The Filipino Press: October 6-12, 2023

MANILA -- The Marcos administration is undertaking several initiatives to tame the rising prices of basic goods and commodities, Malacañang said on Thursday.

“The administration's dedication remains unwavering in ensuring stability and providing assistance to those in need, safeguarding the citizens' interests in these challenging times,” Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

This was after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that headline inflation rose to 6.1 percent in September from 5.3 percent in August, bringing the year-to-date inflation to 6.6 percent.

The PSA noted that the uptrend in the overall inflation in September was driven by the higher yearon-year increase in the heavilyweighted food and non-alcoholic beverages (9.7 percent from 8.1 percent) and transport (1.2 percent from 0.2 percent).

It added that the top three commodity groups contributing to the latest headline inflation were food and non-alcoholic beverages with 61.0 percent share or 3.7 percentage points; restaurants and accommodation services with 11.4 percent share or 0.7 percentage point; and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels with 8.6 percent share or 0.5 percentage point.

According to a PSA report, food inflation at the national level also rose to 10 percent in September from 8.2 percent in the previous month.

Higher food inflation was recorded on rice (17.9 percent from 8.7 percent), meat (1.3 percent from -0.1 percent), fruits and nuts (11.6 percent from 9.6 percent), and corn

(1.6 percent from 0.9 percent).

Garafil said the country’s economic managers are expecting a moderation in rice prices, as local production increases due to

the onset of the harvest season and the entry of rice imports previously ordered.

“This will further alleviate the burden on our citizens,” she said.

Garafil also ensured that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet are doubling their efforts to alleviate transportation costs.

She said the government is also doing its best to make longterm investments in irrigation and modern farming practices to support the agricultural community.

“The government remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by the 6.1-percent inflation rate recorded for September 2023 and has initiated a series of measures, including a digital Food Stamp Program, fuel subsidies, and targeted assistance for farmers, which extend beyond the short term,” Garafil said.

PBBM orders PCA to craft dev’t, rehab plan for coco industry President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to craft a concrete plan for the development and rehabilitation of the coconut industry, as it intends to plant 100 million trees in the next five years.

Marcos gave the directive when he met with PCA officials at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement on Thursday.

Garafil said Marcos was briefed about the PCA’s proposed Coconut

An average of 13 people are killed every year by an intimate partner in San Diego County. Recently, the District Attorney’s Office joined the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, county officials and other social service agencies to launch the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at a ceremony in Balboa Park. The event is meant to empower survivors, award those who work with victims and remember those whose lives were taken in domestic violence incidents during the previous year. This year, the event theme was “Let Today Be the Day You Move Forward!”

In 2022, 10 people were killed by a current or former intimate partner and there were four additional homicide victims, such as a family member, new boyfriend, or bystander, who died during domestic violence related incidents. In addition, five offenders committed suicide. See attached list of domestic violence homicide victims not to be forgotten.

“In San Diego County, we are fighting every day to save lives from the destructive cycles of domestic violence,” District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “I want to thank the San Diego Domestic Violence Council and Claudia Grasso for the partnership in protecting families from violence.

Domestic violence not only harms the direct victim but also has a devastating ripple effect on children, families, and communities. This is why at the DA’s Office we work every day to prosecute the offenders and provide resources to victims so they can safely leave their abusers and move on with their lives. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is one more chance to empower women, children, and survivors to

know that there are resources to help them get out of a dangerous relationship.”

Each year there are more than 17,000 domestic violence incidents reported to law enforcement across San Diego County. Last year, the figure was 17,472 and the District Attorney’s Office filed charges in 2,393 domestic violence cases.

During the Balboa Park event, which included a resource fair and a candlelight vigil ceremony honoring homicide victims, Ivette Kuyateh, who lost her mother to domestic violence when she was a child shared her personal story.

“Events like these give us a platform to expose the darkness in our society and say the words that victims often can’t,” Kuyateh said. “Yet every advocate knows our work continues past the month of October. It is yearround. As long as people still ask, ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ we have work to do to educate others on the complexities behind the answer to this question.”

Also at the event, Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez, who is a marriage and family therapist, was named the new President for the San Diego

Domestic Violence Council. The domestic violence council is a collaboration of organizations and community members who seek to reduce and prevent domestic violence. Partner agencies include the District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Health and Human Services, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Department, and other law enforcement and social services agencies.

Over the last year, the DA’s Office coordinated trainings for hundreds of professionals across the county on domestic violence, firearm safety, stalking, and how to be more inclusive when working with victims.

“We are so proud of how the San Diego Domestic Violence Council has brought county organizations together to help connect victims with resources and support service providers with tools to consistently restore hope to those who have lost it,” said Claudia Grasso, the outgoing President of the SDDVC and Executive Director of One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center. “I am grateful to District Attorney Summer Stephan, who for my entire four-year term as SDDVC President, was a constant source of encouragement and support.”

If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for confidential support and assistance planning for safety.

information and resources can be found on the

website

By Adam Behar

“Too many people neglect their teeth,” says Dr. Sahil Amin. And when they do, they pay a steep price: cavities, infection, or losing their teeth.

The good news for San Diego’s Filipino community is that OpSam Health (formerly known as Operation Samahan) makes it easy and inexpensive to get the dental care that they need.

As a Federally Qualified Health Care clinic (FQHC), OpSam Health is designed for people who are on limited budgets; in fact, most of their patients pay with Medi-Cal or out of pocket. “We don’t turn anyone away,” says Dr. Amin.

Dr. Amin, a highly trained dentist who works out of OpSam’s Mira Mesa clinic, graduated from UCLA Dental School in 2013 and served a dental fellowship at UCSD Medical Center.

OpSam Health’s main clinics are in Mira Mesa and National City, conveniently located to serve their predominantly Filipino and Latino patients. OpSam, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has recently expanded its dental practice, says Dr. Amin.

“Previously, we offered basic dental services like cleanings and fillings and some extractions,” he explains, “but now OpSam offers an array of services, everything from regular cleaning to deep cleaning and fillings, to more complicated procedures like front-teeth root canal treatments and surgical extractions,” he says. One of their newest and most popular services they’re proud to offer is dentures.

What sets OpSam apart is the quality of their dentists, equipment, and materials. “We have the most current technology. For example, we use a digital scanner for dentures, which is

practically unheard of in FQHCs. We have digital xray machines and the highest quality materials to restore teeth,” says Dr. Amin.

He wants to set the record straight.

“One of the biggest misconceptions out there is that Federally Qualified Health Care clinics provide substandard care. The truth is, it’s the very opposite.

OpSam provides the highest standard of care.”

Private dental practices, he explains are driven by profit. There are fewer rules, so they can cut corners. For-profit dentistry is not only more expensive for the patient but it’s not regulated.

OpSam dentistry, by contrast, “receives government funding, so all of services are regulated and to the highest standard,” he says. Dr. Sahil Amin points out that “dentists who are in private practice often have an ulterior motive,” so when they give advice and make recommendations, you’re always wondering in the back of your mind if you can trust them. “OpSam dental is different. Our only focus is providing the right standard of care.”

Approach/Process

Another benefit of OpSam dental is their patient-centered approach. Dr. Amin, a native San Diegan who grew up not far from the Mira Mesa clinic, says he loves working with patients.

“In fact, the reason I became a dentist is because I like meeting new people.

When new patients come in, I like to get to know them, where they come from, what their life experiences have been.” That dialogue is very important, he says, “because it helps determine the patient’s needs and guides where they want to go.” He uses that information, along with xrays, to develop a patient plan, which is like a treatment roadmap. For example, one patient explained that she had been putting off job interviews because she had a broken front tooth. Talking to the patient and being interested in her story helped him prioritize her treatment plan. Fixing that one tooth made her feel better about herself.

Advice & Tips

What tips and advice does Dr. Sahil Amin have for the readers of The Filipino Press? Children should have their first visit with a dentist when they’re as young as six-months or when their first tooth is visible. After that initial visit, they should come back every six months. Adults, once a year for a checkup.

