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DECEMBER 24-30, 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

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

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Odette: Impact on PH described as ‘catastrophic’

by Tony

S. Bergonia Inquirer.net

MANILA — The extent of destruction dumped on the Philippines by Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) has not been fully inventoried but could be gleaned through one word used by scientists to measure the storm’s impact on at least five regions in the

country—catastrophic.

Scenes reminiscent of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which ravaged parts of the Philippines in 2013, are rising like ghosts of Christmases past.

The scale of the relief effort needed is indescribable but could be partly painted by the presence of at least 10 United Nations agencies, 40 international and local nongovernment organizations and dozens of

Commander Donald Graham has been promoted to deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

AJPress file photo by Noel Ty

THE Los Angeles Police Department will have its first Filipino American deputy chief in its 152-year history.

Commander Donald Graham becomes the first person of Filipino descent to hold such a position, following an announcement from Chief Michel Moore made public on December 17.

The announcement did not specify when the promotion takes effect.

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Mayor Garcetti signs directive to improve English learners’ access to LA city services Staying safe for the holidays: California’s

FLOODED TOWN CENTER. Muddy floodwater still inundates the streets of the center of the Bohol provincial town of Inabanga on Saturday, December 18, two days after Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) swept through the province.

Inquirer.net photo

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Mayor Gloria urges residents to help stop omicron surge

Fil-Am named deputy chief of Los Angeles Police Department

LOS Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti recently signed Executive Directive 32, which seeks to improve access to city information and services for English language learners.

“Los Angeles is a place of belonging where everyone can, and should, feel comfortable engaging in our civic process,” said Garcetti in a statement. “This new directive will help to ensure that all Angelenos have equal access to what our City has to offer — for example, providing non-English speaking immigrant business owners and parents with the ability to apply for grants from the City and enroll their children in one of our many youth programs.”

private sector groups that are now on the ground to help.

A rapid assessment report by the UN Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), which compiled damage estimates in areas hit by Odette, said initial data would show that at least five regions were hardest hit by the typhoon, which

SAN Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and local health officials are urging San Diegans to get vaccinated and boosted to protect against the new dominant COVID-19 variant, omicron.

“My message to San Diegans is simple: get vaccinated. Do not wait. It’s up to each one of us to protect each other and support stability in our health care system by vaxxing and masking to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Gloria said in a statement.

The mayor said he agrees with President Joe Biden’s nationwide address outlining federal actions to help stop the spread of the omicron variant.

“This president understands that the way out of the pandemic is through vaccines. Vaccines are safe, effective, free and widely available,” Gloria said. “Everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and boosted should do so as soon as possible to protect their families, neighbors and communities.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among the unvaccinated, there are 6

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top health officer on celebrating the holidays responsibly amid COVID surge

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

IT’S no doubt that the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebration is the most highly anticipated holiday season in recent history.

The coronavirus pandemic upended the last holiday season, which largely consisted of Zoom parties, limited in-person gather-

3.4 million Pfizer shots donated by US arrive in PH

RESBAKUNA. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (left), National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer, and U.S. Embassy ad interim Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava (right) do the Resbakuna sign during the arrival of 1,776,060 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine donated by the United States government through the COVAX Facility at NAIA Terminal 3 on Monday, December 20. Another 1,623,960 doses were delivered on Tuesday, December 21. The Philippines has received more than 64.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX Facility and bilateral donations from other countries.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

ings, and generally truncated celebrations governed by the safety protocols at the time. But amid the beginnings of a winter spike, those same individuals and families find themselves in similar positions.

COVID-19 cases are up globally and the delta and omicron variants continue to increase worry over the festive season. The U.S. is experiencing a nationwide increase

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(L-R) Amy Agbayani, Teresita Batayola and Luisa Blue will be commissioners of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

3 Fil-Ams among commissioners

PAL: Returning Filipinos might cancel to President Biden’s advisory trips going home due commission on AANHPIs AJP to PH arrival cap

MANILA — The U.S., in partnership with the COVAX Facility, this week donated an additional 3.4 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to the Philippines.

The vaccines are part of the 500 million Pfizer doses donated by the U.S. to the world through COVAX, a global initiative to support equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The first shipment of 1.78 million doses arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and was received by vaccine czar Carlito Galvez

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) started to cancel international flights after plans to lift the government’s daily cap of 4,000 overseas arrivals had stalled.

The flag carrier warned in a statement that arrival restrictions would “end up preventing thousands of overseas Filipinos from returning home.”

Thus far, PAL announced the cancellation from Manila-Singapore flight PR507/508 on Dec. 21. On Dec. 19, it rescheduled a Manila-Damman flight to the following day to meet the daily cap at the Ninoy Aquino Inter-

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by

by Miguel

r. CaMuS

Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Joe Biden December 20 announced his intent to appoint three Filipino American leaders to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

Amy Agbayani, Teresita Batayola, and Luisa Blue are among the 23 community leaders who will be appointed to serve on the commission, the White House announced on Monday.

Agbayani is an Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for

ress

student diversity and equity, University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Agbayani was born in the Philippines and received her education from the University of the Philippines, East West Center and the University of Hawai’i. She is a former chair of the Hawai’i Civil Rights Commission, conducts research on AANHPI in higher education, member of the Patsy T.Mink PAC and The Legal Clinic for immigrant justice Hawai’i.

Batayola is the President

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DECEMBER 24-30, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From The FronT Page

Mayor Gloria urges residents...

PAGE 1 deaths per 100,000 people.

Among the vaccinated that drops considerably to 0.5., among those boosted it’s 0.1 death rate.

Federal health officials reported on Monday, Dec. 20 the variant accounted for 73% of new infections last week. In some parts of the United States, omicron comprise 90 percent of the cases while in California, about 60% of new cases are omicron.

San Diego County’s case rates have risen significantly in the last several days, with more than 1,000 cases reported three of the last four days, the first time that has happened since the summer spike, according to a Fox 5 report.

“Local experts predict that San Diego will experience a surge in the coming days. Hospitals across the nation are filling up with unvaccinated individuals, delaying care for all patients, including victims of car accidents and other trauma. Everyone is affected when our health care

SD Mayor Todd Gloria

File photo

system becomes overburdened.

Earlier this week, President Biden announced his administration’s efforts to combat the surge of omicron infections as he warned those who have declined to get shots that they run a much higher risk of becoming ill or hospitalized.

“I know some Americans are

wondering if you can safely celebrate the holidays with your family and friends,” Biden said. “The answer is, yes you can if you and those you celebrate with are vaccinated, particularly if you’ve gotten your booster shot.”

He also announced the purchase of 500 million at-home rapid COVID-19 tests, to be available for free next month and sent through the mail.

The CDC has compiled a list of recommendations for those planning to gather for the holidays, among them: • Get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible; • Wear a well-fitting mask that covers your nose and mouth; • Keep 6 feet of distance from those who don’t live with you; • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces; • Consider a self-test before attending an indoor gathering; and • Wash hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer when appropriate. n

ROUND FRUITS IN ABUNDANCE. Customers take their picks from a bunch of watermelon and coconuts along a sidewalk on Marcos Highway in Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City Saturday, December 18. The Christmas season, the most celebrated holiday in the country, is here and so are the round fruits. One tradition Filipinos have - to attract good luck and fortune - is serving 12 or 13 round fruits in welcoming the New Year.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

Staying safe for the holidays...

PAGE 1 in cases, and states like California are acting quickly to avoid a replay of the last winter surge.

As the Asian Journal previously reported, California once again issued a travel advisory and a mask mandate to help mitigate the spread as families and friends flock to one another for holiday gatherings.

But Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services agency, stressed the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as well as a booster shot, which has proven to stifle the severe effects of the virus.

“Getting a vaccine that’s safe and effective and free is pretty simple in the relative scheme of things to avoid the potential of getting significantly sick and potentially losing your livelihood: the livelihood that your family depends on,” Ghaly told ethnic media reporters on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

As of this week, 61 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered and 85% of Californians are fully vaccinated. Additionally, the state has administered 6 million booster shots, which translates to a little under a quarter of those who are fully vaccinated (26.3 million Californians, as of Friday, Dec. 17). “[Booster shots] boost up your immunity,” Ghaly explained.

“The first two doses give quite a bit protection, but then that third

dose is like a super dose. It really jumps up your level of immunity so when you get exposed to delta or omicron, that booster will protect a little bit more around that variant.”

Vaccine hesitancy continues to be a hindrance for Californians, and Ghaly recognizes that. But he said that those who are slow to act may see the pitfalls of those decisions, saying, “I will tell you that I’ve met many people who regret not being vaccinated in a timely way, but I have yet to meet anyone who regrets getting vaccinated. The sense of safety and security is real.”

Ghaly noted that the state is currently ramping up efforts to close the equity gap in vaccinations, placing more focus on encouraging communities of color and communities with limited English proficiency to get vaccinated and/or get their boosters.

He said, “COVID has always been a global challenge. Getting more citizens around the world vaccinated is going to help us reduce the likelihood of a variant popping up again in the future.”

Individuals who are unvaccinated are 12 times more likely to be hospitalized and 13 times more likely to die from COVID, Ghaly said, noting that getting vaccinated is “an enormous insurance policy as we move around our communities and with our families during the holidays.”

