The Filipino Press: April 19-25, 2024

MANILA -- The National Food Authority (NFA) on Wednesday said the approved PHP10 billion funds for the modernization of postharvest facilities will help address the disparity in its drying capacity for palay.

"Actually, sa ngayon ay dapat may capacity tayo ng (for now, we should have a capacity of) 495,000 metric tons. Ang capacity natin ngayon (but our current capacity) for drying is only 31,000 metric tons," NFA Administrator officer-incharge Larry Lacson said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing over PTV4. Lacson, however, said the PHP10 billion fund is not enough to cover all the targeted capacity for drying palay.

"Kulang pa po iyan, malayo pa po (It's not enough, still far). It’s a multi-year activity, so hopefully, after that multiyear activity ay mapunan natin lahat iyan (we may cover it all)," he added.

The post-harvest modernization fund, which the NFA Council approved last April 11, shall be utilized for the construction of warehouses, dryers, milling facilities and silos, among others, in Dingras, Ilocos Norte; Concepcion, Tarlac; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Once accomplished, the NFA projects to secure an additional 150,000 metric tons of drying capacity, and another 120,000 for rice milling capacity.

Better rice quality Lacson vowed to improve the quality of rice being procured for

the country's national buffer stock. "Ibinabangon natin ang imahe ng NFA rice – gusto po natin kapag

sinabing NFA rice, maganda (We're raising the image of the NFA rice, we want that when we say NFA rice,

it's good)," he said.

By Sunita Sohra Bji/EMS

Several non-profit organizations, led by the Community Alliance in Fresno, California, organized a daylong United Against Hate summit.

FRESNO, CA -- An increasing number of hate crimes are being reported in California, but convictions continue to remain low, said California

Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Speaking to Ethnic Media Services here on the sidelines of the United Against Hate summit at Fresno City College, Bonta noted that hate crimes are notoriously difficult to prosecute. “They require a proof of intent. By design, a hate crime must originate with the hate element, which is often difficult to establish,” he said.

“Hate crimes are an augmentation of sentencing: it is seen as something additional. You’re already charging assault or battery,” said Bonta, noting that a successful hate crime conviction might add 2 to 5 years to a sentence. He urged victims of a hate crime to gather up as much evidence as possible and to get details.

Low Conviction Rates

Last June, Bonta’s office released the 2022 Hate Crime in California Report. The report noted that reported hate crime events in the state increased 20.2%, from 1,763 in 2021 to 2,120 in 2022. Hate crimes targeting Black people remained the most prevalent and increased 27.1% from 513 in 2021 to 652 in 2022, while anti-Asian hate crime events decreased by 43.3% from 247 in 2021 to 140 in 2022. Hate crimes in California involving a sexual orientation bias increased, by 29%, from 303 in 2021 to 391 in 2022. But of the over 2,100 hate crimes reported in the state, only 52 resulted

in hate crime convictions. The majority of hate crimes reported never made it to court: just 456 cases were filed by district attorneys and elected city attorneys, according to the report.

Divisive Political Rhetoric

In his formal remarks at the summit, Bonta said hate was not a new phenomenon. “It’s been with us since time immemorial. We need to take care of each other, look after one another, and be committed to the proposition that hate against any one of us is hate against all of us, and it’s unacceptable.” He said he feared for his mother, amid the rise of violent hate attacks targeting AAPI elderly people.

The Attorney General tacitly referred to the rise in hate crimes over the past 7 months targeting both Jewish Americans and Arab Americans, brought on by the IsraelHamas war. “The awful, unacceptable deaths of children and civilians that we’re seeing in Palestine and in Israel are unacceptable. And they’re affecting us here.”

The Trump Factor Bonta also indirectly addressed Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has used very divisive rhetoric on the campaign trail. The candidate has repeatedly claimed that “immigrants are poisoning the blood of America,” and has promised to reinstate his “Muslim ban.”

“We have leaders who use the most toxic, xenophobic language. They give license to others.”

Bonta was asked a question by organizer Darren Miller, about the predicted chaos expected to ensue if Trump does not win. “One of the hallmarks of a democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. You cannot claim victory when you win, and malfeasance when you don’t,” said Bonta.

Distrust of Police

The United Against Hate summit April 6 was organized by the Community Alliance newspaper in collaboration with the Fresno

By Sunita Sohra Bji/EMS

The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging has created four videos featuring families discussing the challenges of caregiving. The 'We Care' project will be screened at film festivals around the US, starting this May.

The tradition of caring for one’s aging parents is embedded in Asian culture. But 2nd generation AAPIs face multiple challenges in caring for their immigrant parents, including a lack of support, finances, and just plain time.

In its 2020 report: “Asian Americans 65 and Older,” the Administration for Community Living — an agency within the federal Department of Health and Human Services — notes that the Asian American population age 65 and older was 2,492,874 in 2019 and is projected to grow to 7.9 million by 2060. Older AAPIs largely live in three states: California, Texas, and New York, noted the report. More than 9% of the elderly AAPI population lives in poverty, with an average annual income of $30,788, and just $19,561 for older Asian American women. About 25% of Asian American seniors live with their adult children.

‘We Care’

The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging is one of five organizations involved with Asian Americans Advancing JusticeAAJC’s Narrative Change and Caregiving

videos of families discussing the myriad of challenges involved in care-giving.

Lacson added the purchased rice should match the commercial quality.

"Kumbaga nasalanta na mga tao, tapos papakainin pa natin ng pangit na bigas eh parang double whammy na tayo. So, ang gusto natin ay napakagandang bigas (The people were calamity-stricken, and yet you'll give them bad quality rice, it's like a double-whammy. So, what we want is rice with very good quality)," he said.

The NFA Council earlier approved an increase in the buying price of palay, which is equivalent to PHP23 to PHP30/kg. for dry and clean palay, as well as with fresh palay which is set at PHP19 to PHP23/kg.

The price range is higher than the current price range of PHP19 to PHP23/kg. and PHP16 to PHP19/kg. for dry and fresh palay, respectively.

Lacson, meanwhile, said the NFA targets to release its new rice buying price bulletin this week considering different prices of traders nationwide.

Overall, the NFA needs to secure 300,000 metric tons of rice for the country's buffer stock.

DA eyes P513-B budget, more farm infra in 2025

By Lainie aLfaro PENASQUITOS, CA - DCL

Jewelry and Loan is a higher-end, luxury boutique pawn shop that mainly works with luxury jewelry, handbags and watches.

Mike Schube, owner of DCL Jewelry and Loan, made his way to San Diego in 1996. In 2014, he started DCL in Scripps Ranch and then moved to his current location in Rancho Penasquitos in September of 2022.

The origin story of DCL, however, is not Schube's first experience with luxury goods. He brought his knowledge and expertise of over 20 years in the diamond business to his store.

“I used to manufacture jewelry to Costco,” Schube explained. “And then I ran a chain of pawn shops in Las Vegas. I ran the jewelry division and then I started this. I think I’ve been on my own for over 15 years.” Schube got into the luxury goods and jewelry business after he graduated college, sort of on a fluke after a friend wanted to show someone the ropes of the business.

“A friend of a friend needed someone to learn the business and they thought I was a good fit,” Schube said. “I literally started in the shipping room, like shipping jewelry, counting pieces, doing quality control. I didn’t know the difference between an amethyst stone and an emerald.”

From there, he decided to keep with this line of business and he learned through hard work.

“I learned all about manufacturing and distribution,” Schube said. “I was with them for seven years but I didn’t work with the public until years later.”

His work led him to travel a lot, meeting with diamond dealers and wholesalers, and doing liquidation, buying and selling in a variety of places including Hong Kong, Antwerp, Israel and New York. What led him to create DCL Jewelry and Loan was the desire to settle down and set roots in San Diego.

“Traveling was great when I was younger,” Schube said. “As you get older, flying overseas is good but I wanted more stability.”

And since then, he said he’s tried to create his business model with the customers’ comfort and care in mind. Unlike other pawn shops where you stand in line for help with your items, DCL is an appointment-based system where you can get one-onone advice and support throughout the process. DCL offers loans, resale, repairs, appraisals and repurposing. Jewelry prices are based on the market and the condition.

