Weekend Balita- May 30, 2020

LOS ANGELES EDITION

24 PH hospitals participating in WHO Solidarity Trials PAGE 15

VOL. XXIX NO. 22

May 30 - June 5, 2020

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

WHEN IS LOS ANGELES’ RUSH HOUR COMING BACK?

By ABNER GALINO

WHEN

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LA County’s new standards for swift and safe reopening IN a major COVID-19 recovery milestone, Los Angeles County is moving toward new standards for a swift and safe reopening in alignment with the State of California guidelines.

Among the activities now permitted under the change are faith-based services, instore shopping at low-risk retail stores, drive-in movies and other recreational pursuits.

In aligning its Health Officer orders with the state’s California Pandemic Resilience Roadmap, the County emphasized its commitment to keeping residents “safer at LA COUNTY’s

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TOP STORIES

Global News No visitors for De Lima for a month now, opposition senators cry foul 8  Rep. Rodriguez wants March 21 declared Nat’l COVID-19 Health Frontliner’s Day 8  Beaching ramp on Pagasa Island 97% complete — DND 9  SWS: 45% of Filipinos used money earned from jobs amid COVID-19 pandemic 9  Duterte urges landlords, lessors to allow delay in payments 10  ‘Underground’ medical facilities connected? PNP chief can’t say yet 10 

Sections BUSINESS. DTI finds safety protocols of some malls lacking 19  ENTERTAINMENT. Bea Alonzo’s ‘I Am Hope’ reaches P9-million milestone 12  HEALTH & FAMILY. Duterte: China may be one of the first to come up with COVID-19 vaccine 15  DELISH. THE PILI: Bicol’s Pride 18 

By ABNER GALINO LOS ANGELES Police Department (LAPD) chief Michel Moore has called the killing of George Floyd and its aftermath as a “disturbing and a sober reminder of the fragile relationship we have with the community that we serve.”

In a YouTube video, Moore said he “understands the frustrations of Angelenos, as well as other Americans. I join you in your con-

WE all know that rush hour is a misnomer. For one, this peak period of snarled traffic flow lasts more than an hour. And while everyone seems to be rushing during this hour, the traffic flow is not in a hurried pace at all.

On the contrary, rush hour is usually a 1 to 5 miles per hour (mph) crawl --- from 1 to 10 miles coming in or going out of the City of Los Angeles.

In short, it’s usually an agonizing no-green light-insight moment, particularly for someone who doesn’t have a youthful bladder anymore.

LAPD chief urges peaceful protests over Floyd’s death cerns about reports of excessive force,” adding that such incidents chips away on the public trust that the police department has been working to build.

“Street demonstrations are and should be occurring across this country and in this city to bring voices to injustices,” Moore said.

“It is part of the very democracy of wh at m a ke s t h i s

RESIDENTS around the Ellenwood Drive from Avenue 45 to Yosemite Drive neighborhood enjoy the safety and convenience brought about by the Slow Streets LA project. Photo by Abner Galino

With over 1,000 new infections in a single day

Philippines’ COVID-19 cases breach 16,000 MANILA (Mabuhay) — The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the country exceeded 16,000 on Friday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,046 more infections, bringing

the total to 16,634.

Out of the cases reported on Friday, only 46 were based on test results released to patients over the last three days.

One thousand were based on test results

released to patients four days ago or more.

According to the DOH, fresh cases are test results released to patients within the last three days while late cases are those released to patients

for more than four days.

The DOH also reported that 122 more patients have recovered from the illness, bringing the total number of recoveries to 3,720.

PHILIPPINES’

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FILE photo of LAPD Chief Michel Moore during an event at the LAPD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles last year. Photo by Abner Galino LAPD

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Garcetti gets 24 million N95 masks, opens new testing site at Dodger’s LOS ANGELES Mayor Eric Garcetti received on Thursday the delivery of the first part of a larger order of 24 million N95 mask s purchased by the City f r om Hone y wel l for doctors, nurses, firefighters, and first responders.

The development came a day after the city opened a new COVID-19 testing site at the Dodger Stadium. The site has the capacity to test 6,000 Angelenos every day free of charge.

The testing site is reportedly three times larger than any other location

in L.A. County.

“We have to protect the people who are protecting us –– from the nurses meeting admitted patients with compassion to our firefighters at testing sites,” said Mayor Garcetti shortly after ceremoniously receiving the N95 mask.

“These N95 masks w ill help ensure healthcare workers get the equipment they need to save lives and protect their own.”

On April 28, Mayor Garcetti announced a historic order of 24 million N95 masks f r o m Ho n e y w e l l GARCETTI

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LA Mayor Eric Garcetti is joined by Port of Los Angeles Executive Director and Chief Logistics Officer Gene Seroka, as well as the President of CMA CGM and APL North America Ed Aldridge, at a city warehouse to welcome the delivery of the first part of a larger order of 24 million N95 masks purchased by the City from Honeywell for doctors, nurses, firefighters, and first responders.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the LA Mayor

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Fil-Am

Community Visit www.Balita.com

State Treasurer Fiona Ma to Chinese Americans – Be Counted, Be Heard (Editor’s Note: In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, California’s State Treasurer Fiona Ma wrote this call-to-action to Chinese Americans, especially those living in her home town San Francisco: Fill out the census, or risk losing hard won gains!)

C

By State Treasurer FIONA MA, CPA

hinese immigrants, like my parents, began coming to America in the mid1800s in search of a better life and greater opportunity for their children and grandchildren. Today, more than a fifth of San Francisco residents are of Chinese descent, and the City is home to the second-largest Chinese population in the United States.

Despite our numbers, however, political power and representation for Chinese Americans was a long time coming. The first Chinese American on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors wasn’t appointed until 1977, and we had to wait until the 1990s for the 11-member Board to include more than one Asian American supervisor. Since then, San Francisco has elected its first Chinese mayor, I am one of two statewide elected Chinese constitutional officers, and Asian American elected officials at all levels of California’s government now number in the hundreds.

During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders past and present – but we also look to the future and how we can ensure our voices are heard. One of the most critical ways we can take a stand for our communities and our families is to be counted in the 2020 Census.

Census data informs billions of dollars in federal funding for key programs such as Head Start, childcare and development programs, community mental health programs, nutrition programs, educational and health care resources, and much more. Many of these programs are especially important now – in the midst of the worldwide COVID-19 crisis – because they impact the state’s ability to appropriately plan for emergencies and critical patient care needs. Estimates show that for every person uncounted, California could lose $1,000 a year for 10 years, or as much as $10,000 per person over the next decade.

Census data also determines the state’s political representation through the number of representatives in the U.S. Congress and the redrawing of political lines at the local and state levels. That means that participating in the Census will help ensure your community’s voice is heard in city halls across the state, at the State Capitol in Sacramento and under the Capitol

dome in Washington, D.C. That’s why it’s so incredibly important that your entire family and everyone living in your household is counted. The Census is a simple, confidential nine-question survey that you can complete online now at my2020census.gov or by phone. Paper Census forms will soon be arriving in the mail for those families who have not yet completed the Census. Most importantly, you must count every person in your household – whether that’s extended family, small children, tenants, and anyone else who stays with you most of the time.

When you dive into the response rate data in places like San Francisco’s Chinatown, you see the need for greater participation in the Census. Whereas the Bay Area is outperforming other regions with a median response rate of 68.4 percent regionally, as compared to 60.8 percent statewide, San Francisco County has seen less participation, with a response rate of 57.7 percent.

Of particularly concern is the fact that hundreds of thousands of the hardest-to-count households in California still have not yet participated in the Census. In San Francisco, these include people who live around Chinatown, the Sunset and the Bayview neighborhoods, among others.

As a child, my parents instilled in me that education was the great equalizer and encouraged me to pursue one of the so-called “LEAD” (lawyer, engineer, accountant, doctor) professions. They were initially hesitant to embrace my career as an elected government official.

But today they are proud I am using my education and public- and private-sector experience serving as the State Treasurer of the fifth largest economy in the world and working to ensure that other Asian Americans are seen and heard at all levels of government by urging everyone to stand up and be counted in the 2020 Census.

Saturday-Friday | May 30 - June 5, 2020

GARCETTI... FROM PAGE 1 which are being manufactured at their Phoenix, Arizona plant.

The agreement w it h Honeywell was negotiated through the City’s General Services Department and Logistics Victory L.A. (LoVLA), an initiative Mayor Garcetti launched to connect frontline medical workers in need of personal protective equipment with suppliers who can provide needed resources in the fight against COVID-19.

“LoVL A is pleased to bring these masks to our region’s frontline health care workers,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, who is leading the LoVLA effort as Mayor Garcetti’s appointed Chief Logistics Officer during this crisis.

“This milestone procurement, coupled with our work to fortify and expedite the region’s medical supply chain, show progress in LoVLA’s mission to build PPE stockpiles and help medical organizations in critical need of these supplies.”

The masks were purchased at a competitive market rate and will be delivered at cost to hospitals and health care providers throughout Los Angeles.

From this first shipment of 100,000 masks, LoVLA will distribute 90,000 N95 masks to hospitals at cost, and 10,000 will go to Fire Department personnel.

Shipments of N95 masks will continue to scale over the coming months reaching 1.2 million masks per month by November.

Meanwhile during the

opening of the testing site at the Dodger’s Stadium, Garcetti said the place is “where Angelenos usually rally around a common goal of victories on the field –– and today, it is uniting us around a mission to save lives.”

“We will continue to grow our testing capacity, so we have the data and tools to get ahead of outbreaks, stop the spread of this virus, and inform our next steps toward getting businesses back online, workers back on the job, and people back to their lives.”

The new site will be the 36th across the County. To announce this significant milestone, Mayor Garcetti was joined by critical partners who helped make this step possible: • The Los Angeles Dodgers, who contributed the space in their stadium parking lot • Community Organized Response Effort (CORE), which is dedicating 60 staff to help operate the site • Live Nation and Red Rock Entertainment, which are donating Jumbotron screens to show videos that will walk guests through the process • The Los Angeles Fire Department, which will oversee testing site logistics “The Dodgers have and always will be a resource for the community, and we’re proud to partner with Mayor Garcetti, LAFD and CORE on this important initiative,” said Dodger President & CEO Stan Kasten.

“Dodger Stadium has hosted its share of memo-

rable and historic events, but this could be one of the most significant –– as it will help reopen Los Angeles and ultimately save lives.”

“Mayor Garcetti and the LAFD were pioneers in testing in the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and have set an example for large-scale free testing, allowing for us to safely reopen. We are grateful and proud of the Dodgers and long-standing partners of CORE, such as Live Nation, who are coming together at this supersite to serve even more Angelenos in this fight against COVID-19,” said CORE Co-Founder and CEO Ann Lee. “Live Nation is proud to partner with Mayor Garcetti and the CORE response team to help bring free testing to the City of Los Angeles,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment. “We’re all eager to bring the community back together again, and testing is an important step in the process.”

Mayor Garcetti’s office kicked off the city’s free public COVID-19 testing on March 20 –– and just 40 days after that step, Los Angeles had become the first major city in America to offer wide-scale testing to all residents, with or without symptoms. Together, the Mayor and the County set up more than 30 testing sites to make testing readily available to all our residents. Right now, these sites are testing an average of 15,000 people per day; to date, over 450,000 people have been tested.

WHEN... FROM PAGE 1 Just a couple of days in the Stay At Home order, rush hour has evaporated off the city’s recently turned crisp and breathable air.

Without the typical rush hour, I can drive 60 miles an hour getting in and out of the city on freeway 10’s middle lane. The same has been true with freeways 5, 110 and 101.

The newfound freedom to step deeper on the gas pedal made the freeway’s outermost lane a scary place to be.

Man, the fastest I’ve ever driven my car was about 80 to 90 mph and that was somewhere on a boring desert highway en route to Las Vegas.

These days, running 60 mph on the middle lane, my car seems to shake every time a car whizzes by on the left side of the freeway.

Speeding and social distancing are incongruous. Speeding and COVID-19 are both deadly. But unlike the death from the dreaded disease, death due to speeding is a tragedy easier to prevent. At the very least, the presumable ratio is one safe life per one responsible driver.

And even supposing that a car accident would not necessarily result to death, do these errant drivers even realize that this isn’t the right time to nurse a broken bone in a hospital?

The Los Angeles Police Department has reported that about 21 people have died from car accidents this month of May, prompting the authorities to desynchronize the city’s traffic lights that normally give drivers more green lights at several intersections in a row.

