111122 - Northern California Edition

Filipino man sentenced to 20 years for deadly stabbing on LA-bound container ship

A FILIPINO man who fatally stabbed a fellow crewmember on a container ship heading to Los Angeles was sentenced on Monday, November 7 to 20 years in federal prison.

Michael Dequito Monegro, 44, a resident of the Philippines, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who said in court at the court hearing that Monegro’s “conduct was unusually heinous, cruel and brutal.”

Monegro pleaded guilty on May 2 to one count of committing an act of violence against a person onboard a ship that is likely to endanger the safe navigation of the ship.

In September 2020, Monegro was working as a seaman aboard the MSC Ravenna, a 153,000-gross-ton Liberian-flagged container ship. The murder took place on September 20, 2020, when the Ravenna was approximately 80 nautical miles from Southern California and

What you don’t know can hurt: The facts about updated COVID vaccines

THE updated vaccines have arrived, but surveys are showing that some people don’t know much about them — even though they could make a big difference as cooler weather and growing case numbers abroad signal another possible COVID-19 surge.

“COVID is still with us,” said Dr. Neil Wingkun, an emergency physician at Houston Methodist. “It’s important to stay vigilant and up to date with facts about the updated vaccines and protection against COVID during the upcoming holiday season. As we bring together family, friends and loved ones, dive into celebration with peace of mind.”

To make our communities aware of the updated vaccines, the national We Can Do This Campaign has been releasing new ads specific to Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, South Asian, Vietnamese, and the broader Pan Asian audiences. Our audience will see and hear new radio, print, digital, and social ads in our language that urge everyone five and older to protect themselves by getting an

NorCal Fil-Am candidates lead in 2022 polls

by JOSEPH L. PERALTA AJPress

FILIPINO Americans in the Bay Area continue to make their mark in local politics.

In the recently-concluded mid-term elections held Tuesday, November 8, a few Fil-Ams have come out on top or near the top of their races for positions within their counties and cities/towns based on semi-official/unofficial results from county elections websites and results posted online.

In the race for the Governing Board of the San

Mateo Community College Board District Member Truste Area 2, Michael Guingona, a former Daly City councilmember, garnered 8,151 votes (59.71%), leading rival Michael Makstman, who got 5,500 votes (40.2%).

In the City of Daly City, which has multiple FilAms in the council, two kababayans are in the magic 3 – Ray Buenaventura, who has served as mayor and vice-mayor in the City Council leads all votegetters with 7,289 votes (27.42%), while Rod DausMagbual is in third with 4,502 votes (16.94%).

In nearby Colma, Joanne del Rosario placed second

in the election for the town’s two councilmembers, garnering 124 votes (35.33%).

In South San Francisco, Flor Nicolas ran unopposed for City Council, District 3, and got 100% of the vote, or 1,158 total votes.

Down in the Southbay, Garry Barbadillo is in the number 2 position for the Milpitas City Council (two seats open), having garnered 3,289 votes (21.12%) Thelma Boac garnered 6,840 votes (32.83%) to lead candidates vying for three positions in the Berryesa Union SD Governing Board.

Marcos to lay down economic agenda in APEC Summit

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is expected to lay down his administration's economic agenda when he meets with his foreign counterparts at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Bangkok, Thailand on November 16 to 19.

Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) Officer in Charge Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said that Marcos will discuss his plans on trade, investment and post-pandemic economic recovery efforts.

"The economic leaders from 21 APEC economies will discuss sustainable trade and investment, reconnecting the region and charting our paths toward post-pandemic recovery and inclusive and sustainable growth," VelicariaGarafil said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

The gathering of heads of state will likewise serve as an opportunity for the Philippines to push its economic

In ation races to 14-year high

by KRISTINA MARALIT AND EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ ManilaTimes.net

INFLATION in the country surged to 7.7 percent in October, the highest increase in 14 years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday, November 4.

The rate is likely to rise further in the last two months of the year, the PSA said.

It rose from 6.9 percent in September and almost doubled the 4.0 percent a year earlier.

The increase was higher than the 7.3 percent median in The Manila Times’ poll of analysts and was near the upper end of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 7.1 to 7.9 percent range for the month.

The last time consumer price growth was higher was in December 2008 when it hit 8.2 percent.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla told Bloomberg on Friday that “our best guess is that it will peak either next month or the last month of the year.”

The stock market initially fell on the news but was lifted by last-minute bargain hunting.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index ended the day up 29.42 points or 0.48 percent to 6,185.53. The peso, meanwhile, added 25 centavos to close at P58.55 to the U.S. dollar.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa, who attributed the October rise to “increasing  PAGE 5

UN rights experts concerned over ‘pervasive’ corruption in PH

MANILA — In its recent periodic review, the United Nations Human Rights Committee raised alarm over reports that graft and corruption in the Philippines worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an advanced version of the report, the committee, composed of independent experts, acknowledged some strides made in recent years, but it pointed to areas that are lacking.

Philippine officials reported the establishment of the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Hotline in 2016 as well as the creation of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission in 2017.

The UN body found the measures insufficient, citing reports of allegations against public officials while the country dealt with the health crisis.

“The Committee remains concerned by

reports that corruption remains pervasive and has intensified in the context of the State response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said in the 13-page report.

In 2021, a series of testimonies bared the involvement of foreign-owned and undercapitalized Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. in questionable health supplies contracts with the government amounting to P42 billion.

Two of the company’s executives who allegedly benefited from the sizeable pandemic deals were released from detention in June.

While it did not refer to the Pharmally scandal specifically, the UN panel urged the Philippines to “ensure that all allegations of corruption, including those related to public procurement, are promptly, independently and thoroughly investigated.”

The government should also see that “those responsible are duly tried and adequately punished, and that victims receive full reparation,” it said.

Crippled anti-corruption bodies

In March this year, the Philippine government reported to the UN body that the Office of the Ombudsman had disposed of 617 cases in 2019 out of its 3,947-case docket, leading to convictions in more than half of the processed cases, Officials failed, however, to detail the accomplishments of the Presidential AntiCorruption Commission as the UN panel requested in 2020.

Portion of the list of issues in the Philippines raised at the United Nations human rights review where the committee requests Manila to provide details of

Easing of inbound travel restrictions OK’d to boost PH tourism

by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA — To allow the Philippines’ tourism sector to catch up with that of neighboring countries, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the recommendation of the government’s pandemic task force to further relax travel restrictions for inbound travelers.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a memorandum dated Oct. 28, said the President approved the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ Resolution

No. 2, recommending the lifting of pre-departure testing requirement for fully vaccinated arriving passengers, whether Filipinos or foreign nationals.

“Please be informed of the approval of IATF Resolution No. 2 subject to strict observance of other minimum health protocols and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,” Bersamin said in his memo addressed to IATF chair Department of Health officer-incharge Maria Rosario Vergeire and the task force’s members.

Filipino and foreign nationals shall be deemed fully vaccinated if he or she had

CONGOLESE BEAUTY. Miss Earth 2022 candidate Abuana Nkumu from the Democratic Republic of the Congo joins the tree planting during her visit to Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School in Manila on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Nkumu is promoting environmental stewardship, helping destitute children, and advocating for the prevention of violence against women and children. PNA photo by Alfred Frias

NorCal Fil-Am candidates lead...

In Oakland, Nikki Fortunato Bas (2,540 votes/60.42%) is leading Harold Lowe (1,664 votes/39.58%) for City Council, District 2. Fortunato Bas is the incumbent for the district.

In El Cerrito, councilmember Gabriel Quinto has garnered 3,394 votes (35.90%) to be in prime position for one of two open council seats. In 2014, Quinto became the first Filipino American, the second Asian American and the first LGBTQ councilmember in the city’s history.

In Vallejo, Fil-Ams Charles

Palmares and Ruscal Cayangyang are battling it out for the right to represent District 4 in the Vallejo City Council.

Palmares has 825 votes (35%) to Cayangyang’s 754 votes (32%).

For Vallejo’s District 2, Diosdado “JR” Matulac is leading all candidates with 859 votes, or 38% of total votes cast.

Meanwhile, current California Attorney General Rob Bonta leads the race for his position.

Bonta, a Democrat, has garnered 3,090,524 votes (57.2%) to the 2,314,483 votes (42.8%) gotten by his Republican challenger

Nathan Hochman, according to the California Secretary of State website. He is projected by analysts to win a full term as attorney general of the Golden State.

Bonta was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to his position when Xavier Becerra joined the Biden-Harris administration as health secretary. Since he was appointed more than midway through Becerra’s term, he is eligible to run for two additional 4-year terms.

Bonta is the first Filipino American to hold the office of attorney general in California. g

UN rights experts concerned over ‘pervasive...

