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DATELINE

Jordan Clarkson stays with Utah Jazz for new NBA season

NEW JERSEY – Despite persistent trade rumors, Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson remained with the rebuilding Utah Jazz to start the new NBA season.

The 30-year-old guard has a big fan in the Utah organization, and it is no less than the Jazz owner Ryan Smith.

The Los Angeles Lakers tried to get Clarkson back, but the Jazz made it clear that Smith had no intentions of letting him go, according to The Athletic.

The Phoenix Suns also reportedly inquired about Clarkson in a possible swap with

Marcos ready to ‘defend’ peso

by CATHERINE S. VALENTE , KRISTINA MARALIT AND EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, October 18 said his government is ready to “defend” the peso as the currency’s slide continues to fuel inflation.

Marcos made the statement following his meeting with his economic managers in Malacañang Tuesday

to discuss his administration’s “policy directions for the rest of the year and the first quarter of next year.”

“Number one priority is still inflation. We will continue to use interest rates to mitigate the effects,” Marcos said in a statement posted on his Twitter.

US ambassador sees more high level visits to Philippines soon

MANILA – U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said more high level visits to Manila by U.S. officials may be expected soon as the two countries continue to develop their long-standing bilateral relationship.

Carlson said the U.S. is also looking to further develop its relations with Manila through areas such as trade and defense.

“The level, and intensity and complexity of our military exercises is a very important demonstration of how we are continuing to amplify and deepen the relationship and to meet the challenges, to ensure that we have a secure environment for our people, for both nations, and for the Indo-Pacific, as we [want to] make sure that we ensure a free, open, prosperous and secure world,” Carlson is quoted as saying in a report by ABS-CBN News.

Paul Soriano named as presidential adviser on creative communications; accepts P1 pay

MANILA — President Ferdinand

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has named film director Paul Soriano as his presidential adviser on creative communications.

Soriano took his oath of office before Marcos in Malacañang on Monday, October 17, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said.

Confessed gunman in Percy Lapid killing surrenders, tags 3 other suspects

by BEATRICE PINLAC Inquirer.net

MANILA — The gunman in the fatal ambush of veteran radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid, has surrendered to police authorities.

In a news conference at

Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday, October 18, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. confirmed that 39-year-old suspect Joel Estorial turned himself in to the Philippine National Police “out of fear for personal safety.”

He said Estorial is under

DOF bucks POGO shutdown

by LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Finance (DOF) is not keen on banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) as the country stands to lose about P65 billion in economic contributions should the government decide to discontinue POGOs.

the House of

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

STRONGER TIES. Officials of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) led by Secretary Susan Ople (seated, 2nd from left) and Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac (seated, left) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), represented by its Deputy Director General Amy Pope (seated, 2nd from right) and Chief Mission for the Philippines Tristan Burnett (seated, right), sign a memorandum of understanding at the Patricia Sto. Tomas Hall of the DMW main office at the Blas Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Oct 18. The MOU calls for greater cooperation between the two organizations in migrant workers’ welfare, empowerment, education, and reintegration. PNA photo

Film director Paul Soriano took his oath of office before President Marcos in Malacañang on Monday, October 17.

wife, TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga, witnessed the ceremony, along with their six-year-old son, Severiano Elliot. Malacañang photo

Six Chinese workers of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators line up at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 to board a Philippine Airlines flight to Wuhan, China after the Bureau of Immigration ordered their deportation.

Photo by Edd Gumban

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo

ambassador sees more high level visits to...

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Manila last June and highlighted the alliance between the two countries.

In August, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken also made a quick stop in the Philippines after participationg in the U.S.ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the

ASEAN Regional Forum in Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

Blinken expressed U.S.’ support for the country’s clean energy transition and reaffirmed the U.S.’ Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila.  Scrapped Russian chopper deal

Meanwhile, Carlson said the U.S. was “grateful” that the Philippines pulled the plug on its helicopter deal with Russia after it invaded

neighboring Ukraine.

A September 29 readout from the U.S. Department of Defense noted that the U.S. State Department has already given a formal notice to Congress of its intention to provide the Philippines an additional $100 million in Foreign Military Financing.

Carlson pointed out that Manila can use the money to purchase the helicopters.

“That would be one

example but we would not dictate the modernization efforts within the Department of National Defense,” Carlson said.

She also added that the U.S. is open to doing whatever it can to assist the Philippines in joint maritime activities in the South China Sea, reiterating its commitment to contribute to a free IndoPacific. (Philstar.com)

Marcos ready to ‘defend’ peso...

But the President maintained that the country’s overall inflation forecast remains better than that of other countries.

“We may have to defend the peso in the coming months, but the overall forecast is that we are still doing better than other countries in terms of inflation, though economic developments are still anticipated,” he said.

In its Asian Development Outlook 2022 update, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts inflation in the country at 5.3 percent in 2022 and 4.3 percent in 2023.

In Southeast Asia, the ADB predicts 17 percent inflation in Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 2022, 16 percent in Myanmar, and 7.4 percent in Timor-Leste.

Meanwhile, a recent Pulse Asia survey released in October showed that 42 percent of Filipinos disapproved of the Marcos administration’s performance in controlling inflation, which has emerged as the top urgent national concern of Filipinos.

In September, inflation accelerated to 6.9 percent, its highest level in four years, due to continued increases in food and utility costs.

This brought the year-to-date inflation rate to 5.1 percent, within the government’s 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent target range for 2022.

At a Palace press briefing, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Arsenio Balisacan said that the Marcos government is “on the right track” in combating inflation.

Citing government data, he said sustained increases in inflation in 2022 and 2023 will cause a slowdown in the country’s economic growth, translating into a gross domestic product (GDP) level lower by 0.6 percent in 2023 than its expected level had there been no sustained inflation shock.

However, he said the economic team expects the rise in inflation to be “temporary,” as it is likely to slow down and return to the medium-term target of 2 percent to 4 percent.

2023 economic directions

Marcos met on Tuesday with his economic managers to formulate the administration’s economic policy directions for the rest of the year up

until the first quarter of 2023.

The economic team is composed of the secretaries of finance, trade, budget, public works and highways, the NEDA director general and the governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Balisacan said that while the Philippines “cannot escape the effects of these global headwinds,” the administration is “mindful of these challenges.”

He said the economic team has laid down its Medium-Term Fiscal Program and Philippine Development Plan (PDP) framed by the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, where the government has developed critical policy and legislative priorities to address the economy’s short-term and medium-term issues for the duration of the Marcos administration.

“The PDP’s targeted completion before the end of the year assures us that we will have a robust roadmap for navigating short-term challenges and uncertainties. At the same time, we are laying the groundwork for faster, more inclusive growth that generates highquality employment to reduce poverty rapidly,” Balisacan said in a Palace briefing.

“The plan shall include measures to strengthen the economy’s foundation for more and higher-quality job creation by addressing the most binding constraints to business investment and expansion in growth drivers such as manufacturing and agriculture, tourism, IT-BPOs, construction, and the creative industries,” he added.

Balisacan further noted that the PDP also outlines strategies to quickly address constraints in the food, energy and transportation systems.

“These actions will mitigate inflationary pressures, protect the poor and most vulnerable in society through targeted assistance, and manage the socioeconomic scarring, especially for students and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) to hasten our recovery,” he stated.

He added that the government has just established policy directions for the rest of the year and the first quarter of next year following the meeting.

Regarding the “short-term issues” of the high inflation, interest, and exchange rates, the NEDA director general assured that the government is “on track” and is not “distracted

by these developments” en route to achieving the President’s short-term and medium-term goal for the country’s economy.

“Of course, we are looking at the shortterm issues, the continuing inflation and ensuring that as we address these short-term issues. We are mindful that we’ll not abandon the medium-term goals, and we will make sure that we are on track toward economic recovery,” said Balisacan.

“But most importantly, we are also monitoring the developments closely so that we can deploy our monetary tools like the interest rate, for example, and how we can intervene in the financial market to tame these, including the depreciation of the peso. But again, as we do seek solutions to short-term challenges, we are very careful that we do not compromise our medium-term goals. We just have to put the economy on a higher growth trajectory so that we can achieve more jobs, high-quality jobs, and reduce poverty rapidly. That’s the overall architecture of the plan,” he added.

2023 GDP seen falling by 0.6%

The NEDA also said that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) may further drop by 0.6 percent in 2023, due to sustained increases in inflation the country is facing.

“Our analysis shows that sustained increases in inflation in 2022 and 2023 will cause a slowdown in our economic growth, translating into a GDP level lower by 0.6 percent in 2023 than its expected level had there been no sustained inflation shock. While we expect our poverty situation to improve as we continue our recovery, inflation and rising interest rates will mute this improvement,” Balisacan said.

