Master Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint

developed by CCOA in 2021 and aimed at supporting older adults socially, economically, and healthwise.

Ageism and Alzheimer’s Relating ageism to Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Barry Reisberg — psychiatry professor at NYU and adjunct aging professor at McGill University — said the point at which older adults can no longer participate socially and in the workforce is later than many may think.

This point is measured clinically by the Global Deterioration Scale, which identifies the 7 stages of Alzheimer’s.

Reisberg, who developed the scale, said stage one precedes any detectable impairment of memory. In stage two, the adult “would not remember things, like names or where they place things, as well as they could five or 10 years previously”; this lasts a mean of 15 years.

In stage three, this symptom advances to “a decrease in job functioning” — e.g. organizational or travel skills — which lasts about seven years in otherwise healthy adults.

Many people can go on working into this third stage and the fourth — which entails more forgetfulness of recent events — depending upon the job at hand, he emphasized.

In the fifth and sixth stages — which entail the need for help with daily activities and a greater inability to recall names — the key is to help older adults “be all that they can be as long as they can,” said Reisberg. In the u PAGE 5

SPACE SHOW. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Planetarium in BIR Road, Quezon City holds free shows on Tuesday, October 10 in celebration of World Space Week. The state weather bureau said it is a chance to “witness distant galaxies, explore our solar system and learn about the mysteries of space” as expert astronomers guide viewers through constellations, planets and other celestial wonders.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

US citizens can still fly to EU without travel...

PAGE 1 unforeseen delays, it has become evident that this timeline is unattainable. As a result, the implementation of the ETIAS has been rescheduled to May 2025, with the possibility of further postponement.”

The delay in implementing ETIAS comes as a result of inoperability of the Entry/ Exit System. According to EU authorities, it is an automated

Unsplash.com photo by Markus Spiske

information technology system that will soon record the entry of non-EU travelers each time they pass through an external EU border.

They added that ETIAS cannot become functional without the implementation of the said security system.

For now, travelers from the

US and Canada can still visit specific European countries without the need to obtain ETIAS authorization. However, it’s essential to stay updated on any changes or developments in travel requirements to ensure a smooth and hasslefree journey. (Hans Carbonilla / Inquirer.net)

PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG IBINIBIGAY ANG PAUNAWA na ang Lupon ng mga Superbisor ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa isang iminungkahing Pagbakante sa Bukas na Espasyo gaya ng sumusunod: IMPORMASYON SA PAGDINIG: Petsa: Oktubre 25, 2023 Oras: 9:00 a.m.

Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, California 92101 PAKIKILAHOK NG PUBLIKO - Ang sinumang miyembro ng pangkalahatang publiko ay puwedeng lumahok sa Pampublikong Pagdinig alinsunod sa mga regulasyong ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita sa https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/cob/bosa.html para sa impormasyon kung paano ito gawin.

APLIKANTE: Rebecca Abbott, P.E. sa ngalan ng East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Power Authority at Padre Dam Municipal Water District MGA NUMERO NG PROYEKTO/KASO: East County Advanced Water Purification Project Open Space Vacation; PDS2023VAC-23-001, PDS2023-ER-23-14-011 PAGLALARAWAN NG PROYEKTO: Ang Proyekto ay isang panukalang bakantehin ang isang 0.25-acre na bahagi ng isang 10.47-acre na Biological Open Space Easement (Doc No. 2005-0687366) na naitala noong Agosto 11, 2005, alinsunod sa Pangwakas na Mapa 15458. Ang Pagbakante na ito ay kinakailangan para payagan ang panghihimasok at pagtatayo ng isang bahagi ng East County Advanced Water Purification Project (ECAWP), na kinabibilangan ng tubo sa ilalim ng lupa sa loob ng umiiral na Kadalian sa Bukas na Espasyo (Open Space Easement). Ang ECAWP Project ay aayusin ang natatapong tubig na nabuo sa mga lugar ng serbisyo ng Awtoridad ng Pinagsamang Kapangyarihan, isang pakikipagsosyo sa pagitan ng mga pampublikong ahensya (Munisipal na Distrito ng Tubig ng Padre Dam, Lungsod ng El Cajon, County ng San Diego, at Distrito ng Tubig ng Helix), at i-recycle ang tubig upang lumikha ng napapanatiling supply ng inuming tubig para sa Silangang County. Sa pagkumpleto ng Proyekto, ang nabakanteng lugar ay isasauli at muling bubuo sa bukas na espasyo. Ang kahilingan sa Pagbakante ay alinsunod sa Patakaran ng Lupon I-103: Mga Pagbakante sa Kadalian ng Bukas na Espasyo at ang Seksyon ng Kodigo sa Kalye at Lansangan 8325.

LOKASYON: Hilaga ng Lake Jennings Park Road sa pagitan ng El Monte Road at Laurel Canyon Road sa Lakeside Community Planning Area, sa loob ng unincorporated San Diego County (APN 395-014-24).

KALAGAYAN SA KAPALIGIRAN: Ang proyekto ay nasuri bilang pagsunod sa Batas sa Kalidad ng Kapaligiran ng California (CEQA). Isang addendum sa dating nakumpletong Kasunod na Binabaang Negatibong Deklarasyon Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (Clearing House ng Estado No. 2022040551) ay naka-file sa Mga Serbisyo sa Pagpaplano at Pagunlad bilang Numero ng Pagsusuri sa Pangkapaligiran PDS2023ER-23-14-011.

TULONG PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN: Available ang mga agenda at talaan sa mga alternatibong format kapag hiniling. Makipag-ugnayan sa opisina ng Clerk ng Lupon ng mga Superbisor sa 619-531-5434 para sa mga tanong o para humiling ng tirahan na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan. Ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng mga tagasalin ng sign language ay dapat makipag-ugnayan sa Countywide ADA Title II Coordinator sa (619) 531-4908. Sa abot ng makatwirang posible, ang mga hiling para sa akomodasyon o tulong ay dapat na isumite nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang pulong upang magawa ang mga pagsasaayos.

Ang isang lugar sa harap ng mga silid ng pagdinig ay maaaring italaga para sa mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng paggamit ng wheelchair o iba pang naa-access na mga aparato.