Speeding on city streets is ap-

parently one of the reasons why Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) launched the “Slow Streets LA” which closed certain neighborhood to traffic — aside from the aims of providing more space for people to run, walk and bike.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said Slow Streets LA closed portions of neighborhood streets across twomile stretches.

The pandemic has turned our world upside down. For one, for us to be together in this fight, we have to keep a distance (physically) from each other.

And yes, rush hour --- which reportedly costing the US economy $40 billion annually --- is something that many of us would probably wish would come back soon.

Well, I want it back too. Not only because I want the streets choked again to deprive errant drivers of spaces to speed off, but because I know that rush hour wouldn’t happen if they were no people rushing to get to somewhere.

And I guess, when traffic crawls it tells too that the economic wheel grinds.

Looking ahead on the economic devastation that the pandemic has brought about, I certainly would choose being stuck in traffic for hours than having unclogged streets but driving to nowhere to find work.

Of course, the first wish would be for every bit of COVID-19 virus to be driven away. And when the rush hour comes back again, there wouldn’t be cursing and gnashing of teeth anymore.

Promise.

Saturday-Friday | May 30 - June 5, 2020

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“Kanlungan” honors fallen Filipino health workers

A

transnational feminist organization, AF3IRM, launched a digital data wall and live map honoring healthcare workers of and from the Philippines who succumbed to the coronavirus.

The WWW.KALUNGAN.NET went live on Tuesday, (May 26) as part of a weeklong celebration to commemorate the country’s heroes. The website’s name is a Pilipino evocative word for shelter and resting place.

Spearheaded by AF3IRM’s Transnational Committee, the website tabulates the names, location, and circumstances of the deaths of Filipino/Filipina/NB healthcare workers killed by COVID-19 as they perform their commitment to healing.

As of the last count, over one hundred and fifty-two healthcare workers of the Philippines have died, many outside their home country. The website is a continuing project, updated as information is culled from secondary sources, and/or provided by families, friends, and colleagues of the departed.

The website’s highlights include the healthcare workers’ names, their cities, counties, states, countries they were practicing in at the time of their untimely deaths, their healthcare professions, and links to articles and websites of sources used to verify the information’s accuracy.

Users will also have access to a live global map of the COVID-19 deaths, and data charts on the disproportionate death rate of Philippine healthcare workers.

A section of www.kanlungan.net is dedicated to the export healthcare labor history, with live links to recent articles and scholarly journals documenting the phenomenon. Academics, journalists, writers, organizers, and loved ones of the deceased may access the data and also contribute stories.

The AF3IRM Transnational Committee

decided on this project to underscore, first of all, the worth of the skills and dedication of immigrants, especially the healthcare workers from the Philippines who have been working in various healthcare systems around the world, from doctor professionals to hospital porters and housekeepers to ambulance drivers.

Secondly, it is to do the job that no other state, including the Philippines itself, is doing: collecting the data of fallen Philippine transnational healthcare workers around the world.

As the Philippines remains the world’s top exporter of medical skills, the AF3IRM Transnational Committee believes it is crucial to recognize both the history and the current contribution of such (im)migrants to the continuing task of ensuring health for humanity.

In the United States, despite being only one percent (1%) of the population, Americans of Philippine ancestry are four percent (4%) of the healthcare workforce.

Some hospital nurse divisions are 70% staffed by nurses who are first-generation Americans from the Philippines. Entire families and up to three generations of each clan often work in the healthcare industry, from being physicians to X-ray technicians.

This phenomenon started in the 1980s when mass recruitment of nurses from the Philippines occurred, because of the healthcare labor shortage during the HIV-AIDS crisis.

These nurses were initially allowed in as “guest workers,” suitable for five years, and then required to return home for a year’s hiatus before being eligible for hiring again.

In the process, many lost their seniority and, if not rehired, their SSS benefits and pensions. Industry unions were resentful of their presence, viewing them as scabs since they were vulnerable to dismissal by hospitals, which, at the time, generally held on to their passports.

The nurses, with the help of some activists in the community, then carried out a campaign to end this discriminatory practice, pushed for the 1989 Immigration Nurses Relief Act to obtain permanent residency, and become full-fledged US citizens. Now they are the backbone of the industry’s unions, and their activists continue to campaign to organize the home care and nursing home industry, which remains loci of discrimination, low wages, and general ill-treatment of healthcare workers.

During the same period, community activists in Canada broke the government’s discriminatory pattern of recruiting Philippine-trained nurses as domestic workers and nannies, with employers enjoying highly skilled medical services at a minimum pay scale.

Canada was able to maintain this by refusing to allow such migrant workers to take the nursing licensing exams. Now health care workers from the Philippines constitute 34% of the nursing profession in Canada.

This pattern of import-exploitation occurs the world over, as the global healthcare industry continues to mine the skills and dedication of healthcare workers of the Philippines. Some 20,000 of them work in the National Healthcare System of England.

In the Middle East, nurses from the Philippines continue to be the bulk of the healthcare system. Six of ten nurses in the United Arab Emirates, for instance, are from the Philippines. In many such countries, they continue to be denied full citizenship.

The task of healing used to be a sacred commitment in the pre-Dominion Philippines. A healer was always considered a priestess – endowing the practice with both practical and spiritual dimensions.

Hence, healing was more likely than not a family legacy – which remains a common phenomenon among Filipino families. For nearly half a century, the world has significantly benefited from this tradition.

In response to both the Philippine government’s and other governments’ cavalier neglect of the healthcare workers from the Philippines, the AF3IRM Transnational Committee is putting up KANLUNGAN, as a website honoring healthcare workers of and from the Philippines who have succumbed to COVID-19.

Families and friends are encouraged to post a story or two about the deceased – in the hope that such will confer humanity on the death statistics. These numbers represent a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a husband, father and a friend.

Ninotchka Rosca and Jollene Levid spearhead AF3IRM’s Transnational Committee, under the Office of the National Chairperson Connie Huynh. Work on the memorial website is made possible with the voluntary labor of AF3IRM members Iris Boncales-Strauss, Cherisse Yanit Nadal; US allies Grace Regullano and Cy; allies in Canada led by committee member Charlene Sayo; friends in Australia and the Middle East, as well as partners in the Philippines.

The Committee accepts contributions of both the information and monetary kind, to keep the work forging onward.

As the Internet is forever, the Transnational Committee hopes that the website will remain an eternal flame of memory for the healthcare workers of Philippine ancestry.

For further information, please email TC@af3irm.org.

Community Finally, after three months of the Pandemic's lockdown, women can now have their Haircuts and Grooming Regimens done 4

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n Wednesday, May 27, 2020 the sad news on COVID -19 deaths in the United States was announced to have skyrocketed to around 100, 442, which surpassed the combined deaths of soldiers killed in both the Korean and the Vietnam war. However, finally after three months of the Pandemic’s ongoing mission of “flattening the curb” Angelenos have now arrived at Phase II, where Beauty Parlors and Salons are now allowed to open, to most women’s delight.

Immediately after the announcement, this writer drove 40 miles one-way to f i n a l l y h av e that overdue haircut and hair color done. Most women become loyal customers of hairstylists and beauty professionals they have grown accustomed with. In this writer's case, Yodel Powers has consistently been this writer's hairstylist for more than twenty years.

As most of us are aware of, styling someone's hair is an Art in itself and a creative form, personally designed by a hairstylist's who analyzes each of their client's hair qua l it y, tex t u re and form, that allows them to control and freely manage Cherry Ordonez doing haircut in her Salon their clients desire on how each of them wealthy Cebuanas such as: wish their hair to be styled, Angelita Lhuillier, grandor emanating particular mother of famous fashion trendy, celebrity hairstyles. designer, Monique Lhuillier, In Yodel's case, (most of as well as the wives of other us who have been with her, well-known entrepreneurs fondly call her GG or Dey). of Cebu in the likes of the She was born and raised as Chiongbian Family (who Yodel H. Alcid in Cavite City owned the shipping lines) and at the young age of 22 and the Soriano Family (of years old, while studying San Miguel Corporation). By Fine Arts at the University of around 1977, Yodel pursued Santo Tomas, she was offered advanced Cosmetology studthe job of Manager at the ies at the Vidal Sasoon Hair Prestige Salon in Cebu where Institute in Beverly Hills. she worked for 29 years. Her Surprisingly, she excelled beauty shop flourished, ulin her training at the Hair timately becoming a top Institute and was offered to notched Beauty and Fashion work as a full time hairstylist Consultant of Cebu elites as there, until she received her she became the exclusive US Citizenship, Thus, she destylist to most of the stewcided to change her name to Yodel Powers, Model—Beauty ardesses of the Philippine Air Yodel Powers and it was then Lines, and other prominent, Consultant that she established her own

salon and through hard work and perseverance, she has acquired quite a following of around 100 loyal customers worldwide; Likewise, Cherry Ordonez, CEO and founder of Cherry's Salon and Cosmetics in West Covina, has owned her Beauty Shop since 1987 and though her shop was closed for almost three months, she takes pride in personally taking care of her numerous clients, who are now delighted to know that she has finally opened up her Beauty Shop.

Saturday-Friday | May 30 - June 5, 2020

tainment concerts, association events and recording artists' music videos.

Thus, on a delightful final note, having been in isolation and lockdown for the past three months, driving 40 miles one way to seek beauty treatments, for this writer, it has somehow brought excitement and normalcy to our otherwise uncertain lives. Like most people who have been on lockdown, this writer felt so refreshed after Cely De Leon, who assists GG in her salon, washed

Cherry Ordonez, owner of Cherry’s Salon in West Covina Now, she is conforming with the Pandemic rules not only on Social Distancing but by also using plastic shields and masks over their faces and limiting the number of customers the salon will service on a given day.

Their services include haircuts, hair styling, hair treatments, eyebrow threading, makeup, beauty and image consulting. As a Commerce graduate of San Sebastian College, Cherry takes pride in her tenacious pursuit of excellence, having been in the business for thirty years, by encouraging new beauty consultants in sharing her expertise and knowledge through her Beauty Workshops.

Along with keeping up to date with the latest products and trends, Cherry has become one of the most sought-after Beauty Consultants on various Filipino community events such as fashion shows, beauty pageants, enter-

T

Yodel Powers grooming her male client's hair while donning a plastic shield & mask in her North Hills salon the color-treated hair. Thankful though, that some of us followed Gov. Gavin Newsom's guidelines, as we all know that his guidelines were meant for everyone's safety and interest. Hallelujah and HAIL to everyone's long-awaited grooming regimens!

he coronavirus pandemic has given Monday’s Memorial Day celebration a different form and tone as families and friends who gathered at the Los Angeles National Cemetery at Sepulveda Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd. have to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Photo by Abner Galino

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MENA LEADERS SAY WITHOUT CENSUS DATA WE’RE INVISIBLE AND DISENFRANCHISED

By JULIAN DO Ethnic Media Services

LOS ANGELES – For generations, millions of Americans whose roots lie in the Middle East and North Africa — MENA — have essentially become invisible people because the Census Bureau has denied requests for their own racial category.

“Legally, in America, I’m classified as white,” says Dr. Hamoud Salhi, associate dean of the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, CSU-Dominguez Hills.

“I was born in Algeria, which is part of Africa, so technically I could declare myself as African American, but I can't.”

Palestinian-American Loubna Qutami, a President’s postdoctoral fellow at U.C. Berkeley specializing in ethnic studies, says that since MENA doesn’t have a classification of its own, it legally falls under the white category.

MENA populations have their own specific needs for health care, education, language assistance and civil rights protection, but they have no way to advocate for themselves because numerically they are folded into the category of white Americans.

To change this, Dr. Salhi, Dr. Qutami and other MENA leaders have been mobilizing their communities to participate in the 2020 census, encouraging people to write in their ethnicity. They spoke with other experts and activists on a May 13 two-hour video conference organized by Ethnic Media Services on the historical,

linguistic and political challenges that make the MENA population among the hardest to count in California.

Geographically, MENA populations live on three continents — from the border of Afghanistan south to the tip of Africa — and in 22 nations in the Middle East alone, with numerous subgroups such as Kurds, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Armenians.

“North Africa is actually a concept that the French gave to Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria, which they colonized,” says Dr. Salhi.

The neighboring countries of Egypt and Libya were added later.

Because of their shared Arabic language and Islamic religion, people in the United States from North Africa were lumped together with people of the Middle East to form the MENA acronym.

For decades, the Census Bureau has turned down requests to add MENA to the official category of races, currently white, black or African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander.

