Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) April 10, 2021 by Balita Media, Inc

LOS ANGELES EDITION

Sinovac data show no major side effects on elderly — DOST exec PAGE 18 VOL. XXX NO. 15

Saturday-Friday | April 10 - 16, 2021

TOP STORIES

Global News Duterte remains ‘fit and healthy,’ says Palace 7  PMA groups support Lorenzana remarks on Julian Felipe Reef 8  DepEd urged to address gaps in reproductive health education 8  Pinoys urged to put faith into action amid Covid-19 pandemic 8  UN declares full support to PH vaccination program 12  DOT mulls adoption of IATA’s COVID-19 digital travel pass 12  Gov’t eyes swift ECQ payout, warns vs. ‘ghost beneficiaries’ 13  HPG tightens watch vs. illegal transport of people amid ECQ 13  Philippine manufacturing posts modest growth in March 16  Indoor restaurants may remain closed — DTI chief 16  Philippine manufacturing posts modest growth in March 16  PHA chief urges gov’t to approve commercial distribution of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits 18 

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FELLOW FILIPINO-AMERICANS

FIRST LADY JILL BIDeN SeTS CoURSe FoR THe NeXT PHASe oF JoININg FoRCeS WASHINGTON, DC – First Lady Jill Biden, joined virtually by U.S. military families, advocates and stakeholders from around the world, has set forth the priorities of Joining Forces, a White House initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. The First Lady has spent the last months hearing d i r e c t ly f r om spouses and children of service memb er s a nd veterans, caregivers, sur vivors, militar y members, advocates, federal agencies,

Sections BUSINESS. Economy sank deeper in 2020 than initial estimates — PSA 16  ENTERTAINMENT. Angel Locsin speaks up vs anti-Asian violence 14  HEALTH & FAMILY. FDA grants compassionate use permit for ivermectin on humans 19 

22 Million employed in health care fight against COVID-19 By LYNDA LAUGHLIN, AUGUSTUS ANDERSON, ANTHONY MARTINEZ, AND ASIAH GAYFIELD

any of the nation’s health care workers are now on the front line of the battle with COVID-19. Who are these people putting their lives at risk daily to care for the millions who have contracted the coronavirus? There were 22 million workers in the health care industry, one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the United States that accounts for 14% of all U.S. workers, according to the Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). There were 9.8 million workers employed as health care technicians and practitioners, including physicians, surgeons, and registered nurses. The health care and social assistance industry sector includes establishments that provide medical care in hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices, nursing and residential care, and social assistance such as family and childcare services. In 2019, around seven million people worked at 22 MILLION

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First Lady Jill Biden

non-profit organizations, and corporate leaders, as well as visiting military installations across the country. Infor med by these listening sessions, the work and priorities of Joining FIRST LADY

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California aims for full New RP Consul General re-opening on June 15 arrives in Los Angeles CALIFORNIA Governor Gavin gin looking to fully reopen CaliNewsom has said that the state fornia’s economy,” said Governor will fully open its economy on Newsom. June 15 if these two criteria are “We can now begin planning met: One, if the vaccine supply is for our lives post-pandemic. We sufficient for every Californians will need to remain vigilant, and who wants to be inoculated who continue the practices that got are 16 years old and above; and if us here – wearing masks and hospitalizations getting vaccinatrates will remain ed – but the light low and stable. at the end of this California has tunnel has never surpassed a mabeen brighter.” jor milestone in “California has the fight against made i ncredCOV ID — adible pr og r e s s ministering controlling the more than 20 spread of COVmillion vaccine ID-19 by staying doses, includhome, masking, ing 4 million in and getting vacthe state’s hardcines out quickly Governor Gavin Newsom est-hit communito Californians ties, and with hospitalizations in every corner of the state, incontinuing to steadily decline. cluding in those communities “With more than 20 million hardest hit by this pandemvaccines administered across ic,” said California Health and the state, it is time to turn the Human Services Secretary Dr. page on our tier system and be- Mark Ghaly. CALIFORNIA

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THE women and men of the Philippine Consulate General in Los A ngeles welcomed Consul General Edgar Barrairo Badajos as he flew in from Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into LAX in the early evening of Tuesday (April 6). He is the Philippines’ 18thConsul General in Los Angeles, which was opened in 1955 and presently has jurisdiction over Southern CA, Southern NV and the State of AZ. Upon meeting with Consulate General staff and officers, as well as Philippine attached agencies gathered at LAX, theConsul General expressed optimism and excitement over beginning a new chapter of his

Consul General Edgar Barrairo Badajos

career in Los Angeles. “Thank you for your warm welcome and I look forward to working with each and every one of you to better serve the more than 1.2 million Filipinos under our jurisdiction,” the Consul General remarked. “Los Angeles as a Foreign Service Post holds so much promise and potential for improving consular services, collaborating with one of the most dynamic and supportive overseas Filipino communities, NEW

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All acts of hate against Asians need to stop — COFACC THE Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (COFACC) recently denounced acts of hate against Asians. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic along with the challenges and struggles that everyday people are facing regarding health and economics comes a disturbing trend literally hitting the Asian population. It’s called

Asian Hate. Whether you’re Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino or any other type of Asian ethnicity, unfortunately, there is not a shot anyone can take that will make you immune to its’ effects,” COFACC said in a statement signed by Neil Estrada, COFACC Vice President of Public Relations. “Although the overall hate

crimes have decreased from 2019 – 2020 by about 7%, Asian hate crimes in 2020 alone have increased by nearly 150% mostly in Los Angeles and New York as cited by NBC News on March 9, 2021. The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino had conducted and released this analysis. Even without knowing the numbers,

as a person of Asian descent, you may be seeing or hearing about all kinds of Asian hate crimes occurring whether on normal media, print media, social media, and worst yet going through it yourself through your own experience.” “There have been various rallies in response to Asian Hate. Many Asian based groups have ALL ACTS

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

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Saturday-Friday | April 10 - 16, 2021

The Philippine Consulate General of LA Launches "The Philippines On A Plate," or "Buwan Ng Kalutong Pilipino"

Photo courtesy of PHILCONGENLA

n behalf of the celebration of Filipino Food Month this April, 2021, the "Sentro Rizal" Section of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles is pleased to invite the Filipino-American community to watch the launch of #LALovEat:Pinoy Food Stories, Season Two, started on Friday, April 9, 2021 and every Friday throughout the whole month of April. The first episode featured Manila District L.A.'s FIL(ipino) LED Market #LALovEat was conceptualized by the LA Consu-

late General to create a more mainstream awareness of Filipino culinary culture, through videos posted on social media platforms, as well as promote and support Filipino-owned, small and medium-scale enterprises, especially restaurants, whose operations have been hit hard by the pandemic. To complement the Filipino Food Month celebration, "SENTRO RIZAL," Los Angeles will also be sharing on its FB page, the seven-part online series entitled, "THE PHILIPPINES ON A PLATE" (POAP),

every Tuesday and Thursday, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm during the month of April, 2021. Organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, POAP aims to educate and encourage everyone to preserve Filipino culinary heritage and traditions. Please watch out for the posting of these videos on the LA Consulate General's official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinLA.

The American Rescue Plan and your taxes: What you need to know By JENNY MANRIQUE Ethnic Media Services

he Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended the tax payment deadline from April 15 to May 17, at a time when the third round of stimulus checks surpassed $335 billion in payments reaching 130 million Americans. This and other provisions approved in the American Rescue Plan, such as the child tax credit and the establishment of non-taxable unemployment benefits, seek to help families economically battered by the pandemic. "As the pandemic continues, we remain focused on supporting the federal government's efforts to help those experiencing financial changes and challenges," said Ken Corbin, Commissioner at the IRS Wage and Investment Division, during a media briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services. “That's one reason why we extended the due date: individuals have until May 17 to fi le and pay their 2020 taxes. No one will be penalized or charged interest if they file and pay by that date. This applies only to individuals, not to taxpayers like corporations,” Corbin explained. This extension also applies to tax year 2020 contributions to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Roth IRA, health savings account, Archer medical savings account, or Coverdell education savings account. However, for those making estimated tax payments for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the April 15 deadline remains. Since February 12, the IRS has received 85 million individual tax returns and issued over 56 million

refunds totaling almost $164 billion. IRS officials recommend using direct deposit with E-filing as the most immediate way to complete the process and receive your refund in 21 days. “We know that even with the vaccine rolling out, many folks may not be comfortable going into a brick and mortar office or dealing with their tax preparers (in person)," Corbin said. "We encourage you to E-file and choose direct deposit." There are several tax preparation softwares that allow individuals who earn less than $ 72,000 a year to file for free. The IRS one can be found here. The IRS2GO mobile app also allows you to find free assistance in preparing taxes, making payments, and checking the status of refunds. Stimulus checks. Corbin highlighted the IRS's work on the rapid disbursement of economic impact payments (EIPs), commonly known as taxfree stimulus checks: in the first round, more than $160 million reached American families, and in the second round that figure was $147 million. Those who did not receive those payments of up to $1,200 and $600 per person, will be able to claim them through the recovery rebate credit on their tax return. Individuals can access information about their EIP’s through an online federal tax account which they can register for at irs.gov. The account also allows people to create a PIN as a layer of protection to avoid fraud with the use of social security numbers (SSN). Under the third round of economic impact payments authorized under the American Rescue

Plan, the IRS has made more than 130 million payments worth approximately $335 billion, for those who fi led their taxes in 2019 or 2020. A new group of social security and other beneficiaries who haven't filed a tax return may receive checks beginning on April 7. Veterans are also expected to receive their stimulus payments by mid of April. "The majority (of payments) have been issued as direct deposits," Corbin said. “But we are also mailing paper checks or EIP cards, which is a prepaid debit card. If we don't have your bank account information, we encourage you to check your mail and be sure not to throw away that prepaid EIP card." Unemployment beneﬁts and child tax credit The rescue plan also included a new provision for those who received unemployment benefits in 2020: up to $20,400 in unemployment compensation for couples filing joint returns, and $10,200 for all other eligible taxpayers is now not taxable. And those who have already declared the money received from unemployment through the 1099G form, before the approval of this new benefit, will receive the corresponding refund as of May. “We are aware that there are many individuals out there whose identity has been compromised. And there have been fraudulent unemployment compensation claims issued in their name. So what we tell people to do is to only file for the actual unemployment compensation they have received," Corbin added. The other component of the res-

cue plan that increased the amount of the child tax credit beginning in fiscal year 2021 allows families to get an advance on that credit beginning in the summer. Even those families who had a new child in 2021 will be able to add him/her as a beneficiary on the IRS.gov portal. Multilingual initiative For this tax season, the IRS provided for the first time a new schedule for individuals who want to choose their language of preference for future IRS communications. This is the Limited English Proficiency schedule (LEP) that allows users to choose between 20 different languages: in addition to English and Spanish, they can find Korean, Vietnamese, Russian, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, Portuguese, Polish, Farsi, French, Japanese, Punjabi, Premier or Urdu, Bengali, Italian, and two forms of Chinese both traditional and simplified. According to Sue Simon, Director of Customer Assistance, Relationships and Education at the IRS Wage and Investment Division, the institution has begun translating basic information about taxes and taxpayer rights, as well as the requirements for their dependents, into all these languages. Simon recalled that undocumented immigrants who are not eligible for a SSN, can fill out the W7 form to request an individual tax identification number (ITIN), which allows them to pay their taxes, a vital requirement for future immigration processes such as citizenship. "We are very careful with the information we receive," explained Simon. "It is not our purpose to

share it with other agencies." Simon also highlighted the volunteer program called VITA made up of nearly 90,000 people across the country, who work with community partners to engage them in free tax return preparation in their communities. “Some of them are banks, colleges. AARP is a national partner and United Way is another partner,” Simon explained. "We also have a partner program called ‘text counseling for the elderly’, which helps with the electronic filing by text." While the pandemic has limited in-person assistance, there are currently 11,000 places where individuals can go to file their taxes by appointment for free. And there are also paid preparers who are accountants or tax attorneys working at low-income taxpayer clinics. The IRS website has recommendations on how to choose ethical preparers and a list of people with credentials and qualifications to help with this task. "I cringe every time I watch a commercial that promises to get someone a bigger refund," Simon said. “There is no such thing as a bigger refund. If your return is prepared correctly, you will get the refund that is correct for your circumstances." Simon warned of the most common scams that include calls or emails from alleged IRS officials asking for tax payments, even threatening to send the police, when the institution only sends collection bills through the mail. She recommended reporting anyone attempting to impersonate IRS personnel to the IRS treasury inspector general for tax administration, or to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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Saturday-Friday | April 10 - 16, 2021

