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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Tel: (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • Email: info@asianjournalinc.com

Marcos, Duterte-Carpio confirm tandem for 2022 national polls

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

IT’S official: Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio will run as a tandem in the upcoming 2022 national elections.

Marcos made the announcement Tuesday,

Maria Ressa

550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950

November 16, saying that he and Duterte-Carpio have completed the process for their partnership.

“Naitawid na namin ni Mayor Inday Sara Duterte ang proseso para sa tambalang inaasam-asam ng aming mga taga-suporta – ang BBM-SARA sa 2022 (Sara and I have completed the process for a tandem that our supporters have long wanted to see – BBM-Sara for 2022),” he said in a statement.

Ressa delivers lecture at Harvard University

by MoMaR

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California extends COVID state of PH to continue asserting emergency

OATH OF OFFICE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administers the oath of office to Police General Dionardo Carlos as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, November 17. Carlos is the PNP’s 27th chief until his retirement on May 8, 2022.

Presidential photo by King Rodriguez

THE Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) led

by Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat is encouraging Filipinos in the diaspora to travel and explore the Philippines again, after a long hiatus due to pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Puyat said that they are looking forward to welcoming balikbayans and tourists back especially now that COVID-19 travel restrictions are slowly being eased.

“I know that most of you have made it an annual tradition to celebrate the December holidays in the Philippines, where the Christmas spirit begins to be felt on the first ber month with December just around the corner,” Puyat said in a speech she delivered at a recent virtual Kapihan sponsored by the Filipino American Press Club of New York, Department of Tourism New York and Orientours.

“We are optimistic that revenge travel will soon ma-

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sovereignty over WPS

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

THE Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, according to Malacañang.

“As we have in the past, we will continue to assert our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over our territory,” acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday, November 18.

Elderly Filipino man speaks out after knife attack in San Diego AN elderly Filipino victim has spoken out after being brutally attacked outside a trolley station in El Cajon, California earlier this month.

“It... feels good to be alive,” Jose Serra told ABC 10 San Diego on Friday, November 12.

Serra, 71, was walking to a nearby manufacturing facility at the Arnele Avenue trolley stop around 5 a.m. on Nov. 3 when he was attacked by a man with a 12” knife, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

He recounted what happened before the incident, saying a man got on the trolley and sat a few seats behind him.

“When he got on the trolley, all he did was ask me how to get to Spring Valley,” said Serra.

G. Visaya

AJPress

NOBEL Peace Prize winner and Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa on Tuesday, November 16, delivered the prestigious Salant Lecture on Freedom of the Press at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS).

In the hour-long lecture moderated by Kennedy School professor Latanya A. Sweeney, Ressa talked about disinformation, democracy, and freedom of speech.

“In 2017, an invisible atom bomb exploded in the global information ecosystem forever changing it, but insidiously manipulating us. And we don’t know that it happened,” she said.

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DOT’s Puyat looks forward to PH tourism recovery, optimistic that ‘revenge travel’ will happen

Instagram photo/@maria_ressa

GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom has extended the state of emergency in California for the third time as a result of the threat COVID-19 poses.

The executive order issued on Thursday, November 11, is set to run until the end of March 2022, at which time the emergency will have been in effect for more than two years.

Earlier, Newsom warned the public about the increasing COVID-19 infection rates during winter season.

“Napagkasunduan namin at ng aming mga partido ang pagsusulong ng mapagkaisang liderato sakaling kami ay palarin sa darating na halalan sa Mayo 9, 2022 (We agreed together with our parties to push for a unified leadership in case luck is on our side in the upcoming elections on May 9, 2022),” he added.

Later, he and the man both got off at the Arnele Avenue stop.

According to Serra, the attack came as a surprise because there were no interactions between them while they were walking.

“There was no change in his expression.

Nothing. He just pulled out the knife and started slashing. It was a complete surprise,” he said.

“As soon as the knife started coming, I fell to the sidewalk, because I was bleeding like crazy,” he added.

In a news release, the El Cajon Police Department noted Serra “had numerous life-threatening stab wounds and had been severely slashed across his face.”

“The victim’s ear was nearly severed

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The statement was issued following reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Command saying Chinese Coast Guard vessels harassed two Philippine boats on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. Nograles also lauded the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for acting swiftly.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs has Sen. Manny Pacquiao starts a training day in Los Angeles in July 2021 with a five-mile morning

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run.

Philstar.com photo

Fact check: No, Pacquiao PH remains closed to foreign did not withdraw candidacy tourists, says BI after meeting with Duterte MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) clarified on Tuesday, November 16 that the Philippines is still closed to foreign tourists.

According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the bureau will continue to limit the entry of foreign tourists until the government decides to open the country’s borders.

“The country remains closed to foreign tourists. Only those under the allowed categories as set by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases), if coming from green or yellow countries may be admitted to enter,” he said in a statement.

Morente said his clarification was prompted by reports that BI offices were being swamped with queries from persons who as-

by FRanco luna Philstar.com

MANILA — Following a meeting between Sen. Manny Pacquiao and President Rodrigo Duterte, “bloggers” and other accounts claiming to report news in the Philippines are claiming that Pacquiao has dropped out of the presidential race to give way to presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

CLAIM: On November 9, posts started coming out claiming that Pacquiao has backed out of his candidacy for presiu PAGE 4 dent in the 2022 elections.

One video posted on YouTube channel “BANAT NEWS TV” presents the claim as a “latest update” from the Commission on Elections.

The video’s unidentified narrator “confirmed” that Pacquiao “allegedly changed his mind” after the meeting with President Duterte.

RATING: This is misleading.

What did the posts say?

The same video also spoke of “news reports” claiming that Pacquiao may be “waking up to the reality that he should not continue his run for president because there are more deserving candidates.”

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NOVEMBER 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

Marcos, Duterte-Carpio confirm tandem for 2022...

PAGE 1 Over the weekend, Marcos’ party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), had adopted Duterte-Carpio, who is running under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (LakasCMD), as its vice presidential candidate after she formalized her candidacy.

Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio revealed that the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) rejected her when she sought support for her tandem with Marcos.

“Ang aking partido ay nakipagalyansa at humingi ng suporta para kay Bongbong Marcos at para sa akin matapos kong tanggapin ang inyong hamon at panawagan. Tinanggihan ito ng PDP at naiintindihan natin ito (My party forged an alliance and sought support for Bongbong Marcos and myself after I accepted the challenge to run. PDP rejected this and we understand it),” she said in a video message.

PDP-Laban, the party her father Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

chairs, is supporting the presidential bid of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go. Go withdrew his candidacy for vice president and filed one for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) after Duterte-Carpio announced her decision to run for the second-highest post in the country.

Duterte-Carpio, for her part, maintained that no one was put at a disadvantage over the new developments.

“Pero gusto ko lamang na linawin — walang pangalan na sinisira o dinudungisan, walang sinasagasaan, walang inaagrabyado, inaaway, pinapaiyak o inaapi (But I just want to make it clear — no name is being slandered or defiled, no one is being abused, aggrieved, fought, made to cry, or oppressed),” she stressed.

She also assured that building on her father’s legacy is the reason why she decided to run for vice president.

“Sa muli, nananawagan ako ng pagkakaisa. Ang layunin natin ay hindi lamang ituloy ang mga magagandang

nasimulan ni Pangulong Duterte kundi ang mas pagbutihin at mas palawigin pa ang mga ito (Once again, I’m calling for unity. Our goal is not only to continue what President Duterte has started but also to improve and expand them),” said DuterteCarpio.

“The people will make me strong. And it is through our solidarity and unity that we will be able to build a stronger nation,” she added.

Further, Duterte-Carpio noted that the electoral battle is just starting.

“Nagsisimula pa lang ang ating laban.

Alam ko na mahaba at mahirap ito (The fight is just starting. I know it will be long and difficult),” she said.

“Pero kampante ako na sasamahan at tutulungan nyo ako hanggang sa dulo, hanggang maipanalo natin ito para sa ating mahal na bayan at kapwa Pilipino (But I am certain that you will be with me and help me until the end, until we emerge victorious for country and people),” she added. n

PAGE 1 “Those are allegedly former Sen. Bongbong Marcos and presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio,” the video claimed as he reminded users to hit “Subscribe.”

That Pacquiao “might be waking up” runs counter to the original claim of the title that he had already withdrawn. It is also unclear which reports the page was pointing to that made those “allegations.”

Another page, “B0ngb0ng Marc0s Supp0rters Info” on Facebook, posted the same video with the caption: “MATAPOS ang PAG-UUSAP sa MALACANANG ni PDUTERTE PACQUIAO nag-WITHDRAW BBM-SARA TANDEM2022.”

Graft convict and former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada, a social media personality who refers to himself as an “investigative journalist” despite regularly peddling fake news, also claimed in a post that his “informants” said even Pacquiao “wants to withdraw.”

“Withdrawing his candidacy is the best thing that Senator Manny Pacquiao can do right now...But his advisers are insisting that he stay in the race,” Mejorada claimed in a Facebook post that received 7,700 interactions.

What they left out The boxer-turned-senator indeed visited the president at the Palace on the night of Tuesday, November 9.

“It is a meeting between national leaders who discussed certain matters related to people’s interest and Mindanao development,” Pacquiao’s camp said in a statement, adding that the meeting centered

on the “infrastructure and power industry.”

Pacquiao himself has said that the latest developments in the election landscape do nothing to change his plans.

“It wasn’t a political meeting but provided us an opportunity to talk about our shared vision...my decision to run for president hasn’t changed,” he said in a statement two days later.

Essential context Pacquiao and Duterte belong to the ruling PDP-Laban party. But infighting in past months within resulted in the administration party splitting into two: one led by Pacquiao and the other by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

The Cusi-led wing fielded Sen. Ronald dela Rosa as its standard-bearer and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go for vice president, both of whom have since withdrawn their candidacies with the party.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is running with Rep. Lito Atienza (Buhay Party-list) as his vice-presidential candidate.

Their meeting in Malacañang was their first recorded encounter since the rift began.

