The Filipino Press: April 12-18, 2024

BY JoN MElEgR iTo

WASHINGTON, D.C-- As they do every year on April 9, families, friends and advocates of Filipino World War II veterans gather in the National World War II Memorial, a massive bronze and stone plaza by a reflecting pool dedicated to the women and men who fought in America’s war. Filipino soldiers were among those on the battle front in December 1941 through April 9, 1942, fighting under the American flag. But it was only seven years ago when the U.S. recognized their service and sacrifice.

“Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) used to be called “Fall of Bataan,” to commemorate the thousands who fought in one of the last stands of American and Filipinos soldiers before they fell to Japanese forces. In the infamous Bataan Death March, more than 10,000 died during the 60-mile march to prison camps.

Led by the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), this year’s commemoration was preceded the day before by a celestial event – a solar eclipse that brought together people all over the world. The following morning, blessed by warm weather and sunny skies, April 9ths “Day of Valor” was witnessed by hundreds of tourists from across the country, many of whom heard for

BY MACM (SW) CESAR ADAN, (USN RET.)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The FARSOC (Filipino American Retirees of Southern California) held their monthly meeting at the Eastvale Rancho Bernardo Center at Drayton Hall, San Diego, CA to discuss their “Western Days” Dance-O-Rama on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Anchors & Spurs, Naval Station San Diego and for the preparation of the FARSOC Veterans Ball & Dinner Dance honoring veterans and fighting soldiers serving around the globe on November 2, 2024 at Pechanga Resort & Casino. For more info on these events, please contact Pres. MACM (SW) Cesar Adan @ (951) 972-0150, EVP Romy Macaoay (VOY 2022) @ (619) 9482750 or MACM Jacob Urrete (VOY 2015) @ (619) 874-8368. Before the meeting, Bernie Lozano (VOY 2024) and Romeo Sumait from Carson, CA celebrated their birthdays with FARSOC and their invited guests. Both birthday celebrants are FARSOC officer / member. Attire of the meeting was Hawaiian to make it a Luau Party which was recommended by PRO Maria Framee Fernando.There was. plenty of fun going on with DJ music to make it an electric atmosphere. After the meeting, there was eating, dancing and great fellowship. The litson was donated by Bernie & Carmen Lozano accompanied by over 20 delicious food selections and desserts.The venue was provided by B.O.D. Maricor Magali Rothstein who belongs to the community club. All of the decorations and props were donated by Maria Framee Fernando. The invocation was officiated by CWO4 Dr. Amorsolo “Jack” Fernando, (USN Ret.).

the first time the heroic and patriotic service of Filipino and American soldiers and sailors in the Philippines during World War II. FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) describes Bataan and Corregidor as “not just battlefields.

They are hallowed grounds where thousands of Filipinos and Americans, men and women, fought to defend their homeland in the Philippines, and for a country far away – the United States of America. The huge losses of lives in battle, in captivity, from

hunger and disease, many still missing in action, and those wounded for life, were interminable.”

In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez paid tribute to Filipino and American soldiers who “valiantly

battled Japanese forces to defend our land, our people and our future. We should continue to ensure that younger and future generations remember their service and embrace their virtues of resilience, patriotism and sacrifice.” Unbowed and undeterred

LOS ANGELES, CA -- What You Need to Know: California’s Armenian, Korean, and Tagalog communities can now apply online for unemployment benefits in their preferred language. This enhancement adds to English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese languages already available. Together, these eight languages represent the top spoken languages of working-age adults in California.

SACRAMENTO, CA Today, the Employment Development Department (EDD) announced that it has further expanded language access options in its myEDD online portal and UI Online for individuals to apply for unemployment benefits via applications translated into Armenian, Korean, and Tagalog. "Through EDDNext we continue improving the customer experience, including better service for California’s diverse communities,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “This major boost to customer service will help millions of Californians in the top eight most frequently spoken languages,” Farias added.

Unemployment customers will also receive timely updates about the status of their claim and payment notifications delivered via email or text message in their preferred language.

The additional language options are available when applying for unemployment benefits through UI Online after logging into myEDD. Next, EDD will be adding language enhancements for the disability or Paid Family Leave applications and Benefit Overpayment Services.

Applying for Unemployment Benefits Online EDD customers must first create a myEDD account and then register for UI Online, the fastest and most convenient way to apply for benefits and manage an unemployment claim.

For languages other than English, customers should select the globe icon at the top of the myEDD login page, revealing a menu of language options (see the following image). Customers are encouraged to indicate their preferred written and spoken language when applying online, which helps the Department to better serve customers seeking multilingual services.

Unemployment

When the Memorial opened 20 years ago, there were more than two dozen Filipino veterans living in the DC area. Today, only two remain: 96-year-old Rey Cabacar and 96-yearold Rudy Panaglima. Along with their comrades, they had organized themselves as the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans (ACFV), under the leadership of Captain Pat Ganio and Eric Lachica. They felt humiliated that Congress had passed the Rescission Act in 1946, barely a year after the U.S. had declared victory. But this victory was not meant for the 260,000 Filipinos who served and died under the American flag. Unbowed and undeterred, these aging and ailing soldiers staged protest actions in front of the White House. They walked the halls of Congress to demand what was promised them.

In 2009, about 18,000 veterans received a one-time payment of $15,000 through the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) Fund. Filipino veterans residing in the Philippines received $9,000. The late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, who championed the cause of Filipino World War II veterans in Congress, made this benefit possible. In 2016, largely through Sen. Mazie Hirono’s effort, FilVetREP successfully secured legislation that awarded the Filipino Veterans of World War II

The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle: SPRING CLEANING YOUR LIFE

By Francine Maigue

The sunshine burst through my bedroom window, as I boxed up my winter coats and boots this past week. Packing up things that I no longer need brought so much space and satisfaction, on both a physical and emotional level.

I pondered, "What other aspects of my life can I free up and de-clutter?" This year's spring cleaning will leave no stone unturned.

1. Things that no longer fit

Examples: Clothes. Decor. Fears/ Excuses.

When you look around your space, your life...do you see who you are and who you want to be...or do you you see someone you once were or someone you tried to be without success/ fulfillment?

Embrace who you are, where you are, what you look like, how you feel... It's when we allow ourselves to really stand and move beyond our past and accept our present that we can satisfactorily plan for our future.

Your life should accurately represent you, your values, your goals... You may grow out of your clothes' size and style. You may find the colors of your

home less inspiring than you once did. You may come to figure out that the fears and excuses you've told yourself and others (the very ones that have kept you from exploring the world and your greatest potential) aren't really your own. Free yourself to build a life and space that fits, illustrates, and celebrates you.

2. Negative relationships

Examples: Toxic friends. Bad influences. Exploiters. Bitter Betty. Debbie Downer. "Just one more" Jim. Exploiters. (When they use you, they don't deserve a fun name.) Real friends take joy in your success. Real friends care to help you be your best and won't judge you at your worst. Anyone who abuses your time, talent, and network needs a hard lesson in mutual respect. Free yourself up for relationships that inspire you to grow, allow you to shine, give you a chance to reciprocate kindness & compassion.

3. Unhealthy habits

Examples: Junk food. Complacency. Holding grudges. You and I know better. 'nough said.

4. Time suckers

Examples: Loquacious people. Social media stalking. Inefficient systems.

When you've only got 24 hours each day to live your fullest life, you've got to ask yourself, "Is this really how I want to spend my time?"

Sometimes, you need to interject in folks' one-way conversations. (Zzzzz...)

