The Filipino Press: April 26-May 2, 2024

By Selen Ozturk/eMS

LOS ANGELES, CA -- What happens when our most vulnerable generation — children between birth and age five — don’t have access to health care?

While the problem of coverage gaps has come to a head in California as the state faces a major budget crisis, it reflects a danger nationwide.

At a Friday, April 5 Ethnic Media Services briefing, a state Assemblymember and children’s health care experts discussed the threat to continuous coverage of Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid, for children ages zero to five; the national impact of reinstating annual Medicaid eligibility reviews; and the potential impact of coverage gaps for children’s health.

A nationwide view Half of U.S. children get health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a similar stateadministered program that provides health insurance for children whose household income is too high for Medicaid but too low for marketplace coverage.

“Federal researchers estimate that three out of four children who would lose their Medicaid during redetermination would still be eligible — this is much higher than for adults, because children have higher income eligibility, and likely

By Selen Ozturk/eMS

Listas empowers women with emergency resilience in the face of disasters ranging from extreme heat to winter storms to wildfires.

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Women are among the leading groups primed for disaster preparation, according to the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).

As a result, CalOES is launching Listas, a first-of-its-kind campaign to empower women with emergency resilience knowledge in the face of disasters ranging from extreme heat to winter storms to wildfires.

At a Thursday, April 4 briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media, a CalOES leader, a state assemblymember and a mother of two who works as a teacher discussed the Listas campaign and how it can empower women as resilience leaders in ethnic communities.

Preparing women for emergencies

The campaign, launched in March during Women’s History Month, builds off of research that identified two key groups of women who would most benefit from disaster preparation resources: “the head of the household and the messenger,” said Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Assistant Director of Crisis Communication & Public Affairs at CalOES.

“These heads are women who bear the weight of responsibility making ends meet while taking care of children or elderly parents, while the messengers are first- or secondgeneration women helping support their families within the unit,” she explained. “We saw that women over

have another

coverage source,” explained Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown Center for Children and Families. “We are about

the age of 18, mostly in Latino, AAPI and black communities, are the ones that would listen to our message, pass it on and actually use it during an emergency.”

CalOES is providing Californians with videos and actionable disaster safety tips, as well as local county emergency alert signups, through over 73 community organization outreach grantees. These organizations have worked alongside a larger statewide partnership network to make over 400,000 calls to California women since March asking them to sign up for alerts and sharing preparedness information.

Local phone, text and email alerts in multiple languages for disasters like flooding, earthquakes and wildfires are available for Californians in each county through listoscalifornia.org/alerts.

Women across communities

procedural reasons, this is a national crisis,”

Medicaid since redetermination — comprising nearly one in four of the children losing coverage nationwide — and Florida, with nearly half a million fewer children on Medicaid.

“The good news is that we’re seeing a national breakthrough in policies that allow continuous coverage,” said Allker. “Oregon, Washington and New Mexico are now implementing a Section 1115 waiver from the federal government to cover children from birth to age six. Eight other states, and the District of Columbia, are also pursuing this.”

“In this year’s budget and his State of the Union speech, President Biden proposed to Congress that states be offered an option to cover infants from birth through age six” as well as an option to allow three years of continuous coverage after that through age nine, she continued.

Currently, continuous coverage like this is only possible if states undergo the complicated process of applying for a Section 1115 waiver.

“California was earlier to pass continuous coverage, but hasn’t implemented it. These states are catching up,” Alker added. “Let’s not fall behind. Children and families shouldn’t have to worry about losing health care.”

Keeping Medi-Cal

Against a deficit estimated at $73 billion, continuous coverage for children is at risk of being cut, said California Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-77): “I’ve been fortunate

“What we want is for women to have that knowledge and talk about it with their partners, family, friends and children,” she continued.

“Emergencies are not fun; it’s not if but when the next one happens. The more that a family can talk about it, the more you demystify responding to it.”

“The most important thing we saw in our research is that people need to see an emergency to truly believe it,” Crofts-Pelayo added.

“We got anecdotes from people that said ‘I might not evacuate my home until I see the water rising on my street corner,’ or ‘unless I see the flames down the street.’ There are still many communities that have never experienced a natural disaster, and our aim is showing people that

“My grandma never learned English. My mom was born in Mexico, and she was always seen as the leader within our family here and back in Mexico,” said CroftsPelayo. “Women are the ones that push their families to do things. It’s not necessarily the man of the household anymore. At the end of the day, they’re the ones that are most likely to be looking after elderly parents, or engaging with their community through schools and local associations.”

SAN DIEGO, CA -- To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, come join us for the exclusive Thai Taste Sensation event in San Diego. To help ring in the Thai New Year and to comemmorate over 100 years of Thai-US relations, embark on a culinary journey through Thailand at the "Thai Taste Sensation: Exclusive Event in San Diego” on May 5th 1-4 pm at at San Diego Oasis at 17170 Rancho Bernardo Center Dr, Sn Diego. Here, you can sample a variety of authentic Thai dishes from local restaurants while enjoying traditional music and dance performances. There will be a colorful array of Thai traditional dress. Social dancing will also be featured, providing a fun opportunity to connect with others, as well as a Thai authentic massage and a Thai kickboxing demonstration. You can also get a taste of Thai culture, featuring delicious Thai food from

restaurants such as Takhrai Thai Restaurant in Scripps Ranch and many other local authentic Thai restaurants. Takhrai Thai was voted by the Ministry of Commerce for the Thai Select Award, bringing authentic Thai flavors to San Diego. We will have many more authentic Thai restaurants to serve several delicious Thai Food . Don't miss out on this immersive experience filled with delicious food, craft, and cultural entertainment. Secure your spot for an evening of culinary exploration and lively entertainment. For tickets, please contact Jaew at (717)2753375, Jariya (858)735-8917, Aree (310)569-1624, Susi B (760)9413333. Some of the sponsors of the event include Poway Chamber of Commerce, Andaman Institute of Massage, PDC Associates, Samakee: Thai American Samakee Coalition, Amazing Thailand, Thak Rai Thai and more.

The Pampered Pinay: Words into Action

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

Sometimes it feels like the world is spinning too fast for our own good. News stories, social media posts and flippant statements whiz past us a mile a minute. Decisions and judgments are quickly made, videos go viral, thoughts are retweeted... But when we slow down, even for a moment, the truth of our changing world settles in...and it's not all good.

I am both an optimist and a realist. I see so much good in the world, but I am also almost hyperaware of the most pressing needs and heavy burdens carried on the shoulders of so many people--our neighbors, our kababayan. These types of societal challenges don't spring up over night. No one chooses to suffer. And no one should live without hope or resolve for a better, safer, brighter future. Like dominoes, the quality of one person's future impacts the next.

So, instead of letting our energy, our opinions and our time simply roll with the tide, I ask that we each take a moment to put our words into

EMERGENCIES

this is real, this happens every day … All disasters are local, which is why community-based preparedness is so important.”

“It’s the women who are taking care of parents, grandparents, children, doing the shopping, taking care of the house, preparing for tomorrow,” said District 10 Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. “For emergency situations, it’s key that women not only hear these messages but deliver them.”

“When disaster comes, it affects everybody across communities, and seeing different women talk from their cultures about having go-bags ready, batteries charged, water for washing and drinking — women across communities can think, ‘If she’s doing this, I should be doing this in my home as well,’” she added.

productive actions--to step away from keyboards and screens and play a role, not just in pointing out what can be improved in the world around us, but helping make real, necessary, positive, timely change come to fruition. Here are three simple ways to do exactly that:

1. Find out which elected officials represent you at the local, state and federal level. Reach out to their offices, and find out what services they provide, what policies and community issues they are working on, and what upcoming events they are hosting. Moreover, communicate your ideas and concerns with your electeds and their team members. Not sure who to reach out to? Call any government office, and they can help direct you.

2. Converse, don't combat. Only with united efforts do long-term solutions come. We need each other. Our diversity in backgrounds and perspectives is what make us special, stronger and more apt to develop and sustain changes that make for winwin situations for everyone. In order to truly move forward, we've got to

A teacher’s perspective “Thinking about the safety and wellbeing of my family and students, knowing that I have the knowledge and the tools to protect them, is always a top priority for me, and thinking about emergency preparedness goes hand in hand with that,” said Shayla Happi AmenraWarmsley, a Sacramento-based mother of two and second grade teacher.