Pacquiao earlier accused Duterte of defending his allies under investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for alleged irregularities in pandemic spending.

Why does this matter?

Even after Pacquiao’s camp issued their statement belying the claims in the wake of the meeting, similar posts to circulate on social media as of this writing.

Since it was posted on November

11, the video by Banat News TV has amassed 640,447 views and over 6,300 likes on YouTube.

CrowdTangle, a social media monitoring tool, counts 768 Facebook posts mentioning Pacquiao’s withdrawal in the past 7 days, which have garnered 170,960 interactions.

The posts came to a peak on the same day the meeting took place on November 9, where they garnered some 50,900 interactions.

But according to CrowdTangle, similar posts still received some 7,500 interactions as of Monday, November 15.

What type of misinformation is this?

The statements in the flagged videos and posts are examples of false claims.

This classification of misinformation includes posts that can make use of genuine statements and media, such as the meeting that indeed took place in the Palace, but are used to push a false narrative.

Claims that presidential candidates have backed out of the race to the Palace have been rampant on social media, particularly from troll accounts supporting the tandem of Marcos and Duterte. The practice is not unique to the coming 2022 elections, though, as rumors and claims that a bed has withdrawn from the race or have died have been a form of disinformation since before the internet.

In October, at least three videos were posted and later went viral claiming that the Comelec has ruled to disqualify Robredo from the 2022 polls, supposedly due to crowdfunding efforts that foreigners may have donated to. n

ARTIFICIAL TREES. Workers of the Public Safety Office install artificial trees with pink leaves at Kadiwa park on Congressional Road, Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Thursday, November 18. The activity is part of the beautification project of the city government. PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Palace: Duterte’s senatorial bid has Fact check: No, Pacquiao did not withdraw... ‘nothing to do’ with ICC probe

by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to run for senator is not related to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the killings linked to his anti-narcotics crackdown, according to Malacañang.

“Wala namang kinalaman sa ICC case ‘yung decision ni Pangulong Duterte na tumakbo bilang senador (The ICC case has nothing to do with President Duterte’s senatorial run),” Acting spokesman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Tuesday, November 16, during an online press briefing.

Nograles stressed that Duterte just wants to continue serving the Filipino people long after his term as President is over.

“Ang pagtakbo ni Pangulong Duterte as senator ay dahil gusto niyang magpatuloy ng kanyang serbisyo sa taong bayan (Duterte wanted to run for senator because he wants to continue serving the people),” he said.

“He believes in his heart that he still can contribute to public service, no longer as President but now as senator if he wins in the national elections of 2022,” he

added.

Nograles further reiterated that Duterte is not running for senator to evade the ICC’s probe.

“Wala pong pag-e-evade ng prosecution ito at lahat ng mga batikos na narinig po natin ay wala pong katotohanan ang lahat ng akusasyon na ‘yan (There is no need to evade prosecution because all of the accusations are not true),” he stressed.

According to Nograles, Duterte can contribute a lot in the Senate.

“Ako po’y naniniwala na magiging malaki ang kontribusyon ni Pangulong Duterte sa Senado (I believe that President Duterte will have a huge contribution in the Senate),” he said.

On Monday, Nov. 15, Duterte filed his candidacy for senator via a representative.

The decision came after his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced that she was running for vice president in the 2022 national elections under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).

Meanwhile, Duterte will run under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), replacing Mona Liza Visorde, who withdrew her COC for senator.

(By Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) n

From The FronT Page

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California encourages full family vaccinations

by AJPress

THE California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is encouraging entire families – from young kids to grandparents – to get vaccinated, complete their vaccination series, and get a booster as part of its November week of action. With the state’s simplified booster recommendations, all Californians are encouraged to get their booster, as long as they are 18 or older and got fully vaccinated at least six months ago.

Last year’s winter surge was devastating for California, and it is critically important that all eligible Californians protect themselves against COVID-19 and the flu ahead of the winter months.

“The FDA’s recent authorizations of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 and boosters for all U.S. vaccine manufacturers are game changers,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “By fully vaccinating every eligible Californian and providing boosters to those who are eligible, we can protect ourselves and our friends and family by keeping our immunity against COVID-19 strong heading into the winter months and holidays.”

To promote full family protection, CDPH and local partners are leading a week of action from November 15 to November 21 against the pandemic, which includes mobile vaccination clinics around the state and other outreach efforts to moti-

vate all eligible family members to get vaccinated. Prominent California public health officials and leading medical experts are also discussing the importance of full family vaccination in appearances with media outlets and on social media events.

The week of action is one part of California’s ongoing commitment to fighting this deadly virus. The state’s Vaccinate ALL 58 campaign recently launched a new media campaign to promote vaccinations for children ages 5-11 and will launch public service announcements featuring California Surgeon General Dr. Burke Harris and Dr. Ilan Shapiro this week. These videos are part of a multi-pronged media campaign that includes digital, social, radio, TV, print

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 19-25, 2021

Philippines wins global science competition

MANILA — The Philippines won the firstever Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Catalyst Pitch competition given by the US Department of State with its Philippine-based startup Galansiyang, placing first in two categories.

The GIST Catalyst Pitch is a global competition launched in 2017 that gives science and technology entrepreneurs a platform to develop innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.

The U.S. embassy said Galansiyang was declared winner on Nov. 9.

Galansiyang is a forestry services startup that helps mining industry speed up environmental rehabilitation with automation technology including aerial seeding for reforestation and forest monitoring.

Galansiyang, one of the pioneering startups formed in Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, placed first in both the “Spirit of GIST” and “People’s Choice” categories.

The team includes Jay Arneil Gajudo, Joshua Fernandez, Maynard Costanilla, Jiko Colita, Dreamer Lamberte and Harold Cuerbo.

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Globally, 25 teams went to the semifinal round of GIST in October.

In November, five innovators were chosen to advance to the finals of the competition, with Galansiyang representing the Asia-Pacific region.

“This challenge became an opportunity for us to showcase the grit and the hustle toward our love for innovation. Now, we are recognized as a promising startup committed to fighting deforestation,” Gajudo said.

Galansiyang is also one of the Philippines’ global nominees for the 2021 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Apps Challenge, the world’s largest international hackathon addressing global problems using NASA’s open-source data.

Global winners will be announced early next year.

“This is a great achievement for the Philippine startup community. As the US and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, we are committed to supporting the next generation of changemakers,” said US embassy assistant cultural affairs officer Pauline Anderson. (By Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com) n

DOT’s Puyat looks forward to PH tourism recovery, optimistic that ‘revenge travel’...

PAGE 1 terialize. We recognize the need to move forward and go along with the tide in order for us to transition into the new normal,” Puyat shared. “You know how we Filipinos are it will take more than a pandemic to keep us down and stop us from getting back up. And travel and tourism will be a fun way to help reboot the Philippine economy.

Puyat also discussed the high vaccination rates of tourism workers in key travel destinations, including Baguio and Boracay which have recorded 100 and 99 percent vaccination rates respectively. Over 90 percent of tourism workers in Bohol and Coron are vaccinated.

She emphasized that the swift immunization of the tourism workforce is essential in the recovery of the industry, citing the experience of Thailand when it used Phuket as an experiment.

Called the Phuket Sandbox, it was Thailand’s piDepartment of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat lot run for reopening the tourism sector and was Travelers from the USA and Canada are only relaunched on July 1. Tourists who wanted to go to Phuket were required 14 days of quarantine on the quired to undergo facility-based quarantine with RT island. The country reopened Bangkok and other PCR testing on the fifth day. Upon the release of a leading tourist destinations such as Pattaya and Chi- negative RT PCR test result, travelers may continue ang Mai to fully-vaccinated foreign tourists from 46 home quarantine until the 10th day.

Upon entry into the Philippines, vaccinated travdesignated “low-risk” countries.

“That was my inspiration. I have a better chance elers from the USA can conveniently present their if I start with our destinations. I’m so happy that CDC vaccination card or their digital ID or certificate there’s no vaccination hesitancy among our work- as proof of vaccination.

“Again, may I stress this is as of today because ers,” she said. “In fact in some areas, we’re already vaccinating friends and families of our tourism protocols are forever changing. We in the Philippines continue to prioritize the health and safety of frontliners.”

In Boracay, the vaccination rate has reached more our people, including that of our overseas Filipinos than 100 percent, which means that more workers and former Filipinos who are returning to the country,” she said. are being hired back.

She reported that balikbayans and their foreign The tourism industry employed 5.7 million Filipinos in 2019 and last year, more than 1.1 million lost spouses and children may already enter the country, along with foreign spouses and minor children of their jobs.

Filipino staying in Philippines5.69” are also allowed Puyat mentioned that the Philippines has one of 21SDG1077_CARE Family6Walking__Asian Journal__RUN: 07_23_21__ 1/4the pg 4C__TRIM: x 10.56” to enter the country subject to prevailing guidelines the shortest quarantine requirements in Asia.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

implemented by the IATF. Since May this year, Puyat said that the DOT has been pushing for the relaxation of testing and quarantine protocols for fully-vaccinated individuals from countries that are classified as low-risk following the lead of some of the country’s neighbors in the ASEAN as well as the models that are being implemented in Western countries.

“As early as last year, December, the Philippines was already open to balikbayans and I have to give credit to Mr. Jojo Clemente and Miss Marge Munsayac because they were always pushing for that,” Puyat said.

Clemente is the p[resident of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines while Munsayac is chair of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association Inc. Tourism Recovery “We are now moving from survival to recovery and rebuilding after two years of actual struggle for survival. The revival of tourism is a big part of this

and that is why we are looking forward to welcoming back our balikbayans, Filipino Americans, Filipino Canadians, and even foreign tourists from all over the world,” said Josen Perez de Tagle, Philippine Airlines’ Vice President of Corporate Communications.

He said that they are looking forward to having more flights into the country as they rebuild route by route.

Puyat also announced that the first-ever Philippine Specialist Program will be launched this month to educate North American travel advisors about the Philippines.

“What was perceived as a challenge has actually become an opportunity to reach a wider audience through digital marketing activities through webinars, the online promotion of culinary tourism, virtual cookbooks, social media marketing, and supporting virtual Filipino community events,” she said.