Ghaly also weighed in on the

recently reissued mask mandate, which will largely affect counties that didn’t already have a mask requirement for indoor public places. But it will also help further protect those in counties like Los Angeles, which reported 27 new deaths, 772 total hospitalizations, and 3,360 overall new coronavirus cases (including 8 omicron cases) on Friday, December 17.

“We know that there’s going to be a lot of resistance and even some non-compliance with masking requirements and other guidelines, and I understand that people are tired and fed up and feel like it’s a personal choice,” Ghaly said.

He added, “But I will tell you that this is not just about one individual. This is about communities. This is about preserving the capacity of hospitals to support people. We know this is not going to be perfect, but we encourage those who heed the messages to pay attention to what we’re saying, and what we’re saying is this is a critical time.”

The state advises travelers to follow federal travel guidelines laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People who test positive or develop symptoms associated with the coronavirus are advised to isolate and practice the safety protocols: stay home except when receiving medical care, wear a mask at all times, and wash hands often. n

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From The FronT Page

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 24-30, 2021

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Fil-Am named deputy chief of Los Angeles... PAL: Returning Filipinos might cancel...

PAGE 1 A member of the LAPD for over two decades, Graham made history in 2019 when he was named a commander of the department, focused on leading the Transit Services Division and as the Homeless Coordinator under the Office of Operations.

In 1984, Graham was a teenager when his mother Amalia moved him and his two siblings from Bayonne, New Jersey to Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. She raised the children as a single mother, while working as a nurse, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

As a student at Los Angeles Valley College, Graham worked part-time at the campus police department and met retired LAPD officers who encouraged him to explore a law enforcement career.

He applied and was accepted into the LAPD Academy, where he graduated from in the fall of 1995. He completed his probation in the Pacific Division, before being assigned to the Devonshire station, which covers Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Northridge, North Hills, Porter Ranch, West Hills and Winnetka.

“I thought I was going to do this for about 10 years…take my pension and then walk away,” Graham told the Asian Journal in a 2019 interview.

“But like any corny story, you fall in love and I fell in love with doing this job.”

Graham spent nine years as an officer in the Devonshire territory before being promoted to sergeant in the Southeast Division in 2006, sergeant II as a commander’s aide in the office of operations two years later, and then lieutenant in 2012 in the West Valley Patrol Division.

The Fil-Am officer rose the ranks from captain to area commanding officer in North Hollywood before rising to commander in 2019.

“As a Filipino American, as a New Jersey American, I can’t imagine having done anything else with…my life. This is the most incredible job, not just because it’s different every day, not just because there’s this visceral idea that people who prey on other people are the people who are afraid of us. Trust me, it’s a visceral feeling. But really what is the key to this job is how many people who have come back and have said ‘thank you,’” Graham said in a previous interview. (AJPress) n

PAGE 1 national Airport.

“We seek the public’s understanding over this unfortunate situation. We are a vital air bridge to bring families together, and we try to do all we can to fly our countrymen home, hence the flights we had arranged to serve their urgent travel needs,” Dexter C. Lee, PAL senior vice president and chief strategy and planning officer, said in a statement.

“However, we have to abide by the latest limits and we regret that this will prevent us from serving many travelers,” he added.

Carriers, including PAL, were banking on the doubling of the daily cap to 10,000 passengers to allow them to serve strong demand during the busy Christmas holidays. After the Omicron coronavirus variant was detected overseas, the plan was put on hold.

In its statement, PAL continued to urge the government to raise the limit on international arrivals.

PAL’s share amounted to a fourth of the daily cap—or 1,200

passengers per day— to cover flights from at least 22 cities in the Middle East, North America, Asia and Australia.

“We maintain our appeal to allow more arrivals to address the crying need to bring our compatriots home at this special time of the year,” Lee said.” We will do all we can to work with the government authorities, including assistance with quarantine hotel bookings, to achieve this.”

“Indeed, we are very grateful for the support that our government has extended in recent weeks, and we have made full use of alternate gateways in Subic, Davao, Cebu and Bohol to cater

to the peak season arrivals,” Lee added.

The flag carrier earlier appealed for a higher cap to accommodate the thousands of returning Filipinos. It also provided assurances that all OFWs would have pre-arranged hotel bookings above those set by the Overseas Welfare Workers’ Administration.

“The flag carrier is left with no choice but to cancel certain flights to comply with the stricter limits on certain days. An unplanned shortage in quarantine hotel rooms allotted for OFWs has limited the ability of OWWA to absorb arrivals from OFW-heavy countries,” PAL said. n

Inquirer.net file photo

3 Fil-Ams among commissioners...

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signing Executive Directive 32, which seeks to improve access to city information and services for English language learners.

Mayor Garcetti signs directive to improve...

PAGE 1 Executive Directive 32: Strengthening Language Access in the City of Los Angeles will require every city department to implement a plan to handle language access matters, including constituents’ requests for services in different languages and how information is disseminated to reach non-English speaking communities.

During the signing on December 16, the mayor was joined by representatives of various city departments, including LA Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza, the first Filipina American in the role.

The Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles is providing critical sup-

port to launch and build out this effort.

“The Mayor’s Fund partners with government, philanthropy, community-based non-profits, and individual Angelenos to support initiatives that deliver true impact,” said Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles President & CEO Deidre Lind. “We are proud to support this initiative, which is a huge step toward ensuring City Hall equitably serves all Angelenos.”

Through this directive, all departments must designate a liaison who will participate in a Citywide Language Access Working Group led by a Language Access Coordinator. The Working Group will focus on

improving access to City information, programs, and services for Angelenos who do not speak English or have a limited understanding of the language.

Los Angeles is home to 538,800 immigrant residents designated as English Language learners, who represent over 37% of the immigrant Angeleno population. This directive seeks to ensure that those Angelenos have equal access to information and services.

Most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Garcetti launched multilingual rapid response efforts to ensure that all Angelenos had access to life-saving information and resources. n

PAGE 1 and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services, Washington state’s largest Asian and Pacific Islander non-profit health center providing comprehensive health care to all those who need affordable care, especially immigrants and refugees. Batayola is anadvocate for health care access, equity, and addressing social determinants of health. ICHS has received awards for its high quality of care and Batayola has been recognized in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Award for Outstanding Business & Philanthropic Contributions, Woman of Courage Undaunted from the University of Washington Women’s Center, and the Filipino Women’s Network’s Most Influential Filipino Woman in the World.

Blue retired from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in August 2020 after serving as an Executive Vice President for four years, one of the highest ranking AAPI officials in the labor movement.

During her term was responsible for the SEIU Asian Pacific Islanders Civic Engagement and

Leadership program, a member of the Racial Justice Task Force, chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, and chair of the Ethical Culture Committee. She served on the SEIU Executive Board prior to her election as Executive Vice President. Luisa continues to be active in the community and serves on the Asian Health Services Community Board, a Trustee on Alameda County Health Systems Board of Trustees, and Vice President of the AAPI Victory Alliance Board.

Luisa is the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren.

The Commission will advise the president on ways the public, private, and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity and opportunity for every Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

The Commission is also charged with advising the president on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia and violence, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal grantmaking and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with dis-

abilities face. The Commission will include civic leaders from across the country and will reflect the rich diversity of AANHPI communities across the United States.

Other commissioners include Ajay Bhutoria, Kimberly Chang, Emily Chen, Daniel Dae Kim, Kerry Doi, Grace Huang, Victoria Huynh, Mia Ives-Rublee, Kamal Kalsi, Michelle Kauhane, Kevin Kim, Sarah Min, Simon Pang, Ai-jen Poo, Naheed Qureshi, Raynald Samoa, Sonal Shah, Smita Shah, Robert Underwood, and KaYing Yang.

Biden on May 28 signed Executive Order 14031, “Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders” to establish the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and deliver on his commitment to reinstate and reinvigorate this historic Initiative.

The Commission is cochaired by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai. n

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DECEMBER 24-30, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Odette: Impact on PH described as ‘catastrophic’... The vaccine rollout was a success. But events within and beyond Biden’s control stymied progress.

PAGE 1 made landfall nine times carrying Category 5 winds of up to 260 kph.

These regions were Caraga, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Mimaropa, according to the UN OCHA report. The UN OCHA report said communities in three of the hardest hit areas—the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island and Southern Leyte—bore the brunt of Odette.

Assessments, said the report, “identified extensive damage and humanitarian needs also in Bohol and Cebu.”

UN OCHA said satellite imagery showed “large inundated areas” in Siargao Island, a popular tourist destination.

Satellite images also showed “an increase of standing water level” in the southern part of Dinagat Island on Dec. 17, a day after Odette made its first landfall.

At least 95 percent of households in Siargao alone were affected in different ways—some losing their homes or seeing severe damage to their houses.

“Banks and remittance centers were damaged and resumption of operations may take weeks,” said the UN OCHA report.

The report said the education cluster of the UN team on the ground reported up to 30,000 schools had been affected in 11 regions. These schools. have at least 12 million students, the report said.

The UN OCHA report said schools were either damaged or being used as shelters, which meant class activities—whether face-to-face or remote—were suspended.