Zoomer joins alumni Boomers for virtual induction By LYDIA V. SOLIS

SAN DIMAS, California – A Zoomer joined us Boomers for the virtual induction of 2021 PWU officers on Valentine’s Day. Marco Alfredo Benitez, 10th president of the Philippine Women’s University, met alumni association members in a ZOOM call from Manila. “The PWUAA of Southern California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization there in the US and our oldest alumni association outside of the Philippines,” he stated. He expressed regrets that he couldn’t join our reunion last year because of COVID-19. “There was really not much chance of traveling since then. I would like to commend the organizers, however, led by outgoing president Marilu Fernandez Barretto,” he continued, “because despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, and I know that California is currently one of the hardest hit states in the US, you still pushed through with your celebration and induction. This is indeed a testament to the resiliency of the Philwomenian, and the strength of your organization.” Pres. Benitez is a product of the Ateneo de Manila University (Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering) and Ateneo Graduate School of Business (Master’s in Business Administration). I would like to share with the PWU community globally (thanks to Balita Media, Inc.), excerpts from Pres. Benitez’ message to SoCal PWU alumni. “2020 has indeed been an unprecedented year for all

of us. In March of last year, when the Philippine government declared an Enhanced Community Quarantine or lockdown in Metro Manila, the University was faced with the tough decision of whether to suspend classes altogether, or continue via emergency remote learning. There were various sectors calling for a complete educational freeze because of the ongoing public health crisis. We decided however, to proceed because of the uncertainty as to how long the pandemic would last, the need for education to continue for our students, and the need to sustain the operations of the school. In hindsight, that was a crucial step forward. “After an entire trimester of growing pains - from April to June 2020, we opened SY 2020-21 in August. The University adopted many measures in order to support our community during those initial months: holding off on tuition fee increases, offering discounts and rebates on miscellaneous and other school fees, drastically reducing installment fees while offering flexible payment options, allowing students to attend classes online despite not yet being enrolled, and even offering tablets and laptops on payment terms - in order to support both students and faculty struggling to cope with the effects of this health crisis. “We even opened a We Rise as One Scholarship last year, where qualified scholars only had to pay for miscellaneous and other school fees, just to

allow more incoming students the chance to avail of a PWU education. Academically, we adopted a Pass or Incomplete grading system in that 3rd trimester, just to relieve the pressure from the students, and even allowed those who received Incomplete marks the entire 1st trimester of SY

Philwomenians miss their in-person quarterly meetings (file photo). 2020-2021 to complete their requirements. “It was during those difficult times, I am proud to say, that we really saw the PWU spirit of community participation on full display, as various alumni groups, yours included, heeded the call, and joined the PWU community in solidarity and in support of students needing financial assistance to continue with their studies, as well as in the form of donations for our countrymen greatly affected by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. Specifically, your do-

LA Supervisors look into creation of AAPI equity and diversity fund

he Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a proposal by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly Mitchell to address an increase in incidents of anti-Asian hate and violence through the County’s existing Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative and explore creating an LA County Equity and Diversity Fund. “The escalation of attacks against AAPI Americans has been a heartbreaking reminder of how far we have to go toward building a society where everyone can feel safe, accepted, and equal,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “LA County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative was a response to the racism targeted at the Black community, but this is a framework we need to use to help the AAPI community now.” On July 21, 2020, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative that guides the County’s ongoing commitment to fighting racism in all its forms. The initiative was created at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and is especially geared toward the racism that systematically affects Black residents.

Pres. Marco Alfredo Benitez

The proposal to be considered tomorrow directs ARDI to convene a workgroup including AAPI community leaders to consider ways to address the rise in Anti-AAPI hate and incorporate those strategies into the County’s anti-racist agenda. “I’m proud to join Supervisor Hahn on this important motion,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell. “The rise in hate crimes against the Asian American community and long-standing injustices impacting the Black community and communities of color, require an sustained investment to ending all forms of hate and systemic racism. Today’s vote does this with the potential creation of a LA County Equity and Diversity Fund to support the necessary research, critical data collection and implementation of policies to help actualize the County’s bold anti-racist agenda.” The motion would also explore the feasibility of launching the LA County Equity and Diversity Fund with an initial investment of $1 million. The Fund would aim to partner with research institutions to better understand, address, and end hate, bias, discrimination, and xenophobia against communities of color.

nations for the PWU Chapel, the fund drive for frontliners in PGH, the doubling of the Final Boost Scholarship, and further increasing the association’s scholarship fund, were all truly appreciated. “For the past months, we have maintained a skeletal workforce on campus, strictly observing the necessary public health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. All classes continue to be done online, and only student support services such as Registrar, accounting, admissions, and

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administration regularly report onsite. “We have also taken this opportunity to do necessary refurbishments of our classrooms, laboratories, and re-engineer our spaces in preparation for a return to limited face-to-face classes. We have plans for the modernization of our classrooms which will allow us to conduct classes in a hybrid manner - with some students present physically while some attending virtually - which we foresee would be a likely modality after the pandemic. “On the academic front, we also did not allow the pandemic to stop our drive for continued improvement in terms of the quality education. Last November, 10 of our graduate school programs underwent remote virtual accreditation by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation. We were the first in the country to undergo such a mode of accreditation in the graduate programs. We are also set to roll out beginning this February, an online flexible learning curriculum for all of the University’s faculty members, to enhance their teaching skills in this new environment. Through efforts such as these, we hope to ensure that the PWU quality of education remains resilient and relevant regardless of the learning environment. “The vaccine rollout in the Philippines is only set to begin this February and March for our frontliners, with the education sector to follow the seniors and uniformed personnel in the vaccine rollout. By the government’s estimates, it will probably be in the 2nd and 3rd quarter of this year when our members start to get inoculated. PWU has also volunteered to be one of the vaccination centers for the City of Manila. Not only will this allow us early access to vaccines, but with the quality of our Allied Health Programs such as Nursing, Medical Technology, Pharmacy, we know that we can do our part in helping to end the pandemic in the country. “To end, I know that 2020 was a truly challenging year for all of us. Just the fact that we are all here today, to celebrate your 37th anniversary and induct the new set of officers who will lead the alumni association of Southern California for the coming year is already a feat in itself. Congratulations to the outgoing officers of 2019-2020, for your leadership in steering the organization through a once-ina-lifetime pandemic. “…let us remember the friends, relatives, and even loved ones whom we may have lost to this virus. Let their memories serve as inspiration for us to truly make our contribution to society. “To the new set of officers led by President Lourdes David Enrile, on behalf of the University, we wish you all the best as you begin your term, and

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New mapping tool to connect immigrants to resources

Community

Saturday-Friday | April 10 - 16, 2021

ow more than ever, immigrants who call Los Angeles County home desperately need resources and services to help them get through the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout. In response, the LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA), in the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), has launched a newly redesigned website to serve as an open door for the County’s 3.6 million immigrants to access information about critical wraparound services available for them and their families. The website, immigrants.lacounty.gov, has a new, interactive, map-based immigrant services directory – the first tool of its kind for an immigrant affairs office. This tool allows visitors to search by topic and location for critical services like COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, health care, food assistance, housing support, legal representation, and small business services provided by over 200 County agencies and community-based organizations. The new website also has information about some of the most pressing immigration questions, including public charge, DACA, and evolving immigration policies. To design the much-needed solution, OIA partnered with U.S. Digital Response (USDR) and the County Enterprise Geographic Information Systems (eGIS) team. USDR provided a team of pro bono developers, content strategists, designers, and data scientists. eGIS assists County departments in developing location-based tools and analytical applications. “We are continually seeking innovative methods to serve those who live and work in Los Angeles County and we are proud to see the outstanding results of this County and nonprofit collaboration between OIA, eGIS and USDR,” said Rafael Carbajal, DCBA’s Director. “OIA’s new website and its services-locator feature are tools to help improve the lives of millions of people in LA County.” “This location-based approach helps people find services that are nearby, something that may be difficult to accomplish when reviewing a list of service options,” said Dr. Steven J. Steinberg, Geographic Information Officer for the County of Los Angeles. “The platform also provides OIA with an easy-toupdate system so that service options and locations can be updated on a more frequent basis to help ensure the most accurate information.” “Equitable access to services and information is a common thread we’ve seen across many of USDR’s engagements, and the proactive, user-centered approach taken by OIA helps pave the way for other agencies and governments to tackle similar projects,” said Raylene Yung, USDR’s CEO. “This partnership between LA County and USDR shows how impactful work can be accomplished in weeks, not years, when tech and government come together to support our communities.” As the pandemic unfolded, OIA saw an increase in inquiries regarding the immigration status implications of tapping into County services, as well as urgent requests for any resources available to immigrants and their families. “OIA is the home for all immigrant Angelinos to access wraparound support services available for them and their families, regardless of their immigration status,” said Rigo Reyes, OIA’s Executive Director. “This helpful website, made possible by the generosity and expertise of our partners, is the latest addition to our efforts to help them.”

On Tuesday, the Rose Bowl Ride bicycle training, which has been in existence for many years, resumed with the participation of about a hundred cyclists. Although, state and local officials have indicated their desire for a full re-opening of California on June 15, they reminded everyone not to let their guards down against the killer coronavirus. Unfortunately, as the insert photo shows, only a few cyclists wear mask during the training that lasted for an hour. Photo by Abner Galino

FIRST LADY... from Page 1 Forces will center on the needs of military families in the following areas: Employment and Entrepreneurship; Military Child Education; and Health and Well-Being. Speaking to the military families in virtual attendance, Dr. Biden linked their strength and wellness to military readiness and national security: “Military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors may not wear a uniform, but you serve and sacrifice for us all. So much of a ship’s power is unseen beneath the waves: the engines, the anchor, the rudders that give it direction and purpose. You are the rudder that steers our military, and supporting your physical, social and emotional health is a national security imperative.” Standing up the next phase of Joining Forces began even before Inauguration Day with the appointment of its Executive Director, Rory Brosius, during the White House Transition in January. Brosius, a Special Assistant to the President and the spouse of a Marine Corps veteran, served as Deputy Director of Joining Forces during the Obama-Biden Administration. “It was important to the First Lady that the substantive work of Joining Forces begin within the first 100 days of the Administration. She understands that the fam-

ilies of our service members and veterans, caregivers, and survivors deserve the White House’s attention and focus now and in the long-term,”said Brosius. Military families face the same challenges as any other working families, but they have the added stressors of multiple deployments, frequent moves with little control over their geographic location, caregiving, family separation, and more. The global pandemic has exacerbated many of these challenges, and created others. Currently, there is significant focus from federal agencies and a robust non-profit and corporate ecosystem dedicated to serving the needs of active duty military members and veterans. The mission of Joining Forces is to support those who also serve: military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. A military mother and grandmother, Dr. Biden added: “We have an all-volunteer force—and it continues only because generations of Americans see the honor, dignity, and patriotism of military service. How can we hope to keep our military strong if we don’t give our families, survivors, and caregivers what they need to thrive? That’s what Joining Forces is about.” Guided by the life experiences and the perspectives voiced during in-person and virtual listening sessions with military families and stakeholders, the work and priorities of Joining Forces will center on the needs of military families in the areas of: Employment and Entrepreneurship; Military Child Education; and Health and Well-Being. Employment and Entrepreneurship: The Department of Defense’s 2019 Active Duty Spouses Survey indicates, even pre-pandemic, a military spouse unemployment rate of approximately 22%.