The tourism attaches assigned in the United States - Francisco Lardizabal in New York, Soleil Tropicales in San Francisco, and Richmond Jimenez in Los Angeles - continue to engage with airline partners or operators, travel advisors, and consumers to strengthen business relationships and keep the Philippines as a top of mind destination.

There has also been a shift towards more open spaces, outdoor activities, and more personalized and immersive travel.

“We are focusing on products that will cater to the new normal travelers’ preferences,” she shared.

Among these are 41 tourism circuits spanning the entire country - from food trips to eco-tours, fun farm circuits to pilgrimage tours, biking circuits, art and adventure, and dive and drive packages.

Addressing the Kapihan audience, Puyat said she hopes the kababayans consider returning home.

“Hopefully we really have more good news in the next couple of weeks. We can’t wait to see more of you, we really miss our balikbayans,” she said. n

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NOVEMBER 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Ressa delivers lecture at Harvard University...

SWAB TEST. A father carries his son who is undergoing swab testing for COVID-19 at the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program depot in Quezon City on Thursday, November 18. The tests are part of dispatch procedures before their travel to Negros Oriental on Friday, November 19.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Elderly Filipino man...

PAGE 1 off and he had lost a significant amount of blood,” it said Thursday, Nov. 11.

Additionally, the ECPD released a photo of the suspect: 24-year-old Ezekiel Valdivia, a convicted felon who is out on early release.

Valdivia is described as a Hispanic man, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and numerous tattoos on his body, including a large “V” tattoo on his face.

Valdivia also has a history of assault, elderly abuse, and weapons charges.

While police have not yet ruled if the attack on Serra was racially motivated, the Filipino American Community is urging

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

officials to get involved.

“Why did it take almost a week to get the word out that there is a dangerous man on the loose that had done this heinous crime,” said JoAnn Fields of the Filipino Resource Center.

She added, “We have to hold people accountable. If we are going to stop the cycle of violence then we need not just see something but to say something.”

Anyone with information on Valdivia’s whereabouts is urged to come forward and call El Cajon Police at 619-579-3311 or Crimestoppers at 888-580-8477.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Serra with the medical expenses as he recovers from his injuries. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) n

PH to continue...

PAGE 1 acted swiftly and has condemned the incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard,” he noted.

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, three Chinese vessels “blocked and water cannoned” two Philippine supply boats en route to transport food supplies to military personnel deployed in Ayungin Shoal.

According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., no one was hurt in the incident but the boats had to abort their resupply mission.

“I have conveyed in the strongest terms to H.E. Huang Xilian, Ambassador of China and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing our outrage, condemnation and protest of the incident,” he said in a statement.

Locsin also pointed out that the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions were “illegal,” stressing that China must “take heed and back off.”

“Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, and over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” he said.

“The acts of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels are illegal. China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas. They must take heed and back off,” he added.

Further, the Foreign Affairs chief said that the incident “threatens the special relationship” between the Philippines and China.

“This failure to exercise self-restraint threatens the special relationship between the Philippines and China that President Rodrigo R. Duterte and President Xi Jinping have worked hard to nurture,” said Locsin.

“The Philippines will continue to provide supplies to our troops in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal). We do not ask permission to do what we need to do in our territory,” he added. n

PAGE 1 According to Ressa, there’s a government tactic focused on manipulating social media called “patriotic trolling.” “[It is] state-sponsored online hate and harassment campaigns that’s meant to silence and intimidate,” she said. “Flood the market with lies, with disinformation — and think about it like this, right? If information is power, disinformation is abuse of power.”

Ressa noted that women were a “favorite” and “easy” target of patriotic trolling across many countries.

“In the Philippines, our data showed us that women were being attacked at least 10 times more than men,” she added.

The Nobel laureate identified the steps in patriotic trolling, which included attacking someone’s credibility.

“This is gaslighting to the nth degree, and then you repeat it,” said Ressa.

“One of the things we’ve learned is that when you say a

lie a million times, it becomes a fact. People believe it. This is the age of social media,” she added.

“In Mark Twain’s time, truth can catch up. And now, it literally changes our reality.”

Ressa also discussed how the Facebook algorithm impacts democracy, citing a three-part series she and her colleagues at Rappler wrote entitled “Propaganda War: Weaponizing the Internet.”

“These algorithms that make you doubt reality, when social media becomes a behavior modification system that essentially turns us into Pavlov’s dogs.

This experimentation, where research has shown as early as 2018, that lies laced with anger and hate, spread faster and further on social media,” she said.

“If you have lies, meaning you don’t have facts. If you don’t have facts, how can you have truth? How can you have trust?

If you don’t have these three, you don’t have democracy. You don’t have a shared reality,” she added.

To combat misinformation and disinformation, Ressa said U.S. policymakers should revise key sections of federal internet law. She also cited the European Union’s Digital Services Act, calling it “the most effective” example of a policy that focuses on changing “algorithms of bias.”

“EU Digital Services Act [is] probably the most effective right now in terms of looking, not downstream at the content, where you run into all the freedom of speech questions, but upstream, where you look at algorithms of bias, algorithms that prioritize the spread of lies, hate anger and conspiracy theories,” she said.

“Let’s cut it off upstream. Not here, where it becomes a choice of content,” she added. “Content is the byproduct of the toxic sludge.”

Ressa also stressed that independent journalism and community are “critical” in fighting misinformation and disinformation.

“Part of the reason we can be resilient is that you need to tell

people how they are being manipulated,” she explained.

“Most of the time, Americans will say, ‘Ah, that doesn’t happen here,’ and then you see how quickly democracy can collapse,” she added. “One of the things that technology has shown us, and it is both good and bad, is that humanity around the world — we actually have far more in common than we have differences.”

The Salant Lecture on Freedom of the Press is delivered annually by a prominent journalist, scholar, or practitioner.

In October, Ressa made history as the first Filipino to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

She received the Peace Prize for her effort “to safeguard freedom of expression,” with the Norwegian Nobel Committee calling her a representative of journalists “who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions.” (By Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) n

PH remains closed to foreign tourists, says...

PAGE 1 sumed that foreign tourists can now enter the country after Metro Manila was placed under the less restrictive COVID-19 Alert Level 2.

However, Morente reiterated that presently, only Filipinos, balikbayans, and foreigners with valid and existing visas issued by the BI and other specialized Philippine government agencies are being allowed to enter the country.

Meanwhile, those who wish to travel to the Philippines under a tourist visa may only do so if they apply for temporary visitors’ visas and secure an entry exemption document (EED) from Philippine posts abroad.

“We advise the public to refer to our website and social media pages to keep themselves updated on our latest advisories on guidelines and requirements for international travelers,” he said.

Morente previously announced that the BI is ready for foreign tourists after presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the country will accept international tourists “in due time.” (By Zacarian Sarao/Inquirer.net) n

Foreign tourists enjoy the sun on Boracay Island in the Visayas.

Inquirer.net photo

California extends COVID state of emergency...

PAGE 1 “Winter is coming. Winter is here,” he said Wednesday, Nov. 10.

“Last year, we had a challenging winter, particularly down here in Southern California. We started to see around this time last year case rates, positivity rates, hospitalization rates, ICU numbers start to increase. We’re starting to see that now all across the globe.

We’ve seen those trends, not dissimilar to last year,” he added.

According to Newsom, they are doing everything to prepare California for the incoming winter.

“While we were spared the worst in this summer, the prospects of a challenging winter are upon us,” he said. “And that’s why we’re doing everything in our power to prepare and to protect ourselves.”

Newsom noted that places like Riverside and San Bernardino are beginning to see a rise in hospitalization rates.

Further, he pointed out that California had the nation’s lowest case rate in the fall but is now 16th.

“Just yesterday, we went up to about 16th lowest,” he said.

The key to breaking the “familiar pattern” of COVID-19, Newsom

stressed, was increasing immunity through vaccines and booster doses.

So far, California has distributed more than 54.7 million vaccine doses, with 73.7% of its entire population being fully-vaccinated.

The state’s vaccination campaign has also expanded to include children ages 5-11. More than 110,000 doses have been administered as of Wednesday.

“That is just the beginning with more than 1.6 million of them available to young people,” Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said.

He added, “We’re starting to see this pick up, and I’m really excited what this means for our state.”

In March 2020, Newsom declared a state of emergency, as the state confirmed its first coronavirus-related death.

The state of emergency was declared “to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare for broader spread of COVID-19,” according to the governor’s office. (By Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress) n

California encourages full family...

PAGE 3 and out-of-home advertising, all aimed at reaching the state’s most vulnerable communities to encourage vaccination and boosters.

The state is also continuing its partnership with ethnic media, working with more than 200 non-English media outlets throughout the state to reach California’s diverse communities. This includes the release of Dr. Burke Harris’ “On the Record” ethnic media column urging parents and guardians to vaccinate their children ages 5-11 against COVID-19 ahead

of holidays. Altogether, the partnership will result in tens of millions of opportunities for non-English speaking Californians to learn more about the importance of vaccines in November alone.

Vaccinate ALL 58 is also continuing its robust partnerships with community-based organizations, working closely with them to address vaccine hesitancy through door knocking and outreach, scheduling vaccine appointments, and providing transportation options.

To date, the state’s community-based network has con-

nected with more than three million Californians through phone banking, has canvased over 700,000 households, and facilitated or referred over one million appointments in vulnerable communities throughout the state.

As the state heads into cooler months with more gatherings moving indoors, CDPH is strongly urging unvaccinated Californians to get vaccinated and those who are partially vaccinated to complete their vaccination series. Booster doses are also available to help Californians keep their immunity

strong. All eligible individuals are encouraged to get a booster to protect themselves, their family and to celebrate the holidays together safely.