“Wind damage, flooding and landslides interrupted road access, power, and communication throughout affected areas,” said the UN OCHA report.

In the first 72 hours, Odette cut power in 277 cities and towns while cutting communications in 135 other locations. On Dec. 19, or two days after Odette made its first landfall, power had been restored in only 21 of 95 cities and towns that lost their electric supply.

“Some major cities, including Cebu and Puerto Princesa, as well as large areas in Southern Leyte, remained without power even 72 hours after landfall,” the UN OCHA report said.

At least 80 seaports had been closed and 160 domestic and international flights had been cancelled.

The UN OCHA report counted initially 20,102 houses destroyed and 34,681 others damaged across the regions on Odette’s path. Houses made of light materials were hardest hit.

“In Loboc, Bohol, floods reached the roofs of houses and people were observed on their roofs waiting to be evacuated within hours after landfall,” the report said.

In the town of Bubong, Lanao del Sur province, 23 of 36 villages were flooded when the river overflowed.

“In Caraga, people built makeshift shelters beside houses and in the streets as infrastructures were heavily damaged,” the report said.

“Local governments fear lack of necessities would result in potential looting,” it said.

“While experiencing reduced

Illustration of initial damage assessment.

by Victoria

Knight Kaiser Health News

Map projecting levels of damage from Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) on countries on its path.

Map showing the path of Odette (Rai) and areas hit hard.

From UN Office Of Coordination For Humanitarian Affairs

according to the report, was that nearly half—49 percent—of the people in the worst-hit areas were already living below the poverty line before Odette struck.

According to the UN OCHA report, basic needs included rice supply good for at least two months, meat, water and hygiene items. The supply of meat was expected to have been wiped out.

People who sought shelter in evacuation sites continued to plead for communication with their families through either satellite phones or other means of relaying messages.

“To rebuild livelihoods, fishing boats and gears as well as agricultural inputs are needed,” the UN OCHA report said.

Bringing in supplies was one of the biggest challenges. The report said supplies for Dinagat Island may have to come from Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City or the Agusan provinces.

Findings made by assessment teams showed that priority needs included shelter, water, sanitation, food security, health, education, psychosocial intervention.

“Equally important were emergency telecommunications, logistics and coordination,” UN OCHA said.

Needed with urgency are food, potable water, fuel, medical supplies. In areas where markets had been restored, the UN OCHA report said, people were pleading for cash instead.

Education pummeled The UN team’s education cluster reported 29,671 schools affected and forced to suspend class activities. At least 71 schools were damaged and 3,935 classrooms were being used as shelters.

As of Dec. 19, the UN OCHA report said, classes in 16,666 schools were suspended.

“The repair of damaged schools and classrooms was likely to take several months and hamper the education of learners,” the report said.

In areas where schools had been destroyed or damage, UN OCHA said the immediate needs were temporary learning spaces, learning kits and psychosocial support.

While assessment and documentation of the damage continued, UN OCHA said preliminary data showed 20,102 houses had been destroyed while 34,681 others had been damaged.

Most are made of light materials.

In two areas—Siargao and Dinagat—“assessment indicated Inquirer file photo that 95 percent of structures in

wind gusts, Palawan—which does not typically experience the brunt of typhoons—was also hardly hit,” UN OCHA said.

“As assessments were yet to be conducted, partners were concerned that communities and response structures in Palawan were less experienced and might require significant humanitarian support in the coming weeks,” the report said.

As of Dec. 20, or four days after the first landfall, Puerto Princesa City remained without power, water and communication.

The airport remained closed to commercial flights.

The provinces of Bohol, Cebu and Negros Occidental and Butuan City had declared states of calamity on Dec. 19 “though there is an expectation entire regions may be put under the state of calamity,” said the UN OCHA report.

It said Philippine government agencies had already asked for support from the UN team’s logistics cluster for transport of relief items to the hard-hit areas.

It said UN agencies with existing agreements with government agencies had also received requests for help from the government. “Assessment largely confirmed that additional capacity would be required to attend to growing humanitarian needs,” said UN OCHA. But deployment by UN humanitarian partners, the report said, is being “hampered by prevailing COVID-19 related precautionary measures and travel restrictions.”

The trail of destruction left at least 385,374 people displaced or homeless with 10,856 houses destroyed or damaged in three areas alone—Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island and Southern Leyte. The data excluded those in Dinagat island.

49 percent below poverty line What’s more disheartening,

coastal areas were destroyed or damaged,” said the report.

Quoting the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the report said as of Dec. 20 at least 631,402 people had been displaced in areas on Odette’s path.

In two areas—Surigao City and Bohol province—it was estimated that people may have to stay in evacuation centers for three to six months until their homes had been rebuilt.

People in Surigao City are appealing for supplies of corrugated sheets and tarpaulins as they start repairing their houses.

“Inside evacuation centers, assessments observed overcrowded spaces, especially at night when families come back to the center after repairing their homes,” the UN OCHA report said.

“Partners highlighted that the spread of COVID-19 was more likely in the crowded shelters,” it said.

Among items needed immediately were mosquito nets, solar lamps, shelter equipment.

The report took note of some positive developments in the telecommunications sector in the hardest-hit areas. “The private sector mobile operators were making progress in getting signals working again,” said UN OCHA. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) had already asked for the help of World Food Programme to restore communications of government offices for better coordination and response.

Agriculture damage is a major concern, too, said the UN OCHA report. Two days after Odette’s first landfall, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture already estimated initial loss of P127 million. This was the initial cost of at least 8,600 metric tons of produce destroyed. At least 6,695 hectares of farms were hit and 2,582 farmers were facing income loss.

“The effect of Typhoon Rai was expected to severely and negatively impact families dependent on farming and fishing as their primary or secondary source of livelihood,” said the UN OCHA report, using Odette’s international name.

Backyard gardens, which help families earn income and add nutrition to their food intake, had been destroyed.

“People, including farmers and fishers, were in need of food to prevent food insecurity,” said the UN OCHA report.

The lack of food carried security and law enforcement threats, the report said.

Displaced people, who have not been getting enough food, had admitted they may resort to “negative coping mechanisms”, like looting, in the absence of long-term food assistance.

In the region of Caraga, the UN OCHA report said, food stock may last only up to two months.

Citing the Philippine Department of Health (DOH), UN OCHA said at least 128 health facilities in areas hit by Odette took a beating from Category 4 wind gusts. Early data, said the UN OCHA report, counted at least nine facilities damaged or destroyed. “Several hospitals had patients in damaged hospital buildings,” the report said.

The impact of Odette on the Philippines’ vaccination campaign was significant, too, according to UN OCHA. It said at least 637 local governments had cancelled vaccination activities. n

ELEVEN months ago, President Joe Biden assumed office during one of the most critical moments of the COVD19 pandemic. Case counts and death rates were shockingly high. The vaccine rollout, which had started under former President Donald Trump, was disjointed. People were generally sequestered in their homes, and kids were relegated to remote learning.

Biden promised to change all that. He said he would differ from Trump in that he would listen to the scientists, encourage the use of masks and give the federal government a stronger role in addressing the pandemic. He also pledged to deliver the “most efficient mass vaccination plan in U.S. history” and to get 100 million covid shots administered in his first 100 days.

How well did Biden do? We asked four public health experts who said the president’s vaccine rollout, overall, was excellent, but his messaging was off at certain points, and other setbacks — both within and beyond his control — stymied progress against COVID-19.

After all, cases in the U.S. are again surging, largely due to the delta and omicron variants.

In some places, these numbers, as well as hospitalization tallies, are approaching the highest levels in months. This month, the U.S. surpassed 800,000 covid-related deaths since the pandemic started, and the 1 million mark is in view. The reopening of Broadway shows — something viewed by many as a sign that normalcy was returning — is facing interruptions as breakthrough cases among cast members cause intermittent performance cancellations. The sports world is facing its own covid-related disturbances.

Colleges have announced they will hold final exams remotely and are canceling winter graduations.

All of this calls into question how much progress has been made against covid. Let’s take a look at what happened in 2021 and whether Biden’s efforts have made a difference.

Even before taking office, Biden set an initial target of getting 100 million doses of vaccine administered in his first 100 days. While there was initial uncertainty about this target, it turned out to be an easily achievable goal that took only 58 days.

Still, vaccine distribution unfolded by fits and starts. At first, only certain populations were eligible for shots. And when Biden announced he was ordering states to open up eligibility to all adults May 1, demand outstripped vaccine supply in many locations. By summer, though, most who wanted a vaccine could get one — free of charge.

That push “was extraordinary,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. “The Biden administration increased the number of people to get shots, they increased the number of places to get shots, they reduced the number of disparities for those getting shots,” he said.

Indeed, getting almost half of the U.S. population fully vaccinated in the first six months of 2021 resulted in a huge drop in covid cases, hospitalizations and deaths by early summer. Recent data from the Commonwealth

Fund indicates that the covid vaccination program in the U.S. prevented 1 million deaths and 10 million hospitalizations.

Yet, those two optimistic signs — high vaccine availability and low covid cases — led the Biden administration to prematurely assert triumph over the virus, said Dr. Leana Wen, a professor of health policy and management at George Washington University.

This was just one of several messaging missteps made by Biden and his administration in 2021, said the experts.

