102122 - Northern California Edition

Supreme Court could strike down a rmative action

ON October 31, the Supreme Court will hear two cases that will determine the future of affirmative action. Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) is suing Harvard and University of North Carolina (UNC) for considering race in their application process. Further, SFFA says Harvard’s admission policies discriminate against Asian American applicants.

SFFA is a creation of conservative activist Edward Blum. He claims his non-profit has 22,000 members who were wrongly rejected by universities that use race conscious criteria to evaluate prospective students. None of Blum’s 22,000 alleged victims have testified. However, one was described but not named in the Harvard case as a Chinese student with first generation immigrant parents, perfect test scores and the best GPA in his class of 460. In 2022, UNC received 43,500 applications for a freshman class of 4,325. UNC rejected

Updated COVID-19 booster shots expanded to 5 years and older

SACRAMENTO – California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, and Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer Dr.Tomás J. Aragón, issued a joint statement on the emergency use authorization of the updated COVID-19 boosters in the United States.

Eligibility for the Moderna bivalent booster now extends to individuals 6 years of age and older and eligibility for the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster now extends to individuals 5 years of age and older. This statement follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation and has the support of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

“We are happy to announce that the updated boosters are now available for children as young as 5 years old. These boosters are safe and have been formulated to provide better protection not only against the original coronavirus strain, but also against the subvariants that continue to infect many, including the youngest amongst us.

California to end COVID-19 state of emergency

by AJPRESS

CALIFORNIA Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state will exit its state of emergency in February 2023, almost three years after it was first declared.

Newsom on Monday, Oct. 17 said that the state will end the pandemic response on February 28, 2023.

This timeline gives the health care system needed flexibility to handle any potential surge that may occur after the holidays in January and February, in addition to providing state and local partners the

time needed to prepare for this phaseout and set themselves up for success afterwards.

With hospitalizations and deaths dramatically reduced due to the state’s vaccination and public health efforts, California will continue using tools to fight COVID-19, including vaccines and boosters, testing, treatments and other mitigation measures like masking and indoor ventilation.

As the state of emergency is phased out, the SMARTER Plan continues to guide California’s strategy to best protect people from COVID-19.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been guided by the science and data – moving quickly and

strategically to save lives. The State of Emergency was an effective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state, and we wouldn’t have gotten to this point without it,” said Governor Newsom.

“With the operational preparedness that we’ve built up and the measures that we’ll continue to employ moving forward, California is ready to phase out this tool.”

To maintain California’s COVID-19 laboratory testing and therapeutics treatment capacity, the Newsom Administration will be seeking two statutory changes immediately upon the

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

by DAPHNE GALVEZ Inquirer.net

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.

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.

Confessed gunman in Percy Lapid killing faces murder rap

by KRISTINE JOY PATAG Philstar.com

MANILA — The police and Roy Mabasa — brother of slain radio broadcaster Percy Lapid — have filed a murder complaint against Joel Escorial and three others before the Department of Justice.

Escorial was presented to media on Tuesday, October 18, and confessed to the October 3 killing of Lapid in Las Piñas City.

Mabasa personally went to the DOJ office to affirm the complaint filed on Tuesday.

The police’s Criminal Investigation and Detective Group personnel led by Police LtCol. Joel Manual Ana are also among the complainants.

Other than Escorial, the police and Mabasa named the following as respondents:

• Israel Dimaculangan

• Edmon Dimaculangan

• Alias Orly / Orlando Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento told reporters that Escorial underwent inquest proceeding on Tuesday

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.

But the President maintained that the country’s overall inflation forecast remains better than that

of other countries. “We may have to defend the

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

VP SARA WITH BIZ LEADERS. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (middle) poses for a souvenir photo with Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chairman William Co (left), PCCI president George T. Barcelon (2nd from left), vice president and chair of the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) Ferdinand Ferrer (2nd from right); and Honorary chairman and treasurer, PCCI and Employers Confederation of the Philippines president Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr. (right) during the 48th PBC&E 2022 at Manila Hotel in Manila City on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Duterte served as a keynote speaker at the event. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Malacañang photo

California to end COVID-19...

Legislature’s return: 1) The continued ability of nurses to dispense COVID-19 therapeutics; a nd 2) The continued ability of laboratory workers to solely process COVID-19 tests.

“California’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has prepared us for whatever comes next. As we move into this next phase, the infrastructure and

processes we’ve invested in and built up will provide us the tools to manage any ups and downs in the future,” said Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency, Dr. Mark Ghaly.

“While the threat of this virus is still real, our preparedness and collective work have helped turn this once crisis emergency into a manageable situation.” California’s death rate is the

lowest amongst large states. If California had Texas’ death rate, 27,000 more people would have died in the state, the release from Newsom’s Office said. If California had Florida’s rate, that figure jumps to approximately 56,000 more deaths, it added.

The federal government extended its COVID-19 public health emergency through Jan. 11, 2023. g

US ambassador sees more high level visits...

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.

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 Indo-Pacific. (Philstar.com)

Paul Soriano named as presidential adviser on...

His wife, TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga, witnessed the ceremony, along with their sixyear-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

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. g

Marcos ready to ‘defend’...