The result, says Dr. Qutami, artificially props up the white population count, which has been in decline, while suppressing the count of MENA residents who don’t identify themselves as white. According to the 2015 Census Bureau’s “National Content Test – Race and Ethnicity Report, “As expected, the percent reporting as White is significantly lower with the inclusion of a distinct

MENA category when compared to treatments with no MENA category.”

California mirrors the challenge to the MENA population of geographic size and diversity, says Emilio Vaca, deputy director of the state’s Complete Count Committee, which directs census outreach. The Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey reported that 11 million of California’s 40 million residents, about 27%, are immigrants.

“That’s equivalent to the entire state of Georgia,” Vaca emphasized. At home, most of those immigrants speak one or more of 200 languages other than English.

Homayra Yusufi, from the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, broke down the face of diversity in just one San Diego neighborhood that her organization serves: “We have 45 different national origins — from MENA, Asia and Latin America — who speak more than 100 languages in the 6.5-mile City Heights district, a distinct community of refugees and immigrants.” Educating and motivating these groups to participate in the census is a way to engage them in the civic life of the wider city.

Historical necessity — what specific immigrant groups have done to survive — also plays a role in the MENA undercount.

Up until the mid-20th century, only whites could own property, and only “free white immigrants” could become American citizens.

To survive and advance, Middle Eastern immigrants successfully petitioned the federal courts to be allowed to identify themselves as white in 1920. North African immigrants, as members of the MENA population, got pulled along and found themselves legally classified as white as well.

The discriminatory policy for citizenship and property ownership favoring whites only ended with passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. But even then, MENA communities found it difficult to raise funds and mobilize calls for action to address their needs. They didn’t know where their fellow compatriots were located and couldn’t raise official numbers to request funds and resources.

“We were helpless. In many instances, we had to generate our own data,” says Dr. Qutami.

Over the years, the Census Bureau has never clearly answered why they’ve refused to include the MENA classification, despite concluding, in a 2017 report, that “the inclusion of a MENA category helps MENA Respondents to more accurately report their MENA identities.”

The bureau again turned down the 2018 request for the 2020 census. Karen Battle, chief of the bureau’s population division, announced in a public meeting on census preparations that “We do feel that more research and testing is needed.”

MENA advocates believe filling out the 2020 census is the only way to avoid another undercount.

The Health Officer Order also provides guidelines for public protests. In-person protests are permitted as long as attendance is limited to 25% of the area's maximum occupancy, or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower.

The order emphasizes that physical distancing requirements, cloth face coverings and other safety protocols must be observed as the recovery progresses.

“Aligning Los Angeles County’s health orders with that of the State’s is going to provide immediate relief to our communities. This important step will enable our residents and businesses to have

greater clarity and consistency as we continue to take positive steps towards reopening Los Angeles County,” said Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“With the greenlight from Governor Newsom, people can go back inside our houses of worship and retail shops, with common sense guidelines in place,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.

“I am hopeful that we can continue to work with the Governor to restore life in Los Angeles County in safe, measured ways -- getting people back to work and doing everything within our own power to prevent the spread of this virus."

“This is another big milestone for LA County as, step by step, we begin safely reopening our communities and economy,” Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said.

“But reopening does not mean going back to business as usual. As long as community members follow safety rules, we can continue to make more progress. Our houses of worship can once again welcome people inside. Shopping malls and communal flea markets can get back to business. I am so proud of all the progress we’ve made to protect our loved ones from COVID-19. Given our resilience and collective sacrifice, we are ready to take the next step to reopen our economy.”

“Los Angeles County’s newest openings are crucial to communities throughout Los Angeles County,” Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said.

“As we push forward toward recovery, committing to an alignment with Governor Newsom’s plans, we also need to keep prioritizing the recovery of underserved and disadvantaged communities, including communities of color. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on inequity in our health and housing systems; we now CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

Pilipino po tayo!

LA COUNTY’s... FROM PAGE 1 work and safer in our communities.”

The updated Health Officer Order, issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, is part of a phased progression guiding the safe resumption of public life in Los Angeles County, including the recent reopening of beach bike paths and permission for car parades honoring graduates.

The change also sets the stage for the County to request a variance from the state to permit swifter reopening of some sectors.

Examples of activities now permitted under the changes enacted today: • Faith-based organizations may resume services, with the number of congregants limited to less than 25% of the building’s capacity, or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is lower.

• All retail, including those located in indoor and outdoor retail shopping centers may now open for business at 50% capacity.

• Flea markets, swap meets and drivein movie theaters may resume operations.

• Pools, hot tubs and saunas that are in a multi-unit residence or part of a homeowners association may now open.

Without doing this, Yusui says, “our communities will continue to be invisible and left in the margins because data really matters.”

Gaining services customized to MENA’s needs is only part of what’s at stake. So, too, argues Yusufi, is building power. MENA populations then can elect individuals “who reflect the needs of our communities and hold lawmakers accountable” when they stigmatize MENA communities.

Kathay Feng of the nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause emphasized that participation in the census is the first step to representation. In America, resources and rights are accorded by representation based on the number of residents at all levels, from the state down to the municipality, in proportion to the total population.

“Everyone is counted, regardless of immigration status or whether they are registered voters or not,” Feng said, “because all residents pay taxes in one way or another, and most immigrants would eventually become citizens in the long run.”

Every 10 years, immediately after the decennial census submits population data, electoral districts are redrawn. In California, which has been at the forefront of redistricting reforms, the old practice of allowing legislators to draw district lines based on which populations are sure to vote them back into office — known as gerrymandering — was replaced in 2009 by independently selected commissioners. Nine other states

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*Certified Family Law Specialist The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization - Certified Family Law Specialist - Certified Public Accountant (Inactive) -J.D Southwestern University Law School Los Angeles, CA - B.S Accounting California State University, San Bernardino, CA

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California Home Sales Decade lows

EXISTING-home sales hit their lowest record level in nearly a decade in April, continuing a two-month tumble in sales driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Each of the four major US regions posted a decline in both month-overmonth and year-over-year sales, with the West posting the largest drop in both categories, NAR reported.

34,100 new and resale home transactions closed escrow in California during March 2020. The number of homes sold was 2% lower than a year earlier.

Expect to see a sharper decrease when April 2020 reports come in, the result of economic volatility and coronavirus (COVID-19) shelter-in-place orders.

2019 ended with 437,500 home sales in California. This was 4,400 fewer home sales than took place in 2018, amounting to a 1% annual decrease.

2019’s slightly down performance follows a 4% decrease in 2018. For greater perspective, 2019’s 442,000 homes sales volume was 42% below peak sales volume experienced in 2005.

Home sales volume will continue the year-over-year decrease in 2020, significantly slowing the flow of agent fees. Fixed rate mortgage (FRM) rates remain near all-time lows in May 2020, as the Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut their benchmark interest rate to zero and bond market investors turned to the safety of U.S. Treasuries. Interest rates will remain low as we head deeper into the 2020 recession, giving buyer purchasing power and home prices a boost. Still, home sales volume won’t recover until the pandemic response has ended. Then, California’s housing market will need to emerge from the underlying recession and financial market crash, a recovery not likely to begin until 2022-2023.

Total existing-home sales – which include completed transactions on single-family homes, townhomes and co-ops – tumbled 17.8% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.33 million, the largest month-over-month drop since July 2010. April also marked the lowest level of total sales since July 2010.

The so called lockdowns that is occurring from mid-March through April in most states have temporarily disrupted home sales. But the listings that are on the market are still attracting buyers and keeping house prices at its current level. When will property values go down, I believe it might not have a big down turn because when the economy is back to its norm pre Covid, There are records of homeowners that refinanced to rates as low as 3% and a good number of those people who refinanced, paid off debts with their equity. So, more homeowners will keep their re-modelled and very affordable

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mortgages thus, we will see even lesser inventory out for sale. That will in return keep demand high.

The median existing-home price in April was $286,800, up 7.4% year over year, according to NAR. April’s increase marks 98 straight months of yearover-year price gains.

Record-low mortgage rates are likely to remain in place for the rest of the year, and will be the key factor driving housing demand as state economies steadily reopen. Still, more listings and increased home construction will be needed to balance the pricing growth.

Home sales in the coming years The forward trend in California home sales is mixed for both buyers and seller. Homebuyer income is going further and doing more than anytime during the past 15 years due to increased borrowing capacity brought on by low interest rates, at historic lows in May 2020.

Analyst forecasts home sales volume will languish in 2020-2021, the result of an unstable jobs market. The peak sales volume last seen in 2004, inflated by speculator acquisitions and excessive mortgage money, is unlikely to return for decades, when interest rates cyclically peak.

Relocating Baby Boomers going into retirement in the coming years will be the primary propelling force in both selling homes and buying replacements.

Their Generation Y (Gen Y) children will add to the sales volume at the same time as they find jobs at better pay levels and become first-time homebuyers.

Gen Y influence will peak in sales volume at the end of this decade as they complete their shift from renting to owning.

Once California’s job market rebounds from the current recession, their confidence about the future will improve. They will once again be willing to invest in the economy since the expectations for tomorrow are projections based on yesterday’s most recent experience. Only then will occupying homebuyers – end users return in sufficient numbers for sales volume to swell significantly.

Employment and labor force participation finally exceeded their 2007 peak in 2019, but what took over a decade to recover was lost in a matter of weeks due to COVID-19-induced lay-offs. Expect home sales volume to decrease along with jobs through the rest of 2020 and 2021.

Stay Safe, thanks for your support and inquiries. Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance at 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

K-1 VISA: FIANCE VISA TO MARRY U.S. CITIZEN

IN previous editions of this article, the process of obtaining permanent residence through marriage was explored. Discussion of that procedure began with the supposition that the couple was married, and continued with the various steps to ultimately gain permanent residence. In many cases, however, a problem exists in even getting to the point at which a couple is married. Often, a foreign national is in his/her home country and, for one reason or another, the U.S. citizen cannot travel to that country to marry him/her. A solution in such a scenario can be found with the K-1 Fiance(e) Visa.

A K-1 visa allows a foreign national to come to the United States to marry a United States citizen. The K-1 visa is valid for ninety (90) days after entry to the United States, during which time the marriage must take place. Once the foreign national is issued a K-1 visa, any of his/her unmarried children under the age of 21 may be issued K-1 visas. Upon arrival in the United States, the foreign national may immediately apply for permission to work. A two-step process is involved to obtain a K-1 visa.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Should You Wait To File Bankruptcy Until Later?

A LOT of people in debt often already know what they need to do once they realize that bankruptcy is their only way out. But they usually delay the decision to file because they try their best to avoid it if at all possible and will only rush to act when they face an immediate threat from creditors such as a lawsuit or wage garnishment.

However, sometimes the decision to delay can hurt you. Let me explain.

If you wait too long and continue to use all your financial resources to temporarily keep you afloat, in the end you might be sorry that

you did this. For example, I have seen a lot of people go through all their savings, retirement plans, kid’s college funds, etc. in the hopes that doing this will fix their financial situation. They often find out the hard way that it is not and ultimately end up filing bankruptcy anyway.

Of course, no one has a crystal ball that can predict the future but unless you miraculously come up with the money you need when you’re already drowning in debt, chances are that things will just continue to get worse and this can put you at an extreme disadvan-

BARRISTER’S CORNER… FROM PAGE 6 First, the United States citizen (the petitioner) must file Petition for Alien Fiance(e) along with supporting documents with the USCIS. Through the filed petition and documents, the petitioner must demonstrate three things. To begin, it must be shown that the foreign national has a bona fide intent to marry within ninety (90) days after arrival. This is often accomplished by producing evidence that a marriage is going to take place—i.e. wedding announcements, catering contracts, etc. In addition, it must be shown that both parties are unmarried and of legal age. Birth certificates, and if one has been previously married, evidence that the prior marriage has been legally terminated are usually satisfactory to accomplish this. Finally, evidence must be provided to show that the parties have physically met each other within the past two (2) years. The petitioner may submit photos of the couple, plane tickets, hotel receipts, etc. as proof that the couple has met. Exceptions to this third requirement apply in certain circumstances that cannot be explored here due to space limitations of this article. The USCIS may also schedule an interview of the petitioner wherein inquiry will be made on the foregoing issues.

Once approved, notice is sent to the petitioner and the file is forwarded to the appropriate consulate abroad.

Second, after the petition is approved, the foreign national can apply for a K-1 visa in his/ her home country. An interview is scheduled where the foreign national must provide certain documents for issuance of the visa. An affidavit of support from the petitioner, proving that the foreign national will not be relying on public assistance upon arrival, in addition to originals of documents mentioned hereinabove, must be presented.