TANDAAN: Kung hahamunin mo ang aksyon na maaaring gawin sa panukalang ito sa korte, puwede kang limitado sa pagsulong lamang ng mga isyung isinusulong mo o ng ibang tao sa pampublikong pagdinig sa itaas, o sa nakasulat na sulat na inihatid sa Katawan ng Pagdinig sa o bago ang pagdinig.

Maaaring limitahan o ipataw ng Mga Panuntunan ng Lupong Pagdinig ang mga kinakailangan sa pagsusumite ng naturang nakasulat na sagot.

Para sa dagdg na impormasyon tungkol sa panukalang ito, makipag-ugnayan kay Cathleen Phan sa (619) 756-5903 o sa Cathleen.phan@sdcounty.ca.gov.

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California is the first state to ban the term ‘excited delirium’ as a cause of death The term has long been opposed by the American Medical Association.

Fortunately, the signing of Assembly Bill 360 ends the practice in California

by Pau Miranda Inquirer.net

BESTSELLERS. Before going full blast for the Christmas season, the spooky Halloween tradition will be celebrated first, marked by costume parties and trick-or-treat activities. A vendor in Manila’s Divisoria commercial center shows on Monday, October 9 some of their most soughtafter masks.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

California is the first US state to implement ‘Skittles ban’ Four food additives are now restricted for consumers

by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net

CALIFORNIA shakes up the snacking game with its so-called “Skittles ban” but don’t fret as these rainbow-colored goodies won’t be off grocery shelves just yet.

The Golden State moves ahead of other states in taking a stand against additives present in candies, cereals, and sodas.

On Saturday, October 7, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the ‘Skittles ban,’ also known as Assembly Bill 418, into law, which says goodbye to potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and Red Dye 3. These are found in almost 12,000 food items in the U.S., all without US FDA approval, according to the Environmental Working Group.

“Californians trust that the food products they consume are safe. I appreciate the author and stakeholders for working on amendments, which advance our shared public health objectives while maintaining consumer choice,” said Newsom.

This law is a “positive step forward,” Newsom said in

a signing message. While he is concerned about public health, Newsom wants to preserve consumer’s right to choose.

The ban will commence in 2027, which is enough time for companies to clean up and remove the harmful chemicals.

For California lawmakers, this “Skittles ban” isn’t news.

Just last February, Democratic Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel of Sunny Woodland Hills passed a bill called Assembly Bill 418 (AB 418) that would ban processed foods containing dangerous and toxic chemicals in California.

It intends to protect consumers from harmful chemicals in food, including the aforementioned ingredients, which the California Safety Act deems as health hazards.

While most additives make our food look fresh and taste better, Red Dye 3, for instance, which has had a cosmetics ban in the U.S. since 1990, has caused cancer in animals, though further studies are still needed on its human effects.

The ‘Skittles ban’ If you’re wondering why it was (misleadingly) named ‘Skittles ban,’ it’s because there was an

initial version of the legislation targeting titanium dioxide, an active coloring agent found in M&Ms, Kraft fat-free shredded cheddar cheese, and, well, Skittles.

Last year, a lawsuit was filed against Skittles manufacturer, Mars Inc., claiming they were “unfit for human consumption” due to its titanium dioxide content. Thankfully, it was removed when the legislation was amended in September.

How will the ‘Skittles ban’ impact residents?

While consumers might be wondering (and lamenting) if Skittles would be off grocery shelves, advocacy groups predict this law won’t just change manufacturing in California but also the entire U.S. Companies won’t produce two versions of the same product after all. It’s highly impractical to produce a California-specific product and another one for other U.S. states without the ban, according to Consumer Reports.

California isn’t the only state targeting these same four chemicals, New York might follow suit with a similar bill. n

AMONG the new bills signed into law this weekend in California is Assembly Bill 360, authored by Assemblyman Mike Gipson. The bill, now law, aims to ban the term “excited delirium” as a cause of death.

Gipson says he was made aware of the issue when in 2020, Filipino-American Navy veteran Angelo Quinto “dealing with a mental health crisis, stopped breathing while two police officers knelt on his back and neck. Mr. Quinto’s official cause of death was determined to be excited delirium. That is absolutely absurd,” Gipson says.

Many deaths have already been attributed to excited delirium and according to investigations, the majority of these cases involved force by law enforcement authorities.

“We are very excited to share that the Governor of California

has signed Assembly Bill 360 into law!!!

This is a great win for our communities across the state of California and we hope it will lead to similar laws being passed across the country, banning the use of the term “Excited Delirium” by medical examiners and law enforcement personnel.”/Photo from Diana Puente/Facebook Physicians for Human Rights writes, “A January 2020 Florida Today report found that of 85 deaths attributed to ‘excited delirium’ by Florida medical examiners since 2010, at least 62 percent involved Excited delirium, according to the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, is “characterized by agitation, aggression, acute distress, and sudden death, often in the pre-hospital care setting. It is typically associated with the use of drugs that alter dopamine processing, hyperthermia, and,

most notably, sometimes with death of the affected person in the custody of law enforcement.”

Excited delirium, they note, has also been gaining public attention because of how medical examiners have been using it as a cause of death for cases of individuals who have been restrained or taken into police custody. Such was the case of the late Quinto in 2020.

This has also caused concern within medical circles because “[excited delirium] is not a currently recognized medical or psychiatric diagnosis according to either the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association or the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization.”

California governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of the bill has officially made the state the first in the U.S. to ban the controversial term. n

Why ageism prevails and how to...

PAGE 4 of measures than age,” she seventh and final stage, which continued, “so everyone over normally lasts one to two years, a certain age doesn’t feel communication is impaired completely a part of this society and help is needed with all daily activities, like bathing and dressing.

One way to both combat ageism and support older adults — especially in the case of health problems like Alzheimer’s — is optimizing aging through intergenerational activities” and communication, suggested Brown, wherein older adults could learn from innovations of youth and youth could learn from the experience of older adults.

Optimizing aging is not mutually exclusive but inclusive with recognizing aging, added Aronson. “Does old age come with an increased risk of illness and death? Absolutely it does,” but “age alone cannot predict which category the person is in … There are some teenagers with really good judgment, who could drive perfectly well at 14 and there are others who shouldn’t be driving at 25.”