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 shortterm 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 shortterm challenges and uncertainties. At the same time, we are laying the groundwork for faster, more inclusive growth that generates high-quality 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 short-term 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

Film director Paul Soriano took his oath of office before President Marcos in Malacañang on Monday, October 17. His wife, TV host and actress Toni Gonzaga, witnessed the ceremony, along with their six-year-old son, Severiano Elliot. Malacañang photo consulted in his inauguration.

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 UPD-CS 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 UN-declared International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction last October 13.

“The Centennial Grant is a welcome acknowledgement 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

Updated COVID-19 booster shots expanded...

As is true of the other COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses, the updated boosters were designed to protect individuals from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. With the authorization of the updated booster to individuals as young as 5,

4

we’re even closer to ensuring the whole family is protected as we head into the fall and winter when the spread of respiratory viruses is at its peak.”

Everyone 5+ who has had their primary series vaccinations is eligible to get the updated booster 2 months following any COVID vaccine or

booster dose.

In keeping with the SMARTER plan, the state is prepared to begin offering the strongest, most protective booster dose to all eligible Californians now. We encourage all Californians to talk to your doctor, go to MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-4224255 to find a vaccine or booster appointment near you. g

FEEL SUPPORTED

MENTAL HEALTH

Filipino Young Leaders Program announces 2022 immersion cohort

THE Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), a joint initiative of the Philippine Embassy, Consulates General in the United States, and the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), announced the 2022 FYLPRO Delegates.

This year’s class marks the first in person immersion program in more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2022 FYLPRO Delegates (in alphabetic order) are:

Michelle Amor - New York, New York

Grace Arupo Rodriguez - Roseville, California

Joshua De Leon - Long Beach, California

Daniel Galeon - Montvale, New Jersey

Genevieve Jopanda - San Francisco, California

Michele Josue - Glendale, California

Agnes Lopez - Jacksonville, Florida

Angelo Mathay - Raleigh, North Carolina

Jamille Nagtalon-Ramos - Sicklerville, New Jersey

Constancio Paranal III - Honolulu, Hawaii

Melissa (Michi) Trota - Chicago, Illinois

Danicole Ramos - Waialua, Hawaii

Angelico Razon - Pasadena, California

John Victoria - Arlington, Virginia

Neil Wingkun - Houston, Texas

In the 2022 application cycle, several changes were made that yielded an even more competitive application pool including raising the age limit from 40 to 45 and implementing an application administration fee. The immersion program selection committee also instituted a rigorous first blind cut round and a final virtual interview process where applications went through a series of several reviewers over the course of a multiple week process.

The increased age limit also gave an opportunity to those who would have aged out during the pandemic.

“After a two year hiatus due to the global pandemic, I’m pleased to welcome the next cohort of young leaders to experience the life-changing, transformative experience my 2019 cohort went through,” said 2022 FYLPRO President Leezel Tanglao. “This year’s cohort raises the bar across underrepresented industries and locations. I’m

excited for them to join the FYLPRO family and network.”

The 2022 cohort includes a five-time Hugo Award winner, an administrative judge, emergency room physician and Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker among this year’s delegates. This year’s cohort includes new regions represented with delegates from Raleigh, North Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida.

The delegates will be traveling in a week-long immersion trip to Manila, Philippines in November.

"We welcome the resumption of FYLPRO's inperson and immersive leadership development experience for the newly expanded delegation of 15 Filipino-American young professionals. There is no better way to cap off the 10th year anniversary than to showcase the growth of FYLPRO to the Filipino American community, and to major Philippine partners in the government, non-government, and private sector." said Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. "I look forward to personally meeting and hosting them in Manila, and learning about their vision and aspirations as Filipino-American leaders.”

The delegates will get the opportunity to interact with Philippine Government officials and leaders in the fields of business, arts and culture, and civil society.

“We are honored to provide a platform for our FilAm leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with movers and shakers both in the Philippines and the United States. We look forward to collaborating with our delegates in creating an impact in the lives of Filipinos all over the world,” said Ayala Foundation Ruel T. Maranan.

FYLPRO was established in 2012 by Former Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States of America, Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Mrs. Victoria J. Cuisia in cooperation with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government. g

Pause & recognize stress. Take a moment to check in with yourself both physically & emotionally. Where might you be feeling the burden of this virus –tightness of shoulders, headaches, stomach pain, fatigue?

Know the warning signs. Common signs that you may be su ering from increased emotional stress are intense worries or fears, changes in school performance, not eating, significant weight loss or gain, severe risk-taking behavior, temper tantrums, or extreme di culty concentrating or staying still.

Adopt healthy practices. Access online playbooks in several languages to help ease stress. These include mindfulness practices, healthy nutrition, quality sleep, physical activity, mental health care, & supportive relationships. Get them at osg.ca.gov/resources

Reach out to a specialist online, by phone or in person.

CalHOPE Connect o ers online chat support and a “warmline” for connection & support that is open 24/7 at 855-845-7415. Visit calhopeconnect.org

The California Department of Aging provides an extensive list of mental health resources for older adults on its website.

Taking safety precautions against COVID-19 infection like vaccination, boosting and masking in crowded spaces can keep you healthy and connected to friends and loved ones.