Other documents may also be requested by a particular consulate. If all requirements are met, visa issuance will follow. After arrival in the United States and marriage, the foreign national may thereafter begin the process to obtain permanent residence.

The fiance may also bring any children below the age of 21 years old as derivative beneficiary as a K-2 visa. This is another advantage of the fiance visa route. It is not necessary to prove that the marriage to the US Citizen Petitioner occurred prior to the immigrant’s children turning 18 years of age. The K-2 derivative can still adjust to greencard after the K-1 fiance marries the US Citizen even if the marriage occurs after the K-2 derivative reaches the age of 18 as long as they are under 21 years of age.

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 was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino 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; visit at www.kenreyeslaw.com

tage, making financial recovery more difficult than it should be.

When you are depleting assets while facing debt collections lawsuits, it may be difficult to cover even basic living expenses such as rent or mortgage, food, utilities, car payments, etc. Sure, you may be avoiding bankruptcy temporarily, but all you’re doing is putting a band-aid on a big, gaping wound. This is especially true if your wages are being garnished and you have other creditors who are just waiting to do the same.

If you completely use up all your assets so that you have zero at the time of filing bankruptcy, you may find it more difficult to regain your financial footing and start your new life after bankruptcy. Most retirement plans are also exempt in bankruptcy and had you not used all your retirement money to pay debts before filing, you would have been able to protect what little you have and still have some type of savings after bankruptcy.

I have clients whose debt payments are more than 30-40% of their monthly income and they wonder why they’re broke every payday. Keep in mind that if you are in that situation, you are only living on 60-70% of your actual income level and that is why you feel that there is never enough money to go around no matter how hard you work. What this means is that you are on “survival mode” and as long as you stay there, you’re never going to be able to plan for your financial future. And remember that

if you “fail to plan, you plan to fail”.

I am sure this is not what you want for yourself and your family, is it?

If bankruptcy is your best solution, please don’t be too hard on yourself by looking at your filing as a sign of personal failure. Bankruptcy is not the end of your financial life. But rather, it can be a useful tool to be able to rebuild your finances, your credit and your life if you are no longer able to solve your debt problems on your own.

If you are in debt and don’t know what to do, let me help you understand your options. I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. Just call 866-477-7772 and schedule an appointment. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.

For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at TollFree 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you. ***NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, 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).

DEBT PROBLEMS?

TAX PROBLEMS? Don’t Stress!

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DEBT RESOLUTION • Bill Collectors • Lawsuits • Debt Settlement • Foreclosure • Student Loans • Chapter 7/13 Bankruptcy TAX RESOLUTION • IRS Audits • Liens • Levies • Wage Garnishments • Negotiate with IRS • Unfiled Returns

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Facility Caregivers: Are you paid at least $456 a day when working a 24-hour shift?

CAREGIVERS working in Residential Care Facilities provide an important service to elderly and disabled individuals, as well as their families. These caregivers often work up to 24 hours per day, providing necessary care and supervision to ensure the health and safety of each facility resident. However, many facility caregivers are grossly underpaid for the services they provide.

Fortunately, California law protects caregivers who work in licensed Residential Care Facilities from wage theft. Specifically, all facility caregivers are entitled to receive at least minimum wage for every hour they work, including all hours they are required to be present at the facility. The current minimum wage rate in California is $12.00 per hour for employers with 25 employees or less, and $13.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. Additionally, with some exceptions, facility caregivers are also entitled to overtime compensation for all hours worked in excess of 8 per day or 40 per week, and double time compensation for all hours worked in excess of 12 per day.

In light of these requirements, facility caregivers who work 24-hour shifts must be paid at least $456 per day to comply with California’s minimum wage laws. That includes 8 hours of pay at the minimum wage rate of $12.00/hour ($96), four hours of pay at the overtime rate of $18.00/hour ($72), and 12 hours of pay at the double time rate of $24/hour ($288).

In lieu of paying overtime and double time wages, many employers pay facility caregivers a fixed salary, regardless of the actual number of hours they work each day. However, paying an employee a daily, weekly or monthly salary does not disqualify that employee from the minimum wage or overtime compensation requirements. In actuality, under California law, payment of a fixed salary to a non-exempt employee only compensates that employee for their regular, non-overtime hours worked. This means that a non-exempt facility caregiver who receives a fixed salary has probably not been compen-

sated for any hours he or she worked in excess of 8 per day or 40 per week.

Furthermore, those uncompensated hours are considered overtime and double time hours, compensable at a rate one-and-one half times or two times the facility caregiver’s regular rate of pay.

If you are a facility caregiver receiving a fixed salary for working 24-hour shifts, you may have a substantial unpaid overtime claim. For purposes of illustration, below is an example of how wage and hour claims are calculated for facility car-

egivers under California law: Tony is a facility caregiver. He works 24 hours per day and is not allowed to leave the care facility at any time during his scheduled shifts. Tony’s employer also requires him to sleep in the facility at night and the residents frequently wake him asking for assistance. Tony receives a daily salary of $100 each day he works. This makes Tony’s regular rate of pay $12.50 per hour ($100/8 hours per day). Subject to that calculation, Tony’s overtime rate is $18.75 per hour and his double-time rate is $25 per hour, respectively. Because Tony’s daily salary of $100 does not compensate him for any overtime hours worked, Tony’s employer owes him $375.00 per day in unpaid wages: 4 overtime hours x $18.75 (Tony’s overtime rate), plus 12 double time hours x $25.00 (Tony’s double time rate). If Tony works 5 days per week, he is owed $1,875 per week, which equals $97,500 each year he works. If Tony brings a claim against his employer for these unpaid wages, he can seek unpaid wages going back three to four years, along with interest, attorney’s fees and costs, liquidated damages and penalties.

Caregivers work hard to provide support and assistance to our loved ones, and they should be paid in accordance with California law for their invaluable services. If you are a caregiver working in licensed Residential Care Facility and you are not being paid according to California law, we would like to help.

Please contact our firm at (818)807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation.

We love helping caregivers get the overtime compensation that they deserve.

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Lauren J. Peterson, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson in Woodland Hills. 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. Or visit us at www.caregiverovertime.com to learn more about caregiver overtime law.

We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

Rep. Rodriguez wants March 21 declared Nat'l COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day MANILA (Mabuhay) — Cagayan De Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez is proposing to declare March 21 of every year as the National COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day in recognition of the heroism of medical workers who are in the frontlines of the battle against the contagious disease.

In filing House Bill 6774, Rodriguez pointed out that when Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine on March 16 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, there were "those who were required to work in the face of a relatively unknown threat to their lives."

Among them were doctors, nurses and other health and medical personnel, he said.

“They are the ones who face this virus head on, risking their own personal safety. Among the first doctors dying from the virus were Israel Bactol, who died on March 21; Rosalinda Pulido, also on March 21; Romeo Gregorio Macasaet lll, on March 22; and Raul Diaz Jara, who died on March 25,” Rodriguez said.

The Philippine Medical Association, as early as March 26, said that nine doctors had already died from the disease, according to Rodriguez.

By May 18, the Department of Health reported that 2,314 health workers had already been infected with COVID-19, most of them doctors and nurses, he added.

“Despite this, our frontline health workers are not wavering and they still continue to help patients in different hospitals. Some doctors went back to work after recovering from the virus. We should not forget their sacrifices. They are our modern-day

heroes,” Rodriguez said.

Under House Bill 6774, the Department of Health is tasked to lead the observance of the National COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day on March 21 of every year with a lineup of programs and activities.

The measure also mandates other government agencies and local government units to support the DOH “in all efforts to facilitate and promote related activities."

They are likewise urged to encourage their employees and the public to join in the observance of the COVID-19 Health Frontliner's Day. Rodriguez called on his colleagues to approve his proposal before they adjourn sine die next week. (MNS)

No visitors for De Lima for a month now, opposition senators cry foul MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Leila de Lima’s family and staff members have been barred from visiting her at the PNP Custodial Center for over a month now.

In a letter addressed to PNP chief Police General Archie Gamboa on May 23, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senator Risa Hontiveros and Senator Francis Pangilinan said de Lima has been restricted from visitors and physical meetings with anyone since April 25.

The senators said this was on top of De Lima being subject to other restrictions since the start of

the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine on March 15.

They said this was basically an "incommunicado detention or solitary confinement," which is prohibited under the Article III, Section 12(2) of t he 1987 Constitution, which states that “[s]ecret detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of detention are prohibited."

The senators said de Lima has already requested the lifting of the restrictions to the PNP Custodial Center chief, but it was allegedly denied on the pretext of enforcing the

metro-wide modified enhanced community quarantine w ithin the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

"This action of the PNP Custodial Center is unconstitutional, illegal, and violates a cardinal precept of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that solitary confinement and incommunicado detention are universally outlawed," the senators said.

The senators asked for necessary remedial action on the matter and that the PNP may “deem appropriate” under the circum-

stances.

“We believe that the recommendations of Sen. de Lima contained in her letter to the Chief of Custodial Center are sound and reasonable as an alternative to the unconstitutional restrictions presently imposed upon her,” they said.

PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac confirmed that visits for De Lima had been "temporarily restricted".

"Visits are temporarily restricted under ECQ/ MECQ as part of biosafety measures to prevent spread of Covid19 inside PNP camps and police stations," Banac said.

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SWS: 45% of Filipinos used money earned from jobs amid COVID-19 pandemic MANILA (Mabuhay) — The source of funds of about 45 percent of Filipinos used to purchase basic needs in a household come from money earned from their jobs amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to the special Social Weather Stations (SWS) Covid-19 Mobile Survey.

Meanwhile, about 39 percent use money that was given to them or money amelioration while 21 percent use their personal savings, and 6 percent use money that was loaned to them.

The SWS underscored that the respondents were not provided with a list of choices and that they were allowed to give more than one answer.

For those who used money amelioration, this includes any form of cash assistance received by the respondent’s family, such as the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP), vouchers, and gift certificates.

Also, 6 percent of the respondents said they do not spend money because they receive relief goods while 2 percent said they do not spend money because they harvest their own crops.

These families, the SWS said, may not be spending money but it does not imply that all their needs have been met.

The COVID-19 Mobile Survey was conducted using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) of 4,010 working-age Filipinos (15 years old and above).

There were 294 in the National Capital Region, 1,645 in Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside of Metro Manila), 792 in the Visayas, and 1,279 in Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±2% for national percentages, ±6% for Metro Manila, ±2 for Balance Luzon, ±3% Visayas, and ±3% in Mindanao).

The open-ended question asked of the respondents was, "Sa kasalukuyan, saan po kumukuha ang inyong pamilya ng pera para sa pang-araw-araw na panggastos sa bahay? [Currently, where does your family get money for daily household expenses?]

The respondents were allowed to provide multiple responses.

Money amelioration is the most common answer in Metro Manila at 41%, while money earned from a job is the

most common answer in the Visayas at 51%, Balance Luzon at 43%, and Mindanao at 49%.

In Metro Manila, 41% of families use money amelioration for their daily household expenses, 33% use money earned from a job, 26% use their personal savings, and 7% use money-loan.

Twelve percent receive relief goods, and 0.3% harvest their own crops.

In Balance Luzon, 43% of families use money earned from a job, 41% use money amelioration, 24% use their personal savings, and 6% use money from loans. Four percent receive relief goods, and 2% harvest their own crops.

In the Visayas, a majority 51% of families use money earned from a job, 34% use money amelioration, 12% use their personal savings, and 7% use money-loan. Eight percent receive relief goods, and 3% harvest their own crops.

In Mindanao, 49% of families use money earned from a job, 37% use money amelioration, 19% use their personal savings, and 4% use money-loan. Six percent receive relief goods, and 2% harvest their own crops. (MNS)

Beaching ramp on Pagasa Island 97% complete — DND MANILA (Mabuhay) — The beaching ramp on Pagasa Island is almost complete, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

"Ninety-seven percent finished na 'yung beaching ramp (The beaching ramp is 97 percent finished). For all intent and purposes, it’s complete," he said in a message to reporters.

The construction of the beaching ramp, which began in 2018, would allow the Philippines to bring in shallow-draft vessels or those with roll-on/roll-off capability that is essential for landing engineering equipment and other construction materials needed for the upgrade.

Lorenzana said after the completion of the beaching ramp, the next step for the improvement of Pagasa Island would be the repair and upgrading of the Rancudo Airfield, which sustained erosion

damage.

"The next phase is for the repair and concreting of the runway and we expect this to be complete in a year’s time from the time the contract is signed. Separate project kasi 'yung runway (The runway is a separate project)," he added.

