Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) May 22, 2021

LOS ANGELES EDITION

DOH: COVID-19 vaccine recipients to be informed of brand right before jab PAGE 14 VOL. XXX NO. 21

TOP STORIES

Global News No profiling of community pantry organizers — PNP chief 8  PhilHealth says COVID-hit workforce causing delays in claims processing 8  DFA says Gaza under Alert Level 2, Israel and West Bank under Alert Level 1 9  English a factor in Pinoy students’ low scores in PISA — DepEd exec 9  Ex-lawmaker, military chief Biazon says National Security Council should meet over West PH Sea issue 9  Palace tells Filipino fishermen to snub China fishing ban in South China Sea 10  Lorenzana wants 1 general per 1,000 military personnel ratio in the AFP 10  DOLE: No OFW deployment ban to Israel, only temporary suspension of departure 12  1.6M Pinoy students benefit from free higher educ program 12  POEA to deploy 400 caregivers to Israel 12  JPhivolcs reveals cause of Taal unrest 12 

Sections BUSINESS. Japan to release P8.8-B loan for PH pandemic response 13  ENTERTAINMENT. KC Concepcion dreams of hosting Miss Universe 18  HEALTH & FAMILY. DOH eyes herd immunity in NCR, 8 other areas

by November 14  FEATURE. Reconnecting with nature in Leyte’s upland village 16 

DTI chief says PH exports ‘doing well’ amid pandemic MANILA (Mabuhay) — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday said the country’s export industry is still doing well amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and prolonged community quarantine measures.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Lopez said the export revenues in March 2021 showed that the industry is performing well despite headwinds due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported earlier that export revenues for March this year rose 31.6 percent to USD6.68 billion from a 15.8-percent decline in March 2020 at USD5.08 billion.

The trade chief attributed the growth of exports to the government’s policy to allow 100 percent operation of companies in export activities.

He added that the electronics sector that accounted for 60 percent of the country’s exports and the information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO), which is one of the top dollar earners for the country, continued to post growth despite local lockdowns as they were allowed to operate at full capacity.

Lopez said electronics industry rose 5 percent while IT-BPO sector grew by 2 percent, although lower than the outlook for each sector at 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

“This shows resilience despite the pandemic,” the top trade official said. “I would say (our export industry is) doing well.”

He added that the exports will continue to pick up with the country’s solid economic fundamentals. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

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

COVID-19 TaKeS aWaY THe “LeaDer Of THe BaND”

By ABNER GALINO

ROLANDO “Rollie” Javier had a short stint with the 1970’s popular Filipino band “Hotdog” (the band that set loose the classic songs “Manila” and “Annie Batongbakal” into the airwaves). But his love affair with music was unbroken.

In Los Angeles, “gratis” or with “badyet,” Rollie filled in spots for bands in their performances as the drummer, the bass guitar guy, the rhythm guitarist guy and played the keyboard at times too.

And of course, he had occasionally sang “Manila.”

Rollie’s music discipleship was amply rewarded by siring Rolando Javier’s wife Virgie and daughters Janice and Christine shortly after a musically talented daughter, the memorial at the St. Barnabas Church in Long Beach. Photo by Nikki Arriola COVID-19 3

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LA poverty alleviation program could give 1K/month for residents THE Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has recently approved a motion authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and co-authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, to create a first of its kind countywide Poverty Alleviation Policy Agenda and Guaranteed Income Pilot Program.

This pilot will provide at minimum of 1000 residents up to $1,000 a month for three years.

“Creating an equitable recovery from COVID-19 requires intentional investments in our most vulnerable communities to help end the symptoms of poverty, such as homelessness that have worsened due to the pandemic,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

“This is about effecLA

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Philippines' foreign loans for COVID-19 response at $15.5B MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved $15.5 billion worth of foreign loans to finance the Philippines' efforts against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a virtual briefing on Thursday, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the latest figures include $1.2 billion for COVID-19 vaccines, as of May 7, 2021.

Based on the foreign exchange rate of P47.875:$1 on May 19, the foreign loans amount to P742.062 billion.

Under the Philippine Constitution, the approval of the Monetary Board is required for all foreign borrowings contracted or guaranteed by the national government.

Broken down by source, 33.0% or $5.1 billion of the loans are from various bondholders; 28.0% or $4.3 billion from the Asia Development Bank (ADB); and 23.7% or $3.7 billion from the World Bank.

Other sources include the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB) with $1.1 billion or 6.8%; the Japan International Cooperation

Agency (JICA) with $942 million or 6.1%; the Agence Francaise de Developpement with $283 million or 1.8%; and the Export-Import Bank of Korea with $100 million or 0.6%.

According to International Monetary Affairs and Surveillance Sub-Sector Officer-In-Charge Thomas Benjamin Marcelo, the Monetary Board approved a total of $2.84 billion worth of loans in the first quarter.

This includes six project loans worth $1.4 billion, two bond issuances worth P798 million, and one

program loan worth P600 million.

Moving forward, Diokno said the economic managers are watching that the ratio of the country's debt to the gross domestic product (GDP) remains below the internationally recommended threshold of 60%.

The Philippines ended 2020 with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 54.6%, up from 39.6% in end-2019.

The Philippine government has allocated P82.5 billion for the roll out of the mass inoculation program to cover around 55% of the country's population. (MNS)

4 Pinoy cadets graduate from US Coast Guard Academy Class of 2021 MANILA (Mabuhay) — Four Filipino cadets graduated from United States Coast Guard Academy Class (USCGA) of 2021 in New London, Connecticut, which is a step closer to becoming commissioned officers of the Philippine Coast Guard.

In a post on Facebook, the PCG on Thursday congratulated its sponsored cadets Eric Joseph Noble, Genison Basilio, Daisy Anne Atayan, and Dianne Shaira Basuel, who graduated from USCGA on May 19, Wednesday.

According to USCGA, 240 cadets, including seven international students, graduated from the academy.

In a separate Facebook post, the PCG said Coast Guard District Palawan Commander Com-

modore Genito Basilio personally witnessed his son, Genison Basilio, who graduated with honors at the American-based academy.

US President Joe Biden also attended the celebration and personally handed the diplomas to cadets.

Once the four graduates arrive in the Philippines, they will undergo Coast Guard Officer's Course (CGOC) training to become PCG commissioned officers.

USCGA Class of 2021 is composed of 34% women and 34% underrepresented minority groups. It also includes 22 African Americans, which is the largest number of African American graduates that the academy has produced. (MNS)

US President Joe Biden congratulated four Filipino cadets who completed their four-year training at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conneticut on Thursday. Biden gave his congratulatory message to Eric Joseph Noble, Genison Basilio, Daisy Anne Atayan, and Dianne Shaira Basuel and also recognized cadet Basilio's efforts for graduating with honors. Philippine Coast Guard Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante, Rear Admiral Artemio Abu, Rear Admiral Allan Victor Dela Vega, and Commodore Genito Basilio also witnessed the ceremony. (MNS photo)

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Community Visit www.Balita.com

Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

U.S. Bank supports Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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sian A mer ican Pacif ic Islander Her itage Month is a recognition of A sian A merican and Pacific Islander heritage celebrated during the month of May. It is an opportunity to ref lect on who we are as individuals, as a community, as a country. This year, this r e c og n it ion s e em s mor e important than ever. With the rise of xenophobic feelings and racism around the country, we at U.S. Bank understand that it goes beyond just making a statement with words. It takes a partnership with our AAPI community and organizations to bring change in the places to help communities grow and achieve the thing most important to them.

By supporting our A API partners like Ascend and Center for Asian American Media (CA AM), we hope to create more dialog and understanding.

Then we can truly have more to celebrate moving forward. At U.S. Bank, we’re committed to positive change. The best way to honor our past and build a brighter future, is by standing up together today.

U.S. Bank is a committed ally to the AAPI community, employees and customers to #StopA sianHate. With our par tnerships through Ascend and CAAM, let’s work together to make a difference.

Since 1980, CAAM has been dedicated to presenting to the wider community stories and educational resources t hat convey t he r ichness and diversity of the Asian American experience. From May 13-23, U.S. Bank will be the co-presenting sponsor of CAAMFest 2021, a film festival that includes more than 100 live virtual, on-demand, and drivein storytelling events.

U.S. Bank also recommends watching the five-part Asian Americans PBS documentary series, which sheds light on the ongoing role that Asian Americans have played in shaping our nation’s history.

This series is a production of CAAM and WETA Washington, D.C. for PBS, in association with the Independent Television Service (ITVS), Flash Cuts and Tajima-Peña productions.

In April, U.S. Bank announced $60,000 in additional support to Asian American and Asian Pac i f ic I s l a nde r (A A PI ) communities to combat biases and acts of v iolence. The U.S. Bank Foundation grants were distributed to A A PI organizations in Southern and Northern California, Atlanta, Seattle and the Twin Cities.

“Violence and xenophobia a ga i n s t A si a n A mer ic a n and Asian Pacific Islander individuals cannot be tolerated,”

said Greg Cunningham, Chief Diversit y Of f icer for U.S. Bank. “In continued support to the AAPI community, we are investing in organizations across the country to combat t hese biases a nd ac ts of violence. We stand with our AAPI employees, customers and communities.”

In California, U.S Bank provided grants to: • Asian Pacific Heritage Foundation (San Francisco, CA) to support continued awareness of diverse Asian Pacific A merican cultural heritage and to provide a forum for community collaborations.

• Pacific Arts Coalition (San Diego, CA) for ongoing support of the Coalition, which formed in 2020 in response to increased racism and xenophobia stemming from the spread of COVID-19. The Coalition consists of more than 30 local AAPI-serving organizations and works together to provide communication, collaboration and advocacy on behalf of the broader AAPI community.

• Asian Youth Center (San G abr iel, C A) to supp or t additional research and survey work with Asian residents in the San Gabriel valley to help guide future policy work and community programs.

In addition to the grants, U.S. Bank delivered 3,000 safety kits packed with whistles, safety lights and bi-lingual identification cards to U.S. Bank branches and community groups in neighborhoods across the Bay Area and Sacramento with predominantly A API populations. The safety kits were made available to customers at select U.S. Bank branches in San Francisco, San Bruno, San Jose and Sacramento. In addition, hundreds of safety

kits were provided to community groups serving the AAPI population, including San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, Yu-Ai Kai Community Senior Center, Silicon Valley Pride, Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, and Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce in the Bay Area and My Sister's House in Sacramento.

“We are supporting the AAPI community by investing in local organizations and local Asian

leaders doing essential work fighting racism,” said Reba Dominski, head of C or porate Social Responsibility at U.S. Bank. “Our work and support of AAPI communities is critically important and will continue.”

In March, U.S. Bank pledged to do its part to #StopA sianHate and announced an increase in its support of Ascend. The funding to Ascend went toward prog ra mming t hat educates professionals on bias, includ ing the “model minority” m y t h . U. S . B a n k had previously joined Ascend (#A sc endToget her) with their partners including: Catalyst, Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), National Organization on Disability (NOD) and Out & Equal, as a Supporting Company on a fivepoint COVID-19 response Action Agenda to promote inclusion, raise awareness, denounce bias, support communities and give donations.

For more information about our efforts to #StopAsianHate, v isit usbank.com/ aapiheritage.

#StopAsianHate: A message to Asian American and Pacific Islander employees, customers and communities We stand with you.

U.S. Bank stands with our Asian American and Asian Pacific Islander employees, customers and communities, condemning recent violence and xenophobia. We have zero tolerance for harassment or intimidation in our organization. Diversity, equity and inclusion are core to everything we do at U.S. Bank, and we pledge to do our part to combat biases and acts of violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Last year, U.S. Bank joined Ascend (#AscendTogether) and their partners, Catalyst, Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), National Organization on Disability (NOD) and Out & Equal as a Supporting Company on a five-point COVID-19 response Action Agenda to promote inclusion, raise awareness, denounce bias, support communities and give donations.

Today, U.S. Bank announces that we’re increasing our support of Ascend. The funding will go toward programming that educates professionals on bias, including the “model minority” myth.

“The continued violence and hatred toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will not and should not be tolerated,” said Greg Cunningham, U.S. Bank Chief Diversity Officer. “We will stand with our Asian American and Pacific Islander employees, customers and communities in partnership with organizations like Ascend to promote inclusion and denounce systemic bias and racism. Our work is never done.”

About U.S. Bank U.S. Bancorp, with nearly 70,000 employees and $554 billion in assets as of December 31, 2020, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolisbased bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with digital tools that allow customers to bank when, where and how they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial, corporate, and investment customers across the country and around the world as a trusted and responsible financial partner. This commitment continues to earn a spot on the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list and puts U.S. Bank in the top 5% of global companies assessed on the CDP A List for climate change action. Visit usbank.com for more.

Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

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COVID-19... from Page 1 Janice, who became famous in the Philippines for her remarkable stint in the singing competition “The Voice.”

Now, the sad news is — at dawn on April 14, Rollie passed away while in an intensive care unit of a hospital in Long Beach — another victim of the dreaded COVID-19 virus.

Rollie was 71 and was a diabetic. He was treated for prostate cancer some years ago.

The tragedy Rollie’s death was the tragic peak of COVID-19’s assault on the Javier family.

The deadly virus apparently crept into the Javier household through Rollie’s sonin-law (who got it from a co-worker).

Christine (one of Rollie’s two daughters), in a phone interview, said her husband Robert Pulos was confirmed positive with COVID 19 virus on March 19. The man immediately went into self-quarantine.

But the virus had already got inside the Javier household. Its youngest member, seven-year-old Aeris, exhibited symptons.

Christine tested positive with the virus but was asymptomatic.

By March 27, Rollie had developed a whizzing sound on his breathing and was picked up by an ambulance crew on March 30.

A couple of days later, Rollie’s wife, Virgie, was also confined in another hospital.

Christine recalled that her father’s condition turned for the worse on April 11 when the doctors informed the family that they needed to put Rollie into a ventilator.

“Ingatan ninyo ang mommy ninyo,” Rollie told Christine.

“Nagbibilin na siya,” Christine narrated, “pinalakas ko pa rin ang loob niya.

Sabi ko, mas giginhawa ang pakiramdam niya pag naka-ventilator na siya. And that many people have survived after being on ventilator.”

“And I also told him, mabuti kang ama at asawa.”

On April 13, the doctor asked Christine if she could come to the hospital. The daughter obliged and saw her father for the last time.

“I could only see him (Rollie) behind the glass. Payat na payat na siya,” Christine recalled.

At dawn the next day, while sisters Christine and Janice were chatting, their

Friends, most of them musicians and artists, pose with Rolando “Rolly” Javier’s family shortly after a memorial for the deceased on May 15th at the St. Barnabas Church in Long Beach, California. Photo by Nikki Arriola

father passed away.

Fortunately, Rollie’s wife survived the disease and was discharged from the hospital on April 16.

But Virgie wouldn’t know about Rollie’s death six days later. She was told about her husband’s death shortly after Janice arrived in Los Angeles from the Philippines.

Janice and Christine sat with their mother and broke the sad news.

On May 15, a memorial service was held for Rolando “RJ” Javier at the St. Barnabas Catholic church in Long Beach.

And as of presstime (Wednesday May 19), family members and friends celebrated the musician’s birthday at the Kusina Filipina in Cerritos.

Rollie’s band, the LA Front Page Band led by its lead vocalist Imelda Bosing, played for his guests.

Californians “met the moment” by getting vaccinated

By SUNITA SOHRABJI EMS Contributing Editor

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alifornians have “ me t t he mo ment” to help save countless lives by getting the COVID-19 vaccine, said Dr. Erica Pan, state epidemiologist for the California Department of Public Health, at a May 3 briefing for AAPI media and community health leaders.

A total of 30 million vaccines have been administered in the state, with 6 million reaching California’s hardest to reach communities.

Over 47 percent of Asian Americans in California are fully vaccinated, meaning they have received the twodose regimen of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Over 54 percent of the state’s Hawaiian and Pacific

Islander population is also fully vaccinated, said Pan, who compared California to neighboring states Oregon and Arizona, which have had slower vaccine rollouts and are experiencing surges in daily new infection rates.

On Jan. 8, California experienced its highest level of new infections: more than 41,000 in a single day, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control.

But as more of the state’s residents get vaccinated, the rate of daily new infections has seen steady declines: on May 3, daily new infections in the state had dropped to just 922.

Following a short nationwide pause on the J&J vaccine in April to investigate blood clotting experienced by a small number of wom-

en, all three vaccines are now being administered again.

Pan provided assurance that all are equally safe and that she chose the J&J vaccine for herself. The Centers for Disease Control recommends women under the age of 50 be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after taking the J&J vaccine.

“Cases continue to surge around the world with heartbreaking consequences,” said Pan, mentioning India, where daily infection rates have surged to 400,000, with death rates believed to be about 10,000 per day.

“We're encouraged here in California by the low covid-19 case rates and steady decline in hospitalizations and our increase in vaccinations.”

“It's important to remem-

ber the pandemic isn't over yet. And as a parent, and a daughter, and a wife, and a public health official specializing in infectious diseases, I encourage everyone to get vaccinated and to encourage your friends and your family to do the same,” said Pan. “It will help us all get back to hugs, and to the other side of this pandemic,” she added.

Pan discussed the importance of getting the second shot for those who have received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. She stressed that there may be mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever, but recommended Tylenol and plenty of fluids.

Youth 16 and over are now eligible to get vaccinated, and Pan predicted that the FDA will release its review of Pfiz-

er’s data within the month, approving use of the company’s vaccine for children aged 12-15. Moderna and Pfizer will submit their data soon, and Pan noted that by mid 2022, the vaccines should be approved for children above the age of two.

David Nelson, director of public policy at the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce, noted that the economic devastation to California’s 600,000 AAPI-owned businesses will be seen for years to come. He encouraged business owners to tell their employees where to get vaccinated and to give them time off for doing so. The state is set to fully reopen June 15: Nelson advised business owners to open safely and to reach out to the Chamber for help with reopening.

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Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

Leiomyosarcoma Symposium of Clinical Research in Sarcoma held at the Sarcoma Oncology Research Center

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he Leiomyosarcoma symposi- response. Eleven patients had Leiomyoum of Clinical Research was re- sarcoma (1CR, 1PR). The MEDIAN surcently held on Friday, May 14, vival rate was 1.5 years and the median 2021 at the Sarcoma Oncology PFS was 6-7 months (6-month OS rate: Center in Santa Monica, California. The 90%; 6-month PFS rate: 51%). symposium speaker was Erlinda Maria Our CONCLUSION: If, taken together, Gordon, M.D., Director of Biological and these data suggest that First Line ComImmunological Therapies at the Sarcoma binatorial Therapy with Ipilmumab, Oncology Center, representing Sant P. Nivolumab, and Trabectedin: Chawla, M. D. Medical 1). Have synergistic Director of the Sarcoactivities with no addima Oncology Center. tive toxicities, and In her lecture, Dr. 2). Maybe equal or G ordon ex pla ined superior to, and safer that "SAINT is the than, standard first first protocol. It is a line therapy for metaPhase 2 study, using static Soft Tissue Sarsafe amounts of Ipcoma. ilimumab, NivolumThe TNT Protocol ab, and Trabectedin for previously treatas First Line Treated patients with Adment of Advanced vanced Soft Tissue Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Sarcoma has for its (NCT0313161). This background, TVEC, was funded by Bristol which is a live, attenMyers Squibb. uated oncolytic HSV-1 Maria Gordon, M.D., Director, The second proto- Erlinda that has been genetiBiological and Immunological col is TNT, it is also a Therapies, Sarcoma Oncology Center cally modified to exPhase 2 Study, using press huGM-CSF for Talimogene, Laherparepvec, Nivolumab cancer immunotherapy. and Trabectedin, as Second/Third Line Our HYPOTHESIS is that TVEC will Therapy for Advanced Soft Tissue Sar- have an additive effect to the drug comcoma. (NCT03886311). This was funded bination of Trabectidin i.v. and Nivolumby Amgen. ab i.v. in treating Advanced Soft Tissue The third protocol is GALLANT, Sarcoma. TVEC is given intratumorally, which also was on a Phase 2 Study, us- so there has to be an accessible tumor. ing Metronomic Gemcitabine, AdriaOur RESULTS showed that the 31 pamycin (Doxorubicin), Nivolumab and tients we enrolled were evaluable. TuTaxotere (Docetaxel) as Second/Third mor-controlled rate was 85.2%; 6.5% had Line Therapy for Advanced Sarcoma. a partial response; Median progression (NCT04535713) SORC (Trial in Pro- free survival was greater than 4; months; gress).

Overall survival at 4 months was 87.5%.

BLESSED is the last protocol, which Our CONCLUSION was that Second/ has Expanded Access to DeltaRex-G Third Line combinatorial therapy with for Chemotherapy Resistant Sarcoma TVEC, Nivolumab and Trabectidin (1) (NCT04091295). Funded by Aveni Foun- may be equal or better than standard dation. second/third line therapy in achieving The SAINT Protocol for previously un- disease control and, (2) it may be safer treated patients with Advanced Soft Tis- than standard therapy for patients with sue Sarcoma, has for its its background, advanced soft tissue sarcoma with no Sarcoma cells that were most immuno- unexpected toxicities. genic earlier in the disease course when The GALLANT Protocol is also for prethe immune system can recognize and viously treated patients with Advanced destroy them.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma. GALLANT is a new Our HYPOTHESIS is that Immune protocol which was also on a Phase 2 Checkpoint Inhibitors would be most study using Metronomic Gemcitabine, effective when given to previously un- Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Nivolumab, treated patients with Advanced Soft and Taxotere (Docetaxel). as Second/ Tissue Sarcoma.

Third Line Therapy for Advanced SarOur RESULTS showed that the 60 coma. subjects we enrolled were evaluable.

This is a clinical trial in progress. To TUMOR control rate was 85%. 25% date, 25 patients have been enrolled and had COMPLETE remission or partial the results are promising.

The BLESSED protocol: Expanded Access for DeltaRex-G for Chemotherapy Resistant Sarcoma

A. DeltaRex-G is a stealth viral vector (carrier) displaying a high affinity SIG binding peptide, which can be infused many times (safe).

B Injected intravenously, DeltaRex-G nanoparticles seek out and accumulate in areas of pathology by binding to abnormal SIG proteins in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

C. DeltaRex-G delivers a designer killer gene into cancer cells for maximum efficacy without collateral damage to normal organs. l DeltaRex-G has been tested in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for chemotherapy resistant sarcoma. Tumor control rate was 62% after failing everything,

and to date, 4 patients are still alive 12 years after treatment initiation. l In 2020, DeltaRex-G gained Expanded Access for chemotherapy resistant sarcoma for up to 40 patients. l To gain this kind of FDA authorization, DeltaRex-G must have demonstrated safety and efficacy in early clinical trials. l DeltaRex-G has been given to over 270 patients for many types of cancer worldwide with minimal if any side effects."

For turther inquiries, please contact: egordon@sarcomaoncology.com or egordon@avenifoundation.org.

LA... from Page 1 tively providing economic security for our residents who need the support. I commend the Board for making poverty alleviation a priority.”

“Guaranteed basic income can have deeply profound and positive impacts for low income families, providing stability and the means to pay bills, pursue additional education, and take better care of their health,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl.

“Combined with local city efforts, LA County will host, in the aggregate, one of the largest guaranteed basic income pilots in the country with at least 4,300 participants. That positions the County to be a national frontrunner in rebuilding a thriving economy for all.”

At the height of the pandemic, the U.S. economy lost 140,000 net jobs in December 2020 helping to build acceptance for guaranteed income programs across the nation. Former Stockton Mayor, Michael Tubbs, led the launch of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, which has gained momentum due to the COVID-19 driven recession. And in Los Angeles County, the Cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Compton have launched their own guaranteed income programs.

“I applaud Supervisors Mitchell and Kuehl for moving to establish a Countywide Poverty Alleviation Initiative and Guaranteed Income Program” shared former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.

“In Stockton, we found that our guaranteed income program participants were twice as likely to find full-time work compared to non-participants. We know that guaranteed income will not replace work, but it will allow people the freedom to choose more stable jobs. It’s important to note that our program didn’t have any issues with fraud. Our participants represented diverse communities and backgrounds and shared a fundamental right to live with dignity and provide for their families – this is what all Californians deserve. I’m excited for LA County to join us in the fight to ensure that we eliminate poverty and provide an income floor for all.”

The motion declares Poverty Allevia-

tion as a countywide Board priority and directs the Chief Executive Office in collaboration with key County departments to establish a Guaranteed Income Pilot Implementation Plan within 60 days and identify target populations, that may include Transitional Age Youth, women released from incarceration and survivors of domestic violence.

In a related development, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis expressed elation over the passage of her motion to support unhoused individuals in filing taxes and collecting stimulus payments.

“People experiencing homelessness face unique challenges resulting from a lack of stable housing making many processes like filing taxes and collecting stimulus payments inaccessible for many as they lack the proper documentation or support services to obtain these resources.”

The County, Solis said, is committed to ensuring residents experiencing homelessness have access to the services they need to obtain the benefits they deserve including funding from the federal and state stimulus checks and tax credits.