According to industry players, the Philippines is expected to grow by 6.2 percent in 2023, slightly below the government’s target of 6.5 to 8 percent. This is also higher than the average 4.6 percent GDP growth for Asean-6 expected in 2023.

The country’s annual inflation quickened to 6.9 percent in September, hitting its fastest pace in four years, mainly due to higher food prices and power rates. The four-year high inflation also firmed up expectations that the central bank will further hike rates before the year ends. g

California’s College Corps program a boon for students and state

by AbigAil leForge Ethnic Media Services

A pioneering program for college students in California took another step forward last week when Governor Gavin Newsom swore in over 3,200 fellows as the latest cohort in the state’s College Corps Fellowship.

The #CaliforniansForAll program, launched in response to COVID-19, is the first of its kind in the state. Collegiate level students from the Community, State, and UC systems will be given the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 in exchange for a year of service to their communities.

Service opportunities include tutoring and mentoring for low-income students in K-12 schools, food distribution to those facing food insecurity, or tackling climate change.

The program is intended for low-income students to help ease the financial burden of a college education. Eighty percent of the Fellows come from communities of color, 58% are first generation college students, and 68% are Pell Grant eligible. This is also the first state mandated program specifically allocating spaces for AB-540 students, or Dreamers.

A media briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media featured California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, and Debbie Espinosa with Find Food Bank, a part of Feeding America. Two of the student Fellows in the program, Ali Alani of UC San Diego, and Wendi Lizola of Sacramento State University also joined the panel.

“They will be doing extraordinary work for our communities,” said Fryday, emphasizing the importance of the program, which he described as a win for society and the state, creating a generation of service-oriented professionals at a moment when California — and the nation — confronts a host of critical challenges.

Some 10,000 applications have already been submitted for the program, three times more than there are slots available. Participating students were selected by their respective campuses through a competitive application program. Students that were not selected this year can re-apply in subsequent years. The program is scheduled to continue until 2026.

“We have to be able to ensure through a multifaceted approach that people have the means to break poverty cycles,” said Espinosa, who works with the Deserts Regional Foodbank based in Palm Springs and distributes over 20 million pounds of food to 150,000 individuals per month.

Fellows with College Corps will help provide food to students and families in a variety of settings whether it be packaging in the warehouse, distributing food on campus, or on sites in the community.

Espinosa says learning loss among students in California during Covid was exacerbated by growing food insecurity, noting 98% of the clients they serve are working families and the elderly. Less than 2% are unhoused individuals.

She adds the program will provide students with a variety of transferable skills while creating tangible change for their

Students from the Community, State, and UC systems will have the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 in exchange for a year of service to their communities. UCSD photo

Jordan Clarkson stays with Utah...

former Jazz Jae Crowder, per Yahoo! Sports.

Clarkson is expected to start and fill the shooting guard spot left by Donovan Mitchell, who was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Clarkson played that role in the preseason to mixed results. He averaged 12.3 points in 23.2 minutes but only shot 37 percent from the field. Last season, he shot 42% from the field in 79 games as Utah’s sixth man. His efficiency took a hit against opposing starting units in the preseason.

Clarkson, however, found other ways to help the team by adding 3.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

Before the training camp, Clarkson wasn’t sure about his future with the Jazz after the team traded away their franchise cornerstones Mitchell and Rudy Gobert and veteran sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic.

“Whatever direction management, owners, and the team are trying to go, I’m ready for it,” Clarkson said.

“I’m just trying to win and take whatever team it is to the next level to hopefully win a championship one day,” Clarkson added. “That’s my

outlook on it.”

He was one of Utah’s veteran players who were believed to be on the trade block until the report about Smith’s plans for him came out earlier this month.

While the Jazz were tearing down their roster in the offseason, Clarkson tuned out the noise by suiting up for the Philippines in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Clarkson averaged 25.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in two games, including his first-ever game in his mother’s homeland.

With a starting role, Clarkson could approximate those gaudy numbers with the Jazz.

“If I’m here in Utah, I want

to win,” Clarkson said. “I want to strive for the playoffs, try to put a team together that could win something.”

Clarkson should be in for a rude awakening, as winning is far from the Jazz’s goals this season.

Utah posted a 1-3 record in the preseason, losing by an average of 17.7 points. It’s a portent of things to come.

With three first-round picks, the Jazz have their eyes on next year’s draft headlined by generational talent Victor Wembanyama.

Clarkson and the Jazz open what could be a long, agonizing season for them at home against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, October 19. (Alder Almo/ Philstar.com)

Confessed gunman in Percy Lapid...

the custody of the police and has since executed an extrajudicial affidavit with the assistance of a lawyer.

Abalos also ascertained that Estorial was not a “fall guy” as he pointed out that the empty slugs recovered from the crime scene matched the suspect’s gun.

A ripped-up jacket was also found with the supposed hitman, he noted. A CCTV footage of the night of the murder that was released by authorities few weeks ago shows a “person of interest” wearing such jacket.

Estorial, who supposedly surrendered to the police on Monday, October 17, was presented by Abalos to the media. He said he submitted himself to authorities after seeing a wanted poster with his photo released and aired on television.

“Natakot po ako at saka nakonsensiya po (I got scared and felt guilty),” he tearfully admitted.

Estorial then confessed that he, along with three other suspects at large – Israel and Edmon Dimaculangan and a certain “Orlando” or “Orly,” was responsible for the killing of the radioman.

Estorial, however, noted that he did not know of the surname of “Orlando,” who was the one driving the motorcycle during the incident.

“Iyong usapan, kung sino po ang matapat kay Percy po, siya po ang babaril. Nagkataon po natapat sa akin. Sabi ko naman po, kung hindi ko binaril, ako po ang papatayin kaya nga, binaril ko na po si Percy,” Estorial narrated, baring what Orly allegedly told him before they committed the crime.

(Our agreement was: Whoever would be stationed closest to Percy would be the one to shoot him and that happened to be me. They told me that if I didn’t shoot Percy then, I would be killed so I shot him.)

Asked who gave them the order to kill Lapid, Estorial said: “Galing po sa loob, sa Bilibid po (Someone from inside the Bilibid

Prison.)”

A total of P550,000 was distributed among all the perpetrators behind the broadcaster’s death, he added.

Estorial also sought the forgiveness of Lapid’s bereaved family.

“Sana po mapatawad po niyo ako. Hindi ko naman po kagustuhan iyon. Nadala lang po ako,” he pleaded in tears.

(I hope you can forgive me. I really didn’t want this to happen. I just got involved in this.)

Lapid was gunned down at the gate of a Las Piñas City village on October 3, Monday.

He hosted a radio news program, “Lapid Fire” on DWBL 1242, where he was known for his hard-hitting criticisms of the government.

Lapid is the second journalist killed under the Marcos administration, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

The first was radio host Rey Blanco, stabbed to death in Negros Oriental last September. g

Paul Soriano named as...

PAGE 1

Soriano had agreed to take on the new post with an annual salary of only P1, the OPS added.

“One of the greatest assets of the Filipino is our creativity, and we must find many ways to highlight that to the rest of the world. And that is what Paul Soriano has already been doing in his career as a filmmaker. And now we have asked him to help us at one peso per year,” Marcos said, as quoted by OPS.

Soriano took his oath along with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia and Commissioners Nelson Celis and Ernesto Maceda Jr.

His wife, TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga, witnessed the ceremony, along with their six-year-old son, Severiano Elliot.

Under his new role, Soriano will advise Marcos Jr. and assist government departments and agencies “on matters that will enhance their information dissemination programs and initiatives,” the OPS said.

“You know, in this day and age, you need to do it creatively, and you need to communicate so that the mission and the vision and the message of the president is clearly communicated to the Filipino people,” Soriano said after he was sworn into his new position.

“It’s a passion of mine to just create and communicate. It’s an absolute honor that the President has trusted me with this position,” he added.

Soriano supported Marcos’ 2022 electoral campaign with his wife, actress Toni Gonzaga. He also directed the president’s

first State of the Nation Address and consulted in his inauguration.

Marcos and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are the Soriano couple’s godparents at their wedding.

The first lady is also Soriano’s aunt.

According to the OPS, Soriano earned his advertising and marketing communications degree from De Anza College in California in the United STates.

As a filmmaker, Soriano’s notable works include “Siargao” (2017), which won him the Best Director and Best Film awards in the Metro Manila Film Festival, and “A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery” (2016), which won him an Alfred Bauer Award for Best Film at the Berlinale International Film Festival.

