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DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

How LA, calling the shots on school vaccine mandates, can lead the way on COVID rules ON March 31, 1977, as a measles epidemic swept through Los Angeles, the county health department issued an ultimatum to the parents of the county’s 1.6 million schoolchildren: Get your kids vaccinated within a month or keep them home.

The “no shots, no school” warning was a novel threat at the time. Since the 1920s — and smallpox — no major city in the United States had locked the unvaccinated out of school.

The threat — voiced most audibly by Dr. Shirley Fannin, whom the Los Angeles Times described as “the energetic, no-nonsense physician” in charge of communicable disease control — brought results. About 40,000 county schoolkids were excluded — sent home or forced to sit in the school auditorium all day. Within a week most had been vaccinated. The epidemic, which had killed two children, caused brain damage in

550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel: (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • Email: info@asianjournalinc.com

California reinforces indoor mask mandate amid COVID surge

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

STARTING Wednesday, Dec. 15, California will require face masks and coverings while indoors following a sharp spike in coronavirus cases since Thanksgiving.

While individual counties — like Los Angeles

and Ventura — have their own mask mandates, the state is moving forward to ensure all Golden State counties comply with the effort to mitigate the surge.

At a press conference with California’s health and human services secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state anticipates many year-end holiday gatherings, a forecast that impacted the state to reimpose its mask mandate.

by Gaea

Health experts worry CDC’s COVID vaccination rates appear inflated

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PH gov’t reports first two cases of Omicron variant

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FOR nearly a month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s online vaccine tracker has shown that virtually everyone 65 and older in the United States — 99.9% — has received at least one COVID vaccine dose.

That would be remarkable — if true.

But health experts and state officials say it’s certainly not.

They note that the CDC as of Dec. 5 has recorded more seniors at least partly vaccinated — 55.4 million — than there are people in that age group — 54.1 million, according to the latest census data from 2019. The CDC’s vaccination rate for residents 65 and older is also significantly higher than the 89% vaccination rate found in a poll conducted in November by KFF. Similarly, a YouGov poll, conducted last month for The Economist, found 83% of people 65 and up said they had received at least an initial dose of vaccine.

And the CDC counts 21 states as having

Currently, the per capita rate of new coronavirus cases in California has jumped 47% in the past two weeks. Hospitalizations are also up by 14%, according to the last available state data.

While the mandate impacts those who want to attend public gatherings — like in restaurants, malls, and other social gathering hubs — it does not

1ST DAY OF MISA DE GALLO. Churchgoers attend the Simbang Gabi at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church, in Barangay Salitran 2, Dasmarinas City, Cavite on Thursday, December 16. The Misa de Gallo or locally known as Simbang Gabi, is a devotional nine-day series of Masses celebrated at dawn daily from December 16 to December 24.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Katreena Philstar.com

cabico

MANILA — The Philippines reported on Wednesday, December 15 its first two cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has been classified as being “of concern” by the World Health Organization.

The Department of Health said two imported cases of the Omicron variant were detected from the 48 samples sequenced Tuesday, December 14.

One of the cases is a returning overseas Filipino who arrived from Japan on December 1 via Philippine Airlines PR 0427. The DOH said the individual is currently asymptomatic but had colds and cough upon arrival.

The other case is a Nigerian national who arrived from Nigeria on November 30 via Oman Air WY 843.

He is also asymptomatic.

Both are isolated in a facility managed by the Bureau of Quarantine.

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DFA to cancel passports unclaimed since 2020

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — Starting next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will cancel and dispose of all unclaimed passports that were scheduled for release before December 2020.

The DFA cited a recent department order stating that all passports left unclaimed by the holder one year after

receipt by the releasing office shall be cancelled.

It said unclaimed passports scheduled for release before December 2020 will be cancelled and properly disposed of beginning Jan. 10.

“Those yet to claim their passports, which were scheduled for release in December 2020 or earlier, may do so until Jan. 7, 2022 at the DFA Consular

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PH has attained ‘substantial population PH, US set more high-level meets to Pols welcome withdrawal of immunity’ vs COVID-19, says expert strengthen alliance Duterte, Go from 2022 polls

President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew his candidacy for senator on Tuesday, December 14.

ManilaTimes.net photo

by alexis

roMero Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has achieved a substantial population immunity against COVID-19 as infections and hospitalization numbers drop despite the higher mobility and the easing of movement restrictions, an expert said.

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, an OCTA Research fellow and a University of Santo Tomas biological sciences professor, said the Philippines is experiencing the lowest COVID-19 case numbers in 20 months, with an In this Dec. 1, 2021 photo, individuals line up for Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine average of about 500 cases per at Batasan National High School in Barangay Batasan Hills in Quezon City during day.

The country’s hospitalization the last day of a 3-day vaccine campaign of the government.

The STAR / Michael Varcas

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THE Philippines and the United States have discussed ways to further strengthen the alliance between the two countries with more high-level visits, meetings and defense-related activities in the first half of 2022.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said said on Monday, December 13 Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. met on Saturday, December 11 with U.S. Undersecretary of State for political affairs Victoria Nuland on the sidelines of the G7 Ministerial Meetings in Liverpool, United Kingdom held from Dec. 10 to 12.

“I was very pleased with their firm assurances that the United States continues to regard the Philippines as a crucial ally in the region, and that it stands ready to support the Philippines, including against

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by dona

z. PazzibuGan, leila b. salaverria Inquirer.net

VICE presidential aspirant Sara Duterte says the filing and withdrawal of a certificate of candidacy is a personal decision. Senators Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, who are running for president, urge the public to respect the pair’s move.

In yet another rearrangement of the election landscape, President Rodrigo Duterte and his longtime aide Sen. Bong Go have officially withdrawn their candidacy for senator and president, respectively, in the May 2022 polls.

The president filed his statement of withdrawal at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters in Manila on Tuesday afternoon, December 14, hours after Go filed his. Candidates are required to personally file the document at the Comelec.

The two men, both members of a faction of the administration’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), entered as substitute candidates on Nov. 15 and Nov. 13, respectively, un-

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DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From The FronT Page

Filipino Young Leaders Program, Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. and Ayala Foundation Inc. extend partnership

NIGHT SNACKS. Vendors prepare the traditional Filipino snacks bibingka and puto bumbong at their stall near the Sto. Niño de Bagong Silang Church in Caloocan City on Wednesday, December 15. They sell the bibingka for P40 each and puto bumbong for P40. PNA photo by Ben Briones

California reinforces indoor...

PAGE 1 apply to private gatherings.

“Wearing a mask is going to be one of the most important things to get through this period of uncertainty,” Ghaly said on Monday. “We know people are tired and hungry for normalcy. Frankly, I am, too.

That said, this is a critical time when we have a tool that we know has worked and can work.

The mandate, which will last until at least January 15, will apply to everyone regardless of vaccination status.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the state lifted its last mask mandate for vaccinated individuals on June 15, when most coronavirus-related safety protocols eased restrictions for businesses and public places. But about half of the state’s counties have since imposed their own indoor mask mandates as case, death, and hospitalization numbers fluctuated in the latter half of 2021.

“This increase in case rates is not experienced equally across the state,” Ghaly said. “We have some counties that remain very low — many of the Bay Area counties, L.A. But others are quite high, and we see this in greater percentage in communities and counties where vaccine rates are low.”

Along with the mask mandate, state health officials also announced that it will strengthen testing requirements, ordering unvaccinated people who are attending indoor events of 1,000 people or more to provide a negative test within one or two days. (Vaccination proof will also be required at these venues.)

The state is also recommending travelers departing from and arriving to California to get tested for COVID-19 within five days of travel.

California’s mask mandate for indoor settings mirrors the CDC’s long-standing recommendation of wearing masks indoors for those in “areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases.” The CDC however stands by its guidance that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to mask up in outdoor settings.

“We know that there’s going to be people who don’t necessarily agree with this, who are tired, who aren’t going to mask,” Ghaly said. “We hope that those are few and far between, that most people see the purpose of doing this over the next month as something to protect them and their communities during a very tough time.” n

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. and the Ayala Foundation Inc. extend partnership for another three years through Dec. 31, 2025.

On Dec. 6, 2021, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, President Louella Rose Cabalona, Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) President Ruel Maranan and Senior Director Joanna Duarte virtually signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the virtual year end meeting with Philippine Consulates General in the United States, and the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of American Affairs.

Earlier in the day, several directors and alumni led by Cabalona was received by Ambassador Romualdez, Deputy Chief of Mission Jaimon Ascalon and Vice Consul Mark Lim to discuss the significance of FYLPRO in Filipino American youth engagement and COVID-19 response efforts. Ambassador Romualdez expressed his enthusiasm on celebrating FYLPRO’s 10th anniversary in 2022, inviting the organization to be part of the Philippine Independence Day celebration in D.C. The FYLPRO delegation present at the Romulo Hall in the Philippine Embassy included incoming President Elect and current Vice President Leezel Tanglao, Secretary Jean Gavina, Directors Jan Paul Ferrer and Bryan Ramos. Alumni also in attendance included Baron Cabalona, Mark Calaguas and Tyler Dos Santos-Tam. They were joined by 2018 delegate Brian

Tajo and volunteers Sabrina Sayoc and Robbie Lopez during the virtual signing.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue our long-standing relationship with our partner institutions, Philippine Embassy in Washington DC and Ayala Foundation, building upon our previous agreements

PH gov’t reports first...

PAGE 1 The DOH said it is verifying the test results and the health status of passengers who were on the same flight as the travelers found to have the Omicron variant.

Those who arrived in the country through the aforementioned flights are advised to call the DOH COVID-19 Hotlines at (02) 8942 6843 or 1555, or their respective LGUs to report their status.

The detection of Omicron comes as authorities announced the entire country will remain under Alert Level 2 until December 31.

Early studies suggest that Omicron, the heavily-mutated variant first detected by South Africa, can be resistant to vaccines and is more transmissible that the Delta variant.

The spread of Omicron globally prompted the government to tighten border controls, postpone the country’s tourism reopening, and accelerate the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

More Delta cases The department also reported the detection of 33 cases of the Delta variant. This brought the total number of confirmed Delta variant cases to 7,919.

Of the additional cases, 14 were returning overseas Filipinos.

The rest were local cases from Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Soccsksargen, Western Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Eastern Visayas and Davao region. (With reports from Agence-France Presse) n

signed in from 2016 and 2018”, said Cabalona.

“This historic MOU is an affirmation that, one, our immersion program will continue in its mission to connect Filipinos in the diaspora to the motherland beyond leadership changes in the Philippine government and two, that FYLPRO, the non profit organization has proven itself able and willing to take on the responsibility of shaping the immersion program in the years to come”, adds Cabalona.