CDPH also recommends Californians receive a flu vaccine, which can be administered on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for all Californians regardless of insurance and immigration status. Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-4224255 to make an appointment, find a walk-in clinic and learn more about eligibility. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

5

Filipinos’ lifetime productivity losses due to COVID-19 to hit P2.3 trillion

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

IMPROVED PH-ISRAEL TIES. Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss (right) cites the continuously improving cooperation between the Philippines and Israel, especially in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Thursday, November 18. Also in photo is forum moderator and Kamuning Bakery owner Wilson Flores.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

China Coast Guard blocked, water cannoned Philippine boats en route to Ayungin — DFA MANILA — Three Chinese coast guard vessels forced a Philippines’ resupply mission in the West Philippine Sea to abort by blocking and spraying with water canon two supply boats on their way to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on Tuesday, November 16.

In a statement, the Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. cited the armed forces’ Western Command in Palawan which reported the incident.

“Fortunately, no one was hurt; but our boats had to abort the resupply mission,” Locsin said.

“The Philippine will continue to provide supplies to our troops in Ayungin Shoal. We do not ask permission to do what we need to do to our territory,” Locsin added.

The mission was to transport supplies to military personnel stationed at BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated navy vessel that serves as Marine outpost on the shoal within Philippine waters.

Locsin said the Philippines has protested the incident and reminded China that “a public vessel is covered by the Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty.”

The 1951 treaty that forged the longstanding alliance dictates that both nations would come to each others’ aid when attacked by a foreign party. Earlier this year, Washington reaffirmed its committed to enforce the treaty.

“I have conveyed in the strongest terms to H.E. Huang Xillian, Ambassador of China and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, our outrage, condemnation and protest of the incident,” Locsin

said.

The shoal is part of the hotly contested Spratlys, which the Philippines calls Kalayaan Island Group, and is well within the country’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. This means the Philippines has “sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction” over the area, Locsin said.

“The acts of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels are illegal,” he added. “China has no law enforcement rights in and around these areas. They must take heed and back off.”

Locsin also cited the “special relationship” between President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, arguing that the incident is a “failure to exercise self-restraint” on China’s part.

Duterte has been criticized for his soft and defeatist policies toward China, which has repeatedly flouted the Philippines’ rights and international rules in the strategic waterway.

What went before • Earlier this year, in April, Chinese navy fast attack craft and coast guard vessels chased and drove away a civilian boat carrying Filipino journalists on its way to Ayungin Shoal.

• In January last year, Chinese vessels were spotted patrolling near the shoal while the Philippine Coast Guard was welcoming the Chinese Coast Guard commander in Manila.

• In September 2019, China’s coast guard ships similarly blocked Filipino vessels delivering food and supplies to troops stationed on Ayungin.

(Philstar.com) n

When you GET VACCINATED you have greater protection against hospitalization and death.

WEAR A MASK when it can protect you & others.

GET TESTED & STAY HOME when you feel sick.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you MyTurn.ca.gov

833-422-4255

MANILA — On top of the pain inflicted by COVID-19 on the health sector, losses in Filipino workers’ wages and productivity have been estimated to hit as much as P2.3 trillion during their lifetime, the state-run think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said.

In his paper titled “The Multifaceted Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” which he also discussed during a webinar on Thursday, November 18, PIDS senior research fellow Valerie Gilbert Ulep pointed out that this economic cost mostly came from the COVID-19 pandemic’s indirect impact, such as many people suffering from other diseases who were unable to be treated as hospitals prioritized coronavirus infections, as well as school closures, which impacted on children’s learning.

“The long-run productivity losses because of both direct and indirect [health and other impact of COVID-19] is around P2.3 trillion, in net present value,” Ulep told the webinar.

Ulep and other Philippine-based researchers as early as March this year flagged in a separate paper released by the Washington-based think tank Center for Global Devel-

opment (CGD) that the number of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) claims to cover 12 “high-burden” diseases dropped last year as medical care focused on COVID-19.

In June, another CGD paper co-authored by Ulep pointed to risks to Filipino children’s health and growth, as their research showed up to 70-percent year-on-year decline in 60 government hospitals’ admissions for pediatrics during the second quarter of last year — at the the height of the most stringent COVID-19 lockdown imposed in the Philippine to control virus spread.

The drop in hospital admissions among children was faster than the 40-percent decline among adults, such that CGD said “the sharp decline in pediatric cases suggests that children are bearing the brunt of the pandemic.”

In his Nov. 17 PIDS paper, Ulep said increases in food security among households due to job losses would not only increase stunting in children but also inflict P633.8 billion in lifelong losses.

In a report in June, the World Bank said the Philippines was suffering from a “silent pandemic” — childhood stunting as a result of undernutrition. Stunted kids were smaller in height

compared to healthier children of the same age.

World Bank estimates showed that in 2019, 29 percent of Filipino kids who were aged five and below were stunted. In the East Asia and Pacific region, the Philippines had the fifth-highest stunting prevalence; worldwide, the country was among the top 10.

Ulep said a decline in treatment of tuberculosis (TB), meanwhile, would result in P28.9 billion in losses. TB was among the diseases whose PhilHealth claims dropped last year, reflecting fewer treatments amid the pandemic.

A drop in treatment of HIV would inflict P16.8 billion in losses, while slower child immunization against other diseases as the government prioritized mass vaccination against COVID-19 would cost Filipinos P278.3 billion in lost opportunities, Ulep said.

Ulep’s estimates also showed that the premature deaths caused by COVID-19 would inflict P94 billion in lost household incomes, while premature deaths due to other diseases which took a backseat to the deadly coronavirus would cost a bigger P398 billion.

Those who got sick with COVID-19 were estimated to

u PAGE 7

Lacson assures: No martial law under my leadership by neil

arwin MercadO Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Panfilo Lacson has one assurance to the public should he be elected as president of the country in next year’s national elections: No martial law under his leadership.

Lacson made the remark after he was asked in a press forum if he will declare martial law under his leadership as a known “disciplinarian.”

“’Yan ang pwedeng itaga sa bato… Dun sa martial law, hindi mangyayari (You can cast it in stone… Martial law won’t happen),” Lacson said.

One of Lacson’s competitors for the presidency is former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Marcos Sr. has been hit for the number of human rights abuses following his declaration of martial law.

Meanwhile, in his final State

of the Nation Address back in July, President Rodrigo Duterte suggested that his successor should declare martial law if he or she wants to reform the government and rid it of corruption.

The suggestion was made after the President again claimed that nobody could eradicate corruption across the bureaucracy.

But under the 1987 Constitution, the president may only proclaim martial law in case of foreign invasion and rebellion when public safety requires it. n

6

NOVEMBER 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

OpiniOn

Goodbye, face shield

Features

ON top of the face mask, the face shield aggravates difficulty in breathing and can be exceptionally uncomfortable in a poorly ventilated area on a hot day.

Accusations of overpricing and sweetheart deals brokered by administration cronies intensified public distaste for the face shield.

Last Monday, November 15, amid falling COVID-19 cases, President Duterte announced his approval of a recommendation to make the use of face shields voluntary in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3 including Metro Manila, except in places such as hospitals. On Tuesday, November 16, transport officials also lifted the face shield requirement in public utility vehicles.

Health experts went along with the recommendation, but continued to encourage the voluntary use of face shields as added protection against COVID-19, especially in the so-called three Cs: closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close-contact settings.

While acknowledging the discomfort in wearing face shields, the health experts maintain that they provide a measure of protection for the eyes, which are entry points for viruses and other pathogens. The experts say the added protection is important especially as complacency spreads

and people stop using even masks in public places such as open markets.

The shields can stop biological droplets such as those expelled in a sneeze from hitting the eyes, according to health experts, who point out that healthcare workers in COVID wards use medical goggles to protect their eyes.

President Duterte himself is warning the public against complacency, amid reports of a new wave of COVID infections particularly in western Europe that is forcing a return to lockdowns. Scenes in Metro Manila since the region was eased to Alert Level 2 have shown people ignoring physical distancing, with many no longer wearing masks.

In such environments, health experts say a face shield on top of a mask can reduce the risk of catching COVID. Even with the lifting of the face shield requirement, experts warn that under certain settings, you discard it at your own risk.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

May 9, 2022 is Election Day in the Philippines: How does the electoral process compare to the US?

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS MARK your calendar. Next year Monday, May 9, 2022, eligible citizens of the Philippines will be heading to the polls to vote for their new President, Vice President, Senators, Representatives, as well as their local government public officials headed by the Governor, Vice Governor, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmen/Councilwomen.

This should be a very important milestone in our Motherland’s history for dual citizens like me who can now have our voices heard and help steer the nation to the right direction moving forward.

Even if you are not a dual citizen, and you still have your family permanently living in the Motherland, you know that the election results will be consequential to their lives and livelihood in the Philippines. Or perhaps like me, you are also sending money every month to the Philippines to help your

family back home.

Our sense of history is another important reason why whatever happens to our Motherland is something we want to know more about because our life in the Philippines — good or bad — will always be part of who we are.

So let us compare and contrast the Presidential Election in the Philippines and in the United States — our adoptive country.

The Philippine Presidential Elections happen every six years. Here in the United States, we head to the polls to exercise our right and duty to vote every four years.

There are pros and cons for both. If you are fortunate to have elected a good, honest, hardworking, effective, leader with integrity and brilliant vision, then six years in the Philippines seem too short and Philippine laws allow only one term for President. However, if the people elected an abusive, lawbreaker and divisive president, then six years feels

like eternity.

Here in the U.S., the President can have a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Those who did not live up to the expectations of the electorate, have not delivered on their campaign promises, did not protect the people and the Constitution and abused the power and public trust accorded to the Presidency become one term president.

Here in the United States, there is a short list of former presidents who ran for office as president again after leaving office as president, and this does not include presidents who sought reelection to a consecutive term while still in office.

Just like in the Philippines, there there have been a few US presidents who ran for a seat in Congress, or governor.

Most of them, however, retire from public office and just do charitable works through their own foundation, write books, and if the Constitution and

democracy is threatened, some call out the sitting president.

Here in the United States, the candidates for president and vice president are a TEAM belonging to the same party.

They share the same ideology, policies, platform and visions for the country. The voters elect the President and along with this vote is the vote for the presidential candidate’s running mate.