“I’ve started implementing these tools both in my personal family and within my classroom — from creating emergency kits, to developing family communication plans and emergency contact systems, this campaign definitely helped bring many ‘what-ifs’ into the practical reality of what I would do in the case of an earthquake, fire, flood, or a power outage, which did happen to my home a month ago,” she continued, adding that Listas enabled her to respond to it.

have (sometimes uncomfortable) conversations, humble ourselves to ask questions, listen to other (even opposing) views, join forces and work together. There's no way around it. If you're not ready to roll up your sleeves and help out, you lose your privilege to complain.

3. Understand the policies that shape our lives. Understand how policies impact people differently. Understand the roots of both the community challenges around us, as well as the policies that are being/ have been established to address them. When you see where people are coming from, especially those who disagree, you'll often find longheld beliefs that have been held as truths but actually have no merit. That's where fear, confusion and discomfort lie. We've got to do our due diligence and research, verify, THEN make informed opinions and educated decisions. When we're too lazy to dig into the facts or give into (often sensationalized) hearsay, we run the risk of making poor choices and disrespecting (sometimes even hurting) others. Know better. Do better. Be better.

“In times of crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless, especially for young people,” Amenra-Warmsley said. “Having a plan just as important as practicing it, so a lot of what I do at home and with my students alongside teaching the tools we need to be prepared — like shelter-in-place plans, memorizing emergency phone contacts, planning evacuation routes and having snack bags — is teaching the tools we need for mental resilience, whether that’s morning yoga or emotional regulation exercises.”

“There are changing elements to what it means to be prepared, it means being both flexible and adaptable in the face of adversity,” she added. “As a teacher, I not only educate my students academically but also teach them lifelong skills of resiliency, emerging from any storm as a stronger version of themselves. Learning how to prepare for emergencies is at the heart of that.”

VP Sara: Liza Marcos' feelings unrelated to my mandate as gov't official

MANILA -- Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday acknowledged the resentment of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos toward her, but said that the latter’s personal feelings have nothing to do with Duterte's mandate as the country’s second highest government official.

Sara Duterte said this in a video message, following the controversial interview of the First Lady where she admitted having ill feelings toward the Vice President after her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, called President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. "bangag" or high on drugs.

“Mga kababayan, bilang tao, karapatan ni Unang Ginang Liza Marcos na makaramdam ng sama ng loob at galit. Subalit ang kanyang personal na damdamin ay walang kinalaman sa aking mandato bilang isang opisyal ng pamahalaan,” Sara Duterte said.

Duterte said that she will have a private discussion with President Marcos regarding the matter.

“Upang makausad tayo, iiwan na natin sa isang pribadong paguusap sa pagitan lamang namin ni Pangulong 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. ang mga susunod na hakbang,” she added.

In an interview on the "Tune in kay Tunying" online program posted Friday, Liza Marcos said the Vice

President was a "bad shot" for her "unless she says sorry or whatever."

This, after the First Lady said she took offense when she saw Sara Duterte laughing over the former President's remark at a rally in Davao City in late January to oppose efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Rodrigo Duterte had alleged that Bongbong Marcos was on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, a claim already denied by PDEA.

“For me, nasaktan ako because my husband will do everything to protect you. You ran together ‘di ba—sama sama tayong babangon muli,” Liza Marcos said, referring to Sara Duterte—who was the running mate of her husband during the 2022 elections.

(I was hurt because my husband will do everything to protect you. You ran together during the elections, right—we will rise together.)

“Pupunta ka sa rally, tatawagin ‘yung Presidente mong ‘bangag,’ ‘di ba, you’re going to laugh? Tama ba ‘yan? Even Leni [Robredo] never did that,” she added.

(You went to a rally, then the President gets called bangag, and then you’re going to laugh? Is that right? Even Leni [Robredo] never did that.)

The Philippine National Police had also said it has not seen any

document or list stating that the President is involved in illegal drugs.

Sara Duterte, who also currently serves as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), said that there are other big problems that the government should focus on and solve, including the proliferation of illegal drugs again in the country.

“Patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at iba pang mga bilihin at ito ay mas nagpapahirap pa sa dinaranas na gutom o kawalan ng sapat na pagkain ng mahihirap nating kababayan. Nagbabadya rin ang kakulangan ng supply ng tubig at kuryente, habang talamak na naman ang ipinagbabawal na droga,” she said.

“Samantala, hindi pa rin natatapos ang banta ng kriminalidad, terorismo, at insurhensiya sa ating bansa,” she added.

Even after the First Lady’s remarks, President Marcos and Sara Duterte were seen showing friendly behavior toward each other at the graduation ceremony of the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite on Friday.

The two leaders were spotted exchanging smiles before Marcos bussed Duterte on the cheek. They also sat next to each other on the stage and were also seen conversing. (MNS)

RISING TEMPERATURES. As the heat index in Davao City rose to 42°C on Wednesday (April 24, 2024), a mom tries to cool off her child with a mini electric fan while waiting for their turn during an immunization activity at the Matina Aplaya Gymnasium. The weather bureau has warned of “dangerous” heat indices in 31 areas in the Philippines, including Davao City. (MNS photo)

Continued from page 1

to be elected to the Assembly since 2018, and we’ve had ever larger budgets, and this is the first time many of us have had to cut it.”

While in 2022 the Legislature approved multi-year continuous Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid, for children ages zero to five, it has yet to greenlight the funding.

The Legislature has until June 15 to pass the state budget, while the greenlight may not be determined until August.

Meanwhile, a nationwide annual redetermination of Medi-Cal eligibility, temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 federal emergency, resumed in April 2023. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Californians are being disenrolled. A third of these are youth.

92% of these disenrollments are due to procedural or paperwork reasons as of November 2023, compared to a nationwide average for procedural disenrollment of 71%.

“Oftentimes, families that still qualify for coverage but lose it due to procedural reasons — like missed renewal notices due to old contact information, inadequate language assistance, difficulty gathering all required documentation, and timely renewal applications not marked as received due to staffing shortages — find out about their lack of coverage while having a medical emergency, or going in for basic necessary services. This is unacceptable,” said Boerner.

Out of 40 million Californians, 40%, or over 15 million, relied on Medi-Cal when redetermination began.

Nationwide, over 90 million Americans — over one in four — were on Medicaid.

Boerner said she was pushing the Department of Finance to certify multi-year continuous Medi-Cal enrollment for children aged zero to five.

“When we cut the red tape, people get the preventative care they need, and they’re not just ending up in the ER, with sick children that may have lasting, costly impacts from those illnesses,” she explained.

Those who lose Medi-Cal for procedural reasons have 90-day retroactive coverage, i.e. can have medical bills paid for if issued within the 90 days before their coverage starts again.

The impact of losing coverage 5.2 million Californian children — over half of the state’s 9 million children — had Medi-Cal or CHIP as of October 2023, and three-fourths of these were children of color.

Since redetermination began, over a million Californians of all ages have lost coverage, including 284,000 children.

“Babies see a doctor up to seven times in the first year of life alone. Health during those first few years of life, when 90% of brain development occurs, requires frequent and timely visits and screenings, and even short gaps in health coverage — known as ‘churning’ — can disrupt that care,” said Mayra Alvarez, president of The Children’s Partnership.

During the pandemic, when redetermination froze, churn rates for California children dropped from 7.5% to 1%.

“The numbers don’t capture the true impact of lost coverage. Last year, we held focus groups statewide where we heard directly from parents. One Spanish-speaking

NOWHERE TO GO. Motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles encroach on the bicycle lane of EDSA, Quezon City on Monday (April 22, 2024). The Department of Transportation is looking into the possibility of a side-by-side motorcycle-bicycle lane on the major highway to ease traffic flow. (MNS photo)

Dismissal

of panel head won't affect probe on sale of NFA rice stocks

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA)'s probe into the alleged improper sale of rice stocks of the National Food Authority (NFA) remains intact despite the dismissal of the official leading the investigation.