Frequent moves and transfers, state licensing requirements, child care (costs, long waitlists for onbase providers, and lack of access to off-base providers), caregiving, and deployments, all contribute to the unique challenges military spouses face to building sustainable and long-term careers. Joining Forces will work with government at all levels and the non-profit and private sectors to mitigate these challenges and drive economic opportunities. We will work with employers to create more flexible, transferable, and remote job opportunities for military spouses, as well as increasing resources for those interested in entrepreneurial endeavors. We will also ensure that military families are included in the administration’s overall policies aimed at improving economic security for all families. Military Child Education: There are more than 2 million children in classrooms in the United States whose parents are active-duty military service members, National Guard or reservists, or military veterans. Military life can be unpredictable: these children often experience multiple moves, extended separation from family members, and increased fear for their parents’ safety during deployments. We must understand and account for the lifelong impact of service on military-connected children and ensure that children in veteran families, caregiving families, and surviving families will also be included in the initiative’s work. We also recognize that military children with disabilities, including those enrolled in DOD’s Exceptional Family Member Program, face additional challenges with changes of duty station. Joining Forces will advance programming to support

military-connected children in their classrooms, and help ease the burdens created by the highly mobile military lifestyle. Health and Well-Being: Supporting the overall physical, social, and emotional health of military families is a national security imperative. While our country lauds the strength and resilience of military families, it is critical to acknowledge that they too shoulder the weight of the past 20 years of sustained warfare. Members of military families and caregivers may experience mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Caregiving for a wounded, ill, or injured family member can have an outsized impact on a caregiver’s health, financial stability, and economic security. Additionally, some military families report a lack of consistent access to enough food to live an active, healthy lifestyle. The global pandemic over the past year has intensified these stressors. We will also work closely with service providers in the civilian community to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to effectively support military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. Going forward, Joining Forces will convene and collaborate with federal agency partners, non-profit organizations, corporate stakeholders, and service providers to develop comprehensive, meaningful, and long-term solutions to address the holistic well-being of military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. We will work to understand where gaps in support exist, while also improving access to available resources. Additionally, Joining Forces will call on all Americans to support and harness the special skills, strengths, and experiences of military families.

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Saturday-Friday | April 10 - 16, 2021

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Remembering a dear friend, OPM singer Claire Dela Fuente

his author fi rst met the popular original Pilipino Music (OPM) singer, Claire Dela Fuente in the mid-80's when she performed at the former Embassy Theatre *a historical 900-seat venue" on Western Avenue between Wilshire and Beverly Boulevard on what is now known as the "Koreatown" area. The variety show was produced by the Romero brothers (Vic and Mike) who were then actively promoting weekly Filipino movies at the theatre. From that initial meeting, unbeknownst to me, Claire became more famous back home, becoming a celebrity, known for her Karen Carpenter singing style and her jukebox hit song called "SAYANG." As a background, she was born on December 28, 1958 and was named as Clarita Crisostomo-Dela Fuente. When she was only 15 years old, and a freshman at the University of the East, she joined a singing contest where she sang the Carpenter's song "Love Me For What I Am," which made her win the contest and was noticed by fellow UE alumni, who was the contest's main judge, composer, George Canseco. After winning the contest, George Canseco then invited her to

sing the jingle commercial for HOPE cigarettes, which sounded "imported." that it paved the way for her to record her best-selling hit songs, such as “NAK AW NA PAGIBIG," KAILANGAN KO'Y IKAW," IBULONG MO SA HANGIN,” "PAG-IBIG MO, LANGIT KO," "SA DULO NG LANDAS," and 17 other popular songs. Though financially successful, Claire 'got married at the age of 19 years old to Moises De Guzman. In her mid-20's, despite her entertainment popularity. Claire Dela Fuente, decided to slow down on her show business career and she and her husband ventured on putting up a food business due to both of their love for food. And they established Claire Dela Fuente's Seafood and Grill restaurant which expanded into four locations such as in Pasay, Pasig, Ortigas and Mall of Asia. Claire's passion for entrepreneurship didn't end in the food business, because in 1993, along with her husband, they established a transportation

business, which only lasted for a few years, but she later became the president of the Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (IMBOA), whose members

Antique. This was where we truly 'got to know what a great personality Claire dela Fuente had. She was kind, humble and gracious and to this day, I will never forget her passion for singing, as she had such a melodious kundiman voice, singing songs like "SA DULO NG LANDAS," “'DI MAGBABAGO," “MGA BULONG NG PAG-IBIG," “MINSAN MINSAN," and many more.songs she gladly sang, requested by the crowd who were all seated at the amphitheater-like set-up at the large backyard of Sally's ancestral house. The memorable weekend with Claire was indeed a time well spent with her which this author will never forget. CLAIRE DELA FUENTE As someone who had 28 December 1958 — 30 March 2021 a strong background in the transportation made up 70% of all bus opera- business, Claire Dela Fuente tors in Metro Manila. made headlines in 2003, when In 1998, while this author was she spearheaded a "boycott of visiting with family, a sorori- the color-coding scheme that ty sister, Sally Zaldivar-Perez the MMDA had imposed for a (whose Dad was Governor at week, on all public utility vehithat time) invited us along with cles, as part of a traffic experthis author's sister Isabel Rivas iment." Apparently, her vocal to bring Claire to entertain in resentment made her "at odds their town fiesta of San Jose, with the then MMDA Chairman,

Beaches and Harbors to unroll access mat at Venice Beach

enice Beach will soon bec ome more accessible to visitors, especially those who have difficulty crossing the sand. On Tuesday, April 13, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) will unroll a new access mat near the Venice Boulevard beach parking lot. “One of the great joys of going to the beach is spending time on the sand

near the water,” said L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, whose district includes Venice. “Now, with the use of this new mat, people who have difficulty negotiating the sand can more fully and safely enjoy a glorious day at Venice Beach.” Made of a fine nylon mesh, beach access mats are designed for people who use wheelchairs or may otherwise need a firmer surface to traverse

the sand. Once installed, the mat will start at the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and end in a “T” shape closer to the water’s edge. The mat will be available annually from roughly spring through fall. Semi-permanent mats are part of DBH’s efforts to ensure everyone can visit the County’s iconic beaches; the Venice Beach mat will be the eighth. Beach wheelchairs remain available.

CALIFoRNIA... FRom PAge 1 “In order to take the next step, we must continue to do our part to keep this momentum moving in the right direction, and that means continuing to wear a mask and ensuring everyone who is eligible gets the vaccine.” When California fully reopens the economy, the Blueprint for a Safer Economy will end. As this developed, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed 53 new deaths and 479 new cases of COVID-19. Public Health has identified one case of the South African variant, B.1.351, and three cases of the Brazilian P.1 variant, both variants of concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the South African and Brazilian variants as variants of concern because they are potentially associated with increased transmissibility and reduced susceptibility to certain therapeutics.

Although these are the first reported cases of the South African and Brazilian variant in L.A. County, it is likely there are additional undetected/undiagnosed cases. To date, 33 cases of the Brazilian variant and 10 cases of the South African variant have been reported in California. Among 70 specimens analyzed at the Public Health Laboratory this past week, 64% of the specimens analyzed were the UK variant of concern, B.1.1.7 and 20% were the California variant of concern identified as B.1.427 or 429. This means 84% of the variants identified this past week are variants of concern with the probability of increased transmissibility and more severe disease. Three cases of the New York variant were also detected this week, which is a variant of interest. There were no cases of the Brazilian P.2 variant identified this week. All key metrics indicate less community transmission; the rate of decrease is slowing for hospitalizations and cases.

Bayani Fernando." That same year, Claire decided to go back to school and studied Transportation Management and further finished her Master in Business Administration in 2005, at the University of Western Australia. Sadly in December, 2006, her husband and best friend for more than 28 years, Moises (Boy) De Guzman passed away due to his five-month's struggle with cancer. He was survived by his wife, Claire and their two sons: Gregorio "Gigo" (born 1986) and Gracielo "Mickey" (born 1996). In 2008, Claire collaborated with the famous Richard Carpenter in her international album called "Something In Your Eyes," and in 2010, she recorded a duet with another famous singer, Michael Bolton called "THE CHRISTMAS SONG," which was included on her "The Christmas Album" record under the banner of Viva Records. It is with deep sadness for this author to learn of CLAIRE DELA FUENTE's passing last month, on the morning of Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at the age of 62 years old, due to cardiac arrest, triggered by complications of COVID -19. May her legacy of songs she left for all of us, live forever. May her song "SA DULO NG LANDAS," give meaning to her life well lived. May she RIP.

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Take Advantage: ADU is the best thing that happened California Homeowners comply with local district guidelines so you wont have any legal issues with your tenant later on. This is one of the main reason too why the ADU bill passed. Choose the right contractor and make sure you get good references for legitimate contract work. Mortgage rates are still pretty low, more and more borrowers are trying refinance now to save on interest payments. Get in while you still can, I have seen property appraisal values coming in lower than expected. Call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your mortgage needs. Call Ken at 562-508-7048 CADRE 01021223 NMLS 238636 PLANNING to convert your garage or use your backyard to add an in-law unit? The State of California has passed new legislation (SB 1069 and AB 2299) which gives homeowners the right to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on most single family properties, effectively doubling the housing potential of these residences. Why build an ADU? Building a new ADU or converting existing space can be a smart investment for many homeowners in California. Adding living space, appreciating property value, generating rental income and helping solve the housing crunch, one unit at a time are just a few reasons that building an ADU can be an excellent move. Use the city search bar above to learn about the ADU process in your city. I am happy that California has passed a new law that eases restrictions on secondary units, effective January 1. When Portland did something similar, it sparked an ADU boom. Permitted ADU projects skyrocketed, and a cottage industry sprung up, including ADU designers, owner/developer consulting, ADU breakeven calculator. With our new law, I see opportunity for you to build: Single story zero step accessible units for aging parents and retirees. Micro-units for additional rental income. ADU's for millennial professionals who are still saving for down payment. CA Granny unit law: Summary No extra parking space required for ADU if it's within 1½ mile of a public transit stop, or part of an existing primary residence, or part of an existing accessory structure, or in an area requiring on-street parking permits. Parking can be tandem on existing driveway, when a garage is demolished or an ADU and off-street parking spaces must be replaced, they can be anywhere on lot, including tandemno set back required for a garage conversion; side/rear setback of 5 feet max for ADU above a garage. No extra utility, water or sewage hookup fees, detached ADU's shall not exceed 1200 sq ft. A majority of the people are asking about the existing or grandfathered ADU units? What can they do for this to be a legal ADU? The answer is to get it permitted so that when you sell it will add value to your property. If you will rent the ADU unit out, you are now a landlord and you want to make sure your tenants rights are protected. Your unit would have to

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Life After Bankruptcy:

Get Out of Debt Now

SLEEPLESS nights… Stressed out… Worried about the future… Always broke no matter how hard they work…Feeling hopeless about their situation. This is what most people are going through when they are considering bankruptcy in their desperate attempt to get out of debt. The word “bankruptcy” often produces negative feelings because some people equate it with failure. They think that filing bankruptcy means they have failed and that they are admitting defeat. But nothing can be further from the truth. Listen to me! Bankruptcy is not about failing; it’s about starting again and putting the past behind you so that you can start over and rebuilding your finances and your life. A lot of creditors will lie to you when you’re in debt and tell you that bankruptcy is the ‘worst mistake’ you can ever make because your credit will be ‘ruined forever’ and that you will never be able to buy a car or house again. Sometimes, you will hear the same comments from family or friends who have heard the same lie from others. The truth is that bankruptcy is a fact of life. At one time or another, everyone experiences financial difficulties. When you’re in a situation where you have done everything that you can to pay your creditors but nothing has worked up to this point, bankruptcy may be the only realistic option left. And this is exactly what Congress intended when they passed bankruptcy laws. So, with bankruptcy, you get another chance. You wipe the slate clean and move on with your life, free from the burden of debt. Thank God we have laws that allow people to do this. Can you just imagine what would happen if we had no bankruptcy laws that can help people get out of debt when they can no longer help themselves? Filing for bankruptcy means that you are filing a petition for debt relief from the bankruptcy court. The court reviews your application and determines if you are entitled to the relief you are seeking. It is not for dishonest people who are trying to cheat the system. Contrary to what others think, most people who file for bankruptcy are honest, hard-working people who have gotten themselves in a big financial mess. In some cases, it is caused by factors beyond their control. In other cases, it is a result of making bad financial decisions. But who hasn’t made a bad decision in their life at least once? Life is not perfect. Neither are you. Filing bankruptcy can help you regain your footing if you have lost control of your finances. If you are living your life without a financial plan for the future, you will never achieve financial security. So, you can say that bankruptcy is a tool that allows you to reorganize your finances so you can plan a better future for yourself and your family. It is neither good nor bad in and of itself. You can use a tool for the wrong or right reasons. Using it for the wrong reasons is NOT the intent of our bankruptcy laws. But used correctly, bankruptcy can be what you need to fix what you know is broken, if you’re going to be honest with yourself. Is it for you? Maybe yes. Maybe no. It certainly is not for everyone. But when appropriate for your situation, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you- and it could be a big turning point in your life if you are drowning in debt. This is what you need, isn’t it? If you need some straight talk about bankruptcy and get all your questions answered, I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. ***NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me. Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices.com. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