“We need different sorts

… (and) won’t miss out when they could have added to it more fully.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

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Baby step toward reforms AFTER several days of deliberations, the House committee on appropriations has finalized the list of government agencies that will have zero confidential funds in their 2024 budget. In addition to the Office and the Vice President and the Department of Education, which were the first agencies to be identified by the House of Representatives, the committee has added the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo has said the department does not need confidential funds. The DICT has been taken to task by lawmakers for low utilization of its regular annual appropriation. The DA is headed concurrently by President Marcos, who has over P4 billion in secret funds at the disposal of the Office of the President.

Vice President Sara Duterte, the concurrent education secretary, had requested P150 million in confidential funds for the DepEd and another P500 million for the OVP. The House committee has instead approved P150 million, but as part of the maintenance and other operating expenses of DepEd, and specifically allotted for state assistance for students and teachers in private education.

Unlike the confidential and intelligence funds or CIF, the MOOE is subject to regular government auditing rules.

Also getting certain amounts for MOOE are the DICT, DFA, Office of the Ombudsman and the

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Of the P1.23 billion in realigned confidential funds, P300 million will go to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and P200 million to the Philippine Coast Guard. Another P100 million will go to the National Security Council and P381.8 million to the Department of Transportation for airport development, including the expansion of the airport on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. The realignment is a baby step toward the bigger task of rationalizing not only the allocation of secret funds to national government agencies, but also the wide discretion granted to local government units to declare large chunks of their budgets as confidential funds. Billions of pesos in public ManilaTimes.net photo funds, declared as confidential by LGU executives, changes. The House realignment of CIF is a good are escaping proper scrutiny by state auditors. This of public funds.

The issue can be brought to the Supreme Court, but start. Now the momentum must be sustained toward is against constitutional provisions and laws on transparency and accountability in the utilization Congress can do its part by legislating institutional far-ranging reforms. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The perils faced by our fishermen

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez MANY Filipinos are mourning the death of three fishermen after their fishing boat Dearyn was rammed reportedly by a Marshall Islands-registered commercial vessel off the waters of Pangasinan. The Philippine Coast Guard has identified the commercial vessel as Pacific Anna, a crude oil tanker that reportedly belongs to Sinokor Merchant Marine Co., a joint venture between Chinese and Korean companies established in 1989.

Hopefully, what happened was really an accident as initial investigations by the Philippine Coast Guard seem to indicate – and was not a deliberate intent to ram the fishing boat. People are waiting for the investigation to run its course, with President Marcos having given his assurance that justice will be served and those responsible for the incident that resulted in the deaths of the three fishermen that include the boat captain, and injured several other boat

crew members, will be made accountable.

Whenever something like this happens, it brings into mind the incident involving Gem-Ver, a small fishing boat that was rammed by a Chinese trawler identified as Yuemaobinyu 42212, in the waters of Recto Bank in June 2019. Instead of helping, the Chinese abandoned the Filipino fishermen and left them floating at sea for several hours before they were thankfully rescued by a Vietnamese boat crew. What’s more, it took almost three years before the victims were compensated by the owners of the Chinese vessel who paid half of the compensation demanded by the victims.

The latest incident involving F/B Dearyn underscores the dangers that our fishermen face as they ply their trade in order to provide for their families.

One of the biggest hazards that they face is inclement weather, with scientists saying that global warming has increased “storminess” as typhoons are becoming even more intense.

In fact, there have been stories about fishing crew being hit by lightning during thunderstorms.

Their exposure to the elements – being rained on, enduring the high heat during daytime, then extremely cold weather at night – can make them susceptible to serious illness, with health experts warning that extended exposure to the sun in today’s world made hotter due to climate change can seriously cause cancer.

Undoubtedly, a fisherman’s life is physically demanding. The long hours at sea could lead to fatigue and exhaustion. The poor quality of sleep can also interfere with their concentration, such that when the boat suddenly rocks, they can slip or lose their balance (especially since the surface of the boat is almost always wet), resulting in injuries.

The presence of illegal structures can also compromise the safety of fishermen, especially small-scale ones because these illegal structures – such as the floating barrier placed by the China Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc – could get entangled in the engines or propellers of the fishing boat. Obviously, these illegal structures have to be removed when they get snagged, but since not all fishing crew

are experts at diving, this could prove to be risky.

It’s therefore not surprising that many countries have condemned the placement of the 300-meterlong floating barrier by the CCG, among them the European Union with Ambassador Veron saying China’s action “disregards the peace-driven objectives of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).”

But aggravating all these dangers are the relentless bullying, aggression and intimidation that our fishermen are subjected to by China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. A video that has since gone viral showed a small Filipino fishing boat nearly colliding with a bigger China Coast Guard ship that cut its path while trying to enter Bajo de Masinloc, an area that is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

According to a report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Rare Philippines, fisheries is a major productive sector in the

Philippines that has over two million active fisherfolk, with more than 80 percent of them categorized as “artisanal.”

Artisanal fishing refers to smallscale fishers, fish farmers and fish workers, or those who engage in traditional fisheries and have relatively small capital.

More often than not, their “contribution to the food security and nutrition of the country is immense but often go unnoticed and under-appreciated. They are also among the poorest and most socially vulnerable sections of the Philippine population,” the FAO’s Report on the Status of Artisanal Fisheries in the Philippines stated.

The Philippines is at the heart of the “coral triangle” which is considered as “the center of marine biodiversity in the world.”

Our country has been blessed with vast aquatic resources and is home to more than 2,000 species of fish, many of them located in the West Philippine Sea. Thousands of fisherfolk, especially those from Ilocos, Central Luzon as well as Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, depend on the West Philippine Sea for

their livelihood. Yet they are also the most vulnerable because of the continuing harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia who prevent them from entering areas that have been declared by international law as traditional fishing ground.

Many welcome the proposal of Congressman Joey Salceda to provide fishermen with radios and communication equipment so they can immediately ask for help from the Philippine Coast Guard if they are subjected to harassment or prevented from entering traditional fishing ground by China Coast Guard ships.

