The Filipino Press: May 10-16, 2024

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said that a price freeze of rice and other basic commodities should only be implemented in areas severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

“Kung idadamay iyong buong bansa na hindi naman apektado ng El Niño, baka magkaroon ng problema doon sa ibang area (If we will include the entire country which is not affected by the El Nino, we might have a problem in other areas)," DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

He said the price freeze is already effective in areas under a state of calamity.

“Makikita natin mostly western section ng ating bansa ang naapektuhan at kanya-kanya iyong mga apektadong lugar na ito ay nagkaroon na ng declaration ng (We can see that those on the western section of our country have been mostly affected and each of the areas has already declared) states of emergencies,” he said.

To date, 131 local government units (LGUs) have declared a state of calamity nationwide, according to Task Force El Niño.

The Mimaropa region remains the most affected with PHP1.71 billion worth of agricultural damage, followed by Western Visayas at PHP1.5 billion; Cordillera

and Cagayan

BONITA, CA - In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2024, the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center (BMCC) will showcase traditional attires representing more than a dozen countries through historical and contemporary fashion and family stories. The exhibit connect and celebrates our cultural communities through performances and food events during May 4-26, 2024.

Community members from throughout San Diego county will contribute cultural garments and

share a personal narrative that honors the ancestry. Presentations from the Barong Tagalog of the Philippines to the Thai Sarong, Korean Hanbok and the shimmering of Chinese silk wedding dress and much more will be on display.

The event commenced on May 4 with an opening reception, emceed by Vanessa Paz of ABC Channel 10. On May 9, there was a special appearance by Project Runway Kenneth Barlis, fashion designer.

The Asian American & Pacific Island Culture through Fashion and

Stories were made possible through the collaboration of Executive Director

Wendy Wilson with Lead Curators Nimpa Akana, BMCC Board Trustee, Joe Mazares, BMCC Board Trustee and host Committee members, namely: Diana MarJip Chuh, Silayan Filipina organization led by Joyce TemporalRicasa and Joy Deguzman, Nikki Summa, Thai Chamber of Commerce, Angela Lopez, Senior Designer, Jean Amour by Jean Pioso. Come and visit the exhibits at the Museum. For more information, call (619)267-5141 or visit https://bonitahistoricalsociety.org.

By Selen Ozturk/eMS

In the nation’s most ambitious effort to address social needs, a $12 billion Medi-Cal initiative now provides services for the unhoused.

In the nation’s most ambitious effort to address social needs, a $12 billion Medi-Cal initiative now provides services for the unhoused including stable housing navigation, rent deposit aid and street medicine.

At a virtual news briefing for ethnic media on May 2, a state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) leader, a homelessness health care director and a community provider shared how they’re using Medi-Cal to help Californians experiencing and at risk of homelessness lead healthier lives.

New Medi-Cal programs for the unhoused

“When we’re talking about MediCal transformation, we’re talking about bringing services to our unhoused members to meet them where they’re at in life,” said DHCS Homelessness and Housing Policy Advisor Glenn Tsang.

“Instead of asking them to navigate the bureaucracy of the clinic,” he added, “we go to them at the shelter, the street, the encampment, and you connect them to housing support and health care in two ways: Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports,” both launched in January 1, 2022.

Through Enhanced Care Management (ECM), unhoused or at-risk members are assigned a lead care provider who connects them to medical services at a

Assistant

Arnel de Mesa made the assurance after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that rice production from January to March this year dropped to 4.68 million metric tons (MMT), compared to 4.78 MMT for the same period last year.

"Bumababa siya ng bahagyangbahagya (It slightly decreased) by almost 100,000 metric tons. Mayroon pa naman tayong upcoming na wet season, mas malaki ang production na nangyayari (We still have the upcoming wet season, there's a higher production happening) during the wet season," de Mesa said in an interview.

As early as now, the DA is already assisting farmers with their land preparation for the wet season, he said. These include early distribution of seedlings, fertilizers and fertilizer vouchers, and machinery through the DA's regional offices and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

The National Food Authority (NFA) also ordered its local offices to secure contracts for drying facilities to avoid wastage during the wet harvest season.

Community Supports (CS)

“swim upstream to address the social factors driving

The Pampered Pinay: Summer Workout Playlist

By THeresa maigue Bendorf

My

Florence + The Machine 5. “Rolling in the Deep” - Adele Calorie Burner Music A daily cardio workout can feel like a daily marathon. Whether you jog it out on a track, hike the hills, or privately work the treadmill at home, these upbeat tracks help keep the pace going. Envision yourself burning up a dance floor as you burn those calories to these very danceable tunes.

1. “Run the World (Girls)” –Beyonce

2. “Neon Lights” – Natasha Bedingfield

3. “Conga” – Gloria Estefan & The Miami Sound Machine

4. “Blow (Cirkut Remix)” Ke$ha

5. “Papi” – Jennifer Lopez Rep Music You’ll Want on Repeat Crunches, squats, pushups... These exercises may not be everyone’s favorites, but that’s all the more reason to execute them while listening to great music!

1. “Insomnia” – Craig David

2. “Can’t Stop” - Dondria

3. “Hungry Like the Wolf” –Duran Duran

4. “I’ll Make You Dance” –Elliott Yamin

5. “You’ve Got the Love” –Florence + The Machine Uplifting Weightlifting Music

Tone up to these tunes, which are just the right speed for lifting weights. Make sure you also pace your breathing, and exhale on the lift.

1. “I’m into You” – Jennifer Lopez featuring Lil Wayne

2. “Get Together” – Madonna

3. “Put It in A Love Song” –Alicia Keys & Beyonce Knowles

4. “On the Floor” – Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull

5. “Forget You” – Cee Lo Green Strrrrreeeeetching Out Music

This is the part of the workout that helps alleviate next-day soreness… so don’t skip it! This is also the time in which you get to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put into your workout. Congratulations on

1. “Stronger than Ever” –Christina Aguilera

2. “Wait Til You See My Smile” – Alicia Keys

3. “Kagandahan (Betty la Fea Theme)” – Bea Alonzo

4. “Appreciate” –Charlotte Perrelli

5. “A Beautiful Day” – india.arie Enjoy pampering yourself with some exercise and endorphins. Make this summer one in which you confidently strut your stuff! The sun is ready to shine its light upon your radiant smile, healthy body, and peaceful mind.

DA pushes for labeling local, imported rice in retail markets

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to put labels on local and imported rice to prevent the mixing of rice varieties.

In an interview, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said labeling rice in retail markets “provides the needed information to consumers who want locallyproduced or imported rice varieties.”

“That’s very important. We also plan to check on mislabeling activities on the ground,” he said.

