The Filipino Press: November 3-9, 2023

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PAMPERED PINAY:

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Enjoy the activity with family

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SWS: Almost half of Filipino families rate themselves 'poor'

MANILA -- The number of Filipinos who rated themselves poor increased to 13.2 million or 48% in September from 12.5 million or 45% last June, the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll showed.

The non-commissioned SWS survey, conducted from September 28 to October 1, also revealed that 27% of Filipinos viewed themselves as "borderline."

The remaining 25% considered themselves not poor.

The three-point rise in the nationwide self-rated poor figure between June and September 2023 was due to increases in all areas, with Mindanao recording the highest increase in families who rated themselves poor at 71%, which is a seven-point increase from the previous 54%.

Self-rated poor families in Balance Luzon also jumped to 39% from 35%, while self-rated poor families in Metro Manila also climbed to 38% from 35%.

Likewise, self-rated poor families in the Visayas increased to 59% from 57%.

Newly poor The same SWS survey also showed that of the 13.2 million Filipino families who rated themselves poor, 1.8 million or 6.6% rated themselves as newly poor, 1.7 million or 6.1% were usually poor and 9.7 million or 35.3% were always poor SWS defined newly poor as those

A CLOUDY ALL SAINTS' DAY. Families flock to the Manila North Cemetery on a cloudy Wednesday (Nov. 1, 2023) to visit their dear departed and commemorate All Saints’ Day. The weather bureau earlier forecast cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila due to a low-pressure area and the shear line. (MNS photo) who were non-poor one to four years ago, while usually poor are those who were non-poor five or more years ago.

Always poor, on the other hand, was defined as those who never

experienced being non-poor.

The survey also showed that of the 14.3 million families who responded they were borderline or not poor, five million or 8.9% said they were newly

OpSam Offers Easy-to-Access Mental Healthcare OpSam Offers Easy-to-Access Mental Healthcare

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Ever tried booking an appointment with a therapist? Once you go through all the red tape, it can take weeks or even months until you get your appointment.

That’s why OpSam Health has recently “redesigned our behavioral health department from top to bottom,” says John Laidlaw, OpSam’s director of behavioral health. OpSam is all about making it fast, easy, and accessible for their clients to receive the services they and their loved ones need.

Most of us have heard of mental health. But what is behavioral health?

It’s simply a broader category. It includes treatment of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar, but also includes PTSD, addiction, and substance abuse.

Sometimes patients have what Laidlaw describes as “co-occurring disorders.” In other words, they have depression and are addicted to a drug like marijuana. Diagnosing them is tricky, because anxiety and depression can cause substance abuse, but substance abuse can cause or contribute to anxiety and depression.

Americans are becoming more comfortable talking about and acknowledging mental illness; it’s become accepted and normalized, says Laidlaw. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, 29% of U.S. adults reported having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.

Many times, it goes undiagnosed and untreated. Anxiety disorders, which are different from simply feeling anxious, are the world’s most common mental disorder, according to the World Health Organization.

It was in response to the growing need for behavioral health services

John Laidlaw OpSam's Director of Behavioral Health

that OpSam streamlined and expedited its services by cutting back on red tape, removing unnecessary steps, and focusing on accessibility and speed.

“It’s about how fast somebody can get in for an appointment,” he emphasizes. “Timely access to care is so important.”

How fast are we talking about?

“If somebody calls us on Monday and wishes to see a therapist,” says Laidlaw, “most of the time we can get them in the next day and sometimes the same day.”

What about people who are too busy to come in, or who don’t have transportation? OpSam Health offers telehealth, a service they launched during Covid and have maintained.

This allows patients to speak with a therapist over the phone or via Zoom.

Telehealth is an important part of their accessibility initiative – to provide behavioral healthcare that is equitable

and convenient for everyone. No should be left behind, no matter their circumstances. For clients who aren’t facing transportation or other barriers that may prevent them from coming to the OpSam clinic, face-to-face therapy is always preferable.

It seems to be working. “We don't have a waitlist anymore, says Laidlaw.

“We've served twice as many people as last year in behavioral health. That’s something we're particularly happy with.” Roughly, 50 percent of their patients are Filipino and 50% Latino.

Be aware of how social media is affecting your children and/or grandchildren, he advises. Social media has benefits but also a lot of negative consequences that come with it, he says. “We're seeing an increase in rates of depression and anxiety and, unfortunately, suicide in youth and adolescents.”

Some members of the Filipino community, depending on their age and generation, may have never been to therapy. There used to be a stigma, but that’s going away. Therapy is not scary or weird, he says. “The message we want to communicate is that it's okay to talk with somebody. And it's okay not to be okay. Sometimes just talking with somebody about what's going on can do a lot. There are a lot of people that struggle with their mental health. You are not alone.”

“We take a lot of time to teach about really what therapy is, and that somebody's not weak if they come forward. We work to destigmatize it as much as we can through throughout the whole process,” says Laidlaw. The staff at OpSam go out of their way to “tailor it to your needs. It's not a cookie cutter approach.” He says they See OpSam on 9

non-poor.

It also showed that 2.4 million or 8.9% said they were usually not poor, while 6.8 million or 24.9% said they were always non-poor.

SWS defined newly non-poor as those who were poor one to four years ago, while those usually not poor were poor five or more years ago.

The always non-poor is defined as

those who never experienced being poor.

On the edge The percentage of borderline families decreased by six points from 33% in June, while the not poor families slightly increased to 25% from 22% in June.

Those in the borderline in Metro Manila and Visayas also rose to 29% and 32%, respectively, from 23% and 28% in June.

While the percentage of non-poor families in Balance Luzon increased to 40% from 23%, the figures nosedived for the rest of the country.

The self-rated non-poor families in Metro Manila fell to 33% from 42%.

Self-rated non-poor families in the Visayas, meanwhile, also went down to 8% from 15% in June.

In Mindanao, non-poor families only reached 4% from 13% in June.

In estimating the number of selfrated poor families, SWS said the percentage of respondent households rating themselves as poor was applied to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) medium-population projections for 2023.

The third quarter 2023 SWS poll was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults aged 18 years old and above nationwide, with 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila), the Visayas, and Mindanao.

See SWS on 10

Filipino Press Thanksgiving Extravaganza features Art Exhibit, Fashion Show, Dinner Concert and More, Nov. 18

Jean Amour Pioso Launches Couture Collection and Art Exhibits She is a Social Worker, US Navy Military Ombudsman, Enterpreneur, Painter & Designer SAN DIEGO, CA -- Jean Pioso lives in San Diego where her small family resides. Her husband, a French Italian US Navy, is currently deployed, and her only son resides in San Francisco and is currently in his 2nd year of college.

She considers herself a very busy woman. Aside from being a designer and painter, she is also a military Ombudsman for the US Navy, and a social worker. She is also an entrepreneur and manager of her son’s book series: LANDON The Superhero of the Worlds, A Race to Save the Human Race, and Dracus. Jean keeps herself busy and her friends frequently commenting she is very creative & passionate about love and that’s why her website is called Jean Amour Couture as her work always comes first with pure love. Amour means Love in French. Aside from painting, she also enjoys cooking, baking, taking lots of pictures and making videos, doing yoga, hiking and making healthy candles in her free time.

When Jean is asked if, when, and how she learned to paint and make designs, she says that she was inspired one day when she saw a beautiful painting on a bottle of wine. She adds that she ended up buying the wine because of the drawings on the bottle not because of the wine. After buying the wine she went to Michael's

and bought some oil paint, brushes and canvas. She mentioned that she liked to draw when she was growing up in her notebooks while in grade school and high school.

She remembered that her teachers loved her artwork and creativity in every project she did back then.

The only experience she recalls is she never went to an art school and essentially taught herself how to paint. Some of her paintings are in a large gallery in Irvine, CA. She has a website where she also sells some of her paintings. All products from her website are products that

she designed herself. Please check it out at www.jeanamourcouture. com.

Jean only paints if she has free time like after dinner before she goes to bed, and she’s been doing that for years. Ever since she started painting, she was inspired to paint from nature and people.

Like last year she painted a flower called hibiscus or gumamela in Tagalog. She has several canvases of a beautiful lady wearing this flower on her right ear. This year, See Filipino press on

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2 • November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023

Filipino Press

THE PAMPERED PINAY: Giving Thanks

By FRANCINE maigue

Somehow, my friends, November has arrived. Whew! Where did the year the year go?

I’m so proud of our community, which has led and engaged in efforts all year to uplift and empower our people in a wide spectrum of ways.

Everywhere I look, there is a member of our community stepping up to coordinate an event, organize support for new policies and up and coming leaders, develop new initiatives to address a host of issues…and so much more.

Kudos to all of you hardworking folks! You give your time, talents, and energy to help move us forward and upward. Now is when we must take a moment to celebrate and give thanks.

Here are some of my favorite quotes that remind us all that an attitude of gratitude, genuine grace and humility, perpetuates communal success: “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” ~Cicero “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~Albert Einstein “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” ~W.J. Cameron

must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~William Arthur Ward “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” ~Dalai Lama “When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?” ~George Canning “The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!” ~Henry Ward Beecher “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” ~Thornton Wilder “Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” ~Edward Sandford Martin

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“All that we behold is full of blessings.” ~William Wordsworth “Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.” ~Theodore Roosevelt Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love.

Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

FILIPINO VOTES MATTER. VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7, 2023 Let's Flex our Political Muscles Remember, Every vote counts.

“Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.” ~J. Robert Moskin “If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” ~W. Clement Stone “As we express our gratitude, we

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November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023 • 3

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4 • November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023

Filipino Press

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Comelec: 2023 BSKE officially done, canvassing in all barangays completed MANILA -- The 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is now officially done after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) completed the canvassing of ballots in all 42,001 barangays.

"100% complete voting and canvassing nationwide. No failure of elections," Comelec chairman George Garcia said in a Viber message to reporters.

All winners of the BSKE were also proclaimed except for those who were ordered suspended by the Comelec and those with tie votes as the electoral boards availed of the five-day notice rule, Garcia said.

The BSKE was held on October 30 except for seven barangays in Lanao del Sur and Samar, which held the elections the following day.

Garcia earlier explained that the election paraphernalia in the seven barangays did not arrive on time for the October 30 elections.

Despite reports of the occurrence of election-related violence, Garcia had earlier declared this year's BSKE "a victory of sorts," adding that no election had ever been perfect.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has found the BSKE "orderly and peaceful" outside the violence that affected some communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

However, the PPCRV, in an earlier statement, said it observed irregularities in the BSKE, including incidents of fake voters "with some voters arriving to find that others had already voted in their place."

In a virtual interview on Wednesday, Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said there was no failure of elections in BARMM. Comelec regional director in BARMM Ray Sumalipao also reported that the BSKE has "concluded successfully, with no evidence of election failures.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier said winning candidates should assume office during a threeweek transition period.

Comelec, DOJ, DILG to discuss how PDLs who won in BSKE 2023 can serve The Commission on Elections (Comelec), Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Justice will discuss the mechanisms on how persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who won barangay positions can serve their constituents.

"Mag-uusap-usap ang DILG at ang Comelec pati na rin po ang DOJ dahil po under ng DOJ po ang [Bureau of Corrections] at under naman po ng local governments ang ating mga city, municipal, at provincial jails," Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said in a virtual interview.

"Titingnan po natin ' yan pero ang sabi nga po ni [Comelec] Chairman [George] Garcia, kung hindi naging imposible ang pagtakbo, hindi naging imposible ang pagkakuha ng boto ay baka naman po hindi imposible ang pamamahala ng wala physically doon sa kanilang mga barangay," he added.

Among the matters that would be discusssed is how PDLs could communicate with their constituents as well as their fellow barangay officials considering that they are prohibited to use mobile phones and

other electronic devices inside the jail facilities, Laudiangco said.

Although there were previous cases where detained elected officials were able to assume office, Laudiangco explained that the cases of PDLs who won barangay positions are different.

"Ngayon pa lamang po natin ma-experience kung paano po mamamahala [sa] barangay ang ating mga PDLs na outside of their area of jurisdiction at hindi po sila makatungtong doon po sa kanilang mga barangay halls," he said.

(This is the first time that we will experiences this. We will determine how the PDLs can serve outside their area of jurisdiction and without being physically present in their barangay halls.)

Earlier today, Garcia said PDLs are allowed to be elected as long as there is no final conviction from courts.

“Pinayagan natin sila makaboto sapagkat sabi po ng Korte Suprema doon sa kaso ng Aguinaldo versus Comelec at saka po [Bureau of Corrections], dahil hindi pa sila finally convicted, wala pang final judgment na sila ay guilty, therefore, meron pa silang karaptan bumoto at may karapatang maiboto. ‘Yun po ang kadihilanan kung bakit sila ay nakaboto at nakatakbo,” Garcia said.

Garcia was referring to a March 2022 Supreme Court decision which ruled that inmates are allowed to vote at the local level. While they are allowed to run for office, Garcia said PDLs are still prohibited from going to barangay halls to serve.

“Ngayon, paano sila magsisilbi?

In the meantime, siguro naman po ay alam ng mga constituency nila na sila ay nasa kulungan… In the meantime, deprived of liberty po siya and very limited ang kaya at pwede lamang niyang gawin,” he said. Three PDLs from the following jail facilities have been elected during the 2023 BSKE: PDL currently detained in Tanay Municipal Jail elected as barangay kagawad in Barangay Kay Buto, Tanay, Rizal.

PDL currently detained in Dasmariñas City Jail-Male Dormitory elected as barangay kagawad in Barangay Datu Esmael, Dasmariñas City, Cavite PDL currently detained in Cagayan de Oro City Jail-Male Dormitory elected as barangay kagawad in Barangay Ipunan, Cagayan de Oro City.

No failure of elections in BARMM during BSKE 2023 — Comelec There was no failure of elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), officials from the Commission on Elections said Wednesday.

In a virtual interview, Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the accredited citizens' arm had no reports on the declaration of failure of elections for the 2023 local village and youth council polls in the said region.

"Wala po kami talagang naireport na failure of elections.... Ang failure of elections po talaga is halos wala pong naging eleksyon. Kung meron pong nakaboto dun sa ating

registered voter, hindi po natin yan matuturing na failure of elections," Laudiangco said.

Comelec regional director in BARMM Ray Sumalipao also reported that the 2023 BSKE has "concluded successfully, with no evidence of election failures."

"Despite violence and untoward incidents, I would say that it’s generally peaceful and absolutely honest, orderly, and credible elections," Sumalipao said in a statement.

Amid the "sporadic" incidents during the conduct of the polls, Sumalipao stressed the need to deploy additional security personnel to serve in the BARMM. Meanwhile, Laudiangco refuted the statement of the Council for Climate and Conflict Action in Asia which attributed the number of violent incidents in the BARMM during the 2023 BSKE to "government complacency."

The watchdog which monitors conflicts in Bangsamoro noted the 17 deaths in the region during the polls as well as the 31 injuries from 57 incidents.

"In all due fairness po sa ating PNP, AFP, sa Coast Guard at kasama na rin po ang Comelec at ibang personnel, hindi po namin matatanggap ang complacency na yan. Bakit po? Halos po lahat ng incidents na naganap ay imemdiately nakarespond po ang ating AFP at PNP at lagi pong may nahuhuli na mga perpetrators," Laudiangco said.

(In all due fairness to our PNP, AFP, Coast Guard and Comelec, we cannot accept that we have been complacent. Why? Because in all incidents, we were able to respond and arrest the perpetrators immediately.)

For the 2023 BSKE, Laudiangco said the government forces were able to arrest perpetrators of violence in BARMM. Apart from this, the Comelec official noted that the poll body had been aggressive in filing cases against those who were involved in these election-related incidents.

"Hindi complacent, but on the other side, room for improvement.

Yes, there will always be room for improvement. Hindi naman po mayabang ang Comelec na sasabihin namin na perfect na, there will always be room for improvement," he said.

"Hindi po namin masasabi at hindi namin matatanggap na naging complacent ang Comelec, PNP, AFP, Coast Guard at DepEd," he added.

(We were not complacent but on the other side, there is a room for improvement. We will not be arrogant and say that the elections were perfect, but there will always be room for improvement. We will not say and we will not accept that the Comelec, PNP, AFP, Coast Guard, and DepEd had been complacent.)

Laudiangco also mentioned that the number of security personnel were not enough to provide all areas a huge amount of law enforcers.

This is the reason why the Comelec strategically deploys government forces based on the list of areas of concerns, he explained.

"So tinitingnan po natin ngayon papaano po namin madadagdagan ang pwersa ng pamahalaan hindi lamang doon sa eskwelahan kundi pati po sa community," he added.

See COMELEC on

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MINOR TENSION. Supporters of rival candidates in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) figure in an altercation outside a polling center at the Kamuning Elementary School in Quezon City on Monday afternoon (Oct. 30, 2023). The Quezon City Police District swiftly responded to the situation and prevented further tensions, ensuring the safety of voters.(MNS photo)

SECOND OPTION. Families flock to the Manila South Cemetery to visit their dear departed in commemoration of All Souls’ Day on Thursday (Nov. 2, 2023). Many Filipinos traditionally visit the graves of their departed kin on Nov. 1, which is All Saints' Day but some opt to go the following day to avoid huge crowds and heavy traffic.

(MNS photo)

PNP: Undas 2023 generally peaceful; 3M visited cemeteries MANILA -- The observance of All Saints' Day or Undas was generally peaceful on Wednesday despite some people still bringing prohibited items to the cemeteries, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the common confiscated items were lighters, cigarettes, and liquors.

“Kahapon po naging generally peaceful iyong observance natin ng Undas maliban doon sa mga nakumpiska po na mga pinagbabawal po na mga items na papasok po sa mga sementeryo,” she said.

Fajardo said around 3 million people visited the tombs of their departed loved ones on All Saints’ Day and many are expected to flock to cemeteries on Thursday, All Souls’ Day. “Kahapon ay talagang dinagsa po iyong ating mga sementeryo. Close to 3 million or more iyong mga namonitor po natin na naglabas pasok po sa mga sementeryo,” she said.

PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. earlier said the police organization has not received any threats for the observance of Undas but will continue to monitor possible dangers.

More than 37,000 police personnel have been deployed across the country.

The PNP warned the public against common crimes during the observance of Undas like theft, salisi, and physical injury.

Over 1.7M people visited 2 main Manila cemeteries from Oct. 29-Nov. 1 Over 1.7 million people visited their departed loved ones in two major cemeteries in Manila from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.

According to Atty. Princess Abante, spokesperson of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, a total of 1,701,645 went to Manila North and South cemeteries and over 1.4 million individuals visited the two cemeteries on Wednesday, as of 6 p.m.

Some 1,025,000 went to Manila North Cemetery while 450,000 visited Manila South Cemetery, it was reported Thursday.

The Manila South Cemetery is an exclave of San Andres, Manila surrounded by land under the jurisdiction of Makati City.