“They had declared victory right when delta was starting to surge,” Wen said.

Wen pointed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “confused” messaging, starting with an announcement in May that those who were fully vaccinated no longer needed to wear masks indoors or outdoors, or practice physical distancing, even though those strategies had proved useful in combating the virus.

The change in mask guidance came at a pivotal time. The dangerous delta variant was beginning to take hold throughout the U.S., and public health officials were only starting to understand that those who had been vaccinated could still spread the virus. As delta boosted case counts in midsummer, the CDC had to walk back its guidance to recommend that vaccinated people resume wearing masks indoors if they lived in an area with substantial or high transmission. This remains the recommendation. Yet, that initial announcement opened a door for many states and localities to repeal their mask requirements and never reinstate them, despite continued high levels of transmission nationwide.

“The unmasking order back in May was too hastily done,” Benjamin said. “That was a misstep.”

Also, Biden’s announcement in mid-August that booster shots would be available by Sept. 20 to all Americans preceded both the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation and the CDC’s guidance on boosters for everyone — another stumble. The FDA didn’t authorize boosters for all adults until November.

“I think people saw that as him making a political statement,” Benjamin said. “He knew that was where we were going, where the science was taking us. He got ahead of it.”

Overall, though, Biden followed the science, said the experts. Plus, implementing regular covid media briefings with scientists and public health leaders, and allowing Dr. Anthony Fauci, his chief medical adviser, to be front and center and not contradicting his advice, represented a meaningful change from the previous administration, when daily briefings were held but speakers often dismissed scientific evidence in favor of untested treatments and the president, himself, would dismiss the pandemic’s severity.

Biden also used the power of his office to advance certain public health measures. He issued vaccine mandates for federal employees and contractors, health care workers and certain companies. This has increased the number of people vaccinated, though the mandates, except for the one aimed at government workers, are on hold while objections work their way through the court system.

And, despite state rollbacks

u PAGE 7

3.4 million Pfizer...

PAGE 1 Jr., U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava, and other representatives. Another 1.62 million doses were delivered Tuesday, on December 21.

The 3.4 million doses are the largest single donation of the Pfizer vaccine to the Philippines from the 500 million made available by the U.S., a longtime ally and former colonizer of Manila.

In a statement on the donation released by the U.S. consulate, Variava also extended “heartfelt sympathies to those affected by Typhoon Odette,” the strongest storm to ravage the Philippines this year.

“We are supporting ongoing Philippine response efforts and exploring ways to further assist communities in need,” she added.

“We also remain committed to partnering with the Philippines to protect Filipinos from COVID-19.”

The U.S. said it has facilitated the delivery of more than 53 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Philippines as the largest donor to the COVAX facility. Of these doses, the embassy said, 22 million were donated by the American people.

The embassy added that the vaccines donated by the U.S. are enough to fully vaccinate 10% of all Filipinos.

In addition to vaccine donations, the U.S. said it provided the Philippines with more than P1.9 billion in COVID-19 assistance to support testing, critical care, communication campaigns, health worker protection and training, vaccine deployment, and necessary equipment and supplies. (Philstar.com) n

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Presidential bets call for urgent national government support for ‘Odette’ survivors

CALABARZON BECKONS. Quezon Province joins the launch of the Green Corridor Initiative at Lima Park Hotel in Malvar, Batangas on Saturday, December 18. The program links top visitor-ready destinations in the Calabarzon Region (4-A) - +Cavite (Tagaytay City, Silang, Alfonso, Maragondon), Laguna (San Pablo, Nagcarlan, Liliw), Batangas (Nasugbu, Calatagan, Taal, San Juan), Rizal (Antipolo, Angono, Taytay, Cainta), and Quezon (Real, Infanta, General Nakar).

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

‘PH needs permanent evacuation centers’

MANILA — The construction of permanent evacuation centers in the communities should be planned by the government to address the lack of facilities for victims of calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes.

Senatorial aspirant Gen. Guillermo Eleazar made the proposal after noticing the lack of evacuation centers for victims of Typhoon Odette.

Eleazar lamented that some of the victims had to be shel-

tered in covered courts or barangay halls while others stayed in classrooms during the typhoon.

“We cannot take away the fact that many typhoons pass our country each year, so we have to focus on preparing for these. Once elected, I will push in the Senate the establishment of strong and orderly evacuation centers where people can go during a typhoon or an earthquake,” he said in

Filipino.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways should be allocated with a specific budget for the construction of permanent evacuation centers.

“It’s better if we can have an evacuation facility in each city or municipality so we don’t have to use schools or basketball courts,” Eleazar, former national police chief, said.

(Philstar.com) n

PH no longer at last spot of Bloomberg’s monthly COVID-19 resiliency ranking

by John

Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines is no longer as the last spot in an international ranking that assesses the resiliency of selected countries in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, breaking a third-consecutive month combo when the country placed at a rock bottom of the list.

The archipelago now ranked 50 out of 53 countries in Bloomberg’s monthly COVID-19 resiliency ranking.

“The Philippines — ranked last the past three months —

edges up three places as restrictions were eased, vaccination rates improved and the positive test rate fell, suggesting that undetected infection is finally coming under control,” said Bloomberg in its report published Wednesday, December 22.

The indicators used in the Bloomberg report include vaccination coverage, virus containment, the severity of lockdowns, quality of healthcare, progress toward restarting travel, and the overall mortality throughout the pandemic.

Bloomberg noted that South-

east Asian countries continue to occupy the bottom rankings on the list for seven months in a row. Replacing the Philippines, Vietnam is now at the bottom of the list.

The vaccination rate continued to increase after the Philippine government administered a total of 101,656,214 vaccine doses with 45,284,617 individuals now fully vaccinated as of Wednesday.

The country saw a continuous decrease of cases despite the detection of three confirmed cases of Omicron variant of the new coronavirus. n

MANILA — Presidential aspirants on Monday, December 20, called on the national government to ramp up support for families displaced in the aftermath of the most destructive typhoon to hit the country after Yolanda in 2013.

Vice President Leni Robredo, who personally visited typhoon-hit areas over the weekend, called for support for Filipinos living in the Dinagat Islands where food and water supplies starting to dwindle. The province remains without electricity and other means of communication.

“Dinagat Islands badly need our help,” she said in Filipino. “The entire region still has no access to basic necessities [and residents are] running out of food.”

In a Facebook Live stream on updates from her visits to Bohol, Cebu, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao in Suigao del Norte, Robredo thanked the Coast Guard for helping her team and Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s in transporting relief goods to affected areas.

“What we saw in Surigao City was heartbreaking,” the vice president said. “People were weeping...and saying they thought they were forgotten.”

Government must act quickly’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer Bongbong Marcos, the son and namesake of the ousted dictator, also turned over P2 million in financial aid, along with some 2,000 food packs and 3,000 bags of rice to Surigao del Norte officials Monday.

Presidential aspirant and Sen. Manny Pacquiao said he would first wait for things to settle down before visiting in person. “I’m not needed there...Our soldiers and police who assist in relief and rescue operations will only be disturbed,” he said in Filipino according to a tweet report by CNN Philippines.

“We will go to them but not now because these things may be more chaotic to bring life back to normal in the devastated areas. What is important for me now is that we can extend our help to them,” he also said.

For his part, Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer and Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno called on the Insurance Commission to speed up the processing of insurance claims of Typhoon Odette victims.

“Their houses and businesses were destroyed, so the insurance companies must act quickly,” he said at a campaign event in Calasiao, Pangasinan.

“The government that we expect must act quickly and the insurance companies must immediately give the claim of the victims because life is very difficult in the area that Odette destroyed,” he also said in Filipino.

Also on Monday, 37 councilors from the

Manila City government pooled funds for a total of P370,000 to go to victims of Odette as part of the city’s relief efforts under Moreno.

“We made an appeal to all chairmen and councilors what they can spare and learn from their hearts like what happened in Cagayan...we were also able to receive other donations such as clothing, sacks of rice, food packs, anything that they are willing to give,” Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna said.

“The government needs to be there to have peace of mind that [the people have] something to lean on, that what he has planted, no matter what happens, he has a government to lean on in the time of the flood, the time of trouble...the government must have a program to give peace to our countrymen because our country is sure to always have disasters,” Moreno said.

Without naming anyone, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade in a statement issued later Monday called for a stop to what he said was the “politicization” of efforts to aid those who were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

He went on to say that “the DOTr has been working quietly while many were making noise.”

Earlier on Sunday, December 19, Partido Lakas ng Masa standard-bearer and labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman called on President Rodrigo Duterte to “stop the charade and swiftly act” on measures to help typhoon victims.

Government out of money?

“Let’s stop this drama that isn’t even believable. Many have been devastated. It is the duty of the government to immediately respond to the basic needs of our countrymen affected by typhoon Odette. We expect the government’s readiness in such situations,” he said in a statement in Filipino.

De Guzman called attention to what he said was the billions in unused calamity funds from the 2021 budget, that the budget department justified in May 2021, as a ‘stand-by fund” for emergencies such as calamities.