Clearly, fishermen should be given government support in protecting themselves from the perils they face at sea – after all, they provide food on the table not only for their families but the whole nation as well.

(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

Marcos and Sara Duterte: World of contrasts?

Horizons

RichaRd heydaRian IT’S not surprising. People are having a hard time,” lamented President Marcos, when asked about the dramatic plunge in his approval ratings amid growing economic woes. Far from being defensive or defiant, the President seemed genuinely concerned.

With furrowed eyebrows and flashes of sorrow on his face, his voice was tinged with lamentation.

“I completely understand it, and that’s why we’re working very hard … What’s important to me is that we make sure that people have enough to eat and that it is affordable to them,” Mr. Marcos added, immediately clarifying that survey numbers were not his priority.

Now, dear reader, contrast Mr. Marcos’ response to that of Vice President Sara Duterte. While the commander in chief was almost apologetic, the occupant of the second highest elected office in the land went so far as to imply that her critics were “enemies of the nation” (kalaban ng bayan). Power reveals character, especially when power is under siege. And, by

all indications, Mr. Marcos and Duterte are completely different types of politicians. Their “UniTeam” was always more a product of electoral calculus rather than a genuine ideological convergence.

The honeymoon is over. Just over a year into office, both Mr. Marcos and Duterte have shown that, unlike their fathers, they’re not above the laws of physics.

While Marcos Sr. oversaw one of the most dramatic economic collapses in the postcolonial world throughout the early 1980s, Rodrigo Duterte oversaw one of Asia’s deepest economic recessions in the 2020-2021 period. Both strongmen, however, were masters of “performative governance,” deftly projecting strong leadership and remaining surreally popular even as their actual performance was patently dubious.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, which was conducted Sept. 1014, Mr. Marcos saw a 15-point drop in his approval ratings.

Among the poorest Filipinos (Class E), almost a third of his supporters (29 percent) switched sides amid persistent food inflation. As many as 56 percent of Filipinos disapproved of the Marcos administration’s handling of inflation.

Although Mr. Marcos still maintains a 65-percent approval rating, his numbers are way below those of Benigno Aquino III (77 percent) and Rodrigo Duterte (80 percent) at this point in their presidencies. Mind you, Mr. Marcos’ majority share of votes (almost 60 percent) last year was significantly higher than both Aquino’s and the elder Duterte’s.

Seeing the writing on the wall, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri advised his friend in Malacañang to “crack the whip” against those dragging the president down.

In many ways, Zubiri’s remarks echoed Sen. Nancy Binay’s peculiar lamentation earlier this year about the lack of “fear factor” under Mr. Marcos, who “seems [too] kind” but, going into his second year, it will be “more appropriate for him to get angry [at times].”

Instead of indulging in demagogic antics, however, Mr. Marcos responded with a combination of toughness and pragmatism. He reversed the ineffectual price caps on rice, which was heavily lambasted by economists and businessmen while filing charges against alleged food hoarders manipulating market prices. He also pondered a replacement at the Department of Agriculture,

Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

thus his curiously timely confab with former senator and technocrat Manuel “Mar” Roxas in Capiz. A “grand coalition” in the works?

As for Sara Duterte, she has been quintessentially … Duterte!

Faced with declining approval ratings, which would have likely been even more dramatic had the survey been conducted in late September, the vice president lashed out at critics of her confidential fund.

“Anyone who attacks or undermines funds allocated for peace and order is naturally assumed to have insidious motivations,” she declared.

“Whoever is against confidential funds is against peace. Whoever is against peace is an enemy of the state.”

Not only did she refuse to directly respond to legitimate questions surrounding the logic and circumstances of her office’s gargantuan confidential funds, but the vice president was also quick to attach “insidious motivations” to her critics. In response, she was accused of gaslighting and Red-tagging by her progressive critics in the legislature. Upon closer examination, however, it’s clear that this was a classic case of securitization, namely deliberate

Malacañang file photos

suppression of rational, evidence-based discourse in democratic societies by invoking national security.

Gladly, the president’s allies in the legislature have had the forethought to switch gears and, accordingly, consider reallocating confidential funds to the agencies, which are designed and trained to defend our nation, including the West Philippine Sea. (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.

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No travel, deployment ban to Israel — DMW, DFA SWS: 45% of Filipinos think quality of life didn’t change since last year

by ZacaRian SaRao Inquirer.net

MANILA — There is no travel or deployment ban to Israel amid the ongoing conflict between the Israeli government and the Hamas group, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Kasi it takes Alert Level 3 to hold deployment for all types of workers, Alert Level 2 for new hires, wala pa tayo sa Alert Level 2, technically, wala pa tayong deployment ban sa ngayon,” said DMW officer in charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a press conference on Tuesday, October 10.

(Because it takes Alert Level 3 to hold deployment for all types of workers and Alert Level 2 for new hires, we

are not yet at Alert Level 2, technically, we do not have a deployment ban yet.)

Cacdac said that in the Philippines’ current government-to-government hiring arrangement with Israel, the deployment of hotel workers has been suspended, depending on the status of Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

“From our side, walang (there is no) impediment, but we would still have to check on our Israeli counterparts, first ‘yung airport situation,” said Cacdac.

“Second, whether or not we can already have that renewed flow of deployment for Israel.

All it takes is we will check with our Israeli counterparts,” he added.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega explained that no alert level has so far

been imposed in Israel as there has been no recommendation from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, so far.

No travel ban, but travelers cautioned De Vega also said that no Israel travel ban has so far been imposed.

He explained that the Holy Land sites like Jerusalem, Betlehem, and Nazareth — which tend to gather the highest number of tourists in the country — are not where the hostilities are located.

Nonetheless, De Vega still advised the public to hold off traveling to the country until the conflict has been resolved.

“We’re not telling you not to go, but we’re advising you it’s best to postpone until we’re absolutely sure the hostilities have ended,” “After all, even the prime minister of Israel said that it is in a state of war,” he added. n

COVID-19 cases on the rise – DOH

by Rhodina VillanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — The average number of daily COVID-19 cases in the country continues to go up, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The latest COVID-19 Bulletin issued by the DOH on Tuesday,

October 10 showed an average of 181 cases daily for the period of Oct. 2 to 8.