The Manila North Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the National Capital Region and is one of the largest in Metro Manila at 54 hectares.

Meanwhile, the Manila government treated at least 600 children to a "Spooktacular Halloween Fest" on Oct. 31 at the Manila Zoo with Lacuna, clad in a Snow White costume, joining the event.

Children received different prizes, treats, and loot bags which contained chocolates, candies, chips, biscuits and drinks. (MNS) PNP remains on alert to safeguard returning travelers Police personnel will remain on heightened alert until Nov. 6 to ensure the safety and security of the returning travelers after a long weekend due to the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, and the

observance of the All Saints' and All Souls’ Days.

Philippine National Police (PNP) information chief and spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Thursday said the last day of the PNP’s highest security alert status should have been Nov. 2 to allow all policemen to rest and be with their families after a long duty that started last week as part of the preparations for the barangay elections.

“But the commanders on the ground are given the discretion to determine if there is still a need to maintain the full alert status. On the part of the National Headquarters, we will remain on heightened alert until Monday as part of the security measures for the return of those who went to the provinces and those who went on vacation,” she said.

Fajardo said the police assistance desks they set up in all seaports and airports, as well as in the bus terminals and other places of convergence, will remain until such time that those who went out of town return.

“Our personnel will remain manning our police assistance desks until Monday, the time when the last batches of travelers are expected to return to their homes and workplaces, especially in the metropolis,” she said. (PNA) Remember the sacrifices of fallen troops, AFP reminds Filipinos Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday reminded Filipinos to take time to remember and honor the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

"This season is an invitation for us to honor all the saints, both known and unknown, and celebrate the lives of our departed loved ones.

We also take the time to honor the legacy, memory, and patriotic deeds of our fallen comrades who selflessly dedicated their lives in service to the country and made the ultimate sacrifice," Brawner said in a statement in observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. He also reminded all Filipinos to use the opportunity given by these fallen heroes to rekindle their commitment to continue to serve the living and cherish the gifts of life and freedom.

Brawner noted that aside from strengthening the faith, the lives of these valiant soldiers could serve as an inspiration to all.

"I wish you a meaningful and solemn respite, and may the departed bless us with peace and grace during these days of remembrance," he added.

Candle-lighting rites Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA), through the Grave Services Unit of the Army Support Command and Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group, joined Boy and Girl Scouts from the Fort Bonifacio National High School in a synchronized candle-lighting ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Tuesday.

"The synchronized lighting of candles was observed to pay tribute to a life 'well-lived' by the soldiers, heroes, national artists, and scientists, and former Philippine presidents of

the country," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Army commander Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido said the PA is one with Filipinos in remembering the life and influence of the Filipino heroes, especially the fallen soldiers for the “Undas” holidays.

PBBM calls for ‘solemn, peaceful’ observance of Undas President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for a “solemn and peaceful” observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.

“Isang mataimtim at mapayapang Undas sa ating lahat (A solemn and peaceful Undas to all of us),” Marcos said in his vlog uploaded on his official Facebook page.

Marcos reminded the public to comply with rules when visiting their departed loved ones in cemeteries or memorial parks.

He also advised travelers to keep safe during the holiday break.

“Sa lahat po nang magbabakasyon o out-of-town ngayon, mag-ingat po tayo sa biyahe. Panatilihing malinis ang mga sementeryo at ingatan ang inyong mga kagamitan (To everyone who is going on vacation or out-oftown today, be careful on your trip.

Keep cemeteries clean and secure your belongings),” Marcos said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has established some 4,866 police assistance desks in all public cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria, and catacombs around the country.

Over 27,000 PNP personnel will also be deployed nationwide, as part of heightened alert measures for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

The Philippine Coast Guard has also been placed under “heightened alert” status since Oct. 25 until Nov. 5 to ensure the orderly operations of sea transport facilities, convenient sea travel, and security of tourists.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) meanwhile deployed personnel of its Emergency Medical Services to about 66 cemeteries in Metro Manila, as part of government preparations for the “Undas” observance.

Fire Chief Superintendent Nahum Tarroza also ordered the deployment of around 1,000 BFP personnel until Nov. 2.

PBBM, family visit father's tomb at Libingan ng mga Bayani President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday visited the tomb of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City.

The President arrived at the LNMB accompanied by his wife First Lady Louise “Liza” AranetaMarcos and their sons, Joseph Simon and William Vincent.

His mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and sisters, Senator Imee Marcos and Irene MarcosAraneta, were also present.

Also in attendance were supporters who welcomed the First Family in the service honoring the memory of the late president.

The First Family left the LNMB shortly after the mass.

No program was held.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), for its part, announced the All Saint’s Day celebration was peaceful and orderly with no untoward incidents reported so far. (MNS)

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Filipino Press

November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023 • 5

ON ISRAEL’S INVISIBLE FILIPINO WORK FORCE AND OF ABOUT ISRAELI GOVERMENT PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO KINS OF OFWs KILLED BY HAMAS TERRORISTS IN THE ONGOING 2023 CONFLICT “FILIPINOS ARE VERY STRONG PEOPLE LIKE ISRAELIS.” Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Shalom!

Mabuhay!

There are roughly between 30,000 to 50,000 Filipinos living in Israel, the majority of whom work as caregivers for the country’s aging population.

Indeed, to support their families back in our beloved old homeland, women from the Philippines have found work and a new way of life in Israel.

But at what price?

Without a question, the most pressing need for workers in Israel is on the caregiving profession. In 2009, there were fewer than 250,000 Israelis over the age of 80; by 2059, it is expected that there will be over a million, according to one population projection by the Central Bureau of Statistics. Added to that is a serious shortage of working hands: In the 1990s, the rank of the caregiving sector in Israel were occupied primarily by female immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

But that population is now largely retired, leaving a major vacuum.

Women from the Philippines – who were initially brought in small numbers by Israel’s Defense Ministry to care for disabled soldiers – have come to dominate home care in Israel, so much so that the word “Filipina” has become synonymous in Hebrew with “metapelet” – “caregiver.” They may not be a sizeable community compared with the more than four million Filipinos who reside in the United States, but the financial contribution to their homeland is substantial: In 2016 alone, Filipinos living in Israel remitted at least $125 million back home, according to the Philippines’ central bank.

Like other groups of migrant workers in Israel – the Thai farmhands, the Chinese construction workers – the Filipinos are sometimes described as “transparents,” a community invisible to most Israelis, taking on the work that no one in the society wants to do. Unlike other foreign workers, however, they are embedded deep within Israeli families, helping the most vulnerable members of society – or the most privileged.

In the hierarchy of overseas destination for Filipinos – as I’ve researched and found out – Israel ranks somewhere below the United States, Europe and Australia, but far above Asia and the Middle East in desirability.

The monthly salary of foreign caregivers in Israel - $1,374 before deductions for food and board – is relatively high (equivalent to the Israeli minimum wage) – double in what is being paid in Hong Kong and about three times what a caregiver can expect to make in the Arab gulf states.

But it’s not only financial consideration that draw Filipino workers to Israel.

Despite the country’s restrictive immigration laws, Filipinos in Israel tell countless stories of Israelis’ openness and acceptance, of caregivers becoming part of the intricate mosaic of Israeli life. One “kababayan” of ours – a woman who spent three years in Israel in the late 80s and met and married an Israeli man, then moved with him to Oregon, where her aunt needed her help running a small hotel - still dreams of moving back to Israel when she retires. “Israel is like my second home, not America,” she reiterated.

She genuinely appreciated Israel’s emphasis on family and on tradition, their love of country. “If Filipino people were patriotic people like Israelis, I think we would be better off,” she remarked.

Other Filipino caregivers pointed

to Israel’s lack of formality, to a sense of fast intimacy that develop between employer and caregiver. A Filipina, who has been in Israel for more than 20 years said: “I have friends in Canada and London, but they all want to come here. There’s more freedom here. You tell your employer that your boyfriend or girlfriend is coming, and the employer says, ’Go meet him!’ or ‘Tell her to come here!’” It is now common place to see obituaries, in the Hebrew press that include alongside relatives’ names, a tribute to a “dedicated caregiver.”

In 2013 the Filipino community in Israel came under an unexpected spotlight when Rose Fostanes, then a 46-year-old Filipino caregiver, auditioned for the Israeli version of the singing competition “The X Factor.” A short video clip aired before Fostanes’ performance, mentioning that she lived in South Tel Avi with three other caregivers: “I love my job because I like to take care of old people,” Fostanes declared. Short and plump, in a green shirt and jeans, Fostanes represented the unlikely, diamondin-the-rough heroine audiences love to embrace. Her rendition of Shirley Bassey’s “This Is My Life” became a national sensation; more than half of all Israeli households tuned in to watch her win the season’s finale.

I believe if the figure of the Filipino caregiver conjures subservience for many Israelis, back in the Philippines she represents a “pillar of society.” A shift has definitely occurred in the Philippine cultural narrative, with overseas Filipino workers occupying the ranks of a budding middle class.

I say the longer the domestic worker stays abroad, the more fluid her sense of home becomes. For Filipinos in Israel, this often results in a kind of hybrid existence. Every year, a competition is held for Miss Bikini IsraPhil – a blend-word of “Israel” and “Philippines.” Festivities for the Philippine Independence Day include the country’s national anthem immediately followed by “Hatikvah” – the Israeli national anthem. And even though English remains the preferred mode of communication for most Filipinos in Israel, it is often peppered with a telling dose of Hebrew words: “savta” (grandmother), “kadurim” (pills), “makel” (cane), “bituach leumi” (social security).