It's important to decipher whether you're getting updated on what's going on in the lives of family and friends or if you're lurking around social media profiles for prolonged periods of time. (Ew.) Explore faster, more effective ways doing some things. Free yourself up for more productivity.

5. Things you settle for

Examples: Situations that bring you little joy and overwhelming amounts of stress and anxiety.

Know your worth, my friends. We must be humble enough to appreciate all the people and opportunities that come into our lives...but...remember, you are responsible for your own happiness. Choose how you spend your time, talent, and energy.

The choice to challenge yourself belongs to you.

The choice to say, "No," to people and things belongs to you.

The choice to live life to its fullest (whatever that may mean to you) belongs to you.

Free yourself to say, "No," when you are overwhelmed.

Free yourself to say, "Yes," when you are ready to grow.

What does YOUR spring cleaning look like, my pampered friends?

Local Volunteers and Community Leaders

Join Statewide Clean California Effort

SAN DIEGO, CA -- On April 6, individuals and community groups from the City Heights area joined Caltrans, Clean California, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD), Keep California Beautiful, and Keep America Beautiful to clean up and beautify Azalea Park. Nearly 200 volunteers gathered to revitalize the park and cleaned up close to 300 pounds of litter, including garbage, household hazardous materials and recyclable materials. The group spruced up the Azalea Park Water Conservation Garden with California native plants and removed three dumpsters full of invasive plants, which can be harmful to the native plants and animals, and cause fire hazards, among other harmful effects.

The beautification included painting barbeque pits, restoring park benches and tables, and installing interpretive signs, including a map of the City Heights Canyon Loop Trail. On hand to kick off and rally volunteers was Sean Elo-Rivera, District 9 Council President and Linda Pennington, Founder and President of Azalea Park Neighborhood Association, along with ILACSD and Keep California Beautiful representatives. “Clean California and its local partners are grateful to the many volunteers that invested their time today to revitalize this beloved park,” said Gabriela Polo, Western Regional Director, Keep America Beautiful. “By coming together to clean and beautify Azalea Park, an important landmark for City Heights residents, we’re doing more than picking up litter. We are building resilience, fostering a sense of ownership and pride, and creating a space where community bonds can grow stronger.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative—a sweeping, $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces.

Clean California is not only helping to clean up San Diego highways, but also revitalizing neighborhoods in every corner of California. The Azalea Park beautification effort was one of many taking place across the state with opportunities for volunteers to get involved. An upcoming opportunity to help is during Clean California Community Days, a series of cleanups, activities, and celebrations across the state, taking place April 19-22.

This event was made possible by

Visit CleanCA.com to learn more about how Clean California is transforming communities and how to get involved.

Malugod na ipinagmamalaki ng Pechanga Resort Casino ang mag host ng ika-17 Taunang Pro-Am Golf Tournament ng Character Media sa Abril 9, 2024, sa premyadong kurso ng golf sa casino, ang Journey sa Pechanga. Ang eksklusibong kaganapang ito ay maghahatid ng mga prominenteng kababaihang mga golfer kagaya nina Ashley Lau, Robyn Choi, Jennifer Chang, Soo Bin Joo, at Ssu-Chia Cheng. Si Ashley Lau, nasa ika-234 sa Rolex Ranking nitong Marso 25, 2024, ay lumitaw na may matunog na unang lugar sa pagkapanalo sa 2024 Australian Vic Open. Simula ng kanyang debut noong 2023, si Lau ay bumulusok paitaas sa mundo ng golf, na nagmamarali ng dalawang top-10 sa pagtatapos at isang panahon nang nagpapakita ng ika-tatlong lugar sa Wildhorse, Ladies Golf Classic, na nagbunsod sa kanya bilang isang natatanging bagong talento sa propesyunal na larangan sa golf.

Si Robin Choi, sinigurong ang pwesto sa LPGA para sa panahonng 2024 na may panalo sa 2023 LPGA Q-Series, kailan lamang ay nagdagdag ng papuri sa kanyang mga panalo sa pagwawagi ng The Webex Players Series South Australia. Ang Australian na golfer ay wala kungdi patuloy-tuloy, nagtała ng anim na Top-10 sa katapusan ng Laro ng Turno sa Epson. Ang kanyang Rolex Ranking sa kasalukuyan ay tumatayo sa ika-284.

Si Jennifer Chang, isang AllAmerican sa kanyang panahon sa USC at kasalukuyang nasa ranggong ika-325, ay nagpupunyagi na itaat ang kanyang pagkapanalo na may napakahusay na kasalukuyang 8T sa katapusan sa Florida sa Natural Charity Classic noong isang buwan lamang. Nagpapasya pa kung ipagpapatuloy ang propesyunal na golf sa kanyang kasalukuyang taon sa edukasyon, ang mga papuri ni Chang sa pagiging kolehiyala ay patuloy na nagbabadya sa kanyang potensiyal at kagalingan sa iniikutang propesyon.

Si Soo Bin Joo ay nagpaimbulog sa kanyang LPGA journey noong 2023, sa napakaagang pagpapakita ng angking talento na may pinakamagaling sa panahon ng T6 na pagtatapos sa Shoprite LPGA Classic. Sa kanyang napakabagong taon na natimo ng isang di-malilimutang pagtatanghal at nagtapos sa T-61 sa kampeonado ng KPMG Women’s PGA, si Joo ay mobiles na naging tampok upang sundan bilang golfer, hindi matatawaran ang kanyang potensiyal na kasalukuyang may Rolex Ranking na ika-376.

Si Ssu-Chia Cheng, kung saan kumuha ng kursong golf ng siya ay walong taong gulang pa lamang, ay sineguro ang kapuri-puring patas na laban sa ika-7 sa 2024 TLPGA Players Championship noong Pebrero. Ipinagmamalaki ang Taiwan sa 2014 Asian Games sa Incheon gayun din ang silver na medalya sa pagkapanalo noong 2014 sa Youth Summer Olympics sa Nanjing, ang kasalukuyang Rolex Ranking ni Cheng ay nananatili sa ika-390.

Ang hinahangaang larangan ng mga sikat sa LPGA at nakatakdang makipag-paliksahan sa katulad nina

Abegail Arevalo, Amelia Garvey, Amy Lee, Jenny Rosenberg, Jillian Hollis,Annika Borrelli, Brianna Do, Gabriella Then, Gigi Stoll, Greta Voelker, ILHee Lee, Jenny Rosenberg, Jillian Hollis, Kaley In, Karen Chung, Louise Ridderström, Malia Nam, Min-G Kim, Mo Martin, Olivia Schmidt, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Jenny Coleman, Savannah Grewal, Selena Costabile, Sydnee Michaels, Tisha Alyn, at Vicky Hurst. Ang pangkat ng mga 30 propesyunal na mga golfer na ito ay makikipagtunggali sa mga mahihirap na kurso, na may layuning tumawag pansin sa mga tagasunod at kapatıran sa kani-kanyang angking talento at makapagkumpitensiyang kaugalian.

Ang mga Tee-sponsors ay magagalak sa kakaibang oportunidad na ihataw ang kanilang mga clubs kasama ang mga ipinagdiriwang

na mga LPGA na propesynal, pagdiskubre sa kani-kanyang mga kasama sa paglalaro sa gabi ng torneo. Ang kumpetisyon ay magsisimula sa ganap na alas-10 a.m., sa Martes, Abril 9, kasunod ang isang press conference kasama ang mga manlalaro. Ang mga magkakalaban ay magsasagawa ng isang 18-hole scramble, upang makamtan ang prestihiyosong CM Pro-Am Cup. Ang tournament ay nagpapatupad ng kasukdulang score sa pars upang panatilihin ang kaugalian sa pakikipagpaligsahan.