“Parents think kids are scared of the dentist but if you get them in when they’re young, they get used to it and by the time they’re 2, they’re excited,” he says. Adults and kids who are apprehensive can receive nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” to ease their anxiety.

Dr. Amin is a big believer in the importance of preventative care. Take good care of your teeth on a daily basis

THE PAMPERED PINAY Fall Faves

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

The chill in the air and refreshing rainy days fill me with excitement as they remind me…IT”S FALL! Time for my favorite tastes, looks, and smells! Here are just a few of my fall style faves—from work wear to cinnamon scented sweets:

WORK WEAR

I love layers, and fall presents the perfect opportunity to combine different textures and colors. I especially love combining a pencil skirt with a sweater and finishing off the look with comfy and stylish booties (sure beats stilettos!).

MAKEUP

Taking our cue from Mother Nature herself, this season’s colors of crimson, gold, and auburn look just as great on our face as they do on our fall leaves! Try combining golden toned eyeshadow with auburn eyeliner, peachy cheeks, and deep crimson lips.

HAIR

Ladies, rejoice! Dolling up our hair this season is as quick as adorning our locks with a headband. From crocheted beauties to jewel and feather-trimmed metal bases (even 80’s-inspired, wide-band stretchers), anything goes! Getting ready in the morning just got a little bit faster!

TABLE SETTING

Decorating is a snap this fall. For a quick and chic centerpiece, simply place a vanilla scented candle in the middle of jewel-colored cranberries. Really…could it get any easier?

TEA TREAT

It’s tempting to dig into the decadent drinks and pastries that tease us around this time of year. Navigating through the calorieladen options and intoxicating aromas can be tough. If you’re trying not to pack on any seasonal pounds (…or as I like to call it, “insulation”), I recommend trying some satisfying fall teas like ginger coconut, cranberry orange, Turkish apple, and pumpkin spice black tea. (I sweeten mine with agave nectar and add a dash of cinnamon!)

Prayer to Saint Expedite

What are YOUR fall faves, my pampered friends? Share them with me on Facebook! See you online!

Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love.

Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

May the intercession of the glorious martyr , St Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do. Amen.

We supplicate Thee, Lord , to inspire by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions, that thou being their principle, we may, by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end, through our Lord, Jesus Christ Amen

St Expedite, honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases, we pray thee to obtain from the all powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, (today or such a day) the grace we solicit with all submission to the Divine Will Amen

International Cuisine Carousel

NATIONAL CITY, CA -- The International Cuisine Carousel has been a vision of mine for a while. There has been attempts in the past with no success due to lack of time to pursue and willing restaurants to participate on it. Fast forward after the pandemic, restaurants are still struggling to bring back the food lovers who once patronized their food, ambiance and offerings. We wanted to be part of the solution so we decided to take on project of relaunching the International cuisine section. It started with Ma Noodle House who have reached to us once again to help ramp up his sales. Inspired by the success of his advertising with the paper and with him increasing his footprint by enlarging the size of his ad. We knocked on doors of some of these restaurants being featured on this page, some called our office because they wanted to reach out to our community. With 217,000 Filipinos in

San Diego based on the 2020 Census, we would like to invite the foodies whose curiosity, love for good food, openness to trying something new, looking for value for their hard earned monies or

those who love to spend on food and entertainment, to take part in this project. How? Of course by checking out these restaurants, taking advantage of the specials, clipping the coupon etc. Food

brings people together, in my mind, why don't we take it one step further by involving other ethnic and international cuisines to delight the palate of the readers. We are pretty sure people want to know, is the food really good? Yes, because we tried the food before we invite the business to advertise with us, before they landed on this page. Some

have offered discounts. If you are sold on our selection process, then its your turn to check it out and test your palates' curiosity and cravings. Don't forget to mention you saw their ad in the Filipino Press. They will be delighted to see you, our community ambassadors, take part in their economic recovery efforts (as we all know its the restaurant industry

which was hardest hit by pandemic) get to know you and our community as well. Restaurants win, you our reader/ consumers win, Filipino Press wins with the continued support from all parties, our community wins because that is one way we continue to afford to give free See CAROUSEL on 6

DBM eyes P38.63-B for career advancement, allowances of 900K teachers

MANILA -- The government is asking Congress to approve the allocation of PHP38.63 billion for the career advancement and allowances of more than 900,000 public school teachers, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Thursday.

The DBM said the proposed budget has been included in the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Programs, Activities, Projects (PAPs) to alleviate the teachers’ difficult working conditions.

About PHP2.16 billion of the amount would be allotted for a training program aimed at fostering and supporting the professional and career advancement of personnel in schools and learning centers, as well as teaching personnel who serve managerial, supervisory, and administrative functions at the Schools Division Offices (SDOs), Regional Offices (ROs), and Central Office (CO).

The DBM said a total of PHP26.1 billion would be used to fund new school personnel positions –PHP5.47 billion for the creation of 20,000 teaching positions, and the remaining PHP20.63 billion to fill 37,813 vacant teaching positions.

“An allocation under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) was also provided for the creation of 5,000 non-teaching positions in support of DepEd’s MATATAG agenda to provide adequate manpower support to teachers to teach better,” it said.

“These non-teaching positions will address the need to unload teachers of administrative, ancillary, and/or non-teaching tasks so they can focus on providing quality instruction to learners.”

Teachers’ allowances

The DBM said an allocation of PHP4.83 billion in cash allowances would be used to augment expenses for teaching supplies and materials, Internet subscription and other communication expenses, and annual medical examination. It said each teacher would receive PHP5,000 every school year.

The DBM also noted that PHP374.98 million will be provided for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) -Transportation and Teaching Aid Allowance for ALS coordinators and implementers.

About PHP3.77 billion would also be used for the Special Hardship Allowance (SHA), an additional compensation to teachers assigned in schools categorized as “hardship areas” or where commuting is difficult, among other hazards peculiar to the place of employment.

The DBM said about PHP912.26 million would be utilized for World Teachers’ Day Incentive, while PHP482.06 million would fund the Honoraria for Teaching Overload to compensate teaching personnel whose teaching load exceeds six hours per day of actual classroom teaching.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman pledged to provide support to teachers, as she acknowledged their crucial role in molding the minds of the Filipino youth.

“I believe that the development of our country is fueled by education,

skills, and talent. And this could only be achieved with the dedication, hard work, and passion of our teachers.

Hindi natin dapat pabayaan ang ating mga guro (We should not neglect our teachers),” she said.

“Rest assured that on the part of DBM, we will continue to fulfill President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s) directive to support our teachers by providing for their needs. We recommit to listening and providing assistance in the best way we can so they may fully deploy their talent and vocation and rethink the way ahead for their profession.”

PBBM pays tribute, vows continued support for teachers President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured the country’s teachers of his administration’s continued support for them, as he acknowledged their sacrifices for the Filipino youth.

“Happy World Teachers’ Day to our educators, to whom our nation owes an immeasurable debt,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“We recognize your sacrifices for our youth and assure you that we will prioritize your welfare and that of your families,” he added.

World Teachers’ Day is observed every October 5 of the year to celebrate all teachers worldwide.

This year’s celebration carries the theme "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”, highlighting the importance of stopping the decline in the number of teachers and raising their population at the top of the global agenda.

In the Philippines, the National Teachers' Month formally started on Sept. 5 and culminated on Oct. 5, or the day the National Teachers' Day and World Teachers' Day are also celebrated.

The month-long celebration aims to honor the greatness and dedication of teachers in helping Filipino youth achieve their dreams.

On Monday, Marcos also thanked teachers who serve as “heroes of children’s education.”

He promised that his administration would continue to work harder to improve the teachers’ lives and address the issues hounding the education sector.

Malacañang on Sunday hosted the “Para Sa Mahal Nating Mga Guro” concert upon the request of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.