(Daphne Galvez/Inquirer.net)

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., in a news conference presented a photo of Lapid’s suspected killer, which was extracted from the pool of CCTV footages obtained by authorities. Inquirer.net photo

Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz celebrates a 3-point play during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at the Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Alex Goodlett / Getty Images / AFP

OFEATURES PINION

Hand hygiene in the time of COVID

with all the

the nation, the

to the promotion of hand washing cannot be ignored.

to “unite for universal hand hygiene”

the theme of the 2022 Global Handwashing Day. In the Philippines, the

was “sama-samang ikaway, malinis na kamay.”

The special day, marked every Oct. 15, was first celebrated in 2008, when over 120 million children in more than 70 countries washed their hands with soap to stress the importance of clean hands in promoting health. Experts have stressed the importance of hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet or before handling food, in dramatically reducing the risk of serious illness or death due to diseases such as diarrhea and respiratory infections.

Editorial

Handwashing also helps to prevent, reduce and eliminate stunting, Unicef stressed. The Food and Nutrition Institute estimates that some 30 percent of Filipino children under five are stunted. COVID made hand hygiene even more important, with people encouraged not only to wash their hands with soap and water but also to disinfect hands regularly using at least 70 percent alcohol.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Children’s Fund had reported that acute respiratory infections were the primary cause of death of children under five in the Philippines, and diarrhea the third largest cause. Marking Global Handwashing Day this year, Unicef cited evidence showing that handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhea risk by 30 percent and respiratory infections by up to 20 percent.

This year, Global Handwashing Day was marked in the Philippines as face-to-face classes gradually resume. The government has said it is on track to proceed with full in-person classes by next month. Learners and educators alike are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted, although it is not mandatory. Masking is still required in classrooms and in crowded outdoor spaces. Limited infrastructure has made physical distancing a challenge in many schools, forcing administrators to hold classes in shifts

where possible.

Education officials have said they are heeding the calls of health experts to provide sufficient ventilation. Eating in school premises is also tightly regulated to minimize periods when face masks are taken off. Temperature scanners and alcohol dispensers are ubiquitous in most schools.

Handwashing facilities, however, still need ramping up. For this year’s Global

Handwashing Day, the joint monitoring panel for water, sanitation and hygiene 2021 of Unicef and the World Health Organization showed that only 64 percent of schools in the country have access to handwashing facilities. Several schools lack even running water – a problem that has been around for years. While improvements have been made in hand hygiene facilities, much more work lies ahead. (Philstar.com)

Cautiously optimistic on economic recovery

I ATTENDED the forum held at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan outlined the Biden administration’s National

Security Strategy and its priorities, as the world braces for global challenges such as climate change and “competition between major powers” in areas that include the economic aspect.

A key focus of the strategy is for the U.S. to invest domestically to ensure that it is not dependent on foreign supply chains, and to build alliances abroad to

counter the influence of its competitors such as China.

Mr. Sullivan said the U.S. is willing to work with any country, including rivals, that would “constructively address shared challenges” while pursuing closer ties with other democracies to prove that they are able to deliver results.

“The world is at an inflection point, and the

choices we make today will set the terms on how we are set up to deal with the significant challenges and the significant opportunities faced in the years ahead,” said National Security Adviser Sullivan.

The Philippines clearly has an opportunity to step up to the plate, considering that the U.S. National

Asian

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Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Philstar.com file photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

Padilla wants tariffs on foreign shows to boost Filipino showbiz industry Marcos pledges to reboot tourism

by Daphne Galvez Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Robinhood Padilla on Tuesday, October 18 said he wants to impose tariffs on foreign movies and TV series being shown here to encourage the local industry to generate more of the same content.

During the hearing of the 2023 budget for the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) at the Senate, Padilla said funds from the tariffs on foreign shows could assist Filipinos working in the film industry.

“Maaari po bang gawan natin ng paraan na taasan ang tax nitong mga foreign series na pumapasok sa atin?

Kahit paano po ang subsidy na makukuha, bigay natin sa workers sa industry natin sa local,” the senator said.

(Can we raise the taxes on these foreign series that are being shown here? So that the funds can be used for subsidies for our workers in the local industry.)

“Sampahan natin itong mga pagpasok ng foreign dahil maraming nawawalan ng trabaho dito,” he added.

(Let’s impose a tax on foreign shows because many people in the local industry are losing jobs here.)

Padilla also expressed support for providing additional funds to the FDCP to restore old Philippine films and the FDCP’s bid to have its building with its vault to

preserve old Filipino movies.

According to FDCP Chairman Tirso Cruz III, the building will last for at least 40 to 50 years, and the P500,000 monthly rent can be realigned to helping film industry workers, especially young directors and scriptwriters.

The senator also supported making tourism sites out of areas where Filipino films were made.

“Ang pelikula ‘pag tiningnan natin, investment na ito habang buhay. Kung preserved or restored, walang pagtanda dito. Kasaysayan ito, kultura. Ito masasabi na treasure natin,” Padilla said.

(Films are investments for life. If preserved or restored,

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, October 17 vowed to step up efforts to reboot the country’s tourism sector.

Speaking at the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Marcos described tourism, which took a heavy blow from the coronavirus pandemic, as the “driving force of the economy,” and committed his administration’s full backing to the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) agenda.

“Under this administration, the government will remain committed to ensure that the inputs you have acquired from your listening tours will be optimized for the benefit of the sector,” he said.

“I look forward to the roles that we will play together in ensuring the progress and recovery of our tourism industry. It is my hope that this reception will foster a meaningful discourse and concrete plans that we can put into action,” he added.

Marcos, pleased with Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia-Frasco’s report that around 1.6 million international travelers have

visited the country since it reopened its borders last February, directed various government agencies to closely work with the DoT in building new infrastructure, rehabilitating and improving existing tourist destinations and discovering new ones, upgrading sea and airports as well as public transportation, and securing tourists.

He said “now is the best opportunity” for the country to be a tourism hub with its vast, rich natural resources and best asset — the Filipino workforce.

President Marcos speaks at the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Malacañang photo

California’s College...

peers and community.

“My goal with College Corps is to help students,” said Alani, who was born in Syria and educated in Saudi Arabia. He and his family immigrated to San Diego when he was 16. Alani is now a second year Computer Software Engineering Major at UC San Diego, where he discovered the College Corps through an email from his university.

“It helped me focus on my education while helping me pay for my college,” he said.

Alani will be working with K-12 students in San Diego, saying he hopes to have the kind of impact on students that his own teachers have had on his life. “I really hope to do the same,” he said.

Wendi Lizola is a first-generation undocumented student who came to California with her parents and two older sisters when she was a child. During the briefing she recalled how her family worked seven days a week from four in the morning until eleven at night washing cars at auto dealerships.

Lizola struggled in school at first because she could not understand English. “I remember I got frustrated with myself,” she said.

It’s an experience that drew her to joining the College Corps, which has given her the opportunity to connect with students who are also facing barriers to education due to language. She said the experience makes it feel very personal. “It’s very rare when an opportunity like this is available to our AB-540 students,” she noted, in reference to Dreamers.

Lizola is studying to be a Pediatric Nurse at Sacramento State University. It was there at a workshop where she applied for the program. She was shocked by the amount of student interest and seeing the response across the state makes her feel very lucky to be a part of the program.

“It felt like a miracle, it was just able to cover everything that I needed,” she said. She does not have to pay anything out of pocket. Alani also stated that he was able to pay all of his tuition due to this financial aid.

“I would definitely encourage students to apply for this program,” Lizola said.

Applications for the 2022-2023 school year have closed. But students interested in applying can fill out this form to receive notification when applications re-open for the 2023-2024 school year.

UPD-CS faculty work to address PH’s ‘most disaster-prone country’ status

THE Philippines is one of the world’s most disasterprone countries, according to a recent international study. But a handful of scientists from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) hope to change that.

The 2022 World Risk Report warned that, out of 193 countries, the Philippines has the greatest risk, exposure, vulnerability, and susceptibility to disasters, further aggravated by a deep lack of coping and adaptive capacities.

However, timely to the release of the Report, the University of the Philippines recently conferred the UP

Centennial Professorial Chair and Faculty Grant on 98 UPDCS faculty members from the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology and the National Institute of Geological Sciences, as well as from the National Institute of Physics, Institute of Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Marine Science Institute, Institute of Mathematics, and National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

The conferment also came just days ahead of the UNdeclared International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction last October 13.

“The Centennial Grant is a welcome acknowledgement

DOF bucks POGO...

Representatives committee on labor and employment hearing on Wednesday, October 19, the DOF maintained that total collections from POGOs have declined over the past years.

Latest estimates from the agency showed that expected losses from POGO would be about P64.61 billion, according to Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno.