In contrast, the candidates for President and Vice President in the Philippines are elected separately in the ballot.

I prefer our system here in the United States. The President and Vice President should be elected and sworn into office as a TEAM so they can work together toward fulfilling their campaign promises to the people. And if something happens to the President that will prevent him/her from fulfilling his/her duties and responsibilities like death or chronic serious illness (including mental incapacity),

or be deposed from office through impeachment, then the Vice President will carry out the programs and initiatives they were elected to fulfill for the people.

This does not happen in the Philippines where the President and Vice President(VP) come from two different parties. Oftentimes, the VP is marginalized by the president for fear of being more popular than him/her and therefore, will diminish the chances of his/her party to hold on to power in the next election cycle.

Differences and even animosity are also inevitable when the President and VP come from different parties because they have opposing views, visions, policies and programs to begin with. And if the VP exercises his/her Constitutional duty to call out the President for any violations of the law or of public morals and ethics, then this will not be taken well by the President and his/her party and will

do everything to silence and marginalize the VP. These are some major differences between the U.S. and Philippine President Elections.

However, since both countries are democratic forms of government, then both should adhere to the principles of democracy enshrined in their respective Constitutions. But I will discuss more of that topic in future editions of this column.

Abangan! *** 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.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud. com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

Vaccination protects children from the dangers of COVID-19

Commentary DR. naDine BuRke HaRRiS,

SuRGeon GeneRal of CalifoRnia OUR state experienced the most devastating point of the pandemic last winter. More than 21,000 Californians were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the last week of December, and we lost 18,518 mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers to this deadly virus in January. The light at the end of the tunnel felt out of reach.

Today, we have the tools to help protect against another winter surge and avoid preventable hospitalizations and deaths: vaccines. More than 87 percent of eligible Californians have received at least one dose, and the FDA’s recent authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 is a game changer. For the first time, whole families, from our young kids to our grandparents, can have protection against COVID-19.

As California’s first Surgeon General, I am committed to making vaccination available to every eligible Californian. And as a mom of four boys, I am reassured that by having my children vaccinated, I am doing everything I can to keep them, our family and our community safe.

The number of infections is increasing, largely in unvaccinated people, who are 9.5 times more likely to be hospitalized and 18.2 times more likely to die from COVID-19

than fully vaccinated people.

People of color are being hardest hit. We need all eligible Californians to get vaccinated or complete their vaccination series and get a booster as soon as they are eligible to help bring this pandemic to an end.

As a pediatrician, I know how crucial vaccination is in protecting children against other preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and chicken pox. The COVID-19 vaccine, which is specially dosed for children ages 5-11, offers an essential layer of protection against this deadly virus.

More than 700,000 children and adolescents in California have been infected with COVID-19. There have been more than 6,500 pediatric hospitalizations in our state since July of last year, and we have lost 37 young lives since the start of the pandemic.

Children can experience “long COVID” and the virus can also cause Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), in which a hyperactive immune system attacks the child’s body.

Our state alone has seen 660 of these cases, half of whom had to be hospitalized in intensive care units.

Vaccination not only helps prevent these troubling outcomes, but also reduces spread of the virus to our loved ones, such as grandparents and others with more vulnerable immune systems.

And as the state’s leader in

efforts to train providers to identify and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma, I know that the pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on our young people.

They’ve struggled with social isolation, attending school virtually, as well as family stressors like job loss, food or housing insecurity, COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and even the death of people they hold dear. Getting vaccinated provides kids a sense of security knowing they’re better protected and that they are protecting others from becoming infected, as well.

It’s understandable that some parents still have concerns. I can assure them that the COVID-19 vaccine was demonstrated to be safe and highly effective in comprehensive clinical trials with more than 4,500 children ages 5-11, and is held to the same rigorous safety and effectiveness standard as all other vaccines in the U.S. In fact, the COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. vaccine history. Millions of youth ages 12-18 have already received the vaccine with only mild side effects. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination are shown to far outweigh the risks. There is no evidence, either in clinical trial data or among the millions of women who have already received the vaccine, that it causes any fertility loss.

Unsplash photo by Kelly Sikkema

In contrast, vaccination is allowing more of our state’s population to safely get back to the activities they love. Thanks to the safety measures in place, combined with high vaccination rates, our schools are safer than ever. Vaccinations have allowed kids 12-17 to rejoin sports teams, drama clubs and other activities – programs that provide enrichment and help them grow into healthy adults.

Our younger children deserve the same opportunities. These valiant little ones want to fully participate in life again. With the holiday gatherings and festivities approaching, this vaccine could not come at a better time.

Protect your family. Call your pediatrician or a local health clinic to schedule your child’s vaccination appointment. You can also visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to find a

vaccination site near you. *** 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.

*** Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is the Surgeon General of California. A pediatrician, she is at the forefront of the statewide campaign to reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress by half in one generation.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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The World Bank OKs $500-M quick-disbursing credit line for PH

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

MANILA —The Philippines can immediately release funds to mobilize response to natural disaster or a disease outbreak through a new $500-million loan extended by the World Bank.

The multilateral lender’s Washington-based board on Nov. 17 approved the Philippines’ fourth disaster risk management development policy loan with a catastrophe-deferred drawdown option (CAT-DDO 4), a fast-disbursing credit line.

With CAT-DDO, “the country can access funds upon the declaration of a state of calamity by the Republic of the Philippines due to an imminent or occurring natural catastrophe or a declaration of a state of public health emergency,” the World Bank said in a statement on Thursday (Nov. 18).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines is currently in a state of calamity, which President Rodrigo Duterte had extended until September 2022.

World Bank loans with CATDDO “serve as early financing while funds from other sources such as bilateral aid or reconstruction loans are being mobilized,” WB explained.

The Philippines already benefited from World Bank loans with CAT-DDOs in 2011 and 2015, both amounting to $500 million.

The first CAT-DDO approved

by World Bank a decade ago was the first-of-its-kind liquidity facility in Asia-Pacific.

Last year, another $500-million third disaster risk management development policy loan approved by the World Bank did not have a CAT-DDO because the financing was to be spent on COVID-19 response.

For CAT DDO 4, the World Bank said the loan’s full amount will be available three years after

it takes effect, or upon signing of the loan agreement with the Philippines.

“This gives the government access to immediate liquidity to better manage the cost of shocks and protect the Filipino population. The government can renew this line of protection with the World Bank for up to a total period of 15 years,” it said.

The Department of Finance (DOF) borrowed CAT-DDO 4 on behalf of the Philippine government.

CAT-DDO 4 “supports ongoing government efforts to strengthen disaster response and recovery policies and planning” such as mainstream use of pre-approved disaster rehabilitation and recovery plans which the World Bank said could “speed-up access to funding from the national government for post-disaster recovery.”

“In the aftermath of disasters, skilled workers in areas like construction, welding, electrical installation and maintenance, pipe-laying, heavy equipment operation, and food production are crucial for reconstruction and rebuilding,” WB said.

“Part of the program will support strengthening delivery of community-based technical and vocational training,” it added.

“This CAT-DDO4 also supports government efforts to integrate climate risk management in the preparation of provincial commodity investment plans among local government units (LGUs), which can lessen the extent of agricultural and fisheries damage resulting from natural hazards and extreme weather events,” it added.

World Bank senior disaster risk management specialist Lesley Jeanne Cordero said the CAT-DDO 4 financing will “enable local governments to take stock of climate actions, track and report climate change ex-

penditures to inform investment planning and programming for risk resiliency,” especially next year when LGUs assume bigger responsibilities alongside their larger budgets with the implementation of the Supreme Court’s Mandanas-Garcia ruling in full swing.

World Bank country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand Ndiamé Diop said “this contingent funding mechanism protects the Philippines’ fiscal health following natural disasters and disease outbreaks, helps develop sustainable risk financing mechanisms for local government units, and cushions poor and vulnerable households from the impact of disasters.”

“If not managed well, these shocks can exacerbate poverty through the loss of lives, destruction of assets, disruption of economic activities and trade, and indirect impacts on health, mobility, and access to education,” Diop said.

World Bank noted that the Philippines’ unique geography — an archipelago in the socalled Pacific Ring of Fire — exposes the country to a wide array of natural calamities like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Philippines is also located in a typhoon belt which makes millions of Filipinos vulnerable to flooding, landslides, storm surges as well as tsunamis.

With the approval of CAT-DDO 4, there remained 12 forthcoming loans worth a total of $2.45 billion in the World Bank’s nearterm pipeline for the Philippines.

Also scheduled for approval by World Bank this month was the $200-million multi-sectoral nutrition project. In December, the lender’s board was expected to approve the $300-million financing to buy booster shots and jabs for children under the expanded mass vaccination program. n

Pacquiao to invite 10 international billionaire friends to invest in PH

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao will use his global celebrity status to lure foreign direct investments to the Philippines and provide jobs for the country’s poor.

Going around Bulacan and Metro Manila, Pacquiao said he has at least 10 international billionaire friends who are committed to investing their money in the Philippines.

He said their only condition is for him to get rid of corruption, which has been a big turn-off for foreign investors and address the country’s unreliable internet and power supply.

“May mga kaibigan ako na mga malalaking negosyante at mga mayayaman sa ibang bansa na naka-ready na tumulong

sa Pilipinas. Ayaw lang talaga nila itong napakatinding korapsyon sa ating gobyerno (I have friends who are big businessmen and rich in other countries who are ready to invest in the Philippines. But they have questioned this intense corruption in our government),” Pacquiao said.

“Mahirap din po talagang makakuha ng investors sa bansa kung ang mga katabing bansa ay nasa 20 porsyento lang ang corporate tax. Kailangan nating pababain ang ating corporate tax at palakasin ang ating nontax revenues (It’s really hard to get investors to come to the country if our neighbor countries are imposing corporate tax at only 20 percent. We need to lower our corporate tax and

BP2 BENEFICIARIES. Several beneficiary families of the Balik Probinsya program arrive during the dispatch procedure at multi-purpose court 1, BP2 depot, Quezon City on Thursday, November 18. A total of 28 individual beneficiaries will return to Negros Oriental.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Roque: Stint as Duterte spokesman doesn’t erase past work as rights advocate by alexis

rOmerO Philstar.com

FORMER presidential spokesman Harry Roque, now a candidate for senator, brushed aside criticisms of him for working for President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been accused by various groups of endorsing human rights violations and curtailing press freedom.