The funds can go a long way in helping our most vulnerable residents as they work to get back into stable housing and assist with fulfilling basic needs like food and clothing.

The passage of this motion directs the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) Center for Financial Empowerment (CFE) in collaboration with the Chief Executive Office (CEO), Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), Department of Human Resources (DHR), County Counsel, and relevant stakeholders to report back in 60 days with a plan to develop VITA partnerships with homeless service providers to increase tax filings for unhoused and formerly unhoused individuals, prioritizing meeting the deadline to receive federal and state stimulus checks.

The motion also calls for the leveraging of case management services, training for homeless services staff and other logistical directives in the plan.

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Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

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alifornia teens ages 12-15 can start getting vaccinated for Covid as of May 13, but getting the shot will not be required for attending K-12 public schools in the state, said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly at a press briefing.

The announcement allows more than two million young people to get vaccinated. Families can start making appointments for their teens online at myturn.ca.gov.

Pharmacies are also reconfiguring their websites to accept appointments for young people. Vaccines will also become available at pediatricians’ offices, Federally Qualified Heath Centers, and primary care facilities.

Earlier this month, the state opened up vaccination for anyone aged 16 or older: more than 30 percent of that population has already received at least one dose, according to the California Department of Public Health.

California public schools require numerous vaccinations and boosters for kids attending their campuses. But Ghaly explained that the Pfizer Covid vaccine, which was approved May 10 to be administered to 12-15 year olds, is still under emergency use authorization only, and does not have full Food and Drug Administration approval.

Currently, Pfizer is the only vaccine available to youth ages 12 to 15.

Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have not yet submitted their data for approval by the FDA. Moderna announced March 16 that it is testing its vaccine on babies and children under 12.

The UC system and the CSU system announced April 22 they are mandating students and faculty to be fully vaccinated against Covid before attending classes on campus.

Ghaly noted that young people who have been vaccinated may experience some side effects like fatigue, fever, headache, much like what some adults experience. More significant side effects, such as severe disease or death, are extremely rare, he said.

“Young people have shouldered a significant burden throughout Covid. They have been denied certain activities, certain milestones, certain important events,” said Ghaly.

“They have shouldered additional degrees of anxiety and depression and other mental health, and hehavioral Health impacts.”

“We can now provide, with a certain degree of confidence, protection to those young people to start to resume activities, visit more with friends visit with families and friends. It's a tremendous opportunity for that group to sort of experience that sense of normalcy that they have been missing,” said Ghaly.

Dr. Erica Pan, state epidemi-

ologist at the CDPH, noted that California has reached almost 62 percent herd immunity, and the addition of teens will go far in reaching the goal of 75 to 80 percent herd immunity.

“We want to continue to improve.

If we look around the world, we can see that we are still very vulnerable,” she said, referring to mutant variants — more lethal than the original virus and possibly immune to current vaccines — spreading across the globe.

“Every shot matters,” she said, noting that Covid is increasingly showing up in younger people who have been hospitalized and died from the infection.

The state is partnering with social media influencers, pediatricians, schools, teachers, churches, and other trusted messengers to get information out to younger people about the benefits of being vaccinated. Peer to peer engagement is important, said Pan, noting that promotoras and other community health workers will be engaged in getting the message about vaccines out to children and their parents.

Children between the ages of 12 and 15 will need parental consent to obtain the Covid vaccine, said Ghaly, noting that exceptions will be made for emancipated youth.

Myturn.ca.gov will have a mechanism allowing parents to provide written consent online so that they don’t have to accompany their children for vaccine shots.

M

impact of sprawl.

The winning ideas include: building new duplexes lining a network of revitalized “green alleys” in Northeast Los Angeles; reintroducing corner stores to residential neighborhoods, where they were once a common sight, to build community cohesion, support local merchants, and reduce car use; and designing apartments so they can be easily reconfigured as families grow and shrink over time, supporting multigenerational households while easing overcrowding.

“For too long, the discussion in Los Angeles about the future of single-family and other low-rise neighborhoods has been reactive to proposals from outside L.A. rather than being specific and organic to our own neighborhoods,” said Christopher Hawthorne, Chief Design Officer for the City of Los Angeles, who organized the Low-Rise initiative with colleagues in the Mayor’s Office.

“Low-Rise offers a way to reorient that discussion so that it reflects the aspirations of Angelenos — and looks back to L.A’s rich history of innovation in residential architecture at precisely this scale.”

Winners were selected in each of the following categories: Fourplex, which imagines four units on a lot covering 7,500 square feet; Subdivision, a freestanding duplex on a 50-foot-by-50-foot parcel; Corners, with six to ten units spread across two newly combined residential parcels; (Re)Distribution, which asked entrants to reimagine famous single-family houses, by architects including Frank Gehry, Frank Lloyd Wright and R.M. Schindler, CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

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By FE KOONS

T

he Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA) and the Global Pinoy Diaspora Canada (GPDC) recently launched a campaign to provide financial support to the families that were left behind by the victims of suspected extra judicial killings (EJK) in the Philippines.

Ago Pedalizo of FAHRA said their coalition is raising funds for the widows and orphans who sank deeper into poverty with the loss of their loved ones who used to provide for their respective families.

Pedalizo noted that there were many victims of the so-called EJK who were even mistakenly or erroneously tagged as drug peddlers. Many of these families continue to seek justice for the said killings and as well as for depriving these suspects of their rights to be tried in criminal courts.

“Let us raise funds to help them (families of EJK victims) in court litigations and in the ongoing psycho-spiritual interventions being provided to them.

As human rights defenders, we believe that we should not leave them alone,” Pedalizo said.

Treenee Lopez of the GPDC said that they are appealing to Filipinos in Canada to help them in their quest to help the families of human rights violations in the Philippines FAHRA and GPDC will jointly hold an online forum on Saturday, May 22 at 4 pm, PST and on May 23, Sunday, at 7 am Philippine time).

Speakers will include Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD; Marissa Hamoy; Rev. Ben Silva-Netto. The forum will be live streamed on FAHRA’s Facebook page.

Those who would like to donate can do so by going to GoFundMe.com and search for “Project EJK Not Ok.”

Garcetti announces winners of Low-Rise Housing Ideas for LA

ayor Eric Garcetti recently announced the winners of Low-Rise: Housing Ideas for Los Angeles, an international, first-of-its-kind design challenge to produce appealing, accessible visions of new housing options to boost the City’s housing stock in areas zoned for single-family housing and low-rise apartments.

“Angelenos want a more livable city with more affordable housing, more opportunity, and more accessible transportation options no matter where they live,” said Mayor Garcetti.

“This challenge was designed to inspire creative ideas that might reimagine the future of housing in Los Angeles — and the results brought forward an extraordinary range of solutions to build affordable homes that are closer to jobs and transit.”

The 12 winning entries, responding to a brief shaped by a series of community-engagement listening sessions last year, were selected from 380 submissions by a jury of leading architects and experts in urban planning and affordable housing. Each of the top designs will receive a cash award, with the four first-place winners getting $10,000, second-place winners $3,500, and third-place winners $1,500.

Together, the designs offer a compelling, achievable vision for how Los Angeles can add more housing in single-family and low-rise neighborhoods — areas that make up more than 80 percent of residential land in the city.

At the same time, the entries offer new paths to homeownership, protect against displacement, and take measurable steps to reverse the damaging environmental

BALITA

Human rights groups raise funds for EJK victims

No vaccine requirements for K-12 public schools

By SUNITA SOHRABJI EMS Contributing Editor

Weekend

Pilipino po tayo!

LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH U. REYES, P.C. ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

*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

CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 213-204-6366 or

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

FAMILY LAW - Divorce - Community Property Division - Child Custody and Spousal Support - Domestic Violence Restraining Order - Legal Separation and Nullity - Parentage - Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

IMMIGRATION - Marriage Petitions - Relative Petitions - Removal of Condtional Green Card - Humanitarian Reinstatements - Child Status Protection Act Issues - Deportation Defense - Employment Based Petitions and PERM - H-1B Visas

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DO I HAVE TO DISCLOSE MY BITCOIN TO MY SPOUSE IN MY DIVORCE CASE?

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency has become popular lately as a new store of value. It is decentralized and not subject to regulation in any jurisdiction. It can be stored in a digital wallet or hard drive. Due to its lack of regulation, it is easy for one to assume that it is not necessary to disclose this in one’s divorce case specially if the other spouse has no clue of its existence. Well, this assumption is clearly misplaced in the context of California Family Code.

Fam. Code, § 721, recognizes the confidential relationship held by spouses. That relationship is a fiduciary relationship imposing a duty of the highest good faith and fair dealing on each spouse. Also within that division, Fam. Code, § 1100, addresses management and control of community property.

The fiduciary duty spouses owe one another continues after separation, including the accurate and complete disclosure of all assets and liabilities in which the party has or may have an interest or obligation and all current earnings, accumulations, and expenses, including an immediate, full, and accurate update or augmentation to the extent there have been material changes (Fam. Code, § 2012, subd. (a)(1)). Taken together, Fam. Code, §§ 721, 1100, and 2102, impose on a managing spouse affirmative, wide-ranging duties to disclose and account for the existence, valuation, and disposition of all community assets from the date of separation through final proper-

ty division. These statutes obligate a managing spouse to disclose soon after separation all the property that belongs or might belong to the community, and its value, and then to account for the management of that property, revealing any material changes in the community estate, such as the transfer or loss of assets. This strict transparency both discourages unfair dealing and empowers the nonmanaging spouse to remedy any breach of fiduciary duty by giving that spouse the information concerning the community's business needed for the exercise of his or her rights, including the right to pursue a claim for impairment to his or her interest in the community estate.

What are the remedies available if a spouse breached his or her fiduciary duty? If a spouse breaches his or her fiduciary duty, Fam. Code, § 1101, subd. (a), affords each spouse a claim against the other for any breach of fiduciary duty that results in an impairment to his or her interest in the community estate, including, but not limited to, a single transaction or a pattern or series of transactions, which transaction or transactions have caused or will cause a detrimental impact to the claimant spouse's interest in the community estate.

Remedies for a breach of this duty that impairs another spouse's interest in the community estate include an award to the other spouse of 50 percent, or an amount equal to 50 percent, of any asset undisclosed or

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transferred in breach of the fiduciary duty plus attorney fees and court costs (§ 1101, subds. (a), (g)) In re Marriage of DeSouza, 54 Cal. App. 5th 25, a trial court properly found that a husband breached his fiduciary duty to his former wife and ordered him to transfer bitcoins and other cryptocurrency to her pursuant to the parties' judgment of dissolution and to pay her attorney fees and costs because information he withheld about his cryptocurrency investments was material, and there was substantial evidence that his breach impaired the wife's interest in their community estate. In re Marriage of DeSouza, 54 Cal. App. 5th 25.

To avoid the costly outcome of getting sanctioned and awarded attorney’s fees against you, it is important to provide full and complete disclosure of all your financial affairs during your divorce case including any Bitcoin and cryptocurrency which you own during and after the marriage.

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended

to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation.

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern 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 our website at Kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com.

How to Get Your Offer to Buy a House Accepted in a Seller’s Market

If you’re still waiting to see the California housing bottom out, you may have to wait longer. There is an unequal ratio of buyers and sellers. Now, there are much more buyers than sellers. That is why 10 out of 10 buyers are all experiencing this similar scenario of getting their offers rejected by most sellers.

I am assessing that we now have less than half of the inventory that we had for sale at this same time last year ! And since lower inventories usually create increased competition, much of the California area is starting to feel like a seller’s market again. I would probably think this is going on nationwide.

So, what’s a buyer to do in this shifting market? There are thousands of lists of home buying tips available across the internet, but remember, every market is different. Here below is a list I put together specifically for California home buyers. No, they won’t ensure every offer you ever make will be accepted, but talk with your agent about them and see if one or several of them could help your offer stand out.

Ways to Get Your Offer to Buy a House Accepted in a Seller’s Market 1. Make your offer as “clean” as possible. Don’t ask the seller to pay for your home warranty, and the homeowner’s association’s transfer fees, and your lender’s fees, etc. Meaning don’t ask for any credit, if you have to get credit, better factor this into your sale price.

2. Don’t ask the seller for their personal property (refrigerator, washer, dryer, etc.)

3. Ask your agent to find out what’s important to the seller (price, terms, closing date, etc.) and then craft your offer around this information.

4. The typical inspection period is 10 days long. Consider shortening the inspection period to five or seven days.

5. You may have to offer more than the list price. For Sure!

6. A typical earnest deposit is 3% of the purchase price. Give the seller more than this to show you’re financially strong and serious about buying the home.