The MOU also transfers the immersion program ownership which now will be in the hands of FYLPRO with support from the Philippine Embassy and Ayala Foundation.

Ambassador Romualdez reiterated the Philippine Embassy’s support of FYLPRO’s vision of “a thriving future for the Filipino people built upon the strength of our Filipino identity, our global community, and our connections with the Philippines.”

“Celebrating your 10th year next year will really be a milestone because you have gone a long way from the time I became the ambassador four years ago.

I could see there’s been a lot of activities, events you’ve had inspite of the challenges of the past two years,” said Ambassador Romualdez. “With the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ayala Foundation, I am sure that this program will be more successful in the future. I’d like to congratulate all of you for doing a great job and you can expect the Embassy in Washington DC to continue to support you in every way we can.”

AFI President Maranan and Senior Director Duarte echoed these same sentiments for FYLPRO’s future legacy projects and newfound independence.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Louella and her leadership, that you have truly gained so much during your watch. These were challenging times and you were able to pivot and make FYLPRO more efficient and effective,” said AFI President Ruel Maranan.“I know that under the new leadership of incoming President Leezel Tanglao, the rest of her team will surely emerge and continuously explore all possibilties and opportunities to make FYLPRO more relevant not only in terms of celebrating the 10th year but making it more meaningful (in the decades) to come.”

AFI Senior Director Joanna Duarte added: “I am very proud of this organization because in Ayala Foundation our vision is for communities to be creative, productive, self reliant and proud to be Filipino and what we aim to do is empower the communities we work with such that they can eventually do things on their own and this is what FYLPRO has done.”

Since 2012, FYLPRO has partnered with the Philippine Embassy and the Ayala Foundation to offer a transformative, life changing immersion experience that brings 10 to 15 delegates from the United States to the Philippines for a week.

This extension of this unique partnership between the three organizations ensures continuity as FYLPRO celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022. n

DFA to cancel passports unclaimed....

People cross a street to shop in the Divisoria district of Manila on November 30, 2021.

AFP / Ted Aljibe

PAGE 1 Office where they were processed,” it said.

“Those who are unable to claim their passports at the respective DFA Consular Offices before Jan. 7, 2022 must file a new passport application after securing a certificate of unclaimed passport from DFA Aseana or at the DFA Consular Office

where they were processed,” it added.

Passports scheduled for release after December 2020 are not affected and may still be claimed from the DFA Consular Office where they were processed.

While no penalty is given for passports claimed at a later date, the DFA encouraged the public to claim passports within 30 days from the scheduled release.

Applicants may authorize other persons to claim the passport on their behalf provided the authorized persons comply with the requirements, including an authorization letter, original and photocopy of valid IDs, original DFAissued receipts and notarized special power of attorney for non-immediate family members of passport applicants. n

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How LA, calling the shots on school...

PAGE 1 five and left scores hospitalized with pneumonia, fizzled out.

By demonstrating that the public would acquiesce with rigorous enforcement of school vaccine mandates, the L.A. school system had a powerful influence on the country. President Jimmy Carter launched a national initiative to get measles and other recommended vaccines to all American children. Federal health officials twisted arms, shaming reluctant states, one by one, into tightening their vaccination rules. By 1981, 95% of U.S. schoolchildren had received the recommended vaccines. Over the next two decades, the U.S. nearly eliminated diseases like polio, rubella, measles and tetanus.

The Los Angeles Unified School District announced in September that it would exclude schoolkids 12 and older from campus on Jan. 10 unless they were vaccinated against COVID-19. On Friday, however, the district decided to suspend the enforcement until next fall, according to school board member Jackie Goldberg. About 28,000 kids — roughly 14% — had yet to show proof of vaccination, she said. To provide those children with teachers for online learning would have deprived vaccinated kids at some schools of proper instruction, and “that wouldn’t have been fair.”

Goldberg, who grew up in the Inglewood section of Los Angeles, is troubled by vaccine hesitancy.

She remembers the 1977 measles outbreak: “We were terrified. Kids were dying,” she said. At the time, many Angelenos had no health care, and the county’s free vaccination clinics were seen more as a gift than as what some consider them today — an imposition.

Before then, vaccination rates were low in Los Angeles for two reasons: Lower-income people couldn’t afford or get access to vaccines, and many people were indifferent to the risks of measles, considering the disease a normal part of childhood since most children suffered no permanent effects.

Some people were opposed to vaccines in general, but “they were thought to be kooks, and there were so few of them,” said Dr. Peter Krause, a Yale University epidemiologist who worked on an outbreak of measles at the UCLA campus in 1977.

Well into the 1990s, only about 0.5% of children

in California were exempted from the vaccine requirements because their parents opposed or mistrusted vaccination.

What was different then? No social media, of course. And partisan politics played no role in vaccination rates. Dr. James Cherry, 91, who has taught in UCLA’s pediatric infectious diseases department since 1973, can’t recall meeting any anti-vaccine Republicans during the 1977 pandemic. He finds it remarkable to hear Govs.

Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida fighting mandates aimed at stopping a virus that has killed more than 790,000 Americans.

“The thing just blows the mind,” he told me.

“Measles was bad, bad for a lot of reasons, but COVID is a hell of a lot worse. And we could prevent virtually all deaths by vaccination.”

Today, the clever use of social media by antivaccine activists has revealed the vulnerability of the vaccination effort. Public health departments are understaffed and overwhelmed by work and attacks of vitriol and violence. And fighting endemic infectious diseases has never been easy.

But now, the politics seem even messier than the disease, let alone the vaccines. Battles over COVID vaccination mandates could ripple outward to threaten vaccine mandates long in place for diseases that are still deadly at worst, and costly nuisances at best.

Refusing mask and vaccine mandates has become integral to many Americans’ identity, creating a base to which GOP politicians have responded.

Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), who fought for state laws to close loopholes that people opposed to vaccines used to avoid vaccinations against childhood diseases, is still hopeful reality will win out. But the process may look less like public consensus than an angry majority turning on anti-science rebels.

“People are going to get frustrated, tired of the persistence of these diseases, and there will be more general public pressure for mandates,” he said. “The question is, ‘How many people will die in the process?’” (Arthur Allen/Kaiser Health News) This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. n

Pols welcome withdrawal of Duterte...

PAGE 1 der the unheard-of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS).

Duterte’s statement of withdrawal is dated Dec. 11 and Go’s Dec. 8.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, a vice presidential candidate, said she respected the decision of her father and of Go to pull out of the elections. Only recently, she named her father at the top of a list of senatorial aspirants that she would endorse in her team-up with presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “The filing of candidacy and withdrawal is a personal decision.

We can only support that deci-

sion,” the mayor said in a statement.

‘He’s old’ Speaking in Filipino to reporters outside the Comelec, Go said he had waited for “a little time” to make his supporters understand that “my heart and mind are resisting running for president.”

“I also take pity on President Duterte. He’s already old. My family and I don’t want to make him suffer,” Go said.

Political striptease Observers have described the tangled election race as a political striptease. Duterte himself announced in October that he would retire from politics, but showed no sign of doing so.

Go originally filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) for vice president under the PDP-Laban. But at the president’s urging, he withdrew that COC after Mayor Duterte substituted as vice presidential candidate of the Lakas-CMD party.

The president, meanwhile, ended up as a substitute senatorial candidate of the PDDS after earlier saying he would run for vice president, which would have pitted him against his daughter.

The period of substitution due to voluntary withdrawal of COC lapsed on Nov. 15.

Go announced on Nov. 30 that he would withdraw from the pres-

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DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

PH has attained ‘substantial population...

PAGE 1 numbers are also at its lowest in 20 months, with the Makati Medical Center announcing for the first time that it has no COVID-19 patients, he added.

“But this is also interesting because we are experiencing the highest mobility in 20 months...

Many of our people are moving around now, the most in 20 months since the beginning of the pandemic and the lockdown in March of 2020,” Austriaco said during a meeting of the government’s pandemic task force last Monday, December 13.

“And so what these three mean together is that it suggests that we have attained substantial population immunity from natural infections and vaccinations in the urban areas of the Philippines because the pandemic has raged and spread primarily in our cities and in our first class municipalities,” he added.

“And so the fact that the virus is struggling to find new Filipinos to infect, suggests that we have attained substantial population immunity.”

Austriaco said the Philippines’ condition is better than those of its neighbors Thailand and Malaysia, which are still recording about 5,000 new infections per day and Vietnam, which is still reporting about 15,000 new cases daily.

“Now the reason why these four different countries have experienced different pandemic curves is probably because as you can see the Philippines experienced - unlike these three other countries - substantial waves of previous variants. So... especially the Alpha, Beta variant, which struck our beloved country in March and April of this year,” Austriaco said.

“And so combining the vaccinations and the natural immunity, what you are seeing here is that many of our cities where the pandemic tends to focus are now - are now stable enough to prevent transmission,” he added.

Austriaco said Metro Manila, which has a significantly high vaccination rate, is “probably going to be robustly protected against the future surge.”

Malacañang said the public should continue to comply with health and safety protocols despite the improving pandemic situation.

“Indeed, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel but the only way we can get to the end is if we continue to carefully

watch our steps; let us continue our mask-wearing, hand washing, social distancing and vaccination. Let us do this not just for ourselves but especially for our loved ones,” acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said.

Duterte: Better days ahead President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism that Filipinos would see “better days” ahead because of the decreasing number of infections.

“We continue to see downward trend of the positivity rate, now only less than two percent. This means that for every 100 persons tested for COVID-19, only a maximum of two people turned out to be positive,” the President said during a pre-recorded public address.

“Better days ahead because since December 1, we have been on average of 500 to 600 and the number of active cases continues to go down. I’m talking about the COVID,” he added.

Duterte also cited a Goldman Sachs report stating that the Philippines is expected to be a strong economy in Southeast Asia by 2022.

“Well, that remains to be seen.

We still have to worry about the coming Omicron and how it would impact on the population of the Philippines. But the confidence, at least, is there and the analyst believed that the gross domestic product, GDP, could hit more than seven percent. I hope...This will be a good Christmas for everybody,” he added.

Duterte expressed hope that the Omicron variant won’t enter the Philippines even as he assured the public that the government is capable of handling the health risk.

“I hope that everything will be for the good of everybody and I am very happy that it (number of infections) is decreasing...

That’s a miracle because other countries are still reeling from the effect, it seems that they have a problem with Omicron,” the President said.

“We are not hoping for the best but we pray to God that it will not come to our shores. But if ever it comes, we can cope with it just as we did with COVID-19,” he added.

‘No need to panic’ Austriaco said preliminary data from South Africa suggest that the Omicron wave is three times higher than the Delta wave, which means that it is more transmissible among vaccinated individuals.