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

Hand hygiene in the time of COVID

EVEN with all the controversies and problems besetting the nation, the day dedicated to the promotion of hand washing cannot be ignored. Last weekend, nations were urged to “unite for universal hand hygiene” – the theme of the 2022 Global Handwashing Day. In the Philippines, the theme 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

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.

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

Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

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 Security Strategy

Horizons

RICHARD HEYDARIAN

LAST WEEK, presidential son, Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III, stirred a tempest in a teapot after an interview on the unprecedented state of Philippine peso. “The peso is not weak, because the peso is weak. The peso is weak because the dollar is strong,” said the neophyte congressman. What was likely concocted as a clever turn of phrase inadvertently unleashed a torrent of memes and mockery online. But in fairness to the presidential son, no less than Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Felipe Medalla said almost exactly the same thing earlier this year: “This is a strong dollar problem, not a

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

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 highstandard 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 IMFWB 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 followup 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

Time for economic revolution under Marcos Jr.

weak peso problem.” Unlike the presidential son, however, the country’s monetary chief rightly emphasized the chief factor behind the decades-high increase in U.S. dollar’s global standing: “The reason the dollar is so strong is their inflation rate is so high and, as a result, they will jump up their interest rates much more than we will…”

It didn’t take long for the country’s leading businessman, former senator Manny Villar, to also chip in, rightly arguing in a column, “the recent depreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar … was triggered by the interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve.” With September inflation numbers in the U.S. (as in the Philippines) defying even the worst expectations of median experts, the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to gun for another earth-shaking rate hike in the coming weeks.

The next Federal Open Market Committee meeting will be on Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Another jumbo rate hike of 75 basis point, if not more, which still leave room for another hike by early next year, could push down the Philippine peso into new territories.

Perhaps, Rep. Joey Salceda’s P65-P68 to dollar exchange projection isn’t too farfetched; I suspect, though, the actual number would end up significantly lower, since markets were already warned about Federal Reserve’s leaning toward a 4.4 percent rate (from 3-3.25 percent currently) by the end of this year. The implications for the Philippine economy would be enormous: The world will be confronting an even stronger dollar and/or a steep recession. A stagflation— high inflation, low growth— crisis in the West combined with an uber-strong dollar

would mean declining exports, more expensive imports, and escalating dollar-denominated debt stress among emerging markets.

Parallel to the hullabaloo over Sandro’s hot take, however, was a more intellectually subtle yet spirited debate between two young thinkers, the historian Lisandro Claudio (University of California, Berkley) and economist Jan Carlo Punongbayan (University of the Philippines, Diliman), on central banking and monetary policy. It goes without saying that the debate had its more unfortunate turns, especially when I foolishly took on the matter over Twitter, where a cabal of economist friends (and their proxies) was seemingly adamant on shutting down any debate on monetary policy (by noneconomists).

And in the trigger-happy universe of social media, where

echo-chamber posturing often trumps substantive parsimony, some regrettable kerfuffle inadvertently ensued. But since this was a fundamentally “policy” issue, I, similar to Claudio, have insisted that it’s not something to be left to economists alone. Let’s be crystal clear: economics is not a natural science, but instead an admirable social scientific field that deals with complex human societies, where moral agency is inevitably part of the equation.

Thus, I commend both Claudio and Punongbayan, who also happen to be my friends, for their passionate interventions on behalf of substantive public policy discussions. And, dear reader, this brings us to the real economic challenge under President Marcos Jr.: The need for a fundamental reassessment of not only our monetary policy, which has its inherent limitations, but also our trade

and industrial policy, which have a direct bearing on our export capacity and overall economic productivity.

As former National Economic and Development Authority chief Solita Monsod has correctly pointed out, “The peso is weaker because … we have been having trade deficits … our imports have grown so fast and our exports are not growing at all.” If Mr. Marcos really wants to leave behind a transformational legacy, and make the Philippines a true “tiger economy,” he will have to overhaul our national economic strategy. It’s a revolution whose time has arrived.

* *

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.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES

litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party

of

for

as

in any

In the

or for

with

by

ROGER

ManilaTimes.net photo

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

Jordan Clarkson stays with Utah Jazz for new NBA season

by Alder Almo Philstar.com

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 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 opened what could be a long, agonizing season for them at home against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, October 19. g

Supreme Court could strike down...

PAGE 1

40,000 applicants. At that rate, if the top two dozen schools are considered, Blum’s 22,000 students account for just 2% of total rejections. That number falls to a negligible 0.0055 percent among the top 100 schools.

This is not a big problem, proponents of affirmative action say, especially given the fact that Harvard and UNC argue race in admissions creates campus diversity. The Supreme Court has held that to be a legitimate goal going back to the Bakke case in 1978.

In that case the justices threw out racial admission quotas but opened the door to the modern diversity rationale that was affirmed by the Court in Grutter v Bollinger:“The Equal Protection Clause does not prohibit the Law School’s narrowly tailored use of race in admissions decisions to further a compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a diverse study body.”

Blum argues that raceconscious admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He has brought four lawsuits in recent years but has yet to win one. Given the 6-3 conservative majority on the high court, Blum’s ship could finally be about to come in.