Magna Carta for public school teachers

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said he will soon be filing a bill that aims to update Republic Act No. 4670 or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers.

Gatchalian said he will introduce new provisions granting a special hardship allowance to mobile teachers, including Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers.

He also seeks provisions protecting teachers from out-ofpocket expenses and non-teaching tasks and provisions for teachers’ basic rights and longevity pay.

Gatchalian emphasized the need to ensure full implementation of the law aimed at improving the living and working conditions of public school teachers, saying it has been 57 years since the law was passed,

yet some of its provisions have not been fully realized.

One such provision is Section 22, which entitles public school teachers to a free annual physical examination.

Gatchalian noted that while the Department of Education (DepEd) has provided for some monetary medical assistance since 2019, there is still no program for the annual check-up of teachers as mandated by the Magna Carta.

Another concern is Section 26 of the law, which stipulates that a retiring teacher should be promoted one rank higher, and the salary of that rank should be the basis for calculating retirement benefits.

However, the current method of computation used by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) relies on the average monthly compensation that the employee received during the last 36 months of service before retirement.

Gatchalian said while Section 31 of the Magna Carta requires the DepEd Secretary to submit the annual budgetary requirements to implement the Magna Carta, the agency only submits an omnibus budget request to Congress for its annual needs.

“It is high time that Magna Carta should respond to the needs and challenges being encountered by our teachers,” he said.

Senator Nancy Binay also called for the immediate passage of her two bills seeking an increase in minimum salary and tax-free stipends of teachers.

Binay is the author of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 339, proposing the increasing of the monthly minimum wage of teachers and non-teaching personnel from PHP25,439 to PHP28,000 a month and SBN 2370, calling for the exemption from tax of honoraria, allowances, and other financial benefits that teachers receive for rendering service during elections.

The minimum salary of nonteaching personnel in elementary and secondary schools would also be upgraded from PHP12,517 to PHP16,000 a month.

Meanwhile, SBN 2370 mandates that all honoraria, allowances, and other financial benefits granted to teachers rendering service during an election period shall not be included in the computation of gross income and shall be exempt from income tax. (MNS)

DICT urges PhilHealth employees, members to change passwords

MANILA -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology on Wednesday urged employees and members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to change their passwords in their online accounts.

DICT Undersecretary Jefferson Dy thus remarked after PhilHealth was hit by a ransomware attack, warning that hackers may now target individuals whose data have been compromised.

“Make sure that your password is not associated with your personal information. Kung ikaw ay PhilHealth employee, I guess I suggest that you change your ATM pins,” Dy said.

See DBM on 8

PCG probes Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in fishing boat collision

MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday identified a Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker as the suspect in the collision at Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales that resulted in the deaths of three Filipino fishermen.

In a situation update, the PCG said the tanker, Pacific Anna, was identified based on its data on marine traffic and cross-referenced with accounts from the surviving crew of FFB Dearyn.

“The PCG will reach out to the flag of the vessel and the next port to be visited by the said vessel to be boarded by the port state control officers,” it said. The incident, it said, occurred around 4:20 a.m. on Monday when FFB Dearyn was moored at its payaw, a kind of bamboo raft used in fishing, located around 85 nautical miles northwest of Bajo de Masinloc.

Based on the statements from the survivors, eight of the fishing boat’s 14 crew were fishing at different locations while six crew members, including the boat captain, remained on the mother boat. “Due to the adverse weather conditions causing darkness, the crew on board the mother boat failed to detect an unidentified vessel approaching, resulting in a collision that caused the mother boat to capsize,” it said.

At 8 a.m., the eight other crew members returned to the location of their mother boat, found the three survivors, and collected the bodies of the three fatalities.

“They subsequently proceeded to Coast Guard Sub-station Infanta, transporting the three cadavers, using their eight small service boats,” it said.

The deceased crew members were identified as boat captain Dexter Laundensia, 47; Romeo Mejico,38; and Benedick Uladandria, 62; all from Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to provide assistance to the crew members of the fishing vessel and the families of the victims.

Marcos asked the public to refrain from speculation while the PCG completes its investigation into the incident.

SC asks NBI to probe 'no appearance' marriage nullity ads

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after those unscrupulous individuals offering "no appearance" marriage and nullity services on social media.

In a letter to NBI Director Medardo de Lemos, SC Court Administrator Raul Villanueva asked the agency to immediately investigate the matter to unmask and prosecute those behind the scheme. He said the measure seeks to prevent the further proliferation of this unlawful act.

The SC said the ads' claim that there is "no appearance" required in court hearings for these proceedings and that overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) may file a petition is "utterly a deception".

The court added that the ads guarantee that even without court appearances, legal documents will be received by parties is grossly misleading and its intention is only to lure victims "into paying unjustified fees for irregular services."

"Truth to tell, this is not the first time that we learned of such unsanctioned activity. We will not be surprised if there are still others using various websites or platforms who are engaged therein that are preying on unsuspecting litigants who wish to have their marriages annulled or declared as a nullity via express proceedings," Villanueva added.

DOLE: Call center jobs top

vacancies nationwide

A total of 15,144 job vacancies covering five top positions are available nationwide, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday.

According to data from the DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), call center agents top the number of vacancies at 4,508 during the period Sept. 25 to 29.

It is followed by production machine operators with 4,170 vacancies and executive assistants with 3,202.

The BLE said production workers are also in demand with 1,867 job vacancies.

Also included in these jobs are domestic helpers with 1,397 available positions.

According to the bureau, the data is from the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Employment Information System (PEIS).

The information is also sourced from PhilJobNet, a government-run job matching portal.

South Korea wants to hire Filipino caregivers -- envoy South Korea is eager to hire more Filipino caregivers, its top diplomat in the Philippines said Tuesday night.

In an interview at a reception in Taguig, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said discussions with the Philippine side are ongoing but Seoul hopes to receive at least 100 Filipino caregivers as early as December 2023. “I've been meeting frequently with the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) because the additional layer we are discussing is we are interested in sending Filipino caregivers to Korea,” he said.

“Filipino caregivers have good reputation worldwide and that will be, in our view, a win-win partnership between our countries,” he added.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega said there are some Filipino caregivers working in South Korea but mainly for diplomats under a “special category”.

“There is no agreement, (it’s) still in the discussion stage -- that is under the direct purview of DMW,” she told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.

Talks between Manila and Seoul come as the latter seeks to address its shortage of nursing facility workers.

The Korea Times earlier reported that South Korea has been grappling with the shortage amid a rapidly aging population, prompting calls on the South Korean government to ease visa rules and bring in foreign caregivers.

PBBM’s 4PH aims to provide every family with decent, safe home

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Monday opened this year's celebration of the National Shelter Month, highlighting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

With the theme Pambansang Pabahay: Matibay na saligan ng mapayapang pamayanan, DHSUD emphasized that having decent yet affordable homes provide stability and security to a family.

"Sa pagkakaroon ng sariling tahanan na disente at ligtas, ang ating mga kababayan ay nagiging mas produktibong miyembro ng komunidad (By having their own decent and safe home, our citizens become more productive members of the community)," DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said.

"Yan po ang misyon natin sa

pagsusulong ng Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. --ang mabigyan ng disente at abotkayang tahanan ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino para sa ikabubuti ng kanilang pamumuhay (That is our mission in promoting the National Housing for the Filipino Program of our dear President Bongbong Marcos Jr. -- to give every Filipino family a decent and affordable home for the betterment of their lifestyle)," he added.

On Monday, DHSUD kicked off the celebration of the National Shelter Month (NSM) 2023 with the launching of housing exhibit at its Central Office in Quezon City, in collaboration with partner-developers and key shelter agencies (KSAs).

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte attended as guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony.

Various shelter-related activities were lined up by the technical working group, headed by Undersecretary Randy Escolango.

Officials of the DHSUD and its KSAs are expected to appear in various media channels to discuss the essence as well as the upcoming activities of NSM 2023.