The 1.2-km. Rancudo Airfield can accommodate medium-sized military aircraft. It was constructed out of packed sand and coral debris during the 1970s.

Lorenzana noted that plans to develop Pagasa Island into a tourism and fishing destination would have to wait pending the completion and improvement of its facilities.

"We’ll see after the facilities are complete if the plan to make it a tourist destination is viable. Fishing has always been done in the waters adjacent to Pagasa. To support this industry, the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) con-

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PLDT: No customer data downloaded from Twitter account hacking incident MANILA (Mabuhay) — PLDT Inc. on Friday said that customer information were not compromised by the hacking incident of its customer service Twitter account.

"We would like to inform the public that a thorough investigation conducted by our Cyber Security Operations group has shown that there is no record of customer data download or exfiltration from the @ PLDT_Cares Twitter account,” PLDT said.

“We will communicate these findings to the National Privacy Commission as well,” it said.

On Thursday, a group of hackers attacked the PLDT Customer Service account with the handle @PLDT_Cares, and posted a series of tweets after changing the account name to "PLDT Doesn't Care."

The hackers called for faster internet connection in time of the pandemic.

PLDT later on recovered the account as it noted that the company is aware of the need for faster internet connectivity.

“We will continue to fortify and enhance our cybersecurity protocols to prevent incidents like this from happening again in the future. Thank you for your patience and support,” the company said.

PLDT earlier provided a free speed boost for Fiber subscribers amid the lockdowns which lasted until April 30, 2020. (MNS)

structed a shelter for our fishing ships where they can shelter in inclement weather. This shelter is likewise finished," he said.

Lorenzana earlier said the government is allocating PHP1.6 billion for the improvement of Pagasa Island.

Out of the seven islands and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines in the Spratlys, Pagasa is the largest, measuring 37.2 hectares.

T he ot her Ph i l ippi ne possessions in the area are Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares; Parolo Island, 12.7 hectares; Lawak Island, 7.93 hectares; Kota Island, 6.45 hectares; Patag Island, 0.57 hectare; Panata Island,

0.44 hectare; and the Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs. (MNS)

DTI recommends reopening of dine-in services in GCQ areas

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Friday it will be recommending to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) the gradual reopening of food establishments’ dinein services on general community quarantine (GCQ) areas provided they comply with strict health protocols.

During the virtual hearing of the House committee on Trade, DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said a review has been conducted by the National Task Force against COVID-19, the Trade department, and local industry leaders on how health protocols will be applied in a dine-in setup.

She said they found out that protocols are “satisfactory, reasonable, and doable, by any size of business in the industry —whether it is fast food or quick service restaurant, casual or fine dining restaurant.”

Castelo said the DTI-issued protocols as well as the recommendation for reopening of dine-in stores will be presented for approval of the IATF. “Only those who can comply with DTI-issued protocols can resume operations,” she said.

For his part, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez clarified that the DTI will not be implementing an accreditation process before a dine-in establishment can reopen.

“We don’t want to go into accreditation.

‘Yung bago ka mag-open kailangan accredited ka, we see that as another form of bureaucratic layer na baka maging cause pa for harassment,” Lopez said.

“What we will do is as soon as we have the agreed protocols, we will farm it out immediately to the industry for them to

prepare and comply. We will allow them to open subject post-operation or during operations audits. ‘Pag may insufficiency that’s the time we will call their attention,” he said.

Likewise, Castelo said all operations are subject to post-audit from the Department of Labor and Employment, DTI, Department of Tourism, LGU health officer, and other deputized organizations.

“We can do random inspections as we normally do...,” she said.

The DTI recommended the following protocols: Entrance The following information shall be posted at the entrance and other conspicuous areas: - Enforcement of a no mask, no entry policy - Social distancing protocols of the establishment - Regular sanitation schedule and procedures (a 10-minute interval for sanitation in between customers dining-in is required - Availability of alternative methods of ordering and picking-up of orders (e.g., online, via text)

- Client-personnel interaction protocols - Enforcement measures for clients who refuse to comply with the protocols in a manner consistent with the law - Floor mat or foot bath with disinfectant - Mandatory use of thermal scanner - Alcohol that can be easily sprayed on the hands of customers dining in - A health checklist given to customers which includes spaces for name and contact details in case of contact-tracing becomes necessary - Wearing of face mask and observance of social distancing at all times Workplace - equipment - Properly-sanitized tables and chairs (after each customer’s use) - Distancing of tables and chairs at least one meter apart on all sides - Visible floor markings for guidance of clients in queuing - Proper ventilation in the establishment - Sanitizing equipment and tools that are visible to, and can be accessed by customers - Pieces of furniture that are made of porous materials are covered in plastic for ease of sanitation Workplace - personnel - No personnel with COVID-19 symptoms, or with exposure to COVID-19 patients shall be allowed to work - No wearing of pieces of jewelry - Observance of proper personal hygiene - Strict observance of social distancing measures in all parts of the establishment including counter, kitchen, and

back areas - Frequent handwashing/sanitizing - Mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment such as mask, face shield, gloves, hair caps - Mandatory wearing of closed shoes - Observance of proper disposal of disposable equipment, utensils, and plates - Observance and enforcement of client-personnel interaction protocols - Mandatory declaration of health and whereabouts prior to every duty in case contact tracing becomes necessary Workplace - stations - Self service/customer refill station is highly discouraged - Provision of designated area for take away/ pick up - Provision of separate handwashing sink/basin for kitchen staff Exit - No physical contact during payment as personnel are provided with small tray for accepting cash, and establishments are encouraged to offer alternative modes of payment such as credit card, non-cash digital payment if applicable - Regular sanitation of high-contact areas and surfaces (e.g., pens used for filling out forms, door handles, common tables, chairs, etc.)

Castelo said there are an estimated 6,700 fine and casual dine-in restaurants, 4,500 fast food restaurants, 1,500 cafes, and 3,800 food kiosks in the country.

“Restaurant dine-in operations will serve as a baseline for issuance of new health protocols for other high-risk industries,” she said. (MNS)

global NEWS GLOBAL NEWS Lawmakers push for bike lane networks for frontliners, safe parking spaces 10

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MANILA (Mabuhay) — Several senators are pushing for the establishment of complimentary infrastructures that would encourage the use of bicycles in the Philippines amid the COVID-19 situation.

Senator Pia Cayetano on Friday said a network of bike lanes must be set up around hospitals to give health workers easier mobility.

This was aligned with the proposal brought up by University of the Philippines' College of Medicine professor Dr. Antonio Dans to prioritize creating a "loop" of bike passageways that would improve accessibility of various hospitals in Metro Manila for biking health workers.

“We hope that our policymakers, the local government units, and even officials at the executive branch, would give us this option to get to work safely

during the COVID-19 crisis and after," Dans said during a Senate hearing on Thursday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto also pushed for the establishment of safe parking spaces for bikes.

"It is not enough that we set aside passageways for bicycles. We should also see to it that the public places they're going to have spots where they can leave their bikes safely," he said in a separate statement Friday.

"Maraming bikers ngayon na hindi gaanong nababahala habang pumapadyak sa kalsada, pero takot na manakaw ang bisikleta nila habang ito'y nakaparada," he added.

Senator Francis Tolentino, former chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, also asked for a review of the previous ordinances passed by local government units on

the creation of safe spaces for bikers.

"Encouraging Filipinos to ride their bicycles to work would greatly help address the impending transportation woes once the MECQ in Metro Manila is lifted," he said.

Earlier this month, the Department of Transportation acknowledged that two-wheel vehicles will play an impor-

tant role in commuters' daily routine once the community quarantines have been lifted.

It also underscored that aside from creating safe bike lanes, solving the problem of smoke belching and improving land use plans would ensure the long-term sustainability of the use of bicycles. (MNS)

‘Underground’ medical facilities connected? PNP chief can't say yet

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Friday said authorities could not establish yet if there are interconnections among the operations of underground clinics, mostly operated

by Chinese nationals, in this time of health crisis.

"Hindi pa namin naestablish pero probably kung makita din natin really... kaya siguro nila ginagawa ito dahil gusto nilang magkaroon ng lunas ang kanilang may mga may sakit na kasama," Gamboa said at a virtual press briefing.

"But again, let's not forget that kahit na ang intension niyo ay maganda, kailangan niyo pa rin dumaan sa regulatory functions ng gobyerno,"

he added.

The PNP chief vowed that cops would continue conducting operations against illegal medical clinics in coordination with the Department of Health.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra tasked the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration to assist the police in locating other underground clinics, noting that charges must be lodged against operators if warranted.

Police recently raided a villa in a leisure park in Pampanga, which was allegedly turned into a makeshift hospital for Chinese nationals. The al-

leged administrator and the supposed pharmacist of the facility were arrested and then reportedly released without charges.

Meanwhile, the Makati City Police also discovered an unlicensed medical facility that was supposedly used for treating Chinese COVID-19 patients. Authorities said the Chinese doctor in the clinic had no license to practice in the Philippines.

In a recent operation, operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation raided an illegal pharmacy and clinic in Angeles, Pampanga. Authorities have found six hospital beds, dextrose, unregistered Chinese medicines as well as rapid test and swab kits in the facility. (MNS)

Duterte urges landlords, lessors to allow delay in payments

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MANILA (Mabuhay) — In a changed tone, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday appealed to landlords and lessors to allow a delay in payments from their tenants and lessees amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Due to the lockdown placed since March in parts of the Philippines to curb the fast-spreading COVID-19, most workers and businessmen were forced to stop their normal operations, leading to loss of income.

"Ako nakikiusap, nagmamakaawa dahil nga...how are you supposed to pay? Maawa naman kayo sa mga kababayan natin. Let us help one another," Duterte said in a briefing in Malacañang streamed online.

The President said that if delay in payments won't "spell bankruptcy" for landlords and lessors, they can use their savings for the meantime for their needs.

"Tiisin na lang ninyo with nothing except your savi ngs to t ide you over," he said.

The President ea rlier had a tougher tone, warning landlords and lessors that they shou ld not pressure their renters and lessees for pay ment si nc e t he

lockdown in parts of the country has affected work and businesses. "'Do not tempt the gods. Kasi pag 'di ito naayos, itong COVID-19, mapurnada tayong lahat. 'Wag ninyong madaliin," he said in a press briefing in April.

Duterte warns landlords, lessors vs evicting tenants amid COVID-19 crisis Duterte said this issue should be addressed by the Department of Trade and Industry.

"There can be some sort of adjudication process to fix this problem," he said.

The DTI earlier released a 30-day moratorium on residential and commercial rent for small businesses.

Cumulative rent that needs to be paid within the quarantine period must be a mortized equally in the 6 months following the end of the said period without charges, it said.

(MNS)

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How Toni Gonzaga is preparing Bea Alonzo's 'I Am Hope' for the ‘outside’ world reaches P9-million milestone

A

ctress-host Toni Gonzaga can not. That was really very helpshared some of the things ful because you know in this time she has learned while un- and age of social media and digider quarantine. tal world, there’s so many things In a live online radio interview, that’s really beyond your control.

Gonzaga said that Like 'yung reactions aside from spending ng other people and a lot of time with her how they deal with husband and son, anxiety, how they she has also been dea l w it h a nger, doing a lot of readtheir hate. Don’t’ alings and reflections. low other people to “Since we cannot dump their trash on go outside, why not you,” Gonzaga added. go inside yourself?

During this lockReflect on the decidown, Gonzaga adsions you’ve made mitted that her husin life, on where band, film director your life is heading, Paul Soriano, and TONI GONZAGA just use this time to their young son Seve, be productive, reinvent yourself. kept her sane.

I’ve been reading a lot of self-help “What keeps me sane, what books. I just finished this book keeps me grounded is my family, ‘Reinventing You.’ It’s like, use my husband and si Seve my son. this time to reintroduce yourself If you have a kid and I know a lot out there when you go back to the of moms can relate to me na, just outside world. Parang ‘yung bet- look at the world through the eyes ter version naman ang ipi-present of your child. Like if you look at mo pagdating mo sa outside world, Seve, he’s a toddler now, he doesn’t once you are out there,” Gonzaga know what’s going on the outside. said.

He doesn’t know that there’s panDespite what’s happening now, demic. He doesn’t know how big Gonzaga said it’s not too late to the situation is or the gravity of the change. situation. What he just knows is “It’s never too late to reinvent that mommy and daddy are home yourself. Change your old habits every single day and that we are that are not helping you to be pro- together as a family. I feel like 'yun ductive, parang i-lessen mo yung ang maalala niya, that we are presthings that will bring you down,” ent in his life,” Gonzaga said. she said.