“I think it is too early to tell what the Supreme Court will do with respect to the Harvard affirmative action case. Obviously, we are very concerned based on the Court’s makeup, but we also know that for several years now, in repeated attempts by the conservative elements, affirmative action cases have remained on the books and there is strong precedent on the books for the continued use of race in admissions policy,” said John C Yang, President and CEO, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC.

Yang spoke during a media briefing on the upcoming SCOTUS cases.

Yang noted that both the district court and the appellate court concluded there was no evidence of discrimination against Asian Americans.

“In the case of Harvard, Asian American enrollment at Harvard has increased significantly. They make up nearly 28% of the most recently admitted class, even though Asian Americans make up only approximately 7% of the American population,” he said.

Yang added that a number of surveys since 2010 found two-thirds of Asian Americans support affirmative action. He said that if Harvard stopped considering race in admissions the number of Black students would decline from 14 percent to six percent. Latino students would drop from 14 percent to nine percent. A Georgetown University study came to the same conclusion.

David Hinojosa is with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. He will be arguing the UNC case in front of the Supreme Court on October 31st at 10 am.

“A lot of people are betting against affirmative action. They’re betting against fairness and opportunity. But the history is on our side; the Constitution is on our side; the law is on our side, and so are the facts,” Hinojosa said.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, Hinojosa noted.

“They don’t want to just get rid of affirmative action. They want to completely whitewash history and reinstate all the privileges of yesteryear to today,” he said.

SFFA didn’t put any students on the stand. Harvard did. Sally Chen was one of them. The daughter of working class immigrants who speak limited English, Chen said she wouldn’t have the benefits of a Harvard education if not for Harvard’s race-conscious admissions policies.

“My dad was a cook in a Chinese restaurant and my mom worked in a bakery in Chinatown. Our family of six grew up in a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco, and we struggled to make ends meet. I went to public schools all my life, and from a really young age, I often translated and advocated on behalf of my parents,” Chen said.

Applying to Harvard, Chen ignored her high school counselor’s advice and talked about her background. She said that was really crucial to “getting across who I am, why I want to do the work that I do today, and having this context made me a much stronger applicant.”

Today, Chen advocates for policies that open educational opportunities for all, but especially for limited Englishspeaking immigrant families, at Chinese for Affirmative Action in San Francisco.

“Having diverse perspectives at the table really made our education stronger, and it is an asset to the work that I do today where cross-racial coalition building is really key to what I do,” she said.

Chen was one of the couple hundred signatories to the amicus brief filed by the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) in the case. The fund represented 25 Harvard student and alumni organizations.

“All students deserve a fair shot at going to college, regardless of their income, where they grew up, or their racial and ethnic background,” said Michaele Turnage-Young, LDF Senior Counsel.

She said minority students, often poorer than their white counterparts, have less of an opportunity to amass the credentials that colleges consider in admissions. They are three to six times more likely than white students to attend a high poverty school.

“And many attend majority minority schools, which generally have, like high poverty schools, less experienced teachers, less advanced courses, inadequate facilities, less extracurricular activities, less arts instruction, less recess, and fewer classroom resources.”

College admissions officials try to balance out those things by looking at which minority students show the best potential even if their test scores aren’t the highest.

The plaintiffs in the case say admissions criteria should be color-blind.

“Our clients, in particular, are concerned that erasing race from the admissions process will make it impossible for applicants of color to present their authentic selves in their college application,” TurnageYoung said. Chen echoed that sentiment. “We wanted to get

across how we wouldn’t want to be at an institution that didn’t value us,” she said. (Peter White/Ethnic Media Group)

Confessed gunman in Percy Lapid killing...

night. He added that the inquest resolution may likely be released on Thursday, October 20.

The inquest prosecutor will determine if there is probable cause to charge the respondent in court. If the inquest prosecutor resolves to refer the complaint for preliminary investigation, the respondent will be given an opportunity to file a counteraffidavit for his defense.

A full copy of the complaint has yet to be made public as of this story’s writing.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. presented Escorial, initially identified as Estorial, to the press on Tuesday, a day after the latter supposedly surrendered to the police.

Speaking to the press, Escorial said he surrendered to police out of fear and guilt. This was after authorities published images from CCTV footage showing the face of the man they said was Lapid’s shooter.

Abalos said Escorial is not a fall guy as his gun and slugs found

at the crime scene matched, along with a ripped up shirt he was supposedly seen wearing in CCTV footage.

Hindi niya lang inamin, because the gun itself would match the slug. Nag-match iyong ballistics. Number two, iyong mga damit na pinagpunit-punit niya. Number three, ‘yan po ang nasa CCTV,” Abalos said. Escorial said the hit order came from inside New Bilibid Prison, and investigation has been ordered to look into the claim. g

ARRESTED. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (left) presents to members of the media suspect Joel Estorial (center), the alleged gunman in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid, in a presser at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, Oct. 18. During the press briefing, Estorial said he surrendered to authorities over fear for his life after his photo was released by the police and a PHP6.5 million bounty was placed on his head. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Marcos pledges to reboot tourism

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday 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 GarciaFrasco'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.

"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

US invests P228 million in YouthWorksPH to support out-of-school youth

by Kaycee Valmonte Philstar.com

MANILA — The United States said it is investing P228 million or $3.8 million in YouthWorks PH to train unemployed and out-of-school youth.