“Should POGOs discontinue, we estimate to lose around P64.61 billion in direct economic contributions which is about 0.3 percent of our GDP (gross domestic product),” Magno said.

The country’s nominal GDP last year stood at P19.187 trillion.

personal income taxes from POGO employees (P2.74 billion), VAT from office space rentals (P2.27 billion), other taxes (P830 million), corporate income tax (P340 million) and insurance (P50 million).

Magno emphasized concerns over POGOrelated crimes, which can have direct effects on the country’s foreign direct investments (FDI).

“One crime incidence in every 100,000 population can result in a GDP decline of one percent,” Magno said.

“We estimate that potential losses with respect to FDIs for the Philippines will range from P16.7 billion to P26.2 billion,” she added.

Gatchalian estimated a tax leakage of P1.9 billion due to the discrepancy of gross gaming revenue as reported by the BIR and PAGCOR from POGOs from January to August this year.

Chinese deported

In a related development, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) started deporting six Chinese nationals working in illegal POGOs in the country.

The BI identified the deportees as Yu Min, 36; Nie Zhengbiao, 31; Gan Xueliang, 29; Xu Yuanggang, 25; Qian Jie, 33, and Yang Bin, 23.

They were escorted by authorities from their detention facility to their designated airport terminal.

estimated total of 48,782 employees who have to be sent back to China.

“It was determined by the BI, through Commissioner Norman Tansingco, that a more cost-efficient and humanitarian approach would be to cancel the visas of the said Chinese nationals,” Remulla said.

“The cancellation of alien visas would simply allow the Chinese nationals to voluntarily exit the country within a non-extendible period of 59 days,” he added.

Those who refuse to voluntarily leave the country after 59 days will be “summarily deported,” according to the DOJ chief.

Padilla wants...

pelikulang Pilipino. Siguro ito ang umpisa na makaabante tayo,” he added.

Students interested in getting started in volunteer opportunities sooner can register with the #CaliforniansForAllmailinglist which provides regular updates on service opportunities in your community. g they are timeless. They are also a part of our history and culture, so they can be considered our treasure.)

“Dito sa Southeast Asia, tayo unang gumawa ng pelikula at tayo po palagi ang nananalong best actor, best picture sa Asia… Lahat po ay nagmamalasakit sa

(Here in Southeast Asia, we were the first to make movies and always won awards for best film and actor… Now, so many are trying to help the film industry. So perhaps this is a good point for us to start.)

Broken down, a bulk or almost 40 percent of the P64.61 billion in losses will come from housing space rentals income at P25.17 billion.

Another P16.63 billion from office space rentals will be lost.

Some P6.56 billion will be dropped from personal consumption of POGO employees and another P3.5 billion from revenues of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).

The government is also expected to lose P3.43 billion from the value-added taxes (VAT) of housing space rentals and P3.09 billion from transportation.

Other losses will stem from

The DOF official also argued about the additional cost that the government will incur for enforcers to ensure security and eliminate crimes.

POGO licensees have been slashed to 34 this year from its pre-COVID-19 level of 64 largely due to the winding down of operations due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Association of Service Providers and POGOs said it would review the financial submissions of its POGO members with the PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to determine compliance with their license fees and tax obligations.

This came after Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian claimed that even legitimate POGOs are remiss in paying correct taxes.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, along with Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, witnessed the deportation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 Wednesday morning on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 316 bound for Wuhan, China.

Remulla said some “400 more” Chinese POGO workers in custody would also be deported.

“The Bureau of Immigration has canceled the visas of many working at the illegal POGO outlets. The work is ongoing right now,” he added.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier reported that the BI had canceled the visas of 1,424 Chinese nationals working in illegal POGO outlets – a fraction of the

Remulla also disclosed that “someone from the BI” has recommended giving amnesty to Chinese nationals working in illegal POGO outlets, but he said the process has to be studied first.

He said there is a need to consult with other government agencies on the issue of amnesty to illegal aliens.

“We have to look at this from the practical standpoint, the national standpoint and even the national security standpoint,” he added.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval recently said that there is an ongoing verification of 48,782 illegal Chinese workers who were affected by the closure of POGOs before they will be sent back to their country of origin for overstaying here in the Philippines.  – Rudy Santos, Robertzon Ramirez, Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla g

NATURAL DISASTERS: SCIENCE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS. UP Officials and scientists composed of (From L-R) Dr. Mario Aurelio, Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, Ms. Jamaica Pangasinan, former UPD Chancellor Michael Tan, current UPD Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, Dr. Giovanni Tapang, and Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, conduct a press briefing on the Taal Volcano Eruption in January 2020.

Photo by Andro Sampang, UPD College of Science

FIRE OUT. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel and fire volunteers exit the building after they put out the fire that broke out at the President Tower building, Timog Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The fire reached the first alarm at 5:05 a.m., and was declared fire out at 6:22 a.m. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

There are many things to do in Pahrump

Racing, biking, shooting among recreational activities for residents, visitors

By REALTOR FELY QUITEVIS-BATEMAN

THERE are times when the question of “What activities can we do in that place?” becomes one of the main questions when a person is considering a location to invest property in, buy a first or second home, or retire to. This makes sense, obviously, because you would not want to move to an area where there is absolutely nothing for you

to do.

Of course, aside from this, there is the question of availability, affordability and getting a good return on your investment. In this week’s article, I will focus on some of the things that you can do recreationally in Pahrump, which is located about 62 miles west of Las Vegas.

If racing or motorsports is

your passion, look no further than Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, which is currently owned by John Morris. The place hosts various driving schools, track rentals and is the home of a private motorsports country club.

It has North America’s longest racetrack at 6.1 miles, and there are plans to expand the racetrack to over 9 miles when construction is completed. There are 18

different configurations for the racetrack available to racecar enthusiasts, from the South Course which is just 1 mile, to the Long Course which covers all 6.1 miles.

The company’s expansion plans which made the news in February of this year has generated excitement in the community as job openings have resulted with these expansion plans, with some reports saying that “Spring Mountain will be one of the most exciting places to work and build a long-lasting career.”

Gloria Estillore of Silicon Valley (right) is looking for a large commercial parcel to build at least a minimum 100-bed assisted living facility. She is in photo above with Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman.

In photo above are some of my big repeat investors –Dr. Pete Racoma, and Wilmer & Gerlie Comahig – who got approved for a 100-bed senior living resort on Homestead Road.

Incidentally, right next to the racetrack is Spring Mountain Estates, luxury trackside homesites where homeowners will have access to all the amenities that Spring Mountain has to offer, which includes the Clubhouse Lounge, workout facility, and other services (e.g. massage therapist). What’s more, owning a home at the Spring Mountain Estates puts you minutes away from the cool, clear waters of Lake Spring

Tony and Neneth Suarez are extremely happy with their Airbnb in Pahrump, which is always fully booked. All their kids own properties in Pahrump as well. With them is Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (middle, standing).

Mountain where you can enjoy activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, flying on jetpack and more. There are 80 homesite lots (for home and mixed-use), 50 of which have been sold. As of now, there are 17 homes built or are under construction.

If cycling is your passion, a new bicycling group in Pahrump called Pahrump

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (right) with Dr. Philip Paleracio (left) who is planning to expand his dental clinic to Pahrump. Dr. Paleracio has one of the most advanced dental facilities in Las Vegas.

Valley Cyclists, is inviting the community to ride with them, according to the Pahrump Valley Times. This social club gathers biking enthusiasts for fitness and for fun, and welcomes riders of all age levels and gender.

The club’s goal is to connect cyclists and allow them the opportunity to get together and enjoy

Cautiously optimistic on...

Security Strategy also puts high importance on economic prosperity and is looking at opportunities to work with “allies and partners, especially in the Indo-Pacific,” who “stand on the frontlines of the PRC’s coercion and are rightly determined to seek to ensure their own autonomy, security and prosperity. We will support their ability to make sovereign decisions in line with their interests and values, free from external pressure, and work to provide high-standard and scaled investment, development assistance and markets.”

The timing for the recently concluded IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings here in Washington, D.C. was opportune, with our economic managers in full force to attend the in-person activities after two years of virtual and hybrid meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the meeting between Finance Secretary Ben Diokno and World Bank Group president David Malpass, the discussion centered on the Philippines’ economic growth as well as our vulnerabilities, with Mr. Malpass noting the importance of tax reform initiatives and the efforts to broaden the country’s tax base. It was encouraging to hear the World Bank’s readiness to enhance its support for the Philippines, particularly in the areas of agriculture, tourism, energy and education, among several other key sectors.

There is no question that countries are struggling to recover from the global shocks that have been coming one after the other – the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the climate disasters that have been happening across continents that are bringing about a “fundamental shift in the global economy,” as noted by IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva, who also warned that these shocks can throw countries off-course “more easily and more often.”