Roque, who has drawn flak for defending Duterte’s policies, said his efforts to promote and protect human rights cannot be undone by his stint in Malacañang.

“I don’t care if they don’t like me because I am secure and confident about what I did... They could hate me for what I did, I couldn’t care less because my record speaks for itself,” Roque told hosts of One News channel’s “The Chiefs.”

“I am not bothered. I don’t have any insecurities.

I don’t have to be liked by people. I know what I did and I am confident I made a difference in the promotion and protection of human rights,” he added.

Roque cited his role in securing a ruling from the UN Human Rights Committee that criminal libel is contrary to freedom of expression, the conviction of the Ampatuans over the Maguindanao massacre, and the passage of the Universal Healthcare Law. “As far as my personal positions are concerned, I was very clear but people simply could not comprehend that as presidential spokesperson, you are supposed to speak only for the president and ignore your personal opinions,” he added.

Asked to talk about his stint as presidential spokesman, Roque replied: “Well I guess, the highest point is everyone knows me. The lowest point is not everyone likes me. Those who dislike the president dislike me even more.”

“As a presidential spokesperson, I really could not ventilate my personal opinions. But on issues, I have legislative records to speak for itself,” he added.

The Duterte administration had nominated

Roque to a seat in the International Law Commission but various institutions and civil society groups opposed his nomination, accusing him of defending human rights violations under the president.

The former Palace spokesman failed to win a seat in the body, securing only 87 votes, the lowest among nominees from the Asia Pacific region.

On Monday, November 15, Roque resigned as presidential spokesman to run for senator under the People’s Reform Party (PRP), which was founded by former Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago. Santiago, who served three terms at the Senate, passed away in 2016.

Roque to support Go On Wednesday, November 17, the PRP announced that it is adopting Duterte’s daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as its candidate for vice president.

Carpio is the runningmate of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdnand Marcos and presidential bet of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

Roque said members of the PRP executive committee would meet to decide on the presidential aspirant to be supported by the party.

While he vowed to go by the decision of the committee, Roque admitted that it would be very hard for him not to support Sen. Bong Go, who is running for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan.

“I (would) be hypocrite If I were to say that I cannot support Sen. Bong Go because he was my colleague in the cabinet for a long time and one of the closest political allies that I have,” Roque said.

“So I have to be honest, regardless of the decision of the party, PRP, I think it will be very difficult for me not to support Sen. Bong Go,” he added.

Marcos was Defensor-Santiago’s running mate in the 2016 elections. Marcos lost the vicepresidential race to then-Rep. Leni Robredo of Camarines Sur. n

strengthen our non-tax revenues),” Pacquiao added.

Pacquiao said that even before the pandemic which forced many businesses to shut down, many FDIs have moved elsewhere primarily because of the country’s unpleasant business climate.

Aside from having a very unreliable infrastructure for businesses, Pacquiao said the government’s reliance on taxes and the instability in economic policies are a big turn-off for potential investors.

Pacquiao said that once elected, he would ask Congress to legislate sweeping tax reforms to foster a better investment climate for the Philippines. (By Javier Joe Ismael/ManilaTimes. net) n

Filipinos’ lifetime productivity losses...

PAGE 5 lose P66 billion in wages during their lifetime, while incomes of those with non-coronavirus morbidities that had lack of healthcare amid the pandemic would be short of a larger P1.7 trillion.

“In the Philippines, in-patient care for high-burden diseases sharply declined during the first year of the pandemic. The poorest population suffered the biggest decline. So children and a lot of vul-

EMPLOYMENT

nerable populations are bearing the brunt of the pandemic,” Ulep said.

To address this, Ulep said “the government must find innovative ways on how non-COVID-19 patients can still access healthcare services during the pandemic,” specifically by investing in electronic health information systems to digitize monitoring and surveillance, as well as by incentivizing the use of telemedicine. n

EMPLOYMENT

7

EMPLOYMENT

8

NOVEMBER 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9023854

a. Segue Body Wraps located at 3594 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. b. RCL & Co. located at 3594 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Rachel Lam Wong, 5378 Bothe Ave., San Diego, CA 92122.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/22/2012.

Signature Rachel Lam Wong.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/22/2021.

AJ 828 11/19, 11/26, 12/03, and 12/10/2021.

AJSD 828

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024795

Kingdom Apparel located at 2140 Hoover Ave., Suite 212, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Miguel Angel Covarrubias, 2140 Hoover Ave., Suite 212, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Miguel Angel Covarrubias.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/05/2021.

AJ 827 11/19, 11/26, 12/03, and 12/10/2021.

AJSD 827

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025199

JOYLUX COLLECTIONS located at 1662 Casa Mila Drive, Unit 3, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Jocelyn Tence, 1662 Casa Mila Drive, Unit 3, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/15/2020.

Signature Jocelyn Tence.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/11/2021.

AJ 826 07/16, 07/23/, 07/30, 08/06/2021

AJSD 826

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024286

EMERGENCY LEGAL SERVICES located at 9450 Mira Mesa Blvd., Ste C-509, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Jack CruzSilvestre, 9450 Mira Mesa Blvd., Ste C-509, San Diego, CA 92126.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 06/01/2019.

Signature Jack CruzSilvestre.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/28/2021.

AJ 825 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/03/2021

AJSD 825

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024703

Yami’s Bakery located at 74 Lion Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Brenda Yamilette Avila, 74 Lion Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 09/15/2020.

Signature Brenda Avial.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/03/2021.

AJ 821 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/03/2021

AJSD 821

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024149

MYND CO. located at 2860 Lincoln Ave., #10, San Diego, CA 92104.

Registrant: Jaelyn Rosales, 2860 Lincoln Ave., #10, San Diego, CA 92104.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/26/2021.

AJ 820 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/03/2021

AJSD 820

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024484

PHILLIP PHARMACY located at 5507 EL CAJON BLVD., SUITE E, SAN DIEGO, CA 92115.

Registrant: DT PHARMACY CORPORATION, 4616 EL CAJON BLVD., SUITE 6, SAN DIEGO. CA 92115.

This business is conducted

by CORPORATION. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 04/15/2011.

Signature PHUONGDUNG T. NGUYEN. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/01/2021.

AJ 819 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, AND 12/03/2021 AJSD 819

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024483

VIET PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES located at 4616 EL CAJON BLVD., SUITE 6, SAN DIEGO. CA 92115.

Registrant: DT PHARMACY CORPORATION, 4616 EL CAJON BLVD., SUITE 6, SAN DIEGO. CA 92115.

This business is conducted

by CORPORATION. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 04/15/2011.

Signature PHUONGDUNG T. NGUYEN. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/01/2021.

AJ 818 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, AND 12/03/2021

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00047304-CU-PT-CTL

CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00046659-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Raul Maximiliano Toriz Beauchamps filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a.

Raul Maximiliano Toriz Beauchamps to Max Elias Benveniste Cohen THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/22/2021 Tine: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV. 08, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 824 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/03/2021.

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Stephen Andrew Youmans and Griselda Morales de Youmans on behalf of minor children filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Gabriel Andrew Youmans Morales to Gabriel Andrew Youmans b. Anthony David Youmans Morales to Anthony David Youmans c. Adrian Nicholas Youmans Morales to Adrian Nicholas Youmans d. Ariana Guadalupe Youmans Morales to Ariana Guadalupe Youmans THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/20/2021 Tine: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: NOV. 03, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 823 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/03/2021.

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 824

AJSD 823

CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00045447-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Jeffrey Sipamouane filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Jeffrey Sipamouane to Phonrakit Soiphet.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/09/2021 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: OCT. 26, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 812 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, and 11/26/2021 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 812

CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00046889-CU-PT-CTL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Alyssa Anjonette Barrera Tugung filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Alyssa Anjonette Barrera Tugung to Alyssa Anjonette Barrera Ocampo.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 12/20/2021 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: NOV. 04, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 816 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, and 11/26/2021 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 816

AJSD 818

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024040

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024557

DMG Packings located at 12665 Camino Mira del Mar #212, San Diego, CA 92130.

Registrant: Marcos Lencioni, 12665 Camino Mira del Mar #212, San Diego, CA 92130.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/25/2021.

AJ 817 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/03/2021

8th & B Poke located at 806 B Ave., National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: ESF Enterprise Corp, 5809 Plumas St.., San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Christopher L Aure.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/02/2021.

AJ 814 11/05, 11/2, 11/19, and 11/26/2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024688

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024280

AJSD 817

Minked Babe located at 1767 Saint Stefan Ter, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant: Alicia Mae Chavez, 1767 Saint Stefan Ter, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Alicia Mae Chavez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/03/2021.

AJ 815 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, and 11/26/2021.

AJSD 815

AJSD 814

South Bay Yachts located at 328 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: PlayPen Garage, 328 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

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

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/28/2021.

AJ 813 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, and 11/26/2021.

AJSD 813

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9024086

Tranquility Transportation LLC located at 2667 Camino del Rio South #301-12, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Tranquility Transportation LLC, 2667 Camino del Rio South #30112, San Diego, CA 92108.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/25/2019.

Signature Tania Khouri.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/25/2021.

AJ 811 11/05, 11/12, 11/19, and 11/26/2021.

AJSD 811

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9023806

Elite Auto Body & Paint located at 1887 Nirvana Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: a.

Maria Candelaria Rodriguez, 810 Mary Ct., National City, CA 91950. b. Jose Raul Rodriguez, 810 Mary Ct., National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature: Maria Candelaria Rodriguez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/21/2021.

AJ 810 10/22, 10/29, 11/05, and 11/12/2021.

AJSD 810

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9023805

A&M Cleaning Commercial Services Forte of San Diego located at 810 Mary Ct., National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Maria Candelaria Rodriguez, 810 Mary Ct., National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 09/20/2021.