DepEd firm on gradual return to old school calendar

MANILA -- Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday maintained that the reversion to the old school calendar, which sets vacation months in April and May, would be undertaken gradually.

In an ambush interview on the sidelines of the 4th “Youthpreneur” program in Rizal High School in Pasig City, Duterte said the reversion cannot be rushed to ensure the welfare of teachers and learners.

"Hindi natin pwedeng i-compromise ang pahinga ng ating mga teachers at ng ating mga learners dahil hindi natin pwede i-dire-diretso. Kailangan ng pahinga (We cannot compromise the break of our teachers and learners, we can't go on a straight [calendar]. They need to rest)," she added.

Duterte's reaction came amid calls for DepEd to consider the immediate return of the April to May school break.

"Ito ay resulta ng konsultasyon natin. Ang collective decision na ito ay (This is the result of our consultations. This collective decision is) based on our consultations on reversion of our school calendar," she said.

The education chief said the central office, regional offices, division schools level, with parents and various stakeholders, among others, are part of the decisionmaking process.

"Iyon na ang nalatag doon sa mga consultations natin na sa susunod na taon. Matatapos tayo mid-May at sa susunod na taon, matatapos tayo April (That's what we have discussed in our consultations. Next year, we will end by mid-May, then April by the following year)," Duterte said.

The country's school calendar, which usually starts in June and ends in March, changed in 2020 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

In February, the DepEd released Department Order No. 3, series of 2024, adjusting the end of the school year (SY) 2023-2024 to May 31, setting the school break from June 1 to July 26.

The succeeding SY will run from July 29, 2024 to May 16, 2025.

The DepEd earlier said it would take three school years to fully transition back to the old school calendar.

Marcos open to immediately reverting to old school calendar

PBBM said Wednesday that he is open to revert to the old school calendar amid the hot weather.

In an ambush interview, Marcos attributed the hot weather to climate change, which clearly has an implication to the school calendar.

''Oo, eh ang problema diyan, ang naging problema diyan ay 'yung climate change, 'yung bagong weather, yung season. Kagaya ngayon, hindi naman natin inaasahan na ganito. Usually by now napaka-init na, pero maaga pa ay mainit na talaga. Kaya tayo naka, kailangan naming mag adjust,'' Marcos said.

(The problem is climate change, the new weather, the season. Right now, we didn't expect it to be this way. Usually it's hot now, but this early, it's really hot. That's what we need to adjust.)

''So constant 'yan, hindi naman 'yan para siyempre, hangga’t maaari gusto natin maibalik sa dati dahil

I think may consensus na talaga at mas maganda 'yung dating schedule. Kaya’t hindi naman sinasabi na hindi natin gagawin before next year or the year after that,'' he added. Marcos said the government would exert all efforts to hasten the implementation of the old schedule of the students.

''Susubukan namin gawin dahil sa aming palagay baka mahirapan pa tayo. Ngunit hanggang may paraan gagawin natin ng maaga para mapaaga at mapabilis ang pagbalik sa normal ang schedule ng mga bata,'' Marcos said. The Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has clarified that the consultations of the Department of Education with its personnel and stakeholders regarding the return of the June to March school calendar is already done, amid the calls to shorten its transition period.

“‘Yun na ang nalatag sa mga consultations natin na sa susunod na taon, matatapos tayo ng mid-May at sa susunod na taon ay matatapos tayo ng April and then balik na tayo sa March,” she said.

For the 2023-2024 school year, DepEd set the end of the academic year earlier than scheduled—or on May 31, 2024—to gradually shift back to the old school calendar with April-May as the summer vacation.

The SY 2024-2025 in public schools is set to start on July 29, 2024 and end on May 16, 2025.

No further surges seen in rice retail price amid good harvest:

DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday no further surges in rice retail prices are expected despite its inflation uptick, hitting 24.4 percent last March.

This is higher than February's 23.7 percent rice inflation and is considered the highest in 15 years since 2009, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the DA is monitoring stable market prices, with the lowest set at PHP47 per kilogram amid the peak harvest season.

"Iyong tinitingnan natin iyong stability ng price niya, hindi masyadong mataas iyong prevailing natin PHP49 to PHP50 sa ngayon ay nananatili naman (What we are looking at is the stability of prices, it's not that high. The current prevailing price, pegged at PHP49/ kg to PHP50/kg, remains) and we are not expecting a surge or surges ng presyo ng bigas (in rice prices) anytime soon," he said.

Moreover, de Mesa attributed the quicker inflation to the low base effect for the same period last year.

"Noong nakaraang taon, talagang simula July/August tumaas bigla iyong presyo ng bigas kaya iniexpect talaga natin iyong inflation because of rice ay mararamdaman natin hanggang July (Last year, since July/August, the prices of rice went up, that's why we're expecting this rice inflation until July)," de Mesa said.

He, however, said there is a good

productivity level despite the effects of El Niño, unlike the worst effect of the same phenomenon from 1997 to 1998 which affected around 370,000 hectares of rice farmland.

"Nasa 10,000 to 30,000 hectares lang talaga iyong naapektuhan (ngayon). So makikita natin iyong paghahanda ng kagawaran, kasama ang NIA (National Irrigation Administration), kasama ang ating irrigators association, ay nakatulong para hindi masyadong malala iyong epekto ng El Niño sa ating bansa (Only 10,000 to 30,000 hectares of rice land is affected now. So we can see that the preparation of the department, along with the NIA and irrigators association, really helped to cushion the impact of El Niño in our country)," he added.

On Thursday, the DA projected a 1.1 percent increase in its production for the first quarter of the year, or equivalent to 4.78 million metric tons for the dry season harvest.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the Philippines may not need to import 4.1 million metric tons of rice, contrary to the earlier projection of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

De Mesa said that the country has so far imported 900,000 metric tons of rice.

In 2023, the country imported around 3.6 million metric tons of rice and produced 20.06 million metric tons of palay.

Besides rice, de Mesa said the meat inflation monitored in March was due to the low base effect last year.

However, he assured stable meat supply despite the effects of African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza virus.

"Hindi ganun kalaki iyong nagiging epekto at maganda pa rin iyong lebel ng produksyon natin sa mga karne (There's no significant effect and the level of meat production remains good)," he added.

To date, pork kasim ranges from PHP320/kg to PHP330/kg, while dressed chicken price ranges from PHP170 to PHP200.

Tolentino: Not enough basis to probe alleged Duterte-China pact Senator Francis Tolentino on Monday said there is not enough basis for the Senate to investigate former president Rodrigo Duterte's alleged "gentleman's agreement" with China, considering that the agreement, even if true, is purely “verbal.”

"I don't think there is, with all due respect, a sound basis for that (probe) considering that the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties is very specific – an agreement has to be in writing," Tolentino said.

"Paano mo mara-ratify yung verbal (How would you ratify something that is only verbal)? Unless, you have a transcript submitted by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Senate na ira-ratify. So, wala (that has to be ratified. So, nothing)," he added.

Hontiveros recently filed Senate Resolution No. 982 seeking an investigation into former spokesperson Harry Roque's claim that Duterte engaged

No further surges seen in rice retail price amid good harvest: DA

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday no further surges in rice retail prices are expected despite its inflation uptick, hitting 24.4 percent last March.

This is higher than February's 23.7 percent rice inflation and is considered the highest in 15 years since 2009, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the DA is monitoring stable market prices, with the lowest set at PHP47 per kilogram amid the peak harvest season.