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anti-graft body which former President Rodrigo Duterte created. His predecessor, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, abolished the PACC through one of his early executive orders.

UN Human Rights Committee document dated June 2020

Citing unspecified reports, the UN committee argued that the Office of the Ombudsman lacks “financial and technical resources to investigate” allegations of corruption.

“The State party should intensify its efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption and impunity at all levels,” it said. “To this end, it should immediately provide sufficient human, technical and financial resources to its anti-corruption bodies, including the Ombudsman’s Office, with a view to enabling it to effectively and independently discharge its mandates.”

Besides its comments on the problem of corruption in the Philippines, the UN

committee also laid down other recommendations on the human rights situation.

It called for the repeal of some provisions of the AntiTerrorism Act, the release of Sen. Leila de Lima from detention, cooperation with the International Criminal Court investigation into extrajudicial killings and the passage of measures on abortion, antidiscrimination and divorce, among other proposals. (Camille Diola/Philstar.com)

Marcos to lay down economic agenda...

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agenda and priorities. These include empowerment of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and their inclusion in global-value chains, recognition of the essential role of maritime crews and seafarers in ensuring stable and resilient

supply chains, and ensuring food and energy security as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation, she said.

The President is also slated to take part in the APEC CEO Summit where he will have faceto-face discussions with the region's top business leaders.

"He will meet with top executives of Thai companies to discuss business opportunities, investments and expansion plans," Velicaria-Garafil said.

Besides his high-level meetings, Marcos will also meet with the Filipino community in Thailand.

This will be the first in-person meeting of the 21-member regional economic bloc since the pandemic hit.

The two previous AELMs were held virtually in 2021 and 2022, hosted by Malaysia and New Zealand, respectively.

The 21 member economies of APEC are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. g

Easing of inbound travel restrictions OK’d...

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received the second dose of a two-dose series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin or port of embarkation, according to IATF Resolution No. 2, dated Oct. 4.

The vaccinated individuals are required to present the follow ing proofs of vaccination upon arrival in the country: World Health Organization Interna tional Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis, VaxCertPH, national or state manual/digital certificate of the country/for eign government or other proof of vaccination.

In the memo, the Palace directed the Bureau of Quarantine to coordinate with the DOH and other concerned agencies to identify the other acceptable proofs of vaccination in order to avoid confusion and inconvenience on the part of inbound travelers, and facilitate dissemination thereof for public information.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated Fil ipinos and foreign nationals 15

years or older shall present a remotely supervised, or a labo ratory-based rapid antigen neg ative result administered and certified by a health care pro fessional in a health care facil ity, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy or other similar establishment taken within 24 hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation in a contin uous travel to the Philippines, excluding layovers; provided that he/she has not left the air port premises or has not been admitted into another country during such layover.

Filipinos and foreign nationals 15 years or older who fail to present negative pre-departure testing with conditions set forth above, shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based rapid antigen negative result administered and certified by a health care professional in a health care facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy or other similar establishment taken upon arrival at the airport, it said.

Those who shall test positive

for COVID-19 through rapid antigen test shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH, the resolution stated.

Accompanied minors below 15 years of age who are not vaccinated for any reason shall follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian travelling with them, the IATF said.

Unaccompanied minors below 15 years of age who have not been vaccinated for any reason shall follow the protocols set for Filipino and foreign nationals 15 years and above.

On Oct. 28, Marcos issued Executive Order 7, lifting the mandatory wearing of face masks in indoor settings, except in medical facilities and public transportation.

On Sept. 12, the President issued EO 3, which allowed the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings, particularly in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation. g

President Marcos is also slated to take part in the APEC CEO Summit where he will have faceto-face discussions with the region's top business leaders. Malacañang file photo

SANTAS IN PARACHUTES. A woman checks out the Santa Claus figurines on sale at the stall on Tabora Street, Binondo in Manila on Monday, Nov. 7. For many Filipinos, Christmas celebrations begin with the onset of the “ber” months when they begin to adorn their homes with Christmas decorations.

PNA photo by Alfred Frias

How to take control of your credit

Eileen Viray Alcones San Leandro Community Manager

Improving your credit score starts with understanding how all of the pieces work together and continues with building a plan to improve your credit.

Simply, a credit score is an indicator of how responsibly you handle your credit. Several factors impact your credit score, and you might be surprised what financial behaviors and information actually make a di erence.

First, it’s important to know the di erence between your credit score and your credit report. Your credit score is based on the items found on your credit report, similar to how grades are based on homework and class assignments.

Here are four things that you might think matter – but don’t – and five that really do.

What traditionally doesn’t matter

1. Employment history: Credit agencies might track your employment, but that information does not a ect your credit score. Whether or not you have a job may a ect your ability to obtain credit (such as a loan or credit card), but it’s not part of what determines the number.

2. Savings account balance: Your credit score is based solely on your credit history. Your bank account balance is not a part of your credit history.

3. Age: Your date of birth might be on your credit report, but it does not factor into the calculation of your credit score.

4. Where you live: Your location doesn’t a ect your credit score. Your payment history does.

What traditionally matters

1. Paying on time: “Pay all your bills on time. Every time.” is is the golden rule of credit. Unfortunately, one late payment can significantly impact your score. Even high-income people struggle with this one!

2. Your credit utilization: e balance of your accounts relative to your credit limits makes a di erence in your credit report. e closer you are to maxing out, the worse the e ect. Ideally, you’d keep this ratio to 30% or less, so if you have a $1,000 credit limit, a balance higher than $300 will start to drag your score down.

3. How long you’ve had credit: It’s called a credit history for a reason. e further back you can demonstrate that you regularly pay your debts back, the better your score. e advice about keeping a zero-balance card open comes into play here – just to show how long you’ve had it. Ideally, you’d have at least one account that is at least ten years old.

4. New accounts and credit checks: Opening a slew of new accounts (or attempting to) in a short period is a red flag to a lender. It can indicate that you’re planning a spending spree or expecting to lose your job. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage or other loan where your credit score determines your interest rate, try to avoid applying for any new credit cards within 3-6 months.

5. e number and type of accounts: ere are such things as “good debts” and “bad debts.” Having a mortgage, student loan, or car loan looks better (as long as you don’t have late payments on your record) because it implies that you’re responsible enough to maintain a home, go to school, and take care of a car. Plus, the things that credit bought tend to last longer than the loan, making it good debt. Credit card debt isn’t as flattering – especially a bunch of maxed out store cards.

Becoming creditworthy takes diligence and dedication. And, whether you’re a Chase customer or not, you can use Chase Credit Journey to monitor your credit score for free as o en as you like without impacting it. Simply sign up online at no cost and start receiving alerts when there are changes to your credit report, or when your personal information is exposed in a data breach.

What you don’t know can hurt: The facts about ...

updated vaccine ahead of family gatherings this winter. Also, be on the lookout also for a new television commercial, “Just in Time,” on English channels.

We Can Do This continues to work closely with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community partners and events across the country to support vaccine clinics that offer the updated vaccine. Upcoming events include:

• Vaccine clinics held by the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) in Sparks, NV, Nov. 6 and Las Vegas, NV, Nov. 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12.

• A vaccine clinic at KoreaFest 2022, held by InWave, in Raleigh, NC on Nov. 19.

On Nov. 1, 2022, Dear Asian Americans featured Vice President Kamala Harris in a special podcast episode. Vice President Harris spoke with host Jerry Won about her personal upbringing and Asian heritage, encouragement for the next generation, and a message ahead of Election Day. We Can Do This is proud to partner with Dear Asian Americans to urge everyone 5+ to get their updated vaccines.

Updated vaccines are among the latest tools for managing COVID. Hundreds of Americans, including Asian Americans, are still dying each day from COVID, and hospitalizations have been rising again in some areas. Maximizing the use of the tools developed in the last two years, including vaccines, can help prevent severe illness,

hospitalization, and even death.

Here’s what you need to know about the updated vaccines: Updated vaccines provide protection against both the original COVID virus and Omicron. The updated vaccines offer you the only targeted protection you can get against the Omicron strains that are infecting people right now, and also offer protection against the original COVID virus.

Anyone age five and older who has finished a primary series is eligible. Once two months have passed since your last dose, whether it was the primary series or a booster, it is time to get an updated vaccine. Your body needs time to build up full protection, so it’s a good idea to get an updated vaccine as soon as possible to have full protection in time for holiday gatherings and ahead of a possible winter surge in cases.

If you’re 18 or older, it doesn’t matter which brand. Regardless of

which brand of COVID vaccine you got, it is all right to get an updated vaccine from either Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer. Updated vaccines are available from Pfizer and Moderna two months, and from Novavax six months, after the second dose of any of the recommended vaccines.