Gonzaga is now hosting ABS“One thing I’ve learned during CBN’s new online show “I Feel U” this lockdown and it really stuck to every Sunday, which streams on me ‘yung sinabi ng husband ko na the official Facebook pages of ABSlearn to control the things that you CBN Films, TFC Online, ABS-CBN can, let go of the things that you Music, and One Music PH. (MNS)

Yassi Pressman now has 8 million followers on Instagram MANILA (Mabuhay) — years now.

Actress Yassi Press“ Mg a k a i b i g a n man now has more po, mga Kapamilya, than 8 million followmga Kapuso, at mga ers on the image-sharmahal ko pong mga ing site Instagram. kababayan... Si Coco In an Instagram Martin po ay ilang post, Pressman taon ko na pong kilathanked all her fans la, at sa pagkakakand followers for their ilala ko po sa kanya support. ay mabuti po siyang “Woke up to dancing tao,” she said. to 8 million followers “Pasensya na po on Instagram!" she kayo, kung sa pagYASSI PRESSMAN wrote. karinig po ninyo ay "I love you guys! I promise to nadadala po siya sa kanyang emokeep on sharing my life, work, art, syon, at 'yun po ay dahil mahal na family, pets and little kalakohans mahal niya po ang mga ‘kapamilya’ with you guys! I hope this make niya. Kami po iyon... mga katrabayou smile,” she added. ho, sa harap ng kamera at sa likod.

Recently, Pressman came to the Mga pamilya po niya,” she added. defense of her "FPJ's Ang ProbinPressman then asked for people’s syano" leading man Coco Martin, understanding, saying Martin was who is being criticized by some just defending his family. quarters over his speech during “Katulad po nang pagtatanggol the first #LabanKapamilya stream- po ninyo sa mga kaibigan, kapatid, ing event where he protested the mga magulang, at anak.... ganun government closure of ABS-CBN. rin po ang tingin niya sa amin.

Pressman’s post comes after Sana po maintindihan po ninyo,” their other co-workers in “Ang she said.

Probinsyano,” in an earlier video, The actress then thanked her onexpressed support for the actor, screen leading man for everything who they said was only driven by he’s done for all of them in “Ang compassion for those whose live- Probinsyano.” lihood have been affected by the “Salamat Coco, sa lahat ng mashutdown. buting nagawa mo para sa aming On Instagram, Pressman at- lahat, at hindi namin makakalitested to Martin’s good character, mutan ang lahat ng iyon habang having worked with him for several buhay,” she said. (MNS)

I

Am Hope, the relief organization led by Bea Alonzo, has reached a new milestone in its donations, the actress announced through a live video on Wednesday.

A s of May 27, the group has raised over P9 million in cash and inkind donations, Alonzo informed her followers as she introduced the team behind I Am Org and gave a tour of its headquarters.

I Am Hope, which A lon z o c o -fou nde d with Rina Navarro, was initially a food drive for vulnerable communities amid the coronavirus crisis.

It has since evolved as a donation platform with the goal of augmenting immediate and longterm needs of frontline workers, on top of giving meals to sectors most affected by the pandemic.

I Am Hope has so far reached 44 hospitals and

BEA ALONZO

36 communities, according to Alonzo.

Recently, the group also collaborated with the Office of the Vice President to provide hygiene and relief packs to residents affected

by Typhoon Ambo.

Among I Am Hope's most active supporters is Alonzo's co-actor Vhong Navarro, who also appeared in the live video on Wednesday.

They urged their followers to continue donating, and shared details of the group's upcoming efforts. (MNS)

Liza Soberano lends voice in fight against online sexual exploitation of children

L

iza Soberano is determined to use her star power for good as she takes a stand against online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC).

The actress was one of the speakers in a webinar organized by Senator Risa Hontiveros recently, which tackled how children are more vulnerable to online sexual predators given the quarantines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She was invited by Hontiveros after taking to Twitter to express her sentiments on OSEC, sharing the senator's post on Facebook pages that offer child pornography.

"As a celebrity, due to my large following, I realized that I should use my voice for social injustice. I realized that the role of an advocate is to offer independent support to those who feel that they are not being heard, and to ensure that action is taken seriously upon these criminals," Soberano said.

"I feel that as an advocate, I can help spre ad aw a rene s s amongst everyone that is on social media now-

adays, especially now in the time of this crisis, or this pandemic," she added. "I can really help in voicing out help for these children and g uide people, and spread awareness that there is something that we can do about this."

Soberano went on to remind the public that the fight against OSEC does not end with reporting cases online.

"It also starts with guiding children on how to use social media properly, and also an insight on the parents as to how they can guide their children when they are on social media and the internet," she said.

Soberano, who is a Psychology major, expressed optimism that people will use the "dark" reality of OSEC as motivation to strive for a better life for the youth.

"Right now I'm taking up Psychology, and I find that us humans, when put in darkness and pain, we're able to reuse that as motivation to strive for something better, to achieve something out of that. And that gives me hope that because there are so many platforms nowadays in social media and ways of

LIZA SOBERANO communicating, [and there are] communities that are being opened up to spread awareness about different matters," she said.

"I'm hopeful that the newer generation, the youth, will be more aware and educated on how to use social media and the internet properly."

A study by International Justice Mission (IJM) released Thursday showed that the Philippines has become the world's largest known source of OSEC, with parents and relatives responsible for facilitating the abuse in nearly all cases.

Atty. Rey Bicol of IJM Philippines thanked Soberano for adding "a very powerful voice" in the movement against OSEC, with the public and the government giving more attention to the issue, thanks to her efforts.

"It's a hidden crime. This is committed in the confines of the homes of the perpetrators with the use of technology... So kailangan po talagang mag-participate ng community, and people like Liza to call the attention of everyone and report about this," he said.

Hontiveros, for her part, said Soberano "accelerated" their initiatives to spread awareness about OSEC in the country. (MNS)

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Assunta de Rossi opens up about first pregnancy

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ssunta de Rossi admitted her first pregnancy was something she and her husband, Jules Ledesma, did not plan at all.

De Rossi said she’s long accepted that she won’t be able to conceive naturally so it was really a pleasant surprise for both of them.

Talking about her experiences 14 weeks into her pregnancy, de Rossi said she’s come to conclude that it is not glamorous at all.

“But it's the most beautiful miracle... I'm stuck in bed all day, feeling horrible. Nausea and dizziness are my enemies these days. I can't even gain weight kasi hirap akong kumain. Pinipilit ko naman and I take vitamins. I do miss being active, but my body feels overworked. Right now, not that much since I feel tired all day. Minsan late na ako nakakaligo kasi tulog nga ako maghapon,” she said.

While she is not able to see a doctor and have a check-up because of the pandemic, de Rossi said she is trying to stay healthy for her unborn baby.

“I could hear a soft heartbeat already. Grabe ang tuwa ko nun!

Eh, wala. Na-lockdown, so until now wala pa akong bagong scan.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time for any preparation kasi biglaan.

All I could do was to take advantage of the situation and get plenty of rest,” she said.

“Wala din naman kasing magagawa, and also naglalabasan na symptoms ko kaya that was all I

could do. Just eat and sleep. I was worried because the last time I had a doctor's appointment was two or three days before lockdown. I still am worried. But I try not to stress myself so much. Thankfully, nothing weird is happening so that's a relief,” she added.

De Rossi also shared how she dealt with the early stages, especially when “constipation almost killed me.”

“I changed my diet. Sa mga nakakaranas nito, damihan lang ang fiber, cut back on white carbs,

and drink prune juice. I'm not really into the taste, but it's an awesome natural laxative.

Honestly, wala yata akong maipapayo bilang hind i ko r in alam gagawin.

This is all new to me, so to experience this in the middle of a pandemic is tough. I know a ton of people are having it worse than me, so hindi na ako ngangawa. Constant prayer s la ng talaga. Thank God hindi ako delikado,” she said.

Amid all the ASSUNTA DE ROSSI u n c e r t a i n t y, the former actress said she is just glad to have Ledesma by her side through it all.

"We totally bonded. He'd feel bad whenever I felt bad. I told him to just let me be and to just hold my hand. He's been supportive naman. Worried lang siya minsan kasi feeling niya wala siyang magawa," she said.

Since Ledesma is turning 60 this year, de Rossi said they might have to slow things down and just focus more on their growing family.

James Reid appointed as Department of Agriculture ambassador

MANIL A (Mabuhay) — runs his own music label, James Reid has been Careless. appointed as the ambasMeanwhile, Reid is sador of the Department among the international of Agriculture's (DA) performers coming to"Plant, Plant, Plant' pro- gether for a virtual congram aimed to ramp up cert that aims to unite the country's food sup- Asian artists and leaders ply during the COVID-19 "for the fight against COVpandemic.

ID-19 and the xenophobia Reid made the an- affecting Asian communouncement on Insta- nities." gram, where he has more The Careless Music than 6.2 million followers, founder's participation with the caption: "Can't in Identity: Project Blue wait to show everyone Marble was announced on what we've been working Tuesday. on during quarantine!"

By appointing Reid as its food security ambassador, the DA said that Kapamilya star has committed "to inform the public on the main advocacies of the department specifically its campaign on ensuring sustained food security, food accessibility and affordability."

He will also "encourage the youth and other advocates on the important roles of farmers and fishers, their hard work, and their valuable contributions to the country."

Reid is an award-winning muJAMES REID sician and actor who

Project Blue Marble is an eight-hour live streaming event featuring performances to be held on May 30.

The concert will also be a donation platform, with proceeds going to United Way, a US non-profit group spearheading "efforts to support those impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak by providing protective gear, food, disinfection and sanitization, and financial support in certain areas." (MNS)

(MNS)

Lotlot de Leon posts transformation photo, reveals secret to weight loss

LOTLOT DE LEON MANILA (Mabuhay) — Lotlot de Leon took to Instagram to proudly show off her weight loss transformation.

The actress posted a collage of two photos one from December 2019 and another from just this month, earning applause from fans and netizens.

In the caption she wrote, "When you want it bad enough, anything is possible. ? Dec 2019 - May 2020. ? Konti na lang! Idaan na lang natin sa kape at sa ngiti!"

In the comments section, her followers have been asking how she did it.

She revealed that she has been doing 16-8 intermittent fasting.

Asked if she's doing low-carb intermittent fasting, Lotlot replied, "No po. Just the regular IF. I still eat carbs. I love Rice!"

16-8 intermittent fasting involves eating during an eight-hour window time and 16 hours for fasting.

It is said to support weight loss, improve blood sugar, boost brain function and increase longevity.

(MNS)

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Filipinos urged to stay home even after community quarantine MANILA — Staying at home after the community quarantine would prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country while waiting for a vaccine to be developed, an official of the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday.

"As we see the number of new reported cases, it's not rapidly decreasing even after the strict implementation of the community quarantine. If we stop staying at home, we might still see the explode or the increase in the number of new cases," WHO Western Pacific Region technical officer Takeshi Nishijima said in Covid-19 virtual presser.

Apart from staying at home, Nishijima advised the Filipino public to continue practicing non-pharmaceutical methods like physical distancing, regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette, and regular disinfection.

He also encouraged the public to cooperate with the local government units for effective contact tracing to contain the spread of Covid-19.

"In the Philippines, we are seeing the new number of cases which is kind of stabilized a bit. But we're hoping that it will decrease in the future...be prepared to continue what we do right now," Nishijima said.

He added the WHO is committed to continuing its support for the Department of Health and the Filipinos. (PNA)

WHO Western Pacific Region technical officer Takeshi Nishijima

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DOH: COVID-19 patients given hydroxychloroquine on trial period will be under close monitoring MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines will continue administering anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to those COVID-19 patients who are already on this treatment, Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday.

Vergeire made the clarification in light of the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement that it is suspending administering hydroxychloroquine as treatment to COVID-19 patients on clinical trial since a safety review is underway.

“Kahapon nagsalita ang expert group ng WHO regard-

ing hydroxychloroquine. Ang kanilang rekomendasyon ay itigil muna ang new allocation for new patients pero nagbigay din sila ng alokasyon na [sa mga] nag-a-undergo ng trial, maaari namang ituloy ito pero under close monitoring ng physician until na may adverse event,” Vergeire said during the Laging Handa briefing.

“Kailangan pong itigil pag may adverse events,” she added.

Patients given the said medicine on clinical trial are on voluntary participation.