7. If you can afford to do this, offer to pay cash and provide proof of the funds you’ll use.

8. If you feel confident in the price you’re offering, waive the appraisal continued on page 7

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Chapter 13 Debt Adjustment: Pay Less What You Owe cHAPtER 13 is the section of the US Bankruptcy Code that allows individuals in the United States to reorganize their finances. If you are having difficulty paying your debts (credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, taxes, late mortgage payments and property taxes- all kinds of debts) due to insufficient income, there is hope for you.

We all know how difficult it is to catch up once you start falling behind on debt payments. If you’ve experienced a reduction in income (example: reduced income from employment - or business, if you’re self-employed), Chapter 13 allows you to pay back your creditors over a 3-5 year period based only on the amount of your surplus income every month, not based on how much you owe. In Chapter 13, you also don’t need to worry about losing any assets you may have because you will keep everything and lose nothing.

And if you are in business, you will be allowed to continue running your business as usual.

Any type of bankruptcy filing, including Chapter 13, immediately stops all collection actions against

you. That means no more annoying creditor calls, collection letters and no marshals at your door. A lot of people in debt are afraid to even answer their phone or open their mailbox because they don’t know how to respond to bill collectors who are harassing them for payment.

If you are about to lose your home in foreclosure, Chapter 13 also allows you to keep your home while including all your back mortgage payments in your debt consolidation. For example, during the pandemic, a lot of homeowners were allowed a temporary forbearance by their lender due

MoRtgage update…

FRoM page 6 contingency. This will mean, if the home appraises for less than the purchase price, you’ll make up the difference in cash.

9. Add an “escalation clause” to your offer that outbids any other offer up to a given price. For example, “Buyer will pay $2000.00 over any offer up to $400,000.” Your agent should check with his/her broker for a recommendation on the specific language to use before doing this and then require a copy of the next highest offer the seller received.

10. Offer to forfeit your earnest money to the seller if you cancel the purchase contract after the inspection period.

11. Make a larger down payment than what is required for your loan program. For example, put 5% down on your FHA loan, rather than the minimum requirement of 3.5%. Again, this shows the seller that you are financially strong, but more importantly, by making a larger down payment, you’ll finance less, and save more money over the long term.

12. Offer to buy the home in as-is condition. Signing an As Is Addendum doesn’t mean you can’t have the home inspected. Here in CA, you can still get a home inspection, cancel the contract, and get your earnest money back if you find something wrong with the home and notify the seller during your inspection period.

13. Agree to open escrow with the listing agent’s preferred title company.

14. Agree to get pre-qualified with the listing agent’s preferred lender.

This doesn’t mean you have to finance the home with the listing agent’s preferred lender. It will just reassure the sellers that you really are qualified to purchase their home.

15. Write a letter explaining why you chose the seller’s home and why you want to live there. You may even include a photo of your family, if you feel comfortable doing this.

16. If your bid on the home isn’t accepted, have your agent ask the listing agent if the seller wants to hold your offer as a back-up offer.

17. Make sure you’ve provided all of the required documents with your initial offer. If a seller receives multiple offers, one of the first things he/ she often does is throw out the sloppy and incomplete offers.

18. Make sure your Pre-Approval letter from your lender is thorough and detailed with your credit scores, debt to income ratios, funds verified and employment status. If you can do a DU (Delegated Underwriters) approval if needed.

If you’re putting in a smaller down payment on a house and competing with cash buyers, I suggest for you to look for home that had been in the market for over 30 days, new listings priced right will be over bided by cash buyers, they will usually get the property. So, for FHA buyers or 5-10% down buyers, you have to change your strategy as far as how you pick your homes.

I suspect that going into summer, we might see more listing but the way things are it might not be a downpour of homes coming up for sale.

Thanks for your very interested comments about how to get your offer accepted nowadays. Please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-508-7048 or write to Kennethgo@verizon.net.

Good luck and happy home buying!

to their inability to continue making mortgage payments while their income was reduced. A lot of them are now just finding out that catching up on the missed payments is not as easy as their lender made it sound and they are having trouble working a resolution to address the delinquency. If you are in this situation, Chapter 13 may be a good option for you because it forces the lender to work with you.

Another advantage of Chapter 13 is that you pay zero percent on credit cards and all unsecured debts and in most cases, the amount you owe on all these debts are significantly reduced, sometimes to zero, depending on your income. Let me explain.

The portion of your unsecured debt (or all of it) that is not paid through your Chapter 13 plan is wiped out at the end of your repayment plan. That means that whatever you’ve paid to the best of your ability will be considered FULL PAYMENT and the remaining balances will be cancelled.

Once the court approves your proposed Chapter 13 plan, there is nothing more that creditors can demand of you. They are bound by the terms of the approved plan and cannot ask for more money. Your bankruptcy at-

torney can review your monthly living expenses with you, analyze your income and help you propose a realistic payment plan that you can afford.

In most cases, Chapter 13 is a far better alternative than trying to pay debts on your own or hiring a debt management company. This is because in Chapter 13, you cannot be sued by your creditors as long as you remain under court protection. And if you are being represented by an attorney, all creditor communications go to your attorney so that you do not have to deal with your creditors directly. Once you are in Chapter 13, you only make one single payment every month and this takes care of all the debts you listed in your bankruptcy.

What can be simpler than that?

If you are in debt and need professional help, don’t be embarrassed in finding out what your options are and asking for legal help. The only way to know if bankruptcy is right for your situation is to consult with a professional who has the knowledge and experience to advise you regarding your options under bankruptcy law.

For a free consultation and debt analysis, call Toll-Free 1-866-4777772. NOTE: Due to COVID-19 concerns, I am offering free consultations

BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

(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).

8

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Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

CAREGIVER LAW OVERVIEW FOR 2021 WORKING as a caregiver in a private home, an assisted living facility or nursing home is hard work. If this is your job, you probably work long hours and return home physically and emotionally drained. You may provide 24-hour, live-in help to the elderly or incapacitated.

Many residential private households, residential c are facilities and nursing homes ignore overtime laws. These violations can deprive caregivers of significant wages totaling thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are a caregiver employed by someone who refuses to follow wage and hour laws, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Reading up on your rights is the first step toward claiming what you are due. Discussing the matter with an experienced attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson is the next and most important step.

When employers refuse to pay caregivers the legally required minimum or overtime wages, it is a form of wage theft. The employers are essentially stealing wages from workers who care for the elderly.

Thankfully, California law sets minimum requirements for a caregiver’s wages and working conditions. These laws include a minimum wage and overtime in most circumstances. An employer has no right to pay an employee less than the legally required minimum or overtime wages and anyone who does engages in wage theft.

Wage theft takes many forms and may include failing to pay for sleep or “on call” time, paying a weekly or daily salary that is too low or classifying an in-home caregiver as an “independent contractor” to circumvent California’s wage and hour laws.

California provides greater protection to caregivers than exists in most other states. For instance, on January 1, 2021 the minimum wage in California

increases to $13.00/hour for employers with 25 employees or less and will incrementally increase to $15 by January 1, 2022. Cities can enact higher minimum wages. Caregivers who are victims of wage theft can claim the compensation that is legally due.

Until 2013, most caregivers working in private households were exempt from overtime payments under the so-called “personal attendant” overtime exemption of Wage Order 15. What this means is that prior to 2014, private households could force a caregiver to work 24 hours per day and only pay that caregiver the minimum wage for every hour worked. In reality, very few private households paid even this modest sum.

On January 1, 2014, California enacted the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR). The DWBR mandates overtime payments for personal attendants. This law provides that an employer cannot hire personal attendants to work more than nine hours in a day or 45 hours in a workweek without paying overtime.

Overtime under the DWBR is set at one and onehalf times the employee’s regular rate of pay. That means that if you are an in-home caregiver, you are entitled to 150% of your hourly wage for every hour you work over nine hours in any given day, and all

hours you work beyond 45 hours in a week.

Now that the California legislature has created the right to overtime for personal attendants, an inhome caregiver who is not paid the required overtime wages can claim their unpaid wages. You can recover not just the overtime you are due, but also attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the lawsuit. It is also possible to recover interest and penalties if you are not properly paid overtime compensation.

Caregiver overtime law is highly complex. In fact, an entirely different set of laws apply to a caregivers who work in residential care facilities and nursing homes for the elderly. These caregivers have always been entitled to overtime under California law. These caregivers must be paid overtime for all hours they work in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. In addition, they are generally entitled to double time payments for all hours worked in excess of 12 in any single day and may be entitled to meal and rest breaks. The rules for sleep time, on-call time and live-ins are also different.

Many care facilities fail to pay overtime to caregivers and engage in other forms of wage theft.

If you think that you have been the victim of wage theft, it is very important to contact the attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson who are familiar the laws in this area.

If you are a caregiver and you believe that your employer has not paid you fairly under the law, you may have a strong case for compensation. Since the laws in this area are complex, you should contact an experienced attorney who has a documented and demonstrated expertise in representing caregivers.

The attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson have the experience you need. We are here to help!

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

No profiling of community pantry organizers — PNP chief MANILA (Mabuhay) — Police personnel meant no harm in going around community pantries and their presence is to help organizers so that health protocols are observed, Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Thursday.

In a statement, Eleazar said this was apparent on the apology of the head of PNP Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO), Brig.

Gen. Vincent Calanoga, to pantry organizers who felt threatened or intimidated by some police.

During a congressional hearing Wednesday, Calanoga said allegations on police profiling are now under investigation.

“It takes real courage to apologize especially for men a nd women i n u n i for m.

There is honor in t hat at lalo lang akong pinahanga ng at ing HR AO d i rector sa ka nya ng g inawa (a nd ou r HRAO director has e a r ne d m y esteem and ad-

miration in doing so)," Eleazar said.

He urged community pantry organizers who felt harassed and intimidated to file a complaint.

He said the PNP has never sanctioned the profiling of community pantry organizers who have been offering help to those in need.

“Gusto ko po linawin na walang direktiba mula sa PNP national headquarters o mula sa aking opisina na magsagawa ng anumang profiling sa kanila ang ating mga police personnel (I would like to make it clear that there is no directive from PNP national headquarters or my office for police officers to conduct profiling on community pantry organizers)," he said.

Eleazar said he has ordered all police units to help and protect community pantry organizers in their areas of responsibility and ensure that health protocols are observed.

Eleazar said the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations has crafted guidelines to be followed by police personnel in engaging with organizers of community pantries.

Under the guidelines, police presence in the vicinity of community pantries should only be to maintain peace and order and to ensure that minimum public health safety standards are s t r i c t l y ob served. (MNS) PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF, GEN. GUILLERMO ELEAZAR

PhilHealth says COVID-hit workforce causing delays in claims processing MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Thursday admitted to delays in the processing of claims for COVID-19 cases, amid grievance from a hospital association regarding unpaid claims amounting to billions of pesos.

PhilHealth spokesperson Shirley Domingo said the pandemic has also affected the agency's workforce.

"May delay po talaga sa ating processing ng claims kasi pati PhilHealth po ay naapaektuhan din ng pandemic na ito," she said, adding that some of their employees needed to be confined or put in isolation following exposure to COVID-19.

At a Senate hea ring on Wednesday, Philippine Hospital Association president Dr. Jaime Almora said private and public hospitals were forced to use their savings and borrow from banks to sustain their operations due to PhilHealth's alleged failed to pay the claims for COVID-19 cases since March 2020.

But according to Domingo, the state insurer had shelled out P4.84 billion in 2020 for "COVID-related expenses," including payment to hospitals.

Meanwhile, for 2021, PhilHealth has already spent P4.88 billion as of May 17, according to Domingo.

Domingo said the processing of claims is not simple and cannot be rushed.

"Hindi naman tayo agad magbabayad unless i-process yun, so may mga claims form yun na nandun yung data of confinement, then ina-assess ng mga doktor natin yan, ng claims processors, before we pay. May process po yun talaga," she said.

Domingo also said PhilHea lth is offering a Debit-Credit Payment Method (DCPM) to hospitals identified by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Under DPCM, only 60% would initially be paid to hospitals and the 40% will be paid upon completion of processing requirements.

"So 60% kaagad iyon habang pi no-process nat i n y u ng claims and then magre-reconcile tayo kasi siyempre ipo-process yung claims, yung matitira na 40% minus dun sa mga kinakailangang ibawas when we process claims and minus the withholding tax ay ire-release din sa kanila," Domingo explained.

Domingo also assured the public that PhilHealth, which has been the center of corruption investigations involving former officials in the past, has funds to cover its obligations.

(MNS)

global NEWS GLOBAL NEWS DFA says Gaza under Alert Level 2, Israel and West Bank under Alert Level 1

Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — The Philippines is prepared to evacuate Filipinos who wish to return home as conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza intensifies, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

Israel and West Bank was placed under Alert Level 1 category by the DFA, while Gaza is on Alert level 2.