“This is three percent higher than cases reported from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1,” the agency reported.

The DOH earlier said the country had an average of 176 cases daily for the period of

This image shows the Quezon Memorial Circle located in Quezon City.

AJPress photo by Kendrick Tan

Quezon City tops Philippines’ richest cities — COA report by ian laqui Philstar.com

MANILA — Quezon City is the wealthiest city in the Philippines, according to a report by the Commission on Audit (COA).

For three consecutive years, Metro Manila's most populous city has secured the top spot on the list, as indicated in previous years' reports and a recent release on Tuesday, October 10.

In 2022, Quezon City reported total assets of P443.406 billion, marking a decrease from the P451.007 billion declared in the previous audit year.

It is followed by Makati City with total assets of P239.476 billion.

The country's 10 richest cities are the following: • Quezon City: P443.406 billion • Makati: P239.478 billion • Manila: P77.506 billion • Pasig City: P52.152 billion • Taguig: P40.840 billion • Mandaue: P34.231 billion • Cebu City: P30.545 billion • Mandaluyong P32.550 billion • Davao City: P29.701 billion • Paranaque: P27.376 billion Meanwhile, Carmona, Cavite, emerged as the wealthiest municipality in the country, with total assets reaching P6.522 billion.

The following municipalities are the richest after Carmona, Cavite: • Limay, Bataan - P5.791 billion • Silang, Cavite - P4.454 billion • Caluya, Antique - P3.822 billion • Cabugao, Ilocos Sur - P3.805 billion • Cainta, Rizal - P3.766 billion • Taytay, Rizal - P3.670 billion • Binangonan, Rizal - P3.489 billion • Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur - P3.267 billion • Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur - P3.215 billion Cebu remains the wealthiest province in the Philippines, boasting assets totaling P235.738 billion, up from P215.27 billion in 2021.

Batangas and Rizal have

maintained their rankings since 2021.

Here is the list of the Philippines' top 10 richest provinces: • Cebu: P235.738 billion • Rizal: P35.594 billion • Batangas: P31.999 billion • Davao de Oro: P23.107 billion • Ilocos Sur: P21.562 billion • Bukidnon: P21.058 billion • Iloilo: P19.977 billion • Negros Occidental: P19.419 billion • Cavite P19.342 billion • Pampanga P19.127 billion The 2022 COA report covered 81 provinces, 147 cities, and 1,487 municipalities. It also included the Bangsamoro government with 27 municipalities. n

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP NO. E754-24 ROLLING STOCK SUPPORT SERVICES The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking proposals for Rolling Stock Support Services.

Solicitation documents may be obtained at https://metrolinktrains.com/ procurement (free registration).

Electronic Proposals are due at 2:00 P.M. (PT) on November 16, 2023.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration.

For further information, contact Bishoy Bestawros, Sr. Contract Administrator, at (213) 452-0375 or BestawrosB@scrra. net.

10/11/23 CNS-3745751# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.

During the past week (Oct. 2 to 8), 1,264 new cases were logged.

The agency also noted that 12 patients were in severe and critical condition, and six deaths were verified during the past week, while one of the fatalities occurred from Sept. 25 to Oct. 8. n

by adRian PaRungao Inquirer.net

MANILA — Most Filipinos think that the quality of life has not changed since 12 months ago, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Tuesday, October 10.

In its survey, 45 percent of adult Filipinos said that the quality of life did not change from 12 months ago, while 33 percent said quality of life was better, termed by the SWS as “Gainers,” and on the other hand, the remaining 22 percent said that quality of life worsened, termed by the SWS as “Losers.”

The polling company marked the Net Gainer score to be at +11, which is classified as “very high,” which increased from the March 2023 net Gainer score of +5, which merited a “high” classification.

Meanwhile, the SWS said that the number of Net Gainers were very high in non-hungry families (+13), while the number was fair in overall hungry (+1), moderately hungry (+4), and severely hungry families (-18).

Net Gainers also notched a +30 score among those who were Not Poor, which is classified excellent, +18 among the Borderline Poor, classified

as very high, and -4 among the Poor, classified as fair.

The SWS conducted its survey from June 28-July 1 with 1,500 adults.

According to the SWS, 13 percent of its respondents came from Metro Manila, 45 percent were from Luzon outside Metro Manila, termed Balance Luzon, 19 percent were from Visayas, and 23 percent were from Mindanao.

It also marked error margins to be at ±2.5 percent for national percentages, ±4.0 percent in Balance Luzon, and ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. n

Sara, Arroyo meet with INC head

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Sara Duterte paid a courtesy visit to the executive minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Bro. Eduardo Manalo, last October 2 at the INC Central Temple in Quezon City.

The visit was reported by INCrun television station NET 25 in its primetime news program on Monday, October 9.

According to the report, Duterte was "warmly received"

by Manalo in his office and

congratulated her for her work as vice president and secretary of Education.

The report also mentioned the new curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10 students called the "Matatag" curriculum, which aims to focus on core competencies and foundational skills of learners from those grade levels.

The Iglesia ni Cristo, according to the report, is a key advocate of education in the country, specifically the Alternative Learning

System or ALS and Technical and Vocational education as part of the programs being implemented at New Era University.

When asked by The Manila Times regarding the visit, the OVP said that it had "no available details" to share, noting that it was a "private visit."

Meanwhile, Manalo also received Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last October 6 also at the INC Central Temple. n

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Sarah Geronimo explains why concert with Bamboo was postponed: ‘Medyo nagkulang lang sa preparation’ By hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

SARAH Geronimo admitted that the lack of vocal and physical preparations took a toll on her health, which explained why her scheduled Pampanga concert with Bamboo last Oct. 1 was moved to a

later date.

Geronimo’s label Viva and G Productions, the media company founded by the singer-actress and her husband Matteo Guidicelli, announced last September that her joint concert with Bamboo was postposted as the “Tala” singer was still recovering from an

“unexpected medical condition.”

“Medyo nagkulang lang po ng preparation vocally and physically kaya medyo nag-toll sa’kin [at sa] vocal chords ko. Kasi kapag kasama mo si Bamboo, all-out ka talaga eh (I lacked preparation vocally and physically which eventually Continued on Page 10

Judy Ann Santos praises Coco Martin, sets condition before joining ‘Batang Quiapo’

By Kathleen a. lleMit Philstar.com

MANILA — Judy Ann Santos knows a good actor when she sees one, and it is apparently even more so when she gets the chance to work with one.

