The Filipino Press: January 12-18, 2024

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is not considering the proposed imposition of suggested retail price (SRP) on farm products, particularly rice.

“We're not doing it. Prices of rice and other agricultural products in international markets like Thailand and other countries are volatile and fluctuating due to El Niño. Hence, we're not suggesting to control prices at the moment," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said in a news release Thursday.

Earlier proposals for an SRP “was just an idea based on available remedies” according to the Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, he said.

The Price Act Law empowers the DA to stabilize prices of farm products and inputs, including rice, fish, meat, poultry even fertilizers, in times of emergencies.

The provision of the Price Act requires the creation of implementing rules and regulations (IRR) before the DA could exercise the power.

"I'm well aware that setting retail prices, even if just suggested, for particular goods tend to be counterproductive, especially when there is ample supply," Tiu-Laurel said. “In most cases, farmers bear the brunt of a price limit because traders will only lower their purchase prices to keep their margins. Consumers also don’t benefit in such a situation. It could also fuel price speculation and supply hoarding that evolves into another problem altogether.”

Since a strong El Niño episode is expected, international rice prices are fluctuating as countries try to

increase their rice reserves through importation on concerns of potential drop in harvest.

The agency assured sufficient water supply that could sustain strong rice output based on the report of the National Irrigation

Administration’s Upper Pampanga Integrated Irrigation System, which provides water to farms in major rice-producing provinces of Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Pampanga.

“We're building up a buffer, largely through importation, to

ensure we have ample supply of rice as we await the next harvest starting March. This should help keep prices stable without government intervention,” Tiu-Laurel said.

He said the crafting of the Price Act IRR is “a clear warning” to

those who may want to exploit the situation -- that the DA is empowered by law to go after them.

“We will not hesitate to use the powers and remedies at our disposal to ensure that our farmers and consumers are amply protected

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Zuzanna and Adam Cross recently launched the LAX LINQ shuttle, a passenger transportation company that offers affordable and reliable shuttle services between San Diego and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). They decided to offer an incredible price of $59 per ticket to make traveling to and from the airport accessible to everyone in the city. Both of them experienced multiple times how difficult and time-consuming it is traveling from San Diego to LAX. This was the reason why LAX LINQ was born. The couple decided to work on solving this problem to make travel abroad easier for everyone in San Diego County.

For many people, living in San Diego is a dream and often the only major complaint is the difficulty and cost of international travel. Over the last 5 years, Zuzanna Cross, who was born in Poland, has traveled

back to Europe 12 times, and before every trip, she has spent hours if not days trying to determine the cheapest way to get back to visit her family. Zuzanna quickly discovered that international flights are $300 to $700 cheaper when flying out of LAX instead of San Diego airport. She also learned that there were far more flight and airline options and that those options offered more nonstop flights.

The challenge however was to navigate between the city of San Diego and LAX. This part was always difficult for Zuzanna as none of the available options were without problems. She tried taking the Flixbus, Greyhound, or Amtrack to Union Station and from there taking another bus to the LAX airport. This option however requires 5 hours and often had her transferring to downtown LA late at night. Other times, Adam and Zuzanna tried leaving their car in long-term

parking at LAX, but that turned out to be incredibly costly, even up to $500 for 2 weeks due to hidden fees and the length of international trips. What's worse, many people warned them with their own stories about returning from trips to damaged vehicles. Renting a vehicle wasn't a good option either because it required a lot of additional time for dealing with the rental companies, waiting in lines, stopping for fuel, and grabbing another shuttle to get from the rental lot to the airport.

Zuzanna ended up asking her husband to take the day off of work to drop her off at the LAX and again asking him to take another day off of work to pick her up, 2 weeks later, after visiting her family... For Adam, who is an Army veteran, and teaches at ROTC at UCSD, SDSU, and USD, the necessity of taking time off of work to pick up or drop off Zuzanna wasn't easy. Since there was not a good option, it had them both thinking that there must be a better solution and both of them wondering, why no one had come up with a solution for people living in San Diego. The more that the two of them brought this topic up in conversation with friends and co-workers, the more they began to learn that getting to and from LAX was a struggle for every person in the San Diego community. Although they discovered that there are other shuttles, offering airport shuttle services, the price the other shuttles were charging was incredibly high ($120 per person or more). The other San Diego shuttles also pick passengers up from their houses,

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Coalition, a leading statewide advocacy coalition of “Prosperity Champions” for economic prosperity and equity, commended Governor Gavin Newsom for protecting California’s progress in reducing poverty as he revealed his January state budget proposal for FY 24-25. In his budget release, the Governor pointed to California’s leadership in povertyreducing investments through the CalEITC and Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). Thanks to the leadership of this administration and the Legislature, these anti-poverty tools provided more than $1.3 billion in cash back to nearly 3.5 million households in 2023.

Last year, child poverty doubled as a result of Congress’s failure to renew the expanded federal Child Tax Credit. CalEITC Coalition advocates demand more from Congress and ask California leaders to build on our state’s successful poverty-fighting tools by strengthening and expanding tax credits to support millions of Californian families.

“The CalEITC and YCTC have helped millions of Californians afford the soaring costs of everyday basics, and Governor Newsom is wise to protect this investment. Legislators have the opportunity to give a bigger boost to families still facing untenable tradeoffs: choosing between keeping their kids warm at night, feeding their families, or paying their rent,” said Amy Everitt, President of Golden State

Opportunity. “At a time of economic uncertainty, it is even more urgent to increase support to families at highest risk in a downturn by strengthening tax credits and building a more prosperous California for all.”

The CalEITC Coalition also urges state lawmakers to ensure investments in Free Tax Preparation Assistance/Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and tax credit outreach and education are maintained at $20 million and to prioritize increasing tax credit uptake as part of the final budget agreement.

“Californians are doing what they can to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities - the state needs to meet our residents where they are by putting working families’ hardearned cash back in their pockets,” said Pete Manzo, President & CEO of United Ways of California. “The CalEITC and Young Child Tax Credit are the most targeted and effective tools we have to support families who are struggling to afford the costs of basic necessities. Critical to Californians claiming and realizing the benefits of these tax credits is robust access to Free Tax Assistance, which more than pays for itself in dollars returned to household budgets and therefore local economies.”

CalEITC Coalition members agree that California must consider new revenue raising proposals to address soaring poverty rates, especially among children, Black, and Latinx communities, to create a more equitable tax system and build

against those who may want to exploit any supply shortage,” he added.

Agri, fisheries councils give recommendations for dev't, modernization Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. has welcomed the recommendations from the private sector on modernization, increased productivity and food security through agricultural infrastructure and mechanization.

In a news release on Monday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that regional agricultural and fisheries councils have gathered in its offices in Quezon City to submit their recommendations to Tiu-Laurel.

The councils came up with solutions to issues affecting the production of rice; fish and other aquatic resources; poultry and livestock; corn and feed crops; and high value crops including rubber, fiber crops and coconut.

They recommended the establishment of cold storage facilities for vegetables, including onions, as well as laboratories for biosecurity concerns; local nurseries and seed banks to ensure high quality planting materials and seeds; inland fisheries and hatcheries in upland areas; and data center for timely agricultural statistics.

