The Filipino Press: September 1-7, 2023

PBBM admin eyes sustainable dev’t in insurgency-free areas

MANILA -- The Marcos administration is focused on carrying out counter-insurgency initiatives aimed at pursuing “permanent peace and sustainable development” in areas cleared of insurgency, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said on Thursday.

In a press briefing at Malacañan Palace’s Premier Guest House, Año said the government’s peace efforts are now bearing fruit, citing the implementation of development projects and delivery of services to different villages nationwide that are now considered insurgency-free.

“Kahit wala na ang mga armed group, gusto natin tuluytuloy (Even if there are no longer armed groups, we want [the implementation of development programs] to be continuous) because we want to spur economic development in those areas and provide livelihood programs to the citizens of these barangays that have been neglected for many, many years,” Año said.

“Meaning to say, we are not just uplifting the lives of these people in the countryside, but rather building a permanent peace and sustainable development in these areas,” he added.

‘Whole-of-nation, whole-ofgovernment’ approach'

Año said the Marcos administration’s goal is to build

resilient communities all around the country and make sure that the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing, the New People’s Army, could no longer

recruit new members.

He said undertaking a “whole-of-nation and whole-ofgovernment” approach is crucial in realizing the government’s bid

The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) Announces Release of 2023 Duty to Country Education Project

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) is proud to announce the completion of the 2023 Duty to Country – Under One Flag Education Project. It will be released on August 30, 2023.

This project is the fulfillment of a promise made to the Filipino Veterans of WWII to tell their story of loyalty, patriotic duty, and solemn oath to serve under One Flag-- that of the United States of America. They served and sacrificed despite the betrayal of promise to care and compensate for them and their families after World War II.

“We finally created a lasting memorial in honor of the legacy of thousands of Filipinos and Filipino Americans whose uncommon valor and untold story will be remembered and revered for eternity. We will never leave them behind” said Antonio M. Taguba, Major General, U.S. Army Retired and chair of FilVetREP.

Duty to Country – Under One Flag is complete with multiple education resources that include:

* A comprehensive online exhibition, 10 detailed lesson plans, 14 explainer activities with over 200 educational resources available to middle and high school students.

* The website includes 25 hours of oral history interviews with veterans and advocates, 120+ highlight clips and 20 animations crafted from the oral histories.

* Features a deck of 30 profile cards of key figures and dozens of detailed illustrations.

* A 20-minute film capturing the

full history of FilVetREP.

* A 200-page graphic novel, In the Shadows of Giants, will be completed on Oct 31, 2023.

All components of the education program are fully accessible online, and FREE to teachers, students, and public at large. Teachers at middle and high schools across the country and in Hawaii will have the opportunity to learn, discuss, and discover this piece of American history.

Historical and cultural institutions will be able to share this program with the public. To facilitate this, Duty to Country also includes 50 minutes of teacher training videos to orient educators on how to use the Duty to Country curriculum in the classroom, a media kit, a variety of overview handouts, and a suite of free content tailored for usage in broadcast media.

This incredible accomplishment brings to life the story of the U.S

Philippine relations that dates to

to end insurgency.

This, as he stressed that the “missing component” in the peace initiatives is the convergence of all government agencies, stakeholders

and local government units to bring development and solve the root causes of insurgency in farflung areas.

“It’s not just a military or police

problem. But it is a whole-ofnation and whole-of-government approach,” he said. “What we can see in the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., finally matutuldukan, matatapos natin itong local armed communist conflict and from there, puro development ang ating itataguyod, sisiguraduhin natin ang (we will end this local armed communist conflict and from there we will promote development and ensure the) delivery of services.”

Asked if the government is targeting “zero” insurgency before the term of President Marcos ends, Año said: “While we may not be able to attain this zero-insurgent, at least they will be reduced to an irrelevant number that will not already cause concern for peace and order. They will be isolated and just become bandits because of lost ideology and non-support from the people.”

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres noted that a total of 69 guerrilla fronts have already been dismantled in the past four years.