The actress praised her “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” costar Coco Martin.

“He’s a very passionate actor and director at the same time. Nakakabilib na parang hindi siya napapagod. Actually, ako ‘yung napapagod para sa kanya,” said the actress at the sidelines of her recent launch as the newest endorser for popular milk brand Alaska.

She worked with Coco as his guest star in the longest-running “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2019. She appeared in one of the seasons of the show, which aired from 2015 to 2022, on the nightly primetime slot of ABSCBN. Judy Ann played the role of Jane in the show.

“Pinagpapahinga ko na nga

Judy Ann Santos and Coco Martin on the set of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2019.

Eric John Salut via Instagram

siya (Coco). Siya lang ‘yung, ‘Ate, sayang e.’ Na-realize ko may ganyan din naman ako noong araw.

“So ibigay ko sa kanya ‘yun kasi he’s on a roll. He deserves everything that he has right now and I’m so happy for him that everything is laid out for him. He deserves it.

He deserves the respect. He deserves the honor kasi nakita naman natin, nakita ko kung paano siya mag-trabaho. Ibang

klase mag-trabaho si Coco.

Talagang literal na dugo, pawis at luha ang makikita mo sa kanya,” the actress shared.

She also revealed that she found the pairing of Coco with Bela Padilla on the show as the recent “most kilig” one she saw on TV. Bela played Carmen, wife to Coco’s Ador.

She was introduced in the earlier seasons of the show while Judy Ann came in the latter part of it.

“Naniwala ako sa tandem, sina Coco at Bela Padilla sa ‘Probinsyano.’ ‘Yun lang kasi ang napanood ko pero nu’ng pinanood ko, ‘Ay nakakakilig itong dalawang ito.’ Naramdaman ko sila. After noon, ayoko lang kasi magsabi ng pangalan just to, para lang ma-happy ang mga tao, ‘di ba? Wala kasi akong basehan.

Hindi kasi ako nakatapos. Puro trailers lang ‘yung napapanood ko. Pero ‘yun ‘yung hindi magka-love team na kinilig ako. So, para sa akin, nag-work ‘yung tandem nila,” Judy Ann said.

After a short break, Coco returned to the same time slot that he left with another show inspired by the late Fernando Poe Jr.’s movie with the same name, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”

Judy Ann was asked if she would like to join its cast.

“Basta hindi na multiple personality disorder ang character ko, bakit hindi?” said Judy Ann, referring to her character in “Ang Probinsyano.”

AlDub, also known as MaiChard: Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza

The STAR, File

‘I did confess’: Alden Richards admits falling in love with Maine Mendoza

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapuso actor Alden Richards admitted that he fell in love with former love team partner Maine Mendoza.

In his guesting on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” the veteran host asked Alden: “Did you fall for Maine Mendoza?”

“Yes, Tito Boy. Yes po,” Alden answered.

“Hypocrite po kung hindi, and yes po, ayoko pong sabihing alam niya, pero I did confess,” he added.

Alden also said that his love team with Maine, popularly known as AlDub, was his biggest romance and biggest breakup.

“Romance, yes, Tito Boy. Ang daming opportunities na dumating po sa buhay ko because of it. I’m very grateful to Maine. I’m very grateful to ‘Eat Bulaga,’ by all means.

Sincerely,” Alden said.

“Kasi parang du’n ko po naramdaman na talagang when you work hard for something, si Lord, ‘pag may hinihingi ka, hindi niya ‘yan ibibigay sa panahong gusto mong makuha. He always has this magic of giving it at the right timing. But breakup, Tito Boy, yes,” he added.

Alden said that the AlDub breakup is for both of them to grow as individuals.

“A breakup. But let’s remove the negative Continued on Page 9

What to do if you find community 9 out that you are not the Rhythm of Hope brings Fil-Am biological father of the child after you have signed talent together for a worthy cause the voluntary declaration of parentage (VDOP) The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 11, 2023

RHYTHM of Hope promises to be the concert of the year, not only because of its long list of A-lister performers, but more so because of its worthy beneficiary.

Lighthouse is a nonbiological father of the child. profit organization out of Los 2. If the declaration was Angeles, which serves as a Barrister’s signed as a result of fraud, resource center for victims of Corner duress, or material mistake of domestic violence. fact.

Wendy Lindo, a healthcare If the man who signed the worker turned producer, said, declaration is not the biological “This concert had to have Atty. Kenneth father of the child. the best of the best because UrsUA reyes To set aside a VDOP on the we wanted to make sure our grounds of non-paternity, the donors got value for their THE famous Michael person must show that they significant contribution.”