They also suggested the construction of farm-to-market roads or other modes for faster movement of agricultural products and more irrigation facilities.

a more prosperous California for all.

“We applaud Governor Newsom for protecting our state’s investments in proven anti-poverty tools, such as the CalEITC, the Young Child Tax Credit and the Foster Youth Tax Credit in the January budget. These tax credits return more than $1 billion every year to families, especially Black and Latinx families facing continued economic disenfranchisement, who bring that money directly back into our local economies,” said Shimica Gaskins, President & CEO of GRACE/ End Child Poverty in California. “Growing poverty and inequality, as well as the budget problem, heightens the urgency for the administration to embrace new revenue options, and use every tool available to ensure a more equitable California.”

Quick Facts: According to the California Budget & Policy Center’s recent reporting on the Supplemental Poverty Measure:

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MY PAMPERED FRIENDS!

I hope your year is off to an amazing start, my pampered friends!

In my family, our holiday season continues through my Ate Theresa’s birthday, which takes place on the 5th! (Happy Birthday, my beautiful sis!)

For Theresa’s birthday, the guest list is always an eclectic mix of folks from a wide range of backgrounds (which we love), so we enjoy serving familiar Filipino favorites as well as introducing other dishes that give insight into our culture. Also, people are always mingling during Theresa’s parties (her friends are some of the best storytellers), so we keep the food easily hand held. (You just can’t hug, gesture, or handle a cocktail well while balancing a loaded dinner plate!)

This issue, am sharing with you my signature Picadillo Empanadas. Picadillo Empanadas

2 lbs. Pizza Dough (I love using store-bought, oregano flavored dough—a tasty time saver!)

1 lb. Ground Turkey (unseasoned)

16 oz. Marinara Sauce

1 Large Potato, peeled and diced

1 Medium Onion, diced

½ Green Bell Pepper, diced

1 Tbs. Garlic, minced

¼ Cup Raisins 1, 16 oz. Combo Bag of Frozen Peas and Diced Carrots (½ way thawed)

½ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper

6 Dashes Worcestershire Sauce ¾ tsp. Cumin ¾ tsp. Cinnamon ¾ tsp. Paprika

1 Tbs. Brown Sugar Soy Sauce, to taste Salt & Ground Black Pepper, to taste

oven to 350 degrees. Divide your pizza dough into 16 equal balls. Gently stretch each ball into a circular shape, and spread your circles onto two parchment paperlined baking sheets. Spoon 1 ½ Tbs. of the picadillo mixture onto the center of each circle. Gently stretch and fold one side of the dough to cover the filling. Seal each empanada by crimping the edges with a fork.

Lax Linq

Continued from page 1

In a large pan, fry the diced potatoes in olive oil until they are golden brown. Remove the cooked potatoes and reserve them on a plate for later. Sprinkle them lightly with salt. Begin to cook the ground turkey in olive oil. Season the turkey with Worcestershire Sauce, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, crushed red pepper, and soy sauce. When the turkey begins to slightly brown, add the diced onions and green bell pepper. Once both the turkey and onions start to caramelize, add the minced garlic and the peas & carrot combo. (The peas and carrots will continue to thaw while cooking, which prevents them from being overcooked, and the steam will bring just the right amount of moisture to the meat.) When the peas and carrots have thawed, add the marinara sauce, brown sugar, and raisins. Add back in the potatoes. Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Allow mixture to cool. Preheat

BONUS TIPS: If you have extra filling, you can enjoy the picadillo over rice or in pan de sal. Mmm… Also, if you can’t find ready-made pizza dough or want to serve smaller appetizers, spoon the picadillo filling into the center of wonton wrappers. Seal by brushing the edges of the wrappers with beaten egg before folding. Fry until golden, sprinkle lightly with salt, and enjoy!

Cheers to you and celebrating those you love all year-round with fabulous food and parties, my pampered friends! XO ~Francine

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and although initially that sounded like a nice idea the Cross's quickly realized that picking up every passenger out of their house requires 2 to 3 hours additional hours before leaving the San Diego area! And 2 or more hours on top of that to get to the airport. The couple decided to offer a very simple service: pick up all passengers from one, central location, cut the price in half, and in this way offer a cheaper and faster shuttle bus. Additionally, the idea of getting on the interstate, and staying on the road without stops makes the trip operate more smoothly and eliminates the chance of arriving at the airport late. Adam and Zuza decided to take care of people by purchasing high-quality vehicles, covering insurance, and getting all permits to make sure that their customers were safe.

The Cross family was determined to do it right. They spent 3 years jumping through all of the regulatory hoops to establish a legitimate transportation company. After all these months, the LAX LINQ shuttle was opened for business on October 1st, 2023. The company's goal is to provide the fastest, most reliable, and cheapest way to get from San Diego to LAX airport. “We chose the Old Town Transit Center area so people living as south as Chula Vista to people living as north as La Jolla could easily pick up or drop off their loved ones,” said Adam. The LAX LINQ has not only transported hundreds of happy customers to

and from their international flights but has also saved countless people from having to drive back and forth to LAX to pick their friends and families up. After only one month, Zuzanna (who runs 70% of the business) was receiving constant requests from people living up in North County who were excited about the business and were asking to add one stop somewhere along the way. The owners decided to add one stop in Oceanside to be able to offer

service to more passengers who otherwise weren't able to get on the bus. Customers are currently able to book tickets themselves by purchasing individual tickets on the company's website at www.laxlinq. com.

Zuzanna and Adam are working on adding new routes to cover as many time slots as possible to offer the shuttle service to customers traveling with many different airlines across the globe.

Hello Dear Readers, Do you have stories, pictures, achievements, events or business leads to share? Feel free to email us at filpressads@aol.com We love to hear from you! Let our Fil-Am voices be heard, our achievements inspire our community, our pride & joy spread everywhere.Visit us at www.thefilipinopress.com

Picadillo Empanadas

Picadillo Empanadas

National rice program gets P30.8-B under 2024 budget

MANILA -- The country's national rice program (NRP) under the Department of Agriculture has been allocated P30.8 billion under the P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024, Bicol Saro partylist lawmaker Brian Yamsuan said Wednesday.

Yamsuan said that the P30.8 billion budget for the rice program, which is slightly higher than last year's allocation of P30.2 billion, aims to improve rice production despite a prolonged dry spell.

This P30.8 billion is broken down to:

P24.11 billion for production support services including establishing community seed banks, support to Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers, buffer seed stocking, insurance coverage for disaster response, and pest control measures.

P1.01 billion for irrigation network services.

P2.04 billion for extension support, education, and training services under the NRP, among others.

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"The budget for the NRP is on top of the allocations for other national programs related to rice production and locally funded projects to benefit palay producers under the 2024 GAA (General Appropriations Act)," Yamsuan said, referring to the other billions of assistance for small rice producers sourced from tariff collections off rice imports as provided under the Rice Tariffication Law.

Under the said law, rice import tariff collections in excess of P10 billion should go directly to farmers tilling two hectares of land and below in the form of cash grants.