“What you can see is that the preliminary data suggests that ten times more unvaccinated individuals are being hospitalized as compared to vaccinated individuals. This is incredibly hopeful especially since as I highlighted before, because of the NCR (National Capital Region) plus eight strategy, our cities and first class municipalities, which is the target for Omicron when it arrives in the Philippines, are highly vaccinated,” the expert said.

Austriaco said despite the number of COVID-19 positives, the Omicron hospitalizations are quite low.

“So there are three important questions that the scientists of the world are waiting for: Is the Omicron variant more transmissible? It is likely that it is more transmissible. Is the Omicron variant more immune evasive?

Probably. The initial data seems to look like that,” he said.

“Is the Omicron variant more deadly? And this is the good news po, it’s probably less deadly than Delta. “ Austiraco said Filipinos can still celebrate Christmas but should prepare for be careful to avoid catching the virus.

“First, there is no need to panic. Let us celebrate Christmas.

This is the best time in 20 months for the entire country,” Austriaco said.

“And so this is not the time to panic. It is the time to be careful.

We have to prepare. But we also have to celebrate especially since this is Christmas. We must prepare the hospital infrastructure and increase healthcare workers staffing capacity. Because in the Alpha and Delta surges it was clear that we had nursing shortages, especially in the NCR,” he added.

Austriaco cited the need to continue the vaccination drive to build and maintain population “We must increase the population immunity around our international gateways. Omicron will enter through an airport most likely. And so what we have to do is we have to build a wall of vaccinated Filipinos around these airports. Because once Omicron arrives, it will try to spread into the Filipino population,” he said.

“And if the Filipinos around the airports...are heavily vaccinated, then it doesn’t matter if there is an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) who returns home.

Because even if this person is able to enter the community, the virus will struggle.” n

WAITING FOR DEPARTURE. The young beneficiary sits still on a chair as her mother fills up the form for their swab test during the dispatch procedure at the Multi-Purpose Court 1, BP2 Depot, Quezon City on Thursday, December 16. They are among the 70 individual beneficiaries who will be sent home to their province Zamboanga Del Norte on Friday morning, December 17. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

PH, US set more high-level meets to...

PAGE 1 armed attacks on our armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific,” Locsin said.

On the other hand, Nuland said: “We are proud to stand with you and we are very proud to see how you stood for international law.”

During the meeting with Locsin, Nuland said they discussed ways to further support the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting is part of the two countries’ enhanced and sustained bilateral engagement in pursuit of their common national security objectives and post-pandemic recovery agenda.

Building on the series of visits by Philippine and U.S. officials this year, including the most recent Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, the DFA said the two officials discussed the next steps to strengthen relations and cooperation within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations to address current and emerging challenges.

Locsin and Nuland also tackled preparations for the Special US-ASEAN Summit the U.S. is proposing to host in January.

“They also discussed arrangements for the Two-PlusTwo Ministerial Dialogue that was previously agreed upon by the respective defense and foreign secretaries,” the DFA said in a statement.

Locsin congratulated the U.S. for its successful virtual hosting of the Summit for Democracy

last week with the participation of President Duterte.

Recounting the messages of both Presidents Duterte and Biden at the summit, the two officials underscored the countries’ shared commitment to the protection and promotion of democratic ideals and principles and to continuing work on imperfect democracies to ensure that they benefit people, especially the poor and marginalized.

Locsin invited the U.S. to support the UN Joint Program on Human Rights, noting that its contribution would be “an expression of your support to a long-standing ally and to our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.”

He also expressed gratitude for the close to 20 million donated doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen vaccines that the Philippines received from the U.S. through the COVAX Facility.

Philippines, France deepen ties Meanwhile, the Philippines and France have discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fields of defense, maritime safety and security.

Locsin and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian talked on regional and bilateral issues as they met for the first time on Saturday in Liverpool.

Both officials underscored the importance of the ASEANEuropean Union cooperation in addressing new and existing global concerns, including climate change and maritime

security.

Le Drian had previously stressed that the Indo-Pacific region would be a priority for France when it assumes the presidency of the European Union in 2022.

Japan reaffirms commitment In a related development, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the strategic partnership with the Philippines.

During a phone call on Wednesday, December 8, Locsin and new Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa discussed key areas of Philippine-Japan bilateral cooperation, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, Mindanao peace process and maritime security and safety.

Locsin conveyed appreciation for Japan’s vaccine donation, emergency grant assistance, crisis response support program and loan packages that contributed greatly to the Philippines’ COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

On the maritime issue, Hayashi expressed his strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change by force the status quo in the East and South China Seas.

Locsin said the Philippines values Japan’s statements of support for the arbitral award and for an international lawbased order in the South China Sea, adding that such formal demonstrations of support send a message of respect for outcomes of diplomatic and legal processes as well as strengthen the legal order over the seas.

(Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com) n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

5

PH hailed world’s top dive destination anew at 2021 World Travel Awards

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

NEW TRAIN SETS FOR MRT-7. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the unveiling of brand-new train sets for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) along Commonwealth Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City on Thursday, December 16. Duterte said the national government will ensure that the MRT-7 will be “partially operational” by the fourth quarter of 2022. Presidential photo by Alberto Alcain

Pols welcome withdrawal of Duterte...

PAGE 3 idential race. But he did not make it official until the eve of the expected release of the Comelec’s final list of candidates Wednesday, Dec. 15.

However, the Comelec has rescheduled the release of the final list to January.

Pandemic, recovery, polls “The list of official candidates will not be released [on Dec. 15] as there are still a number of unresolved nuisance cases,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told reporters on Tuesday, December 14.

“We expect that the process of finalizing the list of candidates will take at least two more weeks, he said.

In Malacañang, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said Duterte had withdrawn his senatorial candidacy in order to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s economic recovery.

“The president believes that withdrawing from the Senate race will allow him to better focus on managing our pandemic response in order to sustain the progress we have made in the country and in safely reopening the economy,” Nograles said in a statement.

According to Nograles, Duterte also thinks that backing out of the race will enable him “to concentrate on efforts to ensure transparent, impartial, orderly and peaceful elections in May.” Duterte will bow out of politics

“after over four decades in public service,” Nograles said, adding that he “plans to retire from government to spend more time with his family when his term ends in June 2022.”

The president had said more than once that he would seek a seat in the Senate because he was displeased with how the chamber was conducting its investigation of cases involving executive officials.

Pharmally He complained at length about the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into the multibillion-peso contracts for pandemic supplies awarded to the undercapitalized Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp.

He said government officials invited to the hearings were not being given the chance to present their full explanations or were being made to wait too long to testify when they could be attending to the pandemic.

On Monday, December 13, the president ranted once more against Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs the blue ribbon committee.

He said Gordon was among the politicians thriving on black propaganda and using the Pharmally issue for reelection.

“He keeps on talking about Pharmally and returning to the issue because of the elections. He knows that is the issue I will bring to the platform on stage when I talk, because he really does not deserve to be a senator,” Duterte

said.

He reiterated that Gordon was unable to properly account for government funds as chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and should rest from politics.

‘Peace as their path’ The other presidential candidates weighed in on the latest political twist.

On Twitter, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Duterte and Go “have chosen peace as their path” by withdrawing their candidacies.

“Let’s give it to them and wish them well,” said Lacson, the Partido Reporma standard-bearer. His running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, called the two men’s decision a “wise move.”

“It takes a wise man to sacrifice something that he loves and give way to others who can serve our country better,” Sotto told reporters on Viber.

In Mati City, Davao Oriental, Sen. Manny Pacquiao urged everyone to “respect” Go’s decision, saying “he has a right to do what he believes is best for him.”

Pacquiao said he would continue Duterte’s development agenda for Mindanao even if he had criticized the latter in the past. He said Go’s withdrawal from the presidential race would benefit him.

“I’m the only Mindanaoan and Visayan who is running for president. Who else will Mindanaoans and Visayans support? One like them, of course,” he said. (With reports from DJ Yap and Julie M. Aurelio) n

MANILA — The Department of Tourism on Thursday, December 16, announced that the Philippines once again won The World’s Leading Dive Destination award at the World Travel Awards 2021.

This is the third consecutive year that the country bagged the award.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat welcomed this citation as a “great privilege.”

“This distinction is indeed a great privilege, yet, it underlines our great responsibility of protecting and conserving our underwater resources so that these will also be enjoyed and experienced in their pristine natural state by future generations,” she said in a statement.

The Philippines, that boasts of having the best diving destinations with biologically diverse marine and aquatic resources, has beaten other dive destinations in the world in the 28th edition of WTA. These

This undated photo shows Tubbataha Reef in Puerto Princesa.

include Maldives, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Azores Islands, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands, and Mexico Among the country’s top diving spots are the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, Anilao in Batangas, Malapa-

Photo courtesy of DOT

scua and Moalboal in Cebu, Balicasag, Panglao, and Anda in Bohol, and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro.

In October this year, the DOT also announced that the country has been cited as Asia’s leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination at WTA. n

ICC urged to proceed with ‘drug war’ probe to not further delay justice for victims by

KRistine Joy PAtAg Philstar.com

MANILA — The International Criminal Court must proceed with its full probe into alleged crimes against humanity committed in the context of President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody “war on drugs” to not further delay the service of justice to victims, the Human Rights Watch said.

HRW Asia director Brad Adams said the Philippine government’s request to defer ICC investigation is “a transparent delaying tactic to protect officials responsible for mass killings.”

“The ICC prosecutor should

seek to resume its official investigation so that justice for victims isn’t further delayed,” he added.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, in a document dated November 18, said they will temporarily suspend its investigation into the Philippines as it “assesses the scope and effect” of the government’s request for deferral that cited the Department of Justice-led probe into “war on drugs” operations that resulted in death.

Under the Rome Statute, a State may inform the ICC of probes into acts that may fall under the crimes being

investigated by the criminal court.

Khan, in a statement issued six days later, explained that while the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor has temporarily suspended the investigation, it will continue its analysis on information it has on hand and it may also look into any new information they may receive from third parties.

Pursuant to ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, Khan also said they will request the Philippines to “provide substantiating information” on investigations it cited in its request.

u PAGE 7

6

DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Overcoming Omicron

Features

IN less than a week, the new COVID-19 variant Omicron has grown into a global menace, with country after country sealing its borders to block its advance.

The speed with which Omicron has spread is astonishing. First detected in South Africa, it sneaked into neighboring countries Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.

Since then, Omicron cases have been reported in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and several other places that are far from the African continent.

The new variant takes center stage at a time when many countries felt it was safe enough to relax the coronavirus restrictions that had choked economies and disrupted millions of lives. Falling COVID-19 figures and stepped-up vaccination efforts helped build up their confidence.

Leading virus scientists, however, have been reminding us that COVID-19 is far from conquered, and that like any organism, it has built-in mechanisms for survival. One of them is mutation.