This is also why we have been relentless in our efforts to host and co-organize economic briefings, dialogues and forums, like the panel discussion we hosted on Friday, October 14 on the sidelines of the IMF-WB Annual Meetings between key economic officials and U.S.-based companies, as well as business groups and financial communities. The dialogue, which had close to 70 participants, was a follow-up to the Philippine economic briefings held earlier in Singapore and more recently in New York during the visit of President Bongbong Marcos.

Finance Secretary Ben Diokno and BSP Governor Felipe Medalla are cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the Philippines, confident that we will still be in

good shape. As noted by Secretary Diokno, the high economic activity in the country as well as rising investor confidence point to a rapid recovery and robust growth. Notwithstanding the key challenges that we face ahead – such as an elevated inflation rate along with the rest of the world, the lingering effects of the pandemic and the unpredictability of the global political economy – the Philippines is fully prepared to address geopolitical risks and the shifting economic landscape.

Clearly, we have to double our efforts to bring in more foreign direct investments. To compete with our neighboring countries, we definitely need to decisively make the country more attractive and easier to do business in. Fortunately, the team of Speaker Martin Romualdez were on hand in Washington to listen to what is needed for the swift passage of bills and make the Philippines “the smart investment choice.”

*   *   *

ES Lucas Bersamin: The right man for the right job

The recent changes in Malacañang with the appointment of former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin as the new Executive Secretary has been widely welcomed because of his experience as well as his impressive track record in the Judiciary. During the Judicial Excellence Awards in 2000, he received both the Best Decision in Civil Law and Best Decision in Criminal Law awards – described as unprecedented – and received the Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos Award in 2002.

Having known ES Bersamin for some time, he would definitely bring his professional management style and put it to good use. When I had a fairly long conversation with him in 2018 during a luncheon I hosted for Philippine delegates to the U.S. Legal Clinic in Washington, D.C., I was impressed with his credentials.

It’s normal for any administration to make changes in their Cabinet appointments, and even in the White House, changes usually occur during the first 100 days of a new president – which are all part and parcel of finding out who would be the best fit for a particular position.

In the case of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, there is no doubt that he is, indeed, “the right man for the right job.” (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. * * *

Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Marcos pledges to reboot...

“We in the Philippines have been so fortunate to have been born to this very beautiful country. And even more so, we have been so lucky to be born to such beautiful people,” he said.

“This is something that we can show the world, and immediately, this will come to help on the preoccupation. At the very beginning, we always talk about jobs, we always talk

about employment.”

The President vowed to ensure that the Philippines’ assets be used “to bring jobs to people, good jobs to people, to bring visitors to our country.”

Hosted by the DoT, the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception serves as the springboard in rolling out the administration’s plans to re-energize tourism which suffered huge losses after

the pandemic practically grounded international travel during its height.

“I wish that initiatives for greater tourism connectivity and convenience will be pursued after this event,” Marcos said.

“I am certain that if we continue that trajectory we have started in the last 100 plus days that we will succeed for the benefit of our people and country,” he added. g

There are many things to do...

PAGE 9

group rides in Pahrump and neighboring communities. The group’s rides can be shifted to accommodate cyclists of all levels, from beginners to the more experienced.

If walking or hiking is what drives you, there are many trails and parks in the area that are of interest. Among them are Discovery Park, Ian Deutch Memorial Park, Calvada Eye, Simkins Park and Petrack Park. These areas offer trails, opportunities for bird watching and nature-tripping, and wonderful walkways to share with the four-legged members of your family. What’s more, there are friendly residents to chat with or share a moment with as you enjoy your walk or hike.

Golf, one of the popular sports in the country, has a presence in Pahrump with the Mountain Falls Golf Club, which is co-designed by famed architecture firms Nicklaus Design Group and Cal Olson Design. It is an 18-hole golf course and country club that is capable of hosting events of all types, be it weddings, holiday parties, corporate

weddings and more. It has visually striking, breathtaking views, and is a must-visit visitors to the area.

I had the pleasure of hosting the late former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos at Mountain Falls Golf Club many, many years ago. He was impressed with it, and enjoyed playing golf at the club.

Aside from these, there are many other activities to do in the area. Sports activities include leagues for soccer, basketball, baseball and softball. Residents can indulge in tennis, bowling, martial arts (karate, jiu jitsu, muay Thai) and even horseback riding.

There are gambling establishments in Pahrump, which include the Pahrump Nugget Casino, Terrible’s Lakeside Casino, Saddle West Hotel, Casino & RV Resort, Irene’s Casino and Terrible’s Road House Casino.

When you have partaken of all the things that you want to do in Pahrump, there is Las Vegas, which is less than an hour’s drive from Pahrump. Concerts, theater shows, more gambling, shopping and dining is at your fingertips in Las Vegas.

Whether you want to consider Pahrump as your retirement place, your next residence or an investment, it has many factors going for it. Real estate prices continue to thrive in Pahrump and it is one of the many places that housing builders are looking at, especially with the skyrocketing land prices in Las Vegas.

Pahrump’s proximity to Las Vegas and it’s having less crime and big city problems make it ideal for those looking to settle down with their family in another area, or a prospect for those wanting to invest in their future.

Now is the time to take a look at Pahrump. I can help you look for the best real estate opportunities in the area. I have had decades of experience in helping clients find the piece (or pieces) of real estate to add to their portfolio, or that piece of land where they want to build their house or rental property.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-5138447, 805-559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.com or fely. precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

UPD-CS faculty work to address...

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely. precious@gmail.com. of, and support for, the hard work that UP’s scientists and researchers put into their respective fields. It helps us to focus on the tasks at hand so that we can bring the science to where it is most needed,” said UPD-CS Dean Giovanni Tapang.

“There are a lot of research studies to understand the physical, social, and economic components of risk. Our main role as scientists is to communicate and disseminate information on hazards and their impacts, hoping these will guide efforts in disaster response,” added Centennial Grant awardee Dr. Noelynna Ramos, a professor of Geomorphology and Geohazards at the National Institute of Geological Sciences and the head researcher of the Geomorphology and Active Tectonics Research Laboratory.

“Much of the research we undertake is very meticulous and painstaking. For outside

observers, they may not seem immediately important or even necessary. But patient persistence pays off, because we are eventually able to find underlying patterns that enable us to come up with practical, real-world solutions,” explained Centennial Grantee and atmospheric physics expert Dr. Gerry Bagtasa.

“There is much that can and should be done in terms of disaster response in the country, and I’m thankful that UP and the College of Science understand this and enable us to help address these.”

The Centennial Grants are awarded annually to UP faculty members in recognition of their outstanding performance in the areas of teaching; research or creative work; and public service. In their various capacities, the Grantees’ research is helping improve our understanding of the natural world and, more specifically, the nature of natural disasters and how best to respond to them. g

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions from Kapamilya in San Diego in 3rd episode of Citizen Pinoy’s ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’

THIS encore episode of Citizen Pinoy in San Diego is special because all the guests are associated with the U.S. Navy in some way. That is why, leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel refers to this as the “U.S. Navy episode.”

In Part 3 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” from San Diego, viewers will hear answers to the following immigration concerns:

• Marilyn, who works for the U.S. Navy, asks a question for a green card holder friend, who gave birth in the Philippines and would like to bring her child to the U.S. She tried applying for a tourist but was denied. What can she do?

• Maricar, who is married to a U.S. Navy retiree, has a sister who is residing in London. Maricar wants to know how long it will take if she petitions her sister now.

• Gay has a daughter in the U.S. Navy. She is worried that her children might age out because they have been waiting for their

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT PART 3 IN SAN DIEGO. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in San Diego, in Part 3 of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” – the U.S. Navy Episode. Some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel (center) answers are – From Marilyn (left): My friend’s sister is a green card holder. She gave birth to her daughter in the Philippines and would like to bring her to the U.S. She tried to bring the daughter in as a tourist but was denied. What can she do?; From Maricar (2nd from left): I want to petition my sister who is currently residing in London. Will it be faster to petition her if she becomes a permanent resident or a citizen of England?; From Mark (4th from left): In my job, I often encounter U.S. Navy personnel who want to marry somebody from the Philippines. What is the process of petitioning someone for a K-1 or “Fiancée Visa”?; From Gay (right): My three children have been waiting for their interview date for two years now. I am worried that they might age out. The eldest is turning 21 in December and the second child is turning 19 soon. What can I do? Watch Part 3 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in San Diego on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 23 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

RESEARCHERS studied autopsy findings on 24 brains, 5 of them people called “SuperAgers,” those who are 80 and over. I refer to them as “TeenAged,” individuals whose cognitive ability, alertness, attitude, behavior, posture, and movements are almost similar to people 20 or more years younger than they are.