Torres said there are only 20 remaining guerrilla fronts, with one of them still “active” in Northern Samar, and the 19 others are considered “weakened.”

Public feedback needed for 3rd Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project Community Workshop

SAN DIEGO, CA-- The City of San Diego will be holding its third Ocean Beach Pier Renewal Project community workshop on September 9th.

During this workshop, the City of San Diego and its consultants will present three preliminary design concepts for a potential replacement Ocean Beach Pier. The preliminary designs concepts are based on the public input the City has received, as well as other considerations. The City is seeking the public’s feedback on what they like or what they would like changed about each concept to help shape the final design concept.

As at past workshops, the City and its consultants will provide a presentation on the work to date, as well as what has been learned through the community engagement process, before presenting the three preliminary design concepts. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on workshop where the public can interact directly with the design team. Kids are welcome and there will be free ice cream, while it lasts.

Again the event is on September 9, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The presentation will begin at 2:15 p.m., followed by interactive workshops at the Liberty Station Conference Center located at 2600 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106. For those who have attended the earlier 2 workshop sessions in the past, we urge you to continue supporting with your presence and feel free to invite family, friends, acquiantance who you know can provide valuable input so the experience of visiting the Oceanbeach Pier is an enjoyable one, reflective of the values and

needs of the community it serves.

If you are unable to attend the workshop session in person, please feel free to scan the QR code on the flyer/ad and participate in the survey. Feel free to ask your friends, relatives and family members to

do the same. To learn more about the project, you may visit www. OBPierRenewal.com.

We are excited to hear from you and thanks for your individual / community participation in this important project.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chairs the 2nd National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) EXECOM Meeting, where he emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to encourage communist rebels to surrender, reintegrate rebel returnees into society, and support rural development. The meeting also included the swearing-in of the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS), further demonstrating the administration's commitment to regional peace and development. (MNS photo)

THE PAMPERED PINAY: Fashionable From Desk to Dusk

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

Our fall schedules are already blowin’ up! We’re dashing from work to weeknight dates, from school to social events! What’s a Pampered Pinay to do? Have no fear, my friends! My tips for looking fabulous from A.M. to P.M. are here!

Metallic Belts

Give any business ensemble a healthy dose of glam by switching out your daytime brown or black leather belt with a metallic one. Have fun letting your waistline shine.

Swap Shoes

Make a serious outfit seriously sexy with some sassy shoes. Come 5pm, trade in those classic pumps for edgier options. I highly recommend colored, suede heels that will stop your onlookers right in their tracks!

Statement Jewelry

Roll up the sleeves of your business blazer, and slip on a couple of chunky bangles or an oversized, animal-inspired ring…Confidently

accentuate your neckline with a necklace complete with a conversation-starter pendant…or clip on a touch of bling, and make any hairdo party ready.

Clutch Party Essentials Only Put the work away, and call it a day, Honey! Keep your larger, workfilled bag in the car, and make your evening bag mini. BTW, if you can’t go an hour without compulsively checking your phone, leave THAT in the car, too. Social media and actual socializing don’t mix.

Fit in A Quicky Color …No, I don’t mean a rush to your hair stylist. Quick dry nail polish may be a busy fashionistas best friend…well, next to dry shampoo that is. In a heartbeat, you can be stylish in any color of the rainbow or any color of your mood.

EmphasEYES Line your inner lids with an ebony cream liner for a sexy, smokey look…Put the purrrrrr in kitty chic with a sapphire colored

liquid lined cat eye…or pump up the volume with emerald or plum colored mascara.

Rev Up Your Red

If you’d prefer to perk up your pout, jazz up your daytime makeup scheme with a simple swipe of deep red lipstick. Every purse can handle an emergency tube of goto-gorgeous for those spontaneous (and, might I add, well-deserved) evening adventures.

Say, “Yes,” to every invitation that comes your way this season, my pampered friends. A new season calls for new escapades…and with these fashion tips, you’ll be looking chic from sunrise to sunset!

Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT, Hardworking Kababayans.... Do you want to send a love note at The Filipino Press ? Email us at filpressads@aol.com

We love to hear from you our dear readers!

VP Sara: ‘Nothing irregular, unauthorized’ in use of P125-M confidential funds in 2022

MANILA -- Vice President Sara

Duterte on Wednesday maintained that there was nothing irregular or unauthorized in the utilization of the P125 million worth of confidential expenses in 2022 even if such an item was not provided under last year's General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In a statement, Duterte said that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has already planned and identified events, activities, and projects that would be covered by the confidential fund as early as August 2022—two months after she took her oath as the 15th Vice President of the country.

“There was nothing irregular or unauthorized about its spending and the required liquidation and accomplishment reports have been submitted to the oversight agencies,” Duterte said.

The Commission on Audit (COA), in its 2022 Annual Audit Report, disclosed that the OVP had P125 million confidential expenses last year despite not having an appropriation for intelligence or confidential funds under the 2022 GAA.

Due to this, members of the Makabayan bloc wanted Duterte to explain the source of the P125 million confidential fund that the OVP got and spent last year.

For her part, the Vice President told the bloc to “end its rabid vilification of OVP over the 2022 CF if it doesn’t have any substantive information to back up imputations of misuse.”

“These incessant malicious attacks betray the Makabayan bloc’s lack of respect for the Filipinos being served by OVP and their inability to appreciate OVP’s involvement in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, and social inequality,” Duterte said.

The House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday quickly ended deliberations on the OVP’s P2.385-billion proposed budget for 2024 without fielding questions due to parliamentary courtesy.

The Makabayan bloc accused the

committee of censorship.

“Ito po ay pambubusal sa Makabayan. Nakita niyo naman po ang ginawa sa amin,” ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro told reporters. OVP's 2024 budget gets House panel nod with no questions asked The Office of the Vice President's (OVP) P2.385-billion budget request for next year breezed through the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday despite the objections of the Makabayan bloc over the agency's P125-million confidential fund last year.

Upon the motion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s son and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, 21 members of the committee voted to terminate the OVP's budget briefing with no questions asked of its officials, especially Vice President Sara Duterte.

"In line with the longstanding tradition of giving the Office of the Vice President parliamentary courtesy, I move to terminate the budget of Office of the Vice President," Rep. Marcos said.

Presiding chairman Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora immediately called for the vote after Marcos made the motion. Zamora also did not allow House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro to speak. "We have a motion for the objection. The chair now calls for the division of the House. Those who are in favor for the motion to terminate the discussion for the Office of the Vice President, please raise your hands," Zamora said.

"We have 21 members of the Committee on Appropriations manifesting for the approval of the motion the chair declares for the motion to terminate the presentation of the budget approved," she added.

Castro then sought to explain her objection against terminating the OVP budget hearing.

"I know we have the rights as the minority bloc. May we explain why we vote no?" Castro said.

DepEd expects more learners to

register in coming days

The Department of Education (DepEd) is looking forward to the number of enrollments in basic education to increase in the next few weeks.

In a Viber message to reporters, DepEd spokesperson Undersecretary Michael Poa explained that while some schools suspended classes due to heavy rains and flooding, the agency expects that more learners choose to be enrolled on the first day or first week of classes.

"Ang Kinder, Grades 1, 4, 7 and 11 lang kasi ang kailangan magregister talaga. Kaya tayo may early registration para sa kanila. Other grade levels, pre-registered na agad (Only the Kinder, Grades 1, 4, 7 and 11 need to register. That's why we have early registration for them. Other grade levels are immediately preregistered). Yung (The) enrolment is really just a confirmation of their registered status. So usually first day na nila ginagawa (they do it on the first day)," Poa said.

"Let’s observe till Monday next week kung ano ang figures (on what the figures will be). May mga suspended rin kasi (There are also suspended) classes today due to Typhoon Goring and flooding," he added.