This came after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director and probe panel head Demosthenes Escoto for grave misconduct in relation to the procurement of BFAR's communications equipment in 2018.

"Siya ang head dito at may dalawang kasama, si Atty. (Willie Ann) Angsiy at si Assistant Secretary James Layug. Buo pa naman, nandun pa naman iyong majority ng team (He was the head and was accompanied by two others including Atty. Angsiy and Asec. James Layug. They're still whole, majority of the team is still there)," Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing Friday.

"For the meantime, ay iyong dalawa na natitira doon sa panel ay tuloy pa rin ang isinasagawang pagsisiyasat dito sa issues na ito (the two remaining officials in the panel will continue the ongoing investigation on these issues)," he added.

De Mesa said no remarkable delay is expected considering the actions of its panel are supported while awaiting the new head.

buying price equivalent to PHP23 to PHP30/kg. for dry and clean palay; and PHP17 to PHP23/kg. price range for fresh palay to ensure fair play with local traders.

These are higher than the NFA's previous price range set at PHP19 to PHP23/kg. and PHP16 to PHP19/kg for dry and fresh palay, respectively.

The NFA Council allowed the buying price tweak so it could secure supplies from local farmers and hit its target of 300,000 metric tons for national rice buffer stock.

CHED: No Chinese students in Cagayan public HEIs

No Chinese students are enrolled in public higher education institutions (HEIs) in Cagayan province, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said on Thursday.

CHED Chairperson J. Prospero De Vera III made the remark in reaction to reports on the alleged influx of Chinese students in Cagayan, which some described as "alarming" amid China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"But there is a significant number of Chinese students enrolled in Saint Paul University Philippines (SPUP) - Tuguegarao City," De Vera said in a statement.

He said the SPUP, a private school, has the autonomy to accept foreign students from recognized foreign HEIs, including Chinese nationals, in line with its internationalization efforts.

(MCNP).

"The insinuation that the presence of Chinese students in the city's universities poses a threat to national security is not only baseless but also deeply offensive. It is a blatant display of racism and Sinophobia that has no place in our society, especially within the realm of education," they said in a separate joint statement.

"The suggestion that Chinese students may be involved in espionage is not only unfounded but also reflects a dangerous stereotype that unfairly targets an entire group of individuals based on their nationality."

Besides this, the concerned private HEIs also denied reports of "4,600 enrolled number of students," which they described as "grossly overstated and baseless."

As of Wednesday, SPUP has 486 graduate students, including Americans, Chinese, Indonesians, Japanese, and Vietnamese nationals.

The UCV, USLT, and MCNP, meanwhile, have no foreign students at present. (MNS)

Quiboloy still in PH; hold departure order requested -- DOJ The Department of Justice (DOJ) believes embattled pastor Apollo Quiboloy is still in the Philippines.

Speaking at a Palace press briefing Thursday, DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said they have received information indicating that Quiboloy is still in the country.

parent in Fresno described their confusion and shock when they took their sick daughter to the doctor and were told they weren’t covered,” she continued. “Other families said their children didn’t have any coverage for months, and all visits had to stop. No child should be without that coverage.”

“Without greenlighting continuous coverage, the commitments our state has made to deliver on the promise of healthy early development for all children are broken promises,” Alvarez added.

“As a practicing community pediatrician, I’ve seen what happens when we cut down the opportunity in that zero-to-five age gap, with the brain developing, to help those children grow to be the healthiest they can,” said Dr. Ilan Shapiro, chief health correspondent and medical affairs officer at AltaMed, a community clinic network which serves about 500,000 patients, including 120,000 children.

“Many children I see come with chronic problems that create a wave through the entire community. If they have asthma and low oxygen, or developmental delays, the parents need to take care of them, the kid misses out on school and social development,” he continued. “If we don’t give proper vaccine protection, we see what’s happening now — problems with infectious diseases we have not seen in decades, like measles.”

“If we continue opening that coverage gap, we can’t be there for them,” Shapiro said. “If we want to have a healthy California and a healthy country, it’s in our hands to protect the base and future of our community by ensuring continuous coverage. These are our children.”

"Tuluy-tuloy iyong pag-uusap at any time magre-report at mag-aannounce si Secretary [Francisco] Tiu Laurel ng maghe-head (The talks are ongoing and anytime Secretary Tiu Laurel shall report and announce its [new] head)," he said.

Laurel, earlier, ordered the NFA to expedite the submission of necessary documents to the panel, alongside its compliance with the Ombudsman's parallel investigation.

The DA intended to look back to procurement and rice quality assessment records of NFA as early as 2019.

The alleged improper sale includes around 75,000 bags of NFA rice worth more than PHP93.7 million, which was sold to select millers and traders, without bidding, at a price "disadvantageous" to the government.

Slight rice price hike

De Mesa, meanwhile, confirmed a slight increase in retail prices of rice amid the tail-end of the harvest season.

"Iyong prevailing natin ay nasa (our prevailing price is around) PHP51, PHP52. So tumaas ng piso kada kilo iyong prevailing price ng bigas (So the prevailing price increased by PHP1 per kg)," he said.

Last week, the prevailing price was set at PHP50 to PHP51/kg., with some monitored prices pegged at PHP46/kg. to PHP49/kg.

"Dapat sa panahong ito, harvest season, nakikita natin na bumababa ang presyo ng bigas, kaya lamang dahil nagkaroon tayo ng pagtaas din ng presyo ng farm gate ng NFA (Supposedly during this time, harvest season, [we should be] seeing rice price dropping, but we also had a price hike in the farmgate price of NFA)," he said. The NFA earlier increased its

"The foreign students are attracted by the affordable cost of quality education, the use of English as a medium of instruction, and the globally recognized quality of instruction in such fields as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, public health, and engineering," De Vera said.

He also said the CHED has not received any complaint against SPUP.

"In case of complaint or reports of violation, CHED will forward the same to this inter-agency committee for its appropriate action," he added.

He was referring to the InterAgency Committee on Foreign Students, which is tasked to draw up the procedures and implement the guidelines governing the entry and stay of foreign students in the country in support of the government’s policy to promote the Philippines as a center for education in Asia and the Pacific.

Members of the committee are CHED, the departments of foreign affairs and education, Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

Despite the allegations, the CHED maintained its stance in advancing the internationalization efforts of both public and private HEIs in the country.

‘Baseless, deeply offensive’

The concerned private HEIs in Cagayan, meanwhile, released a joint statement slamming the "baseless and deeply offensive" accusations against the enrolled foreign students in Cagayan.

These private HEIs include the SPUP, University of Cagayan Valley (UCV), University of St. Louis Tuguegarao (USLT), and Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines

“We do have information that he is still within the country unless there’re new developments from the police ‘no. But, as far as our information is concerned at the DOJ, he is currently still in the country,” Clavano said.

Two local courts, in Davao City and Pasig City, have ordered the arrest of Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

Quiboloy is facing sexual and child abuse charges in Davao City, while a non-bailable qualified human trafficking case was lodged against him in Pasig CIty.

Clavano said the Davao City cases have been transferred to Pasig City to allow prosecutors to “prosecute both cases together.”

Aside from these cases, the KOJC leader was also indicted in the United States in November 2021 for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children, and is currently on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's wanted list.

The DOJ official also said the prosecutors have already requested the court for a hold departure order (HDO) against Quiboloy.

“That [HDO] has been brought up and I believe the prosecutors have already filed their motion to issue a hold departure order –these are normal legal processes that the prosecutors are very used to,” he said.

Currently, Quiboloy is the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin order or ILBO.

An ILBO is different from a court-issued HDO, as the former only directs the Bureau of

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE “KIWINOY” COMMUNITY: UNDERSTANDING NEW ZEALAND-PHILIPPINES RELATIONS ESPECIALLY AFTER PRIME MINISTER LUXON’S RECENT STATE VISIT TO MANILA

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Kia Ora!

Hello!!

Regardless of their different social, economic and political circumstances, Filipinos abroad tend to be lumped together as “Overseas Filipino Workers”, or OFWs.

Based on 2017 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), OFWs comprise roughly 2 percent of the total Filipino population. They are hosted by several countries worldwide, including New Zealand, where many are increasingly attracted not only to work, but also to “settle” with their families.

However, despite the growing “Kiwinoy” community and the recognition that Filipinos now comprise the third-largest Asian population in New Zealand, there have been few studies on Filipino settlement in the country that go beyond usual reports of when they came, what they came for, and what they contribute. This is especially true for recent Filipino immigrants whose stories are distinct from those who came in the 80s, 90s, and even early 2000s, and whose mobility patterns are much more complex than their predecessors.

The following are some personal observations based on my research about our “kababayans” who have either acquired permanent residency or citizenship in New Zealand.

If I may say it, New Zealand is a third home for many OFWs…Period!

Statistics indicate that three out of 10 Filipino couples in Auckland – the region where most of our “kababayans” in New Zealand reside – had previously worked and lived in some of the top host countries for OFWs. These include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Singapore, Yemen, and Japan.

The majority of these people left our beloved old homeland – the Philippines – as singles in the early to mid-2000s primarily for better career opportunities, and met in their host countries, where they stayed for at least five years before moving to New Zealand together.

Working previously in the IT, accounting and medical fields, many said that while they were satisfied financially, their priorities changed as they started to have children, in which case their migration motivation shifted from mere economic security to family well-being. This saw them relocate from their countries of work, where they have been “permanent contractual workers” to another where they could bring their families to settle long-term.

As well as couples, there are also many individuals who shared the same story of third country migration for the purpose of reuniting with loved ones whom they had left behind as OFWs. One woman left her husband and two children in the Philippines in the early 2000s to go and work as a nurse in the Middle East, but

eventually got a job in New Zealand, where she has been living with her family for more than 15 years.

In other cases, political instability and security were mentioned as main factors driving overseas relocation. In all circumstances, these Filipinos have become either permanent residents or citizens of New Zealand, contributing in various ways to local industries and communities.

In contrast to the alleged “feminization” of Filipino labor overseas, Filipino employment in New Zealand is not stereotyped based on gender. For instance, it is not uncommon to meet Filipino male nurses, caregivers, and even daycare teachers in Auckland, and many have observed the same with Filipinas in socalled “male-dominated” sectors like IT and banking.

FYI: By the way, this observation also seems to hold true for migrants of other ethnic backgrounds and is actually not surprising given the fact that New Zealand’s consistent performance in terms of gender equality - ranking 7th among 149 countries in 2018 based on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap report.

Our “kababayan” residents of New Zealand have also been viewed as being proud of their Filipino identity while at the same time taking pride in New Zealand as their home. Interestingly, unlike most other labels used to characterize Filipinos of mixed descent, the term “Kiwinoys” does not elicit a stigma. However, despite their strong cultural rootedness, what some have discovered is their seeming disinterest in, or ‘apathy’ (for lack of a better word to use), towards old homeland affairs.

For example, in a mini-survey conducted on the ‘concerns of Filipinos in New Zealand surrounding an upcoming mid-term election in the Philippines’, 86 percent of respondents – all of whom are permanent residents of New Zealand – expressed strong concern about corruption in the old homeland but admitted they will not vote and are not actually registered voters.

FYI: It is to be noted that even permanent residents remain qualified to vote, as stipulated by the Overseas Absentee Voting Act, for as long as they are duly registered. But a significant number of them indeed shared the view that the outcomes of the elections will not directly affect them and neither does it bother them since their immediate families are already in New Zealand.

“I am no longer updated on issues in the Philippines. Maybe the elections would affect me but I do not think of it since I am no longer residing there,” explained one Filipino software tester who has been living in Auckland for five years.

FYI: While inconclusive, these observations will draw attention to

“Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heal the wounds, to labor and not to seek to rest, to give of myself and not ask for a reward, except the reward of knowing that I am doing your will. St. Ignatius of Loyola, Pray for us.

Amen ~ St. Ignatius Prayer

The first part of this 4-part synodality essay, I invited the Archdiocese of Caceres-in waiting to define for the laity the definition of what the Church is, aside from it being a physical structure for worship on Sundays. Archbishop Charles Borromeo of Milan formulated what a sacred architecture should be like and where they should be built, but that was a Counter Reformation effort mandated by the Council of Trent.

The Roman Catholic Church is no longer under attack from the reformist Lutherans. The Protestant movement has splintered into multiple denominational faith groups that no longer poses a threat

The first 'KiwiNoy' Member of Parliament (MP) Paulo Reyes Garcia delivered his historical maiden statement in Wellington, New Zealand in three languages. He started speaking in Te Reo Maori, then in the Filipino dialect and finally in English on May 29, 2019.

development cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

As of June 2023, New Zealand had exported goods and services worth NZ$1 billion to the Philippines, with imports totaling NZ$0.36 billion, leading to a combined trade value of NZ$1.36 billion.

Dairy products are the primary export from New Zealand to the Philippines, with travel services also being significant.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)-Philippines has noted a growing interest from New Zealand companies in sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, and food and beverage to establish back offices in the Philippines.

In addition to these traditional

The Royal New Zealand Navy tanker and replenishment ship HMNZS Aotearoa docked at the Manila Port's Pier 15

regional security and stability

the complex makeup of the Filipinos currently living in New Zealand. Permanent residency is just one of the factors, so to speak and certainly, there are many other issues to address, making a case therefore for more indepth and nuanced studies on Filipinos in New Zealand.

Moving on with our narrative: New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrapped his Southeast Asia tour with an important visit to our beloved old homeland – the Philippines – the first by a New Zealand leader in 14 years. Since forming diplomatic ties in 1966 and setting up embassies in each other’s capitals, the two nations have continued to collaborate in areas such as trade, defense and security,

sectors, New Zealand is exploring partnerships with the Philippines in renewable energy. New Zealand ‘s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Peter Kell emphasized the potential for collaboration not just to address local and bilateral energy needs, but also to contribute to regional and global energy solutions.

He also mentioned that New Zealand is looking to the Philippines to help alleviate local talent shortages.

Luxon was accompanied by a delegation of 25 Kiwi business leaders, a move that underscores New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing business relations with the Philippines.

See JESSE REYES on 6

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

Pope Francis’ Call for Synodality in the Philippine Context, Part 2

a Jesuit.

to the Mother Church. The Church hierarchy led by Pope Francis, is leading the effort to change this existing paradigm to one where the faithful are encouraged to go back to a missionary church as envisioned by the Apostles.

Pope Francis’ call for synodality is not new. Vatican Council II provided the impetus to a reexamination of the teaching and the practice of the church. The deep disagreements over Pope Francis’s theology on the centrality and meaning of certain moral and doctrinal teachings expose the fault lines of what is supposed to be a universal church.

Pope Francis, and for that matter, the Catholic Church is under attack from within the Magisterium and the conservative/traditionalist bishop and cardinal theologians that are contributing to the polarization within the Church. In essence, they are questioning the pope’s fidelity to the Church. It is an oxymoron to accuse the pope of practicing heresy because the pope is the Vicar of the Mother Church who happens to be

The Magisterium tells us that the conclave that selects the pope is guided by the Holy Spirit. The conclave that selected Cardinal Bergolio to be the next pope knew that he was a Jesuit Cardinal from Argentina who was a practicing Jesuit and who advanced Latin America’s Liberation Theology.

Pope Francis has written numerous encyclicals that reflect his Ignatian spirituality. He will not be supportive of the traditional orthodoxy, and he will be more loyal to Jesus (than other men in the cloth). He brings with him a reformist agenda.

This is one reason why there is a need for inculturation and for redefining the meaning of the Church, and by extension, fidelity to such Church. Our common understanding of fidelity in the Church is fidelity to the magisterium and the Church hierarchy all the way to the top, the pope. Well, they are certainly part of it. Fidelity, however, is faithfulness to something distinct from oneself, not only to official Church teachings, but also with practices in the Church or how the living church acts. In Pope Francis' case, it was his lived ecclesiology. It reminds me of a time when Inigo de Loyola and original members

of the religious order, the Society of Jesus, set the world on fire. For Ignatius of Loyola, the Church is the visible incarnation of the Lord, and His visible representative here on earth is the Vicar of the Mother Church – the Pope, who continues the work of Christ. Many questioned his orthodoxy and loyalty to the Roman Pontiff, but Ignatius was a strong believer who never wavered with his service to the pope.

During his time, Ignatius battled opponents of the churchthe Lutherans, false prophets, and Catholics who criticized the Church. He was such a strong defender of the pope and the Church. We live in an interesting time that often repeats history. Pope Francis, who wants us to go back to the time when Jesus was here on earth as embodied in the Acts of the Apostles, is being challenged by traditionalists for his desire to labor with Christ and to spread the reign of God to nonCatholics, to those ostracized by the Church.

There was a time when the Jesuits were kicked-out from Spanishcontrolled territories because of their closeness to the pope and political establishments. Well, today, we have a Jesuit pope who espouses the Ignatian Spirituality of service

(action) to Christ through his papacy.

As a Jesuit, he believes and follows the core values of the Gospel such as “authenticity, integrity, courage, love, forgiveness, hope, healing, service and justice.” Francis’ reforms certainly carry with them an aura of authenticity with mercy and love written all over them.

Pope Francis said that “to know WHAT is the teaching of the church is to ask the Magisterium. (But) on HOW it is practiced, to ask the faithful who live it.” Since the Magisterium is the authority or office who is tasked with providing the authentic interpretation of the word of God. It consists of the Pope and the bishops in union with him.

What is happening, however, some of these bishops and cardinals are not in union with him, including many Filipino bishops who only gave proforma support to the reforms Pope Francis has begun.

The Ignatian definition of what a church is includes the global community outside of the place of worship where we usually go. It is a community of sinners and not perfect people. Being a community goes beyond holding hands when we recite the Lord’s Prayer, but how we journey together, how we support one another, and experience God in

our mission together. Regardless of our religious s affiliations or beliefs, we are one body in Christ. What is happening in the Catholic Church today reminds me of the now forgotten Jubilee Song written by a Filipino priest for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2000. “Open your hearts to the Lord and begin to see the mystery. That we are all together as one family. No more walls, no more chains, no more selfishness and closed doors. For we are in the fullness of God's time.” Pope Francis is asking us to join him in this journey of a lifetime as one family, towards a synodal church. A truly universal church where “all are welcome, where all share the mission and contribute their prayer, time and talents will have an impact on those the Catholic Church still believes have been chosen by God and given special gifts to lead and to discern.” God’s word is given to the global community by the power of the Holy Spirit. The word of God is not only the domain of a few bishops and cardinals; it is to be understood in the context of dialogue, of a broader community conversation. The word of God must emerge within the whole Church in communion with the pilgrim People of God.

Filipinos now comprise the third largest Asian population in New Zealand.

on October 30, 2023 for a

visit.

Many Filipinos come to New Zealand to settle long-term.

New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Peter Kell visited the New Zealand-funded youth clinic inside the Layungan Indigenous People's School in MalayBalay City, Province of Bukidnon in Mindanao.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made Jollibee his first restaurant stop on the first day of his Philippine visit and takes a selfie with the Jollibee team.

Spiritual Life

Be gentle with yourself while grieving

This message is dedicated to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Grief will be less painful if we see the beauty of the sunset or we listen to a melody of a song. The sunset leaves an after- glow and the melody of a song lingers in sweet refrain. That is how it is, as we leave the world of the living and as we enter to the heavens with joy and contentment. The passing of a loved one challenges our faith. We try to question God's will in our lives. But sooner or later, we accept the belief that death is a continuum of life, it is a transition from our earthly life to life everlasting.

I would like to comfort my friends with these words uttered by our Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples: "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am there you may be also."

A CareNotes article written by Rev. Mary Kendrick Moore

entitled "Be Gentle With Yourself

While Grieving" offers several tips on how to develop a language of gentle kindness for those who

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

go through a season of grief. She says, look for the small things that feel good to you; think of ways to pamper yourself; remember to care for your body and care for your soul.

In caring for our soul, seek the teachings from your faith that are gentle with grief. Find comfort in the Book of Psalms. where the psalmist poured out his deepest emotions and also found encouragement that God will hear them. Every faith includes teachings about bringing your cares before God. "Come to me all you that weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Saint Augustine expressed these profound thoughts: "Let my soul take refuge from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts beneath the shadow of Your wings;

let my heart, this sea of restless waves, find peace in You, O God."

For my bereaved friends, may I share this gentle prayer of healing by Rev. Moore. "God accompany me through these difficult days like a friend on a long walk, quietly alongside me, allowing me to feel all that I feel. Wrap your love around me like the warm embrace of a hug. Teach me to be gentle with myself - to let the tears flow when my eyes become full, to rest when my body is tired, to seek gentle listening ears when my spirit is lonely, and to look to you when my soul is empty. Help me embrace and not fear the grief that fills my life at this time. May I take care of myself as I would nurture a child in my arms with the food of gentle nourishment and a drink of patience. Grant me the gentle way through healing. Amen.

A life to the fullest

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

(Matthew 16:24-25)

Have you ever been invited on a journey, but to arrive at your destination meant traveling an unfamiliar route? As Christ followers, we choose to journey with Jesus by faith - embracing an unfamiliar faith pilgrimage that requires us to count the cost, give up comfort, and daily choose to surrender to the Father's will.

In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus unapologetically defines selfsacrifice as the ongoing cost of following Him. Why is this so difficult when we know surrendering to His will helps us discover His life? Despite this confrontational and challenging choice, God never pressures us to follow Him - He always allows us to choose, and with choice comes consequence and cost. He implores us to deny self and humbly choose brokenness and

Danny Hernaez

From Whom All Blessings Flow

surrender in order to experience life as He intended - a life fully inspired, actively influencing others to follow Christ as well.

The next time you encounter a crossroad in your faith journey, remember that the Lord uses them to define and refine your choices, character, and faith. In the midst, listen to God whispering, "Do you want to live life as I intended?" If your answer is yes, then you, like me, are beginning to understand the non-negotiable cost of following Jesus. You are grasping the necessity of dying to self to experience true life as you progress in your pilgrimage. God can transform the world with your willing heart - a heart that daily and completely surrenders

to His perfect will.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to follow You. Help me to surrender my heart completely to You. Give me the wisdom and courage to prioritize Your Will for my life so that I may experience life to the fullest - life as You intended. Amen.

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.

<(((><

Today our gospel reading continues and expound the message of last Sunday’s gospel reading on the discourse of Jesus regarding Himself as the vine and we, the disciples, as the branches. Speaking about “the vine and the branches,” Jesus spells out more concretely how the branches could remain in the vine and be fruitful: by keeping his commandments. He told them that love and obedience similar to his love and obedience to the Father gives us his own joy, which makes ours complete. Later, we will see why. Jesus begins by talking about his great love for his disciples, which is the same as the love of the Father for him. To remain in this love, he exhorts us to keep his commandments, similar to what he does for his Father. What stronger words could he use to make his point?

He makes us understand that love comes first before obedience. John tells us in the Second Reading: “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us” (1 Jn. 4:10). The Father’s love has already come to us even before we are able to “love one another.” Obedience is our response to what we have already received from Him. Jesus lays

the groundwork on how obedience works: it is grounded in God’s love. As the beloved Son of the Father, he remains in that love by his obedience. Similarly, our obedience to God is what keeps us in His love. There is joy in obedience. It is the sin in us that twists obedience into a burden, something to be dreaded as if it were a hindrance rather than the path to happiness. John in the Second Reading tells us: “Everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God” (1 Jn. 4:7). When we keep the commandments of love, we live as God’s children and remain in deep intimacy with Him. This brings us to the original design of God for man, the only state that ultimately makes us happy. Only by being transformed back into the

image and likeness of God who is the embodiment of perfect joy can our own joy be made complete.

Now, Jesus moves further. As obedience is the response to love, he will prove his on the Cross: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Here, however, there is something much greater than friendship; his unconditional love. “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.” He “chose” us and loves us despite everything. We see a snapshot of his unconditional love in the First Reading (Acts 10:25-26,3435,44-48). The Gentiles receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as they listen to Peter’s preaching. He is astounded hearing them speak in tongues, glorifying God: “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?” Here, we see God’s great love, revealing His saving work to the nations, Jews and Gentile alike, which we pray in our Psalm (Ps. 98: 1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4): “He has done wondrous deeds.” As we have been loved unconditionally, so are we to love one another. This is the path that Jesus lays out for us in order to be fruitful and perfect in joy.

Marahil wala namang tututol kung ating sasabihin, Anumang mahalagang bagay na ating gagawin, Ang madesisyon at magplano ay kakailanganin, Pinagiisipang mabuti upang matamo ang layunin.

Maraming bagay-bagay sa buhay ay mga simpleng gawain Upang maging maayos ay kailangang planuhin Di kaya mas mahalaga na mayroon ding plano ang buhay natin, Upang sa takdang panahon tagumpay ang ating sasapitin.

Ang buhay natin sa mundong ito ay isang lakbayin.

Mayroon umpisa at mayroon katapusan, Bahagi ng ating plano sa buhay ay mga katanungan Gabay sa ating paglalakbay hanggang sa huling hantungan.

Unang tanong:

NASAAN BA AKO?

Upang masagot ang tanong na ito ay sagutin ang tanong na: SINO NGA BA AKO? Bakit ako nandirito sa mundong ito? Paano ba ako naiiba sa ibang mga nilikha?

Pangalawang tanong: SAAN BA AKO PUPUNTA?

Bakit ako nabubuhay sa

Immigration to be on the lookout for the subject and to verify the status of a case against the subject person and not to restrict an individual from leaving the country. (MNS) Arrest of fugitive Bantag just a matter of time — DOJ It’s a matter of time before fugitive ex-Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag is arrested, a justice official said on Thursday.

“Iyong kay Bantag, patuloy pa din po iyong manhunt ho natin ‘no. We have a general idea already of his whereabouts so it’s just a matter of time,” Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV said in a press briefing in Malacañang. “Again with these things, we just

mundong ito?

Ano ang layunin ng aking paglalakbay?

Ano ang batayan ng tagumpay sa buhay?

Pangatlong tanong: SAAN BA AKO GALING?

Anu-ano ang nanyari sa mga araw na lumipas?

Ano sa aking nagawa ang nagdulot ng tuwa’t kaligayahan?

At ano ang nagdulot ng lungkot at sawi na dapat kong pagsisihan?

Pangapat na tanong: SAAN BA AKO NAPAPAPUNTA?

Kung ang nais ko ay ligaya, bakit kung minsan

ako’y nagdurusa?

Ano ba ang nagawa ko at tila ako’y nawawalan ng pagasa?

Ano ang nangyayari at ako ay nanghihina sa pananampalataya?

Panglimang tanong: PAANO AKO

MAKAKARATING SA

AKING PUPUNTAHAN?

Ano ang dapat kong gawin upang makamtan ang buhay na walang hanggan?

Paano ba ako magmahal, magpakumbaba, magpatawad, magmalasakit at magkawanggawa?

Papaanong ang aking buhay ay maging larawan ng kabutihan sa sanlibutan?

Panganim na tanong: PAANO KO MALALAMAN

have to stay patient – these things don’t happen overnight. The wheels of justice, they grind slowly but they grind very finely so we just have to stay patient,” he stated.

Bantag was charged for masterminding the killing of broadcast journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa. Mabasa was killed in October 2022.

As to the case of former Negros Oriental 3rd Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., the Department of Justice (DOJ) said they are awaiting the decision of the courts for his extradition to the Philippines. “Well obviously there’s an international component to the Teves case. He is now arrested and under the custody of the police in Timor Leste. However, we are awaiting the decision of the courts there as we have submitted already the request for extradition,” said Clavano.

NA AKO AY NASA TAMANG DAAN?

Ang ating damdamin at katayuan sa buhay Ang magsasabi kung tayo ay nasa tama o mali Tayo sa ngayon ba ay nakakaranas ng kaligayahan at panatag na kalooban? O damdamin na dulot ng galit, inggit, gulo ng isip, takot, kasamaan, at kasakiman.

Balikan natin ang tanong: ANO NGA BA ANG PLANO NATIN SA BUHAY?

Buhay na walang plano ay nahahambing sa isang pirasong kahoy na sa agos ng ilog ay tangay, Napapadpad kung saan-saan, walang direksyong tunay, Ang buhay natin ay napakahalaga, pagisipangmabuti, upang maiwasan ang pagsisisi.

Authorities have to stay patient, he said, adding the DOJ is “dotting all the I’s, crossing all the T’s” to make sure that we follow the right process and that the respondent is given due process so that there is nothing that can be attributed to the government.

The DOJ has taken every process possible to get everything done and it is at the tail end of the process now, said, Clavano, noting that once Teves is back in the Philippines, they that hope he will muster the courage to finally face the charges against him.

Teves was nabbed last month at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili, East Timor. He is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023, and three more in 2019. (MNS)

Kell highlighted the significance of this gesture, stating, “someone needs to put their foot forward first, and I think the Prime Minister’s visit is an expression of our commitment to do that, to bring New Zealand up into the Philippines and demonstrate to the Philippine side that we are serious about being serious with them.”

The Philippines has warmly received New Zealand’s gesture.

According to Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand H.E. Kira Christianne Azucena, while the two countries have long-standing diplomatic ties, the relationship faced a setback during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, with all restrictions now lifted, there is a renewed effort to rejuvenate and strengthen this connection.

“Starting last year, we resumed high-level engagements, beginning with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials. We held Foreign Ministry consultations last June, which provided a valuable opportunity to evaluate our current status and plan the future direction of our relations. This was a key moment to kickstart our renewed engagement,” Azucena explained.

MyNZTE (https://my.nzte.govt. nz/article/intro-to-the-philippines) describes the Philippines as an “open and dynamic economy with a young, rapidly expanding population,” indicating a promising opportunity for New Zealand businesses.

Companies from New Zealand that enter the Philippine market typically have extensive experience and a wellestablished presence in the region, with many achieving success.

The Philippines and New Zealand have also worked closely together on defense and security issues. In November 2017, both signed an updated defense cooperation (https:// www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-andregions/asia/philippines/) agreement that allows for greater partnership in logistics and the defense industry.

Since 1989, more than 114 Filipino officers have received training in New Zealand, with one officer from the Philippine Armed Forces attending the Staff College each year.

Just last year, HMNZS Aotearoa (https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/3/newzealand-vessel-visits-ph) visited the Philippines, which signaled New Zealand’s commitment to regional security and stability. Both governments are discussing ways to improve defense collaboration, including capacity-building programs. But personally, I do believe that there’s still more room for improvement.

As everyone knows the Philippines is facing heightened tensions (https:// www.rappler.com/philippines/ china-water-cannon-ayungin-shoalmarch-23-2024/) with Beijing in the West Philippine Sea, marked by increased confrontations involving both nations’ coast guards, including chases and the use of water cannons in the disputed South China Sea waters.

The international community, including New Zealand, has urged all parties to exercise restraint and adhere to international law.

Recent observations by media outlets and experts (https:// www.newshub.co.nz/home/ politoics/2023/12/new-zealand-nottoo-scared-to call-out-china-primeminister-christopher-luxon-says.html) have highlighted that New Zealand’s official statements have avoided directly naming or criticizing China for its actions in the region. However, this stance has shifted recently, with the New Zealand Embassy in Manila beginning to explicitly call out (https:// www.asiamediacentre.org.nz/news/ new-zealand-expresses-criticism-ofchinas-actions-in-the-south-chinaseas/) Beijing’s actions.

I say this reinforced the Philippines’ strategic relevance by noting that a

substantial portion of New Zealand’s trade, ranging from 60 to 80 percent, transits through Southeast Asia. This economic fact underpins New Zealand’s motivation to strengthen its involvement in the region, especially in areas of defense and maritime security with the Philippines. “We recognize the need to intensify our efforts with the Philippines to safeguard and promote not just our interests, but also those of the region,” the New Zealand ambassador to the Philippines commented.