"Iyong tinitingnan natin iyong stability ng price niya, hindi masyadong mataas iyong prevailing natin PHP49 to PHP50 sa ngayon ay nananatili naman (What we are looking at is the stability of prices, it's not that high. The current prevailing price, pegged at PHP49/ kg to PHP50/kg, remains) and we are not expecting a surge or surges ng presyo ng bigas (in rice prices) anytime soon," he said.

Moreover, de Mesa attributed the quicker inflation to the low base effect for the same period last year.

"Noong nakaraang taon, talagang simula July/August tumaas bigla iyong presyo ng bigas kaya iniexpect talaga natin iyong inflation because of rice ay mararamdaman natin hanggang July (Last year, since July/August, the prices of rice went up, that's why we're expecting this rice inflation until July)," de Mesa said.

He, however, said there is a good productivity level despite the effects of El Niño, unlike the worst effect of the same phenomenon from 1997 to 1998 which affected around 370,000 hectares of rice farmland.

"Nasa 10,000 to 30,000 hectares lang talaga iyong naapektuhan (ngayon). So makikita natin iyong paghahanda ng kagawaran, kasama ang NIA (National Irrigation Administration), kasama ang ating irrigators association, ay nakatulong para hindi masyadong malala iyong epekto ng El Niño sa ating bansa (Only 10,000 to 30,000 hectares of rice land is affected now. So we can see that the preparation of the department, along with the NIA and irrigators association, really helped to cushion the impact of El Niño in our country)," he added.

On Thursday, the DA projected a 1.1 percent increase in its production for the first quarter of the year, or equivalent to 4.78 million metric tons for the dry season harvest.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the Philippines may not need to import 4.1 million metric tons of rice, contrary to the earlier projection of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

De Mesa said that the country has so far imported 900,000 metric tons of rice.

In 2023, the country imported around 3.6 million metric tons of rice and produced 20.06 million metric tons of palay.

Besides rice, de Mesa said the meat inflation monitored in March

was due to the low base effect last year.

However, he assured stable meat supply despite the effects of African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza virus.

"Hindi ganun kalaki iyong nagiging epekto at maganda pa rin iyong lebel ng produksyon natin sa mga karne (There's no significant effect and the level of meat production remains good)," he added.

To date, pork kasim ranges from PHP320/kg to PHP330/kg, while dressed chicken price ranges from PHP170 to PHP200.

DA open for talks, appeals as frozen fish import suspension looms

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday it is open to discussions on the impending suspension of the importation of some frozen fish varieties.

This came after some sectors raised concern over the issuance of Department Administrative Order (DAO) 14, series of 2024, suspending the release of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for round scad (galunggong), bonito (tulingan), and mackerel (alumahan).

"Open si Secretary Tiu Laurel sa consultation at sa appeal... Pero kailangan lang natin tingnan bakit nagkaroon ng paglabas ng ganitong desisyon (Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is open to consultation and appeals... But we need to see the reason why this decision was issued)," Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

The DA earlier released the order after receiving reports that imported round scads, mackerel, and bonito were being diverted to wet markets when these were intended for the production of canned goods.

"Bawal naman talaga na magkaroon ng (It's prohibited to have a) diversion," De Mesa said.

In a separate statement, Laurel reiterated that importers, particularly in the canning industry, should not fear facing shortages.

“Technically, importers should be able to import 10 percent more than what they are using now. So, I don’t see any reason why they fear a possible shortage in the supply of mackerel for canning," he said.

Under DAO 14, which takes effect on April 16, the importation of mackerel for canning purposes is allowed, but only at a volume subject to VATable (value-added tax) sales of the canned products from the previous year with an additional 10 percent for buffer.

Laurel said the action would benefit local fishers as the DA cracks down on erring importers, considering that about 100,000 tons of illegally imported fish supply reaches the wet market each year.

Open fishing season De Mesa, meanwhile, said fish prices in the market would remain stable after the opening of the fishing season.

"Inaasahan natin na iyong ating supply ay maganda dahil nagkaroon

tayo ng closed fishing season noong mga nakalipas na buwan. Dahil dito, marami tayong supply (We are expecting a good supply because

we had a closed fishing season in the previous months. Because of this, we have a bountiful supply)," he said.

The closed fishing season is implemented to repopulate and improve the growth of fish in the country's major spawning areas.

To date, the average market price per kilogram of several fish remains stable, with galunggong pegged at PHP200 to PHP240, tilapia at PHP120 to PHP150, bangus PHP140 to PHP180 depending on the size, and mackerel at PHP300, De Mesa said.

Unemployment rate to remain at 3-4% level in 2024

MANILA -- The country's unemployment rate will likely continue to remain at the 4-percent level in the coming months, an economist said on Friday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said so far, economic indicators as well as better corporate sales and earnings "still support decent employment data."

The Philippine Statistics Authority is scheduled to release the February 2024 labor force data next week.

As of January this year, the country's unemployment rate was at 4.5 percent.

Ricafort said Holy Week holiday-related spending also likely contributed to more employment.

"Holy Week holiday-related spending, considered the next biggest after the Christmas season, entailing more employment, would also be a factor toward March for employment and other economic data, " he said.

He said in the coming months, the unemployment rate is projected to remain at "3%-4% levels, still decent and among the lowest in about 18 years or since revised records started in 2005."

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) earlier vowed that the government will create a favorable business environment to attract both local and foreign investments in the country, aiming to generate more high-quality employment opportunities.

"The government sustains its push to attract more job-generating investments by creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment. At the same time, linkages between industry, the academe, and the public sector will be strengthened to address skill mismatches in the labor market,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

Balisacan is banking on the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Act to create more employment.

“Our next task is to develop the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, which will serve as the country’s master plan for generating employment and creating high-quality jobs," he said.

The TPB Act mandates the creation of a master plan for national employment generation focused on increasing both the number and quality of employment opportunities in the country, as well as enhancing the employability of Filipinos. (MNS)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Welcome

rice lovers!

I believe that you are reading this article because you’re like me – a rice lover.

Aren’t you?

Natural, nutritious and versatile, rice is the whole grain that will work with you from every meal you plan. From simple and delicious side dishes to sushi, sweet puddings and savory starters, the possibilities are endless.

Thanks to rice being so high in essential vitamins, rich in fiber, and naturally cholesterol-free, it is the perfect way to complete your wellbalanced diet. There is no doubt about it that light and fluffy white rice makes a great base for rich sauces and seasonings and brown rice are nutrients packaged sources of protein.

I say experience the wide selection of premium rice varieties and discover how one simple grain can open the door to a world of exciting culinary creation!

One cool night, I looked at my dinner plate and felt amazed by how far our food prepared by my lovely wife Zeny has come until it’s actually being served at the dinner table…rice from Thailand, fish from our beloved old homeland – the Philippines – and vegetables from the rich farmlands of California.

Yes…the most distinct food in one of the most diverse cities in the States – right here in our adopted hometown – “America’s Finest City” of San Diego.

But they say rice is in peril!

Well, to be exact, “we” – the rice eaters are in trouble. Experts say the yield of rice production in the world is declining because of the change of climate. By saying endangered, I don’t mean “Wow, we’re going to starve and die in the next 5 years” but the alteration will continue to occur if consumers remain unaware of how the rice on their dinner table came to be. As a food staple for more than half of the globe’s population, this is a world-wide issue.

Rice production system is one of the earth’s most climate change sensitive agroecosystems. The change in the climate has led to a shift in the timing of the rice planting season. Droughts have become more frequent, and rainfall has become more erratic. Growing infestations of pests and diseases have become difficult to handle resulting in some pesticides and chemical fertilizers being used, creating greater detriment to the environment and forming an unescapable loop.