"The DFA is on standby w it h evac uat ion plans ready to be activated as needed and as soon as the borders open and a humanitarian corridor is established," a department advisory said.

There are 29,473 Filipinos in Israel and 91 in Gaza.

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Alert Level 1, the lowest security category of the government for Filipinos overseas, means there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, and external threat to the host country. No evacuation is needed under this level, but Filipinos must exercise caution and avoid conflict zones.

Level 2 entails restriction of non-essential movements, avoiding of places of protest, and preparation for possible evacuation.

Philippine embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman a nd Ca i ro, t he DFA said, have existing contingency measures for Filipinos caught in the 10-day hostilities, which has killed 228 in Pales-

tine, including children, and 12 in Israel in repeated rocket attacks from both sides.

No Filipino was reported injured or killed since the escalation of violence within the region, the DFA said.

The Philippines is one of the world’s top labor-exporting nations with about 10 million skilled and unskilled workers scat tered abroad, exposing them to abuses, unfair labor practices, and in some cases, civil strife and armed conflict.

Remittances from Filipino migrant workers constitute a significant source of the country’s foreign exchange as they send home over $20 billion per year. (MNS)

Ex-lawmaker, military chief Biazon says National Security Council should meet over West PH Sea issue

FORMER SENATOR RODOLFO BIAZON MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senators must encourage President Rodrigo Duterte to immediately convene the National Security Council so government can finally speak with “one voice” on the West Philippine Sea, former senator Rodolfo Biazon said Thursday.

It will help the administration clarify its stand on the issue not just to the eyes of Filipinos, but also to our allies and even China, according to Biazon.

“It should happen soon. Itong problema ng (The problem in the) West Philippine Sea is not just a problem today.

It will be a problem that will have to be addressed by the future administration.

And huwag nating pahinain 'yung posisyon ng susunod na administrasyon patungkol dito sa isyu na ito,” he told

senators.

Without such clarity from the Philippine government, the strength of the country’s claims will weaken, Biazon, a former military chief, said.

“The present situation is confusing us, Filipinos. Number 2… it’s confusing as a matter of fact, our allies and potential allies in our pursuit of our interest in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

"And number 3, it could be confusing also the enemy. Papaano 'pag sinabi ng namumuno sa kanila na, ‘ay wala namang magagawa ang Pilipinas...'mukhang pinamigay na sa atin 'yan eh.'"

Tensions have risen between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, the country's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, amid the lingering presence of Chinese ships in the waters.

Malacañang, under a President who has pursued friendlier ties with the Chinese, has downplayed the incursions even as the Department of Foreign Affairs filed a flurry of diplomatic protests and the top diplomat unleashed tough rhetoric against China.

Most recently, Duterte ordered his cabinet to stop talking about the issue, save for the top diplomat and the presidential spokesman.

Biazon said the President should also address claims that President Xi Jinping

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English a factor in Pinoy students' low scores in PISA — DepEd exec MANILA (Mabuhay) — The English language was seen as one of the factors why Filipino students are getting low scores in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2018, the Department of Education said Thursday.

But at a public briefing, DepEd Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio clarified that English proficiency is not the sole consideration in improving the quality of education, but a factor because it is the language used in the test.

"Hindi naman natin masasabing bumaba ang performance, kasi maraming mga kailangan i-consider sa pagpapaangat ng kalidad ng edukasyon."

To make adjustments regarding the learning approach, he said the DepEd eyes to pattern the questions in classroom and national assessments to that of the PISA questions.

He pointed out that if students are not familiar with the way questions are asked, they will get startled, and the chance of making wrong answers is high.

"Kasama sa nagiging dahilan ng mababang score ay ang kung hindi ka masyadong familiar sa paraan ng mga pagtatanong ay mabibigla ka at hindi mo agad makukuha 'yung tamang sagot."

San Antonio said that based on DepEd's studies, Philippines' perhad committed to defend Duterte in the event that the military launches a coup d’etat against his administration, Biazon said.

“Bilang dating sundalo, hindi naman pwedeng ganun na ang ating Pangu-

formance and content standards are doing well when compared to the ones in other countries, but its curriculum is "congested" which sometimes lead to students not learning that much.

Thus, the DepEd is planning to boost the students' "foundational competencies," which include reading, writing, mathematics and socio-emotional skills.

Nonet hele s s, S a n A nton io said some Filipino students still achieved higher scores than that of scores of students from other countries.

Further, the DepEd observed that those who had high scores were female, and students from private schools achieved high scores. But those from rural areas were somehow left behind.

On the other hand, San Antonio denied observations that the quality of education in the Philippines is "plummeting."

"Naniniwala akong hindi naman ganoon ang reyalidad sa mga nangyayari" (I believe that is not the reality), he said, adding that the government is modernizing school facilities, and integrating education technology in the system.

The Philippines joined the PISA in 2018, but it ranked the lowest in reading comprehension among 79 countries. (MNS) lo ay aasa sa proteksyon ni Xi Jinping against possible uprising of the Philippine military… palagay ko hindi lang dapat sagutin, ipakita sa body language, ipakita na hindi totoo yun,” he said.

(MNS)

AFP lauds ASoG for support on military education MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday formally recognized the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) for its continuous support to improve military training and education.

ASoG has been assisting the military in the conduct of the Competency and Training Needs Analysis (CTNA) for AFP field grade officers since 2019.

“The military leadership extends its gratitude to the Ateneo School of Government for coming up with a customized training design that will help our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines realize the AFP’s desired competencies,” said AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana in a statement.

The CTNA’s primary objective is to

identify the competencies essential to the effective and efficient discharge of responsibilities of the military’s Middle Managers with the rank of major to colonel.

The plaque of recognition was received by Ma. Christina Alikpala, MBA, ASoG's academic head, in a ceremony held at the Office of the Chief of Staff in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“This is one of our humble ways that we can contribute to the whole of nation approach to security where civil servants from other government agencies interact with fellow students coming from the AFP in a healthy exchange of ideas and promote meaningful partnership,” Alikpala said.

The Competency Framework for Mid-

dle Managers reflecting the proficiency levels was developed from the result of the research. Extrinsic competencies pertain to Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Analysis, Planning, Systems Thinking, Solutions Focused, People Management, Self-Mastery, and Communication.

On the other hand, the intrinsic competencies are People Management, Self-Mastery, and Communication.

The AFP and ASoG sustained the partnership in 2020 and conducted another CTNA Project for junior officers (company-grade officers) now covering the ranks of 2nd lieutenant to captain.

The project became an extension of the AFP-ASoG Middle Managers’ Competency Framework that completes the AFP-ASoG Competency Framework for

Officers Continuum.

The project was formally concluded in the first quarter of 2021, and was approved and noted by the AFP chief this April 7.

Currently, the ASoG has 80 AFP scholars enrolled in its post-graduate governance programs.

“The CTNA Projects pave the way for the institutionalization of a progressive learning continuum on leadership and management for the AFP. This is a significant milestone for the organization as we continue to enhance our partnership with our stakeholders as an institution that is neither above nor below the Filipinos rather than beside them in achieving lasting peace and development,” Sobejana said. (MNS)

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Palace tells Filipino fishermen to snub China fishing ban in South China Sea

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Thursday told Filipino fishermen to stay in their traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea even after China reimposed an annual 3-month fishing ban that covers parts of the sea.

The law of other countries has no "extra-territorial application," said Palace spokesman Harry Roque, a lawyer.

Addressing Filipino fishermen, he said, "D’yan lang po kayo sa ating mga traditional fishing grounds."

"Andiyan naman po ang ating coast guard para pangalagaan din po ang interes ng ating mga mangingisda," Roque said in a press briefing.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier this week opposed Beijing's May 1 to Aug. 16 fishing moratorium in the South China Sea, within which is the West Philippine Sea. China refuses to obey the 2016 ruling of a United Nations-backed court that junked its claims to about 90 percent of the waterway, including parts of the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

Beijing's fishing ban violates Article 56 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which states that the Philippines, as the coastal state in the disputed waters, has "sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting conserving and managing the natural resources" of the EEZ, said the DFA. "The 2016 Arbitral Award also afISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 firmed legitimate 100 60 the 60 100 70 100traditional 70 30 and100 fishing rights of Filipino fishermen," the agency said.

"China's annual fishing moratorium extends far beyond China's legitimate 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 maritime entitlements under UNCLOS 70 70 and is without basis under international law. China cannot legally impose nor legally enforce such a moratorium in the West Philippine Sea." The DFA urged China to "desist from A

B

any action and activity that infringes on Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, in contravention of international law."

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in late April called on Filipino fishermen to swarm the West Philippine Sea, from which the country sources 324,000 metric tons of fish annually.

The West Philippine Sea generates about 7 percent of the country’s' fisheries output in which a significant portion are shipped to Metro Manila, BFAR director Eduardo Gongona had said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier this May called the Philippine arbitral victory against China a scrap of "paper", which he said could not be enforced. Roque sought to clarify it later, saying the context of the President's remark was "as far as China is concerned." (MNS)

Lorenzana wants 1 general per 1,000 military personnel ratio in the AFP MANILA (Mabuhay) — Saying there are “too many generals” in the force, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday proposed a one star-rank official per 1,000 military personnel ratio in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During the Senate national defense committee hearing on bills prescribing fixed terms for the Chief-of-Staff and other key officers of the AFP and reforming the pension system of military and uniformed personnel, Lorenzana underscored the need to30set the 30 100 60 40 100 40 100 of40generals 70 40 70 40 40 100 70 100 40 percentage at .1% of the total number of military personnel.

“As it stands today, by virtue of passed legislation, the percentage is .125 and in fact we have already exceeded that percentage because as of today, we have 190 generals 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 70 70 30 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 in the Armed Forces of 30the Philippines when it should have been only 170 as per the percentage,” he said.

“Our strength is 143,000, that means we should only have 143 generals in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

T:9.75"many generals in I believe, personally, that we have too 3%

the Armed Forces,” he added.

He told the Senate panel that the AFP should maintain the ratio of general per troop at 1:1,000.

“That is actually maliit ‘yun dapat 1 is to 1,500 but for our purpose, .1 percent will already do,” he said.

Lorenzana said maintaining this ratio will be “healthier for the organization.”

Senator Richard Gordon has filed Senate Bill 1785 as he said the personnel of the AFP should have longer terms in office foster continuity of and 40 40 70 40to 70 40 40 3 10 25 policies 50 75 implement 90 100 70 40 meaningful long-term plans for the institution.

The Senate defense panel also tackled other measures that seek to raise the compulsory retirement age for military and uniformed personnel as senators previously 70 70 40 70 40 40 000 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 pointed out 0that this will ease the government’s expenses on their retirement benefits.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda has also warned of a looming crisis in the pension system of the MUP unless reforms are undertaken by the government. (MNS)

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When we use energy matters. We have the power to harness California’s abundance of wind and solar resources. But during peak hours, electricity is generated mostly by fossil fuels to meet demand. Use less energy from 4-9PM, for a cleaner California.

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DOLE: No OFW deployment ban to Israel, only temporary suspension of departure MANILA (Mabuhay) — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Thursday said that the government has not banned the deployment of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) to Israel amid the ongoing tensions between Israeli forces and Gaza’s armed groups.

“We have not banned the deployment of our workers to Israel. The processing of t hose w ho a lready qualified contin-

LABOR SECRETARY SILVESTRE BELLO III

ues,” Bello said in a statement.

“We are merely suspending their actual departure while the tension is still high,” the Labor chief said.

In a separate text message, Bello said that the “processing of the applications are still ongoing.”

Tension in Israel has been ongoing for almost two weeks amid the exchange of rockets between Israelis and Palestinians.

Israeli strikes have killed 227 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while Palestinian rocket fire has claimed 12 lives in Israel, according to Israeli police.

US President Joe Biden has ca l led for a "significant de-escalation" in Israel's con-

f lict with Gaza's armed groups.

The Department of Foreign Affairs placed Israel and West Bank under Alert Level 1 category while Gaza is on Alert Level 2.

Alert Level 1, the lowest security category of the government for Filipinos overseas, means there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, and external threat to the host country. No evacuation is needed under this level, but Filipinos must exercise caution and avoid conflict zones.

Level 2 entails restriction of non-essential movements, avoiding of places of protest, and preparation for possible evacuation.

In its situation bulletin as of May 20, the DFA said that it has not received any report of Filipino casualties or injuries in Israel, the Gaza Strip, or the West

Bank “since the recent escalation of violence in certain areas within the region.”

The DFA said there are 29,473 Filipinos in Israel and 91 in Gaza.