As of 9:05 a.m., the number of enrolments in public and private schools, including state and local universities and colleges, reached 22,917,725, according to DepEd's Learner Information System.

The highest number of enrolments among the regions was recorded in Region 4-A with 3,488,180; followed by Region 3 with 2,626,684; and National Capital Region with 2,497,178.

Meanwhile, the least number of enrolments was recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region with 355,728; followed by Caraga Region with 650,421; and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with 699,007.

Last school year 2022-2023, the DepEd recorded 28,035,042 enrolments nationwide. (MNS)

NPC: Fines, jail time await sellers of registered SIMs

MANILA -- The National Privacy Commission (NPC) on Thursday said penalties including fines and imprisonment await those involved in selling registered subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

In a statement, the NPC, emphasizing its role as the sole data privacy authority of the country mandated to enforce the provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012, warned about the “serious ramifications” of registering SIMs “for the primary intention of selling them.”

The privacy authority said it was alarmed by recent developments involving certain individuals, who are “ostensibly acting as agents of malevolent entities” and “enticing unsuspecting individuals with monetary offers averaging P1,000 in exchange for SIM cards that have been registered.”

“This practice is not only prohibited under the SIM Registration Act (RA No. 11934) but it also places data subjects in a vulnerable position, exposing them to potential legal repercussions, risks and harms if a SIM card, registered in their name, is misused for illicit activities,” the NPC said.

The privacy authority said severe penalties shall be imposed upon those

involved in the sale or transfer of a registered SIM without complying with required registration or without properly informing the telco concerned pursuant to the provisions of the SIM Registration Act.

“More specifically, under Section 11 (g) of the SIM Registration Act, individuals found guilty of selling or transferring a registered SIM card without complying with the required registration under Section 6 of the same law may be subject to imprisonment ranging from six months to six years, or a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 or both,” the NPC said.

The agency also issues the following ways how individuals can protect themselves as a subscriber and data subject:

Awareness: Educate yourself about the legal and privacy implications of registering and selling SIM cards.

Familiarize yourself with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its provisions.

Vigilance: Be cautious of unsolicited offers to purchase your registered SIM card. Scrutinize the intentions behind such offers and verify the credibility of the individuals making them.

Report Suspicious Activities: If you are approached with offers to sell your registered SIM card, report such

incidents to your telecommunications service provider. Timely reporting can help prevent potential misuse of your personal data.

Reporting Change of Information with the Telecommunications Companies (Telcos): Promptly report any changes in the information of the subscriber (end-user) so that the telcos can update their database in accordance with the SIM Registration Act.

Identity Verification: Before transferring ownership of a SIM card, ensure that proper identity verification procedures are followed. This can help prevent unauthorized transfers.

Legal Compliance: If you decide to sell or transfer a registered SIM card, adhere to the legal requirements for reporting such transactions as required under the SIM Registration Act

“The NPC earnestly urges all data subjects to take heed of this advisory and to remain vigilant against participating in any actions that may put at risk their personal data,” the privacy body said.

“The NPC remains committed to safeguarding the data privacy rights of every Filipino citizen, and we stand ready to take appropriate action against those who disregard and violate the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and related issuances,” it added. (MNS)

RESILIENT FILIPINO-AMERICANS STILL ACHIEVING

THE AMERICAN DREAM DESPITE THESE EXTRAORDINARY TIMES

“Everything can be taken from a man but…the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

- Victor Frankl Austrian psychiatrist and

Holocaust survivor

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Back to those dark days of American history

– Carlos Bulosan, arguably the most influential Filipino American poet and novelist in U.S. history and who wrote prolifically about the experiences of Filipinos in America during the early to mid1900s – related the struggles of early Filipinos in the U.S. to the prosecutions of Black individuals (and other groups.) For instance, in his famous work “America is in the Heart: A Personal History” Bulosan wrote:

“America is not a land of one race or one class of men. We are all Americans that have toiled and suffered and known oppression and defeat from the first Indian that offered peace in Manhattan to the last Filipino pea picker. America is not bound by geographical latitudes. America is not merely a land or an institution. America is in the hearts of men (and women) that died for freedom; it is also in the eyes of men (and women) that are building a new world…America is also the nameless foreigner, the homeless refugee, the hungry boy begging for a job and the black body dangling from a tree. America is the illiterate immigrant who is ashamed that the world of books and intellectual opportunities is closed to him. We are that nameless foreigner, that nameless refugee, that hungry boy, that illiterate immigrant and that lynched black body. All of us, from the first Adams to the last Filipino, native born or alien, educated or illiterate – We are America!”

Fast forwarding to the current times, some people say jobs are disappearing. Incomes are plummeting. Inequality is rampant. Health is deteriorating, and our quality-of-life pales in comparison to the good, old days.

Or so we’re told.

But the fact is, the American free-enterprise system continues to deliver prosperity, equality, and an improved standard of living across virtually all segments of the population. As Mark Twain once said, “It isn’t what we don’t know

that kills us, it’s everything we know that ain’t so.”

Some would like us to believe that the American Dream has turned into a nightmare and the best opportunities are already behind us. But few people realize that many of these depressing reports are selected with only one goal in mind: to produce headlines. The media ignore an overwhelming mountain of facts proving that in many ways life here in the United States of America is good and getting better. Distorted and ill-informed views of reality fed to us by the media can significantly alter our decisions about how we direct our lives. When we allow negative bias from some of the news media to distort our perception of truth, we trade our rose-tinted glasses for dark eye patches, which block our ability to see the abundance and opportunities available to us. And when we fail to appreciate the gifts we have, we typically fall short to put them to good use.

According to studies and statistics based on characteristics and adaptation outcomes of firstgeneration immigrants, Filipino Americans have produced the highest percentage of stable, successful families among all groups of Americans.

Wow! Isn’t that awesome!

And I do think that closer scrutiny of the intergenerational relationships forged between the immigrant Filipino parents and their children born and raised in America overtime would be quite revealing for that particular point of view.

Now, allow me please to digress a bit: Shhh…it’s a surprise!

Ha-ha-ha-ha!!

Last Sunday, August 27th at 1:30 PM sharp – my wife Zeny and I were honored to get invited to participate in a well-attended 50th birthday celebration for one of our old friends’ married children held there at Sunset View Park in Chula Vista.

The birthday celebrant couple Jason and Jennifer were born and raised right here in America. Both are aware of Filipino tradition and culture because their parents taught them so. And the happy twosome are quite successful professionals; Jason and Jennifer are an example of inspirational story from those Filipinos who were born and raised right here in America. Amazingly, both have also proven that even if they were not born and raised back

in our beloved old homeland, the Philippines – they have not forgotten their roots and nationalities – and they continue to practice and retain its culture and tradition.

Indeed, I say these secondgeneration Filipino-Americans have pretty much “filipinize” their American structural upbringing with their ethnic values and transnational connections which have help nurture and promote Filipino culture and values.

Incidentally, both Jennifer and Jason were classmates of my wife Zeny and I’s second son Rommel and his wife - our daughter-in-law Abigail - right here in our neighborhood’s Southwest High School. Rommel just turned 50 last January and now it is Abigail’s 50TH birthday comes the end of this month. And both were brought in the same mold as their

Inquire Before Sending the Wire: Tips to protect yourself from imposter scams

According to recent Federal Trade Commission data, U.S. consumers reported a more than 30 percent increase in monetary losses due to fraud and scams in 2022 compared to the previous year. Scammers continue to find new twists on old tricks.

Among the most common scams today are imposter scams in which fraudsters convince their victims to send wire transfers under false pretenses. The scammer pretends to be from a government agency, tech support firm, bank or other legitimate and trusted company then tricks their victim into sharing personal information and/or sending money.