The findings in this study revealed the brains of “SuperAgers” had larger neurons, the “information messenger” of the brain that transmit electrical impulses and chemical signs between various areas of the brain and between the brain and the rest of the nervous system and the body. The larger neurons in the entorhinal cortex (ERC) appear to help preserve memory capacity among “SuperAgers.”

Memory capacity usually decreases with age, with about 40 percent of people aged 65 years and older having age-associated memory impairment, and about 1 percent of them progress into dementia each year.

The study also found that SuperAgers lacked neurons with “tau tangles,” that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s Disease. SuperAgers have been “described as the ‘professional athletes of cognition,’ since they are rare people who continue to have sharp memories well into old age.”

Nasal vaccines

“No-needle” mucosal vaccination is now being developed, to be delivered nasally or orally (also transdermal, with a micro needle). Since the virus enters the nose and mouth, the hope is that the nasal/ oral versions would halt the virus at those entry points and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the body. At least “a dozen nasal vaccine candidates are being studied and are at their phase III clinical trials.” The ones for COVID-19 are still far off from being available in the United States. China has approved an inhaled COVID-19 vaccine as a booster about 5 weeks ago. India is following suit with its own version of an intranasal vaccine for emergency use.

In the meantime, as of last Monday, October 17,

‘SuperAgers’

2022, there were 46,146 cases of COVID-19, with 338 deaths, 24,091 hospitalized in the United States. Sadly, very few have opted for the bivalent booster shot, which is a big mistake.

Vaping worse?

Jumping from the pan to the fire could well be the case of those who stopped smoking and started vaping (e-cigarettes). Vaping, like smoking tobacco, is selfinduced slow suicide. Why some people have to take in hazardous substances into their body is mind-boggling. Almost half a million die each year from tobaccorelated illnesses in the United States. Secondhand smoke kills more than 41,000 people in the United States alone.

Vaping use is catapulting to a serious high. They are advertised as a safer option to cigarettes. Does it mean it would destroy the body more slowly, killing more softly? Those vaping are 40 percent more likely to have bronchitis symptoms, with lingering cough, phlegm, congestion, etc., and 53 percent, shortness of breath. Vaping is more toxic in close quarters. Those near a person vaping could also be exposed to second-hand vaping. Let’s stop being masochistic and cease hurting our body.

Early onset cancer

Cancer of the colon and 13 other digestive system cancers have been observed to be spiking as early-onset malignancies, targeting younger and younger people. This was revealed by a new study in 44 countries. The fact that these are gastrointestinal suggests the big role diet and the bacteria in our gut (microbiome) have in causing these cancers. Some factors that increase the risk for cancers are smoking, high alcohol intake, obesity, consuming mostly meat, lack of vegetables, fruits, nuts in the diet, too much carbohydrates (sugars), lack of exercise, environmental pollution. In 2022, about 1.9 million cases of cancer and nearly 610,000 related deaths (1670 deaths a day) are expected in the United States alone.

Selenium and aging

As we grow older, the caps on the ends of some of our chromosomes, called telomeres, get shorter. More evident signs of aging are wrinkles and gray

hair. In the bloodstream, an ingredient, selenium, declines. Daily requirement is 55 micrograms per day for 14 and older. Pregnant or lactating mothers need 6070 micrograms. Selenium, a trace element, which plays a vital role in DNA and cellhealth (and protecting the body from free radicals), can be found in multivitamins and mineral (combo) supplements. Experts believe selenium might help fight against aging.

Selenium may be found in seafood, like shrimp, tuna, halibut, and sardines, as well as meats, Brazil nuts, and grains. Consult your physician for more details.

Microbiome – Diabetes

A new study links gut microbiome to the development of diabetes, where there is loss of dysfunction of the beta cells of the pancreas (which manufacture natural body insulin). This research reports that “a protein called beta cell expansion factor A (BefA) secreted by certain gut bacterial species could induce the proliferation of beta cells in young mice and zebrafish.” This means dysfunctional beta cells (which is the situation in diabetes T2) could someday be replicated to produce insulin for the body, hence effectively helping treat or preventing diabetes.

This study shows how gut microbiome (the balance of the good and bad gut bacteria milieu) influences pancreatic beta cells development early in childhood. When this lab discovery is found applicable to humans, this gut microbiome strategy in “replenishing the beta cells of the pancreas” will tremendously benefit the more than 462 million individuals (6.28 percent of the world’s population) who have T2 diabetes and, especially, the 8.7 million with T1 diabetes. As we have posted in this column before, a healthy gut microbiome by living a healthy lifestyle would maximize our health and longevity.

Protect your DNA

We are healthy when our DNA is healthy. Protecting our DNA from childhood to adulthood is existentially vital. Any damage to the DNA caused by self-abuse (alcohol excess, smoking, illicit drugs, unhealthy diet, too much stress, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation,

Dennis reached out to Jennylyn after breakup years ago

By Dana Cruz Inquirer.net

DENNIS Trillo opened up on his and Jennylyn Mercado’s second chance in love, admitting that he was the first one to reach out to the actress after their breakup years ago.

The actor narrated the events leading to his reconciliation with Mercado when he guested on Nelson Canlas’ “Updated with Nelson Canlas” podcast on Friday, Oct. 14.

Trillo recalled that he got in touch with Mercado again through text messaging while he was in London for a show with his former “My Husband’s Lover” co-star Tom Rodriguez.

“Ako ‘yung nagtext… Siguro na-miss ko siya o ano,” he recounted. “Tinext

ko lang na, ‘O, kumusta ka na?’ Nag-reply naman siya tapos simula no’n, nagtuloy na ulit ‘yung communication naming dalawa.”

(I texted [her]… Maybe I missed her or whatever. I just texted her, “Oh, how are you?” She replied and that was when we started communicating again.)

Trillo then expressed gratefulness over getting back together with Mercado, given that he did not imagine they would reconcile and eventually get married.

“‘Yun ‘yung nakakatuwa, na nangyari ‘yung hindi mo akalain tapos ‘di mo alam, siya pa rin talaga hanggang sa huli,” Trillo said on his relationship with Mercado. (That’s the good thing, when the unexpected happens and then you didn’t know, it’s still her until the end.)

“Pareho kami, never namin na-imagine na mangyayari ‘to sa mga buhay namin, na magkakaroon kami ng happy ending. Actually hindi pa happy ending, happy start,” he added.

(Both of us never imagined that this would happen to our lives, that we would get a happy ending. Actually, this is not a happy ending but rather a happy start.)

Trillo and Mercado became a couple in 2010, but the relationship did not work out and they got into a public breakup a year later. They then got back together in 2014.

After being in a relationship for seven years, the couple got married in an intimate civil ceremony in November last year. They then welcomed their daughter Dylan last May. g

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more...

interview date for two years now. The eldest is turning 21 in December, while the other one will be 19 soon. She wants to know what she can do.

• Mark is on active duty in the Navy. His friends always ask him how they

can bring a Filipina to the U.S. to marry, so he would like to know the process of petitioning someone on the K-1 or “Fiancée Visa.”

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in part three of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from San Diego. Watch this encore

episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 23 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Marilyn (left) and Maricar (right) ask their questions during the Citizen Pinoy “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in San Diego.

Gay (left) and Mark (right) get answers to their Immigration questions from Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado

Photo from Instagram/@dennistrillo

By Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

WHAT’S a typical day for mom and Kapamilya host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal?

For Bianca, as a mother of two girls, Lucia, 6, and Carmen, 3, having a workfrom-home setup means more time to take care of her children.

“I think the beauty sa work ko is hindi ako 9 to 5 (job). Because of that, nadadala ko yung kids ko sa school, hinahatid ko sila,” she told The STAR during the Spotify Creator Mixdown event recently held in Taguig City. “Tapos kapag times na may work ako, buti na lang my husband din hindi 9 to 5, siya naman ang sumusundo sa kids.”

The 39-year-old mom is married to retired Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cager JC Intal.

“The day is just filled with quality time with them and also work. Until now, work-from-home pa rin ang karamihan talaga ng work ko so whenever I need (to) have interviews, whenever I need to make interviews, it’s still at home. Bihira lang yung mga in-person events. So, I’m really able to schedule well,” she said.

Bianca and JC are hands-on parents to their daughters. As Bianca shared, “Yes (even JC is very hands-on), including the preparation of baon in the morning. ‘Pag take ng temperature, lahat, paghanda ng bag, super hands-on. My kids are young, 6 and 3. So, I feel that this is the time na ang bilis mawala na maliit sila. So, I try to make the most of this age. Kasi ‘pag matanda na sila, ‘wa na sila care sa akin. ‘Pag may sarili na silang life.”

When it comes to disciplining their kids, Bianca admitted that she is the stricter parent as compared to her husband. “Because I guess daddy siya and we have two girls so parang konting hingi lang ng mga anak namin, he would give in. So, yes ako yung strict pero sobra akong malambing. Very loving, very malambing. Very hands-on and very strict.”

Aside from fulfilling her duties as a mother, Bianca is also busy juggling her time between her podcast channel, producing videos on YouTube, hosting ABS-CBN’s CinemaNews and some side events as content creator.

When queried if she thought of doing acting again, she replied, “Naku hindi na. Sa almost 19 years ko, lagi akong tinatanong mag-a-act ka pa ba? At this point, parang hindi na talaga. Mas enjoy

kong interview-hin na lang yung mga bida ng pelikula kesa sa ako.”

Through her podcast titled Paano Ba ‘To, Bianca gets to share personal life lessons and advice to her listeners.

On why it is important for celebrities and showbiz personalities to have a podcast, she explained, “I think it all will start from the objective, I guess, of why a celebrity or someone from entertainment starts a podcast. I think one thing in common na narinig ko sa local podcasters is they really started because gusto lang mag-chikahan, gustong magshare ng stories.”

“So it was the same with me. Although with me, it already existed as a book and then a video series bago siya maging podcast so I think it’s a platform for everyone who are interested sa mahabang usapan, which is the nature of the podcast,” she furthered.

She pointed out how podcasts allow for a deeper dive into the topics at hand.

“We are used to short videos, snackable (content) but a podcast kasi mas deep dive siya. You really get to spend time with the one you’re listening to. So kung yun ang goal ng isang celebrity na mas ma-explore yung mahabang usapan then definitely a podcast is a great platform,” she said.

For those who are new to the world of podcasting, Bianca offered, “If they try listening to an episode na engage na engage sila, either sa topic or dun sa host, I think mae-enjoy nila yun. I think it’s so fresh na mahabang usapan naman. Hindi lang yung laging mabilis-mabilis. Yung napa-practice din yung attention

span. Yung slowness ng isang totoong kwentuhan.”

Bianca on the joys of parenting and podcasting James ‘Always Been You’ song about ex-girlfriend Nadine

“My topics in my podcast are things that I’m really interested in, things that I really want to learn about… ‘Pag yung pinapakinggan ko sobrang interested dun sa pinag-uusapan nila, I feel like I’m into it, too. So parang nahahawa nung energy ng listener dun sa energy nung conversation,” she added.

Meanwhile, Spotify’s head of Studios for Southeast Asia Carl Zuzarte shared that the current trend in podcasting is about love and relationships, entertainment and culture and wellness.

In the last 12 months, according to a media release, these are among the top Spotify podcast shows: Barangay Love Stories, Dear MOR: The Podcast, Charot Readings with Macoy Dubs & Show Suzuki, skypodcast and Punchline with Alex Calleja.

Podcasting is “really (a) good reflection of the entertainment industry,” Zuzarte pointed out. “A lot of podcasters talk about what is happening, a big movie, what’s happening in sports and what’s happening in the news. So podcasting is a good mirror of that and because of all these conversations, it’s also shaping the industry, right? New trends (and) new conversations come from podcasting and are reflected back into the media. That’s how we see it.”

It will “help grow the creator economy,” he further told this paper. “Because this is another way now. Not everyone could be a certain kind of creator, this is a new kind of creator that we can target and if you look at the number of creators that you see coming from sort of like even students, professionals, this is just another opportunity to grow the industry even more.”

On the future of podcasting, he noted, “In the Philippines, we will see. Given the trajectory to reach markets which have been podcasting for a long time, that means you see more creators are (into) podcasting (and) more listeners coming to podcasting. It’s as simple as that.”

“You see the key genres continue to grow. And you also find new genres popping up in the future. You see Spotify (is) innovating (and) who knows what else is gonna come up. We just see more listeners, more creators and more engagements in podcasting,” added Zuzarte. g

Kim fulfills dream of starting own business venture

AFTER months of planning, Kim Chiu has finally made one of her dreams come true as she launched her own leather handbag business.

The actress revealed her new bag business venture, House of Little Bunny Philippines, on her Instagram page on Friday, Oct. 14. She also gave a glimpse of some designs for the brand, including a brown leather bag she brought to work.

“Finally hopped my way into the world of entrepreneurship!” Chiu told fans. “What started as a dream of having my own business venture has finally come [to] life.”

“My love for handbags is endless, and now I can finally share these bags that I have loved since the first time I saw them—they’re the perfect arm candies made of genuine leather, and comes with the perfect gold hardware,” she

added.

Chiu expressed excitement over having her own business venture and stressed the importance of the public’s support as she hops into entrepreneurship.

“I am beyond excited now that I have something I can call my own,” she said, along with the hashtag, “#EveryoneHasToStartSomewhere.”

Among those who congratulated Chiu on her new venture were fellow celebrities Janine Gutierrez, Cherry Pie Picache and Chie Filomeno.

Chiu currently appears as one of the hosts of the noontime variety show “It’s Showtime.” She also recently starred in the film “Always,” the first movie in eight years where she starred with her boyfriend, actor Xian Lim.  (By Dana Cruz/ Inquirer.net)

By Jan milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTOR and singer James Reid brought “kilig” frenzy to JaDine fans after revealing that his song “Always Been You” is about his exgirlfriend Nadine Lustre.

In a listening party on social media recently, James dropped his “lovescene” album.

“This next one is called ‘Always Been You.’ Oh, man, am I really gonna explain all these songs? This one, I wrote about Nadine,” James said, talking about one of the songs in the album.

Some of the lyrics in the song goes, “Oh babe, missing what I never had. It’s always been you. When everybody gets in the mood, I always end up dancing with you.”

“Dancing with you. Oh babe, wasted time I want it back. I’d spend it with you. Can’t hide it when I know that it’s true cuz I know it’s always been you.”

James and Nadine broke up in 2020.

Nadine is currently in a relationship with businessman Christophe Bariou while James said that he’s still single. g

lack of rest, etc.), exposure to harmful chemicals, too much sun, and bodily injuries, will lead to disease of our system, resulting in illnesses.

As I have stated in my book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ our Children” (view at philipSchua.com), protecting the DNA starts in the womb (maternal healthy behavior during pregnancy), and in the crib, when dieting should start, not in high school, if we are to prevent damages to the child’s DNA. The strategy to a healthy life and longevity, unlike the lengthy global search of Ponce de Leon for the Fountain of Youth, is actually here with us, all along. It is called living a healthy lifestyle. The execution of living a healthy lifestyle is the challenge, because it takes a lot of personal sacrifices and strict discipline to achieve its great

rewards.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian and anti-graft foundation in the United States. Visit our websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com.

Aside from fulfilling her motherhood duties, Bianca Gonzales is also busy balancing her time between her podcast channel, producing videos on YouTube, hosting ABS-CBN’s CinemaNews and some side events as content creator. Philstar.com photo

Actor and singer James Reid

Photo from Instagram/@james

Meet the Fil-Ams working in the Biden-Harris administration

by AJPRESS

(Part II of II)

I N honor of Filipino American History Month, get to know seven more Filipino Americans who are serving across the Biden-Harris Administration, from the office of the Vice President to government agencies.

Michael C. George

Senior Advisor for Policy to the Vice President

The son of immigrants from the Philippines and India, George is a senior policy advisor for Vice President Kamala Harris. He comes into the role with non-profit experience, serving in roles like program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he led a $30 million investment portfolio to support low-wage workers. How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

My mother is originally from La Union in the Philippines and met my father while studying at the University of Hawaii. After I was born in Honolulu, we lived in Los Baños, Laguna until I was 14 years old, so almost all of my childhood memories are

Hometown: Los Baños, Laguna

of the Philippines. Growing up abroad always made me reflect on how lucky I am to be American, and how one of the things that makes the United States a great country is its diversity.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

The President and Vice President took office at a critical moment – in the middle of an economic downturn and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic –and I wanted to help support our country. Being able to work for a history-making Vice President – the first woman, African American, and Asian American to

serve in the role – is a huge honor. The President and Vice President are truly committed to building an administration that “looks like America,” from the most junior staff to the most senior, because they want to lead a government that stands up for all Americans of all backgrounds. And you can see that in everything they do –  like when they spoke out against the rise in Anti-Asian violence during the pandemic and when the President signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the deep ties

Geri Sanchez Aglipay

Regional Administrator

U.S. Small Business Administration Great Lakes Region (Region V)