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Dealing with Assets Omitted from a Divorce Case YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person's life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your spouse get tired of bickering and being mean to one another that you both decide to compromise each other positions and resolve all issues in your divorce case through settlement. Shortly thereafter, the divorce judgment is finally entered by the Court and you get a sigh of relief. Later you discovery that "Oops!," your ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of the divorce judgment. This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment. What is one to do in this situation? The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556. California Family Code §2556 provides “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties, the court has continuing jurisdiction to award community estate assets or community estate liabilities

asset or liability.” Family Code §2556.

to the parties that have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.” California Family Code §2556. Even if t he pa r t ies did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it. T he C ou r t's “c ont i nu i ng ju r i sd ic t ion” over om it ted communit y estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case. Family Code §2556 provides “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community

Duterte remains 'ﬁt and healthy,' says Palace MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte "remains fit and healthy" and continues to discharge his functions as head of the government, Malacañang said Thursday amid rumors on the President's ill health. President Rodrigo Duterte remains fit and healthy for his age and we thank the Filipino people for voicing their concern and wishing the Chief Executive's strength and good health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. "He continues to discharge his functions as head of the government.” Roque issued the statement a day after Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Jesus Durante III announced that 45 PSG members tested positive for COVID-19. Duterte was supposed to give a public address last Monday but it was moved to Wednesday and then again to next week. Senator Bong Go, a former special aide to the President, cited PSG members testing positive for COVID-19 as reason for the latest postponement. Amid rumors regarding the President's health condition, Go posted a photo on social media showing him and Duterte who he said was busy with paperwork He also said that Duterte has tested negative for COVID-19 during his most recent swab test. The President’s last public appearance was last March 29 when he personally received one million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines. He delivered a public address on the same day. Duterte celebrated his 76th birthday in his Davao city home last March 28. (MNS)

PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE

estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment. Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9. The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property. Marriage of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332. If an asset was partially omitted, the Court can still divide and adjudicate the portion that has been omitted postjudgment under family code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern Universit y Law School in Los Angeles and California State Universit y, San Ber n ardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com

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PMA groups support Lorenzana remarks on Julian Felipe Reef MANILA (Mabuhay) — Two organizations composed of graduates and retired members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) backed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's firm stand on the continued encroachment of Chinese vessels off Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea. "The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) and the Philippine Military Academy Retirees Association Inc. (PMARAI) through the undersigned duly elected officers join as they fully support the firm stand of protest and opposition of the Secretary of National Defense, Delfin Lorenzana against the ongoing encroachment of the Chinese vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef," the two organizations said in a letter dated April 6 but was only forwarded to reporters by Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong Thursday. Signing for PMAAAI was its chair Amado Espino, Jr. while for PMARAI was Vidal E. Querol. "The acts of the Chinese Embassy in downplaying the issue and subverting the truth are very alarming indeed. The weather condition in the West Philippine Sea has been fair in the past few days and to claim that the vessels still cannot leave due to rough seas and inclement weather is a blatant lie, hence deplorable," it added. "This is even made more ironic by the fact that the Embassy itself calls

Sec. Lorenzana’s statement as “perplexing” while completely ignoring the lack of logic in their own ones," they added. The groups also noted that these 220 vessels have been spotted as early as March 7 and that Julian Felipe Reef is also not very far from the coincidentally named Mischief Reef which has slowly been turned into a military base by China over the last few years. It added that such actions are sufficient to make a reasonable citizen suspicious of the whole situation. "This issue had been discussed during the hearing of the South China Sea Arbitration Case. Under International Law, the Philippines has sovereignty over its territorial sea (12 nautical miles) and jurisdiction over its Exclusive Economic Zone (beyond 12 and up to 200 nautical miles). As such, Julian Felipe Reef falls within Philippine jurisdiction and we have every right to defend it from foreign intrusion. It is even more important to note that China and the Philippines are both parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and must therefore abide by all agreements stated therein," the associations added. Also, they stressed that agreements stated in the UNCLOS must be upheld if any meaningful dialogue among other countries is to take place. In the arbitration case promulgat-

DEFENSE SECRETARY DELFIN LORENZANA ed on July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration stated that “China’s claims to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction, with respect to the maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant part of the 'nine-dash line' are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceeded the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention." It also further declares that the convention supersedes any historic rights in excess of the limits imposed therein. "That the tribunal also states several times throughout their arbitration that China has breached other reefs and even unlawfully preventing other vessels from fishing in areas that they themselves had no jurisdiction in the first place," it added.

DepEd urged to address gaps in reproductive health education

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to immediately address the gaps on reproductive health education amid the possible increase in the number of teenage pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate basic education committee, cited the March study of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) which showed the lack of adequate materials and accessible teacher trainings for the effective implementation of development-appropriate reproductive health education mandated under Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012. Along with this, he noted the recent report citing the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) which showed that the number of teenage pregnancies in the Cordilleras went by 46.43%. The report warned that the COVID-19 lo c k dow n me a s u r e s could worsen the surge of teenage pregnancies in the country. “Lalo nating dapat paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga kakulangang ito, lalo na’t ang pagda m i ng

SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN

mga batang ina ay isa sa mga nakita nating epekto ng pandemya,” Gatchalian said. The DepEd has issued Department Order 31 series of 2018 to provide guidelines for the delivery of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), Gatchalian said. The PIDS study, however, pointed out that when it comes to reproductive health education, “there is an apparent lack of qualified manpower, facilities, trainings, instructional materials, coordination, and monitoring system,” he added. The agency's focus group discussions (FGD) with teachers of different subject groups also revealed that trainings on CSE curriculum integration were inadequate and inaccessible. Although most of the provisions of the law have been complied with, the think tank said there is still a need to strengthen programs to meet the goals of the RPRH Law. "Bagama’t ilang taon na ang lumipas simula nang magkaroon tayo ng batas sa Reproductive Health Law at magkaroon ng polisiya ang DepEd sa usapin ng CSE, may mga kakulangan pa rin tayong nakikita tulad ng sapat na teacher trainings at learning materials upang maging mas mabisa ang pagtuturo ng Comprehensive Sexual Education sa ating mga paaralan,” Gatchalian said. (Although many years have passed since the Reproductive Health Law took effect and the DepEd came up with a policy when it comes to CSE, we still see issues like the lack of teacher trainings and materials to ensure proper instruction of Comprehensive Sexual Education in our schools.) A Social Weather Station survey conducted in November 2020 revealed that majority of Filipinos considered teenage pregnancy the most important problem among women. The rise of teenage pregnancy in the country has been declared as a “national and social emergency.” According to POPCOM, the number of births among girls has risen in nine years since 2011. (MNS)

Aside from illegal fishing, the groups said Chinese vessels have also been harvesting endangered species on a significant scale, as well as harvesting giant clams in a manner that is severely destructive of the coral reef ecosystem. They said this illegal encroachment, coupled with the persistent unlawful acts perpetrated by the Chinese over the years in these territorial disputes only further show the hypocrisy by which the latter have conducted themselves. It demonstrates nothing more but bad faith in the ongoing negotiations for the proper conduct in these waters, it stressed. "We, therefore, urge the Chinese Embassy to respect our government officials and for the Chinese government to adhere to the rules as laid by international law," they added. (MNS)

Pinoys urged to put faith into action amid Covid-19 pandemic MANILA (Mabuhay) — A Catholic prelate on Wednesday urged Filipinos to put faith into action by helping those in need amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. “Let us proclaim what faith does to us. Let us celebrate this gift by sharing it with others especially with those on the brink of hopelessness and helplessness,” Fr. Jerome Secillano, parish priest of the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Parish in Sampaloc, Manila said in a Facebook post. This as the Philippines and other countries battle a surge in Covid-19 cases and global vaccine supply woes. “But, wouldn't it be more reasonable for us to turn to faith just when science and medicine have also struggled to combat this dreaded virus? I do not like spiritualizing our problems just as easily as I propose. But at the rate things are going, we truly need an enormous amount of faith to survive this crisis,” he added. He said the people have to admit that there are things that are beyond their control and that they can only turn to God for refuge. “These are inevitable realities that human power cannot simply overcome. If so, then this is the most opportune time to call on GOD, who has power over everything,” he said, adding that faith has the ability to "heal, give life and moves mountains". Secillano, meanwhile, admitted that pandemic has overshadowed the celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the country. “The pandemic has slowly overshadowed the celebration of 500 Years of Christianity (YOC) in the country. The joy of receiving the faith has almost turned into a grave concern on how to overcome Covid-19 in our midst,” he said. Filipino Catholics are celebrating this month the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the country. (MNS)

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Free First 5 California Kit Remains Essential to New Parents, Especially Now Kit Enters Digital Age with Online Version of Resource-Packed California Parent Guide

Sacramento – In 2001, First 5 California debuted its informative and resource-packed Kit for New Parents to millions of families and caregivers throughout the state. However, many parents of young children, especially families from underresourced neighborhoods, are not aware of this free and valuable tool. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of children under the age of 5 who face barriers of literacy, poverty, or disability experience difficulty accessing valuable information and resources that are essential during this time,” said First 5 California Executive Director Camille Maben. “The Kit for New Parents fills that gap by delivering essential parenting resources right to their doors.” The Kit contains everything from practical advice and parenting tips to child development and finding child care information. It also includes information about health and safety best practices during the current global pandemic and is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean versions. The Kit’s contents include: • California Parent Guide • What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick book • Numbers Touch and Feel children’s board book •California Poison Control brochure and magnet • Colorful, reusable First 5 California “Talk. Read. Sing.” tote bag

parents to access with their smartphones and mobile devices. Parents and organizations can receive the physical Kit by visiting First 5 California’s ordering page or by contacting their local First 5 county commission. To date, First 5 California has distributed more than 5 million Kits for New Parents, including approximately 145,000 in 2020.

First 5 California developed the Kit as an innovative ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 evidence-based approach reach 70new families with 100 30 100 60 40 100 40 100 3 100 70 30 100 60 to 100 10 25 50 75 90 100 70 30 100 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 40 70 40 40 70 40 70 40 40 information about parenting practices and community About First 5 California resources. Over the years, it has evolved with technology and the needs of First 5 California was established in 1998 when voters passed Proposition 10, which taxes parents and is continuously updated to include tobacco products to fund services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families. First 5 California 100 100 60 100 100 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 0000 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 information70relevant to today’s families and childcare programs and resources are designed to educate and support teachers, parents, and caregivers providers. For example, the California Parent Guide in the critical role they play during a child’s first five years – to help California kids receive the is now available online in English and Spanish for best possible start in life and thrive. For more information, please visit www.ccfc.ca.gov. 3%

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We have the power to take on climate change by harnessing California’s abundant solar and wind resources. But during peak hours, electricity is generated mostly by fossil fuels to meet demand. Use less energy from 4-9PM, for a cleaner California. L E A R N M O R E AT E N E R G Y U P G R A D E C A . O R G / N E W S PA P E R

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CAREGIVERS: What are you waiting for? A Letter from Caregiver Attorney Daniel Chaleff I RECEIVED a call the other day from a caregiver who has been reading my articles in Weekend Balita for over 3 years. I was so happy to receive this call. I am sure many of you reading this advertisement now have cut out and saved my articles or read them over the years and thought “I have that exact claim.” Many caregivers have valuable claims for unpaid overtime but are fearful of moving forward with a claim. Now is the time to take action and learn more about caregiver overtime law. I want to hear from you. I want to assure you that all communications with me are confidential and all consultations are free. I understand many caregivers work long hours with little free time. I am available for free consultations early in the morning before your patient awakens or late at night after your patient is asleep. I also work weekends if you have a 24/5, Monday to Friday job. I do not pressure caregivers to make a claim. If I simply educate you about the law and give you some free advice that would make me very happy. Even if you are not ready to make a claim now, you should reach out and speak with me about your claim. I can provide valuable advice about your situation and talk with you about the best time to make a claim. If you are a 24/7 caregiver, working for a day rate (i.e. $160 to $240 per day), with no overtime, for several years, your claim may be worth several hundred thousand dollars. Many of my clients have claims that exceed $500,000. One key to a successful claim is your employer needs to be wealthy to afford to pay for a large settlement. If I am provided information about your employers, I can research public records and get a snapshot of your employer’s wealth and evaluate your potential claim. If you are interested in a detailed explanation of claim values, you can visit my website at www.caregiverovertime.com/pa/ worth/ for an article that calculates a hypothetical claim’s value.