In the right environment, the coronavirus could reconfigure itself to make it more difficult for antibodies to detect. By creating new masks, the virus could even make itself invisible to presentday vaccines..

The World Health Organization (WHO) agreed that travel bans were a knee-jerk reaction that was not science-based. The agency said it needs time to know more about the variant and recommend ways to handle it.

Many countries, the Philippines included, have taken the view that it is better to enforce a travel ban while waiting for the WHO to release its findings on Omicron.

We believe that is the right course to take. Prompt action is needed in dealing with a threat like Omicron.

Quick response Delays in the past in setting up point-of-arrival controls allowed coronavirus variants to infiltrate the Philippines. Early this year, the government hedged before restricting travel from India, where Delta was on a rampage. We paid a high price for that delay.

The government must be commended for its quick response this time. It has banned foreign travelers from countries where the variant has been detected or where infections have sharply risen.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has, as of Monday, December 13, not announced tighter quarantine restrictions for arrivals from Hong Kong. The issue must be cleared up soon.

Government officials assure that the country is prepared to counter an Omicron-driven surge.

Local government units have been directed to keep a sharp eye out for any clustering of cases, and to get ready to do more aggressive contact tracing.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

One of the most effective ways to deny Omicron a foothold here is to rev up mass inoculation efforts.

The three-day vaccination blitz that began last Monday could not have come at a better time. We have stockpiled enough doses to last until the end of the year. We only need to see to it that the doses are delivered and administered.

There is also a proposal to make the wearing of face shields mandatory again, as added protection

against Omicron which is said to be much more contagious than Delta.

Quarantine alert levels may have to be readjusted.

Omicron could derail efforts to turn around the economy and lift the people from the ennui brought about by a series of lockdowns.

We cannot let that happen. We must be primed to confront the threat it presents. (ManilaTimes. net)

Democracy: A work in progress

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez ONE must admit, President Biden’s call for a summit of democracy was a courageous and challenging move that one can only admire. The U.S. President was very emphatic about strengthening democracy not only in the United States but the world over, believing that committing to democratic principles and practices is critical in meeting the challenges and the threats to democracy at this time.

In his speech during the opening of the first ever virtual “Summit for Democracy” with over 100 world leaders as well as members of civil society and the private sector participating, President Biden talked about the decline of global freedom in the last 15 years, with democratic countries including the United States experiencing some form of decline in at least one aspect of their democracy in the last 10 years, according to the International Institute of Democracy

and Electoral Assistance.

“In the face of sustained and alarming challenges to democracy, universal human rights and – all around the world, democracy needs champions,” he said, admitting that even for a country like the United States, renewing democracy and strengthening democratic institutions “requires constant effort,” and that democracy does not happen by accident but has to be renewed with each generation.

“Democracies are not all the same,” the U.S. president acknowledged. “We don’t agree on everything, all of us in this meeting today. But the choices we make together are going to define, in my view, the course of our shared future for generations to come,” he continued, vowing that the U.S. will “lead by example…” investing in democracy and supporting its partners around the world at the same time.

As Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointed out in an op-ed published in USA Today last Wednesday, December 8, “Strengthening democracy can’t be a solo endeavor that

countries do in isolation. It must be approached as a global mission – governments, civil societies, private sectors and citizens working together across borders, languages and cultures – everyone committed to inaugurating a new era of rising freedom and stronger human rights protections around the world.”

Acknowledging that “democracy can at times be fragile,” President Biden also pointed out that democracy is inherently resilient and capable of self-correction and self-improvement.

After all, there is no such thing as a perfect democracy, or even a perfect constitution for that matter – not even the Constitution of the United States which has been amended 27 times to make it more attuned to the need of the times.

In her book “Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom” published in May 2017, former State Secretary Condoleezza Rice highlighted the need for the U.S. to continue being active in promoting, strengthening and spreading democracy all over the world.

Her focus on promoting de-

mocracy is not really surprising, considering that she served as National Security Adviser and then State Secretary during the term of George Bush Jr., who had pledged to strengthen democracy and help emerging democracies build institutions that would sustain freedom and liberty. In his second inaugural address in January 2005, Bush Jr. said, “The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in the world.”

Admittedly, defining democracy is not as simple as describing it as the control of the majority in an organization, or that it is a system of government where people have the authority to decide through elected representatives. But there are certain parameters, such as the conduct of periodic and free elections, an independent judiciary, freedom of the press, exercise of free speech, freedom of religion.

In her book, Rice wrote, “The paradox of democracy is that its stability is born of its openness to upheaval through elections, legislation and social action.

Disruption is built into the fabric of democracy.”

As a young democracy, the Philippines has gone through many challenges, upheavals even. We must admit our own Constitution also needs substantial changes to make it more responsive to the changing times.

Critics say it was crafted hastily and essentially not thought out well. That is why those who claim that democracy is nonexistent in the Philippines and that dissent as well as freedom of the press is suppressed – even so far as claiming that the country is under a reign of terror and mass murder – are definitely exaggerating. The fact that these groups can speak their minds and continue to criticize the government prove that democracy is very much alive in the Philippines.

This reminds me of the time in 2014 when Condoleezza Rice was giving a speech at Norwich University when several protesters heckled and interrupted her.

As the protesters were peacefully escorted out of the building, Rice remarked, “Democracy is noisy.”

In fact, in 2005 when she was State Secretary and speak-

ing at a place in San Francisco, California that was described as “hostile territory” with protesters outside the venue, three members of the audience put on black hooded robes and stretched their arms, chanting, “Stop the torture, stop the killing, US out of Iraq.” Maintaining her composure, Rice gestured to the protesters, saying, “It’s a wonderful thing that people are able to speak their minds in our democracy. In Baghdad, Kabul and soon in Beirut, they, too, will be able to speak their minds.”

As President Biden stated on the International Day of Democracy, “No democracy is perfect, and no democracy is ever final.

Every gain made, every barrier broken, is the result of determined, unceasing work.”

Democracy is never static – it’s a continuing work in progress. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Getting vaxxed: A choice of life or death

Sentinel

Ramon Tulfo EVEN with 200 million people in the United States inoculated against COVID-19, the virus continues to wreak havoc on the population of 325.9 million.

The number of people infected with the deadly virus is filling up hospitals during this Christmas season.

Cases have spiked in New England, one of the most vaccinated areas.

New cases in the U.S. have gone upward from an average of 95,000 a day on Nov. 22 to almost 119,000 a day in just the past week.

The number of patients hospitalized has increased to 25 percent over a month ago, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Why is there a spike in cases in the highly-vaccinated population of New England?

The answer is there are people who are still unvaccinated, or refuse to be inoculated. These people are the ones in hospitals in

New England.

“The virus will find you. It is searching for hosts that are not immune. The fact that you live in New England or New York doesn’t insulate you,” said Lawrence Gostin, director of the WHO Collaborating Center on Public Health Law and Human Rights at Georgetown University.

New York, one of the states that is heavily vaccinated, used to have the biggest number of COVID fatalities.

What does the above-cited AP report mean to the Philippines?

It means that Filipinos who are unvaccinated or refuse to be vaccinated are more likely to be afflicted with the deadly ailment.

The mother of one of our household staff died in Dumaguete City recently, despite the fact Tocilizumab vials were sent to the hospital where she was confined.

Tocilizumab, which is in short supply, is one of the most effective medicines for critical COVID patients.

It saved the life of my wife, Josephine, who was badly hit with the deadly virus.

Tocilizumab also saved the lives of some prominent people.

I won’t identify them, to respect their privacy.

But while Josephine was fully vaccinated, the mother of our house help refused to be inoculated.

Getting the vaccine early spelled the difference between Josephine, who has prior medical conditions, and the mother of my household help, who was relatively strong and healthy because she always worked in their small farm.

So, I offer again this friendly but unsolicited advice: Please have yourself vaccinated ASAP. * * * No less than President Digong Duterte is urging all Filipinos to be vaccinated.

Digong said the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” campaign’s first phase brought the country to its goal of population protection against COVID. The President agrees restaurant and mall management teams have the right not to accept unvaccinated individuals within their premises.

More than eight million people were inoculated in the first round of the mass vaccination campaign from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

Organizers of the second phase of the mass vaccination campaign expect to inoculate seven million people. * * * If Health Secretary Francisco Duque is to be believed, 99 million Filipinos will be vaccinated against COVID-19 by June 2022.

“The President’s marching order is to inoculate no less than 90 percent of the Philippine population, which is equivalent to about 99 million Filipinos,” said Duque.

That’s big talk from our health secretary, who clings to his position like barnacles to a ship.

Vaccine supplies for COVID-19 come in trickles from abroad.

How can the government vaccinate “90 percent” of the entire population when vaccines are in short supply?

The U.S., for example, has so far been able to vaccinate 200 million Americans out of a population of 329.5 million. That’s 60 percent of the US population.

The U.S., needless to say, is one of the countries manufacturing anti-COVID vaccines; and yet, it has not reached herd immunity, or 70 percent, of its population.

Duque probably is trying to flatter the President who has offered his position to a Catholic priest; but the man of the cloth refused. * * * Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian and Representatives Victor Yap of Tarlac and Manny Lopez of Manila should be commended by the public for sponsoring a bill requiring all SIM card holders to be registered.

The bill proposing the SIM Card Registration Act has passed the House of Representatives.

All SIM card holders who scam or threaten other cellphone owners or use the SIM card to detonate remote-controlled bombs would be identified under the proposed law.

The identities of SIM card buyers will be registered by stores which sell SIM cards, and that info will be given to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Question: How do we know the SIM card buyers will give their true identities or names to the sellers?

Methinks the best way to solve the problem is to compel the buyer to present his government

ID card.

* * * The Philippine Navy recently retired two of its World War II-era warships, BRP Magat Salamat and BRP Miguel Malvar, during rites held in Sangley Point, Cavite.

Both ships were used by our Navy for 44 years and 10 months.

The United States Navy commissioned the two ships 77 years ago, transferred them to the defunct Republic of South Vietnam, and from there they were handed down to the Philippine Navy.

The Philippines was given hand-me-down ships that were earlier given to another country; so pathetic!

Beggars, that’s how the US treats us, their long-time allies who stood with them in the Second World War. In hindsight, can you blame President Digong for pivoting to China, which he thought (apparently wrongly) would treat us as their equal? (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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7

Health experts worry CDC’s COVID vaccination rates... Marcos widens lead in new presidential survey PAGE 1 almost all their senior residents at least partly vaccinated (99.9%). But several of those states show much lower figures in their vaccine databases, including California, with 86% inoculated, and West Virginia, with nearly 90% as of Dec. 6.

The questionable CDC data on seniors’ vaccination rates illustrates one of the potential problems health experts have flagged about CDC’s COVID vaccination data.