There are also may stories of Filipino caregivers who have converted to Judaism.

For some Filipinos, the quest to assimilate into Israeli society has included marrying Israeli men. Their offspring have since conscripted to the Israel Defense Forces. These Filipino-Israeli children, as a former member of the Israeli parliament Knesset who headed the committee on foreign workers noted “are as Israeli as it gets.” They truly consider themselves fully Israeli and often alarms their Filipino mothers when they declare with conviction that, like their friends, they will join the Israeli military when they turn 18. In fact, hundreds of Filipino children have already been granted permanent residency, along with their immediate family members after the youth have served in the Army thus qualifying them all for Israeli citizenship.

I, myself won’t doubt that there are currently Filipino-Israelis actively fighting for the State of Israel in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war. I have previously written an article about Filipinos in the Israeli military if you folks might recall.

I reckon all of the above statements of mine are reasons on why the Israeli government will provide pensions and other benefits to the families of the Negrense caregiver and three other overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) killed in attacks by Hamas terrorists.

filipino press

Jean also shared that she loves dresses like simple and elegant dresses. She explained that it is not about the cost of the dress or whether the dress is expensive or branded, rather what's most important to her is the style, the look, the texture of the fabric and if the dress is suited for her personality. It is essential for a woman to wear clothes that she is comfortable in, even if it's not expensive or branded, clothes or dresses that help boost their confidence, and will make them

Continued from p­­­­­age

1

she was inspired by butterflies.

She said she loves butterflies as a representation of life. There are illuminating colors and magic to them. From a cocoon to a fully developed butterfly, it can soar high. To compare it with human life, people start as an egg, then to a baby, then grow to become an adult, to soar high.

of her family. She has seven siblings and 11 nieces and nephews, four of whom she was sending to college.

“Loreta was the family breadwinner and will continue to do so even in death with the help from the Israeli government,” noted Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante.

The Israeli ambassador, in his letter said “we would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of Ms. Loreta who was murdered by the Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7.”

“Unfortunately, she joined the big Israeli family of victims of terror,”

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

Consul Moti Cohen on Thursday, October 26 delivered the message from Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss to the family of Loreta Alacre at her home in Barangay Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

Cohen said Israel has a law that grants pension and other benefits to families of victims of hostile actions.

The family of Alacre and the other OFWs killed in Israel, he said will be given the same benefits granted to Israeli citizens.

Alacre, 49, was the breadwinner

he added.

The ambassador told the Alacre family that they are entitled to financial and other assistance from the Israeli government.

Fluss said the embassy of Israel will assist them in availing such benefits from the Israel Social Security Institute.

Cohen said aside from visiting the family to express the condolences of the Israeli people, he informed them of the assistance due them.

Cohen commented the Alacre family was the first they visited as

the remains of the other slain OFWs have yet to arrive.

Alacre will be buried at the Caduha-An cemetery in Cadiz City on Nov. 5.

The sacrifices made by several Filipino caregivers in Israel to protect their wards were deeply appreciated by the Israeli Ambassador to Manila, who said such efforts created an “external bond” between the people of the two countries especially at a time of war.

It is a fact, too that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) lauded the Filipino people for their resiliency and strength between the chaos brought about by the ongoing conflict between the Israeli government and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“If I know anything about the Filipino people, and I don’t pretend to know, but from what I saw after the horrors of typhoon (Yolanda), I know that the Filipinos - they are very strong people like Israelis,” IDF spokesperson Major Libi Weiss affirmed.

Weiss’ statement came after she was asked in a virtual conference on Wednesday, Oct. 18 about the condition of the Filipinos in Israel amid the conflict with Hamas militants. She was part of the Israeli contingent that helped the Philippines following the super typhoon Yolanda’s aftermath in Tacloban City in 2013.

In the same virtual press conference sponsored by the Israeli Embassy in Manila, Weiss gave updates on the situation of Filipinos in Israel. She said that everyone in Israel is distraught including Filipinos and all other foreign nationals in the country.

“Everybody who is in Israel since Oct. 7 has felt I think a huge degree of sadness, of fear, of loss. You know, I include the Filipino people who are here in Israel sort of with that by saying that we all feel that,” Weiss remarked.

Thousands of Israelis including four Filipinos were killed when the Hamas terrorists attacked more than 30 communities in southern Israel last Saturday, Oct. 7.

Weiss reiterated that the Israeli forces are calling on their citizens, including the Filipino people to move away from any area where there could be strikes or anything that the Hamas could spur danger to the people.

She added that the goal of the IDF is now to ensure that Hamas can never strike back by eliminating their military capability to carry out further attacks against Israel and others.

Weiss also emphasized that she wanted to see to it that all hostages could be sent home safely by Hamas.

“But again, I say this, and I repeat it. But I think it’s an important message that sometimes we’re missing which is that the fastest way, the safest way for them to come home will be for Hamas to release them all immediately without any terms, without any conditions,” she said.

Asked if there are safety measures or evacuation plans in place for foreign nationals, Weiss deferred the matter to the embassies as it is a special concern on a diplomatic level.

Meanwhile, there is doubt about it that the morning of Oct. 7 was a very dark hour for humanity. But amongst all the darkness, there is the

happy. Aside from advocating for self-love and self-care, she hopes that people find her paintings and designs uplifting, something that could help them feel inspired, motivated or something that would help them feel LOVE, something that can help them relax or put them in a good mood. She adds that she loves inspiring people, and to motivate people to achieve their goals in life.

In this Filipino Press Thanksgiving Extravaganza, Jean

will showcase her paintings at the event, jewelry and bag designs, all inspired from her own paintings, and dresses. Attendees to the event will enjoy her dress collection and she will be in the fashion show showcasing her dress collection inspired from her own paintings together with entourage of models, some who have joined her in her fashion shows in Los Angeles, New York, Philippines and her most recent fashion show in Paris a couple of weeks ago.

Jean is so grateful for this Nov. 18 opportunity to showcase her work and talents to the attendees from San Diego, after all she is from San Diego!

For tips and promotions or stay on top of her latest creations, please check out her social media accounts and website. https://www.jeanamourcouture. com/ Facebook page: Jean Pioso Instagram: LoveArtistJean sddsd

Born in Israel Staff Sergeant Joana Chris Arpon of the Israel Defense Forces is the daughter of Filipino parents who came to Israel in 1988 to find work. She enlisted as a combat soldier because an Israeli Army team rescued her grandmother in the aftermath of the 2013 super typhoon "Yolanda" that devastated the Philippines. She was among several Israeli soldiers honored for exemplary service in Jerusalem on May 2017.

Once part of a faceless crowd of foreign workers who clean homes and tend to Israel's sick and elderly, Filipina caregiver Rose Fostanes was the surprise star of Israel's X-Factor singing contest eventually winning the inaugural season of the popular TV music show.

The story of Camille Jesalva, the 31-year-old Filipino caregiver who gave the meager savings she had to Hamas terrorists in order to protect her 95-year-old Israeli ward Nitza Hefetz was an incredible narrative of "heroism" by Filipinos in the ongoing war between Israel and the Islamic militant group.

Former Philippines' President Rodrigo Roa Duterte chats with Lispeth Francisco during a meeting at the Malacanang Palace on 12 September 2018. Francisco is the caregiver of the late Benzion Netanyahu, father of the current State of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

story of Camille Jesalva, the 31-yearold Filipina caregiver who gave the meager savings she had to Hamas terrorists to protect her 95-yearold ward from being kidnapped during the Oct. 7 sneak assault in Israel. It was an astonishing story of consistent and continuinag “heroism” shown by Filipinos in the ongoing war between Israel and the Islamic militant group, Fluss announced.

“Our appreciation to the OFWs who are in Israel, who are staying with their employers, with their patients, with the elderly to take care of them. And we would like to say thank you very much,” Fluss said at an online press briefing on Friday, Oct. 27.

Fluss was awed by how Jesalva was able to remain calm to successfully negotiate with the Hamas terrorists who barged into her employer’s house, considering both of them could have been killed as was the case with other Filipino caregivers during the attack.

When Palestine militants barged into the house of 95-years old Nitza Hefetz, Jesalva’s ward, she stopped Hefetz and the men from fighting and begged them the terrorists to leave Nitza alone and offered all the money she had saved for her upcoming trip to her native Philippines – some $370 (P21,000) - in exchange for not hurting them.

The militants accepted Jesalva’s offer and agreed to move on. After the men left, she took Hefetz to a safe room in the house where they hid for two hours until Israeli authorities finally arrived to rescue them.

The Filipina caregiver cancelled her intended flight back home to the Philippines as she could not bring herself to go. Jesalva had promised Hefetz she’d never leave her.

The story has touched thousands of Israelis, who were deeply grateful for the kindness and humanity of a person caught up in an awful situation that has little to do with them, yet decided to make the choice to act with true love,” Emanuel Miller, an Israeli media analyst said in a post on “X”, formerly Twitter.

“This is an amazing story of heroism of a human being who was able to save. A Filipina, who was able to save her employer. I think this is something that is important for us to recognize and to really appreciate and to say thank you to her,” Fluss concluded.

As I have indicated earlier above, four Filipinos died during the attack in Israel while two are still unaccounted for. The two missing Filipinos are believed to be among the hostages of Hamas.

For my two cents, there is no doubt about it that the Filipinos’ toughness is often overlooked; I think it is because they are so mildmannered and extremely friendly – an image that they prominently portrayed and seen by all.

Yet, truly “Fighting Filipinos” by all means!

Even the Hollywood actor James Wood on “X” (Twitter) promptly commented: “During World War II, Filipinos made extraordinary sacrifices in the American war effort.

They suffered greatly and were highly respected by the fighting men of the American armed forces. My Dad fought in the Pacific and always held the courageous Filipinos in the highest regard.”

Way to go, “kababayans”!

What say you, my dear folks?

The Filipino Press Thanksgiving Extravaganza event featuring Jean Pioso as artist and couture fashion designer is slated for Nov. 18, 2023 from 6pm to 11pm. You may buy your tickets at eventbrite or you may call/text (619)7550755 to reserve your ticket/s or for more information. Email us at filpressads@aol.com. We are looking forward to engage and have a bountiful celebration with you on Nov 18 at Ramada by Wyndham Hotel in National City.

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Nearly 400 Filipino Priests from Across the U.S. Gather in Newark for Cultural Celebration Newark, N.J. – For the first time in history, almost 400 Filipino Catholic priests from throughout the U.S. converged on Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for an October 26 cultural celebration and Mass led by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations.

The festivities — which were held as part of the National Association of Filipino Priests (NAFP-USA)’s Fourth Assembly — began with a jubilant procession of Filipino Catholics carrying items representing the Philippines’ religious traditions like Simbang Gabi and Sinulog.

Archbishop Caccia then presided over a Mass where he reflected on his previous role as the Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines, recalling the locals there were as warm to him as the nation’s severely humid climate. He said it was a “joy” seeing so many immigrant priests,

whose willingness to move across the globe so that they can spread the gospel is truly admirable.

“To be a disciple is to be a missionary,” Archbishop Caccia said in his homily. “I remember I celebrated a Mass in the Philippines where young people went out into the sea and put floating candles in the water to symbolize the light of faith.

You priests are all the light because you go and tell the good news to everyone in all parts of the world.”

The Cathedral Basilica’s gathering was one of several that occurred during the NAFP-USA’s Fourth Assembly, which ran from October 24-27 (the last week of Filipino American History Month).

Other noteworthy happenings included an October 25 Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen of the Archdiocese of New York. Auxiliary

Bishop Michael A. Saporito from the Archdiocese of Newark also delivered a keynote address about the topic “Priesthood in a Synodal Church” on October 26 at the Hilton Meadowlands. Finally, Bishop Oscar Solis of the Diocese of Salt Lake City closed out the convention on October 27 by presiding over a Mass celebrating the importance of journeying together as Filipino priests.

New Jersey is home to 143,845 Filipinos — according to 2018 U.S. Census Bureau data — with a 2023 Pew Research Center survey finding that most Filipino Americans (54%) identify as Catholic. To engage them, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Filipino Apostolate offers spiritual programs, gatherings, and social justice initiatives. Learn more by visiting the apostolate’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100077303239131.

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Spiritual Life Eating with pride and pleasure Eating is one of the basic acts an individual takes in order to live. Depriving one’s self with food leads to malnutrition and eventually death. There are some of us who want to eat in restaurants rather than in the confines of our own home, especially when you want to dine with family and friends in a different setting and where the food is good.

Filipinos and other Asians for that matter, loves to eat. But they just don’t eat anywhere. They eat in places where the ambiance makes you feel comfortable, where the servers are clean and courteous and where the food satisfies your taste. There is a dearth of Filipino restaurants in San Diego where you can eat good Filipino food and where you are proud to take outof-town guests. This observation led my entrepreneurial friend and “Ninang” (godmother), Blessie Sanchez Trott to go into partnership with two experienced chefs and restaurateurs, Tress Balchi and Scott Chiv. They decided to establish a Filipino restaurant where you can eat with pride and pleasure. They have chosen to call the place, “Ang Sarap Filipino Kitchen.” This is located at 7580 Miramar Road, San Diego, CA 92126. (Tel. 858.386.0090).

“Sarap” is a catch-all term for

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

“tasty, delicious, satisfying”. I ate at “ Sarap Filipino Kitchen” with a group of friends recently, all of us ended up saying “Ang sarap”, after partaking of the popular Filipino dishes - Lumpia Shanghai, Menudo, Adobo, Karekare and Adobong kang kong.

The restaurant opened last August 8, 2018 with only a few friends and her parish priest from Escondido, for the restaurant blessing. Blessie referred to it as the “soft opening” to introduce her new venture to friends and relatives. But the news spread like wild fire through word of mouth and customers came flocking in and ending up saying “Ang sarap, ang sarap talaga!”

After more than a month of operation, “Sarap Filipino Kitchen” will have a grand opening on Tuesday, September

18, with some pleasant surprises for visitors and guests.

I surmise that this new restaurant will take Filipino cuisine into the mainstream of community life here in San Diego.

The place will be the hub of friends and family seeking a quality time for eating quality food. I believe that my friends – Blessie, Tress and Scott will see to it that the eating experience of their guests will be positive and fun.

The challenge for these visionary business entrepreneurs will be quite formidable given the competition around them, but with their deep faith in a loving God and with their love to serve others, they will meet their expectations of bringing Filipino culinary art to a higher level and to make eating in “Sarap Filipino Kitchen” a matter of pride and pleasure.

The Christian life is a paradox Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow. (Psalm 144:4) Every time I fly over a large body of water, I imagine opening the window of the jet and pouring out my coffee into the immense body of water below. I imagine the time that I spend on this earth compared to eternity is no more than that cup of coffee.

The incredible size of the ocean compared to one small cup of coffee is what our life is like compared to eternity. Why then do we invest so much in temporal pursuits when we know that our investment here can have so much impact on our eternity? It is the great paradox of human behavior, especially for Christians.

Does your business life have an overall ministry objective to it?

This does not mean we must be constantly involved in "Christian activity." It only means that we should be about what God has called us to do with the motive of being obedient to this mission.

Do not let the worries and cares of this life keep you from having an eternal impact on the lives of those you meet each day. Satan has a way of keeping our focus on the problems of today rather than the spiritual opportunities before us. He is master of the urgent, not the important.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Luke 24:13-35 New International Version (NIV) On the Road to Emmaus Now that same day two of them were going to a village called

Greetings in the Lord!

Last Sunday we came to realize that the new commandment that Jesus left behind sums up the response to his invitation for each one of us. Love. This word, both as a noun and as a verb, characterizes the nature of God himself. Deus es caritas. Our response to his invitation to be in communion with the God of love is loving God above all things, with our whole being and loving our neighbor as Jesus has loved us, namely giving himself in obedience to His Father even unto death on the cross. The readings that we have in today’s Eucharistic celebration speak more deeply into how this message of love should be put into reality and practiced in our Christian communities, as followers and disciples of Jesus.

In the gospel Jesus clearly affirms the authority of scribes and Pharisees, then the ecclesiastical authority of the Jewish religious life.

He mentioned that they “have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever that they tell you, but do not follow their example.”

(Matt. 23:2-4) This is a direct condemnation of the ecclesiastical authorities at that time that repeats what the prophet Malachi, in the first reading, mentions in these words “I, therefore, made you contemptible

From Whom All Blessings Flow He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."

Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. <(((><

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Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic and base before the people, since you do not keep my ways,…” (Mal. 2: 8) Indeed it is always wise to obey the teaching of our authorities, as the church provides that the teaching authority of the Magisterium, should always be made as the rule in understanding the doctrine of the Catholic church in both faith and morals. The faithful is always expected to obey with love and devotion what is taught, but what an irony if the teachers and priests and deacons would be like the scribes and Pharisees of old who “preach but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they do not lift a finger to move them.” (Matt. 24: 6) The other external hypocritical actions are also shameful for them to continue doing

in the eyes of the faithful.

The admonition of Jesus not to do what they do not practice is an encouragement for each one of us to continue believing the teachings of the church, but also reminding us of the need to make our church leaders aware that they, too, have to change and be converted to put into action what they preach. This calls for your prayers for us, your religious leaders, whose human frailties could lead other astray. The love that we have mentioned in the past Sundays involves not only praying and loving our church leaders but also making them aware that with their erroneous ways many will be led to perdition. I believe that Synod, whose first phase is ending this week in Rome, is a providential occasion for the church, both the hierarchy and the faithful to examine each other’s role in making true the love that Jesus preached two thousand years ago. This message of love should not only be verbally proclaimed but truly and really practiced by all followers of Jesus, especially the leaders of the church.

Let us love each other not only in words but especially in our actions, giving fully of ourselves even unto death and making the statement of Jesus in this gospel today: “the greatest among you must be your servant,…” (Matt. 23: 12)

GURO

Ni Salvador S. Idos Ang maging Guro ay tunay ngang kaiba-iba Nagbibigay ng pagkakataong maglingkod at kumalinga Pagkakataong hubugin ang buhay ng magaaral sa tamang paraan Upang kaligayahan at tagumpay sa buhay ay makamtan.

Marami sa mga hanapbuhay na ating nakikita Gamit ay mga bagay na balang araw ay mawawala Samantalang ang pagtuturo ay pakikitungo sa kapwa tao Mga taong pinagkalooban ng walang kamatayang ispiritu.

Danny Hernaez

Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us.

They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body.

They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus."

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Ang pagtuturo ay isang gawaing Sagrado Akbayan ang mga bata patungo sa layuning banal na totoo Sa katunayan ang guro ay

isang misionario Itatag at isulong ang Kaharian ng Diyos sa mundong ito.

Hindi madali ang maging ulirang guro Bawat kilos at galaw ay pinagmamasdan ng madlang tao Buhay niya ay isang inspirasyon, isang magandang halimbawa Nagdudulot ng aliw at saya sa buhay ng iba.

Tunay nga na ang pagtuturo ay dakila at marangal Ang guro ay nakikibahagi sa isang gawaing ispiritual Sapagkat noong nagkatawang tao ang ating Panginoong Diyos Nakilala natin ang pinakadakilang Guro Ang ating Panginoong Hesu – Cristo.

Anong bunga ang dulot ng mahusay na pagtuturo?

Pinaguukulan ang guro ng panghabang buhay na respeto Ang guro at dati niyang mga alaga Patuloy na makakaranas ng kaligayahan twing nagkikita Muling sariwain ang mga magagandang ala-ala.

Salvador S. Idos

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Opsam

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November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023 • 9

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avoid using psychobabble and take “a family centered approach.”

Some patients respond better when they realize how much mental health is related to their physical health, he says. They’re connected. OpSam’s therapists speak about treatment of mental health as “just taking care of one's self and being good to yourself.”

John Laidlaw works out of OpSam’s National City clinic.

Originally from Canada, he moved to the United States in 1984. He completed both his undergraduate degree and his master’s degree in clinical psychology at Antioch

University, in Los Angeles. Through his internship he gained experience working with nonprofits and serving underserved, uninsured populations.

“Working at the community-based level – that’s something that really drew me in,” he says.

Laidlaw is also a mental health advocate and an expert in healthcare delivery and reform. He’s a member of the executive board of the Mental Health Contractors Association of San Diego, and serves as the chair of its policy committee. “We look a lot at policy and work to ensure that we're getting services to those who need it,” he says.

Locations: Medi-Cal is accepted at all OpSam Health locations. Self-paid patients

Corruption begins at the barangay level

The Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan elections (BSKE) are over and what is left is the postmortem task of dissecting the carcass of democracy that was laid bare. “Be honest at all times,” admonishes President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to the newly elected officials. He singled out the barangay captains to remind them about the true calling “to serve the people. “ He then gave the imprimatur to the COMELEC Chairman Erwin Garcia’s overall assessment of “peaceful” elections. There were 19 election related deaths and 244 related incidents that were reported, according to published reports. One hundred 68 vote-buying reports were received by the COMELEC who noted that the number was way down compared to 1,200 reports during the May 2022 elections.

It’s like comparing apples and oranges. The 2022 elections were national, thus, the higher figures.

This is a barangay election that should be vote-buying free, but barangay captains now have been elevated to an important role in local government elections. It’s no wonder that a governor in Luzon and 13 mayors are facing a votebuying probe.

This is the dark side of democracy in politics. The Filipino citizenry complains of corruption in government but they themselves, as voters, really abets corruption by agreeing to be bought. Every election, voters expect to receive money and the amount varies by positional hierarchy. The higher the position in the food chain, the higher monetary value is expected.

It is truly a scourge because the political system is taking advantage of people’s misery and poverty.

The question is, however, where

are these candidates getting their money from because most of them are not rich unlike the mayor or the governor. For one thousand pesos per voter, sums up to a good number. Presumably, the mayor is the source because mayors need to control these barangay captains to advance their own personal agendas. Did the money come from the governor who is equally vested to control mayors for their own political survival?

The problem with dark money is that we really don’t know if it represents a bigger corruption of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) that is automatically shared to local governments. In many municipalities, their IRA allocation is about 90% of their total revenue.

Barangays also get separate IRA; thus, it is another temptation for people to run for office. Their monthly salaries alone are already a good source of livelihood.

But what if, the money is being laundered through such exercise?

And worse if illegal drugs money influences such democratic exercise. Of course, moneyed interests like the rich taipans, have a vested interest to keep subservient politicians in place where they want them. The more insidious ones are those from foreign sources because the modus operandi is to influence media outlets and is normally aimed at incumbents by using “news” as a tool for disinformation to further such intervention.

Clearly, barangay elections can now be (or has it always been?) the gateway to a more pervasive political corruption that is already eating away at democratic institutions. But what can the government do to stop corruption at such a level? People openly

talk about how such monies move, especially the evening before election day.

Authorities can easily trace large bank withdrawals because many of the paper bucks being doled out are crisp and devoid of old folds or creases. The smell of money obviously excites voters into going into bed with them. After the election dust settles down, the “winners” proudly lay their claim as if they have truly earned such votes. But, if the proper authorities constantly check on their lifestyles, they’ll net bigger fish.

Over the years, “allowing” vote buying to exist has made it difficult to eradicate it because everybody has their hands in the cookie jar.

Lifestyle changes among barangay captains are easily spotted but that is as far as it would go. There are laws in the books, but the legislators themselves are part of it so it is such a futile exercise. Making noise about amending certain electoral provisions are but pro forma.

In the news a couple of months was the former COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista, an appointee of the late President Benigno Aquino III and kept by President Rodrigo Duterte. The bad news was that Bautista was being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for money laundering that stemmed from a bribe that was deposited to his bank account.

The money purportedly came from Smartmatic subsidiaries, the technology firm that has cornered the contract for vote counting machines in the 2016 Philippine presidential elections that Duterte won by a large margin. It was the same technology company who handled the 2010 presidential elections that Aquino miraculously (sympathy votes) won.

The news of Bautista’s indictment sent ripples to the Philippine political world because of the implications of it. Did Smartmatic rig the 2010/2016 presidential elections including the most recent one where Marcos won by a landslide? Did the president,

former presidents, their vice presidents, and winning senators know? Will Bautista implicate them, or will big names intervene not only in the Philippines but in the United States as well?

This is precisely the problem with political corruption involving dark money. Voters think that the money exercise ends after the election. Some even make fun that some food joints have more than their usual customers on the day after. In truth, the web of corruption is so wide that it goes beyond elections. More so, is there was quid pro quos involved between parties, even between heads of state and foreign countries.

Think of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), for example. Did the Americans know about the Smartmatic magic and used it as leverage to get EDCA signed into law? In furtherance, one should also look at the UNCLOS

ruling to help pursue the West Philippine Sea claim, although it is not enforceable? How are the Chinese connections involving state projects from former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Rodrigo Duterte?

What about those that are deeply hidden in layers like in narcopolitics? Why can’t the Philippines effectively run after drug lords?

The United States keeps pointing an accusing finger to China and Mexico about Fentanyl trafficking in the country. Is the Philippines part of their trafficking routes through locally run cartels? It really goes far and wide.

The barangay should be the first step in any effort to put a big dent on political corruption.

But the last election tells us that it is a flourishing trade that LGU executives would rather promote in furtherance of their ambitions “to serve the people.”

are given a sliding fee schedule with a set amount.

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Make an appointment at OpSam Health by calling (209) 683-5640. For all medical clinic locations, call (844) 200-2426 For more information, visit their website at www.opsam.org.

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The Filipino Press is published every Saturday. We welcome news, features, editorials, opinions and photos. Please e-mail them to: editor@ filipinopress.com. Photos must be accompanied by self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to be returned. We reserve the right to edit materials. Views and opinions by our writers, contributors does not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of the Filipino Press. © 2011 Filipino Press

10 • November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023

SWS

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The sampling error margins are ±2.8% for national percentages, and ±5.7% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The area estimates were weighted by the PSA medium-population projections for 2023 to obtain the national estimates.

Nearly 3.8M individuals in crisis get DSWD aid; 761K retain in 4Ps Nearly 3.8 million clients nationwide have received various types of aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program from January to September this year.

In a news release on Wednesday, DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Romel Lopez said 3,799,979 individuals received educational, medical, transportation, burial and food assistance from AICS at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City and in the various regions across the country.

“The AICS program has been instrumental in extending different types of support to individuals and families who are experiencing various forms of crises” Lopez said.

He said the DSWD also handed out hot meals, family food packs (FFPs), assistive devices and psychosocial support to the identified recipients.

“Indeed, the program has been a lifeline for millions of Filipinos to enable them to overcome their challenging circumstances,” he added.

Based on the official report, the most sought aid was psychosocial support with more than 1.7 million clients assisted, followed by food and medical aid with over 1.4 million and 1.1 million clients provided,

COMELEC

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Losers in BSKE told to surrender gov't property ASAP Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Tuesday ordered all losing candidates in the just-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to immediately surrender all government properties under their custody.

Abalos said he signed DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023166, stating that “there shall be a transition period not to exceed three weeks to ensure proper and smooth transition of governments, accountabilities and actual turnover of barangay and SK. Abalos said the three-week period would ensure “natural and proper” transition to the new barangay administration.

According to Abalos, they have written to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the timetable of the transition of barangay officials.

Comelec chair George Garcia, in a letter dated Oct. 25, responded that “sitting and incumbent BSK officials shall continue to hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified.”

“Therefore, applying this discussion, if the candidate for Oct. 30 BSKE obtained the highest number of votes for the same position and subsequently took their oath, the winning candidate may immediately and effectively assume office,” Abalos said during a press conference on Tuesday at the DILG head office in Quezon City.

But, the DILG chief said there could be “problems on the ground” due to transition issues.

“Kung bago ka, kailangan magappoint ng treasurer at secretary.

Kailangan mo ng resolution from the barangay na ikaw ay magtatayo ng bank account at kailangan mong magpost ng bond. These may take two to three weeks bago mangyari (If you are new, you need to appoint a treasurer and secretary. You need a resolution from the barangay that you will set up a bank account and you need to post a bond. These may take two to three weeks before happening,” Abalos explained.

He advised all newly proclaimed barangay and SK officials to coordinate with the DILG officer on the ground to make sure that the inventory of BSK properties, financial records, documents (PFRDs) and money accountabilities are properly turned over to them.

Right of suffrage In the same press conference, Bureau of Jail Management and

Filipino Press

respectively.

Lopez said the number of individuals assisted by the DSWD is higher than the actual number of clients served as individuals can avail of more than one assistance under the AICS program every three months.

The increased number of clients served, he added, is a result of the streamlined process, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2022.

Earlier this year, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian instructed concerned department officials to bring the AICS program closer to its clients by establishing satellite offices.

To date, the department has AICS processing areas in Caloocan City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, San Jose del Monte in Bulacan and Montalban in Rizal.

4Ps recipients Meanwhile, DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay said some 761,150 households will have to be retained in the list of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

During PTV 4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Tuesday, Punay said the number of households to remain in 4Ps was determined as a result of the reassessment of beneficiaries in line with Gatchalian’s directive.

“Ibig sabihin, sila po ay hindi ga-graduate; tuluy-tuloy po sila sa programa po natin dahil sa assessment po, nakita po ng ating departamento na sila po ay talagang mahirap pa rin at nangangailangan pa rin ng assistance under the 4Ps program (That means, they will not graduate; they will continue to benefit from the program. Because of the assessment, our department saw that they are still non-poor and still need assistance under the 4Ps program),” he said.

The 761,150 households were part of the 1.1 million households earlier assessed as non-poor under the Listahanan 3 of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Of the 1.1 million 4Ps members, 339,660 households were assessed as Level 3 or self-sufficient which are recommended for graduation or exit from the program.

Punay said the retention of most of 4Ps members was brought about by the impact of the pandemic, based on the assessment report of the department.

“Ang ginagawa po dito sa mga graduations po natin, sila po ay iniendorse sa mga local government units at binibigyan din natin ng mga iba’t ibang assistance or mga programa tulad ng Sustainable Livelihood Program para matulungan pa rin sila kahit wala na sila sa 4Ps program po ay sila’y tuluy-tuloy na bibigyan ng assistance ng pamahalaan (What we do here with our graduations, they are endorsed to local government units and we also provide them with various assistance or programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program to still help them as they exit from the 4Ps program),” he said.

The 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and a human capital investment program of the government that provides conditional cash transfer to qualified householdbeneficiaries.

It is a human development program which provides social protection, social assistance, social development and other complementary support services in partnership with concerned agencies, local government units and other stakeholders toward improving the health and nutrition, education and socio-economic aspects of the lives of the beneficiaries. (MNS)

Penology (BJMP) jail director Ruel Rivera said that 26,268 or 90 percent out of 29,288 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have successfully cast their votes on Monday for BSKE. “Ang resulta ng BSKE sa ating piitan, 90 percent overall turnout of votes, napakataas. No untoward incidents happened (The results of the BSKE in our jails showed 90 percent overall turnout of votes.

This is very high. Also, no untoward incidents happened during the election day),” Rivera told reporters.

Rivera said in line with this, some eight PDLs were likewise able to run, adding that three of them were able to garner the most votes in their respective barangays located in Tanay, Rizal; Dasmariñas, Cavite; and Iponan, Cagayan de Oro. He did not specify which barangays these candidates ran but clarified that the data came from the partial and unofficial results of the polls.

When asked how these PDLs would serve their respective barangays in case they indeed garnered the most votes, Rivera said the Comelec would still check their records and determine whether a disqualification case would be filed against them before proclamation.

Comelec on Tuesday reported that the proclamation of winners in the BSKE is almost done.

According to Garcia, as of 2:35 p.m., the canvassing of election results is now at 99.47 percent.

He noted that 97.44 percent of the winning bets in 40,927 villages nationwide have already been proclaimed. There are 42,001 barangays all over the country.

At the same time, Garcia added that he already ordered their regional directors who have yet to proclaim the winning bets in the village and youth polls to proclaim them as soon as ballot counting is finished and validated.

“We instructed the regional directors to proclaim the winners at all cost, it should never be delayed or postponed,” he said.

The poll body chief said that some proclamation has been delayed as there are candidates that acquired the same number of votes.

To resolve this, he noted they have to draw lots or toss coins in some areas particularly Manila and Northern Mindanao.

Elections on October 31 Garcia said the proclamation of other BSKE candidates has yet to be set as elections have been held in five barangays in Lanao del Sur and Calbayog City, Samar.

No elections were held in these areas as the election paraphernalia were not distributed to polling centers.

Garcia noted that an investigation

would be conducted and those who will be held liable may be facing possible sanctions both criminal and administrative.

“Those who cause the delays in the delivery of paraphernalia, we will deal with you,” he warned.

He noted that they are also looking to file a case against a local government unit (LGU) official for supposedly violating election law by preventing election officers from canvassing the votes.

Garcia said they are also planning to file charges against the teachers and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who decided to back out from serving in the October 30 polls.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangcon reported that out of 256 BSKE candidates with pending disqualification, 59 won while 67 lost in Monday’s BSKE. NTF-ELCAC urges BSKE winners to take active dev't role With the successful conclusion of this year's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday urged all newly-elected officials to take a more active role in promoting unity, peace and development.

"Being the basic unit of the local government, the NTF-ELCAC acknowledges the significant role of barangay (village) officials in delivering basic services that are impactful to the lives of each of their constituents," it said in a Facebook post. Also, the task force extended its congratulations to the newlyelected "Sangguniang Kabataan" officials and noted their important role in leading the Filipino youth.

"We also recognize the role of our SK officials to serve as exemplars for every Filipino youth, leading them towards a path of peace and nation-building illuminated by love for one’s country," the NTF-ELCAC said.

With the task force promoting unity, lasting peace and inclusive development through the Barangay Development Program (BDP), the NTF-ELCAC is also encouraging BSKE officials, particularly in areas affected by the New People's Army insurgents, to actively participate in identifying the root causes of socio-economic issues and finding solutions to these problems affecting the communities there.

"We have high hopes to the future contributions of our newly-elected leaders as part of our Regional Task Force ELCAC. We are all depending on you to perform the mandate of your respective offices and fulfill your sworn duty to our people from whom all government authority emanates," it added. (MNS)

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A Call for Action: Private Gate on Public Road Must be Removed LOS ANGELES, -- Filipinos are asking for the government to remove a private steel gate installed in June of 2023 on AFP/Army Road because it is a public access road. But to date, in spite of several correspondences to Antipolo LGU and national government, no action has been done.

Joey Quinto, Publisher, California Journal For Filipino Americans, recently sent another correspondence to Antipolo Mayor Casimiro "Jun" Ynares III, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., and Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, but no one has responded. Evidently, everyone is mum on this issue.

Correspondence of Joey Quinto on October 26, 2023: For the good of the people, a government acts immediately to stop prohibited actions/activities, but how come the Antipolo local government and the Philippine national government have not taken any actions against Ong/Sun Valley’s private gate on AFP/Army Road, a public road, which has been installed in June of 2023?

In this regard, the Filipinos are requesting the following: The removal of the private steel gate of Ong/Sun Valley on AFP/Army Road, a public road, by enforcing a simple Code Enforcement: No private gate on public road.

It is vital to note that this is a very simple step that could be done immediately and no court order

is necessary since this is similar to towing away immediately a car parked on a tow-away zone by enforcing a Code Enforcement and without a need of a court order.

2. To stop the illegal checkpoint and curfew from 10 pm to 7 am on AFP/Army Road where Ong/Sun Valley’s private steel gate.

Note that the guards as per the order of the management of Sun Valley have been questioning the Filipinos who want to pass by where they will go. This is unacceptable since all of the 110 million Filipinos, from Batanes to Mindanao, must be free to access any public road at any time.

If a checkpoint and curfew are really needed, it must be manned by barangay tanod, police, or military with the approval of the government and only during emergency, e.g., at the height of COVID-19.

Moreover, we could use EDSA as an example that there is no private

gate on public road.

The following questions are being asked regarding a public road: Is there a private gate? Is there an illegal checkpoint? Is there a curfew from 10 pm to 7 am? Is there a private outpost/guard house?

The answer to all are none for Edsa Road but all of the above for the AFP/ Army Road where Ong/Sun Valley’s private steel gate was installed in June of 2023.

All of the above are dangerous precedents that could slow down the mobility of Filipinos and eventually could slow down the Philippine economy.

To date, the private gate has not been removed although in an instant it could be removed by just enforcing the Code Enforcement.

In this regard, we would like to get a response so Filipinos could be informed on what the government actions will be on this dire situation.

(MNS)

Cage Warriors Returns to Sycuan Casino Resort for CW 165 SAN DIEGO, CA -- Cage Warriors, Europe’s Leading MMA Organization, will return to Sycuan Casino Resort for CW 165 on Friday, December 15th.

The event will mark the concluding leg of the promotion’s extensive 2023 world tour, and the fourth visit of CW’s exclusive US residency at Sycuan Casino Resort.

Recently announced for CW’s December 15th return is a huge bantamweight bout pitting ‘5 Star’ Trevin Jones against one of CW’s fastest rising stars, Roberto ‘Green Light’ Hernandez.

Jones, an American based in Guam, is a six fight UFC veteran and comes into the bout on the back of a successful CW debut in September, where he snapped the winning streak of Wilson Reis in the main event of

CW 159.

Hernandez, one of CW’s most promising SoCal prospects, trains under UFC legend Joe ‘Daddy’ Stevenson.

‘Green Light’ also saw action at CW 159, stopping the hard-hitting Toby Misech with a stunning secondround body shot, and will be making his debut at 135lbs against Jones.