Yamsuan said that as of November 2023, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has already collected P25.55 billion in rice tariff, which means a surplus of at least P15.5 billion that will go to small rice planters this year.

“We are confident that not only the agriculture department, but other agencies across all other concerned sectors would be fully prepared for this prolonged dry spell to ensure that our rice farmers get all the support they need to continue improving their productivity and incomes amid this challenge," Yamsuan added.

Yasmuan is the author of House Bill 9129 which seeks to institutionalize the use of crop climate calendars tailor-made to each specific locality.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. served as Agriculture Secretary from July 1, 2022 until he appointed former business executive Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. to the post in November 2023.

Last month, the President also issued Executive Order No. 50 extending the reduced tariffs on rice and other food items until end-2024 to keep prices stable amid the threat of El Niño in the months ahead.

SC orders halt of activities in Mountain Province forest zone

The Supreme Court has ordered the stoppage of activities that cause irreparable damage to a forest zone in Barangay Data in Sabangan, Mountain Province.

In a 22-page decision, the SC Second Division denied the consolidated petition for review on certiorari that challenged the ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA), which affirmed a regional trial court's grant of environmental relief to Mario Timario and his companions.

Due to this, the Court ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cordillera Autonomous Region to stop and prevent petitioners Robles and Rose Maliones from converting the portion of the forest zone covered by their tax declarations into vegetable farms.

The DENR was also directed to prevent the petitioners from engaging in illegal activities, including the cutting of trees, kaingin, earth moving and land conversion activities; and from using fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, and other substances.

Meanwhile, the SC also said the DENR must cause the planting of trees in the affected areas, or the rehabilitation of the areas damaged by the said activities.

It also ordered the DENR to guard and patrol the areas to prevent further illegal and destructive activities and cause the apprehension of all violators.

The high tribunal ordered the Barangay Captain of Data, Sabangan to actively participate in the environmental management and protection programs of the government, as well as to render assistance in the enforcement of environmental laws and the arrest of violators.

"The temporary environmental protection order earlier issued is hereby made permanent and an environmental protection order is hereby issued," the SC said.

"Spouses Maliones et al. are ordered to cease and desist from bulldozing, cultivating, and introducing improvements from other earth-moving activities that cause irreparable damage to the forest zone," it added.

The spouses were also directed to remove their barbed wire fences around the forest zone. At the same time, the Offices of the Provincial Assessor and Municipal Assessor of Sabangan were ordered to desist from issuing tax declarations.

"From the finality of this decision, the foregoing government officials and agencies are directed to submit to this Court a quarterly report of actions and measures undertaken by their respective agencies/offices in accordance with this decision," the SC said.

This came after Timario and other individuals in October 2015 sought the issuance of a temporary environmental protection order and permanent protection order and the cancellation of tax declarations against the petitioners.

They claimed that a parcel of land in the barangay had been issued tax declarations in the names of the petitioners. They

claimed that the petitioners were illegally occupying and destroying parts of the public forest.

In denying the petitioners' motion, the SC upheld the findings of the RTC and the CA that there is an actual or imminent threat that may be attributed to the petitioners.

Further, the court said that the acts of the petitioners in fencing off and building on the subject land were violative of Presidential Decree 705.

According to the SC, there is no evidence on record that the petitioners obtained or possessed the requisite permits for such actions.

"In fact, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office expressly declared that petitioners' earth-moving activities were being done on a portion of the public forest. These facts were not rebutted by the petitioners," the SC said. However, it said that it is not proper for the court to assail the validity of the tax declarations of the petitioners.

The court said it shall "refrain from resolving the underlying issues on the ownership of the subject land and the recognition of the parties as indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples in the present environmental case which must be addressed in the proper case and in the correct forum."

"Nonetheless, this Court is not precluded from granting reliefs available to [respondents], in accordance with Section 1, Rule 5, of the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases," it said.

Taiwan donates 1,000 MT of rice to PH

Taiwan donated 1,000 metric tons (MT) of milled rice to serve as additional supply to the relief and pro-poor programs of the Department of Social and Welfare Development.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines

Representative Wallace Chow turned over the donation to Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chairman Silvestre Bello III in a ceremony in Makati on Thursday.

Chow recognized that the Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries that bears the brunt of climate change.

“The issues on food security and food safety have never failed to take center stage of attention, especially when it involves humanitarian concerns caused by natural disasters, or escalating violent conflicts happening around the world,” he said.

Chow said TECO will donate 2,000 metric tons of rice in total, making this the first batch.

The donation is part of TECO’s ongoing initiatives in the Philippines, which also includes the operations of Taiwan Technical Mission on Agriculture in Tarlac, the Mushroom Demonstration Farm in Baguio, and the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan.

TECO said representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA) were also present during the ceremony. (MNS)

MANILA -- The Philippines and Indonesia on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen their cooperation in the field of energy.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President Joko Widodo witnessed the exchange of MOU on energy cooperation between the Department of Energy and Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila.

In a joint statement delivered after the MOU signing and his bilateral meeting with Widodo, Marcos welcomed the two nations’ bid to strengthen their cooperation on the energy sector.

“Through this MOU, our countries create a new synergy as we cooperate to achieve energy security,” Marcos said.

He also noted that another MOU on science and technology is “nearing the completion phase.”

Marcos added that he and Widodo had also instructed their respective concerned agencies to expedite the signing of relevant MOUs that will help unlock the economic potential of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to spur growth in the region.

“So today, we also recognize Indonesia's contribution to peace and development in the southern Philippines. As Mindanao continues to reap the dividends of peace and democracy, we hope that Indonesia will continue to extend its helping hand to building the institutions of local governments, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” Marcos said.

He said the Philippines and Indonesia, as immediate neighbors and fellow archipelagic states, also agreed to continue their cooperation on political and security matters, noting the advancements made on several action points in the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation’s plan of action signed in September 2022.

“Our shared historic roots are deep and thank you to our close kinship and our cultural ties that we continue to promote and we continue to allow to prosper,” he said. “The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy this affinity for one another. As such, our exchanges and discussions about ways to deepen our political and economic ties have come naturally.”

Meanwhile, Widodo said he and Marcos also agreed to strengthen the two countries’ border and trade cooperation.

Under the cooperation, both parties agreed to facilitate trade in coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), especially during periods of supply constraints.

"The signing of the MOU reinforces and updates the long-term energy cooperation between the two countries.

On the part of the Philippines, it is an offshoot of our President’s efforts to achieve higher energy security through energy diplomacy," DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

In 2022, 98 percent of the country's coal imports were from Indonesia.

Lotilla added that the cooperation in LNG with Indonesia will help in the transition to clean energy, which can provide baseload generation, filling in the gap once existing coal-fired power plants start to retire.

Widodo seeks Marcos ‘support’ for anti-submarine aircraft procurement from Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday sought President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “support” for the Philippines to procure antisubmarine aircraft from Indonesia.

“I also seek Your Excellency’s support related to the purchase of anti-submarine warfare aircrafts for the Philippine Navy from Indonesia,” Widodo told Marcos Jr. during their bilateral meeting in Malacañang.