Signature Maria Candelaria Rodriguez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/21/2021.

AJ 809 10/29, 11/05, 11/12, 11/19/2021.

AJSD 809

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9022345

Alexa Spa Body Sculpting located at 6921 Lisbon St., San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Alexa Huerta Maciel, 1920 E 17th St., National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 08/01/2021.

Signature Alexa Huerta Maciel.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/05/2021.

AJ 808 10/29, 11/05, 11/12, and 11/19/2021.

AJSD 808

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9022941

Sunny Day Spa located at 401 H St. #9, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Rong Cui, 805 S 4th St., Apt 6, Alhambra, CA 91801.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/09/2020.

Signature Rong Cui. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/12/2021.

AJ 822 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/03/2021 AJSD 822

SAN DIEGO

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 19-25, 2021

JOURNAL

9

9

N OV E M B E R 1 9, 2 0 2 1

CONTINUING JONATHAN LARSON’S LEGACY

Tick, Tick... Boom!: Meet your new favorite musical obsession

by MoMar

G. Visaya / AJPress

ULITZER Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature directorial debut is a definite must-see for every film lover out there. If you adore musicals? Grab P your popcorn.

An adaptation of the autobiographical musical

by Jonathan Larson (who revolutionized theater as the creator of ‘Rent’), ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ is an honest-togoodness love letter to musicals, and to a great extent, chasing the Broadway dream, and who better to deliver it than Miranda himself.

The Netflix movie tells the story of the late Larson, played with aplomb by Andrew Garfield who delivered an incredibly raw and compelling performance worthy of an Oscar nod.

“I just want to tell great stories because that’s what gets me out of bed every morning.

It’s a feeling like you can offer something healing, something soulful, like Jonathan Larson did,” the 38-year-old Garfield told CBS Sunday Morning.

Miranda and Garfield, and the rest of the supporting cast were present at the New York City premiere of the film celebrating the work and impact of Larson on Broadway held at the Schoenfeld Theatre on Monday, November 15.

Vanessa Hudgens, Alexandra Shipp, and Robin de Jesus provided ample support that kept the show going. Bradley Whitford as the legendary Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim? Yes, please.

Watching it at the Schoenfeld Theater made it more special

Director Lin-Manuel Miranda and Andrew Garfield prepare for a scene in the screen adaptation of Tick, Tick…Boom!, based on the life of playwright Jonathan Larson. The film debuts on Netflix on Friday, Nov. 19.

Netflix Photos by Macall Polay

as every musical number was roles was a major bonus.

I saw Garfield’s portrayal awarded with hearty applause from the audience. Seeing of Prior Walter in ‘Angels in Broadway stars in their cameo America’ a few years ago and

I was awestruck by the way he attacked the role which gave him a Tony Award. Miranda saw Garfield’s performance as well and describes it as fearless and vulnerable.

“I didn’t know if he could sing but I knew he could do anything,” Miranda said in a talkback with the cast after a screening in New York.

In this film, Garfield shows his singing chops as he ably highlights his vocal range in 30/90, the opening number The film’s stars were in full force at the New York premiere, from left: Judith Light, Robin de Jesus, Alexandra Shipp, Andrew Garfield, Vanessa Hudgens, Ben Levi Ross, and Joshua where he sings about turning 30 Henry.

Photos by Monica Schipper and being at a crossroads, facing the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have?

Even his costars are impressed.

Hudgens told Collider in October 2021, “I’m just such a big Jonathan Larson fan and it’s just a special, special project because audiences are gonna be able to hear songs that they probably never heard before, and just really get a glimpse into Jonathan’s mind. Andrew did such a fantastic job portraying him.”

The Disney alum plays the role of Karessa, a backup vocalist in Larson’s one-man play. She previously essayed the roles of Maureen and Mimi in ‘Rent’ a few years ago.

“The question that it asks is Garfield and Miranda enjoy a moment at the universal, which is “Am I doing New York premiere of their film Tick, Tick…

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NOVEMBER 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Politics deadlier than COVID

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WHY the COVID-19 pandemic will most likely be with us for years is vividly demonstrated by the following well-publicized news: “A federal appeals court has called President Joe Biden’s vaccine and testing requirements for private businesses ‘fatally flawed’ and ‘staggeringly overbroad,’ arguing that the requirements likely exceed the authority of the federal government and raise ‘serious constitutional concerns’… the requirements criticized as a one-size-fits-all sledgehammers.”

If the courts succeed in derailing the president’s plan, there will be more infections and more deaths in those sectors as a result of wanting to be fully “constitutional.”

That’s only one instance. There are governors/legislators/protestors against masking/social distancing early on and now against vaccine mandates because they are ignorant, spineless, and want to be politically correct in order not to lose votes. Their inaction, baseless statements, and the chaos that followed have resulted in the massive loss of precious human lives, the total death count as of last Tuesday morning, November 16 is at almost 5.12 million worldwide, with nearly 784,000 in the U.S., and about 45,800 in the Philippines. This is gross negligence and dereliction of duties on the part of the Biden administration, Congress, and the governors and other leaders against federal mandates. They looked the other way as people, children included, languished and died… and the toll from COVID-19 is still rising.

I am no lawyer, much less a constitutional expert, but to me, as a person and as a cardiac surgeon, it is most evident that the federal judge in this case was more concerned (and only considered) the constitutional technicality of the issues, rather than discern if President Biden’s “mandate” would save lives or kill more people. No discussion about the effects of the ultimate verdict on human lives, just “constitutional concerns” and correctness.

To me, saving lives, preventing deaths, or reducing loss of lives to the minimum should be the primary objective of any action, constitutional or not. We must uphold and protect our Constitution, yes, but when technicalities would cause misery and death of people, who the Constitution and our courts and government leaders are supposed to protect, the obvious just choice is to save

people’s lives as primary, and the constitution’s propriety, secondary.

The Founding Fathers brilliantly crafted the masterpiece called the Constitution of the United States in 1787 with the main objective of protecting and safeguarding this great nation and its people, especially the marginalized, the weak, the infirm and the helpless from foreign and domestic threats, and even from their own selves.

And here we are today, 234 years later, using constitutional (wording) technicalities to justify going against the proper scientific protocol to end this deadly pandemic and allowing thousands more Americans to die…all in the name (an excuse) for exercising equality, civil liberties, individual rights, and the freedom to refuse.

The right thing Scientifically, the proper and most effective way to manage a pandemic, which is much like a world war, is a universal, unified, federal strategy mandating quarantine, isolation, masking, social distancing on the first day the pandemic is declared, and a national mandate for vaccination for everyone, the very day the vaccine is available. This is the epidemiologic and evidence-based protocol to follow strictly, one that is medically accepted worldwide. All science, no politics.

This is the right thing to do. If this strict medical protocol had been mandated, we could have prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths and we would be having a normal Christmas this year.

The way our government leaders have mishandled the pandemic and the abuse of the constitutional freedom to choose by more than 50 million people who refuse the vaccines, we should brace ourselves for an extended misery and greater loss of human lives for a few more years before we see the end of COVID-19, if at all.

It is unrealistic for people to expect a perfect 100 percent protection from masking, social distancing, and now the vaccines for COVID-19 that are 100 percent safe. There is no such thing.

Even aspirin, introduced to us in 1899, though used since antiquity, is not 100 percent safe or effective. The bulletproof vests used by SWAT teams and other law enforcement agents are not 100 percent safe, but they have saved countless of lives. While the vaccines for COVID-19 are not 100 percent risk-free, the risk of an adverse side-effect is a tiny fraction of 1 percent, while the risk of dying from COVID is one hundred to a thousand times greater. It is a no-brainer that getting the vaccine is wiser, more prudent, and a lot safer because COVID-19 is a serious killer. So far, there have been almost 7.5 billion vaccines administered around the world. The vaccines

have long been proven safe and effective even before its first millionth mark.

COVID-19 is a world war Medically speaking, President Biden’s requirement and mandates, if not thwarted by the courts, could save lives among the people in those businesses involved. The only question is why the president is limiting it only to that small segment of society in as pandemic that is akin to a world war? He should have declared federal mandates on all matters related to our global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the entire nation and all 332.9 million Americans. Anything short will allow the virus to live on, replicate, and mutate to deadlier strains and continue to kill more people.

Of course, people have the right to choose not to get the vaccine. They even have the right to hurt or kill themselves, but they do not have the right to infect and take with them and kill other Americans who also have their rights – the right to be careful and get the vaccines, the right to remain healthy and live. Any choice we make that hurts other people is unjust and criminal, certainly not the kind of freedom of choice the framers of the Constitution had in mind when they ensured those civil liberties for us. All our personal rights come with grave responsibilities and obligations to society and to our fellowmen. The 50 million who refuse the vaccine on constitutional grounds should seriously reconsider in order to keep our nation as one people united in our war against COVID-19. Divided, we cannot win. And justice, to be true, must be served with Solomonic wisdom and compassion.

Politics, as shown by the way this pandemic has been managed, is indeed a deadlier killer than COVID-19. *** 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. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

NaFFAA calls on the FilAm community to support Filipino elder attacked near San Diego SAN DIEGO – Jose Serra, a 71-year-old Filipino elder, was gruesomely attacked by a random man with a knife on November 3, 2021 in El Cajon near the city of San Diego. While Mr. Serra miraculously survived the attack, he is currently in critical condition and recovering from his injuries at a local hospital.

Mr. Serra was on his commute to work when he was attacked by a random bystander who followed him after he left a trolley station. After the attack, the suspect fled the scene, possibly with Mr. Serra’s backpack. Mr. Serra was found by another random bystander.

Andrew Amorao, Region Chair of the NaFFAA San Diego/Imperial Region, recently updated the community on Mr. Serra’s condition. “I just spoke with Todd Jones, Mr. Serra’s friend and organizer of a GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help Mr. Serra with medical expenses. He said that Manong Jose is in good spirits and is talking. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to him. Manong Jose lives in San Diego in a studio apartment at Father Joe’s Village. We plan on meeting soon to go over Manong’s road to recovery and what resources he may need.”

The National Federation of Filipino American

Associations (NaFFAA) calls for law enforcement to find the attacker and for elected officials to take necessary actions to combat anti-Asian hate and violence.

“The brutality and senseless assaults on our kababayans and fellow Asian Americans must stop now. We should not live in fear, particularly those we call manong and manang. Mr. Serra does not have family in San Diego and had been recovering from other health issues when he was attacked.

NaFFAA will assist Mr. Serra in every way possible,” stated NaFFAA Chairman Brendan Flores.

“We call on our Filipino community to look after our elderly. We ask for help from those who are able to donate to Tatay Jose Serra’s GoFundMe link (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-from-a-brutal-attack?qid=816759f8ba8a8fb16142c35d085d6a5c). We pray for Tatay Jose’s speedy recovery. NaFFAA asks for help from our elected leaders and local authorities in El Cajon to find the suspect, and we call for increased protection for our elderlies in the area,” he added.

To learn more about what to do when encountering or witnessing a hate crime, please visit https:// naffaa.org/stopaapihate/.

(NaFFAA Release) n

Tick, Tick... Boom!: Meet...

PAGE 9 what I should be doing with the time that I have?”

Because our time really is so limited and it makes you be mindful and look at yourself and be like “What are my priorities?” and that’s beautiful, it’s a gift,” Hudgens said in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel.

The film follows the life of Larson as a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing the dystopian ‘Superbia’, which he hopes will be the next great American musical.

Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, he is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his best friend Michael (Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús), who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic.

Larson originally performed the show solo in 1990. His career breakthrough happened when he

composed ‘Rent’, which opened on Broadway in 1996. Larson died at age 35 on the morning of the first off-Broadway preview for ‘Rent’ after suffering an aortic aneurysm caused by an undiagnosed Marfan condition.

Miranda said that he watched ‘Rent’ on his 17th birthday in 1997 (with last-row tickets at the Nederlander Theater) and it inspired him to write one-act musicals and has often spoken about how much Larson’s early work informed his own.

He was once more inspired by Larson as a senior theater major when he watched the initial off-Broadway run of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ in 2001 a month after the September 2001 attacks.

Larson’s legacy continues with this film, 30 years after he pioneered it as a solo work and 25 years after his untimely death.

‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ is written by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, and produced

by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard for Imagine Entertainment, Julie Oh, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

It is showing in theaters and streaming on Netflix beginning Friday, Nov. 19. n

The U.S. edition cover spread by artist Ronald Amago.

Diwata Komiks heads to San Diego Comic-Con and announces their next title for US release

LOS ANGELES – After Diwata Komiks’ successful community launch at the end of October, the multicultural creative development and publishing group sets their sights on the world’s largest comics convention.

They will be exhibiting for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) where they look to engage with new fans and introduce them to their premiere slate of comics.

Coming just in time for the holidays is the publisher’s next title, Carnal Tales. Originally published in the Philippines to critical acclaim, Diwata Komiks will be releasing the remastered U.S. edition of this collection of children’s cautionary tales from award-winning writer, Bambi Eloriaga-Amago and illustrated in a manga-inspired style by Carmina’s principal artist, Roland Amago. Carnal

Tales brings audiences into the unique world of the author’s local childhood hometown and introduces them to concepts that characterize a typical Filipino childhood full of superstitions and strange monsters at every corner.

“For us as a publisher, bringing Carnal Tales to the American market feels like going full-circle because it was through an Esquire Philippines article that we found Roland (Amago) which, eventually, led to the formation of Diwata Komiks.

Additionally, I cannot wait for readers of all backgrounds to experience this unique title that is both charming and terrifying.” Editor-in-Chief, Mark Nazal proudly says about the comic.

Carnal Tales will be previewed at San Diego Comic-Con where attendees will be able to

The Diwata Komiks Team signing copies during the launch event in San Pedro, CA.

pre-order their copies ahead of the title’s December release date. Carnal Tales U.S. Edition will be on sale starting December 13, 2021.

The company’s launch title, Carmina: A Filipino-American Urban Mythology™ will be available for purchase at Comic-Con along with new merchandise to be revealed at the convention.

The Diwata Komiks team will also hold signing events at SDCC, and Carmina Issue #1: Beginnings will be expanding to comic book stores later this month.

For all things Diwata Komiks and up-to-the-minute SDCC coverage, follow us on all social media platforms @diwatakomiks. For sponsorship, press inquiries, and potential partnerships opportunities, please contact info@diwatakomiks.com. n

Photos courtesy of Joe Arciaga/Diwata Komiks

City of San Diego recognized as one of top digital cities for fifth year in a row SD ranked second among major US cities in 2021 digital cities survey by CDG

SAN DIEGO – Following a citywide expansion of public Wi-Fi and a successful shift to remote work amid a pandemic, the City of San Diego won the No. 2 ranking in the 2021 Digital Cities Survey that recognizes cities utilizing technology to tackle social problems, enhance services, strengthen cybersecurity and more.

This marks the fifth consecutive year the city has finished in the top three in the annual survey by the Center for Digital Government (CDG). San Diego tied with Los Angeles for second place this year, with San Jose topping the list for major U.S. cities.

“There is nothing better than being able to use innovation and technology to create more opportunities for the people we proudly serve,” said Jonathan Behnke, the City’s Chief Information Officer and Director of the Information Technology Department. “There are now more ways to get connected than ever before with a major expansion of public Wi-Fi and hundreds of new devices available to check out from libraries. I want to thank the many city staff and community partners for helping with these efforts to close the digital divide.”

Through Mayor Gloria’s SD Access 4 All initiative, the city has taken several actions to help close the digital divide that has left an estimated 53,000 San Diego households without internet access. The city has installed public Wi-Fi at more than 300 locations; opened 10 outdoor computer labs at neighborhood libraries; purchased hundreds of Chromebooks and mobile hotspots that members of the public can checked out from select libraries; and hired a community outreach organization to help San Diegans sign up for federal broadband discounts.

In addition to SD Access 4 All, the city took innovative steps to expand opportunities for residents, bolster the region’s cybersecurity and improve City operations over the past year. They

include: • Developing a new San Diego Regional Cyber Lab to provide the greater San Diego region with coordinated cybersecurity awareness through collaborative access to tools, intelligence, and a trained and capable workforce. Launches in early 2022.

• Launching a Spanish language version of the popular Get It Done app actively used by more than 100,000 members of the public to report issues and make appointments for city services.

• Using a new platform to collect and analyze feedback from both employees and customers to analyze and improve the user experience.

• Appointing the City of San Diego’s first Chief Innovation Officer, Kirby Brady, to lead the Performance & Analytics Department and harness the data and technology needed to provide world-class service in every neighborhood.

• Securing new contracts/services for IT to continue to modernize and digitalize city services for the next decade.

• Implementing remote work options for more than 3,000 city employees during the pandemic.

Helping facilitate COVID-19 vaccination tracking and reporting for city employees.

“Innovative cities are able to leverage data and harness new technology to enhance the services they provide,” said CDG Vice President Phil Bertolini. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for putting technology to good use toward improving the lives of constituents and strengthening the relationships they have with their partners.”

The CDG is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. It is a division of Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

(City of San Diego Release) n

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SFIO officially signs $100-M agreement with Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center to develop a resort condotel in Batangas, Philippines THE memorandum of agreement will see Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc., a subsidiary of Filipino publicly listed company AbaCore Capital Holdings, contributing land by the bay of Batangas for SFIO to develop into a resort-like condotel property. The announcement of the project has been made official by offering further details to the public.

In a recent announcement, SFIO revealed that they signed last October a memorandum of understanding with Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center, Inc. to pursue a joint venture that would see a two-hectare, bayside property in Batangas, Philippines developed into a $100 million eco-friendly, tech village.

SFIO said that the planned development, which is strategically located in Montemaria, Batangas City, just south of Metro Manila, will service residents looking for a new kind of worklife balance, with it being at the crossroads of breathtaking marine biodiversity, historical religious sites, and a suite of modern amenities fit for a better normal.

Asset management company SFIO, recently named one of the “20 Promising Companies Everyone Should Know in 2021” by Global Business Leaders Magazine, will be developing the 500unit tech village as part of a 10-year development plan with Omnicor’s parent company, AbaCore Capital Holdings, Inc. This agreement establishes SFIO as the preferred developer of projects across AbaCore Capital Holdings’ over 200-hectares of real estate around Montemaria.

As part of SFIO’s investment roadmap into future-oriented industries, this tech village blends residential luxuries with the hyper-connected amenities necessary for modern work. Ground floor office and retail spaces give way to resortlike recreational facilities and residential units, making it an ideal space for high-value firms and professionals to embrace remote work.

Just a few miles from the Verde Island

Passage, one of the most biologically diverse water ecosystems in the world, the tech village project will embrace eco-friendly development practices, such as solar roofing. An environmental compliance certificate has already been issued over the site, allowing immediate commencement of preliminary survey and design.

The project also aims to cater to religious pilgrims looking to visit the Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace, a 316-foot tall statue of the Virgin Mary. Taller than New York’s Statue of Liberty, and nearly three times taller than Rio De Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, this is the world’s tallest statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Intended for longer-term residents, the tech village will be designed as a timeshare concept, catering not only to working professionals and tourists but also to expatriates and Filipinos from around the world looking for a vibrant community to spend a short vacation or their retirement years in.

While SFIO and AbaCore Capital Holdings see this project as the first of many that will thrive in the coming post-pandemic economic boom, both companies see health and wellness as a continuing priority across all their future projects.

Work is already underway at SFIO’s recently established Technology and Software Development Division on a suite of state-ofthe-art, smart-building technologies designed to ensure the long-term, holistic well-being of communities. Set to be piloted in Montemaria, these technologies are expected to set a new goldstandard for community health systems across resorts and residential developments.

SFIO, which has just filed their Q3 financial reports in line with their broader plans to uplist onto the Nasdaq Exchange, aims to complete this development project by 2024. Permits to commence pre-selling of units are already pending approval.

(Advertising Supplement)

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