Knowing with accuracy what proportion of the population has rolled up sleeves for a COVID shot is vital to public health efforts, said Dr. Howard Forman, a professor of public health at Yale University School of Medicine.

“These numbers matter,” he said, particularly amid efforts to increase the rates of booster doses administered. As of Dec. 5, about 47% of people 65 and older had received a booster shot since the federal government made them available in September.

“I’m not sure how reliable the CDC numbers are,” he said, pointing to the discrepancy between state data and the agency’s 99.9% figure for seniors, which he said can’t be correct.

“You want to know the best data to plan and prepare and know where to put resources in place — particularly in places that are grossly undervaccinated,” Forman said.

Getting an accurate figure on the proportion of residents vaccinated is difficult for several reasons. The CDC and states may be using different population estimates. State data may not account for residents who get vaccinated in a state other than where they live or in clinics located in federal facilities, such as prisons, or those managed by the Veterans Health Administration or Indian Health Service.

CDC officials said the agency may not be able to determine whether a person is receiving a first, second or booster dose if their shots were received in different states

or even from providers within the same city or state. This can cause the CDC to overestimate first doses and underestimate booster doses, CDC spokesperson Scott Pauley said.

“There are challenges in linking doses when someone is vaccinated in different jurisdictions or at different providers because of the need to remove personally identifiable information (de-identify) data to protect people’s privacy,” according to a footnote on the CDC’s COVID vaccine data tracker webpage. “This means that, even with the high-quality data CDC receives from jurisdictions and federal entities, there are limits to how CDC can analyze those data.”

On its dashboard, the CDC has capped the percentage of the population that has received vaccine at 99.9%. But Pauley said its figures could be off for multiple reasons, such as the census denominator not including everyone who currently resides in a particular county, like parttime residents, or potential data-reporting errors.

Liz Hamel, vice president and director of public opinion and survey research at KFF, agrees it’s highly unlikely 99.9% of seniors have been vaccinated. She said the differences between CDC vaccination rates and those found in KFF and other polls are significant. “The truth may be somewhere in between,” she said.

Hamel noted the KFF vaccination rates tracked closely with CDC’s figures in the spring and summer but began diverging in fall, just as booster shots became available.

KFF surveys show the percentage of adults at least partly vaccinated changed little from September to November, moving from 72% to 73%. But CDC data shows an increase from 75% in September to 81% in mid-November.

As of Dec. 5, the CDC says, 83.4% of adults were at least partly vaccinated.

William Hanage, an associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard University, said such discrepancies call into question that

CDC figure. He said getting an accurate figure on the percentage of seniors vaccinated is important because that age group is most vulnerable to severe consequences of COVID, including death.

“It is important to get them right because of the much-talked-about shift from worrying about cases to worrying about severe outcomes like hospitalizations,” Hanage said. “The consequences of cases will increasingly be determined by the proportion of unvaccinated and unboosted, so having a good handle on this is vital for understanding the pandemic.”

For example, CDC data shows New Hampshire leads the country in vaccination rates with about 88% of its total population at least partly vaccinated.

The New Hampshire vaccine dashboard shows 61.1% of residents are at least partly vaccinated, but the state is not counting all people who get their shots in pharmacies due to data collection issues, said Jake Leon, spokesperson for the state Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition, Pennsylvania health officials say they have been working with the CDC to correct vaccination rate figures on the federal website. The state is trying to remove duplicate vaccination records to make sure the dose classification is correct — from initial doses through boosters, said Mark O’Neil, spokesperson for the state health department.

As part of the effort, in late November the CDC reduced the percentage of adults in the state who had at least one dose from 98.9% to 94.6%. It also lowered the percentage of seniors who are fully vaccinated from 92.5% to 84%.

However, the CDC has not changed its figure on the proportion of seniors who are partly vaccinated. It remains 99.9%.

The CDC dashboard says that 3.1 million seniors in Pennsylvania were at least partly vaccinated as of Dec. 5. The latest census data shows Pennsylvania has 2.4 million people 65 and older. (Phil Galewitz/Kaiser Health News) n

ICC urged to proceed with ‘drug war’...

PAGE 5 DOJ probe In urging the ICC to proceed with its probe, the HRW also noted that the Philippine government, through its Department of Justice, has not responded to their November 10 letter asking for details on its investigation into “war on drug” operations where supposed drug “personalities” are killed.

The New York-based rights watchdog has asked the DOJ about the timing of the review, names and ranks of police officers implicated in the report

and whether their commanders are being investigated for their culpability.

The HRW has also expressed concerns that the DOJ review “raises a number of questions with important implications for the protection of human rights and the rule of law in the Philippines.”

The DOJ has so far looked into 300 cases in its initial report submitted to Duterte, and covered 52 other cases where the police found direct liability on officers involved in “war on drugs” operations where fatalities were reported.

Victims of the “drug war” and lawyers who represent them have already urged the ICC to proceed with its probe, as they asserted that there remains no genuine domestic investigation into the operations.

Adams echoed this in his statement. He said: “The Duterte administration has never been serious about the ICC’s accountability process, evident most recently in its wholly unwarranted request for a deferral of the investigation.”

“In the meantime, the ‘drug war’ killings go on, the victims’ families continue to grieve,

VACCINATE

KIDS 5+ TO PROTECT

THEM FROM

COVID-19 Talk to a doctor or learn more by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or calling 833-422-4255

and those responsible remain free,” he added.

Duterte on Monday, December 13 ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government to prepare a report on the “war on drugs” even as he insisted that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the case.

“It’s intended to apprise the human rights advocates. Maybe when the time comes, we can show to the ICC the reasons why we are not, why I am not going to bow down to their jurisdiction because they would see the enormity of the problem of shabu in the country,” he said. n

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

THE front-runner to be the next president of the Philippines, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has widened his lead in the latest opinion poll conducted five months before the 2022 national elections.

The second-wave pre-election survey of the DZRH Desisyon 2022, conducted nationwide on December 11 to 12, showed that Marcos is the preferred choice, over seven other candidates, to be the country’s 17th president, with 49.2% of respondents saying that they will vote for him.

Second to Marcos, Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo got 16.2% while Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso placed third by earning 10.4% voters’ preference rating.

Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao placed fourth with a voters’ preference rating of 8.2% followed by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who had withdrawn his certificate of candidacy on Tuesday), with 5.8% and 4.9% for Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

Retired general Antonio Parlade and labor leader Leody De Guzman managed to earn less than one% with voters’ preference ratings of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively, while 4.5% of the respondents were undecided.

The latest nationwide pre-election survey of the DZRH Desisyon 2022 has a sample size of 7,614 respondents from the 17 regions all over the country, with a margin of error of 1.13%.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer enjoyed the lead in Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), 75.3%; Ilocos Region, 74.7%; Davao Region, 68.3%; and Cagayan Valley, 64.3%.

Four regions gave Marcos more than fifty% voters’ preference ratings, including Calabarzon, 50.8%; Eastern Visayas, 56.1%; Northern Mindanao, 57.0%; and S0CCSKSARGEN (Region 12), 54.4%.

While Robredo, a full-blooded Bicolana, topped in Bicol Region with a voters’ prefer-

ence rating of 57.6%, Marcos still got a significant rating at 23.8%.

In terms of %age, there were more in the Bicol Region (23.8%) preferring Marcos for president than those in the Ilocos Region preferring Robredo for president (10.5%).

Robredo got a rating of 10.1% in the National Capital Region (NCR) while Domagoso, 26.8%.

But the survey showed that a lesser number in the Bicol Region (5.6%) prefer Domagoso for president than those who prefer Robredo for president in the NCR (10.1%).

Of the 17 regions, Domagosos earned single-digit%age voters’ preference ratings in seven regions, including Regions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and CAR. Likewise, Robredo also got seven single-digit%age voters’ preference ratings out of the 17 regions that include CAR, Caraga (Region 13), Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and Regions 9. 10, 11 and 12.

With the highest voters’ preference rating in CAR at 75.3%, Marcos’ lowest preference rating is 23.8% in the Bicol Region.

The survey was conducted days before Go, President Rodrigo Duterte’s preferred successor, filed his formal withdrawal from the presidential race in the 2022 polls.

Go in late November said he was dropping out of the race because he did not want Duterte to be “trapped in the middle.”

The senator earlier filed his certificate of candidacy for vice president but later opted to seek the presidency.

Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who is running for vice president, opted to team up with Marcos.

The Chief Executive has branded Marcos a “weak leader,” while praising Go as “honest” and hard-working.

He categorically said he was not supporting Marcos’ presidential bid in an interview on November 14.

Marcos’ candidacy is being questioned at the Commission on Elections over his tax evasion conviction in 1995. n

8

DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

LEGAL SERVICES CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00049709-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Zamary Noorzay and Rubina Noorzay on behalf of minor children filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Fnu Farhad to Farhad Noorzay b. Fnu Gulsanga AKA San Ga to Gul Sanga Noorzay c. Fnu Zarsanga to Zar Sanga Noorzay d. Fnu Fawad to Fawad Noorzay 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: 01/06/2022 Time: 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. 24, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 832 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, and 12/24/2021 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 832

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

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00049912-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Herlinda Guadalupe Ybanez AKA Natalie Soto filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Herlinda Guadalupe Ybanez AKA Natalie Soto to Natalie Lynda Soto 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: 01/11/2022 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. 29, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 836 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, and 12/24/2021.

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 836

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 11/26, 12/03, 12/10, 12/17/2021.

AJSD 826

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025545

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025950

Happy Love Desserts, ATBP. located at 1544 Cricket Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

Registrant: Trevilla, LLC, 1065 Surrey Drive, 1544 Cricket Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91915.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/15/2021.

Signature Grace Trevilla.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/20/2021.

AJ 831 11/26, 12/03, 12/10, and 12/17/2021.

AJSD 831

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025720

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9019446

Laus’ Deo Hair and Nail Salon located at 1251 Third Ave., Suite 204, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Nora Liliana Burgoin, 1804 Canal St., San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Nora Liliana Burgoin.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/29/2021.

AJ 835 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, and 12/24/2021.

AJSD 835

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025850

Polar Salts located at 7933 Silverton Ave., Suite 716, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Dean Meltz, 7933 Silverton Ave., Suite 716, San Diego, CA 92126.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Dean Meltz.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/16/2021.

AJ 829 11/26, 12/03, 12/10, and 12/17/2021.

a. CUBS Express located at 1740 Robinson Avenue #13, San Diego, CA 92103. b. Mochii Bear located at 1740 Robinson Avenue #13, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: CUBS Express LLC, located at 1740 Robinson Avenue #13, San Diego, CA 92103.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/05/2015.

Signature Well Lopez Aquino JR. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/18/2021.

AJ 833 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, and 12/24/2021.