The Department of Labor and Employment, meanwhile, said there are at least 400 OFWs that were for departure this month.

“Ang pakiusap ko pa sa ating mga paalis na caregivers at health care workers ay ipagpaliban ng ilang araw ang kanilang biyahe upang hindi sila mapahamak,” Bello said.

“Sagutin ko po sila kay Pangulong Duterte kung ano man ang mangyari sa kanila in case sila ay umalis sa kabila ng mataas na tension doon sa Israel,” he said.

“It will just be about a few days of delay. We just want to be sure they will be safe,” Bello said. (MNS)

1.6M Pinoy students benefit from free higher educ program MANILA (Mabuhay) — Through the government's Free Higher Education program, some 1.6 Filipino students are no longer paying tuition and miscellaneous fees, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reported Tuesday.

"Sa free higher education close to 1.6 million students are no longer paying tuition and miscellaneous fees," CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III said during a presser on the 1st National Higher Education Day. Of this number, 1.3 million are beneficiaries from 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs) while at least 300,000 are from local SUCs. De Vera said for the school year 20202021 alone, around 500,000 slots were also opened for the tertiary education subsidy, much higher than the 200,000 slots when the law was passed.

"Hindi pa kasama ang scholarship sa agriculture (and) ng DOST so pag

PHIVOLCS REVEALS CAUSE OF TAAL UNREST

tinotal mo lahat yan lagpas two million student ang natutulungan ng gobyerno ngayon (Other scholarships are not yet included in that number so when you total it, it would reach over two million students). I don't think that has ever happened in our history," he said.

The Republic Act 10931, known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act was signed into law in August 2017 by President Rodrigo Duterte, providing underprivileged Filipino students the opportunity to pursue college degrees through free tuition and exemption of other fees in SUCs. It further allows Tertiary Education Subsidy that sponsors the enrolment of disadvantaged students in private institutions in locations where there are no available state or local universities and colleges. "(I believe) close to 2.5 million stu-

dents are being assisted by government financially. That has never happened in history and that is the basis for CHED claiming victory for Philippine higher education," de Vera said.

During the opening ceremony of the National Higher Education Day, President Rodrigo Duterte commended the agency "for ensuring the highest standard" in the country's higher education institutions despite the challenges the Philippines currently faces.

He urged all stakeholders and CHED to continue their efforts to empower the Filipino youth.

"May this occasion further strengthen your resolve in teaching and learning under the new normal. As you mark this milestone, I also hope that you will continue working towards creating a more responsive and innovative learning environment for both educators and students," he said. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Magma in the shallow parts of Taal Volcano is the cause of elevated unrest on the island, Phivolcs said Wednesday.

Taal Volcano on Tuesday morning emitted steam-laden plumes that rose to 300 meters following the upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake and active degassing from fumaroles on the main crater, the agency said.

T he volca no rema i ns u nder alert level 2, the second-lowest in a 5-step system, which

warns of probable magmatic activity that may or may not lead to an eruption, state seismologists said.

"Napapansin natin mataas ang konsentrasyon o laki ng pagbuga ng sulfur dioxide gas. Ang pagkakaroon ng lindol minsan marami, minsan kaunti. Nagpapahiwatig ito na yung magma ay nasa mababang part ng Taal Volcano at ito po ang nagbubuga ng gas nang madami," Phivolcs officer-in-charge Renato Solidum said.

The public is warned against going to the volcano island as two eruptions -- a steam-driven or a magmatic eruption -- could occur, he added.

"D'yan lang naman sa isla ang e p e k t o.

Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

POEA to deploy 400 caregivers to Israel MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announced that some 400 home-based caregivers are bound for Israel this month despite the conflict in the Jewish state.

In a virtual forum on Wednesday, POEA chief Bernard Olalia said the deployment of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is a government-to-government agreement.

“Our first batch (consists of) 400 caregivers. They are home-based going to under the bilateral labor agreement,” he added.

He added that their Israeli counterparts assured that these caregivers will not be brought to the areas affected by the tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Olalia also assured that they will continue to monitor the situation of the OFWs in the host country.

“They were employed in residential areas and will stay indoors. They are secured and we will monitor them. In case we received reports that they are in danger, we will repatriate them immediately,” he said.

He said the application for the second batch of caregivers to be deployed in Israel is open.

Israel is in need of at least 500 caregivers.

Olalia added that while the requirement on the educational attainment has been lowered from second-year college level to high school graduate, applicants must possess skills related to the job.

“They need to have an NC (National Certification) 2 or they have finished the training for caregivers or they have skills related to the job they are applying. Aside from the educational requirement, skills and experience requirements are also important,” he said.

NC 2 is a technical-vocational program that develops the knowledge and skills of students on various aspects of caregiving.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority is giving free training on the program. (MNS) 'Pag biglang umangat ang magma, baka mas malala pa ang explosion.

So binabantayan natin ang tinatawag nating magmatic eruption o paglabas ng bagong magma," he said.

"Nung January (2020) nagsimula siya sa maliit na steam-driven explosion. Dahil natanggal ang parang takip, umakyat ang magma at mas naging malakas ang pagsabog."

The eruption had displaced more than 700,000 people in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Metro Manila.

Damage to infrastructure and agriculture in the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna was pegged at P3.4 billion, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

(MNS)

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Japan to release P8.8-B loan for PH pandemic response MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Japanese government is set to release in June 2021 at least 20 billion yen (approximately PHP8.78 billion) in loan to support the Philippines' response against the coronavirus pandemic.

The budgetary support under Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) Post-Disaster Stand-by Loan Phase 2 (PDSL 2) is seen to help Manila finance its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing, quarantine facility expansion, and social amelioration program for the vulnerable sectors, among others.

"Upon the disbursement request of the Government of the Philippines, the approval of this (PDSL 2) third tranche came as a

result of the successful summit teleconference between Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte held on May 19, 2021," the Japanese Embassy said in a statement.

During the telephone summit between the two leaders, Suga also announced a cold-chain development assistance worth 1 billion Japanese yen as he promised to spare no effort in supporting the country's pandemic response.

Duterte, for his part, expressed his appreciation for Japan's continued support and cooperation program, particularly throughout the global health crisis.

Since the PDSL 2’s signing on

September 15, 2020, Japan has so far disbursed a total of 20 billion yen out of the 50 billion yen loan agreement entered into

by JICA and the Department of Finance (DOF).

The first tranche worth 10 billion yen was made available on October 27, 2020 following the extension of the state of calamity in the country due to Covid-19, while the second tranche also amounting to 10 billion yen was issued on January 5, 2021 after a state of calamity was declared in Luzon due to Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses.

The loan has a repayment period of 40 years, including a grace period of 10 years, with a fixed interest rate of 0.01 percent per annum. (MNS)

JAPAN PRIME MINISTER YOSHIHIDE SUGA

Lacson eyes sale of assets from 'mismanaged' GOCCs

SENATOR PANFILO LACSON

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Panfilo M. Lacson on Wednesday urged Malacañang to conduct an inventory of high-value assets owned by government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) that continue to receive state subsidies and consider these for possible sale.

"There are a number of government-owned and -controlled corporations with real estate and other assets, but receive subsidies from the national government year in and year out, mainly because they are mismanaged – if not being used as cash cows by unscrupulous officials," Lacson said in a statement. "An audit and inventory of all these assets should be conducted posthaste. The government

should retain only those that generate revenue, and sell the rest."

He said the "extraordinary time" of a global pandemic calls for "extraordinary measures", such as selling these supposedly mismanaged GOCC assets.

"While it is a mark of a true leader to consider any measure – no matter how extraordinary – to save us all, proper and prudent steps must be taken in consideration of the country’s longterm survival, thus avoiding that future generations of Filipinos will be left with nothing," Lacson said.

Last year, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III discounted the need to sell state assets because the government entered the pandemic on a

strong fiscal position and there were government borrowings intended to finance the government's response to the pandemic.

The budget used last year to finance coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) programs came from government savings, dividends from some government agencies, as well as borrowing from such multilateral partners as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Last year, the government also signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for a PHP23.5 billion loan, the first-ever concessional loan that the agency approved for a country for Covid-19 emergency support. (MNS)

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DOH: COVID-19 vaccine recipients to be informed of brand right before jab MANILA (Mabuhay) — The brand of COVID-19 vaccine to be administered on recipients will still be disclosed right before the jab, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.

The DOH made the clarification a day after it announced that vaccination sites will no longer announce what brands are available on a specific date. "'Pag sinabi naman na hindi natin ia-announce 'yung brand (When we say we won’t announce the brand), we are not going to announce the brand as of [that] day," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

“Siyempre bago ‘yan ibakuna sa inyo, sasabihin ano ‘yung ibibigay (Of course, before the vaccine is administered, you will be informed what brand it is),” Dr. Gloria Balboa, DOH regional director for Metro Manila, added.

The officials said the new strategy is part of a bid to avoid overcrowding at vaccination sites.

The DOH came up with the decision after people thronged to vaccination sites in Parañaque and Manila earlier this week after learning that Pfizer vaccines were available.

Following the incidents, the DOH

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1. Go generics. Generic drugs, in most cases, cost less than branded drugs.

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Your insurance company contracts with pharmacies for favorable discounts and deals for you.

3. Ensure that your prescription medications are included in your insurance company’s formulary. If not, work with your doctor on how you can take on an exception.

4. Consider the mail-order option. Most insurance companies provide their members cost and convenience advantages when choosing this option.

5. Apply for Extra Help. This is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Medicare Rx drug program costs like premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. In 2018, income limits for individuals - $18,210 and for married couples - $24,690. Resources limits for individuals - $14,100 and for married couples - $28,150. Countable resources include money in checking and savings accounts, stocks and bonds. The following resources are NOT included: your home, 1 car, burial plot, up to $1,500 burial expenses set aside, furniture, and other household and personal items. If you answer Yes to the following 3 questions, apply for Extra Help: Do you have, or are you eligible for, Part A? Is your income at, or below the income limits above? Do you have resources below the limits above?

6. Call your State for assistance under the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

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9. Ask for help from your medications manufacturer/s. Pharmaceutical companies provide this kind of assistance to their clients. Depending on your situation, some companies help by providing you with 6-months to 1-year supply.

10. Purchase your medications in the Philippines, if ever and whenever you go home to visit. Compare the costs to you. Take advantage of the favorable exchange rate as well as the cheap travel fares. (Canada or Mexico are good sources of economical drugs, too.)

11. Join a clinical trial program for new drugs. Who knows, these drugs may be valuable to cure your illness. Most of the time, they will provide some or all of your maintenance therapies.

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13. Never, ever refrain from, or skip, taking your medications in the foolish hope that you save on your prescription costs. This will cost you more in the long run due to aggravation or complications that may result in the loss of precious LIFE. LEO MONSALUD holds CA life and health license 0G55218 as well as Non-Resident licenses for Nevada and Michigan. He helps Medicare members choose the right Medicare plan for them. He studied for MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines. He worked for United Laboratories, Inc. where his last position held was vice-president in charge as general manager of a division. He may be reached at 323535-7373 or, e-mail at: leo.balita@gmail.com.

said the available vaccine brands would no longer be announced publicly beforehand. Those who will refuse vaccination because they prefer a different brand will have to go back to the end of the line.

“All of these vaccines that are in the country are going to protect them,” Vergeire stressed. “Wala naman pong isang mas magaling o magiging mas epektibo para sa kanila (No vaccine is better or more effective than others).”

She added that the DOH is conducting an “intensive” information campaign to address qualms about COVID-19 vaccines.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered local governments not to make advance announcements about available vaccine brands following the DOH’s pronouncement.

Similar to what the DOH officials stated, Año said individuals who intend to be inoculated against COVID-19 will be informed of the brand on the vaccination site.

The Philippines has vaccinated over 2.5 million people as of May 18, still far from the government’s target of inoculating 50 million to 70 million people this year. (MNS)

VP Robredo says no side effects from COVID-19 vaccine so far

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Vice President Leni Robredo said Thursday she didn't feel any side effects a day after being inoculated against COVID-19.

"So until now, no fever or chills, no headache, no body malaise, no soreness in my arm.

Thank God," she wrote on her Facebook page.

Robredo received her first dose of Britain's AstraZeneca vaccine in Quezon City Wednesday. She belonged to the "A3" or third vaccination priority group composed of people with health risks that make them more prone

to suf fer ing severe COVID-19.

The Vice President got vaccinated about 2 weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte took a shot of anti-coronavirus jab from Chinese state firm Sinopharm, which has yet to secure an emergency use authorization in the country.

Robredo noted that her staff members experienced common side effects of the vaccine.

"Everyone who was with me yesterday was reporting fever, chills, body pains in varying degrees. So I guess,

the side effects being experienced vary from person to person," she said.

Data from Department of Health and the government's pandemic task force showed that nearly 3.3 million people have been inoculated against the novel coronavirus in the Philippines.

Of the number, more than 2.5 million people received their first dose wh i le over 786,000 were fully vaccinated.

The country aims to immunize 58 million Filipinos by year-end to achieve herd immunity. (MNS)

Vice President Leni Robredo receives her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine along with other OVP personnel at Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City on Wednesday, May 19. Robredo falls under the A3 priority group for vaccination. (MNS photo)

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DOH eyes herd immunity in NCR, 8 other areas

by November MANILA (Mabuhay) — The government targets to achieve herd immunity in identified coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) highrisk areas by November, a health official said Wednesday.

Department of Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) chairperson Myrna Cabotaje said the government will intensify its vaccination drive in these areas which include the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao dubbed as 'NCR Plus 8'.

"Ang target natin was 108,000 per day na jabs, so ibig sabihin, iyong mga ibinibigay nating mga supplies are enough. Ang gagawin natin for the next couple of weeks ay talagang isa-isahin iyong mga focused LGUs natin, iyong NCR Plus 8 para makita ano ba iyong kapasidad nila (Our target was 108,000 jabs daily, so that means the supplies that we give to them are enough)," Cabotaje said in a Laging Handa briefing.

As of Tuesday, Cabotaje said there are about 3,299,470 jabs that have been utilized for the inoculation of priority groups under categories A1 (health workers), A2 (senior citizens), and A3 (persons with comorbidities).

Some 2,512,942 Filipinos received their first dose of Covid-19 jabs, while 786,528 of them have been fully vaccinated.

Cabotaje said the government is confident to vaccinate at least 100,000 to 200,000 Filipinos daily once a steady sup-

ply of Covid-19 jabs becomes available.

"Marami na pong nagmamadali, nakakatuwa naman po (Many are hurrying, we are glad) that they all wanted to be vaccinated. Kaya since dumating na po iyong mga volumes ng vaccine natin, gagawin nating simultaneous (since volumes of Covid-19 jabs have already arrived, we will do it simultaneously)," she said.

With the arrival of more vaccines between June and August, she said the government is now ready for further expansion of the Covid-19 vaccination program.

The inoculation coverage will be expanded to categories A4 (government and economic front line workers) and A5 (indigent population), she said.

Cabotaje reiterated that the government will be focusing on the expansion of its vaccination drive in NCR Plus 8 areas. (MNS)

PH gets 500K more CoronaVac vaccine doses MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines on Thursday received 500,000 more doses of CoronaVac, the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac Biotech, bringing the country’s total stockpile of the vaccine so far to 5.5 million.

The latest batch of government-procured CoronaVac arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 7:35 a.m. via a commercial Cebu Pacific flight.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque and Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary Robert Borje, welcomed the arrival of the new Sinovac jabs.

In an interview with reporters, Duque said the presidential directive is that there should be no more choosing of the brand of Covid-19 vaccines as it potentially delays the vaccinations and the goal of achieving herd immunity.

“Kaya ako po ako ay nakikiusap sa ating mga kababayan 'wag na po tayo mamili dahil lahat po ng bakunang ito ay talagang nasuri. Napaka-malawakang at malakihang pagsusuri ang ginawa para siguraduhin na sila ay ligtas, dekalidad, epektibo (I am appealing to our countrymen, let us not choose vaccines. These vaccines all underwent a study to ensure that these are safe, good quality and effective),” Duque said. “Lahat po yan ay garantisadong maayos (All vaccines are guaranteed good quality).”

He said people intentionally delaying getting vaccinated suffer the risk of contracting Covid-19 the more time they wait.

“Kasi magaantay ka kung ano gusto mo. So mapupunta ka ulit sa pinakahuli.

Between the waiting time at tsaka yung mahuhuli ka, pwede ka magka-Covid (if you wait for the vaccine that you prefer, you have to wait for your turn at a later time. Between the waiting time, you could contract Covid-19),” he warned.

The Philippines has so far received over 8.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, including 5.5 million Sinovac jabs, 2,556,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, 30,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, and 193,050 doses of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine.

Vaccination program exceeds 3 million-mark National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF) chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the Philippines has breached the three-million mark in its Covid-19 vaccination program.

Out of a total of 3,299,470 administered vaccine doses, 2,512,942 Filipinos have received their first shot, while 786,528 are fully vaccinated.

On May 15, the Philippines recorded the highest one-day utilization of 120,529 doses.

The government is focusing on the immunization of residents of the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, and Batangas, as well as from Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.

The inoculation of priority groups under categories A4 (government and other front-liners) and A5 (indigent) may begin in June once a steady supply is available.

Vaccines from the COVAX Facility will be used for the A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (elderly), A3 (persons with comorbidities), and A5 groups.

Government-procured vaccines will be for A1 to A4.

Next deliveries The COVAX Facility will deliver 2.2 million of Pfizer-BioNTech and two million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines between May and June, according to Galvez.

"We are glad that we are seeing a quite stable delivery of vaccines," he said.

The government has allocated PHP82.5 billion for the procurement of vaccines, with PHP58 billion borrowed through the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

"We have already spent about PHP4.5 million for Sinovac jabs and advance payment for the Gamaleya vaccines, and also our advance for Moderna. We also have ongoing financing and we haven't released it yet," Galvez said.

The government targets to vaccinate 50 to 70 million this year to achieve herd immunity. (MNS)

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Expert backs Pfizer jabs for students, Sinovac for essential workers MANILA (Mabuhay) — A public health expert on Wednesday proposed that government allocate Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines to high school students and Sinovac jabs to essential workers.

Pfizer and Moderna are preparing to seek emergency use authorizations for their COVID-19 vaccines to be administered to children, authorities earlier said.

These could be used to enable the resumption of face-to-face classes, said Dr. Tony Leachon, former adviser of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

"Plan for Pfizer’s arrival sometime in September with Moderna. You can use Pfizer and Moderna for the schools and other elderly citizens," he said.

"Also for the Indian variant, there will be only 3 vaccines addressing the Indian variant--Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca."

Mea nt ime, t he Ph i lippines is set to receive another 500,000 doses of the Chinese vaccine this week and it still has an abundance of supply in the warehouse, Leachon said.

"Since you're reopening the economy, use the Sinovac for essential workers.

Anyway it has been proven in Indonesia and other studies na maganda rin ang Sinovac (that its good) just like Astra," he said.

"So that maubos natin ang inventor y kasi ang shelf life niyan maikli lang eh."

Leachon said he proposed earlier that government and the private sector swap their AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine allocations for faster rollout.

He made the recommendation after government said millions of vaccine shots were near expiration.

"No offense kay Secretary Harry Roque, alam ko naman po ang guidelines na A1 to A3 (health workers, senior citizens, persons with comorbidities) lang based on COVAX pero I think marami sa private sector din na gusto ng AstraZeneca...Swap lang kayo para walang wastage," he said.

The Philippines aims to inoculate 50 to 70 million of its population by end of year to achieve herd immunity, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez earlier said.

As of Monday, the count r y ha s ad m i n i stered 3,001,875 COVID-19 jabs since it began its inoculation program in March, Galvez added. (MNS)

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Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

Reconnecting with nature in Leyte’s upland village BURAUEN, Leyte – Tired of hustle and bustle of the city? It’s time to disconnect from your daily grind and reconnect with nature by exploring the forest of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP).

In a less than two-hour trek, you will get to see dozens of huge trees, rare small and giant ferns, wild flowers, insects, birds, different types of bamboo, and get a closer view of Malagsum Lake, the home of the endemic wild ducks.

The Tanguile Trail launched on Saturday (May 15) is named after the dipterocarp Tanguile trees dominant in the area, giving visitors the experience of what it is to “commune with nature and immerse in a forest atmosphere.”

The trail brings the sense of relaxation through your five senses by seeing the forest surrounding, hearing the chirping birds and forest winds, touching the cold ground by walking barefoot, inhaling the wonder of blooms, and taste the sweetness of young melastoma plant pods.

“You will notice that farmers in our village live longer since they go barefoot every time they visit their farms.

Grounding in the forest has lots of health benefits. It is a therapeutic technique that electrically reconnects you to the earth,” said tour guide Beverly Ampong, 43, as she asked the group to stop and remove footwear for a few minutes.

The entire trail offers the forest bathing experience or

NATURE’S WONDER. The bamboo garden within the Tanguile Trail in upland Mahagnao village in Burauen, Leyte. The Tanguile Trail launched

on Saturday (May 15, 2021) is named after the dipterocarp Tanguile trees dominant in the area, giving visitors the experience of what it is to “commune with nature and immerse in a forest atmosphere.” (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano) known as Shinrin-yoku, popularized in Japan to combat the death by stress phenomenon.

“It is called bathing because although you would not literally take a bath, you soak yourself in the forest atmosphere,” said Ampong, a former village day care worker who has been trained in the past two years on forest tour guiding.

The trail ends at Malagsum Lake, one of three lakes of Mahagnao known for its green acidic water, a sanctuary to wild ducks of several species.

Near the lake thrives a type of Bermuda grass that only grows in soil soaked in acidic

Studies on Covid-19 vax booster, mix brands 'needed': DOST MANILA – There is a need to conduct clinical trials on having a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) booster shots, as well as on determining whether one could use different vaccine brands for the first and second dose, an official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said Tuesday.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said the DOST and the Department of Health both agreed these studies have to be done.

During clinical trials, Guevara said experts will use same vaccine brand for the first and second doses and will use a different vaccine brand for the booster. Experts will also be studying the use of two different vaccine brands for the first and second doses.

"The protocol for the study is still being finalized, and will need approval of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The result of the study will be reported to the Vaccine Cluster of the National Task Force against Covid-19 for appropriate action," she said.

Guevara said the studies will start this year and may last for up to two years.

She said these studies will answer important and practical scientific questions about the Philippines' vaccine rollout and strategy.

"Is there a combination that will yield better immunogenicity? This is among the questions that could be answered through the study," Guevara said, add-

ing that experts will also analyze the immune response over time.

The official said while some vaccines have been granted the Emergency Use Authorization, experts do not know yet how long the protection from these vaccines could last.

When asked if using two different brands would not be costly for the government since it has already procured two doses of the same brand for each recipient, Guevara said, "we are looking at efficacy and safety, rather than cost."

She said the study will also determine how the government could minimize the impact of any potential delivery delays.

Earlier in a forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the government is currently looking for funds for these studies.

Having a booster shot could help strengthen one's immune response to the virus, while the study on using two different vaccine brands would see if an immune response could still be produced, Vergeire said. (PNA)

lake water.

The 500-meter trek avoids steep slopes, making it ideal for elderly, children, and others who are not inclined into extreme forest adventures.

Myrna Agustin, 39, the president of MVNP ecotourism association, said the newest tourism activity will bring economic opportunities to locals who were used to cultivate traditional crops.

“It took a lot of planning and preparation for us to launch this tour package.

All the 34 members of our association have been actively involved to welcome visitors in our community,” said Agustin, who returned to their village in 2010 after working as a saleslady, cashier, household worker, and lady guard in the National Capital Region.

The tour package costs PHP3,600 for a group of five. It includes leis, welcome drink, watching locals performing folk dance, guiding and interpretation, lunch, refreshment, and a view of the Mahagnao Lake.

The biggest lake in the village has a length of 15,590 meters and a surface area of about 16 hectares, ideal for boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddling.

Discover the local cuisine through a buffet lunch of rice, native chicken cooked in coconut milk, local fish simmered in vinegar, fried local fish, fried dried fish, camote (sweet potato roll), fruits, and coconut juice.

The most noticed food in the dining table is the “lawot-lawot”, a vegetable soup comprising 21 different vegetables –among them the harum (red amaranth), sida-sida (Philippine spin-

ach), kulitis (wild spinach), and agitway (sunset hibiscus) --simmered in coconut milk.

“All our food(s) are produced in our community, presented in such a way that values the history, the culture, and the environment of our place,” Agustin said.

Burauen town tourism officer Carmela Corazon Crebillo said the local government has been investing millions of pesos in the past few years to develop the ecotourism site despite disruptions caused by the current health crisis.

“The local government plans to build a bird hide in the vicinity of Lake Malagsum. This will give bird lovers the chance to observe the ducks from afar without disturbing them in their natural habitat. We will also build a reception area near Lake Mahagnao, and set up at the lake six floating pavilions where guests could relax and spend time with nature,” Crebillo said.

Proclaimed as a national park in 1937, the site is endowed with different natural attractions –a lake, falls, multi-colored mud, virgin forests, and lagoon.