Widodo did not give details as to the model and price of the military equipment Indonesia hoped to sell to the Philippines.

In 2023, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it would deploy an anti-submarine helicopter in the West Philippine Sea as maritime tensions continue to broil between the Philippines and China.

The AFP has procured two antisubmarine helicopters from United Kingdom, including an AW159 Wildcat chopper, which can detect and strike any submarine illegally entering Philippine waters.

The Philippines plans to procure four more anti-submarine choppers in the coming years, AFP officials had said.

Malacañang has yet to release Marcos Jr.’s response to Widodo’s proposal.

Widodo also urged the Philippines to further strengthen its partnerships with Indonesia, especially in the fields of security and economy.

“I’m delighted about positive progress about the implementation of our 2 countries’ action plan which needs to be followed up with concrete steps to strengthen collaboration especially in 2 areas of cooperation,” the Indonesian president said.

“I welcome the strengthening of cooperation on border security including on joint patrols, but there are many things still to be improved,” he said, noting that he hopes more agreements on border crossing and joint patrols can be signed.

“Separation of continental boundaries need to be pushed,” he added.

Indonesia, Philippines discuss South China Sea developmentsMarcos Indonesia is also “committed to keep market access open for Philippines’ agriculture commodities,” Widodo said.

As of 2021, bilateral trade between the two countries is at $9.5 billion, with Indonesian exports amounting to $8.6 billion, and imports from the Philippines pegged at $1.2 billion, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo earlier said.

Marcos Jr. said the “continuing and flourishing bilateral ties” between the Philippines and Indonesia has allowed the two countries to “forge new partnerships such as collaboration in new areas of cooperation in renewable energy, creative economy, infrastructure development and other industrial development that have risen as opportunities for both our countries.”

“Indonesia continues to be one of our closest friends and regional partners,” Marcos Jr. said.

“As neighbors we must remain united in addressing challenges that the region now faces,” he told Widodo.

The Filipino leader concluded his statement by congratulating Widodo — who is set to finish 2 terms as president this year — for his “visionary leadership” and his “commitment to promoting and enhancing the close ties between the Philippines and

Indonesia.” (MNS)

‘Traslacion’ 2024 ends in nearly 15 hours The “Traslacion” or the grand procession to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene ended after nearly 15 hours at the Minor Basilica of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday night. According to the Quiapo Church Command Post, the official time of the whole procession was 14 hours and 59.10 minutes.

“From 4:45 a.m., nag-end ang prusisyon ng Traslacion ng (the Traslacion ended at) 7:44 p.m. official time,” it said.

The procession started at the Quirino Grandstand across Rizal Park and ended at the Minor Basilica in Quezon Boulevard.

“So far, sa pagbabalik muli ng Traslacion, ito ang pinaka-maaga (So far, since the return of Traslacion, this was the earliest),” the command post said.

It added that more than 6.5 million devotees attended the procession of the Black Nazarene, which was encased in laminated tempered glass for the first time.

“Yes, kung bibilangin simula sa 5 a.m. data until 6 p.m., umaabot na po ng 6,532,501 ang procession (Yes, if we will count from 5 a.m. data until today 6 p.m., it reached 6,532,501 devotees who attended the procession),” the report added.

According to the Philippine National Police, the movement of the "andas" or the carriage of the Black Nazarene image moved faster compared to previous years.

The holding of the grand procession returned after being suspended for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last year, a Walk of Faith was held to celebrate the annual feast without the traditional grand procession. (MNS)

Red Cross gives medical aid to over 700 devotees of Traslacion

A total of 706 devotees who participated in the Feast of the Black Nazarene sought medical help as of 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) reported that it responded to 257 patients for vital signs.

A total of 215 patients had minor injuries like abrasion, burn, puncture, laceration, wound and infected wound.

They also experienced difficulty in breathing, chest pain, hyperventilation, headache, elevated blood pressure and dizziness.

Meanwhile, six patients had major injuries including head trauma (swelling), laceration, incision, fainting, severe chest pain, and suspected fracture on the left ankle.

Thirty-four patients were transported to the PRC Emergency Field Hospital.

Fever, cough, dizziness, body weakness, vomiting, ankle sprain, chest pain, and numbness were the complaints of those who were transported to the field hospital.

Two patients -- a pregnant patient who experienced abdominal pain and a second-degree burn victim -- were among the major cases.

Nine individuals received welfare assistance (four psychosocial first aid, three contact tracing and two referrals) and 185 received hot meals.

The PRC deployed 10 first aid stations, eight welfare desks, one emergency field hospital, 13 ambulances, one fire truck, one food truck, one rescue boat and 319 volunteers. (MNS)

APPEAL FOR CLEMENCY. Cesar and Celia Veloso (left and 2nd from left), parents of Mary Jane Veloso, and her children appeal to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President Widodo for clemency, at Mendiola Bridge, Manila on Wednesday (Jan. 10, 2024). Mary Jane was arrested in Indonesia for drug trafficking in 2010 and was sentenced to death. (MNS photo)

ADMIRATION AS IN GREAT RESPECT

“Enthusiastic admiration is the first principle of knowledge and its last.”

- William Blake/1757-1827

English poet, painter and printmaker

“Blessed is he who has learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter, and to lead but not manipulate.”

- Willaim Arthur Ward

/1921-1994

American motivational writer

“The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.”

- Charles Kuralt/1934-1997

American television, newspaper and radio journalist and author

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Mabuhay!

Have you ever sent a note and special gift to someone who has impacted your life? I say encourage him or her today. He or she may be wondering if he or she has ever influenced anyone. Ha-ha-ha-ha!

From 23 May 1970 to 26 April 1974, my family and I were assigned to the Naval Air Station Agana in Guam, U.S.A. It was one of my most enjoyable tour of duty while I was in active military service hence “Guam is Good” indeed as that iconic sign says.

And here’s my little story about the subject matter of this column’s edition.

Our office’s high school job intern met me as I was leaving my work station for home. She had been involved in the clerical/ administrative activities of the air station’s mess hall. The 13-year-old girl from the mainland USA smiled as she ran after me, stuck out her hand, and said, “I’ve got something for you.”

Here was a little hand-scribbled note from Irene who had been in our

office then for several months now – and I found out later – something also from her elder sister Kate. It read:

TO SK2 REYES I don’t think you know me, but I sure know you. You are a very kind young man and a very good supervisor for my younger sister Irene. She talks a lot about you at home and now I understand what she is saying and that’s how it should be.

WE LOVE YOU!

Guess what was attached to the note. A chocolate sucker, all wrapped in cellophane ready to be enjoyed.

Now, my dear friends, that’s admiration, isn’t it? What else can you call it? Ha-ha-ha-ha! When a darling little kid will surrender her prized possession…wow! That sucker and little “love” note means more to me than most any military or civilian honors I could ever receive, because it represents something no amount of money can buy. A child’s respect. Personal admiration. To some busy, active youngster tucked away in an island where “America’s day begins” I represent somebody she looks up to. And believes in. I’m honest, it choked me up, too. Then (even now, if I must confess). It also kept me on my toes. At that time, somewhere out there is a child whose eyes are on me…whose ears are tuned in…and who’s also pretty choosy. After all, that sucker was wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon…and it hadn’t even been licked (so far as I could tell…Haha-ha-ha!).