YouthWorksPH is an initiative between the United States Agency for International Development and the Philippine Business for Education.

"Together with PBEd, we are providing training opportunities that will lead them to employment so they can provide for themselves and contribute positively to society," US Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava said.

The P228-million investment was announced during YouthWorks PH's Skills Partnerships Summit held earlier this month.

Philippine business leaders, together with national and local government officials, discussed partnership opportunities for young Filipinos.

PBEd Chairman Ramon R. del Rosario Jr. underscored the importance of providing skills training for the Filipino youth as a form of nation-building.

Meanwhile, USAID and PBEd also named YouthWork PH's new partners, including McDonald's Philippines,

Amazon Web Services, Banco de Oro, Unibank Inc., Proudcloud, and Launchgarage. The partnership will use at least P54 million ($915,000) worth of training materials to support at least 5,600 out-of-school youth in the country.

USAID and PBEd have provided over 13,000 workbased training programs

with its industry partners and helped nearly 4,000 individuals with training for employment in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, General Santos, Greater Manila Area, and Zamboanga.

Their joint program was also expanded to five other sites, namely the Agusan del Sur, Bohol, Northern Cebu, Sarangani, and South Cotabato. g

Padilla wants tariffs on foreign shows to boost Filipino showbiz industry

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

(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.) g

DepEd to junk ‘mother tongue’ subject, but not as medium of instruction

MANILA — Public schools may soon do away with the 50 minutes of students' native language as a subject in classes subject to finalization of the plans, the Department of Education told senators on Monday, October 17.  Education Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III bared this plan before the Senate Committee on Basic Education's hearing on Monday morning, saying the plans came after the department's review of the K to 10 program in the country's schools.

"We intend to abandon the mother tongue as a subject, which is a separate learning area in the curriculum. And we will simply use the mother tongue, which is already the vernacular of the community, neighbors, and family, as part of the medium of instruction. No longer as a subject to be offered from Grade 1 to Grade 3,” he said.

Densing was careful to point out that mother tongues would still be the medium of instruction; they just won't be taught as a separate subject anymore.

"This will be reallocated for our national reading program and national math program," he said. "There is no need to teach it to the children because this is already their everyday language in the school and community and family. So the assumption there is they

understand it already before it's taught to them."

But even teaching in native languages presents problems of its own.

Students since have been taught in their mother tongue for all subjects, except Filipino and English, from Kindergarten to Grade 3 since 2013 as part of the Mother Tongue-BasedMultilingual Education (MTBMLE) in K to 12. English is used as the primary medium of instruction after this period.

Leila Areola, Director IV of the Curriculum and Instruction at the DepEd Bureau of Learning Delivery said that only 78,872 of its targeted 305,099 educators have been trained for the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction.

Dr. Marie Therese Angeline Bustos, director of the Assessment Curriculum and Technology Research Center said that the national government should "ensure that as far as possible students are allocated to classes that use their mother tongue as medium of instruction."

Citing DepEd data, Bustos also presented the results of its Early Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program in 2018 in arguing the mother tongue's links to learning in other subjects, which found that:

• Almost half of all pupils were rated as being proficient and highly proficient in Filipino while only close to a quarter have reached proficiency and high proficiency in English

• About one-third of the non-Tagalog test takers were considered proficient and highly proficient in their respective [tests] and about 16% of the same group were proficient and highly proficient in Numeracy. Also, about 10% of pupils who took the Numeracy subtest in Tagalog are at a proficient and highly proficient level

The Philippine Institute of Development Studies found in a study that less than 10% of the over 16,000 schools that it included in its study had fully complied with the four main conditions of DepEd in rolling out mother tongue-based multilingual education, namely orthography, grammar, learning resources, and dictionary.

"The primary model of implementation assumes that a child is exposed to only one mother tongue as suggested by the linguistic mapping of the DepEd. The reality is further hampered by procurement and budget issues at the school level," the 2019 study which was read at the Senate hearing says. (Philstar. com)

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SERVICES

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

McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava, PBEd Executive Director Love Basillote, McDonald’s Vice President for the Human Capital Group, Franchising, and Restaurant Support Group Rebecca Roselada, and USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn attend the YouthWorks PH Skills Partnerships Summit in Taguig. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

MOTHER TONGUE IN SCHOOLS.

Senators Win Gatchalian (right) and Robin Padilla preside over the Committee on Basic Education's inquiry on the implementation of the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) under the K to 12 Law at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday, Oct. 17. In leading the Senate inquiry, Gatchalian sought to look into the effectiveness of the MTB-MLE, as well as challenges faced by educators, to guide legislators in strengthening Philippine laws on the use of mother tongue as a medium of teaching to improve the quality of education and competitiveness of Filipino learners.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Bianca on the joys of parenting and podcasting

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 work-from-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-fromhome 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 inperson 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

“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 ABSCBN’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 mag share 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 yung ang goal ng isang celebrity na mas ma-explore yung mahabang usapan then definitely a podcast is a great

Atty. Gur nkel 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

13

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

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)

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 that she is the stricter parent as compared to her husband.