Updated vaccines are safe and effective. As with other vaccinations, side effects are possible, but they don’t last long. Some people have a sore arm where they got their shot, or even flu-like symptoms for a few days, but these are normal responses to a vaccine.

The updated vaccines are currently widely available and free. Visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you. For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www.vaccines. gov. (By We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign) (Advertising Supplement)

Filipino man sentenced to 20 years for deadly...

nearing the end of its two-week voyage from Shanghai to the Port of Los Angeles, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

That morning, several crewmembers were in a dressing room on the ship’s upper deck, preparing for their shift and waiting for their direct supervisor to provide their work assignments for the day. Shortly after Monegro saw his direct supervisor – identified in court documents as “M.S.” – in the hallway outside the locker room, Monegro began stabbing him with a knife while they were both in the hallway in full view of several crewmembers.

The victim grappled with Monegro and the two fell to the floor. Monegro then got on top of the victim and continued stabbing

him. Monegro then removed a second knife from the victim’s coveralls and stabbed him with both knives.

Crewmembers attempted to intervene to stop Monegro, including throwing a trash can at him, but their actions were unsuccessful. Monegro stopped stabbing the victim only when he became too tired to continue. In total, Monegro stabbed the victim 31 times.

The ship’s captain, chief mate and chief engineer all arrived on scene during the incident, and the captain convinced Monegro to get off the victim, who died on the ship from multiple stab wounds.

Monegro was convinced by the captain to walk to a conference room. After continued discussions, Monegro placed the knives on the conference room table and was escorted to his cabin.

After the incident, Monegro was confined to a cabin and crewmembers were assigned to guard the door, so they were unable to perform their normal duties on the ship. Other crewmembers were traumatized by witnessing Monegro stab and kill the victim.

Federal agents arrested Monegro after the ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles on September 27, 2020. He has been in federal custody since his arrest.

“The tragic impact of defendant’s conduct cannot be overstated,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.

“[Monegro’s] murder of M.S. left behind M.S.’s wife and daughter, who was 17 at the time of the murder. M.S. was the sole bread winner for the family, and his death caused significant financial strain on the family.” (AJPress)

Inflation races to 14-year...

food inflation,” told a briefing there was a “substantial probability of an increase” given rising cooking gas prices and the recent damage from Storm “Paeng.”

In a statement, the PSA attributed the continued inflationary rise to the “higher annual growth rate in the index for food and non-alcoholic beverages at 9.4 percent, from 7.4 percent in September 2022.”

Food inflation alone increased to 9.8 percent, up from 7.7 percent in September and more than double the 4.0 percent in October 2021.

Core inflation, which does not include price-volatile food and energy items, rose to 5.9 percent from September’s 5.0 percent. It stood at 2.5 percent a year earlier.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said in a statement the “surge in prices resulted from external price pressures, like the Russia-Ukraine war and lockdowns imposed in parts of China, which disrupted global supply chains, and the lingering aftermath of recent typhoons, including Typhoon ‘Karding’ that hit the country in late September.”

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government’s “immediate priority is to continue supporting the most vulnerable sectors of the economy, hence, the cash transfers and fuel discounts will continue.”

Medalla told Bloomberg that “our forecast is by the second half of next year, it (inflation) will be below four [percent] already.”

The BSP, which has a 2.0 to

4.0 percent inflation target, has estimated that this year’s result will be in the 5.6 to 5.7 percent range. Year to date, average inflation is at 5.4 percent.

Commenting on the latest inflation data, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said, “we continue to see price pressures that could prevent inflation from going back to the target of the BSP in the coming year, with inflation prints likely to remain above seven percent for the remainder of the year.”

“Given the absence of structural reforms in the agriculture industry, supply constraints will likely persist. The importation of food products may not provide enough relief since global prices of food are also high,” Neri said.

The latest consumer price growth figure underlined Medalla’s preemptive announcement on Thursday, November 3 of a 75 basis point increase in key interest rates on November 17.

In the Bloomberg interview, he reiterated that the move aimed to prop up the peso and maintain a 100-point differential with the US Federal Reserve’s rate.

Asked about the Marcos government’s push to stop the currency — which last month hit an all-time low of P59 to the dollar — from falling to P60:$1, Medalla replied that monetary authorities would not draw a line but would continue to use policy tools such as interest rates and the country dollar reserves to support the peso.

Neri said he sees the peso

continuing to depreciate in the coming months. With the country becoming more and more reliant on imports, dollar outflows will continue to significantly exceed inflows, he added.

“Even if The Fed stops hiking in 2023, it may not necessarily lead to a huge appreciation of the peso given the country’s fundamentals. The peso may even continue to weaken in this scenario if the trade deficit remains sizable, although at a slower pace compared to this year,” Neri said.

On Friday, Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the continuation of financial aid and fuel discounts to the most vulnerable sectors to help cushion the impact of rising inflation.

In a statement, the Palace said the President “is committed to support our farmers and other stakeholders in agriculture in postdisaster recovery, while improving the value chain and investing in climate-smart technologies remain a priority in the medium and long term.”

“As part of the response to mitigate water-induced damages to lives, livelihood and property, the effective management of our water resources will also be prioritized. Even early on, the President had stressed the need to establish the Department of Water Resources,” it added.

The President also directed concerned agencies to invest in innovations and technologies to make communities and businesses resilient amid extreme weather challenges. g

PRICE ADJUSTMENT. An attendant fills up the fuel tank of a motorcycle rider at a gas station along Congressional Road in Barangay Salitran III, Dasmariñas City in Cavite on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Diesel and kerosene prices decreased by P0.50 and P0.35 per liter, respectively, while gasoline prices increased by P1.40 per liter, amid developments in the international market and the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict. PNA photo by Gil Calinga

The next challenges

FROM the moment the self-confessed triggerman had said the order to murder Percy Lapid came from the New Bilibid Prison, suspicion had focused on Gerald Bantag, at the time the director general of the Bureau of Corrections, which runs the NBP and other prison facilities. Despite his denials, Bantag was suspended “indefinitely” as BuCor chief by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, on orders of President Marcos.

On Monday, November 7 Bantag along with BuCor official Ricardo Zulueta and 10 Bilibid prisoners were charged with two counts of murder for the deaths of Lapid and another NBP inmate, Cristito “Jun” Villamor Palaña.

Editorial

Considering the circumstances and the personalities involved, the progress in this case is commendable. It would not have been possible if self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial had not turned himself in, but he was forced to because of his image caught on surveillance video and widely disseminated to the public. Authorities should expand the use of surveillance equipment in public spaces, while still being mindful of privacy laws.

The next challenge is to make the charges stick. Ricardo Zulueta, who was in charge of security and operations at the BuCor, was also Bantag’s co-defendant in the deaths of 10 inmates at the Parañaque City Jail in an explosion in August 2016 when Bantag was its warden. Both of them

were working at the time for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Parañaque Regional Trial Court Judge Betlee-Ian Barraquias acquitted them along with a third defendant ostensibly for lack of evidence.

At the same time, probers should continue to pursue the possibility – as expressed by Lapid’s relatives – that there could be a “co-mastermind” higher than Bantag behind the broadcaster’s murder. Resentment over Lapid’s commentaries in his radio show, “Lapid Fire,” led to his murder, according to authorities. His relatives, however, have noted that he had criticized many other officials in the past years, who might have encouraged Bantag to order the murder.

Beyond the two murders, Remulla said probers are also looking into the causes of deaths of around 30 corpses sent recently by the NBP to its accredited funeral parlor, the Eastern Funeral Services in Muntinlupa. The funeral home management said on Monday that it has in its

BABE ROMUALDEZ

FOLLOWING the Washington, DC leg of the reporting tour program organized by the Philippine embassy in Washington for a group of journalists from print, online and broadcast news outfits, the next leg was in New York for a more in-depth perspective on the concerns and issues that Filipinos face in the city, among them anti-Asian hate, immigration and employment.

Our consulate in New York informed me that the journalists were able to engage with various city government officials that include Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Hannah Yu, chief of the Hate Crimes Unit; Hassan Naveed, executive director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes; Jasper Diaz, legislative representative of the Mayor’s office; Peter Koo, Senior Adviser of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Mirna Velasquez, Special Assistant to

On The Move

SEGUNDO ECLAR ROMERO

IN the wake of Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng,” President Marcos Jr. flew over the areas in Maguindanao devastated by landslides with Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu. He reports on the sortie: “I was pointing out to the governor that in all those places where there are trees, the ground did not move. All the damage that you saw on the mountains, it’s because they were bald.” Mr. Marcos told her he could refer the Maguindanaons and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to plenty of nongovernmental organizations. The governor must have been bemused by the President’s display of cluelessness.