I know many caregivers are fearful of moving forward with valid claims due to their immigration status, a failure to pay taxes, or fear of the legal system. While all of these are valid concerns, in my opinion, the risks associated with these concerns are minimal versus the potentially lifechanging reward that awaits caregivers with the courage to move forward with claims. So many of my clients had recovered life changing settlements allowing them to retire to their home countries, make a down payment or build a home, help a child with education expenses, or send money to their families. If you would like to review an article that addresses common concerns caregivers have in pursuing an overtime claim, please visit my website at www.caregiverovertime.com/pa/concerns/. I understand that the decision to move forward with an overtime claim can be diﬃcult. Many caregivers I speak with are simply not ready to move forward at this time. That is okay. Even if our call does not result in your making a claim, I can provide valuable insight into your rights, educate you on the evidence needed to pursue your claim, and help you understand the powerful laws that can protect you from wage theft. I want to hear from you now. Please call me at (818) 807-4168, this is my personal cell phone. I have a passion for helping caregivers and provide conﬁdential and free consultations. Sincerely,

DANIEL CHALEFF

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Daniel Chaleff, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson. Our office is located at 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California. We accept cases throughout all of Northern and Southern California. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. Please visit us at www.caregiverovertime.com/ to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We also offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

Journey at Pechanga Hosts the 14th CM Pro-Am on April 5 & 6 JOURNEY at Pechanga hosts Character Media’s 14th Annual Pro-am Golf Tournament April 5 and 6, 2021. This marks the 8th year the championship course set amid the Temecula rolling hills hosts the tournament as the official sponsor. The event skipped the 2020 event due to COVID-19. This year, the tournament tees off with more than 26 talented LPGA golfers and VIP guests under Pechanga’s continued health and safety protocols. Journey at Pechanga is Pechanga Resort Casino’s premiere championship golf course, already well known among many Asian golfers. CM 2021 Pro-Am features many outstanding LPGA professional golfers including Mi Hyang Lee, Angel Yin, Bronte Law, Chella Choi and Hee Young Park. Mi Hyang Lee, Rolex Ranking 67, started playing golf when she was just 3 years old. By

the time she reached her late teens, she was one of the top amateurs in the country. Her T6 finish at the 2020 ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open was a season-best result. Angel Yin, Rolex Ranking 69, started playing golf at the age of six and became the youngest to play in the U.S. Women’s Amateur when she was 12. She has recorded three top-10 results including the best result of her LPGA career in a major with a runner-up finish at the U.S. Women's Open. Bronte Law, Rolex Ranking 78, graduated with a degree in sociology from UCLA in 2017 alongside fellow Tour member Alison Lee. She has crossed the $1 million mark in career earnings when she became a Rolex First-Time Winner at the Pure Silk Championship in a wire-to-wire victory. Chella Choi, Rolex Ranking 92, had recorded a

season-best T17 result at the Cambia Portland Classic. She is also one of 12 players to record an ace on Tour in 2020. Hee Young Park, Rolex Ranking 108, had recorded three LPGA Tour Victories that includes the 2011 CME Group Titleholders, 2013 Manulife Financial LPGA Classic and 2020 ISPS Handa Vic Open. The following LPGA superstars will also be joining the game: Annie Park, Kelly Tan, Alison Lee, Robynn Ree, Jennifer Chang, Jillian Hollis, Lee Lopez, Brianna Do, Vicky Hurst, Jiwon Jeon, Harang Lee, Ilhee Lee, Rebecca LeeBentham, Sydnee Michaels, Gabriella Then, Hanule Sky Seo, Tisha Alyn, Yae Eun Hong, Roberta Liti, Kaley In, and Yujeong Son. This elite group of more than 26 pro golfers will challenge each other on the stimulating and demanding course, along with their fans and golf partners. The night before the tournament, sponsors will find out which LPGA Pro golfers they will be playing. The tournament begins at 10 a.m. on Tuesday following the limited interviews with members of Asian media. Players will be competing in an 18-hole scramble tournament and the team with the lowest score will win the coveted CM Pro-Am Cup. Through the tournament, tee sponsors will get to swing their clubs alongside these talented golf athletes. Participants will also be provided with a great networking opportunity with celebrities, corporate leaders and pro golfers at the Awards Ceremony and Dinner that will immediately follow the tournament.

About Journey at Pechanga

Journey at Pechanga is now open with restrictions and limited use to maintain the health and safety of our guests, team members, and the community. To learn more about Journey at Pechanga’s COVID-19 safety policies, call 951770-8210 or visit www.pechanga.com. Journey at Pechanga championship golf course, one of the many high-end amenities at Pechanga Resort Casino, is consistently rated among the top public courses in California. When golfers partner their rounds with a luxury stay at the adjacent resort, the value of the experience rises. Please see Pechanga.com or call the resort ahead of a visit to ensure you have the most up to date health and safety protocols.

Saturday-Friday | April 10 - 16, 2021

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BAGONG FORMS NG VIRUS, PAREHO ANG LABAN! Isang napakahabang taon ng pagbabago ang lumipas lamang. At ngayon, pati na ang COVID ay nagbabago—sa mga bagong uri ng virus na tinatawag na variants na mas madaling kumalat. Ngunit isang bagay ang hindi nagbago: ang ating determinasyon na tumulong para pabagalin ang pagkalat ng COVID. Kung mananatili tayong maingat at ipagpapatuloy ang dati nating ginagawa—pagsuot ng masks, pagpapanatili ng 6 feet na distansya sa isa’t isa, pagpabakuna kapag panahon na natin—sama-sama nating kakayaning talunin ang virus na ito. Alamin ang higit pa sa cdc.gov/coronavirus

Inihahandog sa inyo ng U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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UN declares full support to PH vaccination program MANILA (Mabuhay) — The United Nations (UN) in the Philippines, represented by Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez and heads of UN agencies, has declared its full support for the roll-out of the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program. During a meeting with Department of Hea lth (DOH) Undersecretar y Myrna Cabotaje on April 7, Gonzalez said that in addition to the support of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), he has mobilized all UN agencies to pool capacities, technologies, and resources in support of a successful vaccination campaign. The UN is prov iding logistics equipment like mobi le storage u n it s, generators, and/or prefab offices, and transport support to move medical supplies. It is supporting local government units with technical assistance to help ensure equity and inclusion in the vaccination program. Committed to leaving no one behind, the UN is coordinating with the DOH and the Department of Justice to advocate for the inclusion of internally displaced persons and refugees, especially those

UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR GUSTAVO GONZALEZ belonging to priority vaccination groups, in the national vaccination program. The UN is already supporting the Philippine government’s vaccination program through the COVAX Facility, the international partnership established to ensure equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines around the world, especially to low- and middle-income countries. Last month, the Philippines received 525,600 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and expects to receive 4,058,400 more doses in the second quarter of 2021. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the UN is supplying cold chain management equipment i nclud i ng specia l i zed

cold chain vehicles, biosafety refrigerators, and ultra-low temperature freezers, among others. The UN is also providing training to healthcare workers on cold chain management and Covid-19 testing and is addressing misconceptions about vaccination through intensive and nationwide information campaigns. “The vaccination campaign is a core component of the Covid-19 recovery phase and it requires full support from a wide range of partners. It also relies largely on full respect for prioritization policies and strong and nimble logistics. The UN is supporting the Philippines on both fronts and making sure that this phase of Covid-19 recover y is a success,” Gonzalez said. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | April 10 - 16, 2021

DOT mulls adoption of IATA’s COVID-19 digital travel pass MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday it is considering the adoption of a COVID-19 digital travel pass as a requirement for visitors. The digital travel pass is aimed at adhering to global travel standards in preparation for the safe resumption of international travel. “This move is parallel with the steps undertaken by other countries that have successfully relaxed borders to visitors amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement. The Tourism chief raised the possibility of adopting the travel pass during a meeting with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and local tourism industry leaders to explore the adoption of the IATA Travel Pass technology solutions for passengers visiting the Philippines. “The DOT recognizes the challenges that the country is currently facing due to the pandemic. The agency’s work is centered on the gradual and careful reopening of tourism destinations to support livelihoods, with health and safety as our top priority,” Puyat said. “Albeit on its testing stage, the IATA Travel Pass, which offers safe and convenient travel, has so far been helpful to airlines that have adopted it for trial," she said. The Tourism chief noted that the travel pass developed by IATA, the trade association for passenger and cargo airlines worldwide, offers a global and standardized solution that will enable the validation and au-

thentication of different country regulations regarding COVID-19 passenger travel requirements. As of April 4, over 20 airlines and airline groups have adopted the IATA travel pass on a trial basis, according to the DOT. The IATA Travel Pass has four open-sourced and interoperable modules which can be combined to achieve an end-to-end solution. These are the following: - A Travel Pass App that will enable passengers to create a digital passport, verify their tests or vaccinations with regulatory authorities, and submit requirements such as test results or vaccination certificates to facilitate travel - A Registry of Health Requirements where passengers can get information on travel, testing, and vaccination requirements - A Registry of Testing/Vaccination Centers which enables passengers to find COVID-19 testing centers and laboratories at their departure or arrival locations - A Lab App that will allow authorized COVID-19 testing centers and laboratories to securely send test results or vaccination certificates to passengers. “Once the country’s adoption of the IATA Travel Pass is put into motion, the DOT hopes to safely reopen our tourist destinations to international visitors and revive the tourism industry as a whole. But this will be done only when the time is right,” Puyat said. Founded in 1945, the IATA consists of 290 airlines or 82% of the world's total commercial air traffic. Its members from the Philippines are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. (MNS)

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Gov’t eyes swift ECQ payout, warns vs. ‘ghost beneﬁciaries’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — The government is relying on a comprehensive database to weed out "ghost beneficiaries" and ensure a "swift and manageable" distribution of pandemic cash assistance to residents affected by the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista said Wednesday both national and local governments have provided a database of beneficiaries that would expedite the distribution of the cash aid to families affected by the hard lockdowns in parts of the "National Capital Region (NCR) Plus" bubble. "After the implementation of t he Socia l Amelioration Program and the Bayanihan 2, we have seen the faces of those beneficiaries who are qualified to get the finan cial assistance during ECQ," Bautista said in Filipino in an interview during the rollout of the government's aid in Parañaque City. The local government units (LGUs), he said, may request the DSWD for an extension if they have not completed the payout within the given

period. "Kung talagang may weight at talagang reasonable naman ang justification nila (If the request has weight and if they have a reasonable justification), then why not?" Bautista said. He sa id t he joi nt monitoring committee of the cash assistance program would assess the validity of the request for extension. "We also have (the) means to validate if the reasons are valid but if there are justifiable reasons, then we might consider," he added. Bautista, however, urged the LGUs to implement the financial payout within the given time. "We have computed the days because that's an immediate (need) a nd t hat should be given expeditiously so that's our request to the LGUs – as much as possible, hasten the distribution of assistance," he said. He said the DSWD has left the distribution of the cash aid to the discretion of the LGUs. "We have to refer and consult our LGUs," Baut ista sa id, adding that the DSWD is relying on local government processes in terms of distributing the financial aid.