“Remember that Duterte was one of the politicians who became famous for his immediate action when we were hit byTyphoon Yolanda. He also strongly criticized the then administration for its unpreparedness at the time. The situation seems to have been reversed. His statement is clear proof of their unpreparedness. He cannot say that the funds set aside for the disaster were affected by the fund squandered by Pharmally.”

This comes after Duterte over the weekend said that his government was still looking for funds to support typhoon victims because public coffers were “immensely depleted” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Philstar.com) n

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OpiniOn

An industry in the ICU

Features

BUSINESSES are coming back to life as pandemic restrictions are eased.

One industry, however, has been in the intensive care unit even before COVID struck: the fireworks manufacturers and dealers, based mostly in Bulacan. The government must decide whether it wants to get the industry out of the ICU or just have it incinerated for good.

As part of efforts to make the New Year revelry safe, the government has discouraged the use of firecrackers, imposing a ban on potentially deadly products and tightening regulation of the manufacture, distribution and sale. From Dec. 21, 2020 to Jan. 1, 2021, the fireworks-related injuries were down 85 percent from the previous year, from 340 cases to just 49, with no cases of fireworks ingestion or death.

The industry, however, blames injuries and deaths on substandard or unsafe products churned out by unlicensed operators. At stake, according to industry players, are the livelihoods of an estimated 200,000 people not only in Bulacan but also in other areas where fireworks are made or distributed.

Industry players have lamented that law enforcers and consumers alike have been confused by the passage of Republic Act 7183 in 1992 and the release of Executive Order 28 in 2017 by President Duterte. RA 7183 and the

EO regulate the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, but some people erroneously think the law and EO have banned the products altogether.

Industry players also lament the proliferation of mom-and-pop backyard enterprises that produce firecrackers in dangerous environments, with some employing even minors. The result is the proliferation of substandard or unsafe products.

RA 7183 seeks to impose quality controls on the industry, but unlicensed operators continue to undermine the law.

Even before the sale and use of fireworks were tightened, poor quality control had made the industry suffer from imported competition. The flood of imports prompted calls for the industry to develop export-quality products. Around the world, firecrackers and other pyrotechnics continue to be widely used during celebrations.

As another New Year in the time of COVID approaches, the beleaguered fireworks industry

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

will be meeting with authorities to discuss the proper implementation of the law and EO. At the same time, the government must decide whether it should provide assistance to an industry in the

development of products that are not only safe to use in the country but also of such quality that they can compete with the world’s best. (Philstar. com)

Christmas – a new journey of optimism and hope

As A Matter of Fact Sara Soliven De Guzman JUST as we were about to begin our nine-day Advent novena prayer (or Simbang Gabi) last week, Super Typhoon Odette hit the Visayas and Mindanao islands with strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges that destroyed homes, uprooted trees and toppled power lines.

Super Typhoon Odette, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, is the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. It made landfall nine times, causing massive floods in: (1) Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte; (2) Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands; (3) Liloan, Southern Leyte; (4) Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte; (5) President Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol; (6) Bien Unido, Bohol; (7) Carcar, Cebu; (8) La Libertad, Negros Occidental; (9) Roxas, Palawan.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) initially reported that millions of households were affected, over 330,000 people were evacuated. The typhoon left over 63 cities and municipalities without electricity, affected 73 seaports and had over 160 domestic and international flights cancelled.

Typhoon Odette exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. According to initial reports from the local government units, the typhoon

left over a dozen people dead and caused huge destruction in parts of Mindanao and the Visayas. “Our landscape in the aftermath is reminiscent of, if not worse than, when Yolanda hit our province,” Dinagat Governor Arlene Bag-ao said.

According to DPWH Undersecretary Emerson Benitez, damage to infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges alone, has been estimated at P178.4 million. This does not include buildings and private structures.

The provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Biliran, Leyte and Eastern Samar experienced power interruption.

By the way, in the midst of this typhoon, I was changing channels both on the radio and on my television set, hoping to find up to date news about how the typhoon has hit the different areas but to my dismay no station covered this disaster as extensively as how ABS-CBN did in the past. In hindsight, President Duterte and his allies in the House of Representatives shouldn’t have closed ABSCBN. They should have just sanctioned the station to pay up to their mistakes, if any. They should actually acknowledge how this station has helped our country bring the news from North to South and from East to West and how it has grown significant in helping the country. Our poorly equipped PTV channel doesn’t have the ability to do the job of such public service. This is one endeavor our future leader must actually

prioritize.

Well, this double-whammy situation with the threat of COVID-19 virus (and numbers rising again) still lingering around is quite devastating.

Those in evacuation centers must continue to protect themselves with face masks and get vitamins to boost their immune systems. But how can they even think of any safety precautions when survival is the priority.

This is where government must exert more effort in creating good and effective systems in providing temporary shelter, food, clothing, medicine and other basic needs to the people. * * * Isn’t this very timely? Is God trying to send us a message?

While everyone is politicking amidst the pandemic, He sends us a typhoon. Not just a storm but a super typhoon, the strongest ever.

Truly, we can always see the worst and best in our leaders during a disaster. By their deeds you will know them (Matthew 7:16). You know who are sincere in reaching out. Those who care versus those who are callous and cold. Those who are pretending to care. In Filipino, the term “pakitang tao” describes how our public servants are like today. They only come out to show off. They want people to believe that they are sincere and truthful in their words, actions and deeds but in reality there is a very dark side to them.

In fact, they can easily sway and influence the masa, making the poor and illiterate adore them, hail them as their savior, their answered prayer. Little

do they know how much they abuse power and steal from the country’s coffers. These dirty politicians have made an industry out of governance. They are the very reason we continue to suffer and why we never progress.

The sad fact is that Filipinos allow bad leaders to easily influence them. Even with lessons from history already written and told, many choose to ignore the stories, allowing corruption, greed and abusive power to prevail without making them accountable. Many of the poor and illiterate are easily swayed by money. They are not principled enough to fight for what is right, to help protect our country from the force of evil and to sustain their future. On the day of the elections, they are easily lured by what they will receive from the corrupt politician, forgetting the suffering and sacrifices of the life they live. So, this vicious cycle will continue to repeat itself unless our people start to think right.

By this tragic event, a week before Christmas, isn’t God giving us a chance to cleanse our hearts and our spirits? One more chance to clearly see right from wrong, good from bad? I am pretty sure that this nation is tired of the politicians from the Old Order. Aren’t we weary of the contending political parties of the Old Republic or the apparently “new” parties, party-lists and groups that have sprung up, cloaking old ambitions in the trappings of a new crusade?

My late father would always get annoyed by the word “new” in every political slogan. He

would quip – the word “new” is a bit frayed and has gotten discredited over the years, with such flashy titles as “New Society,” “New Filipino” and “New Republic” being tarnished and misused. But what is called for is a New Opposition and a fresh array of leaders who have not been scarred or tarred by the old politics.

Just as Christmas was born in Bethlehem to signal the conclusion and fulfillment of the Old Testament, a New Political Tes-

tament must be laid out to give the Filipino people an opportunity to begin anew, to start out on a journey of optimism and hope.

Here’s wishing everyone God’s love and protection in the coming days, in the coming year. Merry Christmas! *** 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.

On the record with Governor Gavin Newsom: California continues to lead the fight against COVID-19

Commentary

Governor Gavin newSom SINCE the early days of the pandemic, California has led the nation’s fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts rooted in science and data. This has helped slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities – someone’s parent and friend, and each of them a Californian.

We’ve been meeting people where they are, from partnering with local grocery stores, schools, and barbershops, to developing media content in more than 19 languages to reach California’s richly diverse

communities. California’s public health measures are working, and much of our success can be attributed to our greatest tool to ending the pandemic: vaccines.

December 14 marks the oneyear anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in California. We began by prioritizing vaccinations for our frontline health care workers and vulnerable older adults.

Today, after a year of working in partnership with the federal government, local public health and community partners, millions of Californians aged 5 and older are now protected and helping to protect others from this deadly virus.

We’ve administered 62

million doses – more than any other state. Eighty six percent of all eligible Californians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and more than 6 million adults have received a booster.

I am so proud that Californians are quite literally rolling up their sleeves to help end the pandemic and keep each other safer.

The state has also made tremendous strides in closing vaccination equity gaps among our most vulnerable communities. Thanks to our dynamic partnerships with more than 130 faith-based and 700 community-based organizations, 77 percent of Californians living in our least healthy neighborhoods ages 12

and up have received at least one dose. Our work is far from over.

We must continue to practice basic safety tips to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities against COVID-19.

This starts with getting fully vaccinated if you haven’t already, and getting your booster.

Simply put, vaccination can help you avoid serious illness, hospitalization and death. It is also important that we wear a mask indoors – especially when we are uncertain of everyone’s vaccination status – keep gatherings short, small and outside if possible, get tested if you’re exposed to the virus, experiencing symptoms,

or planning to travel, and stay home if you’re feeling sick.

It is especially important for those who are fully vaccinated to get their booster. This includes those 16 and up who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months prior, those 18 and up who received the Moderna vaccine at least six months before, and those 18 and over who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities. Even with the emergence of the Omicron variant, Californians have many reasons to remain hopeful because our state continues to move forward in the right

direction.

I want to end this column with a personal note to each and every Californian. Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19. I wish you all a very happy holiday season with heartfelt wishes for a happy, safer, and brighter new year to come.