The DHSUD Regional Offices have also prepared activities for the whole month of October with the participation of KSAs and other stakeholders.

In support to the NSM, the firstever Philippine Urban Forum is also slated on Oct. 5-6 at the Philippine International Convention Center, with the theme "Transforming our cities and building resilient communities". An online forum is set before the culmination activity toward the end of the month.

So far, around 20 projects under the "Pambansang Pabahay" are in various phases of development and construction in different parts of the country.

National government debt reaches P14.35 trillion as of endAug. 2023

The Bureau of Treasury on Monday said the national government's outstanding debt went up to P14.35 trillion as of end-August 2023.

The Bureau of Treasury said the P105.28 billion or 0.7% increment from the previous month’s level was primarily due to the peso depreciating from 54.834 to 56.651 against the US dollar over the reference period.

To recall, the national government’s running debt stock stood at P14.24 trillion as of end-July as the government ramped up its fund raising efforts in the domestic market to support budgetary requirements.

The Treasury said that of the total debt stock, 31.8% are from external sources while 68.2% are from domestic borrowings.

It further said that domestic debt, as of end-August 2023, settled at P9.79 trillion, P21.24 billion or 0.2% lower than the previous month due to large retail bond maturities.

Meanwhile, the new domestic debt issued during the month totaled P229.29 billion with debt redemption of P253.43 billion, resulting in a net repayment of P24.14 billion.

The Treasury also said that the external debt of P4.56 trillion was P126.52 billion or 2.9% higher monthover-month (MoM), mainly because of the weaker peso.

The peso depreciation against the US dollar caused a P146.85-billion upward revaluation of US dollardenominated debt in August, although it was partially offset by the P22.11billion downward revaluation of the third currency debt component. (MNS)

RAISING DURIAN. John Mar Ando, propagator and nursery in charge of the Belviz Farm in Barangay Wangan in Davao City, checks durian seedlings on Monday (Oct. 2, 2023). Propagation of durian trees can be done through seeds or by vegetative means. (MNS photo)

FOR PH. Margarita “Meggie” Ochoa beats Abdulla Alquees of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the women’s

class of the jiujitsu competitions in the 19th Asian Games at the XSL Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China on Thursday (Oct. 5, 2023). It was the second gold for the Philippines after World No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena won the first in record fashion on Sept.

2023. (MNS photo)

TRULY INSPIRING FILIPINA ACHIEVERS, WE ALL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Jesse

SAN DIEGO, CA -- In old times, women did not enjoy the same rights and privileges as men. In a way, women were treated as second class citizens in some cultures and countries.

Before, most women were not allowed to get an education, vote, speak publicly, pursue a career in the corporate world or in maledominated professions and run for public office.

These rights and privileges were limited to men and women’s potential and capabilities were greatly reduced.

In many societies, women were expected to be the happy homemaker and doting mom.

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, if that’s what women really wanted for themselves, many women felt unseen, unheard and deprived of becoming who they want to be or what they really want to do.

After decades and even centuries of fighting for these rights, many women now enjoy a life where they can speak their mind, have their opinion heard publicly, get a degree, vote and run for office, and pursue a career in whatever field they want to.

Now, women even excel in male-dominated fields or careers that many thought only men could thrive.

And many women who have a stellar and fulfilling career are also wives and moms, proving that women can juggle work and responsibilities at home and their families.

Each woman is a “superwoman” in their own way whether they play a big role in the world or in the communities.

And it doesn’t matter if they’re single, married, with kids or none, each woman’s achievement is of value and deserves to be celebrated.

Plus, women achievers are not limited to ladies who do well in their fields, they are also people who have exceptional contributions to society and history or have stories that serve as great inspirations to many.

Filipinas, our women “kababayans” are, of course among those women who have notable achievements and contributions.

There’s no doubt about it that Filipinas deviate from the stereotypical Asian women’s meekness and submissiveness. A

Filipina is strong-willed and driven. Unlike its neighboring countries, the Philippines is largely matriarchal, with women making significant decisions from within household to giant corporations.

One only has to look at history to see how much of today’s society is shaped by empowered women.

I say, too – that in life, there will always be scenarios that will make one feel inferior, demotivated or hopeless. But, looking at our fellow “kababayans” – Filipinas, who took a different path and achieved success in their chosen fields, makes one believe that nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it. Filipino women absolutely and positively continue to inspire others to be proud of who they are and not limit themselves on what they can do.

This particular edition of my column, we take a look back at the past up to the present to recognize great leaps and bounds made by Filipinas. So here we go.

For decades, the Philippines has sent athletes to the Olympics and have only brought home bronze and silver medals. That all changed in 2020 when Hidilyn Diaz won first place in the women’s 55kg weightlifting category in the Summer Olympics. It was a monumental win for the country and a historic one for Filipinas. Weightlifting is a sport often relegated to men, but the Zamboanga-born athlete broke glass ceilings when she carried a combined weight of 225 kilograms. Her win signaled a new era for Filipina athletes. When she burst into tears after her successful Olympics run, the country rejoiced. It was indicative of how the modern Filipina is perceived as a strong and confident woman that can break records and make her country proud.

Maria Reesa is one of the most

notable women in modern society. A journalist for over 25 years now, she has been committed to fighting for freedom of speech. During her long career, she has been the Bureau Chief of CNN, Heart of News and Current Events at ABS-CBN and CEO of Rappler. If these titles aren’t impressive enough, she is also the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Winner.

Reesa is the first natural-born Filipino to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, a world-renowned award given to people who have the greatest contributions to benefit mankind. Her work in keeping justice, peace, trust and empathy alive in an increasingly turbulent country has been recognized around the world.

Ressa is an activist, writer and teacher whose legacy cannot be understated. Ressa has improved a new generation of Filipinos to speak up and fight for justice and truth.

Tattoos have always been part of Filipino culture despite it being taboo during the strict religious rule of the Christian church established by the Spaniards. Today, they’re becoming socially acceptable and tattooing is now seen as an art. Apo Whang-Od Oggay is an icon in the tattoo community. Apo Whang-Od is the oldest tattoo artist in the world; making her one of the most recognizable living Filipinas. Although she is a prolific figure, Apo Whang-Od has preserved her way of life, staying in her village in Kalinga and creating tattoos that are true to her cultural roots. Her traditional tattoos are distinct and are considered valued art pieces. In fact, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts have given her the “Dangal ng Haraya Award” for her preservation of the traditional tattooing process called “pagbabatok” in the local dialect.

Her hut up in the mountains can be reached through a rigorous hike up in the Kalinga region, yet visitors continue to flock. Apo Whang-Od is proof that Filipinas of all ages can create impactful art and continue to have a positive influence, not just in the country but also the world.

Hold on to your hats, “kababayans”! A young Filipina driver has made history on the race track, and the world is taking notice.

Bianca Bustamante has just secured her place in the record books as the first ever Filipino to win a Formula 1 Academy race. At just 18 years old, this young woman has achieved what no other Filipino driver has done before her. And it wasn’t just a fluke win, either.

Bustamante’s victory came in the second race of Round 2, after she had already placed fifth in Race 1.

Speaking about her win, Bustamante gave credit to her team for providing her with an “amazing car.” But I say - let’s not forget the role that sheer talent and determination played in this historic moment. As she said, she was driving by “feel,” using all the experience she had gained throughout the whole week of testing.

And it paid off in a big way, if I must emphasize, too.

It’s genuinely hard not to feel astounded by Bustamante’s accomplishments. Winning a Formula 1 race is a dream that many young drivers aspire to, but few ever achieve. And for a young woman from the Philippines to be first to do it? Wow! That’s simply aweinspiring.

In fact, three words you don’t normally see together is “Filipina” and “Racecar Driver.”

Filipinos in motorsports is somewhat an anomaly and that is exactly what Bianca “Bia”

Bustamante is: an unexpected phenom that defies the norm.