To understand the issue – I have tried to research on the subject and as I see through the lessons of my

own personal experiences, too –and realize that asking the right questions is what will dictate how this story is going to turn out.

In my findings, I’ve looked to people across the rice industry: restaurant owners, government experts, rice mill factory owners and to the rice farmers, themselves. Even though all of them are working on the same subject – rice – they all have different guiding questions at work, hence the answers they deliver are contrary.

Government: How do we help farmers make a better living?

Rice mill owner: How do I make more money and magnify profit?

Farmer: What are the ways I can maximize crop yields?

Generally, we often live our lives according to someone’s answers.

Rice, for example, is a product delivered by layers and layers of questions and solutions from rice growers to restaurant owners. Every rice you eat, depending on where it comes from, how it is transported, and how it is cooked, holds a different story.

The simple question of “What rice to eat today?” and “What kind of rice will benefit my body and the world?” can make a difference in our choice of consumption, which is the reason why all these rice chain productions exist.

Einstein once said: “if I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper questions to ask, for once I know the proper questions, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”

Questions are what keeps one’s curiosity on track. It is what leads to the solution.

Moving on: A tweet that accused rice of being a saboteur to the ascent of Filipino cuisine on the world stage also caught my attention making me join the unified netizen in defending the staple grain, underscoring how in a diverse nation of almost 110 million people – rice is life!

Indeed, it’s a staple for breakfast, lunch, to dinner and sometimes even for snacks. No proud Filipino will eat the country’s unofficial national dishes adobo and “sinigang” without piping hot rice. So, it was no surprise that netizens saw slander in describing rice as “too ethnic.”

Why is rice life for our “kababayans”? The answer is cultural and socio-economic but to simplify, it’s Philippine society on a plate.

Any genuine Filipino knows the lack of rice means hunger. Any proud “kababayans” (or Filipino Americans, for that matter!) make

For those with extra cash to spare, rice can be served as “merienda”, too such as native delicacies “biko” and “suman”. You can also turn it into “champorado” or coco porridge.

“Rice is integral to the Filipino concept of a meal. It is the basis of commensality, defining small local entities, particularly the household and its associated relations,” the PIDS study declared.

In the old homeland of ours, rice is a status symbol as the variety of rice one serves or eats recognizes of one’s economic standing.

ingrained in Philippine traditions. Newly-weds get showered with grains of rice as a sign of blessing and as custom dictates, the presence of rice is needed too before moving into a new house to ward off evil spirits.

China and nearby regions. It may be consumed for breakfast and be savory or sweet with toppings including mushrooms, pork, green onions and vegetables.

loans may cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other sources. If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan. However, completing the application may make you eligible for other FEMA assistance, such as

sure that rice is the priority and the first thing he or she needs for his or her home.

In a nation where nearly half of its population views themselves as poor, rice is the default choice for meal because it’s a tummy filler –a high-carb food! When money is limited, keeping stomachs full for a longer period of time is a must.

“Rice remains crucial for commensality in Philippine households. Among the poorest, rice will suffice to constitute a meal,” according to the study “Rice in the Filipino Diet and Culture” by Filomeno Aguilar, Jr. and published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

“Rice therefore stands for the ‘we’ even in the poorest of families,” it added.

For households facing a scarcity in vegetables, meat or fish – rice can be cooked as porridge or “lugaw” with salt. It can be steamed and served plain with soy sauce for taste.

Filipino families strapped for cash for instance often buy the cheaper NFA rice which has been criticized time and time again for its poor quality. Then there’s “Dinoorado” and “Milagrosa” rice which are a step higher than the NFA rice.

For the middle-class families, high aromatic rice varieties such as “Sinandomeng” is the choice. The rich go a step higher opting for imported Japanese rice or Jasmin rice.

As explained in the PIDS study, the rich prefers rice that is soft and aromatic while poor families choose rice that expands well and takes longer to digest so that those who eat it feel fuller much longer.

The presence of “unlimitedrice” in local fast-food chains such as “Mang Inasal” and free extra rice promotions in some diners also prove how rice defines the Filipino meal.

More than its role on the dinner table of our “kababayans”, rice is also

HEROES

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Congressional Gold Medal. It was signed into law by President Barack Obama in December that year.

disaster related car repairs, essential household items, and other expenses.

property.

Applicants may apply online at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba. gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758.

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status.

Disaster Recovery Centers are protected areas designated to provide emergency response and relief for disaster survivors. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S.

Mr. Cabacar and his family attended Tuesday’s ceremony, along with officers and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5471, of which he was a former commander. Also in attendance were a dozen midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD., Philippine Embassy officials and military attaches and Filipino American community leaders.

Congressional Gold Medal

Following the “Day of Valor” event was a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony held at the Philippine Embassy. Honored were World War II veterans who had passed away: Sergeant Alfonso O. Torre, Captain Dominador Gregorio, Second Lieutenant Tiburcio Manguiran and Victor Villadolid. Accepting the medals on their behalf are grandsons and granddaughters, including a widow, Fe Rael Villadolid.

“This award ceremony is a once in a lifetime event for many here

Customs and Border Protection do not conduct enforcement operations at or near these locations, except in limited circumstances such as an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm.

Additionally, FEMA will not proactively share the personal information of flood survivors with immigration or law enforcement agencies.

Many provinces across the Philippine archipelago also celebrate rice festivals such as the “Pahiyas” in Quezon and the “Sinanggiyaw” in Cebu – a testament to the deep relationship between Filipinos and the grain.

“Rice retains symbolic significance for many Filipinos, at least with small groups,” the PIDS study concluded.

So, the next time one thinks of why Filipinos are a rice-loving people, remember that the grain has deep roots in the islands and as the PIDS study commented, “the purchase, consumption and enjoyment of rice are inseparable from the large socio-economic disparities of Philippine society.”

Back to our adopted country of U.S. of A. and though it is still a few months away on the horizon, National Rice Month began in 1991 when President George H.W. Bush signed an official proclamation designating September as the month. The president of the United States Rice Federation created this monthlong celebration to encourage the consumption of this tiny, mighty grain in our daily dining. Today, we celebrate the grain responsible for feeding and nurturing more than half of the world’s population. Regardless of your geographical location or income level, rice is a dish to enjoy with an endless number of culinary variations. A staple in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean Central, North and South America and the Middle East, rice is prepared in numerous styles. Whether it’s boiled, creamed, stir-fried, steamed or mixed, savory, spicy, stewed or sweet.

Rice also has important social, religious and cultural significance worldwide. If you find yourself dining without knowledge of this grain, consider other facts about some of our global rice consumers: Asia produces and consumes nearly 90% of the globe’s rice. In Asia, most diets are based on rice and vegetables, so it’s no coincidence that Asian dishes are some of the healthiest.

The “congie” is a rice porridge with tremendous popularity in

today, especially the families of our veterans,” Taguba said. “This is the 109th award ceremony we have conducted.”

Brown Faces in White Sands

Last month, FilVetREP leaders and supporters joined more than 5,000 participants in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March (BMDM) in White Sands, New Mexico. The march along rugged terrain of ankledeep sand, gravel and rolling hills is known as the most grueling in the U.S. FilVetREP’s presence in the last eight years has raised greater awareness about the plight of Filipino soldiers who were deprived of their rightful benefits by the 1946 Rescission Acts. Although the memorial march has been going on for 35 years, it’s only been known recently that Bataan is in the Philippines.