To this day, I still wonder whatever had ever happened to the both of them – Irene and Kate White…that was their last name. I do know that their dad was also in the military then. I sure hope they all had a good life as my family and I have here in our adopted beloved hometown of San Diego –

On the 12th day after Christmas, many greetings of “Happy Three Kings” came through via Facebook notifications. What does one really do upon receiving such greetings other than responding back with another clipart celebrating the Day of the Epiphany. Most people will just automatically “like,” send or respond with similar speed. If you are the sender of such a greeting, what do you have in mind? What kind of reaction do you expect the receiver to show?

Every year, we celebrate this day without much introspection about what it means. It is just one of those traditional things we learned and practiced growing up. Some common understanding is that it is the end of the Christmastide. That it is also the day when the three wise also called the Magi - Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar paid homage to the infant Jesus to complete the Christmas story. They were not really kings but men who were accorded the honor of representing a kingdom. Western

churches were really the ones who promoted this for obvious reasons –to bring more prestige to the visit.

The Hispanic world calls the day El Dia de los Reyes to celebrate the day of the three kings: Balthasar as king representing Saudi Arabia or sometimes Ethiopia, Melchior as king of Persia, and Gaspar as king of India according to Britannica. Each of the wise men brought fine gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Growing up, we were even told to match the gift to the three persons. Beyond that, is anybody’s guess.

The Catholic Church observes this day as the Solemnity of the Epiphany. The kingly wardrobe was a modern idea to dress them as kings to solidify the message of them being of royalty. Central to the celebration is the belief that the Magi from the East who were not Jews who saw Jesus as worthy of worship was proof that the infant Jesus was God’s manifestation to the Gentiles (epipháneia) here on earth. Thus, it was an “aha moment” (epiphany)

“America’s Finest City”.

Admiration. There’s not much of it today. Maybe that explains the inordinate hunger for fantasy heroes like Batman, Superman, Luke Skywalker, E.T. and Rocky. There has never been a day when the athletic prima donnas have had larger fan clubs or bizarre musical groups bigger crowds. There was a time when patriotism provided us with all the models we needed. Remember? Why, who ever had the audacity to suggest a hint of suspicion against MacArthur…or “Ike”, or the local police department, or the FBI, for that matter? The cops on the corner may have been stared at, but it was out of respect, not rebellion. Physicians were also admired. So were teachers. And lawyers…And priests or preachers…And hard workers…And mothers, of course.

What’s happened? Why the low regards for leaders nowadays?

Especially the outspoken ones who

stand for decency and integrity and love for country, the flag, human dignity, and a wholesome respect for the family.

Have recent political scandals ravished everyone’s trust in anyone? Are all police officers suspect? Is it necessary for every surgeon to conduct his profession more concerned about a malpractice lawsuit than the gall bladder operation? Is corruption now so prevalent in government that young men and women with integrity no longer consider political science a viable major? Have the ongoing major wars such as the UkraineRussia battle, the Israel-Hamas conflict and the South China Sea struggle and all those other “splendid, little wars” all over across the globe soured everybody against the military? I mean, where are the heroes?

Hymn-writer Isaac Watt’s question should be changed from,

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

“Are there no foes for me to face?”

to, “Are there no models for me to follow?” And it would be a righton query. Foes to face we have. Models to admire, we don’t. At least its seems that way, for me. Now we are like the best sellers – “Looking Out for No. 1” and “Pulling Your Own Strings.”

Funny thing, isn’t it? When you do write stuff like this, you feel a little dated…somewhat soap boxeslike. You sense there’s a whole gang of quasi-sophisticates thinking, “There’s the old salty Navy sailor coming out in Reyes again. Shades of Tonkin Gulf haze, gray and underway…Filipino-Americanism on parade.” Well, if a confession will help, I openly admit I still get a chill down on my spine when I watch those YouTube videos showing American military coming to the rescue with their maritime joint patrols in the conflicted Ayungin Shoals just off the rugged coast of our beloved old homeland. I also confess getting a little misty when I recall standing at ramrod attention saying the pledge of allegiance as a United States Navy newly-recruited 18 years old Filipino volunteer in 7 January of 1966 at Sangley Point, Cavite…Yes, some 58 years ago… then praying that I might have good fortune in a land that I have never seen, but admired more than words could say.

I say our current cynical, selfcentered society would do well to restore an invaluable antique that has been cast aside, forgotten like a dust-covered treasure: admiration. As that restoration occurs, so will the spirit de corps of our nation,

Epiphany on Three Kings Day

that changed the course of history.

While we think that the first Sunday after Christmas (Three Kings Day) is the end of Christmastide, the Catholic Church teaches that the liturgical season of Christmas ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, the Monday after Epiphany (January 8). Monday is a workday thus the import of the day is lost among the faithful who celebrate the joy of the Magi. From Advent’s purple, the clergy switches to green vestments of Ordinary Time.

The baptism of Jesus occurred when he turned 30 when he asked his older cousin John to do the water immersing rite on the Jordan River. In a nutshell, the three kings did not see Jesus until twelve days later. Celebrating the Baptism of the Lord the day after gives a clearer picture of the succession. The Magi visit signifies God’s manifestation through the infant Jesus while his baptism signifies that day when the Holy Spirit (as a dove) descended upon Jesus. It was a new beginning for mankind that is marked by baptism, with the light overcoming darkness.

Remember the Christmas carol

“Twelve Days of Christmas?”

“On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming…” The

Pulse Asia: 73% disapprove of gov't measures on inflation

MANILA -- At least 73%

of Filipinos disapprove of the Marcos administration’s efforts in controlling inflation or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services, the latest Pulse Asia poll showed.

The Pulse Asia survey, taken from December 3 to 7, 2023, showed that Filipinos’ disapproval of the government’s efforts to control inflation registered a double-digit increase to 73% from 56% on September 23.

The same Pulse Asia poll also found that Filipinos’ disapproval of the government’s measures in increasing workers' pay increased

by 12 percentage points to 36% from 24% in September 2023.

Also registering an increased disapproval rating is the government’s efforts in fighting graft and corruption, whose disapproval score increased to 33% from 23% in September 2023.

A higher disapproval rating was also recorded in the government’s efforts to reduce poverty (39% from 31% in September 2023) and address the problem of involuntary hunger (24% from 16% in September 2023).

Controlling inflation remained the most urgent national concern at 72%, with increasing the workers'

pay coming in a distant second most urgent national concern at 40%.

Ranking third among the most urgent national concerns is reducing the poverty of many Filipinos at 25%, followed by fighting graft and corruption at 19%.

Rounding up the top 10 national concerns are:

assisting farmers, including selling their products (18%) addressing the problem of involuntary hunger (18%) fighting criminality (15%) providing support to small entrepreneurs to restore their

twelfth day of course is Three Kings Day. So, what is cool about 12 drummers drumming? Drumming has a powerful effect on people, it changes one’s rhythm by following or marching to the beat. It makes you forget the past and brings you to the present with every strike of the drum.