Bianca is proud to represent the 113 million people living back in our beloved old homeland and Filipinos around the world but is well aware of the challenges her family faced growing up, both in the Philippines and the United States, specifically in the Bay Area.

“My dad was an OFW. He was an overseas Filipino worker in America. In San Jose, he worked a lot of constructions – he worked three jobs to give money for my racing, to put food on the table and because of this – I rarely saw him and that’s why it meant so much that I won because it wasn’t just

GOLD MEDALLIST:

third-to-last quarter and took the checkered flag so that was my very first international win in Macau and I think after winning that, raising the Philippine flag at the podium, and being the only girl on it was like ‘oh damn really’ – it was the most pivotal point in my career you know,” declared Bustamante.

Bianca says she has always looked up to former NASCAR and

T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

it,” Bustamante affirmed. “Yes, I can drive a car at this speed but at the next day I could be doing my makeup or makeup routine or doing an outfit check – just doing normal things that a young girl would be doing. Sometimes being real is the best you can be and that’s what I’ve always tried to show little girls.”

She concluded that eventually racing in the main F1 series, or IndyCar, or NASCAR is her “Everest” as she calls it.

Moving on, Filipino-American media personality Bella Poarch, known for her cute cosplay content on TikTok and for her pop song “Build a B*tch” is named as one of Forbes’ Top 50 Creators of 2023. She is the only Filipino in the lineup.

Forbes released the annual list of Top Creators last Sept. 26, which altogether harnessed “2.6 billion followers” or an “estimated $700 million earnings.”

“That’s up to more than 20% from 2022’s $570 million score,” the outlet added.

(FYI: The list was curated based on the creators’ estimated earnings, follower counts, engagement rates, and their entrepreneurial activities.)

Bella was ranked 34th in the list garnering an estimated $3.32 million (P189 million) earnings and over 90 million TikTok followers as of this writing.

“Bella Poarch is the only person on this list to have served in the military. The former Navy helicopter mechanic has continued to be a true crossover star,” her profile read.

“Since attracting 90 millionplus TikTok followers with her lipsynching videos, Poarch has been trying to make it as a musician,” it continued.

Her single “Build a B*tch” debuted on the 58th spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart in 2021. She also released an “EP” (extended play which is longer than a single but shorter than an album) and a single dubbed “Dolls” in 2022.

Her latest music, which was released this month, dubbed “Crush,” is a song collaboration with “I Like Me Better” hitmaker Lauv. With her fame, she has also collaborated with luxury fashion brand “Moncler” and video game “Call of Duty.”

In 2022, Bella was included in Forbes’ annual “30 over 30” (social media), a list that recognize individuals for their significant contributions and achievements in their respective industries. She also ranked fourth in the “Highest Paid TikTok Stars” list, raking in $5 million (P263 million) total earnings and 87 million followers.

In March, she won her first-ever Nickelodeon “Kid’s Choice Award.”

“Growing up in the Philippines, I never really had a family. But after being able to grow with all of you these past years and with all this love makes me really feel like I finally found what I’ve always been looking for. This (one’s) for all of you guys, my real family. Thank you for giving me my first award for music,” she wrote in her Instagram post.

Meanwhile, Filipino-American magician Anna de Guzman made history as the first female close-up magician to make it to the “AGT” finals. She finished up as the runnerup in the 18th season of the reality talent competition America’s Got Talent (AGT).

For her final performance, the 25-year-old magician involved not only the judges but also host Terry Crews and all audience members.

She asked each of them to shuffle a deck of cards, pick a card, slip the chosen card into an envelope, and hide it under their respective seats.

After completing her trick, De Guzman revealed that the set of cards – two of hearts, six of diamonds, nine of spades, two of diamonds, three of hearts, ten of clubs, and ten of spades – signified the broadcast time of her final performance: September 26, 2023, at 10:10 pm.

“I believe in her magic,” judge Sofia Vergara remarked. “That was amazing. I’m so proud that you’re here. You’re the first woman that has made it to the finals. You deserve to be here.”

Judge Simon Cowell exclaimed: “How the hell did you do that! That was magic, that was unbelievable.”

Meanwhile, judge Howie Mandel shared that he’s “very impressed.” “You are magical, young lady. And you are adorable,” he noted.

“You brought the ‘wow’ to the finale and it packed a punch. It was fantastic,” judge Heidi Klum said.

De Guzman also disclosed after her performance that her mother flew all the way from the Philippines to support her in the final round.

Although she fell short of winning the competition, De Guzman – as I’ve stated earlier above - still made history as the first female close-up magician to make it to the AGT finals.

(FYI: Adrian Stoica and his dog Hurricane won the competition.)

De Guzman also took to social media to celebrate the milestone. “We did it. Season 18 runner-up. This is just the beginning. Can’t wait to show you what’s next,” she announced.

In a separate post, she wrote: “I will remember this for the rest of my life. Thank you for being a part of history.”

During her audition round, De Guzman shared that she’s been doing “cardistry” or the “manipulation of playing cards” for five to six years now, but she felt like “magical things happen all the time” in her life.

Prior to America’s Got Talent, De Guzman also appeared in various shows such as MTV’s Amazingness, CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, The Steve Harvey Show, and Australia’s Got Talent to showcase her brand of artistry skills.

I believe that making history does not equate to creating the future.

I do say, however that these empowered Filipino women have paved the way for a greater, brighter society for all in our beloved old homeland – across genders and ages. Notwithstanding, everyone has a role in carrying on the work and ensuring that more strong, beautiful, intelligent and recordbreaking Filipinas are raised and acknowledged. We should always give credit where it’s due and take heart in how these Filipinas all made history. Mabuhay!

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for me,” she said. “It was for every Filipino out there, especially when the anthem was played.”

While Bianca’s recent F1 Academy win was big, she’ll never forget winning the Macau International Kart Grand Prix at the age of nine. “I went for a move in the

IndyCar racer Danica Patrick. She’s not shy when it comes to talking about racing in a field dominated by men.

“At first it can be so daunting pursuing a path not many people would normally take and I’ve always told myself - if it was easy everyone would be doing

De Guzman then proceeded to show several shuffling tricks while she asked Crews to also shuffle his own deck of cards and choose a chunk of it to keep. She then unveiled that her chosen deck nearly matched the deck of Crews – with the last card, the queen of hearts, being the one found in the envelope of the judges and audience members.

Philippines' Hidilyn Diaz stand on the podium for the victory ceremony of the women's 55-kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

MAGIC MAESTRO: Anna de Guzman, the talented FilipinoAmerican magician captured TV viewers' hearts as she soared to the runner-up position in the 18th season of "America's Got Talent."

NOBEL PRIZE WINNER: Filipina journalist Maria Ressa is shown here delivering her Nobel Peace Prize lecture at the Nobel Prize award ceremony on 10 December 2021.

POSITIVELY FILIPINA: Philippine-born teen Bianca Bustamante is the first Filipino to win a Formula 1 Academy car race in history.

THE WORLD'S OLDEST TATTOO ARTIST: Celebrated Filipina tattoo artist Whang-Od is the cover star of Vogue Philippines' April 2023 issue and at a sprightly 106 years, she's also the oldest person to secure the honor.

INTERNET/MEDIA PERSONALITY: The Filipino-American TikTok artist Bella Poarch was among Forbes' Top Creators of 2023 and won her first-ever Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award for being the favorite social music star of 2023.

Professional Business Directory

copy/ies of this paper which is the main source of news and information about Filipinos in San Diego and beyond. This food section's goal is to bring

people together but since we are going international, we are actually bringing communities together. Thanks for your support and don't forget to mention, you saw their ad in the Filipino Press.

Bon Appetit!

Susan delos Santos, Publisher

Continued from page 1

Planting and Replanting Project that aims to reinvigorate the coconut industry by planting 100 million trees from 2023 to 2028.