Ghost beneﬁciaries Meanwhile, Department of t he Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, warned the LGUs about the inclusion of "ghost names" or unqualified individuals in the list of the beneficiaries. Malaya said violators could face either administrative or criminal charges before the City Hall of Justice or at the Ombudsman. "Uulitin lang po natin 'yung ginawa natin last year at babantayan lang po natin ang pera ng bayan (We will just repeat what we did last year and we will just keep an eye on the people's money)," he said. On Ma rch 31, t he DSWD, DILG, and Department of National Defense issued Joint Memorandum Circular 1 that provides guidelines on the distribution of financial assistance after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the release of PHP22.9 billion to those affected by the ECQ. The LGUs were directed to release the cash assistance to their constituents within 15 days upon receipt of the funds. In-k ind assista nce should be given within 30 days. (MNS)

GOV'T AID. Taguig Cit y Mayor Lino Cayet ano (lef t) oversees the distribution of ﬁnancial assistanc e to the low-income residents af fected by the enhanced community quarantine at the Tipas Elementary School in Barangay Ligid Tipas on Wednesday (April 7, 2 0 21). A r o u n d PHP805.8 million has been downloaded to the city government for cash assistance payout. (MNS photo)

HPG tightens watch vs. illegal transport of people amid ECQ MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Thursday said it is has intensified anti-colorum operations to go after those involved in the illegal transport of people to and from the 'National Capital Region (NCR) Plus' area. PNP-HPG chief, Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum said he has immediately ordered HPG regional chiefs and highway patrol units in Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and in Metro Manila to tighten their watch, in the wake of the apprehension of a cargo truck that illegally transports people from Ragay, Camarines Sur to Tagkawayan, Quezon last April 3. On April 4, HPG personnel in cooperation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) apprehended 13 colorum vehicles -- 11 passenger vans and two cars for the same violation. The following day, personnel from

the Regional Highway Patrol Units (RHPU) in the National Capital Region apprehended another 11 passenger vans that attempted to transport unauthorized persons outside of residence to various destinations. “Even before the video broke out in the news yesterday (Wednesday), our (regional chiefs) in Regions 4A and 5, in coordination with the LTFRB and other concerned agencies, were already actively addressing the incident to make sure that it will not happen again,” Tagum said. The HPG said it also continues to work with the LTFRB, Land Transportation Office, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in preventing the unnecessary movement or transport of people to and from Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. The 'NCR Plus' is under ECQ until April 11. (MNS)

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Angel Locsin speaks up vs anti-Asian violence

Angel Locsin is the latest celebrity to speak out against the growing cases of anti-Asian Actress violence, saying, “Hate is a virus.” Wearing a mask with the statement written on its front, Locsin wrote on Instagram a message addressed to “my fellow Filipinos and to everyone of Asian descent who are experiencing cowardly attacks and racial slurs.” “I may not be the one experiencing this, but I stand with you,” she said. “Anti-Asian racism or any acts of hate against a human being is like a virus that can easily spread anywhere if not stopped. So, no matter how frightening, stand and speak up against this pointless hatred—instead of shrugging it off—

ANGEL LOCSIN

Andrea Torres admits she's not yet ready for a new relationship MANILA (Mabuhay) — Andrea Torres is not ready to enter a new relationship. "Usually kasi kapag ganito, binibigyan ko talaga ng time yung sarili ko pano maging mag-isa. Para kapag dumating yung next all out ulit," Andrea explained. Last November, A ndrea and Derek Ramsay surprised the world when they confirmed they had indeed broken up after dating for more than one year. W he n t he show a ske d ANDREA TORRES her to rate how painful the breakup was for her, the Kapuso actress declined to give her rating. "Di ko mabibigyan ng level, kasi kapag nagmahal ka ng totoo, kasama yun 'di ba?" she said. "Pero ngayon happy na." And when asked to rate her happiness, she estimated it at around 8.5. When Andrea was asked for advice on how to quickly move on, she said, "Mag-focus ka sa sarili mo. Gumawa ka ng mga bagay na nagpapasaya sa 'yo. 'Tsaka mga bagay na hindi mo pa nata-try dati." "I-discover mo pa sarili mo," she added. [Discover yourself]. After admitting their relationship just last month, Ramsay and actress Ellen Adarna are now engaged. (MNS)

Jake Ejercito describes Andi Eigenmann as 'great co-parent' MANILA (Mabuhay) — Jake Ejercito refused to take all the credit in raising his daughter Ellie. In a Facebook post, Ejercito shared that he’s been receiving a lot of positive comments

because this will not go away on its own. Let’s help each other,” Locsin wrote. The “Iba ‘Yan” star’s statement came amid the uproar over the violent attack on a 65-year-old Filipino-American woman on a street near Times Square in New York, United States — the latest in an alarming increase of anti-Asian hate crimes in the country. Video shows Fil-A m woman attacked on New York street A New York City Police Department (NYPD) wanted poster of the alleged perpetrator in an assault attack on an Asian woman

on March 29, 2021, is pictured outside an apartment building on Manhattan's West 43rd Street in New York City, New York, U.S., March 30, 2021. Mike Segar, Reuters/File Photo The man behind the assault has since been arrested. “To the many Filipinos living abroad in the hopes of providing a better future for their loved ones, please stay safe,” Locsin said. “Look out for each other, maybe try to learn self defense, report to proper authorities. Fighting hate with hate and violence will never stop this vicious cy-

cle.” The New York incident involving the Filipino elderly was part of a surge in hate crimes reported against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former US President Donald Trump often referred to the novel coronavirus as the “China virus” and the “China plague.” Such crimes rose by 149% in 2020 in 16 major cities compared with 2019, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. (MNS)

Andi Eigenmann plans to turn new Siargao home into bed and breakfast

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The new house of Andi Eigenmann and her family on the island of Siargao is almost done. The actress gave a glimpse of the property in their latest vlog, saying that they are planning to turn it into a bed and breakfast in the future. "Mag ig ing B& B siya eventually," she said. "Pero sa ngayon, titirahan muna namin siya. So private res-

about being a good father to Ellie. Although he is truly humbled by all the kind words, Ejercito said he does not think he is doing anything special. “I’m just trying to be the best dad for my daughter,” he said. Ejercito also pointed out that he could not have done everything for Ellie alone, “especially at the beginning at such a young age and in a less than ideal situation.” “God knows how it would’ve

idence muna siya ngayon." Eigenmann said she and her family only occupy one room in the new house as they continue improving other areas such as the backyard. "Papagandahin namin ang aming backyard. That's our summer activity," she said. Eigenmann also showed parts of another room, which she said will serve as their children's home school

turned out without the guidance and support extended to me/ us by my parents, siblings, relatives, friends, and our kasambahays.” Ejercito also emphasized how Ellie’s mom, actress Andi Eigenmann, has been a “great co-parent” too. “They da real MVPs! The photos and videos you see are mostly just me and Ellie, but it does take a village to raise a child and boy do we have an awesome one,” he said. “To all young dads out there,

and play area. She promised to do a tour once everything is in its proper place. Eigenmann has been living in Siargao with her fiance, professional surfer Philmar Alipayo. She gave birth to her third child, Koa, early this year. Also part of their family is the couple's first child, Lilo, and Eigenmann's eldest daughter Ellie with former partner Jake Ejercito.

there’s nothing more fulfilling and beautiful in the world than to grow with and be best buddies with your child,” he added. Ejercito recently shared that he went to Siargao for the first time to fetch Ellie. It would be recalled that Ellie had been with Ejercito and her father’s family for a year, throughout the coronavirus pandemic. It was only when the travel restrictions eased up that Eigenmann was able to reunite with Ellie in Manila. After that, the two spent time

In a previous interview, Eigenmann talked about the joys of island living. "I guess it's a sense of freedom and peace. I get to be who I want to be or who I really am without anybody judging me," she said. "It was my dream for so long, ever since I was a little girl," she added. "So parang that feeling of giving myself the dream life that I've always wanted allows me to be my best self." (MNS)

together with Eigenmann’s other daughter Lilo as the actress waited to give birth to her second child with her fiancé, champion surfer Philmar Alipayo. One month after she gave birth to her son, Eigenmann, Alipayo, their two kids and Ellie all flew back to Siargao to resume living their “happy island life.” While Eigenmann and Ejercito are no longer together, they have managed to be on good terms as parents to their daughter. (MNS)

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Yam Concepcion is dedicating her new serye to Claire dela Fuente

am Concepcion turned emotional during the launch of “Init sa Magdamag,” as she dedicated the project — her ﬁrst lead role in a series — to the late music icon Claire dela Fuente. Dela Fuente died of cardiac arrest while battling COVID-19 on March 30, less than a week before Concepcion faced members of the press virtually. During her turn to answer questions, Concepcion volunteered a brief tribute to dela Fuente, whom she credited as instrumental to her success in showbiz. “Noong nagsisimula ako, ‘yung naka-discover sa akin si Tita Claire dela Fuente,” she said. Concepcion, who used to be a professional drummer, was once bandmates with Monty Macalino, who would become the lead vocalist of Mayonnaise. Through that connection, Concepcion was cast as the leading lady in Mayonnaise’s “Sinungaling.” “Nakita ni Tita Claire ‘yung music video, kinontak niya si Monty. Doon kami nagkakilala. Ni-refer niya ako sa Viva,” Concepcion recounted. In 2012, Concepcion was launched by Viva Entertainment as a sexy star with the film “Rigodon.” While daring roles marked her showbiz entry, Concepcion would evolve as a dramatic actress, notably with a string of supporting roles in ABS-CBN series,

YAM CONCEPCION starting with “Dugong Buhay” in 2013. “Nakakagulat. Sobrang sudden nung nangyari,” Concepcion said of dela Fuente’s passing. She recalled that the Sunday before the hitmaker’s death, they had a conversation over the phone where dela Fuente congratulated her on “Init sa Magdamag.” “Tumawag pa siya sa akin. Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Yam, napanood ko ‘yung trailer. Congratulations!’ Four minutes lang iyon sa telepono. Sabi ko, ‘Thank you, Tita Claire.’” Appearing to hold back tears, Concepcion added, “Hindi ko naman in-expect na bigla na lang siya mawawala.” Describing “Init sa Magdamag” as a milestone in her career, Concepcion said dela Fuente deserves credit for putting her on track towards that goal. “Itong project na ‘to, para rin sa kaniya. Gusto ko siyang i-recognize, dahil kung hindi dahil sa kaniya, wala ako dito ngayon,” she said. “This is for Tita Claire. May her soul rest in peace.” (MNS)

Actor Dion Ignacio marries partner Aileen Sison MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actor Dion Ignacio has married his longtime-girlfriend Aileen Sison, with whom he has a child, the couple announced this week. Ignacio, 35, shared photos of the garden wedding held at an events venue in

Amadeo, Cavite. “Officially married!” he wrote, without indicating the actual date of the ceremony. “Sa teleserye ko lang nagagawa to ngayon totoo na! At ngayon ay nagsasa-

DION AND AILEEN

ma na kami nang tama sa mata ng Diyos. Dreams really do come true. Can’t express how happy I am right now,” he said. Ignacio and Sison, a former fl ight attendant and business owner, have a daughter, Dylanne Jailee. Ignacio confirmed being a father in 2018. At the time, Dylanne was a year old. “Sobrang saya na may basbas na ni Lord ang aming sa ma ha n bi la ng mag-asawa. May he strengthen our relationship and grow forever in faith and love,” Ignacio said. Ignacio and Sison had been a couple for four months when t he lat ter moved abroad for his job with an international airline. After eight years — during which they had respective relationships — they rekindled their romance, ultimately exchanging vows. (MNS)

CLAIRE DELA FUENTE

Yassi Pressman reminds followers: 'Life is short'

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress "Soon we'll all be together Yassi Pressman urged her fol- again, World. But here's me lowers to cherish every mo- and my family with some of ment with their loved ones, our favorite memories. Sendnoting that life is short and ing out a prayer to the healing that tomorrow is uncertain. of our Philippines and heal"For many reason we all ing of our brothers and sisprobably know, ters around the I've been re World. Stay safe. alizing life is Can't wait for us sooooooo short, all to be together it's been ver y again soon," she difficult for all of added. us. For all of our Over the losses and for weekend, t he all of our secret Palace placed battles, before areas in the NCR we won them, Plus bubble unYASSI PRESSMAN with our famider enhanced ly or alone. You never know community quarantine (ECQ) what's going to happen tomor- until April 4, due to the new row and all you have is today. surge in COVID-19 cases. Keep good people around you, Pressman, who left the tell them you love them, even long-running primetime show from a distance and cherish "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" early every moment," Pressman told this year, is currently spendher 8.7 million Instagram fol- ing time with her family and lowers. their businesses. (MNS)