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

by AJPress

(Part II of II)

IN 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 invest ment 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 Ho nolulu, we lived in Los Baños, Laguna until I was 14 years old, so almost all of my childhood mem ories are 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 admin istration, 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 eco nomic 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 Ameri can, and Asian American to serve in the role – is a huge honor. The President and Vice President are truly committed to building an administra tion 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 oppor tunity to reflect on the deep ties between the Phil ippines and the United States, reflected in the ties between so many families like mine and the tradi tions and cultures we share.

Geri Sanchez Aglipay

Regional Administrator

U.S. Small Business Administration

Hometown:

up as the child of immigrants. I’m grateful to have experienced many opportunities and privileges in America, but I have also experienced classism, sex ism, 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 I navigate social norms and intercultural communication.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administra tion, and what does it mean as a Filipino Amer ican?

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 Adminis trator Isabella Guzman’s goal for a new econ omy that works for everyone, especially from the bottom up to the middle out. The pandem ic highlighted a multitude of disparities that many socioeconomically vulnerable and at-risk communities faced pre-pandemic, including Fil ipinos. 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?

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, em powered 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 administra tion, and what does it mean as a Filipino Amer ican?

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

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

To me, Filipino American History Month is a celebration of Filipino Americans past and pres ent. Whether it’s celebrating the activism that helped create the Asian American movement in the 1970s, noting the Filipino American commu nity’s countless cultural contributions to American film, art and music, or honoring the tireless Filipi no American healthcare workers, Filipino Ameri can history is being made every day.

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 work ing for SEIU’s iAmerica, which advocated for immi grant 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 be gan 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 South west United States access important federal dollars and resources at the Department of Energy, espe cially after the historic steps taken by the adminis tration 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 administra tion, and what does it mean as a Filipino Amer ican?

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, partic ularly when it comes to combatting the climate cri

sis. 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 often-over looked voices of our ancestors who impacted the rich history of our country. It’s also a time to authen tically embrace our heritage and display it proudly. Most of all, it’s a time to build our power as a com munity 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.

Russellie Boñgolan

Deputy White House Liaison U.S. Department of Agriculture

Hometown: Hacienda Heights, CA

A second-generation American and daughter of a veteran, Aglipay became the first Filipino SBA Regional Administrator and the first Pinay appoint ed by any president in a cabinet agency senior re gional 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 finan cial 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

To me, Filipino American History Month, which was established by [the Filipino American Na tional Historical Society], is about the struggles, achievements and history of Filipinos in the Unit ed 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 import ant for times where critical thinking and historical context impacts our future.

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

I grew up in a Fil-Am household in Southern California surrounded by strong women who cen tered 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 in volved 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 admin istration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administra tion, 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 na tional 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?

Since day one, the Biden-Harris administration has centered the actions of the federal govern ment around the need to prioritize the most vul nerable 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 jus tice and equity in how the agency works with all its stakeholders like frontline communities, busi nesses, NGOs among others. As a Fil-Am, our culture is diverse, complex 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 under-rec ognized 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 cele brate our stories and people.

Russellie Boñgolan was recently named Dep uty 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 eq uity, modernization and climate smart agriculture. Prior to her appointment, she served as Political Director for Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and as Georgia Deputy Director of Coalitions for the Biden-Harris 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 ul timately 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 administra tion, and what does it mean as a Filipino Amer ican?

After working on the campaign in Georgia, I saw firsthand that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to serving all Americans. As a Filipi no American, I think about my own grandfather, who’s first job as a new immigrant was 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 cel ebrate 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 them selves alongside Larry Itliong and in coalition with Cesar Chavez.

Trisha Ann Castaneda

The Philippines and Filipinos are always associ ated 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 administra tion, and what does it mean as a Filipino Amer ican?

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 is so deeply intertwined with the United States.

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?

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

Filipino American History Month is an oppor tunity 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.

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

Hometown: Los Baños, Laguna

Lakes Region

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

Loni Cortez Russell, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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

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

Christian Bato, U.S. Department of Energy

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

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

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.”

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 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 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 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 full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@ gmail.com. We have investors

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@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Actor Derek Ramsay semi-retires from showbiz

celebrityworld

By Ferdie Villar

ONE of showbiz’s hottest hunks, Derek Ramsay, has decided to semi-retire from showbiz to spend more time with his loved ones.

The decision seems to have formed after the pandemic and lockdowns, as well as his marriage to Ellen Adarna.

In an interview with PEP.ph, Derek explained his decision to semi-retire, and GMA Network’s agreement to terminate his contract after he had approached management to ask for its termination.

“You know, after the pandemic [there were] a lot of realizations. First thing is, after lockdown, I was locked down by myself, my parents were in Tagaytay and I was home alone,” Derek said. “It made me realize [that] the world is changing so much and my parents were in their twilight years, and if I keep grinding myself and working so hard, I’m gonna lose out precious time with my family and I’ll never forgive myself when that day comes.”

He added, “No money that you earn, no award, no project will replace the pain you will go through because you regret not spending time with those people that you love. So I was, like, ‘What is it for you to be content?’ Okay, I’ll lose millions but I should be content with my life. I’m so blessed.”

Derek admits that his and Ellen’s decision to get married also played a part in this decision.