"Definitely, may mga ganyang posibleng mislabeling. Paghaluhin, kung mas mura iyong isang klase ng bigas tapos ihahalo doon sa mas mahal tapos ibebenta nang mas mahal (there’s the possibility of mislabeling. The cheaper class or rice is mixed with the more expensive, then it'll be sold at the higher price)," De Mesa noted.

Federation of Free Farmers Cooperatives national manager Raul Montemayor agreed with the DA official, noting that some imported rice looks similar to local produce and can easily be mixed.

He also pointed out that while some traders typically blend rice “to satisfy the requirements of their market,” unscrupulous traders are known to “re-bag” imported rice and sell it as local rice to gain higher profits.

As of Thursday, the imported regular milled rice ranges from PHP48 per kilogram to PHP51/kg; and well-milled rice ranges from PHP51/kg to PHP54/kg.

On the other hand, the local regular milled rice is pegged at PHP50/kg while the well-milled rice ranges from PHP48/kg to PHP55/kg.

Montemayor said this is due to the price dynamics between the lowering trend in the global price of imported rice, and the increasing trend in farmgate prices, which ranges from PHP27 to PHP30.

“It’s like a gamble on the part of the local traders that they will buy palay at a high price, knowing na pagdating nila sa retail, makakalaban nila iyong imported rice na medyo pababa ang presyo (that when it comes to the retail market, they will be going against the imported rice that is getting cheaper),” he said.

Meanwhile, the DA assured that it is looking into the gap between the farmgate and retail prices of rice.

"Iyon ang pinag-uusapan, pinagaaralan bakit mataas talaga iyong presyo despite na hindi naman ganoon kalaki, kataas iyong presyo sa farmgate (That's what we are talking about, we are reviewing why the [retail] price remains high despite the fact that the farmgate prices are not that high),” De Mesa said.

DA: Price freeze needed only in areas under state of calamity

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said that a price freeze of rice and other basic commodities should only be implemented in areas severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

“Kung idadamay iyong buong bansa na hindi naman apektado ng El Niño, baka magkaroon ng problema doon sa ibang area (If we will include the entire country which is not affected by the El Nino, we might have a problem in other areas)," DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

He said the price freeze is already effective in areas under a state of calamity.

“Makikita natin mostly western section ng ating bansa ang naapektuhan at kanya-kanya iyong mga apektadong lugar na ito ay nagkaroon na ng declaration ng (We can see that those on the western section of our country have been mostly affected and each of the areas has already declared) states of emergencies,” he said.

To date, 131 local government units (LGUs) have declared a state of calamity nationwide, according to Task Force El Niño.

The Mimaropa region remains the most affected with PHP1.71 billion worth of agricultural damage, followed by Western Visayas at PHP1.5 billion; Cordillera Administrative Region, PHP768 million; and Cagayan Valley, PHP562 million.

The DA earlier reported around PHP5.90 billion worth of agricultural damage due to El Nino, with rice production being the hardest hit, recording around PHP3.14 billion worth of loss. (MNS)

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

DepEd braces for

fewer school days, prepares plans vs. learning loss

MANILA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday said it is now preparing concrete plans to prevent learning loss as it braces for fewer school days in the coming school year 2024-2025.

This came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gave a go signal to revert to the old school calendar starting next school year.

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said the agency included in its proposal letter to President Marcos a more aggressive approach which shall reduce school days to 165.

"Magiging mas puspusan ngayon iyong ating mga measures to make sure na iyong lahat ng competencies natin for a given grade level ay nacover natin (We will intensify our measures to make sure that all competencies for given grade levels are covered) in a shorter period of time," he said.

Under the proposal, the end of the school year (EOSY) for the current academic year will be on May 31; the opening of SY 2024-2025 shall be on July 29 with its target end on March 31, 2025; and starting SY 2025-2026 by June 2025.

"Kung ibababa natin iyong number of school days natin (If we will reduce our number of school days), it has to be covered, kailangan nating tustusan iyan ng mga makabago at makabuluhang (we need to support that with new and meaningful) approaches," Bringas said.

He said these approaches shall be specified once the preparation of the DepEd curriculum and teaching strands is finalized.

Bringas also said the adjustments in the coverage of learning competencies shall also be made for the MATATAG curriculum.

"For the implementation of the MATATAG curriculum, maaaring mas kaunting interventions ang gagawin natin diyan, pero iyong old curriculum natin, iyon ang mas marami tayong measures (interventions may be lesser, but we will have more measures with the old curriculum)," he said.

The MATATAG curriculum will be initially implemented in Kinder, Grades I, IV, and VII starting the coming school year.

MATATAG stands for “Make the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, Active and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provision facilities; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness learning, and positive learning environment; and, Give support for teachers to teach better.”

DepEd: Ensure safety of learners, teachers in end-ofschool-year rites

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday urged school heads to ensure the safety of learners and teachers in the upcoming endof-school-year (EOSY) moving up and graduation ceremonies amid the high heat index in various parts

of the country that is expected to persist until the end of May.

"If possible, these will be conducted indoors with proper ventilation or sa ating mga (or in our) covered courts," DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa said in a zoom interview.

"Kung wala talagang magagamit na covered courts, pinapaalalahanan lang po natin ang ating school heads na gawin ito sa mga oras ng araw na hindi matindi iyong sikat ng araw at hindi matindi iyong init para sa safety ng ating (If there are no covered courts to use, we are reminding our school heads to conduct these during the time of the day when the heat not so high for the safety of our) learners, teachers and other school personnel, even parents present at that time," he said.

Poa also reminded school heads of DepEd Memorandum 23, series of 2024, which states that "No DepEd personnel shall be allowed to collect any kind of contribution or fee for the graduation or moving up ceremony."

All expenses related to the activity shall be charged to the schools Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), he said.

Poa said EOSY rites should also be moved within the school calendar to properly compensate teachers. Under the memorandum, schools may conduct their EOSY rites from May 29 to 31. (MNS)

Palmer Way Elementary School PTA to Host Ready, Tech, Go! Screen Readiness Workshop for Families

Local PTA and National PTA co-host workshop with support from AT&T to share tips, tools and resources to promote healthy and safe digital habits

NATIONAL CITY-- On Tuesday, May 14, National PTA, Palmer Way Elementary School PTA and AT&T are joining forces to host a special PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! event at Palmer Way Elementary School, a Title I campus. The free workshop will help families become familiar with tools and resources to help determine screen readiness and navigate meaningful conversations with their children about developing good digital habits and being safe and responsible online.

During the event, families will hear from experts and participate in discussions and interactive learning demonstrations to support them in: Identifying and reflecting on various aspects of screen readiness, Becoming familiar with tools and resources to help determine screen readiness and discuss digital safety, and Gaining new ideas to help create a healthy digital home.