Reminds us of the little drummer boy who announced to the world with every parum-pa-pum-pum. “Come, they told me (parum-pa-pum-pum). A newborn king to see (parumpa-pum-pum). Our finest gifts we bring (parum-pa-pum-pum).” The little drummer boy played his drum as his gift to honor Him. That was one drum heralding the birth of the Redeemer. On the 12th day, we got 12 drums drumming on a different beat.

Surreptitiously, the twelve drums are supposed to stand for the 12 doctrinal points of the Apostles’ Creed (I believe in God, the Father almighty is one). It is indeed a fine gift from our faith, from our Church that affirms our belief. That is one momentous epiphany that opens us to the portals of the divine. It just can’t be the mind processing the thought. The body, the heart, and the soul should act together to produce a miracle of thought.

To have such mind changing thoughts, however, we cannot

businesses (11%) enforcing the law on all, whether influential or ordinary people (10%) reducing the amount of taxes paid (10%), among others.

The notable events that occurred before and during the survey period include:

former Senator Leila de Lima being granted bail after being detained for more than six years on drug-related charges, the House of Representatives Committees on Justice and on Human Rights adopting House Resolution 477, which calls on the Philippine government to cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor in its investigation of the crimes against humanity charges against former President Duterte from his administration’s

the morale that once gave us pride to pull together and passion to stand alone. Our children and grandchildren, for that matter need it. So do our youth – the young generation, so to speak – as well as adults. Individuals we hold in high esteem, in whom the qualities of greatness are incarnated. People who mirror the bedrock principle of solid Christian character. These things can neither be purchased nor inherited. Slowly, almost unawares, admiration becomes the carbon paper that transfers character qualities by the rubbings of one life against another.

With thoughts of another Christmas season gone by and looking forward to the next one this 2024 – I say like Christ with His guys. Like a godly coach with the whole team. Like an authentic Christian businessman with his peers. Like a faithful dad with his family. Usually, the model doesn’t even consider himself such until something little happens.

Something as small as a chocolate sucker and a little note to remember by.

Or moving on and feeling more sensitive these days and aware of people’s voices - anything as little as a “Hi…it was good to see you again. That was a nice piece you wrote on last week’s edition of “The Filipino Press” …Thank you so much for it and please continue your quest for excellence in Filipino American writing.”

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

Hey that’s a sign of growing stronger! Isn’t it?

tolerance for such uncertainty makes one more effective operating in such an environment.

continue telling people “Happy Three Kings” and expect the joy to flow. It cannot just be the thought of sending out greetings that counts. There must be feelings – not thought of feeling - of something that connects to your subconscious. We must move from knowledge to having awareness. To do that, we must exercise intellectual humility to start the Epiphany season. Intellectual humility is associated with variables relevant to openness, tolerance of ambiguity, curiosity, and low dogmatism. People who are dogmatic are less likely to experience epiphanies. Humility aids in human cognitive functioning visà-vis social relations and religiosity. We cannot continue repeating the Creed without understanding every doctrinal point in it. One cannot continue to assert “that’s how I’ve been taught” without openness to new understanding.

Embracing a new understanding is a good use of the brain that has been gifted to us. We live in a highly polarized world marked by acrimony, conflict, and demagoguery. Tolerance of ambiguity allows one to tolerate a range of options besides “may way or the highway.” Sure uncertainty, unpredictability, and conflicting directions brought by multiple demands make people uncomfortable. Still, developing

drug war, the bombing during a Catholic Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, and aftermath of subsequent magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes, which left three dead and 88 injured.

Pulse Asia’s non-commissioned December 2023 survey was taken among 1,200 adults aged 18-yearsold and above. It has a ± 2.8% error margin at the 95% confidence level.

Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at a 95% confidence level: ± 5.7% for Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Pulse Asia: Marcos’ approval rating jumps by 3%, Duterte gains 1%

The approval rating of President

Intellectual humility allows one to see what philosophers and theologians have said in antiquity, in a new perspective. This is important if we want to enhance our understanding of “communing with saints” as a drumming doctrinal point. We must recognize the social importance or nature of such understanding. Why? Kneeling in front of an image of a saint is often viewed by non-Catholics as idolatry. Is it? Let’s commune with St. Augustine for example, on his thoughts about Christmas and Epiphany. “Abiding with His Father, He made for Himself a mother; and when He was made in the womb of His mother, He remained in the heart of his Father.” “Let men rejoice, let women rejoice. Christ was born man; he was born of woman. Both sexes have been honored.” “Apparently, it was a greater prodigy to see a new star shinning at His Nativity than to see the sun in mourning at His death!”

Wow! Bishop Augustine of Hippo delivered a sermon full of metaphors and gospel proclamations. As a Catholic, I can only wish that current members of the clergy commune with this famous saint before putting together their sermons. I’m digressing. Augustine’s sermon has to do with his own epiphany that even the worst sinners (that he was) can become saints.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. bounced back in December 2023, according to a new Pulse Asia survey released on Monday.

Marcos’ approval rating took a nosedive in September 2023, suffering a double-digit drop.

His popularity rating was 80 percent in June 2023, dropping to 65 percent in September 2023.

Now, the President’s rating increased by 3 points, currently standing at 68 percent.

“The President and the VicePresident both have majority approval scores in every area,” stated Pulse Asia.

Vice President Sara Duterte’s approval rating also rose by one percent after a significant decline in September 2023.

Duterte’s December 2023 approval rating was higher than Marcos’ at 74 percent. (MNS)

Spiritual Life

Faith sharing

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all… 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NRSV)

I was reading one of the back issues of the Upper Room, a daily devotional guide, when my attention was caught by a piece entitled, “A Love Letter to the World”. The water reflects some of my thoughts and feelings the first time someone, started witnessing about her faith to me.I felt uncomfortable, thinking that faith is extremely a personal subject. But when I accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, my attitude changed. I realize that when Christ is in your heart, you are bursting with Joy. You want to share your faith and the reason for your hope.

When you have been cornered by some enthusiastic person who talks at great length about a religious experience or been pressured to agree with a particular religious point of view, you may have a negative reaction. You may draw back from this opportunity of faith sharing.

The First Epistle of Peter tells us that we should be ready to give

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera My Personal Testimony

“the reason for the hope” that is within us when someone asks, yet to do it with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15-16). The epistle suggest that witnessing behind with our behavior, behavior that draws others. If we are filled with love and hope, people will want to know why. So,our goal should be to live lives that cause others to ask questions about God.

I have been often asked, “How can you be so hopeful when things look so bad?” Or “How can you be patient with someone who is so annoying?” These are questions which evoke personal stories about the source of our faith,the foundation of our hope, and the

fountain of your love-God.

Our personal stories have the power to help others believe that God will help them,that they are not alone. And when we stand with them as visible signs of the God who loves them,we become God’s love letter to them. Paul said… “you show that you are a letter of Christ…written not with ink but with the spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tables of human hearts.”