In coming up with a general plan for the coconut sector, the President emphasized the importance of getting the industry leaders’ input and implementing such initiative beyond his term as president.

“There’s a big opportunity, so let’s have a look at that so that we can show even just for ourselves. Kailangan natin mayroon tayong plano (We need to have a plan),” he told PCA officials, as quoted by the PCO.

“Hindi puwedeng basta’t ito gagawa… Kailangan maliwanag ‘yung plano. Tiyakin natin na talagang ginamit natin sa tama (It cannot just be done... The plan needs to be clear. Let's make sure we use it correctly).”

Under the proposed massive coconut planting and replanting program, the PCA targets to plant 20 million to 25 million trees annually from 2023 to 2028, or 100 million trees in total.

Marcos told the PCA not to focus on “political terms,” noting that the project must be continued even after his presidency, if necessary.

“Why will we stop (in) 2028. Because I’m finished? Huwag nating isipin ‘yun (Let’s not think that way). What is the ideal? How many years do we need to take to rehabilitate the coconut industry?” he said.

Garafil said the PCA is recommending the issuance of a memorandum circular that would direct concerned national government agencies and instrumentalities and urge local government units (LGUs) to support the coconut planting and replanting project.

Citing a memorandum of agreement between the PCA and coconut-producing provinces and municipalities, she said the LGUs would be encouraged to implement coconut planting and replanting, seed farm development and coconut fertilization, among other activities.

“The PCA has launched a massive coconut planting program to address the impact of senilities and the typhoon destruction to the sector, noting that the last time the Philippines implemented a massive coconut planting program was in the ‘70s or ‘80s,” Garafil said.

“Due to budgetary constraints, the agency has only managed to plant or replant about 1 (million) to 3 million coconut trees, which is far from the estimated 34 million trees that it needs to replant. The PCA said in order to plant 100 million trees in the next five years, a wholeof-nation approach is needed.”

The proposed Massive Coconut Planting and Replanting Project 2023-2028 seeks to develop strategies in post-harvest, processing and marketing interventions under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.

It also aims to meet the strong local and international demand for coconut products, as well as to maximize the benefits of the

coconut industry to the economy and welfare of Filipino coconut farmers.

The Philippines has a total area of 3.6 million hectares planted with coconut trees or about 27 percent of total agricultural land. It has 340.6 million coconut-bearing trees capable of producing 14 billion to 15 billion nuts annually.

Last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recorded 340.6 million bearing trees, a 6.2 million decline from the 346.8 million bearing trees the year before.

The PCA said the challenges confronting the sector include increasing tree senility, bearing tree losses due to pests and diseases, natural disasters and climate change impact.

The agency is planning to strengthen the project in the next 10 years to 15 years to further rehabilitate the coconut industry, which has been in a state of decline during the past decade due to the negative effects of climate change and natural disasters.

From 15.86 million metric tons (MMT) of coconut in 2012, coconut production in the country fell to 13.83 MMT in 2016 before rising to 14.73 MMT in 2018, and 14.93 MMT in 2022.

Despite recent developments, the country remains the top exporter of coconut products in the world, recording a total export revenue amounting to USD3.22 billion in 2022.

Coconut exports contributed an average of 35 percent to the country’s total agricultural export earnings from 2013 to 2022. (MNS)

to prevent more serious issues with your teeth. Brush first thing in the morning, last thing at night and floss every night.

The most important advice he can give both kids and adults is to maintain a low sugar diet. Eliminate or reduce energy drinks, as they have a lot of sugar.

“Just cutting down on your sugar intake by half reduces your risk of diabetes and the risk of losing a tooth,” he says.

When Dr. Amin isn’t serving his patients at the OpSam clinic, he enjoys spending time at the beach with his dog, going hiking and camping, and enjoying the different varieties of food that San Diego offers.

Locations

The Mira Mesa clinic has two fulltime dentists and the National City clinic also has a full-time dentist. Medi-Cal is accepted at all OpSam Health locations. Self-paid patients are given a sliding fee schedule with a set amount.

Both offices speak a variety of languages, including Tagalog, Spanish, and English. In addition, Dr. Amin, speaks Indian.

HAPPY 4th Year Anniversary to Las Islas Restaurant

Top photo shows Susan and George Salvador with their sons as they celebrate the annivesary of their restaurant located in National City. Jean Moss, (holding mic) hosted the special event and entertained the audiences.

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

The synodal process began in October 2019 and is about to start October 4 and will continue until the 29th. Much has happened in between good or bad, depending on where one stands – pro or antiPope Francis. It’s a classic struggle between the conservatives and liberals of the Church.

The conservatives are attacking Pope Francis for what they call “willy nilly’” encyclicals not grounded on Church doctrines. The Jesuit pope is pursuing a liberal agenda to bring back those who left the Church for its doctrinal rigidity – Protestants, Orthodox Catholics, LGBT, divorcees, and other disillusioned particularly young people.

The conservatives are those who want to bring back the Latin Mass even though many parishioners cannot understand Latin. They oppose same sex marriage and believe that being gay or lesbian is a choice. Pope Francis says, “who am I to judge?”

Pope Francis is not happy and does not hide his unhappiness with the constant criticisms from American conservative bishops who made abortion the centerpiece of the political opposition. Pope Francis is a big picture guy, and he sees that many American Catholic dioceses are losing adherents. Several big

The Synod of Synodality is about the Future of the Catholic Church

bishops from smaller dioceses are getting the promotions they’ve loathed – that of wearing a red hat of a cardinal.

synodality.

ones have filed or intend to file for Chapter 11 protection.

Archdioceses who have filed bankruptcy include San Francisco, New Orleans, Baltimore, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Santa Fe (New Mexico), Portland, Milwaukee, Agana (Guam) and St. PaulMinneapolis. Dioceses: Oakland, Albany, Camden, Buffalo, Norwich, Ogdensburg, Rochester, Rockville Centre, Davenport, Duluth, Fairbanks, Gallup, Harrisburg, Helena, San Diego, and the list goes on. That is the future of the Catholic Church in the United States. Many of these archdioceses and dioceses cited the high cost of settling abuse claims. Some big churches like Baltimore are closing smaller churches because the older Irish American immigrants who were solid backers of the church are dying and young Catholics are not too keen on giving big donations to the church.

Pope Benedict knew the trend and warned the faithful in the United States to brace for smaller congregations, but he was a doctrinal pope whom conservatives adore. He gave a platform for these recalcitrant bishops to pursue their own political agenda. Bishops of big jurisdictions could only watch in envy while

The pope sees North America in decline, but he is not giving up. He has instituted reforms, asked forgiveness for past sins of the Church, and made strategic decisions regarding the future of these churches. So, he is wading into divisive social issues such as gay marriage to bring them bag. His battle cry at the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal was, “Todos, todos, todos!”

Pope Francis said that everyone is welcome. “You, you, you, all of us, me, we were called by our names,” he told an audience of half a million young people whom he sees as the future of the church. “He called you by your name, not your social media handle,” he quipped, alluding to young people’s allusion of the virtual world. Yes, many young men are even falling for virtual relationships powered by Artificial Intelligence. Virtual world “attracts us and promises happiness” but later would present as “vain, superfluous things, substitutes that leaves us empty inside,” he continued.

Clearly, the pope sees social media posing the greatest challenge to young people practicing the faith. He invites everyone to come back because in the church, Pope Francis said, “there is space for everyone, and when there isn’t, let’s work so that there is – also for who makes mistakes, for who falls, for who it is difficult.” This is the essence of

In the Philippines where 80+% of Filipinos are Catholics (and coincidentally, the same percentage representing the poor), are not being served well by their bishops. The Council of Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is at the crosshairs of the Vatican. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle fired a broadside last month when he spoke to a group of Filipino bishops in Tagaytay City.