“I got married [and] I got blessed even more with a beautiful wife and I have my son [Austin], Elias (Ellen’s child with actor John Lloyd Cruz), I have my stepson. So I was, like, ‘Wow! This is a sign. This is life,’” he stated.

The actor revealed that he may

yet accept projects, but it would have to be something that really piques his interest.

“It would have to take something very, very special for me to decide to do a project,” Derek said. “Especially with the rules now, you have to take two months off, right? You’re in a bubble. It’s difficult for me who just got married to stay away from my family.”

Derek said that he and wife Ellen are one in mind when it comes to slowing down with their careers. In fact, he divulged that his wife just did the TV5 sitcom “John en Ellen” in 2021 just to kill time and have John Lloyd spend time with his son. It was during this time that they met one another.

The actor isn’t that worried about money as he has been careful with his earnings.

“We’ve paid our dues, we worked hard. I saved money, I did not spend the money aimlessly that came in. Other people, they would spend it immediately, right? I invested it,” Derek said.

“I don’t have to be the richest person. You don’t judge your richness with money. It’s with love, it’s with family, and I have all that. I have to be content and I’m just content.”

And Derek seems to be putting words to action as it was his dad who accompanied him to a charity golf tournament organized by Samantha Lopez.

“Again, my dad is 80 and he’s still playing [golf]. He’s really, really strong when I look at him. I’m so proud, it always puts a smile on my face. But then, you also see that your parents are ageing and you get that, it’s hard to explain, e. I guess you get afraid. You don’t want to think negative things but you can see that they aged so much and I

don’t know how I’ll handle it when that day comes. That’s why I said I got to spend more time with them. So now I brought my dad. I could have invited anybody else. I could have invited my boys, my friends and all that, but no, I want to spend a day here with my dad,” he related.

Derek is grateful to the Kapuso network that they allowed him to get out of it. He had about a yearand-a-half remaining in the deal.

During the start of the pandemic, the actor revealed that he agreed with the network to restructure the deal so that both parties would come out winning.

“Again, the great relationship that I had with GMA, we both decided to suspend [the contract] and then when they offered me my teleserye when things are getting back to normal, I got married and we still have that

whole COVID scare, that we got to stay in a bubble. It felt as though I can’t handle it,” he stated.

“And slowly, that’s when I got my realization. So, I told GMA, ‘I think we should sit down and talk about this,’ and I let them know how I feel,” he added. “And they said, ‘Okay, we respect that,’ and I was able to get out of my contract.”

“I think if you show them that respect, then that respect will come back. I was honest to tell them that this is where my heart is telling me to go. If they were not able to understand that, it would be hard to call the network Kapuso,” the actor further said.

* * *

Actress Kylie Verzosa has been honored as actress of the year (Philippines) at the 6th Dubai International Arab Film Awards (DIAFA) for her superb

Health @Heart

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.

performance in the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean erotic-thriller “The Housemaid.”

According to the film’s director, Roman Perez Jr., Kylie will be attending the awards ceremony in November which will be held at the Dubai Creek Harbour Marina in the United Arab Emirates.

“I am so happy for Kylie for bagging the best actress award. I knew at the onset that Kylie would win an award, but here (in the Philippines) no one took note,” Perez said. “Even the performance of Jaclyn Jose was great, Albert Martinez was great, but they were not noticed by the local award-giving bodies.”

Perez revealed that he and Kylie were not on the same page at the start of the shoot, but that things became better when they developed some trust with each other.

“During the shoot, Kylie and I were not okay. We could not agree on some of the principles. She didn’t trust me (at first). When she finally learned that she could trust, then her character came out fully,” he related.

“Her acting ability came to the fore, with the help of her acting coach Angie Castrence,” he added. “I enjoyed working with Kylie, after a few days that we did not understand each other. She’s like fine wine – as you drink it, it becomes warmer and warmer, it becomes more pronounced.”

Perez believes that in due time Kylie will get the recognition that she deserves.

“I think overdue na achievement ni Kylie ang kanyang acting award. She deserves to be best actress,” he said. “I believe that if Kylie gets a great project, she will win acting awards.”

‘SuperAgers’

Vaping, like smoking tobacco, is self-induced 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 tobacco-related illnesses in the United States. Secondhand smoke kills more than 41,000 people in the United States alone.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration...

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 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.

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, 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 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 60-70 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, 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 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.

* * *

PAGE

PH CONSULATE JOINS FEAST OF FIRST FILIPINO CATHOLIC SAINT IN SAN FRANCISCO. Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer and the officers of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco attended the Eucharistic celebration of the Feast Day of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in San Francisco on Saturday, September 24. Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay also attended the mass. The feast day mass was organized by the Archdiocese of San Francisco’s Filipino Ministry and was presided over by Reverend Father Jerald Geronimo, the first Filipino American priest to be ordained in the auspices of the Archdiocese. San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino Catholic saint, was martyred in Nagasaki, Japan in 1637 amid the persecution of Christians during the years of the Tokugawa Shogunate. He was beatified by then Pope John Paul II in 1981 in Manila, in what was the first beatification ceremony held outside the Vatican. He was canonized as a saint in 1987, with his feast day celebrated every September 28. San Francisco PCG photo

The Housemaid star Kylie Verzosa won the best actress award at the 6th Dubai International Arab Film Awards. Photo from Instagram/@kylieverzosa

Actor/model Derek Ramsay is semi-retiring from showbiz to spend more time with his family and loved ones.