AJSD 833

The Golden Rose located at 895 Palomar St., Suite A1, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Rosa A. Diaz, 895 Palomar St., Suite A1, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/19/2021.

Signature Rosa A. Diaz.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/19/2021.

AJ 837 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, and 12/24/2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025610

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9026120

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9026330

AJSD 829

North County Home Loans located at 3690 Highland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Registrant: Gary Kawano, 3690 Highland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Gary Kawano.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/17/2021.

AJ 830 11/26, 12/03, 12/10, and 12/17/2021.

AJSD 830

EMPLOYMENT

LEGAL SERVICES

SCS Transportation Services located at 4716 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant: a. Gina L Phraphon, 218 Henson St., San Diego, CA 92114. b. Satsady Sovidaray, 218 Henson St., San Diego, CA 92114.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Satsady Sovidaray.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/23/2021.

AJ 834 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, and 12/24/2021.

AJSD 834

AJSD 837

JTND - Jasmine Thien Nga Dinh located at 9341 Ruffin Court, San Diego, CA 92123.

Registrant: Tu Dinh, 2338 Blackton Drive, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Tu Dinh.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 11/29/2021.

AJ 838 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, 12/24/2021.

AJSD 838

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025614

HugNugs located at 525 Hibiscus Court, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Allana Reyes, 731 K Avenue, National City, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/17/2021.

Signature Allana Reyes.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on11/17/2021.

AJ 839 12/03, 12/10, 12/17, and 12/24/2021.

AJSD 839

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9026554

a. Finch And Fox located at 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054. b. Reid Phelps located at 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054. c. Wild Wanderings located at 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054.

Registrant: Finch And Fox LLC, 1020 S. Ditmar, Oceanside, CA 92054.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 05/01/2013.

Signature Ashley Ecker Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/01/2021.

AJ 840 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, and 12/31/2021.

AJSD 840

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9027331 M.C Painter located at 9902 Jamacha Blvd., Spc. 160, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Building Faith, INC., 9902 Jamacha Blvd., Spc. 160, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Carlos Oceguera.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/11/2021.

AJ 841 12/17, 12/24, 12/31/2021, and 01/07/2022.

AJSD 841

SAN DIEGO

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 17-23, 2021

JOURNAL

9

9

D EC E M B E R 1 7, 2 0 2 1

Daniel Corpuz fi fin nds the sweet scent of success after ‘School of Chocolate’

by MoMar

G. Visaya / AJPress

IKE many others in the food and hospitality industry, Filipino American Daniel Joseph Corpuz lost his job as the global L pandemic began to wreak havoc last year.

“Inisip ko kung ano ang puwede kong gawin, I can’t do nothing here at home,” the chocolatier and pastry chef told the Asian Journal.

Corpuz played a lot with chocolate to further hone and practice his knowledge and he posted his stuff on social media. Because of his business and chocolate background, he toyed with the idea of selling his chocolate creations, and thus began his chocolate brand.

He did a couple of pop-ups in the city, including one at Kabisera, a Filipino-owned cafe on the Lower East Side.

Then Netflix found him. They liked his story and they decided to have him on the show called ‘School of Chocolate’. Corpuz described this experience as amazing, one that truly made him realize what he wanted to do in life.

“We made a thousand and one things I would have never thought we would make. From our feet tall sculptures, sculpting things, and just meeting chef Amaury,” he shared. “He’s such an icon in pastry that when we finally met him, I was so excited.

And it’s definitely opened a thousand doors for me after the show.”

Daniel Corpuz at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market in New York City

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

He is referring to the French pastry chef Amaury Guichon, a renowned chocolatier who is their instructor on the show.

Corpuz was one of eight pastry and chocolate professionals competing for the grand prize of $100,000 and a chance to teach at Guichon’s pastry academy in Las Vegas.

The series premiered on Netflix last Nov. 26.

Young and Eager Now 23 years old, Corpuz

was the youngest student on the show. Born and raised in New York, he turned 22 as they filmed the series in Los Angeles late last year.

“Clearly, everyone who was there, they were seasoned vets.

And there was definitely this part of me that was like, ‘Oh man, will I be able to compete?

Will I be able to deliver the same product?’” he said.

As doubt got in his head, he had to dig deep for inspiration

SFIO announces strategic plan to uplist to NASDAQ by 2024 SMOKEFREE Innotec, Inc. (OTC: SFIO), a leading asset management company and innovation group, is pleased to share details around its four-year strategic plan, as well as news of its plan to uplist to a major stock exchange by 2024.

SFIO began 2021 with the goal of restructuring the company to better serve the long-term strategy of being a truly transformative global asset management company. SFIO would like to share with you the details around that strategy, as well as the goal of uplisting to the NASDAQ, or a similar major stock exchange, by 2024.

SFIO focuses as an asset management company that continues to be on top of innovation through disruptive collaborations. SFIO invests in high-growth businesses and supports them through partnerships and opportunities before leveraging the global presence to help them scale exponentially. It’s a methodical approach to hyper-growth, representing a clear strategy of acquisition, collaboration, transformation, and expansion.

To illustrate, SFIO took on the flagship franchise business, Epiphany Cafe. Supported by their ongoing acquisitions and partnerships, transformation enablers, and global network, Epiphany Cafe will be leading the group’s charge to capture markets across Australia, Malaysia, UAE, the Philippines, and the United States in 2022. Soon after, they will be utilizing those same pathways to scale their other businesses.

In growing Epiphany Cafe, back in 2017, SFIO embarked on a series of partnerships and acquisitions both to improve operational efficiencies and unlock new revenue streams. It’s an ongoing journey that’s formed the bedrock of its hyper-growth strategy: • Acquisition: Identifying the gaps in Epiphany Cafe’s operations, the team brought two new firms into the group, Gorgeous Coffee and Ardent Bakers. More companies would later join the lineup as new gaps emerged across Epiphany’s evolving business model.

• Collaboration: Gorgeous Coffee, led by an award-winning master roaster, developed Epiphany Cafe’s signature coffee blend, quickly becoming a customer favorite. Meanwhile, Ardent Bakers supplied the growing cafe franchise’s donuts and pastries. As demand for these pillowsoft donuts skyrocketed, another acquisition, Big Lou’s Donuts, took on wholesale production, supporting Epiphany’s future entry into the Australian market.

• Transformation: To support inventory management operations across Epiphany’s franchises, Ardent Bakers developed SMART FREEZE technology, a proprietary method of preparing donuts while maintaining quality over six months of being frozen. Gorgeous Coffee later developed their own innovation, a line of instant coffees boasting barley, Manuka honey, and other healthful extracts.

• Expansion: Now present across New Zealand, Australia, and soon Southeast Asia, Epiphany Cafe’s growth is supported by its global network of companies and partners. AG Architects, another fully-owned subsidiary, handles the design and development of new sites, while SFIO international hubs serve as launchpads for the franchise business to enter new markets worldwide. They intend to establish the Epiphany Cafe franchise system, support centers, and centralized commissaries in new global markets as early as next year.

SFIO began the journey with Epiphany Cafe, its own growth driving the growth of the network. Now SFIO’s network will be driving Epiphany’s growth

in turn – as it pioneers entry into new markets. It’s a wonderful, full-circle moment for SFIO. To support all this growth, both from a capacity perspective, as well as a financial perspective, SFIO leans on their cross-divisional synergies.

With SFIO’s newly-minted Technology division, SFIO will be using tech to streamline the existing operations of the businesses, while also building entirely new systems to disrupt the industries they operate across. For SFIO’s franchise businesses, development is already underway for a unified, streamlined logistics platform. This will not only standardize the operations of SFIO different businesses across the supply chain, but will also bring value to franchisees and ultimately, their customers, who will now benefit from a truly seamless, tech-powered system.

Similarly, SFIO laid the foundation for their eventual entry into real estate when they acquired AG Architects and A+ Electrical. Now their slate of joint ventures will see SFIO developing approximately 200-hectares of prime real estate in Montemaria, Batangas alone. The recentlysigned joint venture with Philippine-based AbaCore Capital Holdings plays a crucial role in the company’s growth trajectory. One project under this joint venture is the development of a two-hectare, bay-side property in Batangas into a $100 million eco-friendly, tech village. Not only do these joint ventures increase the asset values, but profits from these high-yield projects will also be reinvested into future growth – a necessary step towards SFIO’s ambitions to uplist in 2024.

SFIO has spent the past year acquiring companies not only to grow the conglomerate’s revenues and assets, but also to serve as transformation partners as SFIO scales the businesses globally. SFIO accomplished the necessary filings to reflect the vast array of negotiations and business activities they have entered into these last few months.

These include the successful removal of shell status and Caveat Emptor designation, as well as the designation of the status on the OTC Pink market (Current).

In the coming months, SFIO will be undergoing further developments, such as filing the audited financials, updating the company name to Starfleet Innotech, Inc. and working towards placing SFIO on the OTCQB Venture Market as a stepping stone towards its larger goal.

From an organizational structure perspective, it will be streamlining the core divisions to highlight the cross-divisional synergies, and reflect their focus on three emerging industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real Estate, and Technology.

SFIO’s F&B division is a merging of the previous franchise, coffee, and food manufacturing and distribution groups.

With the establishment of innovation hubs in U.S., UAE, New Zealand, and Australian offices, it will be entering new global markets, forging strategic partnerships in construction & exports, developing innovative new technologies, and driving market value alongside the shareholders – all with the goal of uplisting from the OTC Markets to the NASDAQ, or similar major stock exchange, by 2024.

This has been a long time coming – the realization of an ambitious goal SFIO set for itself almost a decade ago now. SFIO is glad to have strong backers and a deep talent bench to make all the things happen. “Thanks to your continued support, things have been moving very quickly these past two years. I’m excited to say they’re only going to accelerate from here,” says Jeths Lacson, CEO and Chairman of SFIO.

(Advertising Supplement)

Daniel had only one choice of school and it was the Culinary Institute of America. “It gave me that foundation to make what I make now, but Being the only Filipino American on the show gave Corpuz a chance it has also given me a platform and network since so many people in to represent his culture, something that he did on the first episode. the food industry come from CIA. So like even if I don’t know them or On his social media account, he shows his creations including these haven’t met them, if I just say CIA, most people already have an idea of what you can produce, who you are and what your work ethic is.,” bonbons that showcased the colors of the Philippine flag.

Photo courtesy of @danielcorpuzchocolatier he told the Asian Journal. AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

and find the reason why he was there in the first place.

“I think after the first episode, that’s when I was like, ‘I’m here for a reason.’ And clearly, I have proven to the Netflix people that I was not this random person who just makes stuff and seeing what I produced and seeing what everyone else produced, I was able to do it. Okay, I’m here, and I’m happy to be here,” he added.

When he saw the rest of the class, he also realized that he was the only Filipino and he thought it was a great opportunity to show them his heritage.