Prayer: Our most loving God, give us the strength to hope and the heart to love in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Mold us according to your will so that we may become your letter to others. Amen.

Truth never changes

Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart. (Psalm 15:1-2)

"I cannot believe they are not going to honor my bonus agreement," said the executive who was about to take another position in a new city. Her understanding of her present work agreement called for a bonus at the end of the year.

Management saw the situation differently. "It's not right. I am entitled to that bonus," she complained.

It was time to leave. The company had given her a laptop to use. However, when she left, she decided that because the company was not going to pay her the bonus she was entitled to, she would simply keep the laptop as compensation due her.

"And they would never miss it," she reasoned. She was now in the employment of the new company. As each day passed, she grew uneasier about her decision. She could not get it off her mind.

Finally, she concluded that the Holy Spirit was telling her this decision was wrong and that she needed to call her former boss to confess her action. She called him and confessed what she had done and why she had done it. Her boss accepted her confession and

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

forgave her. Strangely enough, he allowed her to keep the laptop computer.

Truth never changes. It is absolute. When we make decisions based on other actions that are taken, we move into making decisions based on the situation, not truth and righteousness. The executive may indeed have been wronged, but she had to address the wrong in the appropriate way. Trying to compensate for the wrong by doing something that violates another scriptural principle is called situational ethics. If the employer had never wronged the executive, do you think she would have felt justified in taking the computer? Probably not. When you isolate the two situations, you see that one action was taken in response to the other action. Have you had any experiences in which you have used situational ethics? The Lord desires His people to have a higher standard, even at the cost of being wronged. Ask the Lord

to reveal any business practices that may indicate situational ethics. You might be surprised what will happen when you do the right thing.

Jesus didn't come as a king, but as a helpless infant (Luke 2). Although he was perfectly God and perfectly human at the same time (John 1:14), he lived his life as a humble laborer.

After he began his ministry, he demonstrated humble service to others in the miracles he performed, as well as in his instruction to his disciples.

When the time came for him to die, he submitted to his Father's divine will (Mark 14:36). And now, seated in power at the right hand of God, he intercedes on our behalf (Acts 5:29-32).

As the perfect model for godly leadership, Jesus set the perfect example of humility. Ask God to help you follow Jesus' example as you seek to demonstrate the kind of humility that will cause others to see Jesus in you. <(((><

Greetings

Last Monday we celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord which marked the beginning of ordinary the season of the liturgical year. The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord marked the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus himself. The same feast also allowed us to evaluate how we have lived out our Christian faith, as followers of Jesus and members of His Church. That was an opportunity for us to see that being members of the Church we have both the rights as adopted children of God and the responsibilities in the mission of the Church. This mission is one that is shared by all the baptized, both the lay and the ordained ministers.

Today is the second Sunday in ordinary time, a season of the liturgy of the Catholic Church where no significant feast concerning the mysteries of his life is celebrated, but certain important aspects of his public ministry is focused. The gospel this day speaks about the first disciples of Jesus and how they encountered and decided to follow Him. According to the gospel of St. John, these two disciples mentioned were traditionally known as John, the son of Zebedee and Andrew, the brother of Simon whom later Jesus called as Peter. They were the disciples of John the Baptist who brought them to Jesus the Lamb of God. Notice, how the two left John the Baptist and followed Jesus after the encounter with Jesus himself.

From this gospel narrative I would like to share with you, my dear brother and sisters the steps of discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple, in the first place? Being a disciple, briefly, means living out the life of person one admires, follows and obeys. In the case of Christian

Utang na Loob: isang kaugaliang Pilipino Naging bahagi ng paniwalang nakaukit na sa puso Isang aralin na galing pa sa ating mga ninuno

Ang tunay na kahulugan ba nito ay lubos nating tanto?

Kapag tayo’y nakatanggap ng biyaya

Dala ng kagandahang loob ng iba Kaugalian natin ang tumanaw ng utang na loob Di kinakalimutan na ang biyayang natanggap ay susuklian.

Kapag tayo naman ay nagmagandang loob sa ating kapwa

Tama kaya na asahan natin na gantihan tayo sa pabor na ginawa?

Kapag ang isang pulitiko ay tumayong padrino sa isang binyagan

Ayos lang kaya na ginawa ito upang ito ay tanawin na utang na loob at ang pamilya ng kumpadre ay makakadagdag sa bilang ng boto?

READ.

discipleship, it means knowing Jesus, listening to His teachings, accepting his message and doing the commandments that He wants his followers to do. Today’s gospel tells us the steps of becoming disciples. The first step is coming to know Jesus. In the case of the two first disciples they were brought to an encounter with Jesus by John the Baptist himself who proclaimed Him as the Lamb of God, after professing that he was not the Messiah, but someone greater than Him would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. This encounter with Jesus presumed the interest of the two first disciples to know Jesus when they asked Him where do you live?

The second step of discipleship is the coming to know the Master, his life, his teaching, his commandments, etc. This interest manifested by the would be disciples brought about the response of Jesus: “come and you will see.” Jesus opens Himself to anyone who gets interested in knowing Him and this is what happened to the first disciples, “so they went and stayed with him that day…” Going and staying with Jesus means being able to know Him more closely, admire Him more lovingly so that they would be able to follow Him more

Ang mga magulang kapag magmahal sa mga anak Ito ba ay itinuturing nilang utang na loob na dapat bayaran?

Ang kagandahang loob ay galing sa puso at kusang ginagawa Dahil nais lang ay makapagdulot ng kabutihan sa iba.

Sabi ng iba “Kamutin mo ang likuran ko, at kakamutin ko rin ang likuran mo.”

Ang mamahalin ba natin ay yon lang mga taong maaring makapagsukli ng pagmamahal sa atin?

Ang pagmamahal ay para sa lahat, ito ay libre, hindi ito pinapautang Ito ang dapat ilagay natin sa puso at isipan.

Mga kapwa natin na nasa laylayan ng lipunan Mga naghihirap, mga gutom o walang maayos na matuluyan

Kung sila ay ating kalingain, mahalin at tulungan

Iisipin ba natin na sila ay

devotedly. That was the third step in discipleship: following Jesus. They followed Him and learned from Him so that in turn they shared their own experience. The fourth step is sharing the experience of the encounter of following Jesus to others. This is what Andrew did when he told his brother, Simon: we have found the Messiah… and he brought him to Jesus.

Today as we start the ordinary season of the liturgical calendar of the church, let us look into our own lives as disciples of Jesus. First., let us thank God for the people and circumstances that brought us to encounter Jesus. There could have been some significant people who brought you to the encounter: your parents, your catechists, your friends, you priests and so many other. There could have been circumstance that led you to encounter Jesus, either enjoy or sad occasions such as fiesta celebration or accidents and loss of loved one in one’s life. However, today what is more important for us to answer is whether we have taken advantage of the occasions that brought us to the encounter with Jesus. Have we pursued in doing everything possible to know Him, admire Him, accept His teachings and eventually follow Him with all our hearts?