Also announced for the card is the return of Anthony Orozco, who meets Suisun City’s Blake ‘Nature Boy’ Perry.

The San Diego man is a former Amateur World Championship Silver Medalist and took Gold at the 2022 Pan Americans.

Orozco made his professional debut at Sycuan in June, stopping the more experienced Jeremy Fattorusso in under three minutes.

“It’s been an incredible year for the partnership between Cage Warriors and Sycuan Casino Resort,” said Graham Boylan, president of Cage Warriors. “We’ve had three sell-out shows, brought the fans some crazy fights and developed new stars in the way that only Cage Warriors can.

One of those stars is San Diego’s own Roberto Hernandez, who’s going to have the biggest test of his career against a dangerous UFC veteran in Trevin Jones. With the card we have planned, we’re set to end the year with a bang on December 15th!”

Further bouts for CW 165 will be announced in due course, with details available via CageWarriors. com.

For more information about Sycuan Casino Resort, please visit sycuan.com or call 619-445-6002.

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Need Help With Immigration?

Enroll in Community College

By Mark Hedin A groundbreaking program in California is helping students and faculty navigate the lengthy and often labyrinthine immigration system, free of charge and regardless of status.

Californians who need trustworthy legal help to get through the lengthy and complicated U.S. immigration process can find it for free at any of the state’s 115 physical community colleges.

At an Oct. 24 press briefing hosted

by Ethnic Media Services, lawyers, community college officials and a formerly undocumented student described their experiences with the Higher Education Legal Services Project.

“Over 10,000 students have benefited from the program” since its launch four years ago, says Alonso Garcia with the Foundation for Community Colleges, “and over 5,700 just last year.” Garcia notes as well that community college faculty and staff are also eligible to receive services whatever their age or immigration status.

The Higher Education Legal Services Project is a partnership between the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Department of Social Services. It is easily accessed via the website Find Your Ally, where interested parties can enter their zip code or college of attendance and, in a little over a minute, be connected to the immigration attorney supporting that college.

An estimated 50-70,000 undocumented immigrants are currently enrolled in a California community college.

Free, ongoing legal services The attorney time is free and continues regardless of when the affiliation ends with the community colleges, Garcia explained. Services include support for legal permanent residency (green cards), DACA Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or advanced parole.

All information provided is kept private. The work is done confidentially by nonprofit legal teams

approved by California or the U.S. Department of Justice with at least three years’ experience in immigration work.

As a student, you can be taking a full load of classes or just one, for credit or not. You can be enrolled in adult education programs through the community colleges or attending more than one community college, in person or online. Services are available upon request in the clients preferred language and services are available either in person or virtual.

The program can also help clients obtain fee waivers for citizenship and DACA renewal applications and, as of Nov. 1, with naturalization applications and advanced parole filing.

“If anything, I would encourage people to enroll in their local community college for at least one credit so they could access services like ours and hopefully find a way to move forward,” said attorney Manoj Govindaiah, of Oakland-based Immigrant Legal Defense.

Immigration support where it’s needed He noted undocumented immigrants generally confront two major obstacles when it comes to accessing legal services: finding quality lawyers and being able to meet with them in person.

That’s especially the case for those in rural communities, where resources and transportation are more limited.

“This program goes to the schools… bringing support to where it is needed,” said Govindaiah. He added Find Your Ally also offers up-to-date legal advice that can help clients find paths they may not have understood they were eligible for.

“California community colleges are always here as an access point to higher education,” Kelly Fletes, Dean of Student Services at Monterey Peninsula College, pointed out. “We accept 100% of the students who apply.”

A ‘basic need’ for undocumented students Community colleges are ideal for reaching newly arrived immigrants,

many of whom often enroll in ESL classes soon after arriving. Fletes also stressed that as California pushes to meet the basic needs of its population, for undocumented students, immigration services are among those basic needs.

“There’s a different level of anxiety that happens when you literally have to watch yourself or watch your back that you or your parents might be deported or they’re at risk of not coming home every day,” she said. “How could you focus on your education?”

And the cost of legal services can be out of reach for students not eligible for thousands of dollars of federal financial aid available to their peers.

“I have students that have to work three to four jobs,” Fletes continued, mentioning one who arrived already $10,000 in debt for not-yet-completed legal services.

Don’t be afraid Sabrina P is a first-generation college student of undocumented status. She said she didn’t know what she might qualify for, and worried what her situation might be after school if she didn’t have papers and couldn’t work.

She set aside her fears of discussing her immigration status and visited the program. “I asked them a lot of questions. They were like, ‘Don’t worry about it. We’re gonna help you out,’” she recalled.

“Every case is different,” she acknowledged, but “Now I can say that I’m in the process of getting my green card. I’m able to work and do other stuff I was denied before because I didn’t have any type of papers. I’m able to support my family a little bit better.”

She emphasized the importance for her of getting started as soon as possible, because even if the process takes years to conclude, your age on the date of your original application carries a lot of weight. “That’s often kind of a critical deadline,” she said.

“I would suggest to just don’t be afraid. Honestly, that’s the best you can do for yourself, because just asking is not gonna hurt anybody, and maybe help you out.”

November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023 • 11

Groundbreaking Study Reveals $1.1 Billion Impact of City of San Diego’s Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector ECONOMIC ACTIVITY SUPPORTED 16,900 JOBS AND GENERATED $276 MILLION IN TAX REVENUE

SAN DIEGO, CA – A new study by the Americans for the Arts shows that San Diego’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated more than $1.1 billion in local economic activity last year. The study, which looked at regions in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, measured the economic and social impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences.

According to the Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, which is conducted every five years, in 2022 San Diego saw nearly $658 million in spending by local nonprofit arts and culture organizations. The study also measured $528 million in event-related spending by audiences - things like restaurant dining, paying for parking or transportation, and even childcare.

Overall, the impact of this economic activity in the city supported 16,900 jobs and generated about $276 million in tax revenue.

“Arts and culture is a critical industry that supports jobs, generates tax revenue, strengthens the tourism economy and makes San Diego more enjoyable for all of us,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This study demonstrates that arts and culture enhances our quality of life and boosts our city’s economy.”

In support of this AEP6 study, the City of San Diego hired the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition to collect 1,548 surveys across the city at various arts and culture events.

The results, which helped inform the study, revealed that investing in arts and culture strengthens our economy and contributes to developing more vibrant communities.

Spending by local arts and culture audiences significantly boosts local businesses, a unique value proposition that few industries can match.

Regionally, the AEP6 study

identifies San Diego County's nonprofit arts and culture sector as a thriving $1.3 billion industry, supporting 19,771 jobs and generating nearly $321 million in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments. The participants, listed by population, include the City of San Diego and Balboa Park Cultural District, Oceanside and Oceanside Cultural District, Escondido, Carlsbad, Encinitas, National City and Coronado.

“The findings of AEP6 hold great significance for our region for various reasons,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive Director for Arts and Culture. “The pandemic severely impacted the nonprofit arts and culture sector, especially the performing arts, leading to reduced audience and revenue challenges. However, the data highlights that the nonprofit arts sector is indispensable to the economy, generating nearly $276 million in tax revenue. The findings also emphasized our commitment to equity by including data specific to organizations representing BIPOC and ALAANA communities.”

Nationally, the AEP6 study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue.

AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study series. For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the wellbeing of communities and residents.

AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement, and inclusivity, transforming its approach, and expanding the inclusion and participation of organizations serving

or representing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA (African, Latin, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities.

The full report and a map of the 373 study regions around the nation can be found on the AEP6 study website, along with a two-page economic and social impact summary for San Diego.

The City of San Diego advances and drives an equitable and inclusive creative economy and cultural ecosystem by investing in the work of artists and creatives and the institutions and systems that amplify creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.

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Physical Therapists Help People of All Ages.

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

Some people see a physical therapist shortly after birth. The most common reasons a baby would need to see a PT would be something like torticollis or cerebral palsy. Torticollis is a postural issue that causes babies to hold their heads tipped to one side. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty with movement and coordination.

As children continue to grow, some have trouble hitting their motor milestones - like rolling, crawling, or walking. Physical therapists can use their expertise to help encourage development of motor skills and coordination to get these children back on track.

Sports injuries become more common in adolescents. Whether it's an ankle sprain, or an ACL surgery, a PT can help. Some adolescents have issues from the rapid growth their bodies go through. Things like growth plate fractures, growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter's disease, and Sever's disease are all common in adolescence.

As adults, a lot of us will have

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

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

Movement is a constant in life. As

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

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses.

Our members are leaders and innovators in the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide.

For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.

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Andrea Torres says working with Bea Alonzo is an answered prayer MANILA -- Andrea Torres said working with Bea Alonzo in “Love Before Sunrise” is one of her most recent answered prayers.

In Bea’s vlog, Andrea answered the question, “What was your most recent answered prayer?” “‘Yung una, maka work ka, totoo ‘to, answered prayer ko ‘yan,” the Kapuso actress said.

“Kasi ikaw talaga ‘yung lagi kong sinasabi na gusto kong artista, as in gusto kong umiyak, lagi ako naaapektuhan ako sa 'yo,” she added.

In response, Bea said that she is “very honored” to also be able to work with Andrea in “Love Before Sunrise.”

Aside from working with Bea, Andrea said another answered prayer is starting her own business franchise.

“Nakapag start na ako mag business, nag-start muna ako ng food cart, opening soon,” she said.

“Kasi gusto ko magkaroon ng homey cafe or restaurant in the future (MNS)

November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023 • 13

14 • November 3, 2023 - November 9, 2023

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