Photo from Instagram/@ramsayderek07

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.

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

Bianca on the joys of parenting and...

PAGE 9

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.”

“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 The STAR. “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.

City of San Francisco celebrates Filipino American History Month

SAN FRANCISCO – Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer joined Mayor London Breed and the Filipino American Community in the 18th annual official celebration of Filipino American History Month in the City and County of San Francisco on October 5, 2022 — hosted by the Golden State Warriors’ Filipino American “hype man” Franco Finn, and NBC Bay Area reporter Ginger Conejero-Saab.

During the program at the City Hall’s famed rotunda, Consul General Ferrer expressed his gratitude to Mayor Breed, the Board of Supervisors, and the City and County Government for recognizing the “significant contributions of the Filipino American Community in the city, including the recent appointment of Atty. Kevin Benedicto as the city’s first Filipino American Police Commissioner.”

As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Consul General Ferrer also paid tribute to the Filipino American healthcare workers and first responders who served on the frontlines of the pandemic. “You are our heroes — kayo po ay mga bayani — and we are forever indebted to you,” Consul General Ferrer said.

The Philippine Consul General also said that he looked forward to the “revitalization of our longstanding economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties through the Manila-San Francisco Sister City relations” following the election last May of the Philippine capital’s first woman mayor, Dr. Honey Lacuna.

During the celebration, Mayor Breed presented her proclamation of October 2022 as Filipino American History Month in San Francisco, where she said that “San Francisco has a longstanding history of openness and respect for people of all backgrounds... For 18 years, we have celebrated Filipino American History Month at the City Hall, in recognition of the Filipino American community’s vibrant impact to the historic South of Market Neighborhood, [and] invaluable contributions to arts, business and cultural innovation.”

Mayor Breed’s proclamation also reads: “We honor and celebrate the history of the Filipino American community acknowledging that history is deeply entrenched in the Filipino

community’s identity of self, and how one cannot know one’s self without knowing one’s history and the history of their own community.”

Mayor Breed presented her proclamation to Bataan Legacy Historical Society Executive Director Cecilia Gaerlan, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the Bataan Death March during World War II; and Manilatown Heritage Foundation Executive Director Eleanore Fernandez, in recognition of the 45th year of the International Hotel eviction, which effectively dissolved the erstwhile Manilatown in the city’s downtown district.

As part of the yearly celebration, Filipino American History Awards were given to exceptional Filipino American leaders in San Francisco, including Simon Timony of Advocates 11 (Emerging Leader Award), Edwin Lozada of the Philippine American Writers and Artists (Community Champion Award), and Bernadette Sy of the Filipino American Development Foundation (Trailblazer Award).

Young Filipino American leader Carla Laurel, who serves as Executive Director of the West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center, the oldest non-profit corporation

in Northern California, keynoted the celebration with a special tribute to the West Bay mothers.

Filipino American performing artist Ruby Ibarra, and Filipino cultural groups Kulintang Dialect and Parangal Dance Company also showcased their talents during the event. Philippinesbased baybayin artist Taipan Lucero, whose CalligraFilipino art exhibit at the Consulate has been extended to October 31, held a pop-up exhibition at the event.

Meanwhile, for the second time this year, the San Francisco City Hall was lit up with the Philippine national colors, in recognition of the vital contributions of Filipino Americans to the city. Previously, the City Hall was also illuminated in blue, red and yellow last June, in celebration of Philippine Independence Day.

2022 marks 435 years since Filipinos first set foot on the shores of continental United States with the arrival of Filipino sailors in Morro Bay, California on 18 October 1587, onboard the Spanish galleon ship “Nuestra Señora de Esperanza.” This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the first Filipino American History Month celebration in the country, through the initiative of the Seattle-based Filipino American National Historical Society. (PCGSF Release)

GMA NETWORK EXECUTIVES DISCUSS POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIPS WITH PH CONSULATE IN SAN FRANCISCO. Consul General Neil Ferrer welcomed GMA Network First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph Francia, and GMA International Marketing Director

Beth de Guzman during their call at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on Tuesday, September 27. Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay also joined the call. Consul General Ferrer congratulated the GMA Network executives for recently receiving the inaugural Global Award on behalf of GMA Pinoy TV at The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Awards in New York City. The GMA Network executives expressed their openness to support the Consulate’s public diplomacy initiatives and the activities of the Filipino American community in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. They also donated to the Consulate “Stronger Together” program coloring books, which contain designs by various Filipino American artists. GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of the Kapuso network, was launched in San Francisco in September of 2005. It recently staged a concert in Temacula, California to celebrate its 17th anniversary. San Francisco PCG photos

Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer lauds the Filipino American Community in San Francisco in his remarks during the official celebration of Filipino American History Month in San Francisco on 5 October 5. San Francisco PCG photos

The San Francisco City Hall is lit up with the Philippine national colors of blue, red and yellow on October 5, in recognition of the vital contributions of Filipino Americans to the city this Filipino American History Month.