Today, the Philippine flag is prominently displayed and the Philippine National Anthem is sung at BMDM’s ceremonies. Many marchers proudly display Philippine insignias on their back packs. On their shirts are printed names and pictures of loved ones who marched in Bataan.

Active history lessons

As annual events, the Bataan

FYI: In the same vein – whether you call it “arroz caldo” or “lugaw” – these are my favorite Filipino comfort food – and I can enjoy them anytime of the day – or all rainy night long, on my part…Ha-ha-haha!

What is the difference between “arroz caldo” and “lugaw”? Well, “Arroz caldo” doesn’t need toppings since the chicken pieces already make it quite hearty but it can be added, too. “Lugaw” on the other hand is more appetizing when it does have toppings since it is, in essence, softened rice in chicken broth. This is why “lugaw” has more in common with “congie” than with “arroz caldo”.

In Africa, or more specifically in West Africa, rice was previously viewed as a luxury food. In the past two decades, the grain became available to the populace. A holiday celebrates “jollof,” a dish made of rice, tomatoes and onions. This dish is prepared for social gatherings and special occasions including coronations, funerals, naming ceremonies and weddings.

Latin America and the Caribbean are also strong consumers and producers of rice, which was brought from Europe to the New World. The growth of production since the mid-1900s has provided many opportunities to strengthen local rural economies.

In many countries such as Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and Columbia, the consumption of rice as a dessert is very common. Arroz con leche, or “rice with milk,” is a delicious treat made from rice, vanilla and cinnamon. Some countries add raisins and coconuts.

I reckon gaining knowledge about the various ways that essential grains are utilized is obviously a great way to become more culturally sensible.

What say you, dear folks?

Certainly, I hope the rice will remind you of this the next time it appears on your dining table.

So, what rice dishes are you cooking this month?

I say every solution comes within us and it lies within the questions we ask.

Reach for rice today! Mabuhay!!

Memorial Death March and the April 9 Day of Valor are active history lessons. “They remind us of a proud legacy of service and sacrifice,” said Taguba. “They inspire us to continue telling their stories and keep them alive for posterity. For their staunch defense of freedom and democracy, we must make sure they did not die in vain.”

To preserve their legacy, FilVetREP embarked on developing an education program in 2017, titled “Duty to Country.” It is currently used in seven states – California, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington State. The curriculum is being taught by 22 teachers in elementary, middle schools, high schools and colleges. As a result, more than 2,400 students are learning the history of US-Philippine relationship dating back to 1898.

An award winning education program, www.dutytocountry.org was approved and fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is dedicated to those who gave their lives and sacrifice, to include their families, past and present, on the incalculable price to serve under one flag – the United States of America.

Spiritual Life

The Power of Corporate Prayer

The latest issue of "In Touch", Daily Readings For Devoted Living, shares an article which strengthens my belief on the power of corporate prayer. It affirms that my openness in sharing my concerns and frustrations and calling on others to pray for me greatly eases my pain and anxiety and that God answers my prayers.

Let us read our Bible and turn to 2 Chronicles 20:14-30. When Jehoshaphat sensed that trouble loomed, the first thing he did was to turn his attention to God and proclaim a fast throughout the nation of Judah. People came from all around to support their king in prayer. I have some friends who have problems but are too proud to ask others to join them in praying. Jehoshaphat was a king yet, yet he wasn't so self-sufficient that he wouldn't admit his army paled in comparison to the three forces united against him. He recognized his limitations and sought divine intervention. Though Jehoshaphat reigned over his subjects, he nevertheless called on them for prayerful support.

My devotional reading today says, "One of the wisest things we can do in the midst of difficulty is to engage the assistance of someone who knows how to talk to God. the body of Christ depends upon cooperation. when the people of Judah began to pray, God provided a solution through a trusted prophet. Jehoshaphat was humble enough

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

"...and the child reached out his hand, and Amy pulled him out, just as the roof collapsed."

This quote could be from any number of stories.

Something inside the human heart is captivated by the lastminute rescue. Perhaps it is the suspense. Perhaps it is provocative to think that, in some circumstances, only minutes separate life from death.

God loves last-minute rescues. He loves coming in and saving His children when all hope is lost. Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph, a slew of smaller narratives in Judges and Kings, and of course in Jesus Christ when we saw Him take His final earthly breath on the Cross - only to rise again three days later.

to listen and wise enough to follow His directives. As a result the people were saved. The advancing armies turned against each other and destroyed themselves completely. without shooting a single arrow or drawing a sword. Judah's forces triumph without suffering a single casualty. Because their humble king listened, they were able to witness the Lord's remarkable victory. " "We have to attune our ears to God's voice in order to hear Him. Sometimes he speaks through people we would not choose to follow, and He often says things that we are not expecting to hear. But He will provide us with solutions to our problems if we are willing to listen to him." The recent presidential election that was held in the Philippines turned out to be generally peaceful and orderly in so many places. People have elected a President who may be like King David, who have committed grievous sins, but

who was after God's own heart. He was supported by a group of people who fasted and prayed that he will win and beyond the expectations of many, he won. Was the winning of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, mayor of Davao City an act of divine intervention?

I hope and pray that the presidential election here in the United States will yield results that will be good for our country, the United States of America. We need to pray as a people and believe what the Bible says, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."( Psalm 19:14 KJV)

The Third Sunday of Easter features Luke’s version of the Resurrection (Luke 24:35-48). Despite the witness of the two disciples from Emmaus and the appearance of Jesus Himself, the disciples were still having difficulty coping with so great a mystery. To their aid, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Everything there referred to him and was fulfilled in him exactly according to God’s plan. It is remarkable that Luke in his Gospel gives emphasis to the importance of understanding Scripture in the disciples’ mission to be “witnesses of these things.”

The Gospel reading (Lk. 24: 36-48) is the continuation of the Emmaus story. Luke’s description of the “startled and terrified” disciples helps us to picture how stunning and disturbing the Resurrection must have been for them. Nothing like this had ever happened before. They were completely at a loss on how to cope with what was happening, and so Jesus began to reassure them: “Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.” He directed their attention to his wounds, the most easily recognizable marks of his identity. “They were incredulous for joy.” This seemed too good to be true! Reading their hearts and seeing the questions that arose within them, Jesus asked for food and ate it “in front of them” in a completely

Isang bagay ang tiyak at dapat nating harapin at tanggapin Tao ay marupok, makasalanan at may pagkukulang

Lahat tayo ay parang mga pasahero sa isang barko Lahat ay may sakit, lahat ay nahihilo.

Di ba’t hangad natin na makarating sa kaharian ng Diyos

Subalit hindi ito manyayari kung ang relasyon natin sa Kanya ay hindi maayos, Ang kasalanan ay hadlang sa ating hangarin

Kayat kung paano tayo nagkakasala, kailangan nating suriin.

human way. He did this to prove that he was real.

Aware of his disciples’ bewilderment, Jesus reminded them of what he had told them before: everything written about him in the Old Testament must be fulfilled and that he would have to suffer and die, then rise on the third day. These however, had only been words to them and there was no way for them to comprehend. So, he “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”

Even though the disciples knew the Scriptures like any other Jew, they did not fathom their meaning until Jesus had risen. By appearing to them, he showed them that all “these things” happened exactly according to God’s plan, as foretold.

The Resurrection is not the end, but, rather, the beginning of a new chapter. Jesus told his disciples to be “witnesses of these things.” We see Peter and John in separate episodes

Siya ay aangat kapantay ng mga anghel

Kapag siya naman ay sumuway at nagkasala Sa pangkat ng mga hayop naman siya nahihila.