The topic was on “The Call for Fraternal Cooperation and Synodality” when he spoke at the Caritas Philippines Academy in the city. “The ‘culture of superiority’ among people, and even within the church, is one of the hindrances to synodality,” said the cardinal. Tagle reiterated that the church needs to overcome that mentality to effectively promote synodality and fraternal cooperation.

The fact that Tagle picked the occasion to needle the Filipino bishops reflects Vatican’s irritation with the CBCP leadership who did not do much in the past two years to truly support the pope’s call for synodality. Tagle was reemphasizing what he said back in 2012 during the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican. For “the church to be a place where people meet God, it needs to learn three things from the example of Jesus: humility, respect for others, and silence.”

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, said at the same forum when he made an equally strong plea for humility. "Evangelization has been hurt

and continues to be impeded by the arrogance of its messengers," Villegas said. "The hierarchy must shun arrogance, hypocrisy and bigotry… and that the Gospel cannot thrive in pride," Villegas said. "When pride seeps into the heart of the church, the Gospel proclamation is harmed."

After the stinging rebuke at the 2022 presidential election in the Philippines, amid Pope Francis’ call for synodality, the newly designated cardinal, Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila admitted, “Our local Church is far from being with the Church of the poor that we aspire to be. The Church does not know the poor and the poor do not know the Church.”

The CBCP president, Bishop Virgilio David, said during a speech delivered at the Manila Cathedral on the 50th anniversary celebration of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), “Many priests and lay leaders have tended to be more welcoming toward the wealthy and the influential.” Touché!

“We have tended to limit the church involvement of the laity to serving the Church rather than serving society as members of a servant Church,” he continued. Regarding inter-religious ecumenism, he blames the fact that the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, “[It] is precisely the reason why we have the tendency to be less concerned about (dialogue) with other religions.”

Such attitude and arrogance are reflected well in how the leadership

views their role in achieving synodality. Being predominantly Catholic, is a disincentive to do better, to be more Catholic, if you will, because regardless of their efforts, the percentage of Catholics in the country will remain static and that I believe, is the benchmark being used. Consequently, the situation on the ground remains static too when it comes to enriching the faith.

The poor are not only poor materially, but also spiritually. Week-in, week-out, they will fill the pews, albeit in overflowing fashion, climb images during processions, and hope for deliverance that the church can’t deliver.

Spiritual Life

Honoring God with our body

Last Sunday, our Bible Study focused on 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

If everyone know and believe that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, then there will be less sickness, less immorality, and less violence in our society. We will be more mindful of our behavior and the actions we take in taking care of ourselves and our relationships. We will be living a healthy lifestyle to prevent the many debilitating diseases that affects us – diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer , to name a few. We will be living a healthier and happier life and definitely, the Holy Spirit will find our body a beautiful dwelling place. My field of study at the University of the Philippines was on physical education and health education. Then I moved on to pursue public health and health education. Hence, I spent more than fifty years, “promoting health, preventing disease, and prolonging life through organized community efforts.” I had a very fulfilling career, having worked at various levels in the government, in the academe, and in the church. My work always made me conscious of my health, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the “state of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being,

and not only the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Praise God for giving me the opportunity to work in the field of public health. I have helped people assume responsibility for their own health through relevant educational approaches and counseling techniques. I’ve opened the doors for the less fortunate to access health and social services.

I’ve encouraged people to stop smoking, to eat nutritious foods and to modify their negative life style and high risk behaviors.

I could not forget the time when as the Senior Health Education Adviser of the Philippines’ Department of Health, I wrote on behalf of the Secretary of Health a policy statement which made it imperative for government doctors to modify their smoking habits. Doctors should not smoke while attending to their patients.

Then, I partnered with the Manila Sanitarium (a Seventh Day Adventist medical institution) in developing a Smoking Cessation

Today we celebrate the 27th Sunday in in Ordinary season of the liturgical calendar. Messages of the past several Sundays portrayed to us the dynamics of Christian community living, where members though always interested in following the Master often fail even in their own relationship, but fraternal correction and unity in prayer allow each member the opportunity to be reconciled with other members, especially with the model of a God, who is “full of mercy, slow to anger and rich in compassion.”

the Jewish society at that time. The statements at the end of the parable, however, speaks not only to the Jews of old but even to us who have been given the chance to respond to the universal call to be the followers of Jesus, the Son of God.

Program for health workers.

When I was the President of the Board of Women’s Work of the Philippines Central Conference of the United Methodist Church, I also spearheaded what I dubbed as “Alternative Nutrition Program”, espousing a healthy vegetarian diet, with the help of Dr. Rudy Imperio, a classmate at the Institute of Public Health’s doctoral program.

These experiences strengthened my will to pursue a healthy life style conscious of the fact that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I will soon be an octogenarian. I am still up and about, still doing volunteer work, still actively engaged in planning and organizing community events. My primary physician said that I am in good health as shown by the results of my annual medical check-up.

Thank you, God for allowing me to start a meaningful year and for reminding me that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which I received from you.

Do you love the Lord?

I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things. (Isaiah 45:7)

God will use pain in order to create a love relationship with His creation. This statement may challenge your theology. However, consider that God allowed Jesus to experience incredible pain in order to create an opportunity to have a relationship with His creation. Consider how Jesus created a relationship with Paul. He blinded him and used a crisis in his life in order to bring him into a relationship with him and use him for God's purposes. Consider how God recruited Jonah for the mission He had for him.

This is not God's first choice for His creation. Romans 2:4 reveals that God's preference is to show mercy and kindness: "Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" The problem is there are few people who respond to the goodness of God.

God loves people more than He loves their comfort. He invests a great deal into mankind. He desires relationship with us and

Hernaez

will go to great lengths to create such a relationship in order for us to receive the rewards and inheritance He has for us.

I have observed this process in the scriptures in working with people through years of ministry. I have noticed three distinct stages.

First, we live based on convenience. Our obedience is largely based on circumstances in our lives. We choose to obey based on the circumstances.

The second stage is the crisis stage. God allows a crisis to come into our lives. We are motivated to obey God in order to get out of the pain of our situation. Many times God allows us to stay in this condition in order to demonstrate His love and faithfulness during our pain. Gradually, we discover something new about God and often have a personal encounter with Him that changes us. Our

This was further reaffirmed by the reality of God’s generous nature and continuous invitation for all to work in his vineyard, promising equal compensation that comes from his forgiving heart especially on those who sincerely repent and change their ways. This was the message of last Sunday’s gospel with the first son who initially did not heed the Father’s request to go to the vineyard but “changed his mind and went.”

(Matthew 21: 30

Today’s gospel has a message that could be understood in the context of the past Sunday’s message. It speaks once more about the vineyard which the land owner “leased” to his tenants, left them behind and went on a journey. This speaks, in the first place, of the trust that the landowner has on his tenants who, misunderstood the act of entrustment

of the vineyard by the landowner, that when the time came for the landowner to claim the produce, sending servants for the purpose, the same servants were “seized… and “one they beat, another they killed and the third they stoned.” (Matt. 21: 34) More servants, accordingly were sent, and they were treated the same, until the son himself was sent whom they treated so wickedly. “But when they saw the son, they said tone one another. ‘This is the heir. Come let us kill him and acquire his inheritance. They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. (Matt. 21 36ff). What an ambitious act of “usurpation.”

Biblical exegetes would consider this parable to a descriptive way of showing the history of salvation that God made with the people of his first choice, Israel. This parable has infuriated many Jews, especially the religious and high ranking leaders of

Sa lahat ng ating pangaraw-araw ng kilos at gawa Wala ng hihigit pa na mas mahalga Kaysa makipagusap at makipagugnayan ang sa atin ay lumikha Hangaring ito sa pagdarasal lamang natin matatamasa.

Tayo ay nagdarasal upang sambahin at purihin ang Diyos Ipagbunyi ang kataastaasang ngalan ni Hesus Kinikilalang Diyos Ama sa kadakilaan ng Kanyang nilikha Makasama ang Kalangitan sa walang humpay na pagdiriwang at papuri sa Diyos na ating Haring dakila.

sa buhay ay ating makayanan At sa pangaraw-araw na tayo ay ginagabayan.