For the latest information on the Omicron variant go to CDPH. ca.gov and to find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose, visit MyTurn.ca.gov. To find a COVID-19 testing site, call (833) 422-4255 or visit your local county public health website.

(Ethnic Media Services)

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

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BUDGET CUT. National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) vice chair, Hermogenes Esperon Jr., answers queries on the NTF-ELCAC budget for Barangay Development Program (BDP) for 2022 during an ambush media interview at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Monday, December 20. Esperon said the NTF-ELCAC will make do with the P17.1 billion budget allocation, which is much lower than the P28.1 billion earlier proposed by Malacañang to Congress for the task force’s BDP for areas freed from the insurgency.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

The vaccine rollout was a success. But...

PAGE 4 of mask mandates, the president has continued to require masking in areas under his control, including within the interstate transportation and air travel industries and in federal buildings. He also signed a $1.9 trillion covid relief law in March that provided financial assistance to people in the form of stimulus checks, child tax credits and additional unemployment benefits, as well as aid to states and local governments.

However, one area in which government efforts have been severely lacking is covid testing, said every public health expert we consulted.

“We need more availability of at-home rapid tests. There shouldn’t be shortages,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, which represents state and local public health agencies.

The Biden administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to ramp up production of rapid tests, and is providing tests free of charge to community health clinics and requiring private insurance companies to reimburse consumers for tests they buy.

It could do more, said Jen Kates, director of global health and HIV policy at KFF. “They still haven’t gone to the next step and bought tests and sent them to every household, to really blanket the country with tests,” Kates said.

That would prove especially vital if the U.S. does indeed experience a winter surge due to delta and omicron as anticipated.

Variants, especially delta, have caused more serious disease symptoms than other forms of the covid virus, exacerbating the challenge of battling the pandemic this year. Still, data shows that covidrelated death rates were far higher among the unvaccinated than the vaccinated. The volume of people unwilling to get the shot because of vaccine

hesitancy or misinformation may have contributed to the high number of covid deaths in 2021, which have surpassed 2020, said Kates.

In addition, covid vaccines weren’t widely available to everyone in the U.S. until May. Plus, during 2020, much of the U.S. was locked down at home, while many activities have resumed in 2021, with increased opportunities for viral spread.

Still, under Biden, according to the latest metrics, more than 61% of the U.S. population — and 72% of adults — have been fully vaccinated against covid.

“I think we should really be celebrating the 70% more,” Plescia said. “For adult vaccinations, we never get anywhere close to that number with other vaccines, like influenza.”

Yet, as the nation stares down omicron, the country braces for increasing cases amid continued uncertainty over when the pandemic will finally end.

Experts agreed the U.S. has made positive gains in its efforts against covid this year, but there is more work to do. Testing, continuing to encourage vaccinations and boosters in the U.S., and providing shots to the world — to help prevent future variants — are the only ways to reach a point where covid becomes endemic, they said.

“We are in a different place. Last year we needed vaccines. Now we need to get to the point where testing is the norm,” Wen said. “This is how we’re going to live with covid in our lives in the future and is how we as America will be able to move on.”

This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. n

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ANNOUNCEMENT

EMPLOYMENT SD#0086

Advertisement for Bids Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services to: REPLACE REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT AND INSTALL NEW SHADE STRUCTURE AT THE COLD STORAGE FACILITY A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022, at the flag pole outside of Strategic Sourcing and Contracts, 2351 Cardinal Dr. Building M, San Diego, CA 92123. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK. Please send only one representative per Company.

Contact jalmond@sandi.net for the link to preregister. PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS (No. CP22-0749-23).

REVISED COVID-19 SITE WALK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE ENFORCED Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CP22-0749-23) for Site Walk Safety Precautions AND preregistration information. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on JANUARY 21, 2022. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP22-0749-23 Cold Storage Facility Refrigeration Equipment and Shade Structure. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $1 million and $1.2 million. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Andrea O’Hara, M.A., Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Officer, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP22-0749-23

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

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. 2021-9025720

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9025850

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. 2021-9026120

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9026330

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

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9027690 Tony Independi located at 7543 Black Oak Rd., San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Sergio Ortiz Cervantes, 429 E. 9th Street, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Sergio Ortiz Cervantes.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/15/2021.

AJ 842 12/24/2021.

12/31/2021, 01/07/2022, and 01/14/2021.

AJSD 842

SAN DIEGO

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 24-30, 2021

JOURNAL

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D EC E M B E R 24 , 2 0 2 1

Dissecting the classic Noche Buena spread I

by Ritchel

Mendiola / AJPress

F the long list of Christmas trends and traditions was any indication, Filipinos love celebrating the yuletide season. Be it decorating the house with lanterns and ornaments as early as the Ber months begin, going Christmas caroling, or completing Simbang Gabi, Filipinos are known to never run out of ways to signify the festivities.

However, nothing marks the season more than preparing the Noche Buena spread.

Noche Buena, which is Spanish for “night of goodness,” is an important Filipino custom that brings together two of Filipinos’ most beloved things: food and family.

After attending the last Mass of Simbang Gabi on Christmas Eve, Filipinos go back home to a large feast adorning the dining table. The spread of various dishes is then shared with their extended families and invited friends as they welcome Christmas Day. And while every Noche Buena spread is different, there are still a couple of staple dishes that you’re likely to find in every Filipino household. Here are some of them: • Christmas ham or hamon – this mainstay dish is not only found on dinner tables, but in Christmas care packages gifted to friends and/or employees, as well. The hamon is usually marinated in pineapple juice, sugar, salt and spices, for that sweet and savory flavor all Filipinos crave.

• Keso de bola – this ball of Edam cheese, which usually has a red paraffin wax covering, is the perfect companion for the beloved hamon.

• Lechon – no Filipino festivity is ever complete without lechong baboy (roasted pig). This popular delicacy is usually stuffed with spices such as

lemongrass, garlic, onions, laurel, ground black peppercorn, and salt, and then roasted on a large bamboo spit over an open fire. Filipino lechons are also popular for their perfectly crispy skin, and flavorful tender meat.

• Kakanin – sweet, sticky, and rice-based cakes like bibingka and puto bumbong are the crowd favorites especially after attending Simbang Gabi, but these also never leave the dining table during Noche Buena.

• Lumpiang shanghai – this finger food is the Filipino version of spring rolls. Deep-fried and stuffed with ground pork, green onions, carrots, and water chestnuts, this crunchy bite-sized dish is everyone’s favorite appetizer to eat before the main dish.

• Fruit salad – this one is the Filipinos’ choice dessert for the holiday season. It’s very easy to make: just mix a drained canned fruit cocktail with cream and sweetened condensed milk in a large container, refrigerate it for a few hours, and you’re good to go.

The Noche Buena is the most-anticipated dinner gathering of the year, and with all these dishes served on the table, it’s easy to see why. But more than that, the highlight of Noche Buena is being able to share the feast with your family, bonding over good food, stories, and love. n

Watch out! Pechanga hosts 2 live Filipino shows in March, April 2022

PECHANGA Resort Casino, the multi-awarded casino hub in Southern California, besting all the other ranking casinos in the United States, recently announced twin treats for its patrons this New Year of 2022.

Live comedy will kick-off with Filipino entertainers in a show billed as “T.K.O. (Tawanan! Kantahan! Overload!)” led

by Negi, Wacky Kiray, MC, and Lassy, capped by special guest stars — Buboy Drilon and Kris Lawrence.

Pechanga Resort Casino is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed at providing the ultimate experience especially to its Filipino-American guests.

T.K.O.’s hours-long performances will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 8 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased, and starts at $38.

“Threelogy,” meanwhile, features another set of wellknown Filipino entertainers engaged in rendering award-winning music, and are set to perform live on Saturday, April 22, 2022.

To cap the new year, Pechanga presents Erik Santos, Morrissette Amon, and Christian Bautista — a “three-in-one” packaged performance that will deliver the most sought-after pop songs made famous internationally.

Interested patrons may purchase tickets ahead of time

with a starting price of $68.

Both tickets for T.K.O and Threelogy, as well as reservations, may be done by calling 888-810-8871 or online at www. pechanga.com.

Shows at the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience.

With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-of-theart and acoustically perfected sound. Enjoying favorite artists at Pechanga versus other venues proves effortless with free valet and self-parking for guests, gourmet and casual dining options on site, plus comfortable chairs and an up-close view from every theater seat.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay.

Pechanga offers more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

AJPress Illustration by Jillian Peñalosa

Fil-Canadian is the latest winner of ‘Survivor’

by Kristofer

Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINA Canadian Erika Casupanan was crowned the winner of the 41st season of the American reality competition show “Survivor,” becoming the first Filipino and Canadian to become the “sole survivor.”

Collecting seven votes from eight jury members at the Final Tribal Council, Casupanan becomes the show’s third winner of Asian descent, following “Cook Islands’” Yul Kwon and “San Juan del Sur’s” Natalie Anderson.

She is also the first female “Survivor” winner since Season 34 “Game Changers’” Sarah Lacina in 2017.