Nagkakasala tayo laban sa ating kapwa tao dahil sa kasakiman Pinasasamantalaan ang kapwa sa halip na tulungan

Nakakalimutan na ang pagmamahal ay ang ubod ng karangalan

Ang hangad ay ang kaligayahan ng kapwa at hindi ang sariling kapakanan.

as they began their work. In the First Reading (Acts 3:13-15, 17-19), Peter went all the way back to Abraham to explain how God fulfilled His plan to glorify “His Servant, Jesus,” as foretold by Isaiah hundreds of years earlier. In the Second Reading (1 Jn. 2:1-5), John used the Old Testament images of the priests’ blood sacrifices in atonement for Israel’s sins to describe Jesus as the “expiation for our sins and for those of the whole world.” We notice how they cited the Scriptures as Jesus had taught them.

It is important to note here just how shocking and difficult it must have been for these first disciples to grasp the fact that God had raised Jesus from the dead. Though they saw him resurrected, they could not explain how it happened. However, it is not so much the “knowing” but, rather, believing with unwavering faith in the mighty act of God in Jesus. Acceptance of this great mystery comes about only through faith. There is so much to know about the mystery of the Resurrection, yet we must first be grateful that as baptized into the Mystical Body of Christ, we too will rise with Him according to our faith. Rising, however, entails a complete conversion that each one of us must begin to work on in our daily lives, in our relationship, in our world views and in our desire to be in communion with God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

ang ating susundan

Kasalanan ay maiiwasan, mapapsaatin ang Kanyang

Kapayapaan at Kaligayahan.

Sapagkat lahat tayo ay mahina lamang at nagkakasala

Sa Diyos na maawain tayo ay dapat umasa

Ang Kanyang hinihingi lamang ay taimtim na pagsisisi

Ibabalik ang malinis na budhi, Panginoon ay maging kaibigan muli.

Sa ating paglalakbay sa buhay nating pansamantala

Sikapin nating magpakabanal, kumapit sa ating pananampalataya

We can be confident knowing that our hero will show up! Possibly even when all hope is gone. Because we know the Savior, we know that our rescue will be beautiful.

The trouble is that it is hard to appreciate the last-minute rescue before it happens. It is hard for the damsel tied to the train tracks to be thinking, "This is going to be amazing," when the train is approaching and her hero is nowhere in sight. Is this how you're feeling right now?

Jesus trusted that His Father's plan would bring about a miracle, and that His suffering would be all worth it. Through His example, we can rest assured that the rescue God has planned for us - despite how scary it can feel right nowwill be all worth it. And now may the Lord bless you, and may the Lord keep you, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you walk in the blessed assurance that your steps are being ordered of the Lord and that His angels are going before you to make certain that your life reaches its spiritual destiny. May the prayers that you pray, be reward to you according to your faith, for God is a faithful God, and He will open the windows of heaven and bless you with blessings you cannot contain, in Jesus' name. Amen. <(((><

Ang pagkakasala ay isang gawaing labag sa sarili nating pagkatao Tayo ay mga anak ng Diyos, pinagkalooban ng sariling pagiisip at ispiritu Kapag ang pagiisip ay hindi ginamit at sinundan ang udyok ng damdamin at laman Tiyak na tayo ay mapapasabak sa landas ng kasalanan.

Ang tao bilang nilalang ay nasa kalagitnaan ng mga anghel at mga hayop Kapag kanyang sinundan ang kalooban ng Diyos

EDD

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Officer.

• Increased its website’s translated content, including vital information about all EDD programs, forms and publications, and contact information, as well as providing access to interpreters in over 200 languages at no cost.

• Provided customers with helpful how-to videos for UI Online in different languages. Expanding language access to California’s diverse communities is part of EDDNext.

The multi-year modernization effort is dedicated to completely transforming the EDD’s customer and employee experiences based on

Ang pagkakaroon ng idolo at diyus-diyusan ay pagkakasala labag sa Panginoon

Kung minsan ang sinasamba ay ang pera at kayamanan Ang laging laman ng isip ay kung papaano magpayaman Sa paniwalang ang tagumpay sa buhay, kayamanan ang batayan.

Ang nais ng Panginoon ay Siya lamang ang sambahin Siya ang nagsabi na “Hanapin muna ang Kaharian ng Panginoon at ang lahat ng mga ito ay mapapasainyo.”

Kung ang Kanyang kalooban

customer research and feedback. For more information, please visit Language Resources. The EDD will share new updates regarding language access improvements in future news releases and its bimonthly newsletter, which offers the latest information on major changes impacting EDD customers.

About EDDNext

EDDNext is an ongoing transformation effort that includes updating online applications, contact centers, the claims process, policies, procedures, and forms, to make the EDD experience easier and faster. It involves working with customer service experts, such as Amazon Web Services and Salesforce, to ensure EDDNext is forwardthinking and embraces the best technology and practices. Recently,

Ipagdasal natin na tayo ay bigyan ng karagdagang lakas upang labanan ang tukso, Ang buhay natin ay paghahanda, upang sa Kanyang awa balang araw makakapiling natin Siya.

the EDD started simplifying the unemployment application process by removing some questions and working on a rewrite of the application to make it easier to understand and navigate. The Department also switched benefit debit card services to Money Network which supports providing a new direct deposit option later this year. EDD has also continued to streamline benefit determinations, added customer satisfaction surveys after calls, added text message updates to State Disability Insurance claims, created a new How to Apply for Unemployment guide, launched a new shared customer portal called myEDD, launched dedicated phone lines with EDD staff fluent in California’s eight most commonly spoken languages, and created new multilingual resources pages.

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has issued the following beach management actions for Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

New Beach Management Actions:

Open – North Beach Coronado and Coronado Lifeguard Tower

The water contact closure is lifted for North Beach Coronado and Coronado Lifeguard Tower. Recent water quality samples meet state health standards.

Open – Fanuel Park and San Elijo Lagoon Outlet

The advisory is lifted for Fanuel Park and San Elijo Lagoon Outlet. Recent water quality samples meet state health standards.

Advisory – San Dieguito River Outlet

The advisory is issued for San Dieguito River Outlet. Recent water quality samples have exceeded state health standards and may cause illness.

On-going Beach Management Actions: Advisory – Tidelands Park, North Cove Vacation Isle, Tecolote Shores, Ski Beach, South Crown Point, Comfort Station, Campland, De Anza Cove, La Jolla Cove, Buccaneer Beach, Fiesta Island NW Shore, Crown Cove, San Dieguito River Outlet, and La Jolla Children’s Pool

The above beaches remain under

advisory. Beach goers are advised that bacteria levels have exceeded state health standards and may cause illness. Closure – Tijuana Slough, Imperial Beach Shoreline, Silver Strand Shoreline, and Avenida Lunar in Coronado

The ocean shoreline from the International Border to Avenida Lunar will remain closed until sampling confirms these areas are safe for water con-

tact. The public is advised to avoid water contact as the water is impacted by sewage and may cause illness.

For updates on beach advisory and closure information please visit our website at www.sdbeachinfo.com or call the 24-hr. hotline at (619) 3382073.

FOLLOW THE COUNTY ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE

DEPED

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in a “gentleman’s agreement” with the Chinese government, which restricted the repair and rehabilitation of the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.

“This ‘gentleman's agreement’ is treasonous. While China, in any case, will most likely attack our resupply missions en route to Ayungin, this sham of an agreement only gave Beijing more ammunition to assert her baseless claims," Hontiveros said.