He wanted to represent in one way or another, flavor-wise or design-wise.

For their first challenge, the students were asked to make their own mold. It was something

that Corpuz had done before so he thought he would go with a brown coffee bag because he is such a coffee fiend.

“I wanted the [Philippine] map to be a little more precise, but at some point, I was like, I have to let it be and clearly people understood what the map looked like,” he said laughing.

He is thankful that the producers took a chance on him.

Getting chef Amaury as a mentor and learning life lessons from him was something he is grateful for.

Aside from the cool tips and tricks he learned and added to his arsenal, Corpuz said that he took to heart what chef Amaury told him about being humble and how he should never stop learning.

“I know that I will never be the best of the best because there’s always something to add to what I do. Technically and clearly, the other chefs showed more pastry skills and so that’s something I was working on more of,” he said.

Nurturing His Love for Chocolate Corpuz earned his Associate’s Degree in Baking and a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Business Administration in 2019 from the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York, the training ground of many chefs who have made their names in the industry.

“It’s so unFilipino to not go to a traditional field. I feel so fortunate that my parents didn’t

u PAGE 10

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DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Viagra for Alzheimer’s?

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS SILDENAFIL Citrate, popularly known as Viagra, was originally developed to treat angina because it dilates arteries.

However, the beneficial effect for angina was not impressive and researchers discovered that the side-effect of Viagra (penile erection) instead was more effective for male erectile dysfunction.

My very first article on Viagra on June 18, 1998, after the USFDA approved Sildenafil Citrate on March 27, 1998, was about the “giant blue” miracle pill from Pfizer.

On top of this wonderful discovery, which has saved a lot of relationships, Sildenafil was also found effective in controlling pulmonary arterial hypertension, even in infants, and good therapy for altitude sickness in humans and jetlag in hamsters. Recent studies with a 6-year follow-up show Sildenafil reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s by an impressive 69 percent.

For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Sildenafil stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which activates an enzyme that relaxes the muscles, arteries, and veins of the penis, allowing the flow of more blood to engorge the penis and keep it erect for successful penetration.

There is a warning, though: Viagra should not be taken when one is on any nitrate (coronary dilator) medications for angina, like nitroglycerine, Peritrate, Imdur, Isordil, Nitrobid, etc. The combination causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and shock. Sildenafil is a prescription drug and should be used only under a physician’s direction.

This initial observation on Viagra’s beneficial role in reducing the risk for Alzheimer’s Disease will require multiple large independent worldwide evidence-based randomized clinical studies for confirmation before the therapy could be accepted as a standard of care.

Stroke prevention Around three million people in the United States have atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm ailment, causing irregular heartbeat.

This condition increases the chance of blood clots forming in the left atrium of the heart, pieces of which could travel upwards to block an artery in the brain and cause stroke. Afib is responsible for 15-20 and percent of all strokes and also elevates the risk for heart failure. To minimize blood clot formation, patients take warfarin blood thinners.

Unfortunately, a significant number of them develop severe

bleeding as a side-effect. Today, there is a non-drug alternative, the Watchman device.

On March 13, 2015, the USFDA approved the Watchman device (Boston Scientific Corporation) for Non-Valvular atrial fibrillation, and on March 24, 2015, the first 4 patients with NV-AFib received the first implants of the Watchman at two heart centers in Los Angeles.

The Watchman is a device the size of a quarter, shaped like a parachute. It is introduced through a catheter inserted in a vein in the groin and directed to the left atrium, guided by a video monitor, and deployed (open the parachute) to close the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots from leaving that chamber and traveling to the brain.

Over 150,000 patients with NV-aFib have received the Watchman implant and no longer take blood thinners. It is a one-time minimally invasive stroke-preventing procedure that is life-changing.

Stealth Omicron The Omicron variant from South Africa is now practically in the entire United States. It appears to be more rapidly transmissible but “not more” deadly than Delta. But it is too early to tell for sure. Omicron itself is reported to have a stealth version, which is much harder to detect. The unvaccinated are evidently the target of all strains of the virus, especially the Delta variant, which is more than 99.9 percent the cause of current surges in COVID-19 infections.

There were almost 835,000 cases in the U.S. last week alone, a 40 percent increase the past 2 weeks, and 1100 deaths a day!

Those vaccinated, especially those who had the booster shot, are dozen times better protected, even from Omicron, compared to those who are not vaccinated.

After the booster, breakthrough infection is still possible, albeit the chances are very low. Those 16 and over are now eligible to get the booster. After six months of the booster, I predict that a 4th shot might be needed, amidst (mostly the unvaccinated) carriers/transmitters of newer variants, and an annual shot might be the norm, like the yearly flu shots.

As of Thursday, December 9, 200,717,389 people in the United States have been fully vaccinated, representing only 60.5 percent of the population. This is still far from the 90 percent needed before the country could develop herd immunity, especially with newer strains coming out.

It is a shame that the United States, a world leader with state-of-the-art education, science, and epidemiology and all the vaccines at its disposal, is lagging by default behind 50 other countries, many of which have more than 80 percent of their population vaccinated.

We have a time-proven standard epidemiologic protocol

to manage and end this pandemic soonest, which the government refuses to employ resulting in thousands of preventable deaths. Is this the price we are paying for some people’s abuse of their civil rights, the freedom to refuse (hurting others), and our science-incompetent and spineless government leaders’ political correctness? Is this not gross negligence and dereliction of duty on the part of our leaders?

The sad reality is that almost 40 percent of Americans are not fully vaccinated yet, including the 20 percent who remain refusing the shot. These individuals are serving as massive human reservoirs (hosts) for the COVID-19 viruses, enabling them to replicate and mutate to more variants, spreading the viruses exponentially to others.

As we have stated before, without a host (when everyone is vaccinated), the virus will self-destruct. Scientifically, the unvaccinated, which are hosts keeping the virus active, is the reason why this pandemic will linger, and cause more deaths and devastation. More than 8.47 billion COVID shots have been given worldwide proving the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines. To prefer COVID-19 infection over the vaccines to acquire immunity does not make any sense, practically a suicidal choice.

COVID-19 has so far killed almost 5.4 million people around the world, nearly 818,000 in the United States, and more than 50,000 in the Philippines.

It behooves all of us to get fully vaccinated, continue to use our facemask, do social distancing and avoid crowds, even if we already had the booster shot.

We must deal with these killer viruses with humility and not with recklessness, carelessness, or arrogance. Our life is too precious to gamble with. *** 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, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, TODAY.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

Daniel Corpuz finds the...

PAGE 9 squash my dream. Sinuportahan nila talaga ako, whether it was washing dishes or cleaning up after my messes,” he said laughing.

CIA was his only choice of school. He knew that armed with a CIA degree, he could start dreaming about starting his own business.

At CIA, he learned the fundamentals and in the end, it was up to the students to choose what they’d like to do. And for him, it was chocolate.

“I love the taste of chocolate, love the smell of chocolate,” Corpuz said as he showed us cacao from Davao City. “Working with it is different, unlike cake decorating or sugar blowing.”

Corpuz’s chocolate business is Filipino- and Asian-inspired or influenced. He has the classic flavors as well but he also wants to highlight inspired flavors such as ube, pandan, and muscovado.

“Most people don’t know what Filipino desserts are, what Filipino sweet flavors are so to be able to have the platform now to share what we have to offer is super fun,” he shared.

The last time he was in the Philippines was back in 2009. He is looking forward to going back someday to meet his friends and the cacao farmers he partnered with in Davao.

The global reach of Netflix as a platform has led to Corpuz receiving messages every day from viewers from the Philippines and Filipinos from around the world.

“It has been such a whirlwind and I’m so thankful for the support,” he said.

His booth at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market has been busy with shoppers and onlookers chatting him up and getting their selfies as soon as they recognized who he was. On the day of our interview, we even met a few tourists from out of

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Kim nearly gave up but finishes duathlon with help from fellow cyclist

by Alex

BrosAs Inquirer.net

“IT’S Showtime” host and actress Kim Chiu suffered muscle cramps during a duathlon event she recently participated in. But upon the advice of a fellow cyclist, she was able to continue and eventually finished the race.

Chiu talked about her experience during the race on her Instagram page on Monday, Dec. 13, while also showing photos from the competition.

“Some may ask ‘why am I doing this?’ I always tell them, I just want to know myself even more.

How far can I go, physically and mentally,” she said. “I enjoy the camaraderie inside the course between people who don’t know each other but supporting one another. People who don’t know you but motivates you to reach your goal, to finish the race.”

Chiu joined the duathlon despite her “minimal training.” She admitted that she wanted to give up during the race as it became very difficult at some point, and she struggled due to factors like the scorching heat and the uphill terrain. What made it even more excruciating was her first time to experience “hardcore cramps on both calves.”

It was so painful that she could not pedal anymore. It happened several times, leading her to think she might not be able to finish the race.

“I slowed down coz it’s so painful ang tigas na talaga ng binti ko (my legs were really hard), then someone passed by me and said: ‘go, Kim, don’t stop!’ Then I shouted, ‘ayaw ko na, nag cramps ako’ (I can’t take it anymore, I got cramps). Then she came back and gave me gel. Then left. So I took it and pedaled myself to finish the bike course,” she recalled.

She also experienced stomach cramps during the final 5-kilometer run.

“Had side stomach cramps throughout the run but I still pushed myself and told myself to ‘finish the race, finish the race!!’ And just like that!!!!!

Kim Chiu

Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

I am a standard duathlon finisher,” she proudly said.

Chiu likened her experience to life in general, believing that “there is never an easy road for us to reach our goal, we have to remain focused, calm, and know what our goal is, why are we doing this.”

“There may be obstacles that we encounter but know that someone will help you along the way, you just have to keep going and never give up because at the end of the day, [it] is you [versus] you and no one else. Just like what #missuniverse2021 said, you are the leader of your life.

You are the voice of your own,” Chiu advised her fans, and reminding them of the words of Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu. “Be you and do you. A strong mind is a Strong Body.” n

City of San Diego prepares for winter storms, urges residents to take steps to prevent flooding

Stormwater ends up untreated in local waterways; city and residents can take actions to ensure clean water and clean beaches SAN DIEGO – With rain in the forecast this week, prevent rainfall from carrying pollution into our the City of San Diego is taking proactive steps to local waterways and the ocean. Taking a couple prevent flooding and protect water quality while steps today will ensure we have clean water and also urging residents to take action to safeguard clean beaches for all of us tomorrow.” their homes, especially those in flood-prone areas.