“If you want any proof that we’re in a new era of ‘Survivor’ is that I am the winner, a Filipino immigrant woman who lives in Canada, and I won the game,” Casupanan said in an Instagram

Erika Casupunan was crowned the winner of the 41st season of the American reality competition show “Survivor”.

Photo from Instagram/@survivorcbs

post after her victory aired on what you believe in... you can television. “I don’t care what win the game. I’m proof.” you look like, sound like, where Casupanan also said she would you’re from, your background, u PAGE 11

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DECEMBER 24-30, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

SFIO leadership team: ordinary people with exceptional dedication, passion

SFIO is an asset management company focused on innovation through disruptive collaborations across its three key industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real Estate, and Technology. With a strong presence across New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines, as well as a roadmap for further global expansion, SFIO makes strategic investments in high-growth businesses, building synergies across its diverse portfolio to provide maximum shareholder value.

Guided by tradition, driven by innovation, and enabled by collaboration — SFIO is on a hyper-growth path to build a thriving business ecosystem, with plans to uplist onto a major stock exchange in the near future.

It is a company full of potential and it recently released the composition of its leadership team. These are ordinary people with extraordinary passion & dedication, leading SFIO as it navigates its ambitious roadmap.

Here’s a glimpse at the leadership team who will be guiding SFIO and helping concretize its plans: • Jeths D. Lacson, CPEng, CAMA – Chairman and CEO of SFIO

Jeths D. Lacson

Mark G. Epifanio

Richard Agluba

Michael Luis Venezuela

Chito Galvez

Jorge Gabin

Elvin Alcala

Richard Prodigalidad

Jonathan Petalver

Roger Oriel

Jeths is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Starfleet Innotech, Inc. He is also the CoFounder of Epiphany Café, Ardent Bakers, Gorgeous Coffee and A+ Electrical. Furthermore, Jeths is a Chartered Professional Electrical Engineer and Certified Asset Management Assessor for ISO 55001, with over 15 years of professional and leadership experience in different industries.

Jeths graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Mapua University in the Philippines.

His expertise is in Asset Management and Business Development. Jeths was formerly one of the lead technical consultants in setting up a Polytechnic University in Saudi Arabia for the Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC) in New Zealand. He was also responsible for leading a team that manages the multi-million operational and capital expenditures of an electricity distribution company in Hamilton, New Zealand.

• Mark G. Epifanio, CPEng – Chief Operations Officer of SFIO

Mark is the Chief Operations Officer of SFIO. He oversees day-to-day operations to support the growth and add to the bottom line of the organization. He focuses on strategic planning and goalsetting and directs the operations of the company in support of the company’s goals. He also cofounded Epiphany Cafe, Ardent Bakers, Gorgeous Coffee, and A+ Electrical.

Mark has over 16 years of combined industry experience from business development, franchising, distribution, and food manufacturing. Mark was formerly managing the business development of ethical products within the pharmaceutical industry. Mark graduated with a Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao, Philippines in 2002. Mark is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and APEC Engineer in Australia with areas of expertise in Leadership and Management and Asset Management. Mark is currently a Director of Epiphany Café and AIG. His ability to generate strategic partnerships and spearhead the growth and development of the company led the Board of Directors to the conclusion that he should serve as Chief Operations Officer. His expertise is in Asset Management and Business Development.

• Richard Agluba – Chief Secretary of SFIO

Richard is the Secretary of SFIO. He is responsible for the efficient administration of the company and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and implementing decisions made by the Board of Directors. Richard has over 20 years of experience in Electrical Design and Project Engineering with a demonstrated history of working in the Electrical Utility, Oil and Gas industry, Residential, Commercial & Industrial environment. Richard has been involved in multi-million-dollar projects in Saudi Arabia where he was in charge of Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation equipment ordering, Factory testing, Installation and Commissioning support which he handles a group of Electrical Engineers, Technicians and Electricians. He has also handled the design of Substations and Project Engineering of a multi-million-dollar Electrical Substation upgrading project in New Zealand.

Richard graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Manuel L. Quezon University and a diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saint Louis, both in the Philippines.

Richard is also a member of Engineering New Zealand (MEngNZ) and a registered Electrician under the Electrical Workers Registration Board, New Zealand. Richard is a current Director of A+ Electrical and AIG. His various exposures in different companies have led the Board of Directors to the conclusion that he should serve as the chief secretary of the company.

• Michael Luis Venezuela, CPA – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SFIO

Michael is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SFIO. He is a fully Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) in Australia, and managing director of a CPA public practice firm called MLV Accounting Pty Ltd,. He is also a registered SMSF Auditor and a registered tax agent in Australia.

Michael finished with a double degree of BS Business Administration and Accountancy from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in 1991. He passed the CPA board exams in Manila in November 1991 and became a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) in the same year. Michael worked as an audit staff at SGV & Co (Ernst & Young Manila) and started several businesses in the Philippines.

Michael migrated to Australia in 2002 and became a fully qualified member of CPA Australia. He worked in several suburban accounting firms and eventually started MLV Accounting, a Melbournebased CPA public practice that has grown by 20-30% annually since 2013. Presently, his accounting firm has 4,000 to 5,000 clients across Australia, serving clients of diverse multicultural backgrounds and businesses.

DIVISIONAL MANAGERS • Chito Galvez – Franchise Business Division

Chito Galvez has over 35 years of experience in franchise business development, retail site expansion, sales building, customer service, negotiations, and business relationship building. He held senior management positions in renowned companies in Asia such as SM Prime Holdings, Chowking Food Corporation, and Jollibee Food Corporation and has extensive experiences gained from working in several countries which include the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, India, and New Zealand.

• Jorge Gabin – Coffee Business Division

Jorge Gabin has over 25 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, as well as factory, operations, supply chain, management, logistics, and coffee roasting. He has extensive experience in food production, wine and spirits, and animal pharmaceuticals. Jorge led the team at Universal Robina Corporation (URC-Philippines) towards the plant’s certification to ISO9002, GMP and Halal.

He is also the current director of Gorgeous Coffee Co. in New Zealand.

• Elvin Alcala – Property Development Division

Elvin has over 25 years of experience in master planning, architectural design, interior design, and property development. He led numerous architectural firms in several Residential, Commercial, Public and Urban, Industrial and Institutional development projects. His collective professional experience includes stints in Singapore, the Philippines, and New Zealand.

• Richard Prodigalidad – Software & Technology Division

Richard Prodigalidad is the CEO at LEENTech Network Solutions Inc., managing an IT-BPO company based in the Philippines and a Co-Founder of several tech startups in the Philippines with over 15 years of experience in consulting, developing, managing and deploying software applications, turnkey websites, e-Commerce, internet portals, CMS Development, Online Business Solutions projects, Security Auditing and Internet Consulting. His collective experience include Technical Research & Business development, Cloud Computing, Offshore Service Management, Web Marketing & CMS Solutions, Server Administration, Remote Monitoring & Penetration Testing and Advanced Computer Troubleshooting. Richard has the ability to facilitate seminars, symposiums, and speeches in web design, security solutions, and ethical hacking related topics, and has a strong background in leading, developing, and executing ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

• Jonathan Petalver – Fundraising

Coach Jonathan Petalver is the CEO and Co-founder of the Global Academy, headquartered in New Zealand, with offices in New York, Melbourne, Dubai, and Manila. He has designed and developed programs for more than 25 years. In addition, he has conducted and facilitated masterclass programs in entrepreneurship and business leadership across Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe.

Coach Petalver is actively doing coaching programs and pursuing his PhD in Business Leadership.

Coach Jonathan will lead the strategic Business Education Roadshows for SFIO.

• Roger Oriel – Member, Advisory Board

Roger Oriel is a businessman, investor and leader. His breadth of knowledge and experience is tied to scaling and leading companies in numerous industries. Since 1991, he has served as the Publisher and CEO of Asian Journal Publications Inc., one of the largest Asian multimedia companies in the United States with a focus on the Filipino American community. He is the Chairman of the Board of Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate and Development, the developer of Lombard by the Bay in Montemaria, Batangas City, Philippines. Roger is the Chairman of the Board of Napa Valley Distribution, Inc., a distribution company for Montemaria Cellars and House of Pacquiao, a private label wine brand. Most recently, Roger became a Board of Directors for BayaniPay, a Los Angelesbased fintech innovator providing cross border financial services to millions of Filipinos to bridge the gap for Filipinos in the U.S. and the Philippines. He’s also the Chairman of the Board of Trending Entertainment, Inc., a Hybrid immersive and digitally interactive Streaming and Entertainment Company that offers platforms for all things trending to appeal to a wider variety of audiences.

• Jose Gerardo Noble – Member, Advisory Board

Jose, or “Jinggoy,” has more than 25 years of business experience from various industries, including banking and stock brokering. A graduate of De La Salle University with a degree in BS Legal Management, Jinggoy began his career with Far East Bank and Trust Co. before working as an Investment Analyst with Pryce Securities Inc. for 5 years. However, it is in the real estate business where he spent the majority of his time working only for the largest developers (Ayala and SM) while earning several awards during that span. He is a licensed real estate broker and is currently the

Jose Gerardo Noble

Deputy Sales Head of SM Development Corporation, managing between 400 to 500 of the company’s organic sellers. Under his leadership, the team has delivered an annual average of P30B ($600M) in sales for SMDC for the past two years.