Rachelle Ann Go gives birth to first child MANILA (Mabuhay) — Rachelle Ann Go has given birth to her first child, the singer announced recently. On Instagram, Go shared a photo of her with her newborn and her husband, Martin Spies. “Lukas Judah Spies has arrived!” she wrote in the caption, indicating he was born on March 26. Sharing the meaning of her child’s name, Go said “Lukas” stands for “bring of light,” while “Judah” means “let Him be praised.” Go currently resides in Lon-

don, UK with Spies, whom she married in April 2018. In November 2020, Go said she was at first reluctant to cross the milestone of becoming a mother, but credited her faith for helping her feel “ready” to care for another life. (MNS)

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Economy sank deeper in 2020 than initial estimates — PSA MANILA (Mabuhay) — The economic fallout in 2020 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is worse than initially reported, revised estimates by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Thursday. Data released by the PSA showed the country’s economy as measured by gross domestic product (GDP)—the summation of all the goods and services produced by a country in a specified period—shrank by 9.6% last year, a deeper contraction than the -9.5% reported in January. In peso terms using current prices, the Philippines’ GDP amounted to P17.9 trillion, lower than the P19.51 trillion in 2019. This translates to an economic loss of P1.58 trillion last year due to mobility restrictions and business activity disruptions amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The PSA, meanwhile, maintained the -8.3% GDP for the fourth quarter of 2020. “These are due to the latest

full year data. We always update as needed if new data are available,” Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua told reporters in a Viber group message. The PSA explained that revisions on the estimates are based on the updated data submissions by the data source agencies. “The PSA revises the GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy (PSA Board Resolution No. 1, Series of 2017-053) which is consistent with international standard practices on national accounts revisions,” it said. The revised GDP estimates came almost a month before the Statistics agency is scheduled to announce the first quarter 2021 economic output on May 11. The revised -9.6% GDP in 2020 is still the economy’s worst performance on record since the end of World War II. Chua earlier blamed the 2020’s economic contraction to COVID-19, which “disrupt-

Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua

ed our growth momentum and development trajectory.” The Philippines first implemented the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in March 2020, which has been gradually eased in June all throughout the first two months of 2021. New COVID-19 cases saw a dramatic increase, hitting all-time highs in March. This prompted the government to place Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal

Philippine manufacturing posts modest growth in March MANILA, Apr 5 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine manufacturing sector continued to expand in March, albeit at a slower pace than the previous month, according to results of the monthly survey conducted by IHS Markit. The IHS Markit Philippines Manufacturing PMI fell to 52.2 in March from 52.5 in February. The PMI is a composite indicator of the manufacturing sector's performance, with 50.0 as the threshold. A reading above 50 indicates growth while below 50 is a contraction. Goods producers reported a marginal rise in new order volumes for the month, while foreign client demand was subdued as restrictions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic persisted in overseas markets. IHS said an overall rise in new work led local firms to increase their output at an accelerated pace, while some noted efforts to stockpile finished goods amid expectations of greater demand in the coming months. "Nevertheless, a strong first quarter places the sector in a good stead for a return to industrial production growth in 2021, with our current forecast expecting a 7.1% expansion," said Patel. (MNS)

under enhanced community quarantine from March 29 to April 11. The reimposition of the strictest quarantine classification in the country’s economic center further dims hopes of a faster recovery from the pandemic-induced recession experienced last year. The two-week ECQ in the NCR Plus bubble is expected to shave off P30 billion or P2.1 billion a day in household incomes, and result in 252,000 job losses, and 102,000 more poor individuals for the entire duration of the strict lockdown. The National Economic and Development Authority earlier admitted that the country will continue to see a negative GDP in the first quarter of 2021. Asked if the revisions will affect the economic managers' target of 6.5% to 7.5% growth this year, Chua reiterated that it is too early as state economists and statisticians look at ongoing trends and not a single month's data. (MNS)

Indoor restaurants may remain closed — DTI chief

MANIL A (Mabuhay) — The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) might be sensitive in reopening indoor economic activities, including indoor dine-in services, due to new variants of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Thursday.

“So if we really reopen, the indoor restaurants --unless they can really do the engineering controls-they might be kept closed and only the outdoor activities will only be allowed,” Lopez said in a television interview. From nearly 2,000 daily cases at the start of the year, Covid-19 cases in the country in the past days even breached the 15,000-mark.

The high number of Covid-19 cases made the IATF to place National Capital Region and provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 29 to April 11. “To us, this is already the alltime big-time lockdown,” Lopez said. “We also say that we cannot continue in ECQ for a long time.

NEW... from Page 1 boosting Philippine business, as well as promoting our culture and tourism,” Badajos continued, adding, “I am definitely eager to begin my work and meeting up with local movers and shakers, government officials and our kababayan community.” With CoViD-19 transmission largely under control in Los Angeles County and with CA Governor Gavin Christopher Newsom targeting mid-2021 to open up the State’s economy (given certain epidemiological metrics are met), the Consul General is hopeful that LA PCG may begin exploring activities beyond only virtual platforms. Prior to his arrival in L.A., ConGen Badajos served at the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah from February 2018 to April 2021. A seasoned Filipino Diplomat, the Bangued, Abra native joined the Philippine Foreign Service in January 1997 and has served in various capacities at the Department of Foreign

Affairs in Manila, including most recently as Director, Political-Security Division, Office of ASEAN Affairs (2015-2018). Earlier, he was assigned to the Office of Legal Affairs, Office of Consular Affairs and the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs. His previous foreign assignments include the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto as Vice Consul (2000-2003), the Philippine Consulate General in New York as Vice Consul then Consul (20032007), and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, as Minister and Consul General and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific or UNESCAP (20092015). A University of the Philippines-educated lawyer by profession (UP College of Law, LLB 1991), the Consul General has also written a “Philippine Passport Guidebook” in 1998 together with a fellow Filipino Foreign Service Officer.

What we are looking at is a gradual movement, the reopening to (the) next level of sectors.” He added the current situation has hit hard entrepreneurs in tourism and food establishments, particularly indoor dine-in restaurants. “With the new restrictions, there are many businesses that will remain closed for the meantime, or

will really slow down their operations,” he said. Citing a survey of DTI, Lopez said closed businesses at the onset of the pandemic reached 38 percent “Over time when we were reopening, it went down to 6 percent then to 4.6 percent recently. Others have completely shut down or shifted to other business,” he added. (MNS)

ALL ACTS... from Page 1

ZOOMER... from Page 3

spoken out along with local government officials to help try and bring their communities together so that nobody has to endure or tolerate any type of hate period. Although COFACC, comprising of various Filipino American Chambers Of Commerce across the nation, they are also unified in their stance to denounce Asian Hate. Whether people have a business or not or are entrepreneurs by profession, we at COFACC stand in unity with our Asian brothers and sisters to ensure that Asian Hate will not be tolerated and any hate amongst all ethnicities is unacceptable.” “We look forward to the day where nobody has to live in fear of another human being. We strive as an organization to build bridges of connection and trust with open policies of acceptance regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, economic background, and political affiliation. COFACC believes in equal opportunity, equal rights, and most of all, equality of love and unity across all races as we are all equal in God’s eyes.”

we are one with you in prayer for a better and brighter 2021. “For all of our alumni watching, please do continue to pray for and support your alma mater, as this pandemic has been a tremendous challenge for the education sector. As of the 4th quarter of 2020, there were already more than 800 private schools in the country that had closed or stopped operation this school year due to the pandemic; many of which will no longer reopen. We are blessed to have established some form of stability, even in these difficult times. “Thank you once again to the PWUAA of Southern California for this invitation. May you all continue to stay safe and healthy, and I hope to meet you all in person when the situation is better! Thank you and God bless.”

22 MILLION... from Page 1 general medical, surgical or specialty hospitals; some two million at outpatient care centers and about 1.8 million worked at nursing care facilities. Health Care Occupations There were 9.8 million workers employed as health care technicians and practitioners, including physicians, surgeons, and registered nurses. About two-thirds were non-Hispanic White. Another 5.3 million worked as nursing assistants, home health and personal care aides and in other health care support occupations. One-quarter of health care support workers were Black. Women accounted for three-quarters of full-time, year-round health care workers. Women working as registered nurses, the most common health care occupation

for women, had median annual earnings of $68,509. In contrast, women working as nursing assistants, the most common health care support occupation, earned $28,686. Among full-time, year-round health care workers, more than half of paramedics, surgeons, and other physicians were men. Median earnings for men in selected health care occupations ranged from under $30,000 for home health aides to over $250,000 for emergency medicine physicians. Health Care Workers by State States with over 500,000 health care practitioners and technicians include California, Florida, New York, and Texas. However, the overall distribution of health care related workers varied by state. For example, there were about six health

care practitioners and technicians per 100 civilian-employed workers ages 16 and over in the United States. While about 58,000 workers in West Virginia were health care practitioners and technicians, they accounted for nearly 8 out of 100 of the state’s workers ages 16 and over. In the District of Columbia, 4 out 100 workers, or just over 17,000, worked as health care practitioners. The number and distribution of health care support workers also varies across the United States. California had 718,011 health care support workers — the largest number of any state — accounting for about 4 out of 100 workers in the state. In contrast, nearly 5 out 100 workers (454,514) in New York had health care support jobs. Nearly 2 out 100 workers (just over

23,000) in Puerto Rico worked in a health care support occupation. We used statistics from the 2019 American Community Survey to profile health care workers at the national and state level. Data.census.gov provides selected labor force statistics. ACS estimates are based on data from a sample of housing units and people. Therefore, respondents may or may not live and work in the same geographic location as their employer. Additional information on industry and occupational classifications is available from the Industry and Occupation Statistics Branch. Lynda Laughlin, Augustus Anderson, Anthony Martinez, and Asiah Gayfield are survey statisticians in the Census Bureau’s Industry and Occupation Statistics Branch.

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Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by O Glorious Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and Church show me the many, but the honors you theby and inspire into the and hands invokes of the enemies has universally caused you to be as forgotten way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive You are so many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the and forget the wrong that is done to me and are in all instances casesdespaired and of things despaired of. Pray patron ofwho hopeless casespatron andof hopeless of things of. Pray forfor the Heart o me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular Miracles... of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where beseech y methat who am needy; everything and confirm once more I never wantso to be separated make use, I implore you of that particular help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need out your p from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my letting fall accorded to younecessities, to bringtribulations, visible and and speedy help(here where to be with You and my loved privilege ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. sufferings particularly mention me your ch your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect (A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating experience help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how Therese, m the Heart of God. Holy Mother Church proclaims you ‘Prodigy of mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my difficult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has known eve special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage need that I may receive devotion the consolations and succor of heaven Miracles... the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.’ Now I fervently to you. Amen. THANK YOU - ARDY through yo been granted. Grateful Thanks) - God bless - OMEL beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of JOB OPPORTUNITIES? SERVICES? SPACES? NEW OR letting fallFOR from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give mention your petition) and TO thatBLESSED I mayRENTAL bless God with you and all MORE INFORMATION PRAYER VIRGIN me your childlike faith, to see the Face of God in the people and the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude to be experiences of my life, and to love God with full confidence. St. (Never known to fail). O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Therese, my Carmelite Sister, I will fulfill your plea ‘to be made ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus Vine, of Heaven, Mother Sonpower of God, as mySplendor special and powerful Blessed patron and to doofallthe in my to through you. Amen THANK YOU - SHAHELA encourage to you. Amen. THANK O YOU ABA Immaculatedevotion Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Star- of the Sea, help

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Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen. THANK YOU - ARDY

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out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give me your childlike faith, to see the Face of God in the people and H[SHULHQFHV RI P\ OLIH DQG WR ORYH *RG ZLWK IXOO FRQ¿GHQFH 6W TO SAINT THERESE 7KHUHVH P\ PRAYER &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHU , ZLOO IXO¿OO \RXU SOHD µWR EH PDGH known everywhere’ andwhom I will Almighty continue God to lead O Glorious St. Therese, has others raised to up Jesus to aid through you. - ABA and inspire theAmen humanTHANK family, IYOU implore your Miraculous Intercession.