The resolution noted that the National Security Council, through its Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, said it was not aware of such an agreement. Malaya said Roque should explain the circumstances of the deal and how it was brokered, considering its implications to national security.

Rapid school calendar shift to affect learners, teachers -- DepEd

The immediate shift to the old school calendar will affect the welfare of learners and teachers, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

"To reduce the timeline any

further would have significant impacts not only on learning outcomes but also on the wellbeing of learners and teachers due to the lack of sufficient breaks," the DepEd said in a statement released late Wednesday.

The DepEd noted that the twoyear gradual reversion is already a reduced timeline compared to the originally proposed five-year reversion.

The department’s remark came after calls to immediately bring the old school calendar back instead of its gradual reversion over two years.

It said it would discuss the matter with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after he expressed his willingness to find ways to expedite the reversion of the school calendar amid in-person class suspensions due to scorching heat.

"Rest assured that DepEd is committed to improving the quality of basic education and will seek clarification from the President in relation to his recent pronouncements regarding the reversion upon his return from the Trilateral Summit," it said.

In February, the DepEd released Department Order 3, series of 2024, adjusting the end of School Year (SY) 2023-2024 to May 31, setting

Hello Dear Readers,

the school break from June 1 to July 26, and the succeeding SY from July 29, 2024 to May 16, 2025.

Earlier, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte explained that the "gradual" reversion to the original AprilMay school break is a result of consultations with the central office, regional, and division schools office, as well as with parents and other stakeholders.

In terms of in-person class suspensions, the DepEd reiterated its policy on shifting to alternative delivery modes (ADM), to ensure unhampered learning.

"Giving school heads, who are in the best position to accurately assess the learning environment on the ground, the discretion to switch to ADMs provides a more immediate and effective response to heat conditions rather than kneejerk changes that would further compromise learning recovery," it said.

Besides school heads, local government units may also implement in-person school suspensions in times of calamities or man-made disasters.

To date, 5,844 out of 47,678 public schools nationwide have implemented ADMs. (MNS)

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Kylie Verzosa is a KimPau fan

MANILA -- Still riding high from the free TV success of "Linlang" and the much-talked about "What’s wrong with Secretary Kim?", Paulo Avelino is on a roll with another project set for release -- the movie "Elevator," together with beauty queen-turnedactress Kylie Verzosa.

More than being a rom-com, "Elevator" is an inspiring story about OFW Jared (Avelino), who is driven to be more than just an elevator operator in Singapore. Everytime he gets a chance, he pitches ideas and concepts to some of his affluent passengers while enroute to their desired floor. The routine takes a slightly different turn when he meets Bettina( Verzosa) who is the executive assistant of Byron (Singaporean actor Adrian Pang).

Jared and Bettina grew closer but he later finds out that Bettina is Byron’s lover. Jared now faces a crossroad in his life -- love or ambition?

Speaking to the press after the media conference, Avelino said he really took notes from kababayans on how they act, speak and react while at work overseas.

"Before this project, I was doing

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'Linlang.' (This one is) very light, if you watch parang OFW talaga, tinry ko as much as possible as organic,” he said.

Jessy Mendiola ready for a second baby

MANILA -- Actress Jessy Mendiola admitted on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” that she really wants to have many kids.

Moreover, Verzosa said he is a big fan of the Avelino's tandem with Kim Chiu or popularly known as "KimPau."

“I’m so proud of them. Fan ako ng KimPau. Promise ha. Kinikilig ako, at hindi ako madaling makilig,” she said.

Avelino rebutted, saying, “Hindi mo pa naman pinapanood 'yung 'Secretary Kim' eh,” to which she replied, “Pinanood ko' yung a bit snippets eh, sa video pa lang kinikilig ako.”

Coincidentally, Verzoisa’s exboyfriend, Jake Cuenca, is also part of "Secretary Kim."

"Elevator" is a collaborative project between Rein Entertainment, Viva Films and Cineko Productions. In cinemas on April 24. (MNS)

With all his success now, Avelino attributes this to luck, but Verzosa disagrees, saying the Kapamilya leading man has great "talent."

“Gusto ko talaga ng maraming anak, Tito Boy," she said. "Kung kaya ko lang talaga nang sabaysabay.”

According to Jessy, Luis is already asking her for a second baby.

“‘Pag nakikita niyang naglalakad na si Peanut, palagi niyang sinasabi, ‘You want to be an ate, anak?’ Palaging ganoon na. So parang sasabihin niya sa ‘kin, ‘Ano, love? Puwede na ba?’” she said.

In fact, she and Luis already have a name for their next child.

“Kahit pa girl or boy, Ocean,” she said. “Mahilig talaga kami sa dagat, sa tubig, and we are beach lovers. So talagang sabi ko, ‘Puwede ‘no? Sa girl or sa boy, Ocean. Ocean Tawile Manzano.”

In the same interview, Jessy talked about their second wedding, held in Palawan last February, and said it was a fulfillment of a promise they made to each other.

“So parang ako, oo naman. Siyempre kung ibigay ni Lord, ‘di ba? Bakit naman hindi?” Jessy said. Talking about another child, she added, “I think malapit na.”

Luis and Jessy first got married in 2021 in an intimate civil ceremony. They announced the birth of Isabella Rose, also called Rosie and Peanut, in January 2023. The mother and daughter had a joint birthday celebration last December. (MNS)

City of San Diego Selected to Participate in National Early Learning Initiative

EFFORT AIMS TO REDUCE CHILD CARE SCARCITY, ENHANCE EARLY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT CHILD CARE WORKFORCE

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego is one of nine cities nationwide selected to join the Early Learning Nation Capacity Building Initiative led by the National League of Cities. This 17-month initiative will provide the City’s Office of Child and Youth Success (OCYS) with in-depth support and guidance from subject matter experts to advance efforts on its early learning and child care objectives covered in the draft Child and Youth Plan.

The Child and Youth Plan is a first of its kind for the City that was developed over months of community outreach and engagement, including public meetings in every Council district. It aims to create equitable crossgenerational solutions and address the lack of investment that exists in child and youth support systems, as well as support the strategies identified in the City’s Strategic Plan.

“Challenges facing our community include access to quality child care services and equitable early learning.” said Andrea O’Hara, Executive Director of the Office of Child and Youth Success. "By securing National League of Cities’ support, our office will be able to expand access to resources and high-quality programs for children and families in San Diego.”

Through the Early Learning Nation Capacity Building Initiative, the OCYS will benefit from staff support and coaching to further its work on developing operational and fiscal strategies supporting early learning and child care objectives identified in the draft Child and Youth Plan. Those include:

Alignment with the City's Economic Development Strategy to support families and workers by strengthening child care systems. Implementation of the strategies and actions of the San Diego County Child Care Blueprint that reference the City of San Diego and/or OCYS.

Partnership with Parks and Recreation Department to implement Measure H that would allow licensed child care programs to operate on existing City of San Diego Park and Recreation facilities, potentially serving infant, toddler, pre-K or schoolaged (under 12) children.

Empower interns enrolled in early education courses and seeking a career in early education or child development.

Efforts will be supported by the City’s Economic Development Department, Parks and Recreation Department and two Employ and

Support will also come from the San Diego County Office of Education, YMCA Childcare Resource Service, Child Development Associates and

community partners and stakeholders including Children First Collective members, early learning providers and child care providers.

Through this initiative, staff from the Office of Child and Youth Success will also have opportunities to connect

and learn from peer cities, including Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, Charleston, Grand Rapids, Houston and Knoxville. The program runs through June 2025 and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria established