The Filipino Press: April 5-11, 2024

MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday warned the public against heat-related illnesses that become more prevalent with extreme temperatures.

This was after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded high temperatures, over 41 degrees Celsius, in multiple locations from March 28 to April 1, 2024. The same trend is forecast until April 3.

The PAGASA classifies temperatures ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius as “extreme caution” and temperatures from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius as “danger.”

“Such temperatures can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and light-headedness,” the DOH said.

“Prolonged heat exposure increases the probability of heat stroke, a serious condition characterized by loss of consciousness, confusion, or seizures, which can be deadly if left untreated,” it added.

In a radio interview on Tuesday, DOH Undersecretary Enrique Tayag urged other schools to consider the students’ conditions as other schools and local government units have already suspended face-to-face classes due to hot weather.

By Selen Ozturk/eMS

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Stigma around Alzheimer’s disease — the second-leading cause of death in California — prevents many communities from getting help.

In response, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is launching Take on Alzheimer’s, a new campaign to reduce the stigma by teaching Californians how to spot the disease and what to do after a diagnosis.

At an Ethnic Media Services briefing, CDPH, Alzheimer’s experts and community workers statewide shared what they’ve learned about addressing taboos around Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia in communities including Latino, Black, AAPI and LGBT+.

Taking on Alzheimer’s

The disease is the leading cause of death for adults 85 and older in California, the state with the largest concentration of older adults — “and as our population continues to age, we expect these numbers to grow,” said CDPH clinician Dr. Lucía Abascal. Even within such a widespread disease, “big disparities exist. Communities of color are more likely to develop it.”

A recent CDPH report found that by 2040, the number of California adults living with the disease will have increased by 127%, or nearly 1.6 million.

Take on Alzheimer’s, the first-ever statewide Alzheimer’s campaign, aims “not only to raise awareness that this disease is a big problem and getting bigger, but also to shift misperceptions around it by working with community organizations statewide,” she continued.

“The earlier this progressive disease is diagnosed, the more doors it opens to combat its impacts, but

“Tama naman po ‘yun kasi unahin muna ang kalagayan ng mga mag-aaral. Kailangan talaga ang mga paaralan ay tignan kung

kakayanin ng mga mag-aaral na pumasok sa tindi ng init (That’s right because the students’ condition must be prioritized. Schools must check

if students could study, go to class amid the extreme heat),” he said. Tayag also advised schools to open their windows during classes

and to remind their students regularly to stay hydrated. Earlier, the DOH released a public advisory on what to do in

many fear the stigma a diagnosis comes with,” Abascal added. “Alzheimer’s is not a person’s fault and it’s not a normal part of getting old — it’s a disease and must be treated as such by linking people to care. We don’t want communities to wait 10 years to get the help they can get right now.”

Asian American stigma

“There’s often much stress involved with care in Chinese and Vietnamese communities, because caregivers — typically daughters aged 40 to 60 — are sandwiched between caring for the parent as well as their own children,” said Dr. Dolores Gallagher Thompson, professor emerita at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

“A common feeling reported by Asian caregivers is depression, partly associated with filial piety,” said Thompson, who has worked with Asian caregivers for over 30 years. “Younger and middle-aged caregivers may not fully endorse this traditional concept, because it involves conflict in juggling

multiple roles … to treat individuals with dementia, you need to treat the family as a unit, because the disease affects everyone.”

“Educating the family that dementia is a neurological condition, not a psychiatric condition, is key,” she continued. “In traditional Chinese writing, the character for ‘dementia’ is the same as that for ‘crazy,’ and this attribution often escalates the stigma. To fight it, we teach caregivers how to respond to problem behavior in ways less stressful for everyone involved, and how to include them in the family by focusing on what they can still do — if they can’t make rice alone, they can make it supervised or wash the dishes.”

“Often unique to the experiences of Vietnamese communities is warassociated PTSD,” Thompson added. “This can make seeking and giving care even harder than it already is, and our programs for the Vietnamese community encourage

By JOey JacintO

The white T-shirt bearing the iconic Winnie-the-Pooh logo eased the sore of needle prick among masons, family and friends on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at South West Lodge No. 283 in observance of SWL Annual Blood Drive/ Breakfast Fund Raising event in collaboration with the non-profit organization San Diego blood Bank (SDBB).

This yearly blood donation campaign is one of the numerous projects of South West Lodge in the community outreach landscapes. With the nationwide low levels of blood supply, it is not only timely and compelling from this group of men and women who stepped-up but also exemplified Freemasonry’s longstanding humanitarian commitment to the community in general, but of San Diego in particular.

Brother Juven Egana, current Master of the Lodge, worked in tandem with Brother Ira James Castro, Senior Deacon, on this worthy endeavor, which is obviously to save lives, as there is no substitute for blood – donors provide the only supply of life-saving blood for those who are in dire need. Then National City Mayor, Hon. Ron Morrison, paid a brief visit and emphasized the importance of community outreach and as part of working together for responsible citizenry and good governance. The event was very

case anyone experiences symptoms of heat stroke. The person concerned must be moved to a shaded and cool area and must be provided ventilation.

The person’s outer clothing may be removed and cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or cold wet cloth must be applied on the skin, especially the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.

The DOH also encouraged the public to regularly monitor temperature reports from the PAGASA and to take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses.

These include drinking plenty of water; avoiding consumption of iced tea, soda, coffee, or alcoholic drinks; limiting time spent outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; usage of protection against sunburn such as hats, umbrellas, and sunblock; and wearing of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. (MNS)

F2F class suspension up to school heads, says DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday reminded school heads of their authority to decide on class suspension due to the intense heat that many parts of the country have been experiencing.

In a statement, the DepEd said

The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle: Women: Likeable Leaders

By Francine Maigue

“…I fear that women will continue to sacrifice being liked for being successful.” - Sheryl Sandberg

Hello, my pampered friends!

Here's an article that I find relevant in inspiring women who are in the position or aspiring to be in position of leadership in their career life.

timeless about

Last time, I began to share with you my thoughts on Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg’s, book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. In Lean In, Sandberg implores women to embrace their leadership potential and to act upon the equity, especially in the workplace, that we as women have desired and worked towards for generations. Lean In is a call to action with Sandberg on the megaphone. The reality is this: all too often, even now in 2024, women are marginalized. Underestimated. Confronted with double standards. Objectified. …and (as “minority” women, we know all too well) even exoticized. I stand with Sandberg in her effort to empower women with the encouragement, tools, and resources to put stigmas to rest, so that more women may be accepted as full equals as leaders in all professional sectors.

A confession was made by a current Philippine congresswoman, a former beauty queen, who once told me she often felt stereotyped by having been a beauty queen and that being taken seriously as a young, female politician was made harder sometimes as a result. She gave me

what she considered advice: “Don’t just be a beauty queen.”

Never wanting to be “just ANYTHING,” I responded saying, “As public figures, aren’t we all ‘beauty queens?’ We are ambassadors for our communities. We advocate a wide range of social reform platforms. We are called to handle tough questions with the utmost grace.”

Sandberg writes, “All of us— men and women alike—have to understand and acknowledge how stereotypes and biases cloud our beliefs and perpetuate the status quo.” “She’s too nice.” “She’s too pretty.” “She’s too bubbly.” “She’s too bossy.” These are just a few judgments that have kept and continue to keep women from positions of leadership. …But let’s investigate a double standard. I have yet to hear men penalized for being “too kind,” “too handsome,” “too upbeat,” “too assertive.” In fact, on the contrary, men are often rewarded for such traits.

Sandberg shares a Harvard study in which a case study illustrating the character traits of a successful, effective leader is presented two ways—first, with a male leader named Howard, then with a female leader named Heidi. The name (and thus the sex of the leader) is the only difference. The results of the study concluded that both men and women found it more difficult to like Heidi as a leader than Howard. But, why?

On the conflict women encounter between success and likeability, Sandberg shares, “Our stereotype of men holds that they are providers, decisive, and driven. Our stereotype of women holds that

they are caregivers, sensitive, and communal…I believe this bias is at the very core of why women are held back. It is also at the very core of why women hold themselves back. For men, professional success comes with positive reinforcement every step of the way. For women, even when they’re recognized for their achievements, they’re often regarded unfavorably…Because of these unfair expectations, women find themselves in ‘damned if they do’ and ‘doomed if they don’t’ situations.” With all this considered, it’s no wonder women have more loops to jump through in financial negotiations, job interviews, even day-to-day encounters. So what can we do to resolve this issue?

First, we must not downplay our achievements. Sure, no one likes a bragger…but there’s a difference between bragging, and being willing to take ownership of the success you worked so hard to attain. We must also be willing to let other women shine. As Sandberg asserts, “Every social movement struggles with dissension within its ranks…Queen bees internalized the low status of women and in order to feel worthy themselves wanted only to associate with men. Often, these queen bees were rewarded for maintaining the status quo and not promoting other women. Unfortunately, this ‘there can only be one’ attitude still ligers today.”

If we want women as a whole to be taken seriously as leaders, we must be willing to pay forward any opportunities we have been given and build communal support. Only then will we be able to perpetuate the idea that women are deserving, capable, and, yes, even likeable leaders at home, at school, at work, and beyond! Pamper yourself and another woman today by congratulating yourself and them on their success. With more than enough critics in the world, let’s be one another’s champion! Mother to daughter, sister to sister, friend to a friend, employer to employee, mentor to mentee etc.There are enough opportunities, if we search and find them, if we remain openminded, up for grabs. We have to be aware of these opportunities, have the courage to seize it so that we can be the living example to those young girls and young professionals looking for guidance and a northstar that they can follow and emulate.

Over 3.9K schools adopt alternative delivery modes due to hot weather

MANILA

--

The Department of Education (DepEd) Wednesday said 3,954 schools nationwide have already shifted to alternative delivery modes (ADM) due to hot weather conditions.

In a statement, the DepEd said the suspension of in-person classes in 12 regions has affected 1,393,806 learners as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.

In Metro Manila, 183 schools have shifted to ADM, particularly in Caloocan, Malabon, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, and San Juan City.

The highest number of schools implementing ADM was recorded in Western Visayas, reaching 990 schools; followed by Soccsksargen with 801 schools; Central Visayas with 694 schools; and Ilocos Region with 581 schools.

The DepEd also said 199 schools have suspended face-to-face classes in Central Luzon, 162 in Eastern Visayas, and 148 in Bicol Region while less than a hundred schools in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Romblon, and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), and in Zamboanga Peninsula.

No suspension of in-person classes, meanwhile, was reported in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The Task Force El Niño has earlier urged local government units (LGUs) to implement a shift to ADM to ensure the welfare of teachers and learners amid the effects of scorching heat.

The DepEd also said school heads have the authority to order school suspensions. Pimentel calls for ‘work break’ during extreme heat

As temperatures soar to record highs across the nation, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III has called on the government to adopt measures implemented by other countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in safeguarding workers from extreme heat.

Drawing inspiration from global initiatives such as the directive by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pimentel suggested the imposition of work limitations during periods of intense heat and the enforcement of occupational heat safety and health protocols.

“The Department of Labor and Employment should work with the private sector in implementing a similar policy. As I said last year, there should be a temporary work break or compulsory rest periods when the heat index reaches a danger level,” Pimentel said in a news release on Wednesday.

Citing the alarming forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Pimentel pointed out the imminent risks posed by soaring temperatures.

“PAGASA's warning of a ‘danger’ level heat index, ranging from 42 to 51°C in Metro Manila

and other regions, underscores the urgency for swift implementation of protocols to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries,” he said.

Based on the data from PAGASA, a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius was documented last Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) located in Pasay City.

The monitoring station at NAIA consistently logged a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius on March 29 and March 28, 44 degrees Celsius on March 27, and 42 degrees Celsius on March 26.

In light of these alarming figures, Pimentel strongly recommended the lowering of the heat index threshold to 40 degrees Celsius, as observed in the UAE.

“I am very much concerned about the safety of our workers, especially those working outside directly exposed to the intense heat of the sun, including construction workers among others,” Pimentel said.

More areas shift to alternative learning modes amid extreme heat

More areas have resorted to alternative learning modes (ADM) due to sweltering temperatures, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Tuesday.

As of 9 a.m., suspension of faceto-face classes from preschool to senior high school, both for private and public schools, has been implemented in Quezon City and Caloocan City.

The same was implemented in Dagupan City in Ilocos Region; Polangui, Albay in Bicol Region; cities of Iloilo, Kabankalan, Silay, Himamaylan, and Bago, as well as Bacolod, Negros Occidental, and Roxas City in Western Visayas, the DepEd said in an advisory.

Three schools in Eastern Visayas and the Zamboanga Peninsula also ordered blended learning, particularly Maasin Central School in Maasin City; and Pagadian City Pilot School and Buenavista Integrated School, respectively.

Likewise, the local government units of Banga, Tantangan, General Santos, and Polomolok in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maasim in Sarangani implemented suspended in-person setups for learners and teachers.

Adjusted schedules

The Navotas City Schools Division Office, meanwhile, adjusted the class schedules in public schools, freeing schools of all students during the highest heat index peaks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For the morning shift, classes will run from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.; while the afternoon shift will resume from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for elementary levels and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for secondary levels.

For all public schools in Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced the shortening of inperson classes until 10 a.m., with afternoon classes suspended due to the extreme heat.

Meanwhile, the Division of City Schools in Manila has given school heads the discretion to suspend faceto-face classes amid hot weather conditions.

In a memorandum, Dr. Nerissa

Roxas Lomeda, Chief Education Supervisor and Office of the Superintendent officer-in-charge, said in-person classes “must, at all times, be the default modality, except in extreme cases”.

“While School Principals have the authority over Class programming, you are reminded of your accountability with learning outcomes,” she added.

Lomeda said teachers and students can wear more comfortable clothing aside from their regular uniforms to reduce the heat they feel while inside the schools.

However, she said these outfits must adhere to the Civil Service Commission’s rules on appropriate clothing in the workplace.

The memorandum, meanwhile, enjoined all schools to submit implementation plans to their assigned public school district supervisors for information, monitoring, and supervision of classes.

On Monday, around 13 areas nationwide shifted to blended learning due to scorching heat index levels.

The Task Force El Niño, earlier, urged local government units to consider a shift to ADM to ensure that the welfare of learners and teachers is not compromised. (MNS)

Poe to water concessionaires: Ensure uninterrupted service this summer

Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday called on water concessionaires to implement supply contingency and augmentation plans during the summer months, and coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure continuous water supply.

"The heat is on, water is on high demand, and without it, our health is at risk. Water providers must ensure an uninterrupted, 24/7 supply," Poe said in a statement.

Poe, who chairs the Committee on Public Services, said this is to prevent the outbreak of heat-induced diseases, like heat stroke, due to a combination of water shortage and intense heat.

She said the water firms should also coordinate closely with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to help ensure that customers will experience continuous water supply, even during peak demand periods.

"Kung walang tubig sa gripo dahil sa water interruption, ang iba sa atin walang magagamit na tubig kahit sa inumin (If there's no water coming out in the faucet because of a water interruption, some of us will not be able to drink)," Poe said.

The senator authored Senate Bill No. 102 seeking to create a Department of Water Resources to put in place robust policies to address the country's water woes.

A priority measure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the measure envisions the agency to lead and consolidate whole-of-society efforts for the comprehensive and integrated development and management of water resources in the country. (MNS)

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DA rolls out P1.08-B aid to El Niño-affected farmers

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said around PHP1.08 billion worth of aid has been provided to farmers whose livelihoods are affected by the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

According to the DA's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center's latest bulletin, PHP1.06 billion of the total amount was allocated for financial assistance in Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan).

The DA also distributed PHP17.65 million worth of mung beans, hybrid rice seeds, corn seeds, and fertilizers, among others, particularly in Ilocos Region and Western Visayas.

"The Department provided hybrid rice seeds worth PHP7.87 million and fertilizers worth PHP7.63 million to non-vulnerable areas in Western Visayas, and corn seeds worth PHP1.16 million in Ilocos Region for maximization of production to compensate for incurred losses," the DA said in a separate statement.

Other interventions also include cloudseeding operations, distribution of 570 water pumps, improvement of irrigation canals and water flows, distribution of native animals, and diversified alternative livelihood technologies, as well as PHP10.20 million worth of indemnification grants.

To date, there are 54,203 farmers affected nationwide due to the El Niño phenomenon.

The total value of loss has already reached PHP2.64 billion, with the highest damage accounted for rice worth PHP1.72 billion, followed by corn pegged at PHP591.74 million, high-value crops at PHP326.68 million, and PHP59,600 for livestock and poultry.

In January, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 53 to streamline, reactivate, and reconstitute the old El Niño task forces under EO No. 16 (s. 2001) and Memorandum Order No. 38 (s. 2019). Under EO No. 53, the President instructed the task force to secure a comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan and ensure “systematic, holistic, and results-driven interventions” to aid the Filipinos and alleviate the devastating effects of disasters.

DA: Stringent measures, free vax for animals to curb anthrax threat

The Department of Agriculture (DA) assured full monitoring and free vaccinations to livestock animals against the threat of anthrax. This came amid a reported outbreak of anthrax in Laos, with around 50 suspected cases in humans.

In an interview Monday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Constante Dante Palabrica said measures are in place to protect the livestock industry in the country.

"Walang dapat ipangamba dahil handa ang Department of Agriculture, dahil hindi naman natutulog, mayroon tayong mga bakuna, very active ang Bureau of Animal Industry (There’s no need to worry because the Department of Agriculture is ready, because [we’re] not sleeping, the Bureau of Animal Industry is very active),” he said.

Farmers were then advised to immediately report suspected cases to local veterinarians in case symptoms are monitored.

Symptoms in affected animals include loss of appetite, fever, and occurrence of vesicles, among others.

“Our government gives a free test on this. Even the anthrax vaccine is given, lahat ito (all of these are) subsidized by the Department of Agriculture… I see that reporting is the key here. Now that lumabas ang balitang iyan (Since the news has been released), the Department of Agriculture is now hyperactive," Palabrica said.

Palabrica also urged the public to maintain vigilance in consuming suspected infected animals to avoid human transmission.

According to the World Health Organization, transmission to humans may be through either exposure from infected animals or consumption of contaminated products.

Palabrica noted that it is harder to monitor infections when symptomatic livestock are already disposed of in markets.

"Huwag nilang kakatayin (Don’t slaughter it). As I said zoonotic pwedeng ilipat sa tao, tumawag sa beterinaryo para ma-check. Kasi mahirap naman na hindi lang kumain iyong baka anthrax na kaagad, kailangan ng (it can be transmitted to humans, call the veterinarians to check. It’s also hard to conclude that it’s already a case of anthrax just because the cow did not eat, we need) scientific and science-based analysis,” he said.

In case an animal turns out to be positive following testing for anthrax, it shall be isolated and condemned to prevent further spread.

No Filipino hurt in Taiwan quake -- MECO

No Filipino national has been reported hurt or among the fatalities following a strong earthquake that struck Taiwan on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said all Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers on the island are “all accounted for and safe”.

“We are thankful that we have not received reports of any of our kababayans (fellow Filipinos) being hurt or badly affected by the powerful earthquake that hit Taiwan this morning,” MECO Chairperson Silvestre Bello III said.

“Based on our monitoring in Taipei and the reports from our field offices in Taichung and Kaohsiung, and the reports coming from our Filipino communities in Taiwan, there are no Filipino casualties or injuries in the aftermath of the earthquake and the aftershocks,” he added.

There are 159,480 Filipinos in Taiwan, 150,666 of whom are overseas Filipino workers, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Taiwan was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake past 7 a.m. on April 3, with the epicenter recorded some 25 kilometers southeast of Hualien County, the strongest tremor to hit the island in over two decades.

Reports from the local media said at least 44 people were injured while four died.

Taipei-based Central News Agency said three of the fatalities were hikers who were struck by falling rocks at the entrance to Taroko Gorge.

Prayers The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI), meanwhile, will offer prayers for those affected by the strong earthquake in Taiwan.

“We pray for them, and we have asked our Filipino chaplains to offer Holy Masses for safety, sound Health and our almighty God in His mercy and power may bring comfort and healing to those who afflicted, pacify and stop earthquakes and tremors,” CBCP-ECMI vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement.

The Antipolo prelate also expressed solidarity with the Taiwanese people, as well as with Filipinos in the island.

“We are also worried about their well-being and welfare. We are one and united with them, especially with Filipino migrants,” Santos added.

DMW opens 24/7 Taiwan Quake Help Desk for OFWs

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers said it is opening a 24/7 Taiwan Quake Help Desk to help Filipinos in the island, and provide information to their relatives in the Philippines who want to find out about their status and condition.

The Philippine-based 24/7 Help Desk may be reached through hotline numbers 8522-3663 / 83766352 / 8426-0833 / 8293-9155 / 8252-1972; mobile numbers +63 919 067 3975, or via email at repat@ dmw.gov.ph. Taiwan hotline numbers are: +886 932-218-057 in Taipei; +886 988-976-596 in Kaoshiung; and +886 966-537-732 in Taichung.

Gov't keeping tabs on El Niño impact, renews call to conserve water

The Task Force El Niño on Monday echoed calls to conserve water and energy consumption amid the peak impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

"Ang hinihiling po ay huwag po iyong walang pakundangan, iyong limitless iyong paggamit po ng electricity at iyong ating [water] resources (What we are asking is to avoid careless, limitless use of electricity and water resources)," Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary and Task Force El Niño spokesperson Joey Villarama said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing. Villarama said the government is closely monitoring the effects of El Niño, considering the increasing water demand, but ensured that contingency measures are in place.

"Hindi po mawawala iyong posibilidad na hihina po ang water pressure o magkukulang po ang supply ng tubig, dahil po patuloy na bumababa ang level ng dam, particularly ng Angat dam (The possibility of weaker water pressure

Television host-actress Ryzza Mae Dizon shared on social media the signature tattoo she got from Kalinga's oldest mambabatok or tattoo practitioner, Apo Whang-od. In her Instagram post, the 18-year-old star uploaded photos and clips of her adventure in Buscalan, meeting with Apo Whang-od, and getting the tattoo. "got inked by the legendary Apo Whang Od, " Dizon captioned her post. In one of the photos, Dizon can be seen with Whang-od as she flaunted the "three dots" pattern on her left arm. Just recently, Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual also got inked by Whng-Od. Born Apo Maria Oggay, Whang Od is the country's olderst mambabatok. She received the Dangal ng Haraya Award for Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018. In February, Whang Od received the Presidential Lingkod-Bayan Award. (MNS)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- I say writing a book from one’s perspective is hard.

But it can be done, I reckon.

Bill Nighy, the famous English actor, recently celebrated his 74th birthday. Interviewed, he said, “I am a world-class procrastinator. I’m only an actor because I’ve been putting off being a writer for 35 years.” He’s in good company.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

There must be millions of aspiring writers who’ve lacked sufficient impetus to put pen to paper or finger to key board. Another Englishman, poet and letter-writer Thomas Gray mused on this while walking on a country churchyard: “Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest, gone to his grave without having written anything.” The thought inspired Gray to write some of the best poetic lines in the English language: “Full may a gem of purest ray serene/The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear/ Full many a flower is born to blush unseen/And waste its sweetness on the desert air.”

Everyone who has harbored hopes of becoming a successful writer knows how daunting it can be to be faced with a blank sheet, a tabula rasa, so to speak. It takes an effort of will just to set down that first letter. Monty Python satirized this in their hilarious skit called Novel Writing: “Hello and welcome to Dorchester where a very good crowd has turned out to watch local boy Thomas Hardy write his new novel…And the crowd goes quiet now as Hardy settles himself down

at the desk, body straight, shoulders relaxed, pen held lightly but firmly in the right hand. He dips the pen in the ink (the announcer becomes excited) and he’s off! It’s the first word, but it’s not a word…Oh no! It’s a doodle way up on top of the lefthand margin…What a disappointing start! But he’s off again and here he goes – the first word of Thomas Hardy’s new novel at 10:35 as this very lovely morning. It’s three letters…it’s the definite article, and its ‘THE!’ ...He’s crossed it out! Hardy Thomas on the first day of his new novel has crossed out the only word he’s written so far, and he’s gazing off into space.” Ha-ha-ha-ha!

I, too, has struggled with his crippling brain freeze. It isn’t that I have nothing to say; otherwise, I couldn’t be sitting here with my pen or finger poised. No, it’s what psychologists call “Imposter Syndrome,” the paralyzing selfdoubt that makes me wonder whether anyone would be sufficiently interested in what I have to say to bother reading it.

From what I’ve read, its not only novices who suffer from this affliction, it can strike even those with a record of publishing success.

Personally, the most helpful advice I’ve came across to enable me to negotiate my way past this mental block is this tip from Erica Jong, the author of Fear of Flying:

“If you imagine the world listening, you’ll never write a line…write first drafts as if they will never be shown to anyone.”

I’ve written hundreds of pieces

for this particular column of mine and articles which has been published here and elsewhere. None of them would have seen the light of day had I not written the first draft and only one reader in mind –myself.

I would admit that for me it is the best writing tip ever!

Notwithstanding, I have never written book.

It was my wife Zeny’s idea that I write a book, even though I’d never written one before and might have nothing to say, for all I knew. Ramblingly, I promised to find something to say. That was several years ago. As of this moment, I’d written nothing and stopped answering her notions.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

I wouldn’t mind writing one of

those books about the good old days – how I went out into the land and committed Fourth State, covering the important stories, everyone of them, everywhere, better than anyone else in my journalism class – but the thing about lying is that unless you’re a political candidate or a network vice president, you’ve got to set yourself some limits and hold fast. Anyway, I believe that the only good people in my business worth a damn are those who haven’t written a book. Ha-ha-ha-ha! I would prefer to be counted with that group, so let me say right now that this isn’t about writing a book.

That is, if I ever write a book, it will be about how news sometimes failed to keep its promise, leaving the global village stranded

in the wings; nor will it be a volume about this altogether swell human being who rose to unparalleled heights, despite being male, noncollege graduate, minority, Libra or wrong. Or right.

All I mean to do here is tell a few good stories just as I regularly try to do on this column. What kinds of annals and why I tell them, apart from obvious and perfectly true reasons having to do with readymade sketch, can be explained by telling one story now, which is sure to disappoint my wife. I was drilled by and have raised people who regard telling one journal when two would do as a sign someone is not really trying. Around my place, brevity is an acquired taste.

What this is, I guess, is a book that will be without a hero or a moral, a reminder to myself that mine is a craft and not a calling, and most important: it’s not brain surgery. It’s not nuclear physics. It’s scripting a story. It’s only writing!

It’s nice to know.

Don’t you think so?

While this yet-to-be-publishedbook probably ought not to be looked at as journalism in the strict sense of the word, it does attempt to answer the five basic questions of journalism: Who? What?

Where? When? Why? “Who,” for example, said, “Remember, the First Amendment is only an amendment”? “When” did

the Filipino refugee appear on television disguised as a karaoke?

“What” is the ‘I.T.P.’ (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) factor and must it always be higher for goats? “Where” did the TV news producer tell the president to shut up and stick to the TelePrompTer?

“Why” do you get the news you get?

Regarding the last question, you just have to read the book, or be content with the answer I gave my wife. As one woman who stopped taking her only child to see Walt Disney movies after they killed off Bambi’s mother, she found the news and the news programs too depressingly absurd to contemplate, until someone later told her it was made all up.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

A final note to any of my colleagues – or future employers –who might read this yet-to-be-book: I made it all up. Consider this a hint, too.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

And during these last moments before the yet-to-be-publishedbook goes to be printed, I am only the same, old Jesse Reyes, properly humble, worried that I’m carrying nothing in particular.

The rest of the time I am simply ordinary Jesse Reyes, under full sail and running before the wind –seventy-six years out – and bound for home.

And so, it goes.

By Peter Schurmann/emS

Every year the James Irvine Foundation honors leaders for advancing solutions to critical challenges that affect millions of people across California.

For all its beauty, California is beset by challenges, from housing and homelessness to rising inequality, hate, and intolerance, just to name a few. This is why it’s important to know there are individuals out there working to effect positive change.

Several of those individuals and the groups they represent were recently honored with the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards for their work.

Tackling the teacher shortage

“In 2022, approximately 500,000 students entered a school building where one or more classrooms lacked a permanent teacher,” noted Elizabeth Baham, provost and chief academic officer with the nonprofit Reach University, which is pioneering innovative strategies to address California’s gaping teacher shortage.

Baham, along with Reach University Vice President of Workforce Development and Dean of Admissions Hector Camacho were among those honored by Irvine.

According to the latest data, statewide California is short 10,000 teachers, with some 20% of current teachers set to retire or leave the profession permanently.

“It’s easy to get lost in the numbers and statistics and to not understand what the impact of that shortage is for students in their dayto-day lives,” said Baham, speaking during a March 28 EMS media briefing. Whether it’s larger class sizes, lower quality instruction, or not meeting grade-level standards, the impacts are profound and fall disproportionately on low-income students and students of color.

Launched in 2006, Oaklandbased Reach University looks to fill the gap by tapping into a long-overlooked and undervalued resource: the thousands of paraprofessionals – individuals with experience in school settings but who lack professional degrees – who are already stepping into the classroom where and when needed.

“The workforce we’re looking for already exists in the schools but lacks access to higher education and credentialing,” says Camacho,

adding, “These people are overwhelmingly more reflective of the students” they serve. “Teachers go through so much… yet they continue to teach,” said Camacho. “For Irvine to see teaching as worthy of elevating, that feels fantastic.”

Care with dignity in the Central Valley

For Brian Poth and Nick Vargas, the lack of resources available to members of the LGBT+ community seeking care with dignity in rural parts of the state inspires their work with The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, located in the San Joaquin Valley. “Rural areas like ours still lack critical resources for LGBT+ folks,” said Poth, the organization’s executive director. “Folks still have to drive to Los Angeles or San Francisco to experience safe and affirming healthcare.” The Source describes its mission as seeking to provide supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ people to “learn, grow, belong and thrive.” Its programs include support services for youth, health, and HIV awareness and prevention, as well as food assistance, leadership training, and community building. “Central California is rural very conservative,” noted Poth. “It is important our center is here for youth and elders to give them a culturally competent experience and a safe space where they are treated with dignity.”

Last year, The Source served 26,000 people across three counties, said Poth, adding that while it once took up to four months for someone diagnosed with HIV to see a physician, that time has dropped to two days thanks to The Source’s advocacy.

Still, growing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and a raft of policies targeting members of the community nationwide is “really scary. Book banning, schools denying rights. We’ve seen all that damaging and dangerous hate come to California,” Poth said. “My parents were migrant farmworkers who worked on a ranch here,” said Vargas, director of development and strategy for The Source. “In high school, I knew I was gay and felt it wasn’t safe to stay in the area.” After studying at Stanford and a stint in the Bay Area Vargas did ultimately return to Visalia, which he said felt “like it was 10 years behind.”

Today Vargas is set to receive a prescription for the drug PrEP, used to prevent HIV infection, through The Source Clinic. “This will be the first time that a culturally competent clinic in our area is able to offer PrEP to the community. I’m really proud of that.”

Countering hate and creating opportunity Irvine Foundation Program Officer Cindy Downing, who oversees the awards initiative, celebrated the awardees for “confronting the state’s most critical challenges with innovative and effective solutions… that improve people’s lives and contribute to a better California.”

Irvine is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Leadership Awards. The deadline to submit nominations is April 26.

Other awardees include Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of the AAPI Equity Alliance, Michelle Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity, and Blanca Meléndrez and Amina Sheik Mohamed with the UC San Diego ACTRI Center for Community Health.

“What we are seeing now is so damaging to our country in terms of the racist rhetoric that unfortunately has found its way into today’s presidential election,” said Kulkarni, who also co-founded Stop AAPI Hate in 2020 amid rising acts of violence targeting Asian Americans.

Recalling her own parents’ struggle against racism as practicing physicians in Alabama, where they sued the state to ensure physicians of color could secure residency opportunities, “I saw how policy change can happen even by just a few individuals,” she said. “Our Stop the hate work is a key indicator of that.”

Stop AAPI Hate now counts some 42 organizations spanning diverse regions and demographics statewide.

“It was always very clear to me as a young woman that if I wanted different opportunities, I would need a college education to get them,” said Siqueiros, who has spent the past two decades working to make college both more accessible and more affordable, while supporting students on their path to graduation.

The Campaign for College Opportunity’s initiatives include efforts to expand Cal Grants and other aid to more community college students and simplifying the transfer

process from community college to the State and UC systems. Siqueiros also pointed to recent legislation reversing a longstanding pattern of placing mostly Black and brown students in remedial English and Math courses at community colleges despite any significant difference in performance.

That policy has been “transformative,” she said, adding that as Californians we “can’t maintain our status as an economic force without educating our students… every talented student deserves to go to college and succeed in our state.”

For Meléndrez and Mohamed, the ACTRI Center’s location in San Diego situates their work at ground zero for the many challenges tied to immigration and the US-Mexico border.

“We are home to a vast population of asylum seekers and refugees and immigrants,” explained Meléndrez, who first came to the US as an undocumented immigrant from her native Mexico, adding her own experience with food insecurity and health struggles in the family are what drives her current work. “We are advocates, we are allies, we are activists for immigrant and refugee health.”

Through a recent nutrition program, the Center helped deliver food to more than 50,000 homes across Southern California. “It’s in these moments when we see families living with dignity that we feel we are moving the needle towards a more healthy and just California,” said Meléndrez. “As a Muslim woman and a

refugee, to be acknowledged at this level… means a lot,” noted Mohamed, adding that despite ongoing challenges she remains hopeful.

“If we don’t have hope, I don’t think we will be here today.”

Continued from page

to ADM in Caloocan, Malabon, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, San Juan City, and Taguig-Pateros. No suspension of in-person classes, meanwhile, was reported in Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). (MNS)

two-part event, a breakfast fund raising for the purpose of lodge “home improvement”, the lodge was welcomed with so much enthusiasm among Masons and visitors alike. Attendees were regaled with a hearty breakfast prepared by Brother Rudy Navarro, lodge chef, and his very hard-working and industrious kitchen staff amidst the festive music, line dancing and very warm camaraderie.

In recapitulating the resounding success of this event, our utmost gratitude and appreciation to the Freemasons, Ladies, family and friends of South West Lodge who worked overtly or behind the scenes.

Spiritual Life

The crucial role of parents

I was thumbing through a Christian hymn book and my attention was caught by an item which I found worth sharing to parents, The Parents’ Creed. Parenthood is a gift from God and parents have a sacred responsibility of raising their children and training them in the way they should go. However, with the parents’ desire to give their children a good education and a comfortable life, they work so hard, often times neglecting their responsibilities as parents. When my children were growing up, I was so engrossed in my work, leading my eldest daughter to tell me in a belligerent tone, “Mama, in your search for money, you may lose the things that money cannot buy.” At the height of the drug abuse epidemic in Manila (1972-1980), I had this poster printed and distributed to parents. “Parent’s take care of your children. Give them love and attention. Keep them away from dangerous drugs.” My daughter (now a graduate of Psychology) asked me, “For who are those posters?” “For parents”, I answered nonchalantly. Her follow-up question hit me hard, hard enough to see my psychiatrist – friend for advice. “Are you not a parent and do we not deserve the love and attention you expect other parents to give to their children?” This shook my world as a parent and as a career woman. I have

to re-set my priorities and scale down my activities as the Chief of Prevention Education and Community Information Division of the Dangerous Drugs Board. I learned to become a parent. I would like to share the Parents Creed written by Robert H. Schuller

“I believe that my children are a gift of God – the hope of a new tomorrow.

I believe that immeasurable possibilities are slumbering in each son and daughter.

I believe that God has planned a perfect plan for their future, and that His love will always surround them; and so I believe that they shall grow up – first creeping, then toddling, then standing, stretching skyward for a decade and a half until they reach full stature – a man and a woman.

I believe that they can and will be molded and shaped between infancy and adulthood – as a tree

is shaped by a gardener, and the clay vessel in the potter’s hand, or the shoreline of the sea under the watery hand of the mighty waves, by home and church; by school and street, through sights and sounds and the touch of my hand on their hand and Christ’s spirit on their heart!

So I believe that they will mature as only people can –through laughter and tears, through trial and error, by reward and punishment, through affection and discipline, until they stretch their wings and leave their nest to fly!

O God – I believe in my children. Help me so to live that they may always believe in me and so in Thee.”

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart; then you will find favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)

The righteous and the wicked

And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not (Malachi 3:18).

"Good morning," I said to the woman behind the counter as she asked if she could take my order.

"You're a Christian, aren't you?"

"I can see Him in you!" I boldly proclaimed. "Yes, I am," she replied with a beaming smile. I could literally see the presence of God in her countenance in the way she related to me and others.

When Moses led the people out of Egypt he had several crisis moments during those forty years. His greatest crisis was when he came back from the mountain and discovered the people had made a golden calf. It was after this he came to a profound conclusion.

"Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.' What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" (Exodus 33:15-16).

The difference between a Christian and a non-believer

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

should be that the Christian brings the presence of God with him to work. However, this is not always the case. A Christian can shut out the presence of God by his behavior. Like the Israelites who experienced great miracles in their lives but began to worship idols, we can move away from God. Sin separates us from God. His presence moves away from us. Moses realized, he too had to have the presence of God with him to lead such a people. The prophet Malachi was saying a day is coming when you'll be able to recognize a clear difference between the righteous and the unrighteous. Would your friends be able to recognize a difference in you from others? Ask God to fill

you with His overflowing presence in all you do today. And now may the Lord bless you, and may the Lord keep you, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you walk in the blessed assurance that your steps are being ordered of the Lord and that His angels are going before you to make certain that your life reaches its spiritual destiny. May the prayers that you pray, be reward to you according to your faith, for God is a faithful God, and He will open the windows of heaven and bless you with blessings you cannot contain, in Jesus' name. Amen. <(((><

The Second Sunday of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. Divine Mercy continues to flow after the Resurrection. John’s Gospel (John 20:19-31) narrates the first appearance of the Risen Lord showing “his hands and his side” to his disciples. Then, breathing on them the Holy Spirit, he sends them to extend Divine Mercy to all, “as the Father has sent (him).”