Through the years, the luxury goods industry has seen a lot of changes, especially with the creation of human-made or lab diamonds and

an increase of fake/knock-off items. “It’s like most industries. There’s a lot of old ways of doing things but everything is just always changing more and more,” Schube said.

“What I do, buying pre-owned luxury goods, you have to stay up to date on every aspect of items that are not authentic. You have to have all the tools in place to authenticate everything. I don’t deal with anything that’s fake.”

He accomplishes authentication through both his own knowledge of how to discern what’s real and fake and also through third party services.

From a Gucci handbag to a ring passed down in the family, Schube said he aims to create a comfortable environment for people to discuss their options depending on their goals, whether that’s cash, loan, a fix or even a repurpose. “From a loan standpoint, I’m not going to give them more than what they need because I don’t want them to have to pay more fees or interest,” Schube explained. “I try my best to

ensure that when they leave it wasn’t just a transaction. A lot of time and effort went into it.”

Regarding the resale of items, he said buying from shops like his is the more affordable way to go.

“With pre-owned and some new items, I can eliminate a lot of the mark up [you’d see at a big box store],” Schube said. “I pass that savings to my customers.”

His jewelry repairs offer a quick, turnaround timeline, often in less than a day, whether that’s a loose stone or a broken chain.

For Schube, what makes his business special is helping customers with what they need, especially when that means repurposing a piece into something new.

“I’d rather them keep it in the family and pass it down,” Schube said. “To see the look on their face when they get their jewelry back… they’re like ‘oh wow, I missed it.”

Schube said he works with his customers on their availability.

“The reason I started advertising at the Filipino Press is because not only more than half my clientele is from the Filipino community, but I think they truly appreciate how I run my business,” Schube said.

As far as setting up appointments, customers can visit DCL Jewelry and Loan’s website at https://www. discreetcollateralloan.com/ or call 858-324-0064. Payments can be made online for loans or lay away items. DCL will not take faux jewelry or luxury items.

The shop is located at 12778 Rancho Penasquitos Blvd Ste C, San Diego CA 92129.

Mike Schube

Top photo shows selections of pre-loved bags on display at DCL. DCL is conveniently located in Penasquitos, behind McDonald's.

Special Deals for You....

The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

I was once asked, “Just how much should a person be pampered?”

I believe in taking the time to pamper yourself everyday. After all, if we don’t take good care of ourselves, we can’t expect anybody else to. With that said, my idea of “pampering” is one that fits our current time and economic state. Our recession forced us to reprioritize, and thus redefined what it means to be “pampered.” With a shift in perspective, resources, and financial stability, I found it appropriate to develop a Pampered Pinay Lifestyle that encompasses a level of self-respect and encourages balance.

The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle is about treating yourself well-without guilt or remorse. All too often we take such good care of others but forget to do the same for our own mind, body, and resources. I believe that with the right tools and daily commitment, we can all find the satisfaction that we not only desire, but rightfully deserve.

Healthy Homemade Chips: Pamper your weekend couch potato. Substitute the usual (calorieladen) suspects with healthful, flavorful, equally snackable options.

Current fave: Homemade Kale Chips Don’t let a case of the Monday’s

Sure, you could pamper yourself with lavish, expensive, material belongings…but The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle is so much more… The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle is about recognizing the infinite value of your health, your relationships, your time, your talents—your potential for greatness… It’s about a positive quality of life that celebrates what it means to be uniquely you, one day at a time.

get you down. Start off the work week in a rejuvenating way. Take some time at night to relax and reflect. Why wait ’til Friday to treat yourself well? Personally, I tend to get my best ideas when I allow myself to escape, indulge, and brainstorm…while receiving a massage early in the week. I hope it works for you, too!

Bonus Tips: Combine equal parts brown sugar, olive oil, and raw oats for an exfoliating scrub. Apply the mixture with slow, circular, soft massage strokes. Wipe off the sugar mixture with a warm, damp washcloth.

Mash up an avocado with a little milk for a moisturizing body masque. Apply the avocado mixture with slow, deeper, longer massage strokes. Leave the masque on for a few minutes. Wipe off the avocado mixture with another warm, damp washcloth.

Don’t forget your favorite “happy place” playlist…For starters, I recommend “Slow Me Down” by Emmy Rossum and just about any song by Malika Ayane. Take some deep breaths… Enjoy…You deserve it.

What are some of your favorite “let me escape the world for a moment” rituals, my pampered friends?

Pamper your end-of-theyear financial goals and plans… beginning today. If you are able to save just $3.22 everyday, from today ’til the end of the year, you’ll have over $1,000 to ring in the New Year with. So…what are your goals, hopes, and plans, my pampered friends? A holiday trip…a fancy gift…paying off debt by the time the New Year starts? Put that piggy bank to good use…every lil bit really does add up. Cha-ching!

311 days left in 2024

311 x $3.22 = $1,001.42

How would YOU pamper yourself with $1,000, my pampered friends?

Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why?

“At-Home-Spa”

“Kale”

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday expressed support for the bill seeking to extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), considering several modifications.

“Definitely, I think it should be extended. But there should be adjustments so we can adapt to the times,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

The DA chief's remarks came after Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Rosanna Vergara filed a measure to extend RCEF by six years, which was also backed by Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar. Laurel said modification should include increased allocation for farmers’ competitiveness, particularly securing post-harvest facilities and irrigation to ensure minimal wastage.

“Iyong pera doon dapat ilagay sa post-harvest, sa mechanization talaga. Taasan iyong mechanization atsaka ibuhos karamihan sa postharvest (The fund should be allocated for post-harvest [facilities], it should be in mechanization. Increased mechanization [fund] and pour it to post-harvest)," he said in an ambush interview.

"Nakabilad lang sa kalye (ang mga palay), dinadaanan ng sasakyan. Nasisira, maraming wastage dun (The palay is just exposed along the road, passed through by cars. It's damaged, there's huge wastage)," Laurel added.

To date, about 12 to 15 percent of local production is wasted due to a lack of post-harvest facilities, according to the DA.

Laurel said he wanted over PHP10 billion in funds to be allocated for farms and input support.

"Kung pwede pa iyong ibang pera, ibili ng (And if it's feasible, the other funds may be used to purchase) fertilizer to increase production," he said. He added that the bill should also grant provision for annual budget review to maximize funds based on the appropriate priority projects each year.

Besides post-harvest facilities and mechanization, Laurel emphasized the equal need to focus on irrigation, including solar-powered irrigation and small water impounding.

In 2023 alone, around PHP29 billion in tariff collection was recorded under Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

The RTL mandates that PHP10 billion worth of appropriated tariffs from private rice importers is set aside for mechanization and farm input support, with the balance given as financial aid to small rice farmers.

Agri chief assures direction, whole-of-nation approach with new execs Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday said the direction of the Department of Agriculture (DA) will go as planned despite new executives joining the department.

"Sa laki ng coverage ng DA, kailangang tumutok or may magfocus sa bawat area (Because of the wide coverage of the DA, there should be [someone] focusing in each area)," he said in an ambush interview.

"Sa rami ng gagawin (There's much to do). Of course initially, nandiyan iyong (there's) overlapping.

As we go along ma-adjust iyan, nakafocus na lahat. Actually na-layout na lahat, may direksyon na (As we go along, it'll be adjusted, everything is focused. Actually, everything is laid out, there is a direction)," he added.

Laurel made the statement following the appointment of two DA undersecretaries, Nora dela Cruz Oliveros and Allan Quimson Umali, and two assistant secretaries, Daniel Alfonso Nieto Atayde and Philip Chan Young.

Umali will be Undersecretary for Administration while Oliveros will be in charge of finance. Atayde helps with the DA's logistics strategy preparation while Young shall look over exports.

"Mga taga-DA talaga, mga industry players na kasama ko, kasama rin. Mga retired na technical, sinama rin namin para (They were originally from the DA, industry players whom I worked are also included. Retired technical were also involved so) we see a whole-of-nation approach. We invite everybody to join in," Laurel said.

The DA said it will continue to collaborate with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to look into its strategic communication.