Hometown: Skokie, Illinois

A second-generation American and daughter of a veteran, Aglipay became the first Filipino SBA Regional Administrator and the first Pinay appointed by any president in a cabinet agency senior regional role. With over 20 years of experience in policy development, program administration,

and workforce development, she was appointed by the White House to oversee SBA programs and financial operations across offices in six Great Lakes states.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

I’m a Filipino American woman who has grown up as

between the Philippines and the United States, reflected in the ties between so many families like mine and the traditions and cultures we share.

the child of immigrants. I’m grateful to have experienced many opportunities and privileges in America, but I have also experienced classism, sexism, racial bias and stereotypes. I understand the concerns faced by communities of color, women of color, and those who are low income, working and middle-income households who work hard to make a better life and obtain financial, home, and health security. These factors have influenced my career path, including how

people events arts culture entertainment

Angela Dela Cruz Perez

Deputy Press Secretary

U.S. Department of Commerce

Hometown: Woodside, Queens, New York

Perez joined the U.S. Department of Commerce after working as a press assistant at the White House Press Office. She was on the Biden-Harris transition team and worked for the campaign as a communications assistant.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

I’m lucky to be born and raised in Woodside, Queens, a very diverse neighborhood in New York City with a strong Filipino immigrant population. My mother, who was quite new to this country, empowered me to pursue an education and a career in something I was truly interested in, while also making sure I didn’t forget where I came from.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

President Biden made a promise to build an administration that looked like America — and he kept that promise. As one of many Filipino Americans within the administration, I’m proud to be part an administration so aligned with my values.

What does Filipino American History Month

I navigate social norms and intercultural communication.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

I joined the Biden-Harris administration to lend my expertise and experience for inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and help support the Administration’s and SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman’s goal for a new economy that works for everyone, especially from the bottom up to the middle out.

Angela Dela Cruz Perez, Deputy Press Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce

mean to you?

To me, Filipino American History Month is a celebration of Filipino Americans past and present. Whether it’s celebrating the activism that helped create the Asian American movement in the 1970s, noting the Filipino American community’s countless cultural contributions to American film, art and music, or honoring the tireless Filipino American healthcare workers, Filipino American history is being made every day.

The pandemic highlighted a multitude of disparities that many socioeconomically vulnerable and at-risk communities faced prepandemic, including Filipinos. So, it’s meaningful to me to be in this role to representing my community to support recovery.

What does Filipino American History Month me to you?

To me, Filipino American History Month, which was established by [the Filipino American National Historical

Michael C. George, Senior Advisor for Policy to the Vice President

Geri Sanchez Aglipay, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration Great Lakes Region (Region V)

Meet the Fil-Ams working...

Society], is about the struggles, achievements and history of Filipinos in the United States as impacted by forces not only in the Philippines, but especially on American shores. It’s a month to share writings by Carlos Bulosan and Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon; learn about Larry Itliong, and the pensionados; and continue a legacy of economic impact like the first Filipino credit union in Illinois. Knowing history impacts how we navigate our community, which is important for times where critical thinking and historical context impacts our future.

Christian Bato

Southwest Intergovernmental Specialist Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA/Las Vegas, NV

The son of Filipino immigrants, Bato joined the U.S. Department of Energy after working for U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and serving as the Nevada Coalitions Director for the Biden-Harris campaign. He began his career working for SEIU’s iAmerica, which advocated for immigrant justice in the AAPI and Latino communities.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

My identity as a Filipino American has been THE driving force for my career in public service. I began my career advocating for immigrant justice in the AAPI and Latino communities and I did my best to help people navigate the complex immigration system in our country during that time. I continued along that path by helping all Nevadans work with the federal government as Senator Cortez Masto’s AAPI outreach representative in her Las Vegas Office. I find myself doing that today as I help key stakeholders and communities across the

Southwest United States access important federal dollars and resources at the Department of Energy, especially after the historic steps taken by the administration in form of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Serving and helping others is an inherently Filipino trait and it’s something I try to do every day in my role with the Biden-Harris Administration.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

I joined the Biden-Harris administration because it was a great chance to help President Biden make good on the promises he made on the campaign trail. We were, and still are, at an inflection point in our country and I wanted to make sure I did my part to help push the nation in the right direction, particularly when it comes to combatting the climate crisis. I felt that I was my duty as an American, but also as the son of Filipino immigrants, to use my talents to help

make a difference for the collective good. My parents sacrificed a lot to move to this country and my service in this administration, at the highest level of government, is something that I feel justifies their decision.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

Filipino American History Month provides a great opportunity to uplift and highlight the oftenoverlooked voices of our ancestors who impacted the rich history of our country. It’s also a time to authentically embrace our heritage and display it proudly. Most of all, it’s a time to build our power as a community through organizing and educating. We are an integral part of the fabric of the United States of America, and it is important that we take this month to celebrate that.

Trisha Ann Castaneda

Confidential Assistant to the Director Office of Management and Budget     Hometown: Irvine, CA

Castaneda entered the political world during her senior year of college as an intern for Rep. Doris Matsui and subsequently served as a junior staffer in the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies. She joined the Office of Management and Budget in June 2022.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?    The Philippines and Filipinos are always

associated with being hospitable. I have always strived to make sure everyone I meet in my life and in my career is met with kindness and care, no matter the circumstances.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

I joined the Biden-Harris administration because I believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table. As a Filipino American I am proud to represent my community, whose history

Loni Cortez Russell

Deputy Associate Administrator

Office of the Administrator, Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Prior to joining the BidenHarris Administration, Russell spent over a decade leading local, state and federal advocacy campaigns to fight for climate action and public health for major environmental organizations across the country including as the head of public engagement for the Climate Action Campaign, a coalition of national climate organizations working to advance federal climate policy. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and credits her Filipino American heritage to her commitment to public health and the environment.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

I grew up in a Fil-Am household in Southern California surrounded by strong women who centered their family and heritage in all parts of our lives. My Ama, or grandfather, was the former governor of our province, and my mother was

involved in local politics in the Philippines. Filipino values, such as family, community, respect, hard work (and having a good time!), have always been core to my personal and professional identity.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

Since day one, the BidenHarris administration has centered the actions of the federal government around the need to prioritize the most vulnerable and fight for social equity, especially in responding to the multiple crises of a pandemic, economic uncertainty and racial injustice.I was attracted to and am proud of my work at EPA leading and embedding this commitment to justice and equity in how the agency works with all its stakeholders like frontline communities, businesses, NGOs among others. As a Fil-Am, our culture is diverse, complex

Russellie Boñgolan

Deputy White House Liaison

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Hometown: Hacienda Heights, CA

Russellie Boñgolan was recently named Deputy White House Liaison to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She was first appointed by the current administration the USDA’s Research Education and Economics Mission Area, where she worked to promote key priorities such as equity, modernization and climate smart agriculture. Prior to her appointment, she served as Political Director for Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and

is so deeply intertwined with the United States.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to showcase my country and my culture to a wider audience. Not everyone has the ability to interact with and experience Filipino culture – the food, the music, the art, the people –and I believe that once they do experience it, they’ll develop an appreciation and, as a result, an understanding.

as Georgia Deputy Director of Coalitions for the BidenHarris campaign.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

My grandmother was the first to teach me about civic engagement and public service, which ultimately set me on this career path. I have vivid childhood memories of following her around as a little girl as she volunteered at the polls for many years. While she would set up the polling stations and help direct voters, she’d tell me about her own immigration story, and tell me how lucky we were to be both Filipino and American.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

After working on the campaign in Georgia, I saw firsthand that the BidenHarris administration is committed to serving all Americans. As a Filipino American, I think about my own grandfather, who’s first job as a new immigrant was

and rich with strong traditions of taking care of the most vulnerable and it is honor to work for an administration that shares those traditions and emphasizes diversity as core to public service.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

It’s an honor to recognize the deep history and diversity of the Filipino American experience. Fil-Ams have been an important yet underrecognized in American culture. There are so many incredible contributions that Fil-Ams have shaped and influenced in this country.

Fil-Am History Month is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate our stories and people.

to harvest asparagus in the fields of Central California. The fact that, just two generations later, I am a White House appointee to the USDA is truly a testament to America’s promise.    What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?   Filipino American History Month is a time to celebrate our history, our contributions and the fact that we are writing the next chapter. It is not lost on me that I stand on the shoulders of so many history making Filipino Americans who came before me like the Delano manongs who advocated for themselves alongside Larry Itliong and in coalition with Cesar Chavez.

Trisha Ann Castaneda, Confidential Assistant to the Director, Office of Management and Budget

Loni Cortez Russell, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Christian Bato, U.S. Department of Energy

Russellie Boñgolan, Deputy White House Liaison, U.S. Department of Agriculture