Despite the profound speeches the President had given in the United Nations General Assembly and other forums about climate change, Mr. Marcos’ real understanding of the wicked environmental problems besetting the nation is questionable. Jon Bonifacio of the environmental group Kalikasan found it “strange that it seems like it’s only now he’s come to appreciate the benefits provided

safekeeping 176 corpses, unclaimed after being sent there by the NBP since last year.

The murders of Lapid and Villamor, apparently arranged from behind prison walls, should lead to long-term reforms in the penal system. And while

justice appears to be at hand for Lapid, there are still many other journalist murders waiting to be solved. Their killers should be pursued as vigorously as those responsible for Lapid’s death. (Philstar.com)

Preventing hate and discrimination

the Commissioner for Foreign Consular Affairs.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in hate incidents against Asians across the United States, with New York registering one of the biggest numbers of hate crimes directed at Asian Americans according to reports. During the briefing by Assistant DA Hannah Yu, she disclosed that the city recently increased its budget to include $1.7 million for the Hate Crimes Unit – underscoring the growing concern for the anti-Asian hate crime incidents that have increased in the last two years, with Manhattan seeing some of the highest number of cases.

“Hate crimes are on everyone’s minds – whether they are taking their kids to school, riding the subway or on their way to work, and we understand, through the work that we do, that New Yorkers feel this threat every single day,” Yu acknowledged, adding that currently, they have the largest hate crimes docket ever in the history of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, with anti-Asian hate crimes making

up the largest category of open hate crime cases at the moment.

However, she reassured that making New Yorkers feel safe is a top priority of her office, and that they leave no stone unturned as far as investigating the motives go. What makes it difficult and challenging, however, is when the perpetrator is not identified – either there was no CCTV footage to document the incident or the victim cannot recall the face of the assailant.

According to the FBI, a hate crime is a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, or what Yu described as the “protected identity” of a victim. She was also careful to emphasize that the immigration status of a victim does not matter. One reason why crimes are underreported is that undocumented immigrants may hesitate to file a complaint due to fear of deportation.

As Yu explained, if a victim is undocumented, her office cannot, and does not, report the

Reversing Duterte’s follies

by well-conserved watersheds.”

Nations are supposed to find the resolve and resilience to squarely face their specific natural and humanmade challenges. Israel and Singapore, which are minority nations in ethnically dominant neighborhoods, have learned to steel and steer themselves with strategic purpose and national will to prevail.

The Philippines has its share of challenges that could trigger a rugged and robust national response. The 20 typhoons that batter the nation every year could be the equivalent of the harsh winters that many nations have learned to anticipate, plan for, and adapt to.

But after over half a millennium since a single unified administration has been established in the archipelago in 1565 by a succession of Spanish, American, and now Filipino control, we display a certain level of masochism by staying in the destructive pathways of typhoons, suffering widespread damage and despair with no visible and significant collective or individual mitigation and adaptation.

It is certain that over the sixyear term of office of Mr. Marcos, there will be 120 typhoons, onefourth or 30 would be destructive. This is as it has been over the

terms of recent past presidents. One out of four typhoons occurs globally within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Why then do we have continuing public and private institutional clumsiness in disaster risk reduction and management? One of the most inspiring initiatives in Philippine disaster risk reduction and management was the initiation of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) in 2012 by the country’s leading scientists. It was promoted as the Philippines’ flagship disaster risk reduction and management program during the Aquino administration.

The project was defunded in 2017 when the Duterte administration took over on the pretext that the innovations of Project NOAH could already be mainstreamed under the Department of Science and Technology. It was not only the scuttling of ABS-CBN and the erratic response to the COVID-19 pandemic that further debilitated Filipinos reeling from disasters. Project NOAH should be on the list of the Duterte administration’s epic follies.

Project NOAH was an all too brief renaissance surge in technological and behavioral innovation applied to getting the nation and local communities

information to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Department of Homeland Security, as they are not also allowed to do that.

For his part, Diaz assured that they are taking a multiagency approach to address discrimination. Aside from legal options, other initiatives include a pilot program that would teach students about hate crimes. Naveed echoed this, explaining that education is a major pillar to the “comprehensive approach” in preventing hate crimes through communitybased programs. For instance, townhalls in Tagalog and other languages are conducted to spread awareness on how community members can help each other, particularly the most vulnerable. For his part, Koo said that most of the crimes are committed by people who are homeless or are suffering from mental health problems. There is no question that anti-Asian hate crimes continue to be a concern, but authorities are “exhausting every possible avenue” to address them. And while they are seeing results, Diaz admits that “there is still

more to be done,” assuring that they are “going to continue to work hard for our community.”

As I have consistently explained to the media, we have been coordinating with New York authorities to address the issue, knowing that the safety of Filipinos is paramount. We’re also cooperating not only with Filipino-American groups but other Asian associations as well to get a more accurate picture of the reported incidents and see if these are really hate crimes or just random attacks by mentally unhinged individuals.

The visiting journalists also spoke with Bergenfield, New Jersey mayor Arvin Amatorio, the second Filipino mayor in New Jersey. The borough of Bergenfield is known as the “Little Manila” of Bergen County due to the presence of many Filipino-owned businesses, a lot of them restaurants offering authentic Filipino cuisine. An estimated 7,000 Filipinos are living in Bergenfield, with many of them working as nurses and health care workers.

Mayor Amatorio also shared that part of the curriculum developed by professors from

the Massachusetts Institute of Technology would include a subject on the heroism of Filipino veterans during World War II to underscore the alliance and shared history of the Philippines and the United States. This will be taught in a public high school in Bergenfield that has about 3,000 students. The initiative was started by retired US Army general Antonio Taguba, who actively lobbied for the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Filipino World War II veterans.

The outcome of the reporting tour program has been very encouraging as far as providing journalists an on-the-ground perspective is concerned. We were informed that future programs are being considered by the DFA public information office for implementation. (Philstar.com)

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

babeseyeview@gmail.com

ready and resilient against hazards. It was getting international and local acclaim. Among other achievements, Project NOAH’s specific and targeted advisories enabled the municipality of Daram in Samar to preemptively evacuate in the face of Typhoon “Ruby” on Dec. 6, 2014. There were no recorded casualties even though 1,664 houses were washed away by the storm surge of Ruby.

Altogether, Project NOAH from 2012 to 2016, cost the

Filipino taxpayer a measly P6.4 billion. Even in real terms, this pales in comparison with the P5 billion confidential funds of Mr. Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte of at least P30 billion over six years.

Mr. Marcos’ post-Paeng clueless remarks could be easily forgotten if he will reconsider the revival of Project NOAH as a complementary, enriching, display of Filipino capacity to sustain national resiliencebuilding. That will be a good start

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.

MOMAR

JOSEPH PERALTA

President Bonging Marcos meets with officials on Tuesday, November 1, to assess the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in the country. Malacañang file photo

Babe’s

ManilaTimes.net photo

for the President as a leader able to break the prevailing wait-andsee attitude of the governing, economic, and social elite, and inspire and mobilize them to provide the leading edge to the nation. (Inquirer.net)

Dela Rosa says UN rights panel’s recommendations disrespect sovereignty

MANILA — The United Nations should stop interfering in the country's domestic issues, Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa said on Tuesday, November 8 in response to recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Committee in a recent review of the situation in the Philippines.

Dela Rosa, a former national police chief, claimed the panel's recommendations to help the Philippines comply with international obligations trampled on the country's sovereignty.

"Our justice system is functioning. Mayroon tayong sariling gobyerno. Sana huwag na sila mangialam sa atin. Huwag na tayo nilang diktahan. Kasi naman, ano bang gusto nilang i-impose sa atin? Hindi naman tayo mga subjects nila,” Dela Rosa told reporters Tuesday. "Respetuhin nila iyong ating kasarinlan."

(Our justice system is functioning. We have our own government. I wishe they would not meddle here. They should not dictate upon us. Why do they want to impose on us? We are not their subjects … They should respect our sovereignty.)

Asked if the Philippines should take the recommendations of the panel of human rights experts

monitoring the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Dela Rosa said, "we should demand our freedom from these people."

Dela Rosa stressed that the Philippines has its own ways of doing things.

"Ang mga tao po namin ay happy sa nangyayari sa amin. Bakit ho kayo mag-insist na diktahan kami kung ano ang dapat namin gawin?" the senator said.

(Our people are happy with what is happening here. Why are you insisting on dictating on us what we should do?)

As Philippine National Police

chief, Dela Rosa was among the architects of Oplan Tokhang, the previous administration’s flagship anti-illegal drug program that saw thousands of drug suspects killed in police operations. Thousands more died in what police said were done by vigilantes or by warring drug syndicates.

The Philippines, as a party to the ICCPR, is required to submit periodic reports on the policies being implemented to align the country with the international treaty.

In its most recent review, the UN rights panel issued a flurry of observations and recommendations on the human rights situation in the country, which include concerns over reports that authorities continued to fail to promptly, effectively and independently investigate extrajudicial killings and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Other recommendations include cooperation with the International Criminal Court probe, amending the AntiTerrorism Act, the release of former Sen. Leila de Lima from detention, and the passage of measures on abortion, antidiscrimination and divorce, among other proposals. (Xave Gregorio/Philstar.com)

5 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

Make COVID-19 an uninvited guest.

It's okay to set rules! Whether that's having everyone be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines or getting tested, everyone wants to celebrate safely.

Stay healthy to ensure you can fully enjoy all the celebrations.

Getting your vaccine and updated booster will help protect you and your loved ones so you can make the most of the festivities together. The holidays are a busy time of year and staying healthy ensures you can fully enjoy all the celebrations with family and friends.

Enjoy your festivities in the fresh air.

Consider hosting your guests outdoors, if weather permits. If gathering indoors, open a few windows to keep fresh air circulating.

Test before gathering.

At-home COVID-19 tests provide a sense of security before you gather. Testing positive for COVID-19 means staying home until symptoms have passed.

Consider wearing a mask based on local transmission rates.

COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations can change quickly. It’s a good idea to know what’s going on in your community and to recognize your own tolerance levels and those of your guests. If you’re hosting a large indoor event, consider placing a basket of masks at the door for your guests if they choose to wear one. Attending a large-scale event? Remember to bring a well-fitting mask to use when you arrive if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Remulla asks Lapid slay suspects to surrender, face raps

by FRANCO JOSE C. BAROÑA ManilaTimes.net

UNLESS there are other pieces of evidence that would surface, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Tuesday, November 8 they do not see anyone else involved in the murder of veteran radio broadcaster Percival Mabasa, popularly known as Percy Lapid, and urges the suspects to surrender and face the charges.

"This is where the investigation begins and ends," Remulla said referring to the the filing of charges against suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag and others in connection Lapid's killing.

Nevertheless, the Justice chief said state prosecutors still have "people to talk to and certain things to obtain that are still in the custody of the courts."

"We are also still finishing reports from the AMLC (Anti-

Money Laundering Council) that are being finalized to make it official because we only got a preliminary report," said Remulla. "Those details are important to really prove that there is a criminal enterprise within the NBP."

Double murder charges were filed on Monday, November 7 against Bantag, Senior Jail Officer 2 and former BuCor deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, and several persons deprived of liberty in connection with the killing of Lapid and Cristito Villamor Palaña, the alleged middleman who died inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Remulla has urged Bantag and Zulueta to surrender

"I'd like to ask Zulueta and Bantag to surrender and face the charges. If they are innocent, the law will uphold them. If they are guilty then they would have to face the consequences," he said.

Remulla added that he has

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ManilaTimes.net file photo

ordered a lookout bulletin against the two former BuCor officials. He said no arrest warrants have been issued against Bantag and Zulueta.

"We will ask them to respond to the charges, if they fail to do so this is an indication of guilt," said Remulla. 

Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa Philstar.com file photo

LIGHT A CANDLE. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Arnell Ignacio, members of the Special Alliance of Welfare Officers, Advocates, Recruiters and Migrant Workers Inc., led by its founder and chair David Castillon, light a candle during a dialogue at the Diamond Hotel in Ermita, Manila on Sunday, Nov. 6. The candle lighting ceremony is a symbol of unity among private recruitment agencies, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the government in ensuring the welfare of migrant workers. Their discussion focused on the concerns and problems of OFWs. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Senator seeks more benefits for nurses

by Paolo RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — Increasing the ranks of well-trained and better compensated nurses will play a vital role in achieving a more efficient access to universal healthcare for every Filipino, Sen. Francis Tolentino said in filing a measure proposing a comprehensive nursing law.

Tolentino has filed Senate Bill 1447 or the proposed Philippine Nursing Practice Act of 2022. It introduces a new provision on the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), which he said would be the “prime mover” of the nursing profession in relation to the Universal HealthCare Law.

“This will give qualified nurses expanded and collaborative roles that will aid in the delivery of a comprehensive healthcare service to Filipinos,” the bill’s explanatory note read.

Under the bill, an APN refers to a nurse “who has acquired substantial level of theoretical knowledge and decision-making skill in a specialty area of nursing practice and demonstrated proficiency in clinical utilization of such knowledge in providing expanded and collaborative expert care” from a recognized higher educational institution, aside from being a board passer.

The measure authorizes the practice of the “Agreed Upon Based Care,” a mutually agreed

upon patient care made by an APN and approved by the primary physician in charge, through teleconsult or other means of communication, after evaluation of the case referred, but limited only to circumstances “during an emergency” such as the absence of a physician in the area to physically assess the patient, or lack of an available doctor due to inaccessibility of the area.

The bill also seeks to provide improvements in the practice of the nursing profession by instituting measures to promote comprehensive and relevant nursing practice standards, ensure decent working conditions and support the professional growth of nurses. g

Filipinos’ bravery, kindness prevail 9 years after Yolanda

MANILA – Despite the ordeal that the typhoon victims suffered when Super Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in 2013, Filipinos continue to demonstrate gallantry and benevolence, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday, November 8.

"It is important to come to this commemoration because it is also a demonstration and manifestation of the strength and courage of Filipinos, to remind ourselves that Filipinos are brave, that Filipinos are kind, and that Filipinos will conquer all, especially if it is for their community, for their families, and for the land that they love," he said in a ceremony held at the Holy Cross Memorial Garden in Tacloban City, Leyte province.

Marcos also emphasized the need to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the killer typhoon to pay homage to the thousands of people who perished, especially the "uncounted dead."

"It is sometimes asked when we do have a commemoration of this kind, they say, “Why do we commemorate Yolanda still after nine years?” The people — those whose families had a loss from their families of a loved one, have learned to live with that grief. And although we continue to feel sad, life has gone on for them," Marcos said.

"So why continue? Why bring it up? I come here because I must commemorate those uncounted dead that up to now, we do not know how many that number is. We must come to these commemorations so that we will remember those who were told not to remember," he added, apparently questioning the accuracy of the reported death toll during the onslaught of Yolanda.

Marcos said it is only befitting to honor those who were killed by the super typhoon, adding that their memory "dies," if the country fails to commemorate the Yolanda tragedy.

"If you remember during the count of the casualties, the count was stopped, and we knew that there were still thousands out there. And for those thousands, those countless thousands, we come here, we commemorate," he said.

In 2013, Yolanda unleashed its wrath in central Philippines, killing an estimated 6,300 people and leaving over 4.4 million people displaced and homeless.

Tacloban City, the regional hub of the Eastern Visayas region, was considered as Yolanda's ground zero.

Marcos expressed elation after Tacloban City has been "built back better," saying this gives Filipinos a renewed sense of hope.

"It is a wondrous sight to see. It always gives us hope that even if there are tragedies and disasters in other places, we know that Filipino spirit will never be quelled. The Filipino spirit will always burn bright and bring back normal life to their communities. That is what we commemorate," he said.

He also thanked the international community and non-government organizations for providing assistance to the Yolanda victims.

"[You did] all of this out of the generosity of your own heart once again. Many people owe their lives to you. And for that, we cannot thank you enough," Marcos said.

Marcos also offered a wreath and attended the blessing of the Yolanda Memorial Mass Grave at the Holy Cross Memorial Garden.

Government assistance Meantime, Marcos also led the ceremonial distribution of various government assistance to the qualified beneficiaries at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo town, also in Leyte.

During the event, cash aid was granted to recipients of the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Rice Farmer Financial Assistance Program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and the Department of Labor and Employment's TUPAD Emergency Employment Program.

A unit of disinfection truck was handed over to the provincial government of Southern Leyte province, while an ambulance was also given to other local government units under the Department of Health's Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also distributed laptops to intended recipients of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Tech4ED Program.

Marcos said his government's resolve is to give Filipinos a comfortable life despite the challenges they are facing.

"So, that is what we are putting at the top of our priority list," he said.

"Hindi mabilis ang pagbabago kahit na i-adjust natin ngayon, siguro ilang buwan pa makikita iyan one, two, three months pa bago makita ang effect, pero sa tingin ko (Change cannot be done overnight, even if we adjust it now. Perhaps, it can be felt one, two or three months from now. But I think) we are going in the right direction," Marcos added. (PNA)

Hontiveros wants to haul CHED, Marina to Senate over seafarer training issues

MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Tuesday, November 8 she wants to summon the Commission on Higher Education and the Maritime Industry Authority to a Senate hearing on reported "shortcomings" in the training of Filipino seafarers.

Hontiveros is seeking a Senate investigation to improve the training of seafarers who risk getting banned in the European Union for failure by the Philippines to comply with international training standards for nearly two decades.

"Labing-anim na taon na pala tayong binibigyan ng warning (It seems they have been warning us for 16 years). It’s high time we summon Marina and CHED to the Senate, para maaksyunan na itong mga reporma (so they can implement the necessary reforms). They need to show Congress that they are taking definite steps to resolve this issue," she said in a statement.

Migrant Workers Assistant Secretary Jerom Pampolina told a House panel last October 27 that the Philippines has not been able to pass the European Maritime Safety Agency audit since 2006, putting at risk the jobs of some 50,000 seafarers. The Philippines has only this

year to implement corrective measures to align itself with international standards, Pampolina said. According to Hontiveros, the EMSA found that relevant Philippine authorities did not "ensure that the education and training is structured in accordance with written programs, and included the methods and media of delivery, procedures, and course material as necessary to fully achieve the prescribed standards of competence."

"The reputation, jobs and welfare of 400,000 families of Filipino mariners in the whole

world are at stake here in this issue," Hontiveros said in Filipino. "It would badly hit our economy if ship owners and operators look elsewhere for seafarers to crew their vessels. It will be very hard for our country to recover."

In 2021, the Philippines topped the UN Conference on Trade and Development’s list of the world’s largest source of seafarers. An estimated 700,000 Filipino seafarers are deployed on seagoing vessels and over a fourth of the global merchant shipping crew members are Filipinos. (Xave Gregorio/Philstar. com)

WHO says countries continue to learn from pandemic

by Rhodina VillanueVa Philstar.com

THE World Health Organization (WHO) said it is committed to supporting all countries in continuously learning from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the 7th World One Health Congress (WOHC) being held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus encouraged member-countries that included the Philippines to continue working toward a healthier, safer and fairer world while the battle against the pandemic is still ongoing.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught all of us many painful lessons. There have been many reviews of the global response to the pandemic with more than 300 recommendations,” Tedros said in his opening remarks given virtually.

He added, “Drawing on those reviews, the WHO has developed a proposal for an enhanced global health architecture with stronger governance, stronger systems and tools, stronger financing that strongly empowered and sustainably financed WHO.”

Tedros said the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, UN Environment Program, WHO and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) have launched the “One Health Joint Plan of Action” to integrate and coordinate their work across humans, animals, agricultural and environmental sectors.

“If you want to take action, it must be based on a One Health approach that addresses the intimate links between the health of humans, animals and our environments,” he added.

At the same time, the WHO chief also noted that “about 70 percent of all emerging pathogens have zoonotic source.”

“Irresponsible land use, deforestation and climate change all increase the risk of pathogens spilling over from wildlife, domestic animals to humans,” Tedros said.

“We can only truly make the world safer if we address these

underlying drivers of epidemics and pandemics,” he said.

The WOHC, which aims to advance the One Health agenda, commenced on Monday, November 7 with more than 1,400 in-person and 1,000 virtual attendees from academic institutions, civil society, government bodies and the private sector.

Singapore President Halimah Yacob graced the opening ceremony as guest of honor.

“We have journeyed long and hard, learning many lessons from COVID-19 together. Perhaps the greatest lesson on our interconnectivity is that we must leverage it well and early, to the best of our advantage,” Yacob said in her opening remarks as she highlighted collaboration as a key facet of the One Health approach, and an important factor in global health preparedness efforts.

“We must work together not only when a crisis unfolds, but strive to be ahead of the curve through strong collaborations and preparations even during peace time,” she said.

The five-day Congress hosted by Singapore’s SingHealth DukeNUS Global Health Institute under the auspices of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Center is themed “Integrating Science, Policy and Clinical Practice: A One Health Imperative Post-COVID-19.”

It seeks to advance the global One Health movement to improve health and well-being by preventing and mitigating crises that originate at the animalhuman-environment interface.

It was earlier reported that WHO member-states including the Philippines are crafting a “pandemic treaty” that will be used to guide and unite countries in times of health crisis.

Department of Health officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said, “Because of the current pandemic, all of the countries agreed that this treaty should be there. We all need to be prepared. We need to help each other when we find ourselves in this kind of situation.”

The pandemic treaty was among the issues discussed in the 73rd session of the WHO

Regional Committee for the Western Pacific that was recently held in the Philippines.

Focus on prevention

At the same conference in Singapore, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) said that in addressing pandemics such as COVID-19, there is a need to focus on prevention as it has a much lower cost compared to response and recovery.

WOAH Director-General Monique Eloit said prevention has the strongest case for investment.

“While expenditures for prevention and preparedness are measured in billions of dollars, the cost of just a single pandemic is in trillions,“ said Eloit.

She noted, “Recent work by the World Bank has highlighted that $10 billion, including about $7 billion for animal health, robust veterinary services and biosecurity at farm level, will be needed for prevention using a One Health approach.”

“Despite lessons learned from past pandemics and as evidenced by our recent experience, we must refocus our attention to financing risk reduction and pandemic prevention, for which a One Health approach is critical,” Eloit added.

She said prevention is the first crucial step to stop or at least limit spillovers of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to work together to tackle the risks at the human-animal-ecosystem interface while considering the multiple drivers, including land use and climate change, loss of biodiversity and degradation of our ecosystems, unsustainable agricultural practice and animal production and wildlife trade and the rapid pace of globalization and population mobility,” the WOAH official said.

Unless we address these drivers we will continue to face increased frequency and severity of health emergencies and pandemics, she said, adding, “We need to transform our relationship with the environment and how we confront pathogens emergence and spread.” g

Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Philstar.com file photo

AFP JOINT EXERCISE FLAG. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro (left), and AFP Joint

Exercise (AJEX) Director Brig. Gen. Marvin Licudine unfurl the AJEX flag at the opening rites of the AJEX “DAGIT-PA” at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday, Nov. 7. DAGIT-PA, which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa”, is an AFP-wide/AFP-only exercise that integrates Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, and AFP Special Operations Forces to level up capabilities to accomplish missions in the sea, air, and land. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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Client gets his green card even after aging out and

Status Protection Act became law, on a brand-new success story on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL (RIGHT) SUES THE INS, AND WINS GREEN CARD FOR CLIENT, ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Michael (left) aged out before his green card was approved. Unfortunately, the INS did not expedite the case despite the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel repeatedly urging them to do so since they were trying to beat the clock before Michael’s 21st birthday. Atty. Gurfinkel filed a lawsuit against the INS and appealed the case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled in their favor. Michael was able to get his green card even though he already aged out. And this was before the Child Status Protection Act became law. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, November 13 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

before the Child

TWENTY-FIVE years ago, San Diego area’s “King of Lechon” was denied his green

card because he aged-out before his case was approved. The family was heartbroken,

but leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel

A beauty queen and the New York marathon

celebrityworld

By Ferdie Villar

MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach completed one of her life’s missions – the beauty queen recently ran and completed the New York Marathon that was held on Sunday, November 6.

In an Instagram post, Pia was very emotional about what it meant to be able to run in the popular and established marathon.

“The NYC Marathon wasn’t a race, it was an experience. A life lesson. Probably the best run of my life. I saw and felt so much. I AM SO HAPPY (crying emoji) and grateful, inspired, humbled, and emotional…lahat na,” she said in the post.

“This medal represents how important it is that we keep the promises we make to ourselves. To me, it was running because I wanted a new challenge, a new discipline — to be healthier & to step out of my comfort zone, to see how far I can go. I knew it would take time and dedication to achieve it but I wanted to stick to that promise no matter where life or work pulled me,” she added.

“Over the years, I got used to being at the service of others and most of my decisions revolved around work or pleasing others. This time, I stuck by running a marathon for me. This was my way of taking care of myself. And now, it has enriched my life so much because it has put me in a better place, so I feel recharged & energized to be of service to others,” Pia further stated in the

post.

Towards the end of the post, Pia had a shout-out to family and friends who tracked her progress and who supported her throughout her journey, and a special mention to her coach, whom she said was very patient with her, and pushed and prepared her for run.

Pia also thanked the many people who put out signages and shouted their support at the marathon’s route: “I’m grateful for all the support and cheering on ground and online. I saw your signages, your messages, and posts — kahit sobra yung kaba ko and yung pagod 5 hours in, lumalakas loob ko [praying emoji].”