For today I wish you would examine yourselves more deeply so that you would be able to answer these questions more honestly. And in the presence of Jesus whom we celebrate during this Eucharist, let us ask Mary, our Mother, to assist us so that we can truly leave behind our past lives, like to first disciples who left John the Baptist, and give ourselves to Jesus the true Master and Savior of the world.

may utang na loob na dapat nilang bayaran?

Utang na loob ay isang magandang kaugalian Huwag lang gamitin para sa sariling kapakanan Mahalin ang kapwa, ipamahagi ang kayamanan, oras at kakayahan

Kung tanawin na utang na loob ay ayos lang naman Huwag lang natin asahan na ito ay may kapalit o kabayaran.

LEARN. INVEST IN YOURSELF.

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Salvador

AGRI

Continued from page 1

Other recommendations that Tiu-Laurel have received include conversion of rice competitive enhancement funds to rice price subsidy; mechanization of farm processes, including those for high value crops and fiber; widening and intensification of soil testing to optimize land use and productivity; revival of direct farmer linkage to market via Kadiwa centers; timely release of hybrid seed and fertilizer interventions; implementation of the higher biofuel blend to help the coconut industry; and creation of a Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

After the meeting with the regional councils, Tiu-Laurel said the recommendations provided a clearer perspective on how to pursue agricultural modernization as the DA’s 10-point agenda is being finalized.

“More infrastructures, including warehouses, seaports, food terminals, and roads, will be built to help bring down the cost of food when they reach consumers. The DA is also working towards digitalization and a thorough review of the minimum access volume to rationalize food importation,” he

added.

He also pledged to find funds needed to substantially address all the issues and recommendations submitted by agricultural and fisheries councils, citing that agriculture accounts for four in every 10 jobs in the country, and a dramatic improvement (MNS)

DA bans live poultry, products from Belgium, France

MANILA, Jan 10 (Mabuhay)

-- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has banned the importation of poultry and other poultry products, including wild birds, from Belgium and France.

This was after the two European nations reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) their respective outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds.

France submitted a report about its bird flu outbreak on Nov. 30, 2023 while Belgium submitted its report on Dec. 1, 2023.

“We’re doing this to protect the health of our local poultry population as well as poultry workers and consumers since H5N1 is a virus that can be transmitted to humans by infected animals,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said in a news release on Tuesday.

The import bans, which start on Jan. 8, 2024, will also prevent

traders from bringing in Belgian and French poultry meat, day-old chicks, hatching eggs, and poultry semen into the Philippines. These bans will continue unless revoked by the DA. Meat imports already in transit, loaded or accepted before the ban imposition will still be allowed to enter the country if the poultry were slaughtered or the products were produced on or before Nov. 12, 2023 in the case of France, and Nov. 16, 2023 for Belgium. All imports after the specified dates will not be considered upon arrival in the country, except for heat-treated products.

The DA said the country’s total importation of poultry meat increased by 1.57 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, with 411,070 metric tons valued at USD468,455,990.

Belgium accounts for 2.60 percent of the overall arrivals while no importation was recorded from France.

It added that the country’s importation of poultry meat in 2023 reached 426,620 metric tons valued at USD418,130,353 -- a 3.78 percent increase compared to 2022. France and Belgium account for 0.01 percent and 0.59 percent respectively of the total imports. (MNS)

Yeng Constantino opens up about mental health, marriage, and future plans

MANILA -- OPM singer Yeng Constantino opened up about her journey with mental health, marriage, and her plans for the future.

Constantino revealed that she has been attending therapy sessions for the past four years.

"Talagang kinailangan ko 'yun. Actually 4 years na ako nag tetherapy at hanggang ngayon nagtherapy pa rin ako, kasi katulad namin mga tao na maaga nagtrabaho, ako nag-work ako 14 years old. Medyo marami kang bagahe, marami kang bagay na tiniis," the singer said.

"'Yung child in you, hindi nakapaglaro. Nakapaglaro ako pero hindi katulad ng ibang bata. There’s just part of my heart and my brain na kailangan ko i-tend to," she added. Aside from her mental health journey, Constantino also spoke

about her 9-year marriage to her husband, Victor Asuncion.

"Sobrang saya ko, kasi maganda samahan namin ni Yan. Mag-nine years na kami next month and grabe lang talaga yung blessing ng relationship [namin]. Alam ko na it was a lot of work. Pinagpepray ko lang kay Lord na patuloy niya i-strengthen 'yung relationship namin," she shared.

As for their plans for the future, Constantino revealed that she and her husband are considering freezing

their eggs as a way to preserve the option of having children in the future.

"Talagang wala pa sa panahon ngayon. Hindi pa talaga namin nakikita na mag-baby kami, pero narinig ko nga si Ma’am Karen Davila. Before pinapayuhan na niya ako magpa-freeze daw ako ng eggs and I think I will listen to her kasi hindi ko din talaga alam kailan ako magiging ready," she shared.

The couple believes in taking the time to build a family. (MNS)

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LEAD SAN DIEGO WELCOMES 2024 BOARD CHAIR

Jason Paguio, CEO of the Asian Business Association of San Diego, first Asian American to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO, CA -- LEAD San

Diego is proud to welcome Jason Paguio, CEO of the San Diego Asian Business Association, as Chair of the Board of Directors for 2024. Paguio, who has served on the LEAD Board since 2021, is the first Asian American to hold the LEAD Board Chair position.

"Jason's commitment to community, unwavering dedication to positive change, and remarkable vision make him the perfect leader to take LEAD San Diego onto an era of innovative community impact and collaboration,” said Jerry Sanders, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, of which LEAD San Diego is an affiliate. "I am positive that Jason’s work in this new role will inspire us to reach new horizons in service to our mission while championing the spirit of leadership in our region."

Paguio will serve a one-year term as Chair beginning January 1 through December 31, 2024.

Joining him on the LEAD Board are an additional 36 board members representing San Diego County’s diverse industries and communities. Assuming the role of Vice Chair is Nancy Rohland-Heinrich Ed.D., Executive Vice President, Communications & Community Engagement at National University. For the full board roster, click here.

"As this year's LEAD San Diego Board Chair, I am positive that our collective enthusiasm and efforts will be the driving force that propels LEAD San Diego into a future where leadership knows no bounds and impact knows no limits," said Paguio. "I look forward to working with an influential and supportive Board of Directors. Together, we will help turn aspirations into achievements, challenges into opportunities, and community dreams into tangible realities."

LEAD San Diego aims to create a network of leaders equipped with the skills, insight, and passion needed

to work collaboratively across industries and issues to positively transform their communities and country through its three diverse programs:

Advance - A course specifically designed to empower and elevate women in the workplace,

Impact - An immersive, 10-month program for mid-to-senior level managers focusing on the Influence - A three-day crash course on San Diego’s business and civic landscape for C-level and

About LEAD San Diego

As the nonpartisan, leadership development arm of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, LEAD San Diego offers a diverse suite of programs designed to mobilize leaders by enhancing knowledge of key regional issues, strengthening personal leadership skills, and establishing strong community connections. For more information, please visit sdchamber.org/lead.

MEET OUR 2024 BOARD CHAIR