"I'm still relying on them to counter-check iyong mga direction ng stratcom para solid lahat (the direction of strategic communication so everything is solid). Everybody, coordination, everybody moves in unison," Laurel said.

The DA has turned its quarterly meetings into weekly stratcoms to discuss plans and address issues including food security challenges, food inflation, production and logistics cost, and other local productivity targets.

Bank lending up, domestic liquidity slows in Feb

Bank lending of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) grew at a faster pace in February this year while domestic liquidity growth slowed.

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released late Thursday showed that banks' outstanding loans, excluding those placed in the central bank’s reverse repurchase facility, went up by 8.7 percent, up from the 7.8 percent increase in January this year.

Oustanding loans issued by U/ KBs amounted to PHP11.6 trillion from PHP11.5 trillion in January and PHP10.6 trillion in February last year.

The central bank said outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, increased by 8.7 percent in February from 7.8 percent in the previous month, while outstanding loans to non-residents expanded by 6.5 percent after growing by 9.8 percent in January.

Loans for production activities went up by 6.8 percent from 5.9 percent in the previous month.

The BSP said the increase was mainly driven by the higher lending to key sector such as real estate activities (11.6 percent); electricity, gas, steam, and airconditioning supply (11.2 percent); wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (7.1 percent); transportation and storage (21.1 percent); and manufacturing (5.9 percent).

Consumer loans to residents also grew by 25.2 percent in February,

the same rate as in January, on the sustained increase in credit card and motor vehicle loans.

Domestic liquidity (M3), meanwhile, grew by 5 percent to about PHP16.9 trillion in February 2024 from 6.0 percent in January.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said the issuance of the fiveyear Retail Treasury Bond last month likely contributed to the slower M3 growth.

"The record PHP584.86 billion

5-year RTB issuance in February 2024 would have fundamentally siphoned off some of the excess peso liquidity from the financial system and slowed down the M3 growth for the month, but would eventually be offset by the large PHP700 billion RTB maturity from March 9-12, 2024 that could be added to the peso liquidity and could lead to some pick up in M3 growth by March 2024," he said.

He added that the slower M3 growth is still fundamentally consistent with the relatively tight monetary policy measures as local monetary authorities siphon off some of the excess liquidity in the financial system.

Domestic claims expanded by 9.5 percent from 9.9 percent in the previous month.

Claims on the private sector grew by 10.1 percent from 8.9 percent in January with the sustained expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.

The BSP said net claims on the central government expanded by 12.1 percent from 15.8 percent due in part to the sustained borrowings of the National Government.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 3.6 percent from 4.4 percent in January.

The BSP’s NFA meanwhile grew by 5.9 percent while the NFA of banks contracted on account of lower interbank loans receivables.

The BSP said that looking ahead, it will ensure that liquidity and bank lending conditions remain consistent with its price and financial stability objectives.

Overseas Filipinos’ personal remittances up to $2.9-B in February -- BSP

The personal remittances, or transfers sent in cash or in-kind via informal channels, of Filipinos abroad increased to $2.95 billion in February 2024, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced Monday.

According to the BSP, the personal remittances from overseas Filipinos increased by 3 percent from the $2.86 billion recorded in February 2023.

Cumulative remittances also increased by 2.8 percent to $6.10 billion in January to February this year from the $5.93 billion recorded from January to February last year.

Meanwhile, of the personal remittances, the BSP said that cash remittances of overseas Filipinos reached $2.65 billion in February, higher by 3 percent than the $2.57 billion in February 2023.

Cash remittances are money coursed through banks or formal channels.

“The expansion in cash remittances in February 2024 was due to growth in receipts from both land- and sea-based workers,” the BSP said. (MNS)

MANILA -- The weather bureau on Thursday said some areas in the country could experience extreme danger heat index, or what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

Although no specific areas were cited, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Ana Liza said 52°Celsius (°C) and above or extreme danger heat index are likely in some areas because of El Niño.

"Based on PAGASA's monitoring on high discomfort index or heat index, there's (the) possibility that some areas could experience extreme danger (level) or 52°C and above," Solis said in the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview over PTV4.

In such a case, she said direct sun exposure could cause heat stroke.

Solid added that relatively high humidity is expected in the 52 degrees Celsius heat index.

It could also cause rain showers due to thunderstorms, she added.

Historically, PAGASA has been recording high heat indices in April and May, according to Solis.

Next month, high heat indices are forecast in Cagayan Valley, especially in Isabela, Cagayan, as well as Ilocos Region and Central Luzon.

Metro Manila, Cavite, and Batangas could also experience scorching heat.

Solis said they noticed areas that have logged high heat indices this April are places that are near coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Solis said PAGASA urges the public to drink plenty of water and to limit the time spent outdoors.

"Let's try to avoid outdoor activities, especially between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.," she said. Avoid tea, soda, and alcohol as these increase the risk of dehydration, Solis added.

GSIS allots P2.5-B to help members hit by El Niño, pertussis The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Thursday said it has set aside nearly PHP2.5 billion in emergency loan to help members and pensioners affected by the pertussis outbreak in the province of Cavite and the El Niño phenomenon in the province of Occidental Mindoro.

In a news release, the state pension fund said deadline for filing of emergency loan applications in Occidental Mindoro and Cavite are on May 7 and June 7, respectively.

To qualify for the loan, active members must be residing or working in the calamity areas. They must not be on leave of absence without pay, have no pending legal cases, and have paid at least six monthly premium contributions prior to application. They must also have a net take-home pay not lower than PHP5,000 as required under the General Appropriations Act. Old-age and disability pensioners residing in the calamity areas may also avail of the loan provided their net monthly pension after availing the loan is at least 25 percent.

Members with existing

emergency loan balance may borrow up to PHP40,000 to clear the balance of their previous emergency loan and still receive a maximum net amount of PHP20,000.

Meanwhile, pensioners and those without existing emergency loan may apply for a PHP20,000 loan.

The loan has low interest rate of 6 percent and payment period of three years. It also includes a redemption insurance coverage, which will pay off the loan balance in case of the borrower’s death during the loan term, provided the payments are updated.

Members and pensioners may apply for the loan using the GSIS Touch mobile application. This is available for download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

CSC secures ADB support for digitalization program

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has secured a commitment from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide technical assistance to its digital transformation (DX) strategy.

"ADB’s support marks the beginning of a new chapter in our digital journey in the CSC,” Chairperson Karlo Nograles said in a news release on Wednesday.

“This technical assistance is crafted to enhance our institution’s comprehension and capabilities in navigating the digital landscape to ensure that our services remain responsive and user-centric," he added.

He underscored the importance of this partnership in advancing the Commission’s digital agenda.

The technical support for Information Technology Research and Advisory Services to advance CSC’s digital maturity is set to be delivered by Ernst & Young (EY) LLP (India).

EY’s assistance will focus on several key areas, including digital capacity and information and communications technology (ICT) resource assessment, development of an enterprise-level digital strategy, creation of a governance framework for the DX process, and tailored capacity enhancement programs for CSC personnel.

To be implemented within two and a half years, the project will also involve designing a change management program and assessing the impact of ICT systems on people and processes through the conduct of user-readiness assessments and change adoption workshops.

Nograles expressed the agency’s gratitude to ADB and EY for their technical assistance.

“Given the ambitious nature of our digitalization goals, we recognize the need to seek guidance from seasoned experts. We express our anticipation for a fruitful collaboration with EY India as our resource persons and consultants. Their expertise and insights will contribute undoubtedly to our DX transformation journey,” he said.

According to the CSC, the commitment was sealed during Kick-Off Meeting for the ADB Technical Assistance (Supporting the Digital Transformation of the Civil Service) last April 8 at the agency’s Central Office in Quezon

City.

Nograles, Commissioner Aileen Lourdes Lizada, ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran and ADB Principal Management Specialist for eGovernance Seok Yong Yoon led the meeting.

Also present were EY LLP Project Management Specialist Debarchana Bhattacharya, EY Philippines Technology Consulting Leader Lee Carlo Abadia, and EY Global Leader for People Consulting Shalinder Bakshi, EY Philippines Enterprise Architecture Expert Norbin Astero, Change Management Expert Pauline Laurenz Go, and EY India Capacity Building Expert Bhaskar Goel, and other CSC officials.

PH reelected to UN commissions on women’s rights, sci-tech for dev’t

The Philippines has been reelected as a member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for the term 20252029 on the heels of its successful chairmanship of the body last month.

In a statement dated April 11 (US time), Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Antonio Lagdameo said Manila would continue its active engagement with the commission and strive to further contribute to its work programs and initiatives.

The Philippines served as chair of the CSW Bureau during its 68th session in March.

It actively participated in the CSW, particularly in ensuring the proper implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action (BDPA), a comprehensive blueprint of commitments to advance gender equality and women empowerment in various areas of concern.

The Philippines was also reelected to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) for the same term.

Both elections were held during the 12th plenary meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York on April 9.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said these reelections indicate the trust and recognition of the international community to Philippine expertise and concrete contribution to the issues of gender equality, women empowerment, and the transformative role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in sustainable development.

“With its reelection to the two UN bodies, the Philippines continues to have the opportunity and global platforms to share its experiences and best practices on gender equality, women empowerment, and STI advancements; to advance its priorities and advocacies on these issues; and to contribute to advancing the work of these two important functional commissions of ECOSOC, including in facilitating consensus in intergovernmental negotiations that take place within the context of CSW and CSTD’s respective mandates,” it said.

The continued membership of the Philippines in the CSW and CSTD also supports and facilitates the development goals of the country, as elaborated in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and Ambisyon Natin 2040. (PNA)

COOL DOWN. A farmer provides his carabao relief from the heat in an irrigation canal in Sitio Mulawin Matanda, Tarcan, Baliwag, Bulacan on Saturday (April 13, 2024). The water level of Angat Dam, the main source of irrigation of Pampanga and Bulacan farms, is at 194.80 meters as of 6 a.m., still above the minimum operating level of 180 meters. (MNS photo)

“THE AUSSIES ARE COMING! THE AUSSIES ARE COMING!

“:

SAN DIEGO, CA -- G‘day, mate!

Current news reports banner that representatives of 14 nations will arrive in our old homeland – the Philippines – as observers in the coming “Balikatan” exercises, the biggest multi-nation assembly so far, to witness the annual joint drills conducted only by Philippine and American troops.

Organizers said this year’s 39th iteration of the Balikatan –scheduled from April 22 to May 10 – will have observers from Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Aside from the 16,000 contingent of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military, servicemembers from the Australian Defense Forces (ADF) and – for the first time in Balikatan’s history – the French Navy will also participate in the exercises particularly in the port sail.

Incidentally, Filipino Australians are one of the largest groups within the global Filipino diaspora. At the 2021 census, 408,836 people stated that they had Filipino ancestry (whether alone or in combination with another lineage), representing 1.6% of the Australian population.

The history of FilipinoAustralians show Filipinos have worked as divers in Broome and Thursday Island’s pearling industry in the late 1800s period. By the early 1900s, about 700 Philippineborn people lived in Australia. But at the 1947 census, it had dropped to 141 due to the White Australia Policy. The easing of immigration restrictions from the mid-1900s saw the rapid growth of the community with students, spouses, and skilled migrants making the move.

No doubts about it, Filipinos are a big part of Australia’s successful migration story. “We’ve very much been invisible as quiet achievers, contributing in our own way to the social, economic, and cultural prosperity of Australia,” said one of the youngest and the first Australian-born Filipino to be appointed as president of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia.

“Although we have great food and great cultural performances, there’s actually a lot that Filipinos contribute economically to grow this country, just as they have back to the pearl farmers, and I just think it’s a story that’s quite untold,” the Filipino-Australian noted as well.

So, begging for the $64,000 Question - Which country is Australia’s most important defense partner in Southeast Asia today?

Well, for now…let me digress a bit here first.

Well, if you – my dear folks – are not aware of it yet – Australia has truly a long-standing relationship with the Philippines and the United States dating back to the First World War that has provided to regional security and stability and in fact, the “Down Under” nation has participated in Exercise Balikatan since 2014.

Certainly, historical military ties between Australia and the Philippines date back to 1922 when Rear Admiral John Saumarez Dumaresq, the captain of HMAS Sydney during the last two years of World War I (1917-1918) and the first Australian-born commander of the Australian Fleet (1919-1922) was accorded the equivalent of a State Funeral in Manila. Rear Admiral Dumaresq died of illness in the Philippine capital city while returning to the United Kingdom after completing his term as commandant of the Australian Fleet and is buried in Manila Memorial Park, Paranaque, Rizal.

During the Second World War, the single deadliest day for the Australian Forces occurred on 1 July 1942 when more than one fiftieth of all Australian military personnel killed during the 2,173 days (about six years) that Australia was at war lost their lives off the northwestern coast of the Philippines. They were prisoners-of-war captured at Rabaul in New Guinea and were being transported aboard the Japanese hell ship Montevideo Maru when it was sunk off Cape Bojeador in Ilocos Norte. A plaque commemorating those lost on the Montevideo Maru was included on the Hell Ships Memorial on the waterfront in Subic Bay.

Australian military involvement in the liberation of the Philippines in World War II began on June 1943 when eight Australian servicemen who had escaped from Sandakan in Sabah joined the Filipino guerrillas battling on Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines. Two of the men were killed during the struggle and three others returned to Australia in early 1944, while the remaining three Aussies were transferred to Special Operations (Australia) and continued to fight on Mindanao until the Islands were liberated.

Australia’s military ties with the Philippines continued even after

Most Rev. Fr. Rex Alarcon, Bishop of Daet, Camarines Norte will be installed Archbishop of Caceres on May 2, 2024. With the long lull in the synodality push from within the diocese now is a good time to revisit Pope Francis’ call for journeying together towards a Synodal Church and talk about synodality in the Philippine context. It is important to do this early because there is not much movement or effort in this regard other than an “academic” exercise by Filipino Catholics. Filipino Catholic mindsets are influenced by their bishops who see the Catholic majority in the country at 85% to be sufficient to stay the course and that the remaining 15% can be “graciously” yielded to other non-Catholics (Muslims, Protestants, nonbelievers). It is pure arrogance, and such a mindset has permeated among Filipino Catholics across the board (i.e., government, private industry, educational institutions, community, etc.) that having the majority “is okay” as far as decision making is concerned and not having to protect the rights of the minority.

while the Battle of Kapyong is observed in Australia on April 24. Notably, on the same day as the Battle of Kapyong – the Filipinos with their light tanks fought together with an Australian Army officer commanding a troop of British Centurion tanks in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the “Glorious Glosters”- a British battalion that

the liberation of the Philippines. Operating from Manila, Mindoro, Mindanao, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan – the Royal Australian Air Force supported the Australian military operations to secure the airfields and oil refineries.

Six years later, Australian and Filipino soldiers fought historic battles to defend South Korea during the Chinese Spring Offensive in the Korean conflict. The Battle of Yuldong on the night of 22/23 April is commemorated in the Philippines

had been surrounded by Chinese Communists’ forces on the Imjin River with the majority eventually being killed or taken prisoners.

More recently, Filipino military personnel served in the Australianled “Internation Free East Timor” (INTERFET) during East Timor’s transition to independence in 1999.

Last year, military forces from the Philippines and Australia kicked off their joint drills in Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal back in our beloved old homeland, the Philippines – as

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

part of “Exercise Kasangga 2023”.

According to a report on Philippine television news broadcasting show “24 Oras,” at least 43 members of the Australian Army taught more than 100 troops from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division techniques on urban warfare,

Pope Francis’ Call for Synodality in the Philippine Context

The pope’s call for synodality has really no bearing on numbers – majority or minority – and it has more to do with real people's experiences and daily living and how the Holy Spirit guides our lives. It’s about the People of God’s encounter and exchange of information – dialogue – listening to most churchgoers who constitute the fringes of society and yet, are never heard from because it has always been a one-way conversation.

For synodality to start evolving, a religious leader (i.e., new Archbishop of Caceres) should take the lead. Maybe someday he can become president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) where he can be a bigger force, but being Archbishop of Caceres is a good starting point where he has cognizance over the archdiocese including seminaries. A starting point for Bishop Rex Alarcon is to define for the laity the definition of what the Church is aside from it being a physical structure.

Since Bishop Charles Borromeo laid the foundation for sacred architecture (building design,

ornamentation and ecclesiastical furnishing), Roman Catholicism has embraced it for a different direction or purpose. For centuries, the Vatican has pursued building beautiful structures around the world as an effort to counter the Protestant Reformation as envisioned by the Council of Trent.

Borromeo’s concepts of design included consistent use of numbers:

3 (Trinity), 5 (Pentecost), 7 (Seven Sacraments), and 12 (Twelve Apostles). He also advocated use of “platonic forms” like circles, domes and vaults as a way of depicting perfection and of the “heavenly realm.” His insistence to use odd numbers resulted in designs having clear centers and symmetric designs.

Bishop Borromeo’s preferred element is creating a “sacred aesthetic” that hemmed closely with Church traditions. In essence, it was an effort to insulate the Church from the emerging artistic creativity that was closely identified with the baroque aesthetic that the Protestants embraced. Siting was another element that Borromeo insisted on to give a church visual prominence. In practice, think of where the Catholic Churches are in Naga City and their centrality to the city’s important locations (commerce, education, access). Similarly, the church should

make use of topography (like a hill) to give it a raised platform for prominence. The Basilica Shrine and other Catholic Churches in Naga are adjacent to the Bicol River and give them prominence during people’s daily community activities (going to school, market, or malls). From the entrance of a cruciform structure to windows, doors and to the inside spaces of the church, Borromeo prescribed what can and cannot go in it. Even the location of the holy water vase being inside the church and not outside, to where the pulpit sits, Borromeo was very particular and detailed.

In all these prescriptions, Bishop Borromeo’s overall concept was for the laity to experience the Church of God and not to be overly proud about it. Over the centuries, the facility of the Church of God became the central focus of churchgoing – and not the people in it. Thus, most of the Church’s fundraising efforts are geared towards fixing, maintaining, rehabbing existing churches or cathedrals, or building new ones.

Pope Francis is reminding us that the Church of God that Bishop Borromeo envisioned had already run its course (Counter Reformation). He wants us to go back to the Acts of the Apostles to have a better understanding of what

a Missionary Church is about and understand more who St. Borromeo was other than the Church design architect.

Bishop Borromeo worked so hard to make the Church more human and devoted his entire life helping the people of God become more like Jesus, more like the Kingdom of the Father. Following Borromeo’s lead of not just admiring beautiful cathedrals, as Christians, we can make a difference in the Body of Christ by reaching out in special ways to help those around us and “make the face of God more real in the world.

Pope Francis is telling us that synodality is our ticket in changing the world into the Kingdom of God by sharing faith in Jesus, living the Gospel and caring for others. The pope likens the Church as the “faithful people of God, saints and sinners, a people convoked and called with the power of the beatitudes.” The faith people he alludes to “have the characteristics of infallibility.” He makes a distinction between the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church versus the people of God that constitutes the Church of God.

“If you want to know WHAT the Holy Mother Church believes, seek the Magisterium,” said the pope during his address at the start of

the Synod last year. “If you want to know HOW the Church believes, go to the faithful people who has a soul and because we can speak of the soul, we can speak of a way of seeing reality (that the Magisterium can’t), of a consciousness – of their dignity, their baptized children, and burying their dead.”

The doctrine on human dignity and the sacredness of the human is not set in stone. They continue to mature from pope to pope. Slavery and capital punishments that were once tolerated by the Vatican, have evolved. More recently, of course, is the blessing of same-sex couples, those separated from the Church, and those who fall under unusual categories like those who divorced. Pope Francis’ point of view is that criminals on death row still have a soul worthy of mercy. Finally on theology, Pope Francis believes that it should be experienced in the flesh and in blood not just delivered from a pulpit as an idea or ideal. Theology must be contextualized with both the saint and sinner in mind, particularly for those from the fringes of society. “Walk the talk” is what the pope seems to be saying, much like scientific theories cooked in laboratories; it sometimes takes a total solar eclipse to verify or prove Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.

counterterrorism,

Rear Admiral John Saumarez Dumaresq of the Royal Australian Navy

Towards World War II when Australia supported the Philippines' campaign for liberation from the Japanese Imperial Army

at

of

was killed

at age

was the son of Clarissa and

J. Salveron and was named after General Douglas MacArthur. His Filipino father served as an aide-de-camp to the famed World War II general and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery after a distinguished and honorable service to his country.

Spiritual Life

God’s definition of success

I’ve been receiving congratulations for the recognition that I got a few weeks ago from a coalition of organizations dedicated to the interests and concerns of women in San Diego County. Some considered that to be in the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame, is a mark of success. That I am a success, since I am aligned with women who are highly successful in their respective careers. Some though, do not consider me a success because I am on a limited income, I am living in a senior housing facility, and I have no car to take me where ever I want to go.

In other words, I do not have man’s visible measures of success.

But what is success? Is it the position you have attained in life?

Is it the number of properties that you have accumulated through the years? Is it the mansion that you’ve built in a gated, highend community? Is it the amount of money you have in the bank?

Success means different things to different people. And usually, all these definitions do not match God’s definition of success.

At that point, it won’t make any difference how much praise you received, how far you advanced in your job or how much money you accumulated. The only thing that will matter is what God thinks about how you’ve used your abilities, gifts, and opportunities He gave you.

We need to rid ourselves of the notion that success always involves riches, prestige or fame. Those are not the signs of success in God’s perspective. The issue is whether you are following His will and seeking to glorify Him in all things.

Dr. Charles Stanley wrote, “When this life is over and you stand before the Creator to give an account for how you lived, what will you say? That you worked hard, had a beautiful home, and took your family on some wonderful vacations? Or that you readily and obediently served Him, striving to be like Jesus in all you said and did? After death all our accomplishments will be laid out before the Lord to be judged.

With these insights, I pray that I’ll not be blinded by the bright lights of material success. I pray that God’s infinite mercy and goodness will lead me to the narrow path that leads to His kingdom. While I appreciate the earthly success that comes my way, I always remind myself that they are all transient and temporal. I continually seek God’s will in my life and do things for his honor and glory. “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

The choice is yours

I don't always appreciate modern art. That is, I sometimes find it difficult to find the "art" for all of the "modern." It doesn't make sense to me.

Apparently, I'm not the only one. In an art gallery in Italy, an employee of a cleaning firm discarded random bits of newspaper, cardboard, and cookies, not realizing that it was a display of contemporary art. The display was valued at 10,000 euros (over $13,000), but lost all value when carted off with the rest of the trash.

Such things have happened before. In 2001, a collection of beer bottles, coffee cups, and ashtrays were thrown out of the Eyestorm Gallery in London. You guessed it ... it was an exhibition by artist Damien Hirst. The same thing happened in 2004 with an exhibition in Berlin by artist Gustav Metzger.

It's like the old saying: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Or in these cases, one man's treasure was another man's trash.

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

In the Old Testament, we read the story of Esau and Jacob. They were twins, but Esau had been born first and would receive the birthright, the extra share of the family inheritance that was given to the eldest son.

But Esau didn't appreciate what he had. One day when he was very hungry, he sold his birthright to his brother for a single plate of food.

(You can read that story in Genesis 25:29-34.) As the Bible says, "Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34). That is, he didn't value the family inheritance.

God sent his son Jesus to die for us. He sent him to die so that we could live. The offer of salvation is a precious treasure, yet some won't recognize that. They'll "despise"

God's offer, discarding this gift like yesterday's trash. What about you? Do you value what Jesus did for you? Do you treasure God's salvation or will you throw it away? The choice is yours.

If you don't know why salvation is a treasure or don't know how to find it, I'd like to explain it to you.

God knows that you can stand that trial; He would not give it to you if you could not. It is His trust in you that explains the trials of life, however bitter they may be. God knows our strength, and He measures it to the last inch; and a trial was never given to any man that was greater than that man's strength, through God, to bear it.

<(((><

STAY SAFE EVERYONE

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday. The image of the Good Shepherd is perfect for Jesus because he laid down his life for us. Likewise, it also fits in with his Resurrection, because he has the power to lay his life down, and also the “power to take it up again.” The image of the shepherd can be traced back to Moses and reaches onward to our present day bishops. Jesus’ pronouncement is immersed in the vast Old Testament context of God’s relationship with shepherds. The first was with Moses at the burning bush while he was shepherding (Ex 3:1). The second was with David, a shepherd boy, who was chosen as king (1 Sam. 16). And, finally during the Exile, after hinting that He Himself would shepherd His flock (Ez. 34:11-16), he promised servant David: “I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them…and be their shepherd” (Ez. 34:23).

Jesus draws on this rich Old Covenant preparation to identify himself as “the Good Shepherd.” From the lineage of David, he came to care for God’s flock; not only to lead them, but also to willingly die for them - the true test of a shepherd’s love. The “hired man” flees from this commitment, as he is not willing to die for the sheep. Jesus, however, says, “I lay down

Hindi man natin namamalayan subalit totoo Mayroon at mayroong sinasamaba ang bawa’t tao Mahalaga na saglit man lang nating suriin Kung ano nga ba ang dapat nating sambahin.

May mga taong ang sinasamba ay KAYAMANAN

Laging ang laman ng isip ay kung papaano mapalago ang pera sa banko Sukat ng kanilang tagumpay sa buhay Kung gaano karami ang mga ari-arian na kanilang taglay.

May mga tao naman na ang sinasamba ay KAPANGYARIHAN

Ito ang mga taong namumuno hindi upang maglingkod sa taong bayan kundi para sa sariling kapakanan Gagawin lahat, karahasan, katiwalian at pangaabuso Magpatuloy lamang at manatili sa puwesto.

NFA

Continued from page 1

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday it will prioritize the construction of farm infrastructures in 2025 to benefit more farmers and fishers.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said they would propose a budget of around PHP513.81 billion, or more than double its current budget of PHP208.58 billion.

“[The budget proposal] is still a work in progress but clearly shows the direction where we are headed," Laurel said.

In particular, the DA plans to

my life. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own in order to take it up again.”

Jesus’ flock includes the “other sheep.” Thus, he gave his apostles the mission to shepherd all peoples. We see the start of this mission in the First Reading (Acts 4:8-12), where Peter explains to the Jewish authorities that his work is done “in the name of Jesus.” It is in that “name” that miracles happen. In that “name” alone, man finds salvation. As the apostles were given this awesome task of shepherding, so are their successors – the Pope and the bishops united with him. It is no wonder then that they carry the shepherd’s staff. It reminds them that shepherding is not theirs to claim, but is done in Jesus’ name. Let us therefore follow the shepherd’s staff carried by the Pope and the bishops so that we may find green pasture for our souls.

PAGSAMBA

Ni Salvador S. Idos

At mayroon din naming mga tao na sumasamba sa KARANGALAN Gustong gusto nila na sila ay hinahangaan Nais nilang patuloy silang purihin dahil sa taglay nilang ganda, kakayahan at talino Gusto nilang palaging nangunguna hindi marunong tumanggap ng pagkatalo.

Ang iba naman ang sinasamba ay ang UDYOK NG LAMAN Tinuturing ang babae bilang bilang isang sex object Ginagamit bilang isang kasangkapan upang mapagbigyan ang hinahangad ng katawan Nagkakaroon ng di kanais-nais na situasyon; adultery, pornography, prostitusiyon at aborsiyon.

Kayamanan, Kapangyarihan, Karangalan at Udyok ng Laman; lahat ng mga ito

request PHP287.98 billion for its attached corporations, including the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), and the National Dairy Authority (NDA); while around PHP225.83 billion shall be requested for the modernization and agricultural smuggling crackdown efforts of DA's bureaus.

The majority of the targeted expenditure shall be allocated for the rice subsector equivalent to 57 percent of PHP294.21 billion.

This shall be followed by the fisheries subsector with PHP50.6 billion; locally-funded projects

The image of the Good Shepherd is captivating. John reflects on this in the Second Reading: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God”? This is reminiscent of Pope Francis’ message in , Manila during his visit to the Philippines last January 18. Standing before a mammoth crowd as “the shepherd of God’s flock, the Church,” he reminded us of our deepest identity: “All of us are God’s children.” He added, “God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens” (Eph. 1:3).

This is in the mind of John as we can read further on in his letter. “Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be, has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

Is this not captivating to realize that we are being led to transformation into perfect Love, as Jesus the Good Shepherd is?

To be in God’s flock, to be one of the sheep for whom Jesus died, is to be lifted up out of this world, even though we are still in it. Let us sink our roots down deep into the reality of God’s reversals and await with eager anticipation this revelation as we pray our Psalm: “By the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes” (Ps. 118:23).

Mga gawaing paghangad sa gawaing makamundo Hinding-hindi makapadudulot ng kaligayahan at katahimikan Karamdaman na tila palagi na lang may pakukulang. Karamihan sa atin ang sinasamaba ay ang Panginoong Diyos Tanging ang pagsamba sa Diyos ang kasagutan sa lahat ng pangangailangan Magkaroon ng buhay na may saysay at kahulugan Makamtan ang di magmamaliw ng kasiyahan at kapayapaan.

Salvador S. Idos

with PHP45.48 billion; and other remaining proposed funds for other subsectors including high-value crops, livestock, corn, and credit programs, among others.

Out of the DA's approved budget this year, PHP114.28 billion is allotted for the agency proper while PHP94.30 is earmarked for its eight attached agencies.

Laurel earlier said the DA needs to secure PHP93 billion for the improvement of post-harvest facilities alone, which in turn, shall lower rice and corn wastage in the country.

To date, about 12 to 15 percent of local rice production is wasted due to a lack of post-harvest facilities, according to the DA. (MNS)

and closed-quarter combat. A part of the lesson was the long-range marksmanship technique.

“Lumalawak kasi ang pag-unawa mo - Lumalawak ang kaisipan mo, halimbawa kahit nasaan ang kalaban mauunahan mo siya,” declared Corporal Jessie Zulueta, 21 DRC (‘Division Reconnaissance Company’), 2nd ID (Infantry Division). (“Your understanding and your mind broaden. You can now anticipate where your enemies are.”) As party of the “AUKUS” (Australia-United KingdomUnited States) Defense Agreement, Australia also rallies for the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which China previously denounced.

“These are only trainings that will enhance the capabilities of our armies,” as it was mentioned by the commander-in-chief that - “these are only for defensive posture if our country will be attacked by any threat groups in the future,” Brigadier General Jose Agusto Villareal, Assistant Division Commander of 2nd ID, commented.

“The 9th Kasangga or partnership is absolutely appropriate. It is a bilateral relationship between both country and it is about our interoperability and keeping our region safe,” noted the Australian Attache Colonel counterpart. Going back to the outset question above…I’m guessing not many of you – my dear readers – would put our beloved old homeland – the Philippines – at the top of their lists. The correct answer, of course, is ‘It depends.’ Yet, for some of the most demanding military scenarios that may confront the Australian Defense Force (ADF) in the decade ahead, such as a war over Taiwan or in the South China Sea, the Philippines could be an indispensable partner simply because of its location and potential willingness, as a fellow treaty ally of the United States, to grant access and logistical support to Australian forces. Although low profile, the Australia-Philippines defense relationship has surprising depth and possibilities, meriting a closer look.

Australia’s deepest defense ties in Southeast Asia are with Malaysia and Singapore, through the ‘Five Power Defense Arrangements’ (FPDA) and as bilateral partners in their own right. Singapore’s military capabilities are the most advanced in Southeast Asia. But the utility of the FPDA in a South China Sea contingency is questionable because its remit is limited to West Malaysia and Singapore. The probability of these countries extending basing access to Australian forces for operations to defend Taiwan is almost certainly lower.

Australia’s defense relationship with Indonesia attracts a political premium for Canberra, but it lacks strategic underpinnings and Jakarta is unlikely to offer to access for the ADF beyond transit through the archipelago. Vietnam holds out more promise of a like-minded approach to pushing back against China’s expansionism in the South China Sea. But Hanoi keeps its distance from the U.S. and its allies in the military domain. Australia has expanded its defense alliance with Brunei since 2020, but like most Southeast Asian countries the small sultanate would tread very carefully in any crisis or conflict involving China unless it is directly threatened.

The U.S. is likely to confront similar ambivalence cross Southeast Asia, including from its ally Thailand. Laos and Myanmar would remain neutral, at best, while Cambodia is in an invidious position as the prospective host for Chinese naval and possibly air force assets. Intriguingly, the Philippines have been portrayed as an unreliable ally of the U.S. with some justification. The 2014 Philippines-U.S. Enhanced Defenses Cooperation Agreement failed to progress significantly under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s dyspeptic presidency. The Visiting Forces Agreement

(VFA) was nearly terminated. But association relations have stabilized since 2020. Beijing’s relentless pressure tactics in what Filipinos call the West Philippine Sea have darkened perceptions of China in the Philippines. The government under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. though still new and by no means anti-China, appears to recognize the irreplaceable value of the U.S. alliance for discouraging further aggression by China, despite Washington’s mixed record of deterrence in the South China Sea.

In Philippine military circles there’s a sense of realism that proximity to Taiwan would make it extremely difficult for Manila to stay on the sidelines during a major conflict over there. In the worst case, China could occupy Philippine islands in the Bashi Channel (a waterway between Y’Ami Island of the Philippines and Orchid Island of Taiwan) or even parts of northern Luzon, to deny the use of adjacent territory to the U.S. or its utilization as a sanctuary for Taiwan’s armed forces. Fighting could spread to the South China Sea proper, including China’s artificial island bases, one of which – Mischief Reef – sits within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The fraught prospect of a vivid maritime conflict between China and the U.S. shines an uncommon intense light on defense ties between Canberra and Manila. Fortunately, Australia and the Philippines, which have been comprehensive strategic partners since 2015, have already established a notably broadbased and durable bilateral defense relationship.

It has deeper historical roots than generally assumed. As I have stated earlier above, in World War II, Australian forces made an active contribution to the liberation of the Philippines, incurring significant losses at Lingayen Gulf. The then newly independent Philippines and Australia fought side by side in the Korean War (often referred to as the “Forgotten War”), too.

And repeatedly as I’ve earlier mentioned both Australia and the Philippines sent and contributed combat troops and support teams during the protracted Vietnam War.

In fact, each Vietnam Veterans Day, we recall the service of the four Filipino-Australians who fought during the war. One of the 18 Australian military servicemen killed-in-action during the Battle of Long Tran was the FilipinoAustralian Private Douglas Javing Salveron (1945-1966) – a rifleman with 6 Section,11 Platoon of ‘D’ Company, 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

In more recent times, the basis for cooperative defense activities was a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreed in 1995. That opened the door for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to receive education and training in Australia. Around 100 AFP, coastguard and civilian defense personnel do so every year. ADF mobile training teams also deliver courses in the Philippines. Terrorism was the main feature of security cooperation with the Philippines for almost two decades after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the U.S. The culmination of that effort was Operation Augury – Philippines, which provided training to more than 10,000 AFP personnel during and after the siege of Marawi City, from October 2017 until December 2019, when the operation transitioned to become the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Program. Since then, the emphasis has shifted towards assisting the AFP’s modernization and external defense plans.

Defense capacity-building delivered to the Philippines has focused on maritime security and domain awareness, as well as the lingering threat from terrorism and pandemic healthcare more recently. In July 2015, Australia donated two landing craft to the Philippine Navy.

A further three were acquired in March of 2016.

And if anyone of you out there is still not aware of it yet, Australia

is the only country apart from the U.S. with which the Philippines has a reciprocal visiting forces accord, signed in 2007. It entered into force in September 2012, fortuitously facilitating the ADF’s delivery of disaster relief assistance to the Philippines in the wake of super typhoon Haiyan in 2013. In August 2021, the two government concluded a mutual logistics support agreement, proving a second pillar to sustain the deployment of ADF assets and personnel to the Philippines. It would be too crude to suggest that Australia provides capacity to the AFP and receives access for the ADP in return, though that is not a basis for reciprocity in the defense relationship. Underpinning the association at a human level are close interpersonal connections across the armed services and defense bureaucracies.

Like most militaries in Southeast Asia, the AFP is army dominated, despite the Philippines’ archipelagic geography, but there are also bilateral links between the Australian and Philippine navies and air forces. The Anzac-class frigate HMAS Arunta and corvette BRP Apolinario Mabini drilled together in the Celebes Sea in September 2020, and Australian navy patrol boats have previously been deployed to the Philippines. In September 2022 the Philippine Air Force participated in Exercise Pitch Black in northern Australia. Earlier this year, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) delivered a combat air control simulator to the Philippine Air Force ‘to support training.’ Since at least 2017, the RAAF has periodically conducted surveillance flights over the South China Sea from the Philippines.

In May, one of a pair of RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft operating from Clark Air Base, north of Manila, was unsafely intercepted by a Chinese J-16 fighter reportedly near the Paracel Islands. Australia’s ability to fly P-8A missions out of the Philippines demonstrates the strategic potential of the relationship. One obvious deficiency in security relations is the absence of an industrial level partnership. The recent failure of Australian shipbuilder Austal’s bid to supply six new offshore patrol vessels to the Philippines was a missed opportunity in this regard, if I may comment so.

One reason Australia’s defense profile in the Philippines doesn’t receive more attention is because the U.S. alliance still tends to overshadow Manila’s primary defense policymaking. Australia’s defense offer to the Philippines is on a modest scale compared with the American programs. Nonetheless, Australia benefits from operating in a complementary fashion without the political drag that sometimes attaches to American activities in the Philippines because of historical baggage.

U.S. military exercises with the AFP provide opportunities to the ADF to train alongside Americans and Filipinos. In the 2022 iteration of Exercise “Balikatan,” for example, Australian commandos took part in a helicopter raid on the island of Corregidor together with U.S. and Philippine Marines. With Australian participation, the Philippines and United States forces also successfully concluded last year the largest “Balikatan” wargames between Manila and Washington – so far. However, Australia’s population is around a quarter of that of the Philippines and there are just over 90,000 ADF personnel in uniform. Canberra therefore needs to manage Manila’s expectations of what Australia can realistically deliver, short of a formal alliance.

For whatever its worth, Australia’s defense partnership with the Philippines is repaying the dividend of past investments at a time when the limits to more traditional relationship in Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly apparent.

No doubt about it, the waltzing Aussies are coming to the Philippines!

Good on ya, mate!

Mabuhay!!

Ethnic Media Services. “But the mindset is the same. You have to have a lot of patience and love. Otherwise you cannot be a caregiver.”

of a full time job and being the sole care giver for his 91 year old mother. In a sweet moment, the two chat about old times as they make egg rolls together.

A young Hawaiian Chinese woman lives with her elderly mother, who suffers from multiple illnesses. They are forced to talk about end of life expectations as a close family member is moved to hospice care. And in another film, a Thai American woman, whose elderly parents still work at their restaurant despite health challenges, says: “I feel like I’m the parent of two really stubborn children.”

The series is titled: “We Care.”

Patience and Love “Every story is different, the expectations are different,” Benny Lai, a spokesman for NAPCA, told

“Asian folks are more willing and common to be caregivers. Back in our home countries, it’s very common that the second generation are living with their parents,” said Lai. “And when they are in the States, living in bigger homes, getting married, moving out of their parents’ homes, they find it easier to hire a couple of domestic helpers at maybe $3,000 to $4,000 a month per person, or put them in elderly houses for $4,000 a month. But not a whole lot of people can afford them,” he said, noting that by default, adult children become their parent’s caregivers.

Denyse Woo Ockerman, who lives with her mother Irma in Hemet, California, characterizes her mom as “my best friend.”

Ohana “We were meant to be together,”

when hate crimes and incidents are reported, they often go unnoticed. The Fresno Police Department did set up an information table at the event.

she says in her film. “Caregiving is imprinted in our culture. It is ohana,” says Woo Ockerman, using her culture’s word for a deeply-tied family.

“Love is With Me,” are the words that echoed through Manisha and Nayana Shahane’s mother’s journal, which she began to write shortly after being diagnosed with Multiple Symptom Atrophy. The family’s long term care insurance ran out: Manisha and Nayana had to step up round-the-clock care, often at expense to their own well-being. The loss of time for self care was a theme that echoed through all four videos. But each caregiver also spoke about the deep satisfaction they had gained from caring for a vulnerable human being. All four films will be featured at various film festivals around the US beginning in May. They can be viewed on NAPCA’s YouTube channel next month.

town of Clovis, California.

Center. The daylong event brought together more than 20 non-profit organizations, who set up tables outside the venue to share their efforts towards ending hate. Mike Rhodes, executive director of the Community Alliance, told EMS that Fresno and neighboring cities were rife with hate activity, much of which is unreported. “A lot of people here don’t trust the police,” said Rhodes, adding that

The morning featured four concurrent workshops, including tools for bystanders witnessing a hate crime; what to do if you’re a victim of a hate crime; and a “know your rights” discussion led by the Council on American Islamic Relations. Amir Brooks, who presided over the workshop, recalled a recent event in which he was stopped by police in the small

Walking While Black Brooks is Black and disabled. “I was hobbling to the store. Within a couple of minutes, police stopped me, shined a light in my face, and asked a bunch of questions,” he said.

“When I got to the store, I was stopped by two more cops, who again questioned me, and then checked out my answers against the ones I had given the other cops.”

“As I walked home, the cops followed me. They had obviously identified me as a suspect without any reason,” said Brooks.

National City declares June 12 as San Diego County Fair Day

11 additional cities and the County of San Diego are also confirmed to issue Proclamations

DEL MAR, CA -- The City Council of National City, led by Mayor Ron Morrison, recently presented the 22nd District Agricultural Association with a Proclamation declaring Wednesday, June 12, 2024 as “San Diego County Fair Day” in the City of National City.

The District, which owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, produces the Fair — the largest annual event in the county. The Fair’s opening day this year is June 12.

Currently, 11 additional cities and the County of San Diego have also confirmed plans to issue similar official proclamations for June 12. It is especially fitting that National City was the first to do so, as the first San Diego County Fair was held there in 1880.

“We are deeply honored to receive these proclamations and to serve all of San Diego County as we produce the region’s largest annual community celebration,” said Carlene Moore, CEO of the District.

“While the San Diego County Fair takes place in Del Mar, our Fair is primarily about showcasing and hosting exhibitors, vendors, food stands, entertainers, musicians, and guests from across our region every year. We truly are a reflection of the diverse communities we serve, and these proclamations demonstrate our efforts and our strong partnerships

with cities across San Diego County.”

Other cities scheduled to present proclamations to the District at upcoming City Council meetings include:

Apr. 9 – Vista

Apr. 10 – Encinitas

Apr. 17 – Imperial Beach

Apr. 23 – Chula Vista

Apr. 24 – Solana Beach

May 7 – Lemon Grove

May 14 – El Cajon

May 14 – San Marcos

May 20 – Del Mar

May 21 – Coronado

May 22 – Oceanside In addition, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors plans to present a proclamation during a meeting in June.

About the San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair

is the largest annual event in the county with an attendance of nearly 1 million. The theme for the 2024 Fair is "Let's Go Retro," a nostalgic voyage back in time from the '50s through the start of the new millennium. The 20-day Fair season will run June 12 through July 7, with closures on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, visit sdfair. com. About the 22nd District Agricultural Association

The 22nd District Agricultural Association owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds and is governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor. Fairgrounds operations are primarily funded by revenues

Lovi Poe to take a break from Hollywood stints for 'Guilty Pleasure'

MANILA -- The production team behind the upcoming film "Guilty Pleasure" felt a rollercoaster of emotions upon reading the script for the movie. "Anxious, scared, mind-blowing, disgust, spicy, hopeful, surprised" -these were just some of the words that they used to describe their reaction to the film.

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The drama, produced by Regal, stars Lovi Poe, JM De Guzman, and Jameson Blake. In the movie, they play three lawyers "navigating their way through love, betrayal, intrigue, ambition, vulnerability and revenge." "Lovi plays Alexis who is a highlyskilled attorney. She was hired by a celebrity played by Dustin Yu accused of rape by another celebrity. She will be going up against the firm where she started. There will be two timelines: the present and the past which will show how she met both JM and Jameson, who she will be going up against," writer Noreen Capili said at the media conference

of "Guilty Pleasure."

"It is not the usual movie. The theme is different. The script, where the story is going, the message it wants to convey, it is definitely something special," Poe said.

The forthcoming film aims to shed light on the issues of accountability and consent.

"Gusto ko lang to raise awareness kasi may babae natatakot, nahihiya, sila naman na-violate. Sila biktima. To raise awareness it is not your fault you can be open and vocal about it," Capili explained.

"Guilty Pleasure" reunites Poe with director Connie Macatuno after their highly acclaimed project,

"Malaya", which scored the former an Urian nomination for Best Actress.

"I worked with her in Malaya and until now it is one of my favorite movies. I know how hard she works and how she elevates everything with her vision," Poe said.

The project brought the actress, who had been busy with her Hollywood commitments, back home to the Philippines.

Poe is set to star in the independent film "Bad Man," produced by Garry A. Brown, renowned for his work on several seasons of Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Alongside her are Seann William Scott, Johnny Simmons, Rob Riggle, Chance Perdomo, and Andre Hyland.

"It is basically the same working on a Hollywood set and the Philippines. But it is different

working with other people. It varied because of the team," she explained. She went on, "They are very warm and humble. When I am there, I am shy. I am just in a corner but they would make me feel at home. They are so nice."

Additionally, the actress also recently revealed the launch of C'est Lovi Productions company, dedicated to showcasing Filipino talent. According to the actress, the production house is already hearing up for a horror film.

"Pre-production right now. That is something I will share once everything starts," she said.

"Anything that is Filipino. I am so proud to be Filipino and so proud of anyone who can make it globally in any aspect. Small things to support the Philippines I am all for it. It is always nice to lift each other up," she added. (MNS)

Alexa Ilacad, KD Estrada more confident performing together

MANILA -- Whether KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad are belting tunes together in front of a roaring crowd or casually jamming at a corner of the holding area, the KDLex chemistry is palpable.

Students of Arellano University couldn't contain their excitement as the duo serenaded them with their rendition of Stephen Sanchez's "Until I Found You” during the Starpop Campus Tour on Thursday, while netizens swooned over a video of Ilacad singing Ariana Grande's “we can't be friends (wait for your love)" while Estrada played the guitar.

“The hottest musical GEN-Z and the sweetest couple in the showbiz industry,” an online user wrote.

“Full cover please. KDLEX multi-talented power and amazing couple,” a fan commented on the clip of the duo jamming to Grande’s hit single.

The duo revealed that they are able to bring out the best in each other when sharing the spotlight.

“I feel a lot calmer and more comfortable. There is a sense of familiarity,” Ilacad said in an interview during the campus tour, Thursday evening.

“Less nervous. On stage alone, I have nerves, it tends to shake me up. But when Alexa is there, I am more comfortable and more confident. There is a sense of teamwork,” Estrada chimed in.

The Starpop artists, however, were also able to flaunt their individual prowess on stage. Ilacad captivated the audience with her rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” and Tyla’s “Water,” while Estrada pumped up the crowd as they sang along to his cover of Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like.”

“Aside from it being extra time to spend with supporters, it is a good opportunity for us to introduce myself as a singer. It is a great way to showcase myself,” the singeractress said. “Music is my first love and showcasing that is really great. I get

to reconnect myself,” Estrada added.

Recently, Ilacad hit a new career high as a singer with her "ASAP Natin 'To" number with Max Schneider. The Kapamilya star stunned the audience with her

electrifying performance of "Stupid In Love" on Sunday.

“I'm speechless about it. I was surprised with the reception. I just wanted to do my best and make my 'ASAP' family proud as well

as Max. I was told he really chose me, I wanted to show him he made a very good choice. I'm very happy people were so supportive. He was an amazing guy, it really inspired me to better my craft and myself, maybe one day my dream to become an international artist can come true,” Ilacad said.

“Extremely proud. I was at the gym, I was motivated to lift when I saw it,” Estrada added. (MNS)