Now that she has finished the New York Marathon, which Pia said can be seen on her reel that documents her journey from training to the finish line, the beauty queen said she can proudly state the obvious: “Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach from the Philippines, proudly a NYC marathon finisher [heart emoji] [Philippine flag] @nycmarathon.”

* * *

Snooky Serna, who was part of the ‘80s pack of teen stars at the top of their games, recently revealed in a vlog featured in an article in PEP.ph the one regret that she had – being replaced for what she considered a role of a lifetime because she was going through something personal at that time.

The role? It was for Madam

Claudia Buenaventura in the hit TV series “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” which starred Kristine Hermosa and Jericho Rosales in 2000.

The iconic role of Madam Claudia went to Jean Garcia, who was able to establish herself again in the boob tube.

According to Snooky, she had auditioned for the role and was

able to pass the audition, but she was unable to fulfill the other requirement.

“I was able to pass the audition. Then, there was a workshop. But I became embroiled with personal problems at that time, I was not able to do the workshop. Of course, I got replaced,” she said.

“And the person who replaced me, she is now one of the brightest stars in television. And I’m very happy for her, honestly. She is Miss Jean Garcia,” she added, as she wistfully said that she could have been Madam Claudia.

Also in the vlog, the actress revealed that she has felt insecure with her fellow stars in many instances, particularly when comparing the shape of their noses.

“There have been many times that you feel that someone else is better looking than you,” she said.

“They have a more beautiful nose than I have… I was very conscious before of my nose,” Snooky admitted.

But she says time has given her the chance to accept what she was given.

“But as time went by, it {the feeling of insecurity) went away.

Finding security, I was able to accept the shape of my nose. I realized that if not for this nose, for all I know, people may not have been able to recognize me as Snooky,” the “Blusang Itim” star stated.

*

* *

Filipino American Tiktok sensation Bella Poarch is taking a break from social media. This was revealed in a recent Instagram post where Bella mentioned the divorce from her husband, Tyler.

“I’m sorry if everyone thinks I’ve been keeping a secret. I will address my divorce when I am ready to speak about it. In the meantime please respect mine and Tyler’s privacy. My team will be taking over my socials and posting certain obligations that need to be fulfilled. I will be taking a break from social media. Thank you [heart emoji],” Bella’s post stated.

Many of her friends and Instagram followers posted messages of support and blasted people who accused the social media maven and singer of being untruthful. Many of the messages sent love her way, while a few told people to mind their own business and told Bella to not be sorry as the issue is

very personal.

It was a TMZ report on Sunday, November 6 which revealed that Bella had filed divorce papers in Los Angeles to end her four-year marriage to Tyler Poarch. The reason cited in the divorce filing was “irreconcilable differences.”

It came as a surprise to Bella’s 92 million followers that she had been married since January 2019.

The TMZ report also claimed that the couple do not have any children together, that Bella does not want either of them to pay spousal support, and that the documents don’t show that Bella will be taking off Poarch as her last name.

Bella, a U.S. Navy veteran (she was an aviation ordnanceman), rose to fame in Tiktok. She has the most-liked video in the platform where she lip syncs to the Millie B rap song “M to the B.” Her first song “Build a B*tch” was released in 2021. She just released her first EP, “Dolls,” last August (2022) which includes other songs like “Inferno,” “Dolls,” “Villain” and “Living Hell.”

In the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Bella was nominated for and won the Social Star Award.

Anne Curtis’ longevity

by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

IN an industry that prioritizes youth, it's not unusual for celebrities to see work slow down once they reach a certain age or enter a new life phase. Anne Curtis, who debuted onscreen at the age of 12, however, proves that some artists can defy that.

Now 37 years old, Curtis continues to enjoy a massive following on and offline. And while she has not prioritized acting in recent years, she remains visible on television via "It's Showtime" and on the concert stage through her

"Luv-Anne" concert held just this year.

Indeed, there seems to be no stopping Curtis who is just as hands-on with motherhood as she is to her showbiz career. No wonder brands continue to partner with her.

In fact, a list released by U.S.based online lender Netcredit ("The Top Instagram Earners Globally and From Every Country") showed that Curtis is one of the top influencers on Instagram at an estimated earning of $2,936,119 (P172 million) from ad fees.

And just recently, Curtis once more proved her bankability as an endorser when online

e-Commerce platform Lazada tapped her to headline headline 11.11 Lazada's Biggest Sale campaign, happening from November 11 to 13.

"We have chosen Anne Curtis as our new ambassador because we believe that she completely exemplifies our values and what we stand for. She's someone who turns her passions into actions and who manages all the different roles — from being a businesswoman, mother, actress and an incredible person that inspires all of us," Lazada Philippines CEO Carlos Barrera said at the brand's grand launch for Curtis.

"We had always wanted her as our ambassador. We always wanted three things — someone who is a businesswoman that have that drive to always succeed; a mom that is successful [at her career]; and someone who is beautiful, fashionable and trendy because that's what we [Lazada] are all about, so there was only one option — Anne," Barrera added.

And because Curtis always said she stands for or only endorse brands she actually use, she shared that online shopping has always been integral to her and her career.

"Pre-pandemic, I already love shopping online. Before I became a mom, I had a love for fashion, I love dressing up. People would see that on Instagram, on 'It's Showtime.' I think having a daily show also, you always have to keep on coming out with new outfits so even before, I update my wardrobe frequently. So that would mean shopping online," Curtis shared.

The pandemic amplified the convenience of online shopping for Curtis who also welcomed her daughter in 2020.

"I relied even more on online shopping during the pandemic. When I became a mom I got afraid to go outside, even going to the grocery, so I ended up ordering everything online, for everyone's safety," she noted.

Client gets his green card even after...

Robi is ‘officially off the market’ after engagement to girlfriend

THE Japan vacation proved

The TV host actually popped the question for his girlfriend of four years on the busy streets of Shibuya.

"Officially off the market," Robi said on his social media posts on November 7, 2022.

The "Pinoy Big Brother" host posted four photos of him and his now fiancee after he bent his knee and proposed to her.

Entertainment reporter MJ Felipe first broke the news by posting the proposal clip on his Twitter account last Friday, Nov. 4.

Robi and Maiqui were in Japan last week with their celebrity friends that included Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Joshua Garcia, Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo.

by Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

Supporters of Pia Wurtzbach hold signs along the marathon route in support of the beauty queen’s NY Marathon run. Photos from Instragram/@piawurtzbach

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was able to accomplish one of her life’s major goals: to run and finish the New York Marathon. The beauty queen proudly shows of her medal after finishing her run. Photo from Instragram/@piawurtzbach

Snookty Serna admitted in a vlog recently that she had gotten the iconic role of Madam Claudia Buenaventura in “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” only to get replaced as she was not able to fulfill a requirement for the role due to personal problems. Philstar.com photo

Tiktok sensation Bella Poarch is taking a break from social media, but will address the issue of her divorce form husband Tyler when she’s ready to do so. Photo from Instragram/@bellapoarch

Photo

Robi Domingo proposes to his girlfriend of four years, Maiqui Pineda, during their trip to Japan last week. Photo from Instagram/@iamrobidomingo

was persistent to the point of filing a lawsuit against the INS for failing to expedite Michael’s case.

Although the Federal Court denied the case, Atty.

appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and won. INS was ordered to issue Michael’s green card despite his aging

select Cable/ Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the

Why Nevada is a good choice to settle to, live in

by RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

THE State of Nevada is one of the places many people tend to look at nowadays when they are trying to find a place to move to or start their life/career.

The state, particularly places like Las Vegas, which is a gam ing/entertainment capital in the U.S. and a budding sports center, is not a one-trick pony. Since gambling was legalized in 1931, people tend to think that the only jobs in Nevada tend to be associated with the gambling industry. Not so, as many indus tries and companies have found a happy home in Nevada.

There are many advantages to living in the state, and that includes the presence of jobs, whether it’s in the construction, mining, education, and gam bling/entertainment fields. For instance, employment is up an estimated 9.2% in Las Vegas.

If you visit Las Vegas now, construction projects abound. There are many corporations, groups and companies that are betting on Las Vegas, as it comes out of the pandemic and resumes some type of normalcy. With tourists and visitors coming back, and McCarran Interna tional Airport reporting a huge number of travelers passing through its gates, it looks like the city is on its way to gaining back the status and revenues it raked in before COVID-19 reared its ugly head.

Education is also being em phasized by state and local of ficials, with the school systems trying to attract the best teachers out there to make the student population competitive. In fact, several colleges offer hands-on

training for their students.