San Diego residents can individually prepare for Starting Monday, the rains and help December 13 the reduce the risk of “Crews are working hard to make sure flooding near their city’s Stormwater Department will be homes and properwe are as prepared as possible ahead temporarily placties by taking a few ing “no parking” simple steps: of the coming storm by proactively signs in low-lying • Sweep and pick or flood-risk areas, inspecting pump stations and protecting up trash, leaves, cleaning storm grass clippings areas vulnerable to flooding,” said drains and inlets and other debris Kris McFadden, Director of the City’s that collect around with a history of debris buildup, street drains and Stormwater Department. “We’re asking storm sweeping to reduce curb gutters near trash and pollut- San Diegans to ‘Think Blue’ and do their your home. ants from entering • Keep the lid our waterways, and part to help prevent rainfall from carrying securely closed on monitoring more and recycle pollution into our local waterways and trash than 46,000 storm bins when placing drains citywide for the ocean. Taking a couple steps today them out on the any issues. street for collec“Crews are work- will ensure we have clean water and clean tion. Place each bin ing hard to make approximately two beaches for all of us tomorrow.” sure we are as preto three feet away pared as possible from the curb so ahead of the coming storm by proactively inspect- as not to impede the stormwater flowing on the ing pump stations and protecting areas vulnerable street. to flooding,” said Kris McFadden, Director of the • Proactively turn off irrigation to save water and City’s Stormwater Department. “We’re asking San minimize runoff.

Diegans to ‘Think Blue’ and do their part to help

u PAGE 11

Daniel on his ’School of Chocolate’ mentor Chef Amaury Guichon: “Chef Amaury is an idol in pastry. He’s not a household name but maybe now he is. He is well known in the world of pastry and to have learned from him, to have met him, he was just so genuine,” he said.

Photo courtesy of @danielcorpuzchocolatier

Make your donation count by avoiding end-of-year charity scams Daniel on his biggest learning as a business owner so far: The one thing that I’ve learned from this business alone is that though I’d love to do everything myself, I can’t do myself. So I am going to be looking for people I trust, people I can teach and people who are open minded and people who can also tell me when I’m wrong.

state who trekked to the market when they found out about the pop-up through Corpuz’s Instagram post.

As demand for his chocolates rises, Corpuz is looking at investing in more equipment and potentially hiring more people to help him make his delicate treats.

Starting the brand from a very small kitchen in their

Staten Island apartment, Corpuz is setting his sights higher.

He wants a Daniel Corpuz Chocolatier brick-and-mortar shop someday.

Armed with his tenacity and confidence, tempered with the right blend of humility and chutzpah, we’re hopeful that Daniel Corpuz will be opening the doors of his own chocolate shop sooner than he’d expect. n

THE season of giving is here. If you celebrate Christmas, you might be about to fill some stockings. But, for many, holiday giving includes supporting charitable causes. Charities in need of support will be making year-end appeals by phone, mail, email, and social media. Scammers know that, too, and every year try to trick people into giving to them, not the real deal.

So here are some steps to take to make sure the charity is real and your money will support the programs you care about: • Check out the charity before you donate. Search online with the name of the charity plus words like “complaint,” “review,” or “scam.”

Ask how much of your donation will go to the work of the charity (versus, say, fundraising). Learn more by seeing what organizations like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and Candid say about how a charity does its business and spends its money.

• Double-check the name. Scammers sometimes use names that sound like real charities that

you know and trust.

• Don’t be rushed. Scammers love to pressure you to make fast decisions and pay them. But take it slow. Real charities will be happy to get your donation when you’re ready.

• Avoid donations by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, or money transfer service — if they demand to be paid that way. That’s how scammers ask to be paid. Your safer bet is to pay by credit card.

• Report charity scams at ReportFraud.ftc. gov. Your report can help people in your community protect themselves from charity scams and other types of fraud. The FTC uses reports like yours to investigate and bring law enforcement cases.

Check out ftc.gov/charity for more, including on giving through online platforms. And take a moment to check out, and share, this charity fraud video. Happy giving!

(Cristina Miranda/Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC) n

Community

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New City of San Diego development code updates provide neighborhood improvements Community gardens, 5G connectivity and childcare facilities among city council-approved updates for 2021 SAN DIEGO – On Monday, December 13 the San Diego City Council approved a number changes to the Land Development Code Update in an effort to streamline processes, achieve compliance with state policy and meet the needs of residents who advocate for improvements to their neighborhoods.

Among the 33 code updates, which regulate the development and use of properties, community gardens will now be allowed in designated Open Space parks, the process to install 5G fiber optic equipment will be faster and will provide communities more reliable access to internet connectivity, and changes to the code will incentivize developers to build larger child care facilities.

“These code updates are essential to keeping our city in line with land use changes and helping conform to the city’s climate, equity, housing and conservation goals,” said Mike Hansen, the city’s Planning Director.

“Many times, it’s residents who notice changes they would like to see within their communities.

We encourage everyone to submit their ideas and be involved

in the process.”

The city makes updates to the Land Development Code yearly and this update includes clarifications, regulatory reform and changes to bring the city in compliance with state law. City staff are now collecting ideas from residents for next year’s Code Update.

Suggestions can be submitted year-round, but ideas for the 2022 Code Update will conclude on March 31, 2022. Residents are encouraged to submit their ideas online by visiting the City Planning Department webpage.

Changes in the 2021 Code Update are contained in two ordinances, the General Zoning and Fiber Optic, and include: • Clarification to Complete Communities Housing Solutions and Mobility Choices initiatives: Adds additional options for recreational amenities, improved incentives for housing production and makes it easier to utilize the program on sites where there is already development.

• ADA Parking Within Transit Priority Areas: Accessible parking and accessible passen-

ger loading zones would be required when no parking spaces are provided on-site.

• Speakers at Virtual Meetings: Amended definition makes it easier for those who wish to speak at public hearings.

• Affordable Housing Downtown: Amendment will continue to encourage the development of employment uses within the Downtown Employee Overlay Zone, while simultaneously allowing for flexibility to address the City’s housing needs. The regulations will ensure the area remains the heart of Downtown’s urban core with dense buildings and active street-level commercial activities and adds residences within walking distances of jobs and amenities.

• Reduced Parking for Home Occupations: With more people working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this amendment reduces the required amount of off-street parking spaces.

• Apartment Shared Common Spaces: Allows for new apartment building projects to provide common outdoor spaces in place of private requirements that currently exist, like balco-

nies. An example of a common outdoor space could be a private courtyard in the complex.

• Size of Public Notices: Public notices on development sites will be larger so they are more readable and protected from inclement weather.

• Artisan Food and Beverage Producers in Industrial Zones: Allows artisan food and beverage producers in industrial zones for consistency with light manufacturing use.

• Community Gardens: Allows for the ability to construct and maintain community gardens in designated Open Space park areas with the approval of the City’s Parks and Recreation Director or Open Space Division Land Management Staff.

• Childcare Facilities: Incentivizes more and larger childcare facilities.

• Fiber Optic Installation: Allows internet service providers (ISPs) to quickly make changes due to the rise in data connectivity. With this change, internet reliability and capacity will be upgraded to replace other dated infrastructures throughout the City of San Diego.

(City of San Diego Release) n

New cases of Omicron identified, mask mandate takes effect WHILE the Delta strain of COVID-19 remains dominant in the region, the County Health and Human Services Agency recently reported an additional four local cases of the Omicron variant, bringing the total to six.

The two previously reported cases were fully vaccinated and received their booster shots, while the four cases reported on Wednesday, December 15 were fully vaccinated but had not received booster shots.

Overall COVID-19 cases are also on the rise, with an additional 646 cases reported Wednesday.

“The holidays and colder temperatures mean San Diegans are spending more time indoors, where COVID-19 spreads more easily,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “I urge our community to continue taking the

recommended precautions so that we can all have a safe and happy holiday season.”

In light of the increase in cases and hospitalizations, and the spread of the Omicron variant, the California Department of Public Health has implemented a new statewide mask mandate, which went into effect Wednesday.

The mandate requires that Californians age two and older wear a facial covering in all public indoor spaces. The indoor face covering mandate is scheduled to last at least through Jan. 15, 2022 and will be reevaluated.

In addition to wearing a mask indoors in public places, the following measures also help to protect against all varieties of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant: • Get vaccinated and get a booster if you qualify. The vaccine is widely available in the region, including at health

care providers, retail pharmacies and community clinics. You can also make an appointment or find a site near you by calling (833) 422-4255 or visiting the My Turn website.

• Wear a mask, especially in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.

• Get tested if you’ve traveled or have any symptoms, whether you’ve been vaccinated or not. You can make a free test appointment or find a walk-up test clinic at coronavirus-sd.com.

• Get CA Notify to receive alerts if you were in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

• Wash your hands frequently and stay home if you’re sick and distance yourself from others.

(Katie Cadiao/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 17-23, 2021

City of San Diego...

PAGE 10 • Know the safest routes to and from your home or property should flooding occur.

• Slow down and do not drive, ride or walk through flood waters.

• Do not open or lift manhole covers in the event of street flooding.

During the rains, multiple crews from the City’s Storm Patrol will be actively monitoring areas throughout the city and responding to incidents, such as temporary flooding and downed trees or branches.

Residents can report events, such as flooding or downed trees, by using the Get It Done application or by calling 619-527-7500.

If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For more information and resources on how to properly prepare before a storm, please visit the City’s Storm Preparedness page at https://www.sandiego.gov/storm-preparedness.

During the rains, multiple crews from the City’s Storm Patrol will be actively monitoring areas throughout the city and responding to incidents, such as temporary flooding and downed trees or branches.

Sandbags are also available in limited supply and can be picked up at nine recreation centers centrally located in each City Council District. Residents with identification showing proof of residency can receive up to 10 empty sandbags.

As the sandbags are not pre-

11

filled, residents are encouraged to also plan to buy sand at local hardware stores, landscape suppliers or wherever else sand can be purchased. Sandbags are available at the locations listed below only Monday through Friday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m.

• Council District 1 - Standley Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive.

• Council District 2 - Robb Athletic Field, 2525 Bacon St. • Council District 3 - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive.

• Council District 4 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Drive.

• Council District 5 - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive.

• Council District 6 - North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4421 Bannock Ave. • Council District 7 - Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave. • Council District 8 - San Ysidro Community Activity Center, 179 Diza Road.

• Council District 9 - City Heights Recreation Center, 4380 Landis St. Visit the newly relaunched ThinkBlue.org to find out more about the Stormwater Department’s mission and how you can help ensure clean water and clean beaches for all of San Diego.

(City of San Diego Release) n

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DECEMBER 17-23, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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“A Taste of History”

In celebration of the 500th Year Anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021, experience MonteMaria Cellars, an exclusive wine collection cellared and bottled in Napa Valley, California by the Buhman Estate Vineyards specially made in honor of the Holy Site of MonteMaria located in Batangas Province of the Philippines.

Browse our collection and order today on MonteMariaCellars.com.

Please enjoy our wines responsibily.