In baptism we have been made the “adopted children of God,” members of his mystical body, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ himself. The tendency, however, of usurping the vineyard as our own inheritance often becomes a human and natural desire, forgetting the reality that it is just an entrustment given to each one of use, to accept with gratitude, develop with openness and share with others fairly and generously. This parable should awaken in us the reality that the status of being coheirs of the kingdom of the Father is but a privilege that we must be grateful and always consider an opportunity to behold the goodness and mercy of the Father whose love and forgiveness as shown in the past Sunday gospels’ messages, we must always do and bring to reality in our own daily lives. As we have barely started the month of October, let us invoke the intercession of Our Lady, whose life should show us the real way of discipleship as she lived a life always faithful to the mission that she received since the Anunciation she received from the messenger of God, the Archangel Gabriel. Danny

Lahat tayo ay mahina, marupok at makasalanan Kaya ngat ang ating pagkukulang at mga kasalanan ay ating pagsisihan Taimtim tayong magdasal at buong pakumbabang hihingi ng kapatawaran At muling manumbalik na ang Diyos ay ituring tayong kaibigan.

Pinagdarasl natin na magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa buong mundo Tila wala ng katapusan ang mga kahilingan na nais nating kamtan. Ugaliin natin ang magdasal twi-twina Tanging paraan upang di mawalay sa Diyos na ating sinasamba Patuloy na tumahak sa landas na tama Upang sa Kanyang Awa, sa buhay na walang hangan Siya ay ating makasama.

very nature is affected by this God-encounter.

This begins to move us into a third phase that is a relationship that is motivated now by love and devotion instead of pain. This is where God desires us to be. Another way of saying this is we are no longer seeking His hand. We are seeking Him. We want to know God personally. Obedience will not last when the motivation is only the removal of our pain. Obedience only lasts when the motivation is loving devotion. Where are you in your obedience and what is the primary motivation? If it isn't love, why not tell the Lord you love Him today and want to know Him for who He is and not for what He can do for you.

God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so He can put them in enlarged places!

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SBA to Open Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Bonita

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –

Director Jeffrey Lusk of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations CenterWest today announced the opening of its Disaster Loan Outreach Center to meet the needs of businesses and individuals who were affected by Tropical Storm Hilary that occurred Aug. 19 - 21. The center will be located at the San Diego County Library Bonita-Sunnyside, beginning Monday, Oct. 2 in Bonita.

“SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application,” Lusk continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated. No

appointment is necessary.

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.5 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins

Tayo rin naman ay nagdarasal upang ang Diyos aay pasalamatan Dahil ang lahat ng Kabutihan at Kagandahan sa mundo sa Diyos ang pinagmulan Tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa biyaya ng buhay, sa Kanyang pagmamahal at ng ating pamilya Nagpapasalamat tayo sa lakas at tibay ng loob upang ang mga pagsubok

DBM

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“Don’t click a link that you think is trustworthy,” he added.

Dy adverted to the pattern of the Medusa ransomware group in other countries including the US.

“Usually ang ransomware, merong triple extortion scheme. 'Yung 1st extortion. Magbabayad ka para ibigay sa iyo yung susi para ma-access mo ulit ang data mo,” Dy said.

“The second extortion, sasabihin nila Philhealth, para di ka mapahiya, 'ito ang mga hawak ko, bayaran mo ako para di ko ile-leak 'yung data,” he added.

“Pero dito kayo maghanda sa 3rd extortion attempt. Yung 3rd extortion attempt, gagamitin nila yung mga hawak nilang datos para kontakin ang mga tao na meron silang data na. At yun naman ang ia-attempt nilang i-extort,” Dy said.

(You have to be prepared for the third. They’ll use the information they gathered to contact individuals whose data were compromised and they will try to extort from them.)

Bahagi ng ating pagdarasal ay pagsusumamo na ipagkaloob ang ating mga kahilingan Magkaroon ng patuloy na kalusugan sa isip at katawan Pagtibayin tayo sa pagmamalasakit at pagmamahalan Maging kasangkapan upang isulong sa mundo ang Kanyang Kaharian.

Mahalaga sa atin na ipagdasal ang ating pamilya at mga mahal nating yumao Pati na rin ang ating mga kaaway at mga taong sanhi ng gulo

On September 22, PhilHealth was hit by a Medusa ransomware attack, prompting the temporary shutdown of the online systems of the state insurer.

Hackers reportedly threatened to release the data stolen from its database should the agency fail to pay them $300,000 or approximately P17 million ransom.

But PhilHealth stressed that it would not pay for such an amount.

A week later, on September 29, PhilHealth announced that its corporate website, member portal, and e-claims were already accessible to the public after the shutdown.

Dy said that while the hackers did not leak information to the public, they provided the DICT a 40-minute video showing the information stolen from the compromised database.

“They posted a 40-minute video showing what they got. They’ve got videos, 1x1 photos of a lot of people, they’ve got GSIS cards, including some ATM cards of PhilHealth employees,” he said.

“Every data that is leaked and that includes personal verifiable information in accordance to our Data Privacy Law is serious. These

are serious data leaks kasi may picture eh. So number 1 you can ascertain the name and the person. May ID and may address,” he added.

On Tuesday, PhilHealth reiterated the recent ransomware attack against its servers did not compromise the database of its members but affected the application server and workstations of its employees.

For its part, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) warned of adverse effects of the compromised PhilHealth data.

“Nagpapanggap 'yung kausap natin na kilala tayo. May initial info na sila. Alam ang pangalan mo, address mo, baka alam din ang birthday mo. Kukunin yung tiwala mo. Kukuha pa siya ng more information para ma-compromise ang bank account, e-wallet,” NPC Complaints and Investigation Division Chief Michael Santos said. “Kinakausap yung contacts. Kasama 'yung sa ibang identity theft at fraud na pwedeng macommit,” Santos said.

Earlier, the NPC said it is assessing whether PhilHealth should be held liable for the cyberattack. (MNS)

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera My

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

APO

Hiking Society 50 Years

USA Concert Tour 2023

TEMECULA, CA -- Pechanga

Resort Casino proudly presents the APO Hiking Society 50 Years USA Concert Tour 2023 that will be held on Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 8pm, at the Pechanga Theater.

APO Hiking Society are one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Formed in 1969, the group has released 27 albums, with two succesful tribute albums produced in 2006 and 2007 featuring numerous young bands. The group started with 12 members, but only 3 remained to pursue music—Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo. They have gone on to win many awards, including the first Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino by Awit Awards, the Filipino equivalent of the Grammy. In 2009, APO was inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame. In 2010, Javier,

Paredes, and Garrovilloo retired the group’s name after 41 years of performing. Unfortunately, in 2022, the group lost Danny Javier due to a prolonged illness. Now, to celebrate 50 years of performing, APO Hiking Society members Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo are coming to the Pechanga Theater to put on a show for their fans.

Hurry! APO Hiking Society

50 Years USA Concert may only strike once! This is a show not to be missed! Buy your tickets now from the Pechanga Box Office, or by calling 888-810-8871, or visit www. pechnga.com.

Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-of-the-art, acoustically perfected sound, plus comfortable chairs, and an up-close view from every theater seat.

About Pechanga Resort Casino Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States.

Voted best casino in the west USA

Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5500 of hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unrivaled anywhere in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 7112946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Instagram, Facebook and on X @PechangaCasino.

12 months from the date of the first disbursement. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https:// disasterloanassistance.sba. gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba. gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay

services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

The deadline to apply for property damage is Nov. 21, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is June 24, 2024. SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Disaster Loan Outreach Center San Diego County Library Bonita-Sunnyside 4375 Bonita Rd. Bonita, CA 91902

Open at 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2 Tuesdays, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time. A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr., founding editor and publisher