Jinggoy is also an experienced entrepreneur and restaurateur dating back to 2012 when he opened up his first franchise – Hap Chan Tea House in the Mall of Asia Complex. Since then, he has opened up five more branches, while also venturing into another franchise called Mesa-Modern Filipino Cuisine that has three branches to date. To complement his businesses, Jinggoy co-founded FJ Prime Management Inc., a service management company, back in 2016. FJPMI currently handles four restaurants and has consulted for business owners who have opened restaurants in the Philippines.

FJPMI also recently partnered with the Mercato Group of entrepreneur RJ Ledesma to open its very first cloud kitchen in Makati City. As both an entrepreneur and real estate professional, Jinggoy currently manages a property portfolio of rental units in BGC, Makati and the Bay City area. A businessman, investor and sales leader, Jinggoy is first and foremost a husband and a father.

SFIO has put in place a team of capable and knowledgeable professionals to support the expansion of the company. The capability of the team will be an asset of SFIO by providing multiple business opportunities with hyper-growth potential and a high level of stability and viability. With that being said, SFIO has a powerful business team to form more lucrative solutions and products at the forefront of innovation that will suit the needs of their customers.

(Advertising Supplement)

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 24-30, 2021

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Road improvement project Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Alex and Maia to alleviate perpetual Shibutani are ‘leading with a champion mind’ flooding on major AARP hosted panel of Winter Olympians to share how resilience helped shape their lives and careers roadway in Otay Mesa

Airway Road currently closed to all traffic due to flooding; upcoming project aims to reduce issues

SAN DIEGO – Due to flooding on all travel lanes along Airway Road, west of La Media Road in Otay Mesa, the busy corridor is currently closed to traffic. This location is a low point for the surrounding drainage area and has been subjected to inundation for years with water flowing from many different sources. Southbound La Media Road continues to remain open for traffic.

Over the past few months, City of San Diego crews have successfully pumped away standing water at the Airway Road location, allowing the road to be reopened following flood events.

Recently, due to the continued flow of water even during dry weather, the soil and surrounding drainage area has been saturated and, as a result, pumping is not a sufficient solution to remove the water.

“We are working closely with our regional partners in Otay Mesa to address the causes of this flooding, but safety concerns have prompted the closure,” said Jorge Riveros, Director of the City’s Transportation Department. “Any water intrusion into traffic lanes can render a road unsafe for use. This site currently has all travel lanes submerged and is impassable.”

Inspections conducted by the city’s Transportation and Stormwater departments have determined that flooding on Airway Road is being caused by rains, leaking irrigation systems and ground water discharges. The city is communicating with the Otay Mesa Water District to address recent infrastructure issues in the area, as well as adjacent property owners and businesses, and the Otay Chamber of Commerce. This location has long been considered a natural drainage area.

Over the next few years, the city will be planning for a long-term solution with the La Media Road Improvement Project. This project will widen and elevate La Media Road between SR-905 to Siempre Viva Road and improve drainage at the intersection of La Media Road and Airway Road. The project will complete design early next year and the construction of an elevated roadway and enhanced drainage systems are expected to be complete in 2025.

City crews will continue to monitor the flooding at Airway Road and determine if the road is safe to reopen. Flooding, overirrigation and other discharges of water onto city streets can be reported using Get It Done or by calling 858-541-4300.

(City of San Diego Release) n

AFTER a challenging year of navigating the “double pandemic” of COVID-19 and the rise of anti-Asian hate, AARP brought together generations of Asian American Olympians who embody resilience and excellence on December 16 for “Leading with a Champion Mind.” The live virtual panel celebrated the strength of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and shared how to be more resilient.

Olympic gold medalist speed skater Apolo Ohno moderated the uplifting conversation with panelists Olympic gold medalist figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and two-time Olympic bronze medalist figure skaters, Alex and Maia Shibutani.

According to AARP, mindfulness can help one be more resilient because it keeps people in touch with what’s happening in the moment. Whenever someone practices mindfulness, it bolsters and protects them against feeling powerless and lacking control, especially during challenging events.

“Something that has worked for me, that I probably wouldn’t have been able to articulate back when I was training, is the ability to pause and reflect,” said Apolo Ohno, the most decorated U.S. male Winter Olympian of all time. “We are living in a time

where we’re always reacting to things. We can have more mindfulness over our thoughts and actions. Sometimes we react in a way that doesn’t truly suit the outcome that we desire. We can [learn to] zoom out to gain a better perspective.”

Resilient people often seek social support to help them overcome a difficult situation. They lean on family and friends or request assistance from experts.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. A lot of times we try to take things on ourselves.

I’ve learned along the way that there are many people willing to be mentors,” said Kristi Yamaguchi, founder of Always Dream, a nonprofit whose mission is to advance early childhood literacy.

“We are afraid to bother someone or ask for something, but I am certainly not where I am [to-

day] because I did it on my own.

All along the way, there’s always been someone there as a support system. Surround yourself with some quality people and you’ll learn quality.”

Although resilience is a quality that you possess, you can work on becoming more resilient by adopting certain habits or practices.

“Knowing the direction that you want to head in is important, then break it down into small goals so that you have a sense of time and direction,” said Maia Shibutani, who, with her brother Alex, was the second sibling duo in the history of the sport to win an Ice Dance medal. “We both find it very helpful to communicate with each other. If you don’t have someone that you feel that you can talk to, journaling can also be incredibly helpful and

important so that you make sure that you’re reflecting and checking in with yourself.”

When many things are beyond someone’s control, they can still make decisions that impact their lives that may help boost their resilience and help them learn to cope better with adversity. When they tap into their reserves of mental toughness and inner strength, they can feel more positive and in control.

“For everything that we do, we set a feasible plan. When you have a long term goal that you’re trying to reach, whether it’s happiness or fulfillment, or the next chapter of your life, there are certain checkpoints along the way,” said Alex Shibutani, who along with his sister Maia, became the first ice dancers of Asian descent to medal at the Olympics. “And Maia will hold me accountable. Having someone who you feel you can share your fears with, and also celebrate your successes with along the way, makes it feel less isolating, especially during this time when we are so physically isolated from each other.”

To be a part of their journey and hear about other upcoming events, or to access this recorded event, follow the AARP AAPI community on Facebook (@ AARPAAPI) and Twitter (@AARPAAPI). n

Fil-Canadian is the latest...

PAGE 9 love to see more beautiful diverse winners of the show following her win.

Game progress Casupanan was born in Hermosa, Bataan and migrated with her family to Toronto, Canada where she currently resides.

She was cast for “Survivor 41,” which features a diverse cast after a new commitment by the show to feature 50% of contestants who are people of color. In 2020 however, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the show to be filmed in April-May in Fiji this year—the traditional 39-day game was also cut to 26 days, incorporating more twists to make up for the lost days.

Casupanan was part of the successful Luvu tribe that won every challenge up to the traditional merge, meaning she and her tribemates never had to go to tribal council and vote someone out.

Though initially having a quiet start, Casupanan’s gameplay blossomed when she was sent into exile and overturned the results of a challenge to allot immunity to other players, including herself.

Post-merge she reunited with her old teammates to take out former members of the rival Yase tribe as well as the players holding immunity idols, namely Naseer Muttalif and Shan Smith.

Casupanan formed a strong relationship with Luvu tribemate Heather Aldret; together they ensured to be on the right side of the votes, and were a formidable threat at challenges, winning immunity twice.

Despite being his closest competitor for the title of sole survivor, fellow finalist Xander Hastings selected Casupanan to join him in the Final 3— his explanation was to avoid Casupanan boosting her resume should she become victorious in a fire-making challenge.

Casupanan made her case at the Final Tribal Council, explaining her subtle moves to navigate her way through the

second half of the game and her social skills as reasons that she deserved to win. She received all but one vote from the jury, which went to co-finalist Deshawn Radden.

‘Looking like a lamb, playing like a lion’ During her two days in exile, which became pivotal to her future performance, Casupunan admitted she broke down in tears because she came from a strong tribe but was not selected for the merge feast.

In her private interview with the production crew, Casupanan shared the challenges of being a young Filipino in Canada and her parents’ struggle to give her family a good life.

“Everything [my parents] did set me up with the skills to achieve what I want to do,” the eventual victor said through broken tears. “Me being on Survivor is like a love letter to my parents to let them know that everything they did gave me what I need to survive out here.”

“The way that I look really affects the way people treat me,” Casupanan later said after her victory, sharing that she is always mistaken for a minor or an intern when in truth she is “the one pulling the strings.”

She added that she had no ego about how she was going to play, “The path to the end didn’t have to be pretty, I just had to get there.”

Her mantra for the game, which inspired the title for the this season’s sixth episode, became a resurgence where she would be “still looking like a lamb, but ready to play like a lion.”

“Survivor” is an American reality competition series where contestants must live in the wilderness, win challenges, navigate social politics through alliances and voting people out in order to become the “sole survivor.”

The show has taken place in the Philippines four times, from Season 25 to 28, shot in Caramoan, Camarines Sur and Palaui Island, Cagayan. n

“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.

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Please enjoy our wines responsibily.

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DECEMBER 24-30, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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