The hydroxychloroquine was administered on COVID-19 patients in the country since the Philippines is part of the WHO solidarity trial in finding treatment for COVID-19.

Vergeire earlier said that no new COVID-19 patients will be given hydroxychloroquine because of the WHO decision.

“Nagpalabas na po ng sulat ang aming proponent at ipinadala sa aking opisina, stating that we are pulling out [of the solidarity trial on hydroxychloroquine],” she said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier appealed to the public to take care of themselves until the anti-COVID-19 vaccine comes in January 2021.

"So kung ganoon, 'wag ka sanang mamatay hanggang January [2021]. Hintayin mo 'yung vaccine. 'Pag tinawag ka ng kamatayan, sabihin mo p— ina ka umalis ka diyan, may hinihintay ako na vaccine. Hindi ko pa panahon mamatay," Duterte said. (MNS)

1 year exemption of health workers from PhilHealth premium rate hike sought in Senate M ANIL A (Mabuhay) — Health care workers in the country must be exempted for a year from the increase of premium rate to be collected by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Senator Manny Pacquiao.

In Senate Resolution No. 429, Pacquiao urged the Senate to call for the suspension of the increase in PhilHealth premium contributions of this sector for the year 2020 as a "token of gratitude" to their sacrifices in combating the disease.

"The first year of the

implementation of the increased rate of premium contributions coincided with the advent and continuation of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines," the resolution read.

Pacquiao pointed out that the outbreak "resulted in the disruption of the practice of the health care professionals concomitantly leading to the marked decrease in the income of health care professionals and related health care workers, and to some, even to the closure of their clinics."

"Such a suspension may help these frontliners in a

small way, but the recognition and expression of gratitude will go a little farther to support them moving forward," he said.

The increase is pursuant to Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law which provides for the enrollment of all Filipinos in the government's health insurance program and mandates a gradual increase in premium rates from 2.75% in 2019 to 5% in 2024.

The Philippines Medical Association (PMA) earlier appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend the payment of PhilHealth premium contribution for doc-

tors and nurses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Benito Atienza, PMA vice president, said the PhilHealth premium contribution of health workers, which amounts to around P1,800 per month, is already a big amount considering that hospitals are on a scaled down operation for non-COVID-19 cases, resulting in reduced income.

Earlier this month, the President said overseas Filipino workers will no longer be required to pay premiums to PhilHealth after the impending hike in required contributions triggered clamor among migrant workers. (MNS)

Duterte: China may be one of the first to come up with COVID-19 vaccine MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday expressed confidence that China will be one of the first countries that will discover a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"I'm very sure that they will be the first, one of the countries that will be able to come up with the vaccine," Duterte said in a meeting with officials.

Duterte earlier pinned his hopes on a vaccine being developed by American biotech firm Moderna, which reportedly produced "positive interim" results in its first clinical tests.

"The target is September. I think China will be able to distribute, if I'm not mistaken, and the other countries are catching up. Everybody is at it and they are really tying their very best," Duterte said.

Wuhan in China is considered the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, Duterte said the Philippines is “progressing at a very fast rate” in its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) thanks to uniformed personnel who enforce the law, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on Thursday.

“They are called upon to assist the government. ‘Yan lang ang trabaho nila at makita ninyo, we are progress-

ing at a very fast rate because we were able to put in place the rules to be followed when COVID came in like a storm from the outside,” Duterte said.

"So you would see that the Philippines has a ratio and proportion visa-vis with the population, we have a low rate of mortality here in this country… All in all, para sa akin, hindi naman masama ito," Duterte said.

The Department of Health hours earlier on Thursday reported 539 new infections, the highest number of new cases in a single day since COVID-19 first broke out in the country in January.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said 90 percent of infections are mild cases, 7.3 percent are asymptomatic, while less than 2 percent are in severe to critical condition.

“Ibig ko rin pong bigyang diin na sa kasalukuyan po health systems capacity ay sapat,” he added.

The DOH also reported that the Philippines’ case doubling time has slowed to seven days from the two to three days recorded in January.

Meanwhile, the country’s 43 testing centers are still way off the target of conducting 30,000 tests daily by May 30, with only 8,496 samples processed on May 27 due to a lack of laboratory supplies and staff.

Duterteallayed fears that there was

a de-facto martial law prevailing in the country due to the heightened presence of soldiers and policemen.

“There is no martial law in the Philippines. Far from it. We are exercising the power of the state to protect public health. That is all there is to it. ‘Wag kayong matakot, there will be no arrests, detention or anything,” he said.

Shortly before Duterte made the comment, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año reported that police have tallied

184,467 quarantine violators.

Of this number, 54 percent were arrested, 37 percent were fined, while 9 percent were let off with a warning.

The United Nations earlier chided the Philippines’ “highly militarized” response to quarantine violators, reminding authorities that “emergency powers should not be a weapon… to quash dissent, control the population, and even perpetuate their time in power.” (MNS)

XINHUANET

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24 PH hospitals participating in WHO Solidarity Trials MANILA — Twenty-four hospitals in the Philippines are participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trials, an international clinical trial to test the effectiveness of a possible vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This was bared in President Rodrigo Duterte's ninth report to Congress on the national government's Covid-19 response efforts. However, the participating hospitals

were not listed in the report.

Of the 24 hospitals, 16 are actively recruiting participant-patients. There are currently 157 participant-patients or enrollees in the clinical trials.

The Philippines’ participation in the WHO Solidarity Trial has been approved by the Single Joint Research Ethics Board on April 17 in support of the Covid-19 global response.

For the Avigan Trials, two additional sites have been identified bringing the total to five identified sites as of May 20.

Duterte expressed readiness to conduct clinical trials of Avigan, a Japanese anti-viral drug, for the potential treatment of Covid-19 on April 15.

On Sunday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that Malacañang is looking forward to having the country join clinical trials for a vaccine against Covid-19 by the last quarter of 2020.

He said Duterte expressed optimism over news that some clinical trials for the development of Covid-19 vaccine are showing early promising results.

“We expect involvement in the vaccine clinical trials by the last quarter of 2020 with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) taking a lead role,”

ARE YOUR SERVICES CONSIDERED “ESSENTIAL”?

I WAS in my early twenties when I first experienced the suffering of untold, excruciating pains due to ingrown nails. Uninformed, I even had to commission the medical services of a certified surgeon then, using anesthetic agents inside an operating room, to work on my toenails. I still cringe and shudder in pain every time I remember that event. I really breathed a deep sigh of relief when I learned that a routine pedicure will do the trick.

Today, almost 3 months into the lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic, I miss Lily.

She manages to tame my unruly ingrown nails. But, she is unable to perform this “ritual” because she is prohibited from opening up her salon to her customers. Unlike the likes of grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants (only to go), and yes, even liquor stores and abortion clinics, her salon is deemed “non-essential”.

Poor me! I have to bear the pain and can only wish that my pain threshold jumps, until her salon is once again authorized to conduct business.

In a similar vein, sometime in February, I had to rush a Medicare client’s application for enrollment in a Medicare Advantage PPO plan to protect her from a possible uncontrolled out-of-pocket share of cost.

She arrived at this decision on her friends’ advice. This, after my recommendation to apply for MediCal yielded a result, though positive, yet has a $1,900 share of cost. She qualified earlier for short-term disability benefits from EDD that made her ineligible for full MediCal benefits.

This was not an enviable situation she was in. She was diagnosed with the dreaded BIG C. and had been scheduled to start

chemotherapy right after a shoulder surgery.

In the midst of the chemotherapy and surgery, I have learned that her doctors would not accept her PPO plan. Hers is a situation subject to unpredictable out-of-pocket cost if she got out of the PPO plan at that time. In quandary, she sought my advice. I am glad she did. We discussed her case and agreed on a plan that matched her situation.

She is now on Original Medicare (where she can go to any doctor that accepts Medicare), enrolled on Part D (to take care of her prescriptions medications), and enrolled on a Medicare Supplement plan (G) to take care of her share of costs.

She’s now recovering back in her home after the surgery and a few days’ stay at a nursing home. Optimally, her out of pocket costs are contained relative to the maximum benefits that she enjoys. Enrollment in the plan allowed her to save thousands of dollars in medical costs.

Please pray, tell me, is the Medicare health plan advice she timely received “essential”?

Very recently, President Trump declared activities performed inside places of worship like churches, synagogues, and mosques “essential” and encouraged state governors to re-open the same to parishioners subject to containment and mitigation policy guidelines.

What is the message I want to drive home at this point?

Decision makers – be they state governors, city mayors, county supervisors, public health officers – must exercise extra care and put on more and wider perspective because their decisions impact people’s health, livelihood, and happiness.

Joleo “Leo” Monsalud, RICP@ holds CA life and health license 0G55218 as well as Non-Resident licenses for Michigan and Nevada. He helps members choose the right Medicare health plan for them. He studied for MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines. He used to work for United Laboratories, Inc. where his last position held was vice president assigned as general manager of a division. He may be reached at 323 535 7373 or e-mail: leo.balita@gmail.com.

Roque said in a statement.

He made the remarks a day after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved recommendations for the country to join clinical trials for prospective vaccines.

The IATF-EID approved the Philippines’ collaboration with organizations Adimmune Corporation, Academia Sinica, Chinese Academy of Science-Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, and Sinopharma-Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and Beijing Institute.

The four groups will be provided with the WHO's requirements for Covid-19 vaccine target product profiles; pre-qualification process for WHO approvals; and the FDA’s updated guidelines on clinical trials.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will facilitate the issuance of a permit for the conduct of the clinical trial in the country.

Duterte, in his public address delivered on May 19, sought the immediate purchase of a vaccine for the treatment of Covid-19 once it is available.

Once available, Malacañang said the government would provide free vaccines to the disadvantaged. (PNA)

Traditional Chinese medicine should be explored — Palace MANILA (Mabuhay) — Traditional Chinese medicine should be explored as an effective treatment for persons infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said health experts should not discount the possibility of the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine since they were being used by an illegal hospital and clinic being operated in Pampanga and Makati, respectively.

“Bagama’t ito’y paglabag sa batas natin at talagang hinuhuli ‘yan at pinapasara, ‘wag natin kalimutan na baka naman dahil may ginagamot silang mga Tsino, meron silang gumaganang mga produkto (Although this is a violation of the law and we shut down [illegal hospitals], let us not forget that because they were treating Chinese patients, they might also have effective products),” Roque said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

Should the traditional Chinese medicine be found effective, they must first be registered under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he said.

“Tingnan natin kung gumagana ang traditional medicine na ito. Kung gumagana, irehistro din natin at subukan din natin panggamot sa mga pasyente. Pero hindi pupuwede na walang kahit na anong pagsusuri kung gumagana nga o hindi (Let us find out if this traditional medicine works. If it does, let us register it and try to use it to treat our patients.

But it cannot be used without being examined),” Roque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the FDA to act on drug applications, including traditional Chinese medicines, within 48 hours.

“Ang FDA, bago pa nagkaroon ng mga raids sa mga illegal clinics na ito, ay inutusuan po ng Presidente na pabilisin ang proseso ng registration lalo na po ng traditional medicine (The FDA, even before the raid on illegal clinics, was instructed by the President to hasten the process of registration),” Roque said.

He said the President made the order, recognizing that China, where the virus originated, has a wealth of experience when it comes to treating the deadly virus, compared to other countries.

“Nais din natin malaman kung talagang gumagana itong mga traditonal Chinese medicine na ito nang magamit din natin. Pero kinakailangan rehistrado pa rin sa FDA (We also want to find out if this Chinese medicine works so we can use it. But it has to be registered under the FDA),” Roque added.

He, however, reiterated that only licensed physicians are allowed to practice the medical profession and that only the use of FDA-approved medicines will be allowed in the country.

Traditional medicines, which are getting significant attention in global health debates, are naturally occurring, plant-derived substances with minimal or no industrial processing that have been used to treat illness within local or regional healing practices.

In China, traditional medicine played a prominent role in the strategy to contain and treat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). (MNS)

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in treating COVID-19 pneumonia in China.

16

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MAKING SURE. A personnel of the San Juan City Traffic Parking and Management Office (TPMO) checks the body temperature of a tricycle driver with a thermal scanner at the Agora Terminal in San Juan City, Metro Manila on Thursday (May 28, 2020). Tricycle operations resume in the city provided only one passenger, seated on the sidecar, is ferried per trip. (MNS photo)

MENA... FROM PAGE 5 have followed California’s lead.