The biggest names in the ca sino industry are making their expansion plans. Red Rock Resorts are putting up projects in different parts of the state and pursuing projects in the downtown area and northern part of Las Vegas, while MGM Resorts International purchased The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and enhanced its meeting and convention spaces. Meawhile, Hard Rock International plans to open its hotel along the strip in 2025, which will feature a guitar-shaped hotel similar to the one they have in Hollywood, Florida.

Of course, gambling is not the only recreational activity in the state. When you tire of the slot machines and card tables, there are shopping avenues to get lost in, including high-end and outlet types. For many of the ca sino-resort properties, there are brand-name and other stores to visit, and purchase your favorite goods from.

Also, watching shows, con certs and musicals is another other great activity. Las Vegas is no longer the city where “old” performers make their way to when their popularity fades.

Big musical and award-winning acts like BTS, Lady Gaga, Adele, Celine Dion, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood have had their series of shows or residencies to cater to their fans.

Food is another great show case in the state, with many pop ular chefs opening their places in the resort-casinos, especially along the Strip. Giada de Lauren

tiis, Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, Guy Savoy, Buddy Valastro, Guy Fieri, Wolf gang Puck, Emeril Lagasse and Masaharu Morimoto are just some of the world-renowned chefs whose restaurants have struck a chord with diners. Plus, many of the properties feature their own unique restaurants, with some featuring cuisine around the world (as with Pe pita’s Kitchen in Resorts World, which showcases Lechon Diva Dedet De La Fuente’s unique take on a classic Filipino offering of suckling pig and is a part of the property’s Famous Foods Street Eats fast food section).

What draws people, too, to Nevada is the fact that it has no state income tax, and there’s also no tax on food and medicine purchases. Also, with a lower tax rate for businesses, many companies have found it easy to build their businesses in Nevada than in other states. And if you do your research, you’ll also find that Nevada does not have cor porate income tax, no franchise tax, no inheritance or gift tax, no estate tax, no unitary tax and has very competitive sales and property tax rates, among other things.

Moving to a place, whether it’s for a job, a fresh start, or to retire to means looking for a place to live in. Or you may be looking at properties to plunk down your extra money in. While today’s real estate market is not as thriv ing as it was in the last year or two, it is a good time to look for a land or real estate properties as there is more inventory to choose from. Contrary to what took place in the last two years, where some developers and sell

ers put people on waiting lists or did a lottery to have prospective buyers have their turn at looking at a certain property, buyers now have more choices to look at and may be able to negotiate with sellers when it comes to prices and other things.

Nevada, and its popular cities like Las Vegas or burgeoning towns like Pahrump, has not been immune to the real es tate slowdown, which is being experienced in many parts of the United States. But in terms of affordability, land and real estate prices in Nevada are very competitive. In fact, the affordability factor may be one of the reasons why people and families from other parts of the U.S. are moving to Nevada. Plus, of course, the cost of living is lower, especially when you com pare living in a major city like Las Vegas, as compared to, say, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Miami and Hawaii. An industry expert has put the cost of living in Las Vegas as 1.9% lower than that of the national average.

Now may be one of the best times to take a look at what’s out there in the market, and ne gotiate your way to a great deal!

The growth in Nevada, espe cially in Las Vegas and neighbor ing cities and towns, have been tremendous. I can tell you that from experience – I have many decades under my belt, assisting clients who are looking for their first home, second/vacation homes, investment properties or land (for future use/develop ment). I can assist you in looking for these opportunities, given your budget and things you are looking for. Many of my clients have begun to reap the benefits of their investments, includ ing turning their properties to

rentals or Airbnb, or getting a good return on investment for the properties they bought in previous years.

My company, Precious Prop erties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476

and 702-538-4948 for more in formation, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

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.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman takes a picture from her place at Turnberry Tower towards the west side of her building, which shows the changing landscape of Las Vegas Blvd., which now includes Resorts World Las Vegas on the left and the Wynn/Encore towers on the right.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman takes a photo of the east side from Turnberry Tower, showing how developed the Las Vegas area is. The city has many projects under construction, which will change the cityscape and landscape of Las Vegas further.

The concrete building in the middle of the photo is a parking structure near the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and the Convention Center, which has been, in recent days, full to the top due to events in Sin City.

The Las Vegas Convention Center (in foreground) is currently the site of the SEMA Car Show 2022, where the latest product and custom vehicle trends, as well as innovations from new and iconic exhibitors can be seen by thousands of attendees. The city’s comeback from the pandemic has seen the convention center attracting major expos and events from around the U.S.

SF Public Library’s Filipino collection expands with donations from PH Consulate in SF

SAN FRANCISCO – As the commemoration

this October of Filipino American History Month wrapped up across the United States, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco donated 35 Filipiniana books to the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL).

In a simple ceremony on Wednesday, October 26 at the SFPL Main Library’s Filipino American Center, Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer turned over the books to City Librarian Michael Lambert and SFPL Filipino American Center Head Abraham Ignacio.

“The Consulate’s donation covers a diverse range of topics, including Philippine geography, Philippine political and diplomatic history, Philippine indigenous and pop culture, Philippine arts, and Philippine literature,” Consul General Ferrer said.

Consul General Ferrer added that the Consulate hopes to contribute more to the 3,000 to 4,000 Filipino and Filipino American books and

publications that are currently housed at the Main Library and in the SFPL’s other branches across San Francisco, in line with the Consulate’s cultural promotion and cultural diplomacy initiatives.

“The Consulate stands ready to support the San Francisco Public Library in its mission to promote inclusion, diversity and equity in bringing knowledge and information to the people of San Francisco and beyond,” Consul General Ferrer said.

The Philippine Consul General also said that he is also open for possible partnerships between the SFPL and the Sentro Rizal Library, the Consulate’s library which is host to around 1,500 Philippinepublished books.

The SFPL prides itself as the only public library in the United States that hosts a dedicated center for its Filipino and Filipino American collection.

The library currently houses around 3,000 to 4,000 items in English, Filipino and other Philippine languages. (PCGSF Release)

Charity scams for veterans tug at heart strings and grab for wallets

WANT to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donations count.

Charity scammers lie about who they’re affiliated with and how your money will impact the program you want to help. Do some research to find veteran charities who use your donations wisely and avoid scams:

• Check the name of the charity and its ratings. Search the charity’s name online with words like “complaint” and “fraud” and “scam.” Check the charity’s reports and ratings to see how they spend donations. If you see bad reviews that concern you, find another organization.

• Find out who’s behind a crowdfunding request or social

media donation link — before giving. Scammers use stolen photos and other people’s stories to raise money for themselves. Find out who’s organizing the campaign since that’s who gets the money donated. They’re expected to give it to the intended recipient. The safest way to give through crowdfunding or social media is to only donate to people you know and trust.

• Pay with safer payment methods. Scammers ask you

to donate in ways that make it hard to get your money back — by gift card or wire transfer, or by cryptocurrency. The safest way to donate is by credit card, which gives you some protection if something goes wrong.

Learn more at ftc.gov/ charity. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state charity regulator. (Terri Miller/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)

City Librarian Michael Lambert (right) receives from Consul General Neil Ferrer (left) 35 Filipiniana books from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, at a turnover ceremony at the San Francisco Public Library on October 26. San Francisco PCG photo

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer (2nd from left) is joined by City Librarian Michael Lambert (3rd from left) in visiting the Filipino American Center at the San Francisco Public Library. Also in the photo are Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano (extreme left), and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay (extreme right).

Photo by Dhruva Banerjee/SFPL

Officials from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) attend the book donation ceremony at the San Francisco Public Library. Photo above shows (from left) Vice Consul Adrian Baccay, Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, Consul

General Neil Ferrer, City Librarian Michael Lambert, and SFPL Filipino American Center Head Abraham Ignacio. San Francisco PCG photo

CONSUL GENERAL FERRER HONORS FILIPINO ELDERS, FIRST GEN FIL-AMS IN CANON KIP SENIOR CENTER’S FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH EVENT.

Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer honored the Filipino seniors, considered as among the first generation of Filipino migrants to the U.S., during the Filipino American History Month celebration of the Canon Kip Senior Center at the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco on 21 October 2022. In his remarks, Consul General Ferrer thanked the Filipino elders for pioneering the Filipino American Community in the Bay Area. He mentioned the Philippine government’s “centenarian gift” for Filipinos (including dual citizens) who have reached the age of 100, and announced the Consulate’s hosting of the annual Christmas party for Filipino seniors in December 2022. Filipino American educator and author Oscar Peñaranda gave a talk on Filipino American history, while the seniors themselves donned their best Filipiniana outfits to perform dances and songs in their native Filipino languages. Photos courtesy of San Francisco PCG