Jackson song from 1982 called are not the biological father Speaking with Lighthouse “Billy Jean” lays out the typical of the child. This can be done Founder and CEO Uleyma parentage situation where a by opening a parentage case Weerakody, she had this to mother accuses a man as being and filing a motion for a court say: “I watched my mother be (“the one”) the biological ordered genetic testing. Family physically abused by my thenfather of her child and demands Code 7581 (d) provides that stepfather for a very long time. that he steps up to the “The presumption established She finally decided to leave responsibility of fatherhood or by this section may be rebutted him when I intervened and he at the least pay child support. by any person by requesting almost hit me too. So yes, this is In that song, Michael Jackson genetic testing pursuant personal for me. I swore no one was being a cool character and to Chapter 2 (commencing would ever have to go through simply denies being the father with Section 7550). The notice this if I can help it.” of the child. This can be easily of motion for genetic testing Ms. Weerakody added that resolved by denying parentage pursuant to this section shall Lighthouse is the first step into and requesting a genetic test in be supported by a declaration a full program for anyone who response to a parentage action under oath submitted by the is a victim of abuse hoping to by mom. moving party stating the factual find refuge and or temporary However, some men are basis for placing the issue of shelter. Lighthouse provides a bit more honorable than paternity before the court. The food, clothing and occasional Michael Jackson in “Billy Jean” notice of motion for genetic bridge financing for basics to in that they actually believe testing shall be made within that they are the biological dad three years from the date of and actually steps up to the execution of the declaration by responsibility of being a father the attesting father, or by the by admitting that they are the attesting mother, whichever biological father the child. signature is later. Cal Fam Code They do this by signing the § 7581 VDOP (voluntary declaration If the declaration was of parentage) and having their signed as a result of fraud, name stated as the father in the duress, or material mistake of birth certificate of the child. fact What is a VDOP? A Dad can file a proceeding voluntary declaration of and a motion to set aside parentage (VDOP) is a legal the VDOP within 2 years of document that establishes the filing of the VDOP with paternity without the need for the state. Family Code a court order. The child of a Section 7576 (a) provides woman and a man executing a that “ After the period for declaration of paternity under rescission provided in Section this chapter is conclusively 7575 expires, but not later than presumed to be the man’s two years after the effective child. The presumption under date provided in subdivision (c) this section has the same force of Section 7573 of a voluntary and effect as the presumption declaration of parentage, a under Section 7540. Family signatory of the voluntary Code Section 7581(a). It is declaration of parentage may typically signed by the mother commence a proceeding to and the man who believes challenge the declaration on himself to be the father of the the basis of fraud, duress, or child. Once signed, the VDOP material mistake of fact. (b) The has the same legal effect as a limitations period provided in court judgment establishing subdivision (a) shall not apply paternity. if the voluntary declaration of The real complication parentage is void under Section occurs when years later dad 7573.5. finds out that he is in fact not To set aside a VDOP on the biological father of the the grounds of fraud, duress, child. A common situation or material mistake of fact, the that comes about is when he person must show that they notices that the child does were misled or coerced into not resemble him at all as the signing the declaration. For child is growing up. Another example, a person may be able situation that triggers this to set aside a VDOP if they suspicion is mom accidentally were tricked into signing it or telling the child that dad is if they were not aware of all of not actually your dad or mom the consequences of signing it. telling dad that your child is Setting aside a VDOP not your child during a heated can be a complex process. It argument. This suspicion is important to consult with would trigger dad to obtain a an experienced family law non-ordered dna test of the attorney to discuss your specific child and find out that there is situation and to ensure that 0% probability that he is the you are following all of the father based on the genetic necessary procedures. test. *** Once dad finds out that he Please note that this article is not is not the biological father, the legal advice and is not intended as big question is “what is dad to legal advice. The article is intended do in order to undo the VDOP to provide only general, non-specific that he signed and get himself legal information. This article is not off the hook from child support intended to cover all the issues related and parental responsibility.” to the topic discussed. The specific One way is to rescind facts that apply to your matter may the VDOP but this would make the outcome different than would require mom’s cooperation be anticipated by you. This article does and requires that it be done create any attorney client relationship within a short statutory between you and the Law Offices of time period. Family Code Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is Section 7575(a) provides that not a solicitation.

“Either parent may rescind *** the voluntary declaration of Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a parentage by filing a rescission Certified Family Law Specialist. He was form with the Department President of the Philippine American Bar of Child Support Services Association. He is a member of both within 60 days of the date of the Family law section and Immigration execution of the declaration law section of the Los Angeles County by the attesting parents, Bar Association. He is a graduate of whichever signature is later, Southwestern University Law School unless a court order for in Los Angeles and California State custody, visitation, or child University, San Bernardino School support has been entered in an of Business Administration. He has action in which the signatory extensive CPA experience prior to law seeking to rescind was a party.” practice. He is founder and Managing If mom refuses to cooperate Partner of LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH in rescinding the VDOP or if it REYES, APC located at 3699 Wilshire is beyond the 60 day statutory Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. period, then a VDOP may be Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ set aside in two circumstances: kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website 1. If the man who signed at Kenreyeslaw.com. the declaration is not the (Advertising Supplement)

‘I did confess’: Alden...

From Page 8 context of breakup in this conversation with AlDub. It doesn’t necessarily mean that when you’re going through a breakup, laging masama, laging masakit, laging

malungkot,” he said.

“It was a breakup because both of us, Maine and I, we needed growth. We needed to venture into our individual life, you know, to learn [to] move,” he added.

anyone who finally decides to take a hold of their future.

She emphasized that the usual strategy of an alleged aggressor is to keep the partner hostage by cutting off any form of financial support.

This becomes extremely difficult for a mother with

children most specially, to simply walk away. There is also that matter of confused labeling of one’s feeling of a debt of gratitude to a partner and mistaking it for love. This reality is popularized by a song sung by Tina Turner aptly entitled “What’s Love Got to

Do with it.”

Rhythm of Hope is what happens when two empowered women with good hearts decide to collaborate. “Wendy Lindo and I met when we were both candidates for the Mrs USA Pageant competition by Virgelia Productions.”

LA’s Prince of Pop Garth Garcia, a director of the Asian American Press Club of the U.S., shares the stage with Wendy Lindo, Tootsie Guevara, Bryan Termulp, Janice Javier, Juls King, Felson Palad, Hazel Velasco, Sarah Nolan, Jeremy Layug, Jel Parina, Jojo Riguerra and Katrina Dimaranan.

As producer Wendy Lindo stated “In a fractured world, we need a little bit of music and dancing and certainly a lot of Hope, Love and Resilience to prevail.”

The Asian American Press Club of the U.S. and the Asian Journal are media sponsors of this worthy endeavor. For more ticket information and or last minute sponsorship interest, call Wendy at 909-964-1496 or Dave at 818-235-8517.

Rhythm of Hope will be held on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The QD Venue (7722 Garden Grove Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683).

10 community

Hollywood fashion star Alexis Monsanto headlines the opening Anne Curtis claps back at netizen who called night of LAFW powered by Art Hearts her ‘big lips’: ‘Born, blessed with these lips’ Fashion in celebration of Filipino American History Month The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 11, 2023

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

ANNE Curtis underscored that she feels confident and blessed to have full and pouty lips, hushing a netizen who seemingly tried to offend her by calling her “big lips.”

Last Saturday night, October 7, a jet-lagged Curtis took to her X (formerly Twitter) page to ask, “Are peeps still awake at this hour?”

She immediately garnered responses from X users including one @winter_ Snowcold, who said, “Medyo papansin ‘tong big lips na ‘to.

Kulang na lang ipa-surgeon mo ‘yang bunganga [mo].” (This [person with] big lips is hungry for attention. You might as well [undergo a surgery] for your mouth.)

Bunganga (mouth) as you say,” adding a face-blowing-a-kiss emoji.

After getting noticed by the actress, the X user appeared to have taken down the tweet but screenshots of it have already been re-uploaded on the platform.

Fans then commended Curtis for flaunting confidence amid naysayers, with one @ cooleth_yessha saying that the actress-TV host was one of the reasons she came to love her facial features.

Meanwhile, Curtis earlier flew to France and attended Anne Curtis Instagram/@annecurtissmith her first-ever Paris Fashion Week. The actress-TV host, The “It’s Showtime” as expected, stunned fans host then replied, “Hindi ko and fellow celebrities with kailangan ng (I don’t need her “Annegelic” look, which a) surgeon or any doctor she showed via her Instagram [because] I was born and page. blessed with these lips or

LOS ANGELES, October 1, 2023 – Hollywood fashion star designer, Alexis Monsanto, will showcase his SpringSummer ’24 collection on Thursday, October 19th 7:30 PM at The Majestic Downtown located at 650 N. Spring, Los Angeles, CA 90014 Monsanto presents his collection, “Belles Fleurs” in vibrant colors and exciting elements of the garden.

Monsanto will take the audience on a journey of fancy eye candy couture in this runway opulence with visuals of the season’s flora & fauna, playful mix of palettes, textures, and fabric processing. The collection will feature unique pleating and classic sunburst to add texture on the fabrics.

The palette has a myriad of intensifying color hues such as avocado, purple, magenta, burgundy, turquoise, teal, gray, pink and yellow. His collection also features blacks, ivory and nudes for a more timeless and classic fashion.

The collection will feature Monsanto’s signature combination of feminine creative vision and timeless appeal as he uses the finest luxury fabrics as his canvas, Monsanto, Laser cuts techniques, pleats, weaving, embroideries, and hand paint. In addition to his luxury and contemporary lines, he features,”tribute to Philippines” to celebrate Filipino-American History Month by showcasing high fashion Philippine inspired designs and weaves that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. Monsanto collaborates with artisans and craftsmen of Noble Creation for the garments made in pineapple, jusi and cocoon fabrics, Viktorya for the minaudiere and Jojo Bragais for the shoes.

The Monsanto look is his signature sensuality, verve & sophistication. Sexy but not gauche, sophisticated but not eccentric, embellished but not flashy.

“I embrace a style that is irreverent, unafraid, existential and provocative. With fashion I aspire to create challenges for myself, while creating a whimsical world for my client. Ideally, they’ll tap into a form of expression that would otherwise seem unattainable. I am inspired by everything in my life, from the cold black objectivity of commerce to the warm subjective embrace of the muses.” says Monsanto.

Alexis Monsanto’s Spring-Summer’24 entitled: “Belles Fleurs” is presented by LAFW Powered by Art HeartsFashion, Paduk,

AMLA Productions, & ARJUN Entertainment. Participating sponsors includes: Noble Creations, MC Aesthetics, Viktorya, Jojo Bragais Shoes, Charlie Lapson Jewelry, Diageo, Paloma Tequilla, CampKreative, IXXA Jewelry, Beyond the Spa, International Silk & Woolens, Cadenza Wellness, TGM, Starlink Promotion, Ms DR & Co. Monsanto has presented in the International Presentation of Performers or IPOP, Style Fashion Week, Tulsa Fashion Week, Lifestyle Network Launch, “All Aboard Show” by FBI, LAFW Art Hearts Fashion, The 1st 3D Fashion show, and his pre-pandemic 2020 Charity Show: “Vistas of LA”, LAFW Art Hearts Fashion Spring-Summer ’22, APAIT 30th and 35th Anniversary shows, LA Swim Week and Vista Charity show “Rose All Day” this spring Exquisite Fashion Show in Houston, TX. Show director Christian Reasonda describes Alexis Monsanto’s work as “extraordinary and always fabulous”. “I am a huge fan of his work and I love his visions on his runway shows. It’s very theatrical and with a high caliber entertainment value. “We are excited to be Monsanto’s beneficiary this year” adds Richard Ayoub (PAF, CEO). Known for his theatrical and entertaining shows, Los Angeles fashionistas expect to be enthralled by his designs as they come to life in a spectacular runway presentation.

Project Angel Food prepares and delivers over one million medically tailored meals each year, free of charge to homes of men, women, and children affected by life-threatening illnesses. Declared an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Project Angel Food has expanded to meet the moment and the need throughout Los Angeles County to deliver medically tailored meals and nutritional counseling services to more than 2,400 people per day. This is an increase of 54% from our pre-pandemic numbers.

Under the care of Project Angel Food’s registered dietitians, and in consultation with each client’s primary healthcare case manager, clients receive one-on-one nutritional counseling and a customized menu that is designed to meet the unique needs of their diagnosis and aligned with their personal dietary restrictions and preferences.

Currently, the Project Angel Food kitchen creates 13 variations of each menu. www. angelfood.org

Sarah Geronimo explains why concert...

From Page 8 took a toll on my health and my vocal chords. When you’re with Bamboo, you need to be all out),” she told ABS-CBN News in an interview which was uploaded on its YouTube channel.

The singer nonetheless assured her fans that she’s doing better now. Following this, Geronimo laughed when she was asked if she’s “ready” to welcome her first child with Guidicelli.

“In God’s will. Ready is such a big word,” she said in response.

Meanwhile, Guidicelli quipped about wanting to have a “dragon baby” in the future.

“Sana [we can have a family soon]! Ipag-pray niyo, sana dragon baby (I hope we can have a family soon. Pray for it.

I hope we can have a dragon baby),” Guidicelli said.

Geronimo and Bamboo’s

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

(From left) Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo

Photo from Instagram/@bamboomuzaklive

Pampanga show was moved to Oct. 29, according to a statement from Viva Live and G Productions.

The “Dati Dati” singer and Bamboo kicked off their joint concert tour last Sept. 22 in Davao.

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