In the first appearance of Jesus to the disciples after his Resurrection, it is remarkable that his first gesture is that of showing them “his hands and his side” - the marks of his death (which they did not witness, except for John). Then, greeting them with “peace,” he assures them of forgiveness and reconciliation. The “blood and water” that flowed from his pierced side (Jn. 19:34) now extends to them. Can any scene in the Gospels demonstrate the meaning of Easter more clearly than this episode? The Resurrection is first and foremost the triumph of God’s mercy, of which the Risen Lord is its font.

To continue his mission from the Father, Jesus commissions his disciples to proclaim forgiveness, bringing God’s mercy to all. This is the mission of the Church, which in a very special way is carried out through the Sacrament of Confession. Through this sacrament, what the Psalms say is made real:

Isang paksang hindi pangkaraniwang pinag-uusapan Subalit ito ay bahagi ng ating kapalaran Bakit hindi natin harapin at tingnan

Kung ano nga ba ang tunay na kahulugan.

Lahat ay pantay pantay kapag ang pinaguusapan ay kamatayan Mayaman o mahirap, makapangyarihan o pangkaraniwan Balang araw, lahat ay may hantungan Walang makakaiwas, sa huli iisa ang patutunguhan.

Ating mababasa sa Banal na Kasulatan

Ang kamatayan ay darating sa oras na di natin inaasahan

Ito ay isang babala at paalaala na dapat nating paghandaan Ang isang panyayaring tiyak na ating mararanasan.

Bakit nga ba nagdudulot ng kaba ang kamatayan Ang tao ay may takot sa mga bagay na hindi

“His mercy endures forever” (Ps. 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24). While we are a Church of sinners, we are also a Church that forgives. Pope Francis wants to make it clear that the Church’s mission is to be a witness of mercy. “I am convinced that the whole Church – which has much need to receive mercy, because we are sinners – will find in this jubilee the joy to rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God, with which we are all called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time.”

Jesus’ action is reminiscent of creation when God breathed into Adam’s nostrils, confirming him in “the image and likeness of God.”

Paul explains in the Second Reading the inner dynamic of Jesus’ action: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God.”

What can explain this “image and likeness of God” in man other than

the boundless mercy of God? Born anew in the Spirit, the apostles will continue the redemptive work of God’s Mercy.

These words are important in understanding the faith of the Church. Faith in Jesus does not require having seen him, as the apostles did. Through them, the Church has as much access to the risen Lord as did those who interacted with him in person. With her faith in the Resurrection, the Church continues to be the living witness of God’s mercy. We find in the First Reading (Acts 2:42-47), a snapshot of what the triumph of mercy looked like when the early Christians began the work to which Jesus commissioned them: “all who believed were together and had all things in common.”

Let us all open our hearts and minds to the presence of Jesus in our lives so that his Divine Mercy would embrace us and, in turn, we become instruments of His Divine Mercy in our own homes, our neighborhood, our parish community and in the whole world that has become more hateful than merciful, vindictive rather than forgiving, bringing to death instead of giving life, finding gods and goddesses in many idols instead of following Jesus who is the living sacrament of the Loving and Merciful God whom we should all adore and love.

lubos maunawaan

Subalit hindi man natin alam kung ano ang ating kinabukasan Alam natin kung SINO ang may hawak ng ating kapalaran.

Ang takot sa kamatayan ay dahil din naman sa tayo ay makasalanan Kaba na balang araw tayo ay haharap sa Panginoon at tayo ay huhusgahan Subalit para sa mga taong kumakapit sa Pananampalataya Alam at dama nila na mayroon tayong Diyos na maawain Naghihintay sa ating pagdating.

Na ang ating Panginoon ay namatay at muling nabuhay Pagasa nating lahat ang Kanyang ibinigay Pangako Niya na kapag tayo ay sumunod at magtiwala Siya ay ating makakapiling sa buhay sa kabila.

Nagsabi ang ating Panginoon na hindi kayang abutin ng ating kaalaman

Ang kagandahan at kaluwalhatian ng Kanyang Kaharian Huwag kalimutan na buhay sa mundo ay pansamantala Paghahanda lamang upang marating ang Kaharian ng Diyos na ating tinatamasa. Lahat ng mga nilalang at mga bagay sa mundo ay may katapusan Maliban sa pagmamahalan ng Diyos at ng Kanyang mga tauhan Hindi ito kayang pigilan at hadlangan ng kamatayan Sapagkat ito ay magpapatuloy sa kabilang buhay magpakailanman.

Physical Therapists Help People of All Ages.

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Physical therapists are experts in human movement who are trained to evaluate and treat all kinds of musculoskeletal issues. They are highly trained in prescribing and progressing exercise to help people move and feel better. Because everyone moves and everyone can benefit from exercise, physical therapists can help people through their entire lives.

Some people see a physical therapist shortly after birth. The most common reasons a baby would need to see a PT would be something like torticollis or cerebral palsy. Torticollis is a postural issue that causes babies to hold their heads tipped to one side. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty with movement and coordination. As children continue to grow, some have trouble hitting their motor milestones - like rolling, crawling, or walking. Physical therapists can use their expertise to help encourage development of motor skills and coordination to get these children back on track. Sports injuries become more common in adolescents. Whether it's an ankle sprain, or an ACL surgery, a PT can help. Some adolescents have issues from the rapid growth their bodies go through. Things like growth plate fractures, growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter's disease, and Sever's disease are all common in adolescence. As adults, a lot of us will have

back pain - studies say up to 80% of us. Physical therapy is one of the first treatments recommended for back pain. Physical therapists also see injured adults. It could be from weekend warrior type sports injuries, overuse, or from an accident at work. Some adults also start to show symptoms of diseases like multiple sclerosis, or myositis which also benefit from physical therapy.

Later in life, people tend to accumulate more health issues that impact their ability to move. Issues like arthritis, joint replacements, strokes, and heart attacks are all things a PT can help with. Physical therapists also help people age better - keeping them moving with exercise programs that help reduce falls, or helping them make adaptations and modifications to keep them in their homes safely. Movement is a constant in life. As

movement experts, PTs can help people of any age. Some specialize in treating pediatric patients, and some specialize in treating geriatric patients, but all PTs have the expertise to help people move better.

About The Private Practice

Section of the American Physical Therapy Association

Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.

ALZHEIMER

Continued from page 1

them to share their experiences, how they’ve coped with them, and how it might impact their caregiving.”

Latino stigma

In the Latino community, “stigma is alive and well,” said Dr. María Aranda, USC professor of social work and gerontology, and executive director of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. “Memory loss is typically a topic that does not make dinnertime conversation.”

“There’s societal stigma, where there’s a high price put on people’s intellect and ability to compete, alongside a personal fear that the person with the diagnosis will be treated differently,” she continued.

“This stigma prompts a ‘cocoon experience’ where Latino families protect the individual against more stigma so much that they miss out on an early diagnosis of dementia, and getting the care they need,” said Aranda.

“Due to less access to timely, accurate information to prevent and manage memory declines, especially among monolingual Spanish speakers, there’s a polarized spectrum where Alzheimer’s is seen as part of a severe psychiatric disorder like psychosis on the one hand, and as apart of normal aging on the other,” she added. “While age is the biggest risk factor, it doesn’t mean everyone who reaches a certain age will have it.”

LGBT+ stigma

Out of an estimated 2.7 million LGBT people in the U.S. over the age of 50, 7.4% pf lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults have dementia “and that number is increasing,” said

Lunae Chrysanta, training manager at Openhouse SF, which provides caregiver training and community support for LGBT individuals.

“The same elders who were pathologized for most of their life — from the Lavender Scare of the 50s, through the civil rights movements of the 60s and 70s, to the collective trauma of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the 80s and 90s — may feel, as they age, like they’re losing the independence that they fought so hard for,” he continued.

Alongside stigma around Alzheimer’s itself, “fear of discrimination stops many LGBT older adults from seeking the care that they need,” Chrysanta explained.

An estimated 40% of LGB and 46% of transgender older adults don’t disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to doctors because they fear it will affect quality of care.

In a New York study of over 3,500 LGBT older adults, 8.3% reported neglect or abuse from their caregivers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Because LGBTQ elders often find chosen families after facing rejection from biological families, “family structures in the LGBT community often look different than cisgender and heterosexual family units,” Chrysanta continued.

“Many of our elders are aging at the same time as their loved ones and find themselves being caregivers while also needing that support themselves,” he said. “For us, developing intergenerational mental health programs and 110 units of affordable housing has been key to reducing barriers to support. Our elders with dementia shouldn’t feel like they need to hide their true

selves again by going back into the closet.”

Black stigma

Older Black Americans are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia compared to older whites.

Both stigma and the belief that memory loss is a natural part of aging prevents them from seeking the care they need, said Petra Niles, senior manager of education & outreach for African Americans at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles.

Although 65% of Black Americans say that they know somebody with Alzheimer’s or dementia, half report experiencing discrimination while seeking care for someone who has it; only 53% believe that a cure would be distributed fairly, without regard to race or ethnicity; and 55% think that significant loss of cognitive abilities is a natural part of aging rather than a disease.

“It’s important for this community to have a good relationship with a physician they trust, who will respond to their concerns and not just say that dementia is a normal part of aging,” explained Niles. “There are warning signs like memory loss, getting lost, issues with finances, repeating stories. You shouldn’t have to wait for these symptoms to worsen before getting help.”

“Alzheimer’s stigma not only prevents our community from getting help, but from sharing that diagnosis with friends who can help — and less help adds on stress for the caregiver,” she added. “We’re hearing about many who have died in the throes of caregiving. As long as we don’t stop the stigma, even trying to get help can endanger your health.”

HUD Announces Disaster Assistance for California Disaster Survivors

WASHINGTON - The U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for the State of California to assist supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by a severe storm and flooding from January 21 to January 23, 2024. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration to affected individuals in San Diego County.

Effective immediately, HUD is:

Providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages

insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. There is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. The moratorium and extension are effective as of the President’s disaster declaration date.

Homeowners affected by the disaster should contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance. Conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for additional relief through their mortgage holder. Call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 for additional information. To learn more about disaster relief options for FHA homeowners visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.

Making mortgage insurance available - When homes are destroyed or damaged to an extent that required reconstruction or complete replacement, HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims. Borrowers from participating FHA approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing including closing costs.

Homeowners can also finance the rehabilitation of their existing homes if damaged.

Sharing information on housing providers and HUD programs

- Information will be shared with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties, including Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners. The Department will also connect FEMA and the State to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.

Providing flexibility to Community Planning and Development Grantees - Recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) Program, Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program, HOME Program, and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Program funds can apply for needed administrative flexibility in response to natural disasters. For more information on applying for a waiver or suspension of program requirements, contact your local Community Planning and Development Program Office here.

Providing flexibility to Public Housing Agencies - Public Housing Agencies can apply for needed waivers and flexibilities for disaster relief and recovery. For detailed information on applying for a waiver, click here for the latest Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice guidance. The Department also released PIH Notice 2021-34, which advises the public of HUD's expedited process for waivers and flexibilities from HUD regulatory and administrative requirements for various Public Housing and Voucher Programs. As a reminder, to be eligible to receive a disaster waiver, the PHA must be located in an active Presidentially declared Major Disaster Declaration area and submitted within four months of an MDD.

Providing flexibility to Tribes -

Making insurance available for both mortgage and home rehabilitation - HUD's Section 203(k) loan program also allows individuals to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage.

Tribes and their Tribally Designated Housing Entities can apply for needed administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers. For detailed information on how to apply for a waiver, Tribes and TDHEs should contact their local Office of Native American Programs or email Codetalk@hud.gov.

Ensuring HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to assist - HUD-approved housing counseling agencies have counselors available to assist those impacted by natural disasters to determine assistance needs and available resources. Find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency online or use our telephone look-up tool by calling (800) 5694287. Telephone look-up includes access to information in more than 200 different languages. You do not have to have an FHA-insured mortgage to meet with a HUDapproved housing counseling agency. There is never a fee for foreclosure prevention counseling.

Assisting with housing discrimination - Housing discrimination sometimes occurs when people attempt to find and access housing following a disaster.

HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, you should file a fair housing complaint with HUD. You can file a complaint by calling HUD at 1-800669-9777 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUD's website. Materials and assistance are available for persons with limited English proficiency. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the Department using the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. You should file a complaint with HUD as soon as possible. HUD may not help you if your complaint is filed more than one year after the last discriminatory act. You may also be able to file a complaint with a state or local fair housing agency.

A list of the state and local fair housing agencies funded by HUD is available on HUD’s website here.