On the other hand, the Philippines’ ambassador to New Zealand welcomed New Zealand’s interest in enhancing security and defense cooperation, emphasizing the shared values of both countries in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Azucena claimed, “The world has changed so much in the past 14 years. It’s gotten smaller. And then we’re seeing so many new challenges emerging especially in the IndoPacific, and we are finding that these challenges are similar to many of the countries. The Philippines and New Zealand both uphold the rule of law, the importance of maintaining the Indo-Pacific as a zone of peace and stability, and the value of dialogues, exchanging views, and cooperation. We also prioritize democracy and the environment.”

The enhancement of defense capabilities between the two countries also relates to disaster response, tackling not just regional conflicts but also the issues brought by climate change.

Additionally, the 2022 Perception of Asia report (https://www.asianz. org.nz/our-resources/reports/newzealanders-perceptions-of-asia-andasia-peoples-2022/) by the Asia New Zealand Foundation reveals that New Zealanders consider the Philippines as one of the top Asian nations they can rely on for security and defense partnerships.

There is no doubt about it that Kiwis and Filipinos share a rich history of cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and extensive peopleto-people initiatives, as I have stated earlier above.

Filipinos are the third largest Asian group in New Zealand, with “Kiwinoys” (Kiwi-Filipinos) comprising over 1.5 percent of the nation’s population.

There are now over 100,000 Filipinos living and working in Aotearoa New Zealand, making valuable contributions to the economic growth of their adopted country, where they are warmly embraced as part of the Kiwi ‘whanau’ (FYI: Within the Maori society, the whanau encompasses three or four generations and forms the political unit below the levels of ‘hapu’ or subtribe, ‘uwi’ or tribe/nation and ‘waka’ or migration canoe).

Azucena highlighted Filipinos and Maori people shared Austronesian heritage, noting, “We feel largely at home in each other’s cultures. We find many similarities, which is one reason for the large Filipino community here –they feel welcomed.”

According to Te Ara (https:// teara.govt.nz/en/filipinos#::text=Traditional520dance:%20 Filifest-,Arrivals%20and%20 settlement,New%20Zealand%20 in%20in%20the%202010s), Filipino immigration to New Zealand began to increase significantly in the 1980s and surged in the 2000s. The early waves of Filipino migrants were skilled professionals, including IT workers in the late 1980s, medical professionals in the late 1990s, and electricians, technicians, and rural workers in the 2000s. Filipino students have also been coming to New Zealand since the 1960s under the ‘Colombo Plan’ (which aimed to contain Communism in Asia through economic and social development which includes sponsoring Asian students to study at New Zealand universities) and their presence continues to this day.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and Trade offers Filipino young leaders an opportunity to pursue professional and post-graduate education at various universities in New Zealand through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (https:// www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/category/ eligibility/1-check-if-your-country-iselgible-for-a-scholarship/), focusing on key areas like sustainability, climate change, food security, renewable energy, disaster risk management, and good governance.

In 1976, Auckland saw the establishment of the first Filipino club, and today, the country, is home to numerous organizations that host events like cultural fiestas, basketball meets, and beauty pageants to celebrate Filipino identity.

In 2019, Paulo Reyes Garcia (https://www.asiamediacentre.org. nz/features/first-kiwi-filipino-mpreturned-to-parliament/) became the first Filipino Member of Parliament in New Zealand, and he accompanied Luxon on his recently-concluded trip to Manila. Prior to his political career in New Zealand, Garcia held the position of Philippine Honorary Consul in Auckland.

Both governments, if I must say it, are committed to further enhancing these people-to-people exchanges to deepen understanding of each other’s cultures, and through Prime Minister Luxon’s visit, the Philippine government believes it’s a great initiative for New Zealand to put Filipinos back on Kiwis’ map.

“We have every intention to capitalize on the goodwill that will be generated from this visit by making sure that it leads to the growing interests and awareness of the Philippines and what it can offer to the Kiwis,” Azucena remarked.

“We also hoped that this visit will generate a new momentum to cooperate in other areas such as cultural, education, and activities that will celebrate how far we have come and the potential of our cooperation going forward,” she added.

On New Zealand’s side, Kell believes Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to the Philippines did showcase a powerful message on how New Zealand values the Filipinos, “I think you can anticipate that our Prime Minister will make it very clear to President (Marcos) and the people he met in the Philippines, that New Zealand is serious about strengthening its relationship, its partnership with the Philippines. It’s committed to doing that.” “The visit aimed to open doors and pave the way for New Zealand businesses to not only do their business in the region but also to fulfill an ambitious agenda. I believe you will find that the visit to the Philippines did lay the foundation for achieving these objectives,” he concluded.

If you – my dear readers – are not aware of it yet – New Zealand has maintained development programs in the Philippines that aims to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life in Filipino communities. These programs primarily focus on agriculture, skill and knowledge development, and disaster risk management.

Furthermore, the New Zealand Embassy in Manila collaborates with the Philippine government to address major development issues. It is actively supporting the Bangsamoro Peace Process (https://www.crisisgroup. org/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/ philippines-keeping-the-bangsamoropeace-process-on-track),working with former combatants, and assisting indigenous and Muslim communities in Southern Mindanao.

Both ambassadors claim that relations between New Zealand and the Philippines are strong, and Prime Minister Luxon’s recent high-level visit represented a deep and longstanding partnership between the two Asia-Pacific countries, which are about to celebrate 60 years of outstanding diplomatic ties.

Mabuhay!

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Pag-Asa Law Clinic Celebrates Their Success in Achieving the SD API Empowerment Grant

On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, Pag-Asa Law Clinic, a 501(c) (3) non-profit with a mission of empowering and assisting the Filipino community around San Diego County, achieved the San Diego API Empowerment Grant.

Pag-Asa Law Clinic began in 2019 with a vision to provide accessible and adequate legal services to Filipinos in San Diego County. Their mission is to give back to the Filipino community by providing them with legal services no matter their immigration status or income level. These services include know-your-rights workshops, free consultations with local FilipinoAmerican attorneys, and referrals for free or low-cost legal representation.

Pag-Asa has participated in various community programs and events such as their recent Tenants’ Know Your Rights Presentation in partnership with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program (“SDVLP”). This presentation was an empowering event where Pag-asa Law Clinic and SDVLP provided invaluable insights and practical advice to help tenants navigate the rental landscape with confidence and clarity. Additionally, Pag-asa has provided internship opportunities for law students, and

expanded their services to include restraining orders and unlawful detainer assistance.

Pag-Asa has worked tirelessly to provide their clients and community with optimal legal assistance.

With the SD API Empowerment Grant, Pag-Asa Law Clinic will continue to thrive and advocate for Filipino and Filipino-American communities around San Diego. This grant will be used to expand Pag-Asa’s immigration services and workshops to engage with a broader audience, strengthen their ongoing services and workshops for the Filipino community, and overall assist Pag-Asa in continuing their mission to give back to the Filipino community in San Diego.

Pag-Asa’s President, Diana Laranang, explains the importance of this grant, saying "The recent grant money we received from San Diego API Empowerment Grant ensures the continuity of vital services at our legal clinic, particularly for the Filipino community. With these funds, we can cover filing fees for naturalization applications, U Visas, T Visas, and VAWA petitions, reaffirming our commitment to supporting and empowering individuals within this community."

As Pag-Asa Law Clinic continues

to grow, they hope to entice more civic engagement by providing a roadmap to citizenship, enhancing participants’ sense of belonging and engagement with their adopted country, and thus, will foster a more active and involved community that contributes positively to the social fabric of San Diego.

Pag-Asa Director, Amanda Bernardo, expresses her gratitude, explaining “In the world of pro bono immigration services, funding to pay filing fees to the government is hard to find despite the need for such funding being so high for the low-income immigrant community.

Therefore, Pag-asa Law Clinic is grateful and honored to receive the opportunity to provide this type of support.”

Pag-Asa Law Clinic remains extremely grateful and humbled with the ongoing support of the SD API community and will continue to exert efforts in achieving their goals in being of service to others.

Pag-Asa will be holding an Immigration Panel Workshop on June 22nd, 2024. Please join us in this informative and helpful workshop aimed at educating the community about the immigration process. Details on this wonderful event will be released soon.

CURACAO, FETES GRAND OPENING at CHULA VISTA SHOPPING CENTER

Unprecedented Savings: Better-Than-Black Friday Offers, Deals, Promotions, and Giveaways offered During Curacao’s Chula Vista Grand Opening Celebration on April 20, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Curacao, recognized as The Best of the Southland by the Los Angeles Times, and the largest Hispanicserving retailer on the West Coast, is poised to redefine a retail grand opening experience. On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Chula Vista community is witness to a sale so spectacular that outshone even the most generous Black Friday offers.

Curacao’s Grand Opening Doorbuster Deals include, just to name a few, include: 1. Samsung S24

AI-Enabled Android Smartphone:

$499, limited quantity: 20

2. Apple iPhone 15 PROMAX: $399, limited quantity: 20; 75

Inch Samsung TV: $299, limited quantity: 50

3. 65 Inch LG Smart TV: $149, limited quantity: 100

4. 55 Inch Samsung Smart TV: $99, limited quantity: 50 and more...

“Today, as the retail landscape becomes ever more dynamic, we at Curacao are thrilled to bring our unique touch to the Chula Vista community,” said Teylez Perez, Vice President of Marketing at Curacao. “We recognize that our customers are savvy and value conscious. That’s why, in celebration of our Grand Opening, we offer ed exclusive deals to the shoppers of Chula Vista. We’re not just opening our doors; we’re opening a relationship with every customer who walks through them, promising to meet and exceed expectations from day one.”

Exclusive Offers for Curacao

Credit Card Applicants:

Customers who apply for a new Curacao credit card are also eligible for limited-time promotions. From April 1-30, new in-store approved accounts will get $100 off their first purchase of more than $599, or they can choose a free Retro small appliance with their first purchase of $50. On the day of the Grand Opening event on April 20, Curacao gave away a free 32” television every 50 transactions.

Additional exclusive promotions are available, including Curacao’s price beat guarantee, for those who apply in-store for a Curacao credit card.

A Historic Grand Opening: Curacao at its new store in Chula Vista, located at 555 Broadway, on April 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM PT staged a historic grand opening event filled with family-friendly fun. The festivities included:

Celebrity Appearance by Chula Vista native and Emmy® Awardwinning host, Mario Lopez.

Live Entertainment: Guests enjoyed activities suitable for all ages and performances by Banda Los Sebastianes, Luis Coronel, Mariah Angeliq, and Conexión Divina.

Complimentary Refreshments: Indulged in free food and beverages throughout the day.

· Grand Finale Giveaway: A chance to win a brand-new car!

About Curacao and The Curacao Foundation

Since its founding in 1978, Curacao has been guided by its mission to improve customers’ lives by extending credit options to hardworking, low-to-moderateincome individuals needing highquality home and tech products, travel, export, and money transfer services at low monthly payments. At Curacao, customers can buy price-protected top brands and services on interestprotected credit while supporting the community. In addition, Curacao allocates a percentage of every purchase to support the advancement of its local communities through the Curacao Foundation. Curacao is an omnichannel retailer and lender serving customers online, over the phone, and in person in English and Spanish in Arizona, California and Nevada.

For more information, visit icuracao.com.

Established in 2002, The Curacao Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to building a future in which communities are financially strong, socially empowered, respected and included. The Curacao Foundation has worked with over 100 charities, organizations and institutions focusing on financial

CURACAO'S RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Top photo shows Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and District 1 councilwoman Carolina Chavez flanked by Curacao executives Mauricio Fux, James Lubari and Edgar Nasser, branch manager in front of the 60,000 sq. ft retail store. (Filipino Press photo by Zen Ply)

literacy, health, well-being, education and immigration all within a 10-mile radius of the Curacao retail location. In addition, the foundation supports community partner organizations through general operation and program grants.

For more information, visit icuracao.com and foundation. icuracao.com.

CHULA VISTA Ribbon Cutting

On April 19, 2024, Chula Vista

Mayor John McCann and District

1 councilwoman Carolina Chavez flanked by Curacao Executives Mauricio, James and Edgar the branch

manager led the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in front of Curacao's 60,000 sq.ft store in Chula Vista Shopping Center. Marcy Weaver, CEO of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and her team of business leaders assisted in the event ribbon cutting event as well. Blockbuster Grand Opening Celebration followed suit on April 20, 2024 where hundreds of people lined up to get the best deals they can get their hands on. An interview with one of the customers, said she waited since 3am to get the refrigerator she wanted for $50. Indeed a great deal, worth the wait!

Ang Concert ‘Queen and King’Martin and Pops Live sa Pechanga Resort Casino sa Hunyo 2

Kikiligin na naman kayo! Ang matagal nang minimithi ng lahat na mga premyadong konsiyerto ng dating magsing-irog na sina Martin Nievera at Pops Fernandez binansagang Concert ‘King at Queen’ ng Pilipinas, ay magkakaroon ng kaganapan sa muling tambalan sa live na konsiyertong pagtatanghal sa Hunyo 2 alas- 7:30 p.m. sa Teatro ng Pechanga.

Ang Pechanga Resort Casino, matatagpuan sa I-15 Highway sa Temecula Valley, Southern California wine county, ay kilala sa pag-iimbita ng pinakamahusay at mga pinakasikat Pilipinong mang-aaliw at tagapagpalabas sa naising makapagbigay ng kakaibang karanasan sa mga espesyal na Filipino-Americans na mga patron ng Pechanga.

Sina Martin at Pops, kapwa nag-ukit na kani-kanyang larangan sa kasikatan at naging tanyag sa nagniningning na mga entablado kabilang sa internasyunal, naging mas lalong habulin ang dalawa para sa mga live na konsiyerto at pagtatanghal na walang katumbas na kasikatan hanggang sa ngayon. Isang sikat na ‘balladeer’ at anak ng isang icon ding ‘balladeer’ na si Bert Nievera, si Martin ay isang natatanging mang-aawit, manunulat at aktor - siya ay nagtamo ng 18 platinum, limang dobleng platinum, tatlong tripleng platinum at isang quadruple platinum na mga album sa kabuuan ng kanyang pagiging manganganta.

Bilang superstar panginternasyunal, si Nievera ay umikot na sa U.S., Canada, Guam, sa Middle East at Singapore.

Si Pops, sa kabilang banda, ay naging mahusay sa pagtatanghal sa ibang bansa sa nakaraang apat na dekada ng kanyang pagawit gayundin, sa lokal na mga bumentang mga kaganapan lalo na są dambuhalang mga arena. Siya ay may record-breaking na benta sa ticket sa kanyang mga konsiyerto

gaya ng Shindig na nagtamo rin ng mga papuri sa paghirit ng mabentang album nito at pagtatanghal sa ibatibang bansa.

Noong 2019, si Pops ang isa sa mga 50 panelist sa buong mundo na lumahok sa bagong American reality talent na tanghalan. Ang

‘The World’s Best’ ng CBS habang siya ay tinaguriang pinakamagaling na Filipinang. Hurado kung kaya’t nagbunsod ito upang maging bisitang hurado sa ‘The Clash Season 3.’

Ilang taon lamang ang nakararaan, Balik-tambalan muli ang King at Queen - Martin at Pops - ay nagpaimbulog sa entablado ng California Center for the Arts sa Escondido.

Minsan lang mangyari ito! Bumili ng inyong mga tiket sa Pechanga Box Office o mag reserba sa pagtawag sa

888.810.8871 o bumisita online sa Pechanga.com. Ang mga pagtatanghal sa Pechanga Theater ay nagdudulot ng komportable at natatanging karanasan sa konsierto.

May 1,200 na mag upuan sa teatro, habang bawat isang pagtatanghal ay naghahandog ng mga makabago, naayong tugtuging akma sa pandinig, at komportableng mga upuan at malapitang tanaw habang nakaupo sa teatro.