But, Feng emphasized, to be effective and to ensure their voices are heard, residents have to be engaged at the local level. And this year, there is a danger that anti-immigrant forces will restrict the residents who count in redistricting to voters only.

“In the city of El Cajon, San Diego, we faced a lot of discrimination, especially when the Syrian refugees arrived. Our children got bullied in school but the schools didn’t want to adopt any bullying policy because we don’t have representation,” said Dilkhwaz Ahmed, executive director of License to Freedom.

“Representation is very important to us as a Kurdish community, as refugees, and as immigrants.”

Emilio Vaca is optimistic that California can meet the undercount challenge: “As of May 11, California has a self-response rate of 59.6%, which is above the national average of 58%.”

This is all the more impressive, Vaca noted,

given how the pandemic has affected outreach.

Many of the speakers on the call testified to the ongoing efforts to shift to virtual outreach and “drive by” caravans and taking the census to where the people are.

“We had a food bank event for the Middle Eastern and Muslim community in south Sacramento that attracted more than 2,000 families who came by cars, and we actually engaged with them about the census in every single car,” said Basim Elkarra, executive director of CAIR in Sacramento. “Many were recent refugees.”

The 2020 census form doesn’t include the MENA racial category, but Question 9 allows respondents to write in “MENA” and their specific ethnicities such as Lebanese, Palestinian, Algerian or Kurd.

Being visible in the 2020 census, the speakers agreed, will lay the foundation for the next few MENA generations to build on what this generation has started.

Saturday-Friday | May 30 - June 5, 2020

LA COUNTY’s... FROM PAGE 5

LAPD... FROM PAGE 1

have a golden opportunity and obligation to chip away at these inequities. We must strive to make Los Angeles County stronger than it was before.”

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said, “If you decide to go in person for a religious gathering or you must go to a store, be sure to wear your face covering. That’s an important way you are showing up for your family, friends and community.

Without people’s willingness to wear face covers, practice physical distancing, and diligently follow public health guidelines, we will not be able to meet our goal of reopening as fully as possible as quickly as possible. I am happy to see us expand activities that people can engage in, but there is no way to overstate the importance of public cooperation in making this reopening work.”

The updated order allows people to take part in all permitted activities while continuing to practice physical distancing and wearing a cloth face covering when in contact with others.

Although these updates are being enacted today, Los Angeles County residents are still encouraged to remain in their residences as much as practical and limit close contact with others outside their household both indoor and outdoor.

Gatherings of people not from the same household are still prohibited, except for faith-based services and in-person protests.

Additionally, people 65 years old or older and all people of any age with underlying health conditions should remain in their residences as much as possible.

People in these categories should only leave their residences to seek medical care, exercise or obtain food or other necessities. Telework should continue as much as possible.

The County Public Health Department will continue to monitor COVID-19 data indicators closely and may, after consultation with the Board of Supervisors, adjust orders to reflect specific County needs.

country great.”

On Thursday (May 28), a protest organized by Black Lives Matter marched from the Santa Monica Police Department headquarters to the Venice Beach substation.

The same organizers led the crowd that blocked the 101 Freeway last Wednesday (May 27).

Simultaneously, another group of protesters gathered in front of LAPD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

The protests were part of many other protest actions happening all the US that criticize the death of Floyd.

The victim was captured on video begging for his life as a Minneapolis police officer in kneeled on his neck. He was heard pleading: “I can’t breathe.”

The four policemen involved in the incident have been fired and placed under investigation by state and federal agencies for possible criminal charges.

On Wednesday night, protesters broke windows and charged over fences of a police precinct in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to prevent more violence but said that he supports peaceful demonstrations.

PHILIPPINES’... FROM PAGE 1 Meanwhile, the death toll increased to 942 with 21 new fatalities.

There are 11,069 active cases. Of these, 751 or 6.8 percent are asymptomatic, 10,240 or 92.5 percent are mild, 54 or 0.5 percent are severe, and 24 or 0.2 percent are in critical condition.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the backlog was reduced to 545 as of 1 p.m. on Friday.

Backlogs are COVID-19 test results yet to be released by the laboratories.

Meanwhile, 24 more Filipinos abroad have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the total to 2,845, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA also reported that total recoveries increased to 947 with 11 new cases while the death toll increased to 340 with six new fatalities.

Patients undergoing treatment are recorded at 1,558. (MNS)

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RECIPES / MEAL IDEAS / COOKING GUIDES

THE PILI

Bicol’s Pride

By Melda Guerra

A

CCORDING to okbikol.wordpress.com, ‘In market reconnaissance surveys conducted especially in the United States, it has been found out that the Crispy Pili, a recipe wherein the pili nut is coated with a very thin film of sugar glaze, is the most-favored variant.’

And why not. The nut kernel is delicious, that of the green, immature fruit being particularly sweet. When roasted, it is soft yet crisp, with an easy crunch that surprisingly melts in the mouth, making it a favorite snack food among Filipinos.

The pili (canarium ovatum) tree is indigenous to Bicol and has many uses. Its resinous wood and even the nut shells are in great demand for firewood. Its sap is used as incense in church rituals and is one of the basic ingredients in making jewelers’ wax.

‘Virgin Pili Oil’, extracted from the whole nut under very low heat, is used mainly for cosmetics, but has a delightful aroma that makes it ideal for salads.

Its fruit is eaten in various ways. When the skin turns black, the ripe fruit is blanched and called tinolang pili. When peeled, tinolang pili‘s creamy flesh is eaten as a side dish dipped in cuyog, balao, patis or patis bicol. The last, a murky, mauve-colored condiment that is made by boiling patis sediment with gata and pomelo leaves, greatly resembles bagoong balayan, but has a wonderfully fragrant aroma. Sometimes, for lack of a sweet, blanched pili is even rolled in sugar as a dessert!

After eating, the nuts are briefly air-dried before they are cracked to extract the kernels, whose brown skins slip off easily and are consumed as is. Nuts for making pili candies come from plantations, where the fallen nuts are gathered after their flesh has decayed. These unshelled nuts are sold by the hundred will keep indefinitely and are cracked before being sold by the kilo for processing.

Nuts that have been in storage do not make good eating, since they have become desiccated and oily. They must be blanched first in hot water before their skins can be removed in preparation for processing into various types of candies and sweets.

Sweet Pili Possibilities There are many ways by which the pili nut may be enjoyed.

• Pili nut cake. Mixed with flour, butter, eggs, milk, and sugar, this decadent cake is so good that will rival sans rival (no pun intended).

• Pili Nut Butter. Yes, if there is peanut butter, or almond butter, there is also pili nut butter. And it tastes delicious when spread on sandwiches, mixed in kare-kare, topped on sweet bananas, or licked from a spoon.

• Candied pili nut. Coated with glazed sugar, this crunchy treat is a delightful pasalubong together with the crisp Pili Brittle.

• Mazapan de Pili. This is a Bicolano delicacy with the pili nut being ground and mixed with sugar, egg yolks, and butter then baked like macaroons.

• Pili Nut Tart. Sweet, buttery, caramel filling goodness in tiny tart shells topped with a generous sprinkling of pili nuts.

• Roasted Pili Nuts. Sprinkled with salt and some chili powder (if you dig spicy) for some kick, this makes for a good and healthy snack.

TOSS THE SALAD A

salad is a dish consisting of a mixture of small pieces of food, usually vegetables or fruit. Different varieties of salad, however, may contain virtually any type of ready-to-eat food. Salads are typically served at room temperature or chilled, with notable exceptions such as south German potato salad which can be served warm.

Garden salads use a base of leafy greens such as lettuce, arugula/ rocket, kale or spinach; they are common enough that the word salad alone often refers specifically to garden salads.

Other types include bean salad, tuna salad, fattoush, Greek salad (vegetable-based, but without leafy greens), and s men salad (a noodle-based salad). The sauce used to flavor a salad is commonly called a salad dressing; most salad dressings are based on either a mixture of oil and vinegar or a fermented milk product like kefir.

TYPES OF SALADS Salads may be served at any point during a meal: Appetizer salads — light, smaller-portion salads served as the first course of the meal.

Side salads — to accompany the main course as a side dish, examples include potato salad and Caesar salad.

Main course salads — usually containing a portion of a high-protein foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, or cheese.

Dessert salads — sweet versions containing fruit, gelatin, sweeteners or whipped cream.

Etymology. (source: en.m.wikipedia.org)

Saturday-Friday | May 30 - June 5, 2020

P145.5-B production subsidy sought for 9.7M farmers, fisherfolk MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) is asking for a P145.5-billion subsidy for 9.7 million local farmers, agricultural workers, and fisherfolk to help them continue production amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Ang mungkahi namin una ay agricultural production. Isama po sa mga prayoridad na stimulus package ang pagpaplawak at pagpapataas ng produktong agrikultura," KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos said during a Senate hearing of the committees on finance and economic affairs.

"P15,000 subsidy para sa produksyon para po sa P9.7 million nabanggit ko [beneficiaries] katumbas po ito ng P145.5 billion," he added.

Ramos stressed that only a meager amount of assistance from the Department of Agriculture goes to direct subsidies to the farmers and fisherfolk.

"Ang malaki po ay para sa marketing at urban gardening. Eh hindi naman po lingid sa inyo na napakahalaga pong paunlarin natin ang produksyon," he said.

On top of the said production subsidy, Ramos also proposed a two-month cash assistance for the sector worth P10,000 each month. This would amount to P194 billion.

Other forms of wage subsidies and zero-interest loans are being lobbied for by the KMP. (MNS)

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DTI finds safety protocols of some malls lacking MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is not satisfied with t he sa fet y protocols implemented by some malls in Metro Manila, as the region prepares for a possible transition to a general community quarantine after May 31.

DTI officials and personnel on Wednesday went to some malls to inspect the measures being implemented to avoid COVID-19 transmission, including the "no quarantine pass and face mask, no entry policy," temperature checks, and physical distancing.

"Meron pa silang mga kailangang gawin to make sure that they are ready by the time na mag-transition tayo into GCQ," said DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said. "'Yung markings nila sa floor, directional signs kailangan maayos.

Nakita natin doon sa tatlong malls na napuntahan natin, hindi ganoon kadami 'yung marshalls ng mall," she added.

The DTI also observed that each mall implements its own safety measures.

In one establishment, shoes could be fitted by customers but will be sanitized if they are not purchased. Another mall however totally prohibits customers from trying on shoes that

they intend to purchase.

Some malls are also follow i ng t he "no ret u r n, no exchange" policy following a memo from the Quezon City government.

However, DTI said the "no ret u r n, no exchange" policy is against the Consumer Act of the Philippines or Republic Act 3794.

"Hindi puwedeng hindi mangibabaw 'yon over the city ordinance.

Take it up with DILG para maplantsa nilang mabuti," Castelo said.

The Quezon City LGU explained that they are only prioritizing the safety of customers.

"We will have to consider this for the new normal. We cannot afford to put into jeopardy the health of our consumers while at the same time, we do respect this general law that you mentioned," said Alberto Kimpo, Assistant City Administrator for Operations.

The malls have ensured that they are preparing for an influx of people once the general community quarantine is implemented in Metro Manila.

"They need to do it fast, this week, kasi kung next week assuming na mag-transition tayo into GCQ, dadagsa lalo ang tao sa Metro Manila.

Kailangan ready sila, tapusin nila lahat this week 'yung mga protocols nila," said Castelo. (MNS)

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China-led AIIB OKs $750-M loan to Philippine virus response program MANILA (Mabuhay) — Beijing-based multilateral lender Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Friday announced that it has approved a $750-million loan to the Philippines to support the country’s response efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering economic impact.

In a statement, AIIB said the fund support is co-financed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Also, the AIIB said the money is intended to boost the Philippine government’s “testing capacity, bolstering vulnerable sectors (including agriculture), and providing conditional cash transfers and emergency assistance to poor households.”

AIIB vice president for Investment Operations D.J. Pandian said, “The focus of our efforts is to help the government tackle the immediate health and economic challenges posed by the pandemic," and towards "building economic resilience and ensuring quick recovery.”

Moreover, the $750-million loan for the Philippines’ COVID-19 Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) program will provide fund support for government’s efforts to mitigate the severe health, social, and economic impact caused by the pandemic.

According to the AIIB, the Philippines is one of the first developing countries globally and the first in Southeast Asia to have introduced strict quarantine measures to limit the spread of the disease.

Finally, the AIIB said the lockdown measures are expected to take a heavy toll on the country’s economic growth with the International Monetary Fund estimating that gross domestic product could see a sharp contraction from 6.2% to 0.6% for 2020. (MNS)

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