The Ready, Tech, Go! program is a collaboration between National PTA and AT&T to help families build knowledge and skills to use technology safely and responsibly

right from the start. The program is part of National PTA’s PTA Connected initiative and AT&T’s Connected Learning initiative. This spring, 200 local PTAs across the country are hosting workshops for their families as part of this effort. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. PDT at Palmer Way Elementary located at 2900 Palmer St, National City, CA 91950

Expected to attend are dignitaries namely: National City

Mayor Ron Morrison, Palmer Way Elementary School PTA President Zayetzy Carrillo Palmer Way Elementary School families, Palmer Way Elementary School and PTA leaders, California State PTA, Vice President of Communications Barbara Smith, AT&T Representatives About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)

(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org. National PTA does not endorse any commercial entity, product, or service. No endorsement of AT&T is implied. About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning® to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy, and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008 we’ve committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states, Washington D.C and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

“HE KNOWS”: THE FILIPINO MARRIAGE CULTURE STILL REMAINS A VERY STRONG COMMITMENT AMONG OUR “KABABAYANS” PERSPECTIVE!

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Greetings!

Perhaps, you – my dear folks - might have seen on YouTube the viral video “He Knows” – which is actually an original wedding song performed by Almira Lat Trinidad (The Bride). I truly love this tune and fell in love with it right away! When someone is really in deep relationship with our Lord…words will naturally just comes expressing the wholeness of God as the center of everything. I genuinely admire how the lyrics of this beautiful song was composed…truly a unadulterated craft from the heart that inspires everyone including yours truly.

(FYI: Please check out “He Knows” and click on the link https:// youtu.be/2Jd929KsNgg?si=c0w16E

DDvBrFdWX and enjoy!)

Fifty-six years together is nothing short of epic, if I may say it in awe. My high school classmate and a very good friend of mine – Jean – and her equally magnificent husband Alex just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last Saturday, May 4th. I guess while the world whirls around some things, like the bond between this lovely couple, just grew stronger and more precious. It’s like they’ve unloaded the bonus level of love and companionship on their 56th wedding anniversary. May the 4th (force) be with you, my dearest friends!

Hallelujah!

My beautiful wife Zeny and I will be following their footsteps comes December 26 of this year –and we both – will be celebrating our very own wedding anniversary, too – a mere 54 years of wholesome, wedded bliss.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

So…here’s to all the hilarious moments, silly arguments and unforgettable adventures we’ve shared along the way. Absolutely, we’ll try our best to keep rocking the matching slippers and enjoying life’s beautiful chaos together.

Ha-ha-ha-ha!!

Family is considered to be the foundation of social life for almost all of the Filipinos. The nuclear family is the core family unit; however, bonds are often tight knit among extended family members. Indeed, people may be encouraged to have a relationship with their aunts and uncles that is just as strong as the relationship with their parents. Close familial relationships often go beyond one’s genetic connections or bloodlines to incorporate distant relatives, close neighbors or friends. For example, it is common to hear people refer to distant relatives or non-relatives with familial terms such as “tita” (aunt), “tito” (uncle),

“lola” (grandmother) and “lolo” (grandfather). One instance is when a grandchild refers to their grandparent’s friend or cousin as lola or lolo.

Filial piety is an important concept in Filipino culture. It is understood as essential in order to maintain the collective face of the family and to avoid experiencing “hiya” (shame). Many Filipinos hold the belief that each family member is important and they must respect elders at all times. The opinions of younger family members’ and children’s opinions are considered to be secondary to their superior. Moreover, those requiring age care are nearly always taken care of by their children or grandchildren.

In a Filipino household, it is common to find three generations living together. Often, grandparents play a large role in raising their grandchildren. Extended family will often live relatively close to one another and will come together during large celebrations. It is common to find families in the Philippines that have some members who return to their family home during weekends after spending a week in major cities for work or study.

And that – my dear readers – is how close and tightly-knit are most Filipino families back home in the old country or even back here in our beloved adopted “good, old U.S. of A. – for that matter!

Traditional marriage customs in the Philippines and Filipino wedding practices pertain to the characteristics of marriage and wedding traditions established and adhered by our fellow “kababayans” after a period of adoption, courtship and engagement. These traditions even extend to other countries around the world where Filipino communities exist. “Kasalan” is the Filipino word for “wedding” while the root word – “kasal” means “marriage.” The presentday characteristics of marriage in the Philippines were primarily influenced by the presentations of Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – Hindu, Islam, Chinese, Spanish and American models.

The expectations and practices of Filipino marriage culture are heavily shaped primarily by the dominant Catholic Church, if I must say it bluntly. Marriage is understood as a milestone and it is expected that individuals will one day marry a suitable partner. Having children out of wedlock is generally frowned upon in Filipino society. Thus, many couples will marry prior to giving birth to their child to avoid

Catholic education in the Philippines is very expensive. For a country that is predominantly Catholic, the cost of Catholic education is beyond reach for ordinary Filipinos. In Naga City, from Naga Parochial School, St. Joseph School, Ateneo de Naga (AdeN), to Universidad De Sta. Isabel (USI); these private Catholic schools are only affordable to welloff families. It is doubtful that a family in the fringes of society can even afford it unless given a scholarship or some form of a subsidy. These schools, however, enjoy a reputation of providing high quality and strong academic foundation’ and there goes the rub. For most students belonging to poor families and are enrolled in mostly over subscribed public schools, their Catholic education will have to come from elsewhere. Most of them who fill the pews, will have to contend with their Sunday edification from their Cura. This is really nothing new because this is precisely what the Spanish colonizers had in mind and one of the enduring legacies. During their time in the Philippines, Spanish education was centered on religion. Aside from

social repercussions. Monogamy is the norm and divorce are both stigmatized and illegal. However, there is no doubt about it that views on marriage are changing. For example, there is now more acceptance of a person’s choice to remain single if they wish to be so.

Marriage as defined in the Philippines’ family code, partakes dual characters: first as a private covenant between two individuals committed to making a life together, and second as institution which serves a vital societal purpose. Also, marriage is defined that it is the process by which two people make their relationship public, official and permanent. It is the joining of two people in a bond that putatively

lasts until death, but in practice is increasingly cut short by divorce. Over the course of a relationship that can last as many as seven or eight decades, a lot happens. Personalities change, bodies age, and romantic love waxes and wanes.

I say though that Filipino marriage in particular still remains a very strong commitment. Though, not all of our “kababayans” have the privilege to get married, or they don’t – see it as a necessity for them a couple.