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You are so powerful in obtaining every need of body and spirit from the Heart of God. Holy Mother Church proclaims you ‘Prodigy of Miracles... the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.’ Now I fervently beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give me your childlike faith, to see the Face of God in the people and experiences of my life, and to love God with full confidence. St. Therese, my Carmelite Sister, I will fulfill your plea ‘to be made known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen THANK YOU - SHAHELA

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Sinovac data show no major side effects on elderly — DOST exec MANILA (Mabuhay) — A Department of Science and Technology (DOST) official said Thursday that the use of Chinese pharmaceutical firm's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine on senior citizens in the Philippines showed no significant side effects on the age group. “Sa mga datos sa ibang bansa, ginagamit [ang Sinovac] sa senior citizens, at napatunayan na wala po talaga itong major side effects” (Based on data provided by other countries, Sinovac is being used on senior citizens and it showed no major side effects on them), Dr. Jaime Montoya said. Montoya, DOST Philippine Council for Health Research Development executive director, also said that if there are any side effects, these are well-tolerated by the senior citizens. However, he said the usual side effects exhibited by senior citizens after inoculation with Sinovac include slight fever, swelling on the injection site, and flu, among others. Administering Sinovac jabs on senior citizens with comorbidities will

not give them major side effects as long as the recipients' health status is well-monitored by their physicians, Montoya added. Also, he noted that Sinovac has a better safety profile based on the data provided by other countries that used this brand for their elderly population. On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Sinovac on senior citizens amid the shortage in vaccine supply in the Philippines. But the FDA said an evaluation of the senior citizens’ health must be conducted to ensure that Sinovac’s benefits will outweigh the risks. Initially, the Philippine government only used AstraZeneca vaccine for senior citizens, but various local government units are facing vaccine supply shortage. Last week, the DOH said 979,200 doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine initially expected in last month will arrive in the country in April or early May.

PHA chief urges gov't to approve commercial distribution of COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits MANILA (Mabuhay) — The president of the Philippine Hospital Association on Thursday urged authorities to approve the commercial distribution of rapid antigen test kits for COVID-19 as hospitals find themselves overwhelmed by a fresh surge in infections. Dr. Jaime Almora said allowing more people to test themselves for COVID-19 could help slow the spread of the virus. “If we empower the people to do the examination on themselves… then the self-information that they have on their COVID status can be used by them to know how to isolate or to prevent the disease from spreading,” he said. Almora pointed out that rapid antigen tests are “proven effective” and have a “high” sensitivity rate. What makes COVID-19 tests expensive, he explained, is “the cost of the manpower that performs those examinations” and the personal protective equipment that health workers need to wear. “If you remove [those] from the equation… then the cost of the kit alone should be affordable to the people,” Almora said. “If only the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) would approve commercial distribution so that people can buy them like buying pregnancy tests, because it is as easy as doing a pregnancy test, and people will be taught how to do self-collection of specimen,” he added. The government recently said it would ramp up testing amid the surge in cases by deploying 500,000 antigen test kits to COVID-19 hotspots. Almora previously lamented that hospitals were already overwhelmed by the number of COVID-19 patients seeking medical attention. “The battlefront is not anymore in the hospital. What we need to do now is to bring the battlefront to the doorsteps of every household, every office, every workplace,” he said. “We need people now to defend themselves, to make sure that they will not get sick, because if they get sick, they cannot expect that they will be accommodated right away in the hospitals.” The Philippines has 158,701 active COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday afternoon. (MNS)

However, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday said there would be a “slight delay” in the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility due to logistical problems. The Philippines has so far received

525,600 AstraZeneca vaccine doses from COVAX Facility, a World Health Organization-backed initiative that seeks to ensure equitable access to vaccines, especially poorer nations. (MNS)

Philippine Genome Center: 9.9% of over 4k samples account for new coronavirus variants MANILA (Mabuhay) — At least 9.9% of 4,000 samples processed by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) account for new variants of coronavirus. Dr. Cynthia Salome, Executive Director of the PGC, said this is based on 4,751 samples that were subjected to genome sequencing by the PGC since January. “4,050 have been found to be variants of concern. Two hundred thirty-seven were of UK variant, 163 of South Africa variant. One hundred four is a variant discovered in Central Visayas, one is a variant from Brazil. The UK variant has a higher fatality in elderly, while the South African variant tend to lower the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines,” Salome said during the Laging Handa briefing. “This means 9.9 percent accounted for variants of concern in the Philippines since we started genomic bio surveillance in January,” Salome added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier attributed the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country to the new variants of coronavirus which are more transmissible. Salome noted that while the new variants are more transmissible by 50%, the surge in COVID-19 cases cannot be solely pinned on the emergence of new variants. “Yes, they are more infectious and we have seen transmission in households, but the surge of COVID-19 cases is really a combination of many factors,” Salome pointed out. “Maybe because of the long sacrifices we have done [due to quarantine restrictions], there was a drop in compliance in minimum public health standards, the belief that the COVID-19 vaccines are coming and these variants which came in which are more transmissible,” Salome added. (MNS)

PH to build mobile isolation facilities; COVID-19 testing 'virtually free' — Palace MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine government will build mobile isolation facilities as COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationwide, Malacañang said Monday. Metro Manila hospitals earlier declared full capacity for virus patients, prompting government to place the capital region under strict lockdown until April 11. Government has built a 110-bed capacity quarantine facility at the Quezon Institute in Quezon City, and will add 160 additional beds to Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (Tala Hospital) in Caloo-

can, said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. "There are now plans to build mobile tents, ICU facilities of up to 200 beds," he said. "We’re doing what other countries did at the height of their own pandemics, we’re relying now on mobile hospitals." Coronavirus testing is also free except for persons without symptoms, Roque said. "Testing is virtually free if you're an economic frontliner, a medical frontliner, if you've had exposure or if you have symptoms. It's only

the asymptomatics without exposure who want to test who will have to pay the required fee," he said. "We’re not giving to everyone but we’re doing it on a targeted basis." Roque made the remark in response to calls for mass testing as the country's positivity rate increased, or the number of people who get tested for coronavirus and turn out positive. The Philippines has increased its coronavirus testing to 50,000 per day, said Secretary Vince Dizon, who heads said cluster of government's COVID-19 Task Force. The figure is less than half than the 130,000 daily COVID-19 tests that the UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team recommended to better track the spread of the virus. Vice President Leni Robredo earlier said Metro Manila needs to conduct at least 90,000 tests daily to get a more accurate figure of the pandemic. (MNS)

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FDA grants compassionate use permit for ivermectin on humans MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a hospital’s application for "compassionate use" of anti-parasitic drug ivermectin on humans, according to Director General Eric Domingo on Thursday. “Na-grant na iyong special permit for compassionate use [of ivermectin] kasi alam naman namin na investigational product ito against COVID-19. May isang ospital na nag-apply for compassionate use at na-grant na nga ng araw na ito,” Domingo said during Laging Handa briefing. Prior to this, ivermectin is only allowed for use on animals. Domingo, however, clarified that such a compassionate use permit is different from the pending application

of two local manufacturers seeking for certificate of product registration for ivermectin. A compassionate use permit only allows legal administration of the drug in the country but is not an endorsement of its safety and efficacy from the FDA. A certificate of product registration, on the other hand, will allow manufacturers to sell the drug commercially and is an FDA guarantee that the drug is safe and effective. A number of lawmakers and even doctors are pushing for prescribing ivermectin on COVID-19 patients, citing anecdotal experiences. The FDA, however, maintained that ivermectin should be registered with FDA first before prescribing it to humans. (MNS)

PH tries to keep up with rich countries in vaccine purchase MANILA (Mabuhay) — Despite the challenges in acquiring vaccines, especially the limited global supply, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., assured that the government is exerting all efforts to secure coronavirus jabs for all Filipinos. "Sa ngayon po (so far), most probably baka magkaroon po tayo ng (we are expecting to acquire the) vaccine ng (in the) first quarter, most probably by March, and then also, ang mga (the acquisition of the) second tranche is [in the] second quarter, third quarter and fourth quarter," Galvez said Thursday He earlier noted that about 80 percent of the available vaccines globally have already been procured by rich countries, resulting in limited supplies hence, the Philippines is experiencing slight delays in vaccine deliveries due to "global logistics constraints." A New York Times (NYT) report published March 31 said “86 percent of shots that have gone into arms worldwide have been administered in high- and upper-middle-income countries. Only .1 percent of doses have been administered in low-income countries.” The same NYT report, based on data compiled by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef), added that “low-income countries made their first significant vaccine purchase agreements in January 2021 – eight months after the United States and the United Kingdom made their first deals.”

PH 48th among 141 countries in vaccination The Task Group on Diplomatic Engagement and Negotiation, Galvez said, showed the Philippines is 48th among 141 countries in terms of administering the Covid-19 vaccine, as of March 30. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines is ranked third behind Indonesia and Singapore, according to financial and media company Bloomberg's tracker. Bloomberg data showed that more than 590 million doses have been administered across 141 countries, enough to vaccinate 3.9 percent of the global population. The latest rate was approximately 15.3 million doses daily. The NTF reported some 738,913 doses have been administered to priority groups, such as healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities. Of this number, 68 percent, equivalent to 737,569, received the first dose, while 1,344 or 0.1 percent have completed two doses. Around 58 percent of 1,468,200 onhand vaccines have also been distributed to 2,596 vaccination sites nationwide. "With the recent arrival of 1 million doses of procured vaccines, the total number of available doses have doubled, and doses distributed throughout the country have significantly increased, with a total of 1,468,200 doses delivered," the NTF said in Viber message. Expand vaccination It targets to expand the vaccination of more priority groups in the next coming weeks.

Over 922,000 individuals vaccinated vs. COVID-19 — DOH MANILA (Mabuhay) — A total of 922,898 individuals have gotten themselves vaccinated against COVID-19 as of April 6, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday. Of this number, 64% or 872,213 got the first dose and 3.7% or 50,685 have already completed the two doses. There are also 2,670 vaccination sites across the country administering the 1,936,600 doses that have been distributed so far, which is equivalent to 77% of the 2,525,600 shots that have been delivered to the country. The seven-day average of daily vaccinated individuals also fell to 22,932 from a high of 32,940 on March 30. Several local governments have had to pause their inoculation of senior citizens due to a shortage of AstraZeneca vaccines. The DOH said the COVAX Facility, a global initiative for equitable vaccine distribution, committed to deliver a new batch of AstraZeneca doses but said it would be delayed due to supply issues. The Food and Drug Administration has also approved the use of China’s Sinovac vaccine on the elderly amid the AstraZeneca shortfall. Previously, Sinovac’s CoronaVac was only recommended for clini- QUEUE FOR VACCINE. Manila residents wait for their turn to be vaccinated at the cally healthy individuals aged 18 Justo Lukban Elementary School in Paco, to 59. Manila on Thursday (April 1, 2021). The city The Philippines has 158,701 ac- government of Manila has started the inoctive cases as of Wednesday after- ulation of senior citizens and persons with comorbidities based on the government's noon. (MNS) priority listing. (MNS photo)

NTF added that the current deployment of the vaccine is limited to priority groups A1 (medical front-liners) and A3 (aged 18 to 59 with comorbidities) who were given the option to choose between CoronaVac and AstraZeneca, while the priority group A2 (elderly) will receive AstraZeneca. Galvez assured that the nationwide vaccine rollout "is doing good amid the limited supply." The country's vaccination rate has increased from 35,000 within the first week of March to 271,459 this week. “Ibig sabihin, ‘yung capacity natin (That means, our capacity) to inoculate will go on exponentially with the availability of more vaccines in different local government units,” he added. Bulk of vaccines The government expects to secure the bulk of Covid-19 vaccines by the third quarter of this year, once ongoing negotiations with pharmaceutical companies

push through. "Based on our current negotiations, we will be able to purchase at least 148 million doses from more or less seven manufacturers. However, it will be dependent on the global supply," Galvez said. Around 800,000 out of 1.4 million doses of CoronaVac vaccines, he said, will be deployed in areas under enhanced community quarantine, such as Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal. The shipment of 2.6 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine initially procured by the private companies are expected to arrive in May The government is also finalizing supply agreements with pharmaceutical firms Johnson&Johnson of the United States and Gamaleya Research Institute of Russia by the second week of April, he added. The government has already sealed supply deals with Sinovac, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Novavax. (MNS)

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