Mahagnao, located 860 meters above sea level, is 18 kms. away from the town center of Burauen.

The town in central Leyte is about 50 kms. from Tacloban City, the regional capital.

From Tacloban, where the airport is located, the site is one hour and 30 minutes by bus.

At the town center, visitors without a car can hire a motorcycle to get to Mahagnao, passing through seven villages.

(PNA)

GARCETTI... from Page 5 as fourplexes.

Of the designs to win cash awards, six were submitted by teams based in Los Angeles, with a seventh from Orange County.

The remaining winning teams include two from New York City, two from the United Kingdom, and one from Austin, Texas.

A joint team from the Los Angeles architecture firm Omgivning and the Los Angeles landscape architecture office Studio-MLA was the only participant to win awards in two categories, taking first place in the Fourplex category and second place for a separate entry in Subdivision.

Another 23 entries received Honorable Mentions.

Each category was evaluated separately by its own seven-member jury.

The winning entries can be viewed at

the Low-Rise website, www.lowrise.la.

The designs will be collected in a forthcoming publication edited by Hawthorne and featuring newly commissioned essays and interviews.

Support for Low-Rise: Housing Ideas for Los Angeles was provided by the James Irvine Foundation, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Citi, and the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles.

Other partners include the L.A. Forum for Architecture and Urban Design and the Los Angeles chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council.

The challenge is part of a larger research effort into new paths to homeownership and affordability led by the Mayor’s Office in collaboration with the Urban Institute and other partners.

Balita Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., August 18 - 24, Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

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Kapamilya actress Riva Quenery announces pregnancy

Saturday-Friday May 22 - 28, 2021 Visit www.Balita.com

KC Concepcion dreams of hosting Miss Universe

W

hat if KC Concepcion hosted the Miss Universe pageant?

RIVA QUENERY MANILA (Mabuhay) — Kapamilya actress Riva Quenery is pregnant with her first child.

The 22-year-old actress made the announcement on her YouTube channel Sunday, where she also shared her journey as a dancer and eventually an actress.

She also posted a photo of her and partner Vern Ong with a sonogram of their child.

"The butterflies he used to give me turned into tiny feet," Quenery wrote in the caption.

Quenery was part of the series "The House Arrest of Us". (MNS)

John Prats, Isabel Oli celebrate 6 years of marriage

JOHN AND OLI MANILA (Mabuhay) — John Prats and Isabel Oli recently marked their sixth year as a married couple.

On Instagram, Prats and Oli penned sweet messages for each other to celebrate their union.

“The happiest day in my life was the day you finally became my wife,” Prats told Oli. “I feel so lucky every day to have you as my lover, wife, and best friend. Thank you for your love and care. Happy 6th wedding anniversary my wife! I love you,” he added.

Oli, for her part, gushed about being married to her “crush” for six years now.

“6 years married to my crush. God can be sooooo full of sweet surprises, right? Happy wedding anniversary @johnprats , my twelfth of never,” she wrote.

Prats married Oli in May 2015 after being together for more than two years. They are blessed with three children: Feather, Daniel Freedom, and Forest. (MNS)

The Filipino actress and host talked about this scenario on social media after netizens reacted to the most recent edition of the pageant hosted by Olivia Culpo and Mario Lopez on Monday.

“What if I get to host Miss Universe, too? Wouldn't it be so fun?” KC asked in a tweet.

“Naka ready na naman ang custom made 8-inch heels ko na pinagawa ko for the 2 times na nag pageant host ako for BINIBINING PILIPINAS (The custom eight-inch heels that I had made for the two times I hosted Binibining Pilipinas are ready),” she added.

KC Concepcion, the daughter of actress Sharon Cuneta

and actor Gabby Concepcion, hosted the local Binibining Pilipinas pageant in 2011 and 2016.

She also served as a host for several Filipino TV shows, as well as a VJ for MTV. Several netizens who replied to KC’s tweet urged her to go for it, as some of them were left unsatisfied with the Miss Universe 2012 titleholder's performance.

Olivia Culpo trended online as netizens took note of her supposed lack of energy and seemingly unamused facial expressions during the announcement of the winners.

The 2020 Miss Universe crown went to Mexico’s An-

KC CONCEPCION drea Meza, while the Philippines’ Rabiya Mateo bowed out early as part of the Top 21. (MNS)

Dennis Trillo looks forward to ‘next chapter’ with Jennylyn Mercado MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actor Dennis Trillo said he is looking forward to the “next chapter” with his girlfriend and former co-star Jennylyn Mercado, as he greeted the actress on her birthday.

Mercado turned 34 on May 15.

On Instagram, Trillo shared photos of him and Mercado scuba diving, including one where they formed a heart shape with their hands.

“Sa lupa, sa ilalim ng dagat, kahit saan pa man, at kahit anong mangyare nandito ako para sa’yo, hindi kita pababayaan,” Trillo wrote.

“Excited ako sa mga susunod na kabanata sa buhay natin. Mahal na mahal ka namin, mahal na mahal kita.

Maligayang kaarawan sayo Mahal ko.”

Just days prior, Trillo also celebrated his birthday, turning 40.

Trillo and Mercado have been together for seven years. They celebrated their most recent anniversary in January.

They each have a child from their respective past relationships. (MNS)

DENNIS TRILLO AND JENNYLYN MERCADO

‘Mature’ Kris Bernal goes topless for photo shoot to mark birthday MANILA (Mabuhay) — Fans and even fellow celebrities were surprised after Kris Bernal posed topless for photographer Josh Ke at Lucas Studios to mark her birthday.

In one of the photos, Bernal, who turned 32 on Monday, can be seen lying on bed flaunting her fit body.

"Maturity does come with age but still not all people who are at 30s can be called mature. I think with all the experiences that I carried throughout my journey, I learned how to be mature in different aspects. Maturity in dealing with people, situation, and in dealing

KRIS BERNAL

with myself. I learned the hard way tho!

It wasn’t an easy ride especially when the pandemic hit but yes it contributed to my maturity," Bernal mused.

In her following posts, the actress also shared her belief about growth and body positivity.

She also shared a photo of her dinner date with fiancé Perry Choi to celebrate her birthday.

"Tonight is special as we celebrate my birthday tomorrow. Thank you Lord for another year. Nothing fancy for my birthday but I’m happy that I can be with my loved ones. I guess as I age and

since it is still pandemic, you will learn and appreciate what are the essential things in life. As for me, TIME is my #essential. It’s the one thing that I’m wishing and praying for my birthday," Bernal added.

Bernal got engaged to Choi, who is a chef and businessman, in February last year.

They first revealed their relationship in 2017, and just last January Bernal thanked her partner for loving her "endlessly, honestly, constantly, completely, with all [his] heart, mind, and being." (MNS)

Entertainment Maxene Magalona reveals lockdown forced her to face sadness, fear Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

Visit www.Balita.com

A

fter spending time in Bali, Indonesia, actress Maxene Magalona returned to the Philippines and found herself in a strict lockdown which eventually led her to sit with discomfort.

that I had been keeping bottled up inside of me for God knows how long started to surface," she said.

Magalona went on to share how she would usually deny what she was feeling back in her younger years. She admitted going to parties and drinking alcoholic drinks to numb herself from feelings of anxiety, pain, or fear.

However, due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Magalona was left with no choice but to face discomfort.

This time, the actress acknowledged what she was going through despite being terrified by it so she could hold space for her emotions.

"I've built a wall around my heart for so long, trying to be tough and protect myself from becoming vulnerable, only to find out that it takes true strength and courage to feel all my feelings," she said.

While she was hesitant to post or send sad photos, Magalona realized that she needed to be honest with herself and honored all her emotions in order to live in truth.

"We must allow ourselves to feel all our emotions and not just the 'good' ones, because we wouldn't even know what 'good' feels like if not for what makes us feel 'bad,'" she added.

Magalona returned to the country last March, after a year of being based in Bali where she strengthened her relationship with God alongside her husband, Rob Mananquil. (MNS)

On Instagram, Magalona opened up about her first experience of being in quarantine, explaining that she was free to roam around in Bali before.

Upon her return to Manila, the actress said she tried to go through her days as normally as she could, scheduling all her activities that would keep her busy.

"Being the 'strong independent woman' that I am, I was determined to keep the situation under control," Magalona stated.

However, things did not go according to plan as her body started to collapse, with the actress experiencing migraine a week after she arrived in the Philippines.

Magalona said she felt frustrated with losing control over things, beginning to get emotional and allowing herself to cry.

"I just allowed them to come. Gradually, the emotions

MAXENE MAGALONA

Jennica Garcia prepares to move into new home, sells old furniture, toys to 'start fresh'

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Jennica Garcia is selling some items from her old home before moving into a new place with her two kids amid persistent breakup rumors with her husband, Alwyn Uytingco.

On Instagram, Garcia said she is getting rid of them because she wants to “start fresh.”

“Marami po ito, gawa nang ayoko na po sana dalhin pa sa lilipatan namin na unit ng mga bata. Start fresh, ika nga,” she said.

A mong the items she’s selling are used toys, pre-loved footwear, art and craft materials, as well as some furniture.

Also included is a study table, which Garcia loves but said she does not like the mem-

ories that come with it.

“Mahal na mahal ko [itong study table na ito] pero ayoko ang memories na kaakibat niya haha,” she wrote.

JENNICA GARCIA

In March, Garcia appeared to have deleted photos of Uytingco from her Instagram page. She also sought advice on how to change her Instagram username.

Garcia, 31, and Uytingco, 33, were married in February 2014.

In several Instagram posts, she further spurred speculation of a breakup when she shared a handwritten note for her children.

Here, she told them that she is scared of what will happen in the future aside from speaking about “looking forward to a new life.”

The two have not spoken up about the real status of their marriage. (MNS)

Sunshine Cruz proud of daughter Sam as she graduates from junior high school MANILA (Mabuhay) — Sam Cruz is all grown up!

Sunshine Cruz is one proud mama as her second eldest daughter and music newcomer, Sam, graduated junior high school at the De La Salle Santiago Zobel School.

On Instagram, Sunshine shared photos of herself with Sam during her virtual graduation.

"Congratulations Sam! It is such a heart-filling moment seeing you graduate from Junior High School onwards to Senior High!

These are defi nitely mo-

ments that cannot be replaced," she wrote.

"Thank you for fulfilling your promise to me that even if you have started your career in show business and have been busy, you still made sure that you made your studies a top priority in your now many obligations," she added.

Sam, A ngelina, and Chesca are Sunshine's daughters with ex-husband Cesar Montano. After being married for 15 years, their marriage was annulled in September 2018.

(MNS)

SAM CRUZ AND SUNSHINE CRUZ

Weekend

BALITA

19

Morissette to revive ‘Shine’ on its 25th anniversary

MORISSETTE MANILA (Mabuhay) — Following in the footsteps of her idols, Morissette is set to revive the iconic tune “Shine,” composed by Trina Belarmide, in time for its 25th anniversary.

Star Music announced the revival, saying it’s due to be released on May 21.

The 2021 version features a new arrangement by Filipino-American music producer Troy Laureta, who recently released a collection of classic OPM ballads under Star Music.

Morissette expressed gratitude to Belarmide, as well as Jonathan Manalo, creative director of ABS-CBN Music, “for the honor and trust” to record a new version of “Shine.”

Referring to singers who previously recorded the memorable tune, Morissette added, “Following Ms. Ima Castro, Ms. Sweet Plantado, and of course Ms. Regine Velasquez, I couldn't be more grateful.”

“Shine” first rose to popularity when Belarmide won second prize in the Metropop Song Festivel in 1996. It then became a hit anew when Velasquez revived the song, with her signature vocal stylings. (MNS)

Ruffa Gutierrez returns to school

RUFFA GUTIERREZ MANILA (Mabuhay) — After 34 years in show business, actress-beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez has decided to return to school.

Gutierrez shared her newest life milestone in an Instagram post on Wednesday, saying she is taking up Communication Arts at Philippine Women's University.

"You're never too old to chase your dreams," she began. "I am both humbled and excited to share with you that I am currently enrolled in the Philippine Women's University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Communication Arts under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP)."

"After 34 years of working in the entertainment industry, I have chosen to further my education. Not only do I want to fulfill a long-held dream and take control of the next chapter of my life, I want to set a good example for my children," she added.

"I hope you can support me in my new journey."

Gutierrez, the only daughter of Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, started out as a teen actress.

She became part of "That's Entertainment" in the 90s and finished second runner-up in Miss World 1993.

Gutierrez was one of the stars in the ABSCBN afternoon drama "Love Thy Woman," and was also part of Star Cinema's online series "The House Arrest of Us." (MNS)

20

Weekend BALITA

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Saturday-Friday | May 22 - 28, 2021

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