Overall, I came to this conclusion as a fairly recent focus study data suggests that among the Filipinos (I say, too – even among the urban middle class of the Philippines, for that matter!) marriage is still

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

seen as desirable especially for women. Most of the people in the groups interviewed still hold fairly conservative view of marriage, particularly as it relates to child bearing. In addition, research data make it clear that expected gender division of labor within the household remains quite traditional, with many men wishing to be the breadwinners while the women tend to the household and children. Cohabitation, it seems, is thought of by most to be tolerable in the short run, particularly for men, but not desirable in the long run, particularly for women.

Unfortunately, research statistics suggest that marriage is in retreat throughout much of the world. Some shifts toward nonmarriage have been identified in Southeast Asia, and these have been particularly striking in the large cities of the region. However, census data actually show a slight decline after 1980 in the percentages of unmarried among 45-49 years old women back in our beloved old homeland – the Philippines. Data do not provide much evidence for a narrative shift in that duration of large scale permanent non-marriage at this point, or of a replacement from formal legal marriage with co-habitation, even among young middle-class men and women who were interviewed in bustling Metro Manila. While the focus group’s data are not at all representative of the broader population, they provide some insights into current attitudes held by some young singles in the capital city. In addition, the data indicate that only 18.5 percent of the couples believe that it is alright to co-habit without plans to marry, and only 15.2 percent of the sampled group believes that it is alright to get pregnant if you are not yet married.

Moving on: So, why is there such a rich tapestry of the Philippine marriage culture in reference to tradition, values and evolution that makes it quite unique in this whole, wide world?

As I have indicated earlier above, marriage is a fundamental institution that serves as the cornerstone of societies world-wide, shaping cultures, customs and traditions.

In our beloved old homeland –the Philippines – a country with a diverse and rich history – marriage culture reflects a blend of indigenous practices, colonial influences and modern adaptations. This intricate tapestry of customs and values emphasize the significance of marriage within the Filipino community, providing insights into the nation’s social fabric, belief and evolution over time.

If you folks are not aware of it yet – Philippine marriage culture finds its roots in pre-colonial indigenous traditions, deeply connected to the country’s many ethnic groups. These practices varied across regions, but commonalities included arranged marriages, familial alliances and community involvement. The concept of “pamamanhikan” where the groom’s family visits the bride’s family to formally ask for her hand in marriage, remains a cherished tradition.

With the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the Philippines experienced a significant cultural shift as Catholicism became deeply intertwined with local practices. Religious ceremonies gained prominence and Christian weddings became central to marriage culture. The “kasal” or wedding ceremony, complete with its rites and rituals bears the influence of both local and Catholic elements, reflecting a unique fusion of spiritual beliefs.

The Filipino wedding journey is an assortment of rituals and traditions that celebrate love, commitment and family unity. These customs vary across the country’s many regions and ethnic’s groups but some key elements are universal.

“Pamamanhikan” as previously mentioned above is the formal meeting between the families of the bride and groom to discuss wedding plans and signify the consent to the union. Gifts are often exchanged as a symbol of good will.

“Pagtatambayayong” is a Visayan wedding tradition involving a dowry negotiation emphasizing the groom’s financial ability for his future wife.

Pope Francis’ Call for Synodality in the Philippine Context, Part 3

English language proficiency and their undying support for democracy.

The Spaniards built seminaries in the Philippines to allow the knowledge transfer to the locals by training local priests. There was a controversy over the approach.

the early 20th century and resumed their missionary work. It was not until after WWII that seminaries in the Philippines became fully integrated. The Jesuits expanded Ateneo de Manila into other seven Ateneos including AdeN.

catechism, the friars taught Latin and Spanish grammar (languages used in religious ceremonies and the Tridentine Mass). Frankly, the Spanish educational system was meant to keep the natives faithful by maintaining Church’s authority over the lives of the Indios (colonized Filipinos).

This system continued until the Americans introduced a modern public education system at the end of the 19th century with the English language as the medium of instruction. The American patterned education was the same one used against Black slaves in the U.S. The Americans, much like the previous colonizer, did not want an enlightened citizenry to revolt against the colonizers.

Although Spain colonized the Philippines for over three centuries, they did not create a public education system that would have normalized speaking Spanish. Despite the shorter American tenure, the English language was spoken more widely throughout the land and has easily supplanted Spanish/Latin.

The American educational reforms in the Philippines had a much longer staying power and are still felt until today, with the Filipinos' continued

Before then, priests were formed in institutions such as Santo Tomas and San Jose Colleges that were not diocesan seminaries. Diocesan seminaries at the time (Naga included) according to Fr. Leo A. Cullum, S.J. (Philippine Vice Provincial, Philippine Mission) were “deficient and haphazardly administered.” Bottomline, ecclesiastical training had much to be desired.

Queen Isabel II, following the wishes of the Council of Trent, intervened and directed the staffing of conciliar seminaries (ColegioSeminario) by the Fathers of St. Vincent de Paul. Colegio-Seminario accepted even those who had no intention of entering priesthood. Pope Pius XI rescinded that order and made seminaries exclusively for training priests. With changeovers of popes and royalties (queens, kings), the sorry state of seminaries (academically and financially) continued despite efforts by religious orders to improve it.

The Jesuits became part of the efforts to train and develop priests until they were kicked out from the Philippines in 1768. They returned during the American occupation in

The Jesuit tradition in education is laudable for its approach to develop human excellence grounded “in the presence of God, and encompasses imagination, emotion and intellect.” Education in the Philippines, however, seminaries included, is geared towards functional/practical literacy. Such an educational approach relies heavily on memorization. Memorized literacy, according to experts, robs the students of the ability to learn a practical approach to critical thinking, thus, the inability to exercise analytical thought and freedom of speech for the sake of innovation.

Archbishop Rex Alarcon has an opportunity to review the educational approach not only for the diocesan seminaries, but other Catholic schools. Creative endeavors must be deliberately exercised for it to synthesize with critical thought. Cognitive skill such as memorization is good for acquiring knowledge of facts and information but is limited to doing better in quizzes or testtaking and results in surface-level comprehension.

Catholic schools and certainly clerical education in seminaries

must go beyond mere memorization and the ability to read English narratives. A priest needs a deeper understanding of the Canon laws and papal encyclicals’ intricacies and nuances, be knowledgeable on social realities, and an in-depth understanding of the law to be more effective and well-rounded.

Life is not only all about morality and priests need to move beyond theories. They need to have a strong sense of ethical responsibility (and perhaps avoid some bad publicity for the diocese).

On a practical level, priests should not only be capable of reading and writing in English fluently; they must be able to deliver effective yet practical homilies.

Over a decade ago, Bicolano Cardinal Jose Sanchez who was then a member of the Holy See (Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Clergy) and the Roman Curia visited San Diego for the 75th year jubilee of Ina’s coronation. He was also there to address complaints from Filipino priests regarding the local diocesan bishop. Cardinal Sanchez not only sided with the bishop; he also lamented the poor delivery of homilies by the local Filipino clergy. Filipino Catholics are at a critical juncture of change with Pope Francis’ call for synodality. His call for reform and dialogue was made with great discernment and courage.

For priests to understand him, they need to get to know him, read his

myriad writings, and contemplate on the historical importance of the moment. Filipino priests are in demand in many places in the global sphere and can be the Catholic evangelicals that Pope Francis’ is yearning for.

By producing top quality, criticalthinking priests Bicolano priests Bicol seminaries can be agents of change through ecumenism, in highly divided societies and a world dominated by conflicts. The world is religiously diverse and there are significant differences in beliefs and practices. Religious pluralism is recognizing such religious diversity and not necessarily proselytizing. In the context of Filipino Catholicism and religiosity, perhaps inculturation can begin by consciously articulating Philippine indigenous sensitivities without compromising the integrity of the Gospel. Philippine Catholicism, and for that matter, the Filipino identity has been highly influenced by the Catholic Church with how it views social justice and nationalism. But at the same time, the source of such influence has and continues to be associated with power, elitism, and exploitation. Perhaps the good Archbishop can include a synthesized version of liberation theology into the curriculum that is apropos to the local scene but with similar dimensions articulated in Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium. (To be continued)

See JESSE REYES on 8

The author and his lovely wife Zeny on their wedding day circa 26 December 1970

"He Knows" is an original wedding song performed by Almira Lat Trinidad (The Bride)

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in an interview.

Besides local production, de Mesa said the country continues to secure its rice supply through importation.

To date, around 1.1 million MT of imported rice has already been delivered.

DA: Agri damage due to El Niño hits P5.9-B

The El Niño phenomenon has so far caused an estimated PHP5.9 billion in damage to Philippine agriculture, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday.

"Iyong latest damage natin as of end of April per Bulletin No. 9 ng DA, ang damage is already PHP5.9 billion, pinakamalaki pa rin is sa rice sector (As per Bulletin No. 9, the damage is already at PHP5.9 billion as of end of April, with the rice sector incurring the biggest damage) at PHP3.1 billion,” DA Assistant

This was followed by production loss in corn worth PHP1.76 billion and high-value crops pegged at PHP958 million.

De Mesa said the Mimaropa region remained as the most affected area in the country at PHP1.71 billion, followed by Region 6 (Western Visayas) at PHP1.5 billion, the Cordilleras at PHP768 million, and Cagayan Valley at PHP562 million.

He, however, said the 58,000 hectares of rice production area damaged so far is only 2.27 percent of the country’s total area planted for rice, which is over 2 million hectares. The DA earlier projected around 120,000 hectares of damaged riceland before the onslaught of El Niño.

De Mesa said the early planning, rehabilitation and mitigation measures of the DA, particularly the National Irrigation Administration

(NIA), helped ease the effects of the phenomenon.

Aid distribution To cushion its impacts on farmers and fishers, the DA has provided interventions worth PHP2.18 billion, De Mesa said.

These include the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) worth PHP1.065 billion; and PHP658 million worth of inputs such fertilizers, water pumps and engines that are being distributed through the DA regional field offices, he said.

The DA also provided PHP294.46 million worth of irrigation projects; PHP77.50 million worth of Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan; PHP67.93 million worth of indemnification or insurance benefits for farmers; and PHP65.35 million worth of composting facilities.

Meanwhile, other DA-attached agencies distributed around PHP8.99 million worth of marine

machinery and equipment and PHP8 million for rice machinery and equipment; PHP5.19 million worth of coconut seedlings; 66,039 native animals; 616 water pumps; and 111 diversified alternative livelihoods and technologies, among others.

DA: Gov’t aid eases El Niño effects on agri-fishery output

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said government interventions helped alleviate the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon on the agriculture and fisheries sector, as shown by the sector’s production for the first quarter of 2024.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), agrifishery production grew by 0.05 percent in the first three months of the year, valued at PHP428.99 billion, which is slightly higher than the PHP428.79 billion for the same period in 2023. “Interventions and assistance

Spiritual Life

Dealing with the challenges of mental health

My interest on mental health issues has been re-kindled when a friend recommended me to serve as a Community Liaison of the California Neuropsychopharmacology Research Institute (CNRI). It has been a long time since I dealt with behavioral problems but my interest in this field has never waned. As the former chief of the Philippines’ Dangerous Drugs Board’s preventive education and community information division in the 70’s, my approach towards the problems related to the use of drugs was directed towards helping people in resolving their personal problems, believing that drug abuse is a problem of people not a problem of drugs.

In my work with psychiatrists, I have observed that those coming for consultation for behavioral problems identify themselves as “drug abusers” although most of them have identifiable mental health problems such as bipolar disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Actually, these problems can be managed easily by seeking psychiatric help and regular intake of effective psychotropic drugs as prescribed by the physician. However, most often, family members are embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they or a loved one is suffering from mental illness. The social stigma attached to mental illness is still very strong that it hampers access to modern medical and psychiatric treatment. The individual suffers and the family also suffers in silence denying themselves of the benefit of psychiatric counseling and treatment.

The San Diego County Mental

My Personal Testimony

Health Services will spearhead the celebration of Mental Health Month this coming May and the theme of the celebration will focus on erasing the stigma of shame and fear attached to mental illness. There is nothing to fear and nothing to be ashamed of. If a friend or a family member is suffering from depression or exhibits unusual behavior, take him or her to her primary care physician who will make the necessary referrals to available community resources.

One of the “new” approaches to the prevention and management of mental illness is the spiritual approach. Comprehensive research evidence shows that religious and spiritual beliefs and practices (e.g. belonging to a faith tradition and community, ritual practices and other forms of worship, meditation and prayer, sacred music, reading wisdom literature and scripture, selfless, compassionate action, maintaining stable family relationships) help prevent many physical and mental illnesses, reducing both symptom severity and relapse rate. Furthermore, psychiatric patients have consistently identified spiritual needs as an important issue, and spiritual care as contributing to

symptom relief and general wellbeing. Spiritual awareness can add a powerful and much-needed dimension whenever our human limits are reached. The spiritual approach fosters a positive attitude in the most heart-rending situations. By focusing on both inner and external sources of strength, spiritual awareness encourages calm in the place of anxiety and hope in place of despair.

The Book of Psalms serves as a good resource in dealing with our fears and anxieties, our loneliness and discouragement along with our joy, awe and celebration. It contains songs of praise and prayers of lament. As we read it we share the psalmists’ loneliness, sickness, grief and dread. When we pray the Psalms, we find new dimensions in our relationship with God.

My prayer: Most loving God, make us mindful of the needs of others. Grant us the wisdom to deal with mental health issues and the compassion to help those who have problems that may impact on their thoughts and behavior. Give us the power to discern the needs of others and enable us to respond to them. Enable us to be an instrument of your love as we care and help 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 forgave

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

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 5:2932). 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.

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Greetings in the Lord!

Today is the seventh Sunday after Easter. In many Catholic Churches the feast of the Ascension of our Lord into heaven is celebrated on this Sunday. In others, the feast is celebrated forty days after Easter Sunday, which should have been last Thursday. Many bishops in the world have requested the Vatican to celebrate this feast on a Sunday so that many people would be able to participate actively in the Eucharist and be able to rejoice as well as understand the meaning of the feast of the Ascension of Our Lord and its significance fora every Christian as follower of Jesus in the world. This feast happens on a Sunday prior to the feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the twelve apostles, some disciples and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

First, what is the meaning of this feast? Today’s feast reaffirms our faith that Jesus is from heaven and he returns to heaven to be with His Father and the Holy Spirit and his disciples do the work that he started on earth. Truly, this feast makes us aware that Jesus indeed has fulfilled his mission in becoming a man, namely to do the will of his Father so that man may know how much God loves man in spite of his sinfulness and abject infidelities to the covenant relationship he has made with God even in the Old Testament and now in the new reign of the Church of the New Covenant through baptism. He now returns to his true nature as the God whose reign on earth should be manifested and continued,

while he is in glorious throne, the men and women who have freely chosen to follow him and be his disciples. “As the Father has sent me, so now I send you into the world.” These were among the final words that he mentioned in one of his appearances to his disciples after his resurrection. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” For this reason in the first reading we hear the two angels telling the disciples who were intently looking at the sky as (Jesus) was ascending, “why are you standing there looking at the sky?

This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”

Second, this feast makes us aware that being left behind in the world, the disciples have an important task that Jesus had given them as a mission. He mentioned in the gospel reading today that “you are

witnesses of these things.” What are the disciples witnesses of? How should the disciples be witnesses? As witnesses, the disciples are expected to outwardly manifest their faith that indeed Jesus Christ has come into the world to save man from the slavery of sin and lead him into his final destiny of being in communion with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in his Kingdom of love and peace. Such outward manifestation demands a thorough and intimate knowledge of the person of Jesus whom the disciples should have personally encountered in his life so that he could proclaim with courage and conviction the truth the Jesus has proclaimed that “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” This testimony could be more persuasive in the midst of the current indifference and apathy of so many people in the world today who are so influenced by both materialism and culture of relativism when the witness himself practices the “new commandment of love” that Jesus left his disciples to do, namely, “love one another as I love you.” Today as we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into heaven and accept the task of being “witnesses” to Jesus in a world that truly and urgently expect and await for authentic witnesses, let us pray for the grace that would strengthen us in our faith, enliven our lives and encourage us to go out to the whole world and truly bring the message of salvation with courage, with conviction and with love.

HADLANG SA PAGMAMAHAL

Lahat ng kautusan ng Diyos ay nabubuo sa isang salita lamang:Pagmamahal Kalooban ng Diyos na tayo ay mabuhay na nagmamahalan Subalit may mga pagkakataon na tayo ay tila nahihirapang magmahal Alamin natin kung bakit, ano nga ba ang dahilan.

Lahat tayo ay makasalanan at may pagkukulang

Ganoon pa man ang pagmamahal ng Panginoon ay di mahahadlangan

Kung ang mahal natin ay yong lang mababait at makatarungan Kapag ito ang ginamit nating batayan, paano tayo aasa sa pagmamahal ng Panginoon, kung lahat tayo ay makasalanan?

Hindi madali ang magmahal kagaya ng Panginoon

JESSE REYES

Continued from page 5

Ceremonial coins and veil: Coins, known as “arras” are often presented to symbolize the couple’s mutual commitment to financial responsibility. The veil is draped over the bride and groom, symbolizing unity and protection.

Cord of unity: A ceremonial cord, or “yugal” is placed around the couple’ shoulders in a figure-eight shape, symbolizing their eternal binding.

Exchange of vows and rings: Modern adaptations include personalized vows and the exchange of rings influenced by Western practice.

Sapagkat ang Pagmamahal Niya ay para sa lahat anuman ang katayuan

Pulubi o mayaman, hamak o makapangyariahn, matalino o mangmang, mabait o mahirap pakisamahan Lahat ay mahal ng Diyos, wala Siyang tinatalikuran.

Ang tao ay naiiba sa kanyang ginagawa

Ang sugarol ay naiiba sa pagsusugal Kasuklaman ang kasalanan

Subalit mahalin ang makasalanan.

Kung kaya nga’t nahihirapan tayong magmahal Sapagkat pinagiisa natin ang kasalanan at ang makasalanan

At ng dahil inaayawan natin ang kasalanan Pati na rin ang makasalanan ay ating tinatangihan.

Upang lubos nating mahalin ang ating kapwa

Marriage in Philippine culture extends beyond the couple and encompasses family, community and societal values. Filipinos place great importance on family ties, and marriage serve as a unifying force between two families. The commitment made by the couple is not only a personal pledge but also a declaration of their intentions to contribute to the strength and cohesion of their extended families.

Iwasan natin ang manghusga Huwag pansinin ang kasalanan ng iba Ito ang hadlang upang ating gawin ang kanilang ikaliligaya.

Simpleng utos ng Diyos: Mahalin ang kapwa Wala namang binabanggit na magiging sagabal pa Ang Pagmamahal ay para sa lahat Isang sagradong utos na karapatdapat.

parties and lavish receptions are now common elements of Filipino wedding. These changes showcase the adaptability of Filipino culture and its capacity to embrace innovation while preserving core values.

He said other challenges facing the sector include transboundary diseases, ASF (African swine fever), and avian influenza, among others.

The first quarter production of poultry products grew by 5.9 percent, valued at PHP68.76 billion, with increased production of chicken, eggs, and ducks.

A slight decline, however, was reported in crop production which contracted by 0.3 percent, valued at PHP247.04 billion. Rice production

Although rice production contracted by 2 percent equivalent to 100,000 metric tons (MT), De Mesa expressed optimism for better overall production and recovery in the remaining quarters of the year.

“Maganda pa iyong ine-expect pa rin natin na (We are still expecting a good) production level this year, 20.4 million metric tons,” he said, citing a slight increase from last year’s 20.06 MT production.

De Mesa said that besides the weakening effects of El Niño, DA programs and activities, including more irrigation projects, will soon be rolled out.

”Pagdating ng second quarter, diyan

na uli iyong malaking employment sa agri kasi land preparation for rice, for corn. And then production din natin sa livestock, marami (When it comes to the second quarter, the huge agri employment will be there because of land preparation for rice, for corn. And then for livestock production, it will increase in the) second to the third quarter,” he said. This may also entail higher productivity considering the increased area planted for hybrid, and inbred rice, alongside the distribution of more farm machinery.

In terms of growth outlook, the DA expects to hit around 1 to 2 percent growth performance for 2024. (MNS)

Release of doves or butterflies: a symbol of peace and new beginnings; the release of doves and butterflies is a picturesque addition to many Filipino wedding.

Traditional attire: The bride often wears a white gown while the groom dons a formal suit. Some regions feature indigenous attire that reflects their cultural heritage.

Feasting and celebrations: Filipino weddings are renowned for their festive and lively revelries. Sharing food with family and friends is a key aspect of fostering community bonds.

Respect for elders and authority figures is deeply engrained in Filipino society and the reverence is reflected in wedding traditions. Seeking the blessing and approval of parents and elders is a crucial step in the marriage process. This demonstrates the values of humility, obedience and gratitude that are central to Filipino culture.

While traditional practices remain essential, Philippine marriage culture has also evolved to accommodate modern preferences and changing societal dynamics. The younger generation often seek a balance between tradition and personalization resulting in unique weddings that reflect individuality while respecting cultural roots.

Destination weddings, modern venues and creative themes are becoming increasingly popular especially in urban areas. Prewedding photo shoots, engagement

Despite the enduring strength of Philippine marriage culture, there is doubt about it that it faces challenges in this modern era. Economic pressures, migration for work opportunities and changing gender roles have influenced family dynamics and consequently marriage traditions. The young generation’s exposure to global influences through media and the internet also contributes to a shift in perspective on marriage.

However, the essence of Filipino marriage culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from historical, cultural and religious threads. From indigenous practices to colonial influence and modern adaptations, it reflects the archipelagic nation’s journey through time while embodying core values of family, unity and commitment. As the pearly Philippines and our fellow awesome “kababayans” navigate the complexities of the modern world, its marriage culture remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of a beloved nation deeply rooted in tradition yet open to evolution. Mabuhay!

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

MEDI-CAL

aid; tenancy sustaining services like landlord mediation; shortterm post-hospitalization housing; recuperative care; day habilitation for social skills and daily activities like using public transit; and street medicine from trusted community providers now reimbursed under Medi-Cal plans.

“We’re seeing more and more states follow our preventative lead in recognizing that housing is an incredible determinant of one’s health,” Tsang said.

Among at least 19 states directing Medicaid funds into housing aid, for instance, Arizona is spending $550 million primarily to cover six months of rent for unhoused members. Oregon is spending over $1 billion on housing services including emergency rent aid, while Arkansas will spend $100 billion on housing aid.

In January 2024, Tennessee, West Virginia, Montana and New York received federal approval to follow suit.

“183,000 Californians are experiencing homelessness right now, and personally, I think that that number is underestimating the total, with so many people couchsurfing or one family fight away from being unhoused,” Tsang added. “It’s crucial that we funnel our resources through the community workers providing care to those who most need it.”

Community housing support as health care

“What a community care worker can do through these new programs is break down barriers to the patient’s health,” said Amber Middleton, director of the HOPE Program addressing homelessness at Shasta Community Health Center (SCHC) in northern Shasta County.

“We need to be soft on people and hard on systems that create housing

and wage deficits,” she continued, “especially since most of us in the U.S. are one medical emergency away from being at risk of being unsheltered … Our goal is to create access points in all areas where those needing care might be, rather than waiting for things to get so bad that they’re having to seek out services.”

These access points include a clinic at the local homeless shelter, a 20-bed medical respite program with personal case managers, six month short-term post-hospitalization housing, stable housing navigation and transition aid, deposit aid, tenancy support and a mobile street medicine program providing key needs like wheelchairs, medication and oxygen as well as basic needs like clothing and food.

SCHC also has a Consumer Advisory Board made up of individuals who are or have been unsheltered, meeting bimonthly “to give us feedback on our practices, and to do community outreach,” said Middleton. “Many members started in one of our programs, so the needs of the population we’re serving directly inform our care.”

“Because, understandably, not everyone is willing to accept our care right away, it’s crucial that our community health workers have related experience of homelessness, or come from the neighborhoods we serve, because that’s how they build trust,” said Brian ZunnerKeating, director of the UCLA Homeless Healthcare Collaborative, which has provided over 9000 clinical evaluations to nearly 5000 individuals on the streets of Los Angeles County since January 2022.

“For many people, the best we can do is say hello, give them a warm smile and offer them water, snacks and a hygiene kit for a few weeks if they’re not ready,” he explained. “After a few weeks of this, or after talking to their friends who received care, they might start to open up about their needs. Our team may make connections by

talking in-language, or asking if they’re Dodgers fans, or asking for help — ‘This is my first time on this block, who’s in the neighborhood and what’s the typical day like here?’”

“We get such a wide variety of patients,” Zunner-Keating said. “One elderly gentleman we served was living in an alley, could barely walk or see, he used a shopping cart to get around, his teeth were in such poor shape that he couldn’t chew, and he was panhandling to buy milk every day … While we provided him immediate care, we also got him insurance for advanced care. I’m happy to say that he now has glasses, a full set of dentures, a hip replacement, and is living in a shelter where he feels supported as he works on getting permanent housing.”

“Even providing more simple care can be life-changing,” he continued. “Another patient was very worried about how tired she felt all the time, so we talked to her to learn about what was going on in her life, got her simple blood tests and medications. Over the weeks, her mood and health improved, but a month later, she stopped contact for a few weeks — which is not untypical, as our folks tend to move around a lot.”

“When she did call us, we were so excited,” he said. “She told our team: ‘I just want to tell you how you saved my life, because my depression got the best of me and you showed such generosity and care and I will forever be thankful. She told us she had just gotten housing that day.”

“She didn’t have complex needs, just a few simple tests and medications,” he added. “But we usually can’t just walk up to somebody and say, ‘Do you need to see a doctor?’ What works so much better is to make a caring human connection, making sure that they feel seen and heard. That gives them the motivation to seek care.”

Fellow San Diegans, Great news! As your Assessor/ Recorder/County Clerk, I’m excited to be bringing an important Sacramento service to San Diego – this is part of my effort to put your first with great customer service.

My office is partnering with the California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber to bring an “Apostille Pop-Up

and certain educational documents for use outside of the USA.

Typically, San Diegans would have to travel to Los Angeles or Sacramento, go through expensive private processes, or wait weeks to receive it through the mail. This pop-up shop on May 13 & 14, 2024, will provide same-day service with no additional cost.

Who needs the Apostille Service?

* Military families moving overseas

* Students studying abroad.

* Individuals conducting business in foreign countries.

* Planning a funeral or settling an estate outside of the United States.

* and many other instances

The Apostille Pop-Up Shop:

Date: May 13th & 14th

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

No appointment necessary

Location: 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 273 San Diego, CA 92101

Free Parking Off Ash

Street Underground For more information on fees and requirements please visit www.sdarcc.

gov/apostillepopup

Please share the information about this two-day-only pop-up shop with your community! I hope you'll take advantage of this Sacramento service in San Diego.

Sincerely, Jordan Z. Marks

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a patient safety ratings organization. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication of at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Paradise Valley Hospital, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”

patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade. org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram and via The Leapfrog Group newsletter.

About Paradise Valley Hospital

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- In

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This is the eighth consecutive season that Paradise Valley has earned an “A” grade in the past four years.

“I’m very proud of our doctors, nurses, and staff for the dedication and expertise they exhibit every day,” says Paradise Valley Hospital CEO Neerav Jadeja. “Eight consecutive times we have been awarded by The Leapfrog Group with ‘A’ grades for patient safety, and on behalf of Paradise Valley Hospital, I’m grateful for the recognition. But I’ve been here as the CEO for 12 years, and I have borne witness to highest level of professionalism by our staff during that time. I’m looking forward to seeing how we continue to grow.”

Paradise Valley has also been named a “Tier One” hospital on the CMS/Hospital Compare Patient Safety Honor Roll—one of only six hospitals in California to land on this list. Tier One hospitals are singled out for continuing to maintain at least eight of twelve safety measures in the top 50th percentile, and no measures below the 10th percentile.

Tier One hospitals also need to have at least three consecutive “A” grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group.

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Over the last year, 81 percent of Prime’s hospitals earned an “A” rating from The Leapfrog Group.

“Everyone who works at Paradise Valley Hospital should be proud of

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see Paradise Valley Hospital’s full grade details and to access

For 120 years, Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, has served San Diego, and we are proud of our heritage of providing programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community. Today, our 291-bed, acute care hospital is the only San Diego hospital to be named a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures five years in a row by The Joint Commission. We have been given the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award 11 years in a row (2014-2024), and have been named a “Tier One” hospital on the Patient Safety Honor Roll by CMS/Hospital Compare. Paradise Valley Hospital has also earned eight consecutive “A” patient safety grades over three years by The Leapfrog Group (2020-2023). Paradise Valley Hospital offers emergency services, interventional cardiology services, acute rehabilitation, behavioral health services, community wellness programs, and senior services. For more information, visit ParadisevalleyHospital.com

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Coleen Garcia

MANILA -- Actress Coleen Garcia came to her husband's defense, after singer-host Billy Crawford was subjected to criticism over his appearance.

Crawford was a trending topic on social media due to his leaner physique and natural look, which spurred a slew of negative comments from netizens.

Garcia, with a touch of love and humor, gave a reality check for the naysayers while posting her own imperfections in a series of Instagram Stories.

"There's this viral photo kasi of Billy going around kaya I felt the need to address it without directly addressing it," said Coleen, referring to a snapshot that has been circulating on social media, causing quite a stir among fans and bashers alike.

The photo in question showcases Billy in a light seldom seen by the public, devoid of the makeup and styling that accompanies his television appearances.

The actress then sheds light on what is often hidden behind the camera. "Actually, I don't know if you've ever seen him before without makeup. But long before we even started dating, he's always had dark under eye circles and major hair loss na," she revealed.

It's an intimate revelation that humanizes the man often seen as an

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indefatigable entertainer on shows like "Showtime" and "ASAP."

Garcia pointed out that Crawford's current appearance is nothing out of the ordinary for those who know him offstage.

"Natatago lang talaga pag naka hair and makeup," she said. She emphasizes that the "major hair loss" and "dark circles" have always been part of Billy's look, well before their relationship began, and that the only real change is his weight loss.

"I wish we had photos from 10 years ago to show na he's always had those dark circles and matagal na siyang walang hair," she says with a hint of jest.

This statement not only defends her husband's natural look but also calls out the unrealistic standards set by the industry and the public's

perception of celebrities, most importantly the pressure to always appear picture-perfect.

Coleen's heartfelt words are a reminder that the glitz and glamor seen on screen are often just a veneer. "Syempre people just see the glammed-up version of us lang, which isn't really how we look on a daily basis," she said.

In speaking out, Garcia seeks not just to protect her husband from the harsh glare of public opinion but also to champion the right of individuals to be comfortable in their own skin, famous or not. She also assures their fans that they are doing "better than ever," though she candidly reveals the pressures of their demanding schedules.

"Medyo ngarag lang cause we've both been working more than usual

On May 10, 2024, The Filipino Press is proud to join the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA), the U.S Congress, and over a hundred community organizations, businesses, cities, and states across the country to commemorate the fourth annual National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day.

May 10 has been recognized as AANHPI Mental Health Day since 2010, when it was first proclaimed in the State of California. In 2021, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) introduced the first congressional resolution to recognize May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day and last year, a Senate companion was introduced for the first time by Senator Mazie Hirono (HI). The congressional resolution calls upon members of Congress to promote national awareness of mental health issues unique to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and urges

while balancing a lot of things. Lalo na si Billy. He's out of town now overnight lang, but he just came from France for a month, then he's leaving for the US next week," Coleen shared.

The international component of Billy's schedule is notably packed, with extended periods away from home. "He'll mostly be in France again for the remainder of the year, ang daming travels," said Coleen.

Her statements not only set the record straight regarding her husband's well-being but also highlight the strength of their relationship amidst the constant buzz of show business. (MNS)

state and local health agencies across the nation to improve the quality and availability of mental health services for this population. In the United States, AANHPIs have the lowest rate of mental health care utilization compared to other racial or ethnic groups, with only 36 percent of AANHPI adults with a mental illness receiving treatment in 2022. In recent years, suicide has been the leading cause of death for AANHPI youth ages 10 through 24 in the United States, and AANHPI youth are the only racial or ethnic group in this age category with this first leading cause of death.

AANHPI Mental Health Day plays a critical role in raising awareness about

mental health within the AANHPI community, leveraging resources for our community organizations, developing partnerships, and advocating for policies that increase access to culturally relevant mental health services. We stand in solidarity with the AANHPI community and aim to destigmatize AANHPI mental health. We invite you to join us and NAAPIMHA in our collective movement to promote and redefine the mental health and well-being of AANHPI individuals and communities in the U.S.

Visit naapimha.org/resources for support

Ciara and Lisa Lorraine, owners of Mailbox Genius celebrated its grand opening with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony assisted by Pedro Garcia, Eco. Devt. Manager of City of NC, David Grepe, Alejandra and NC Chamber of Commerce ambassadors (courtesy photo)