While not the only method, wire transfers have emerged as a common method used by “bad actors” in their schemes to request and receive funds from victims. A wire transfer is an immediate form of payment – it’s like handing someone cash. Scammers are using wires in their scams because they know once the victim authorizes and sends a wire payment, funds are usually transferred quickly and are rarely recoverable. Wire payments are often used for larger transactions, such as home purchases.

When it comes to protecting yourself against all imposter scams, vigilance and awareness are your best defense. Stay aware to stay secure.

Tip 1: Trust and verify – verify before you trust who is contacting you and who you are sending money to.

• If you receive an unexpected text, email, or voice

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

– so to speak.

In even the most remote corners of the globe, if one hears the phrase, “The Land of Opportunity,” only one of the world’s 192 countries comes to mind: the United States of America. It’s one of the few countries where freedom and opportunity are largely blind to race, gender, bloodline, social status, and circumstance –and where the only limitation on a person’s ability to succeed is his or her capacity to dream and cultivate the courage to set out after that dream.

It is important not to overlook the fact that most of us did not earn our freedom. Freedom is our birthright, a gift from our forefathers for which a tremendous price was paid. Since the founding of this country, nearly 1.2 million men and women have sacrificed their lives in wars so that we might have the freedom and opportunity to make something special in our lives.

communism, and fascism, more than 60 percent of the world’s population today is beginning to enjoy the fruits of democracy. Anyone doubting the allure of America need only look at the numbers. In just the past one hundred years the United States has welcomed close to fifty million immigrants. That’s fifty million people who left behind their families, their friends, and their possessions to seek a better life. What could be more telling than the fact that people risk their lives every day to come here, not for a handout, but for an opportunity.

message requesting a payment, do not reply, click links, or call phone numbers included in that communication.

Tip 2: Don’t trust caller IDscammers are able to “spoof” phone numbers to make it appear as if the call is coming from a trusted entity, like your bank or utility company.

• Contact the person or organization directly, using verified contact information. If it’s your bank, you can use the number on the back of your debit or credit card.

Tip 3: Don’t share personal information - never give out passwords, PIN numbers (personal identification number), or access codes.

• Your bank won’t call and ask you to share your onetime access codes, PIN numbers, passwords, or your full social

security number. If you provide a scammer that information you may be giving them access to your accounts.

Tip 4: Don’t be pressured or rushed into making a transaction or wire payment. If you’re being pressured to send money immediately, it’s most likely a scam.

Remember: Your financial institution won’t ask you to send a wire payment in order to verify an account, receive a refund, or to prevent suspected fraud. If you are planning to wire funds – for instance to complete a real estate or home purchase -- and get a last-minute email asking you to send it to a new or unexpected account, contact the trusted recipient directly first to make sure they changed the instructions and not a scammer. Other examples that should raise a red flag include:

o If you get a call asking you to wire funds for an urgent investment—pause, think twice, and research the company and individual asking you to make the investment.

o If you get a frantic call from family member saying they are in distress or in a crisis situation and need immediate financial assistance via a wire transfer -- do not wire funds to a random account. Disconnect the call and talk to other family members first to verify if the story is true.

Remember, when in doubt, wait to send it out!

For more information on spotting and avoiding scams, visit the Wells Fargo Security Center.

contemporaries Jason and Jennifer were – successful second-generation Filipino Americans – with a very high quality of life in America – and that I am very much proud to opine from an immigrant parents’ point of view.

The above scenario - if I must say – truly sets out to dispel the myth that the quality of life in America is deteriorating. These particular group of Filipino-Americans were triumphant, contented and quite very happy in their peaceful lives here in good, old U.S. of A.! Moreover, it attempts to prove that across virtually every major segment of American life, living standards have never been better. These fellow “kababayans” of ours have certainly achieved their very own American Dream – “a chicken in every pot and two cars in every garage” and so on

Looking at America in a global context gives us even more perspective on just how fortunate we – as Filipino-Americans – literally are. According to political scientist R.J. Rummel of the University of Hawaii, wars worldwide during the twentieth century cost about 38 million lives, while governmentsponsored persecutions took another 17 million. From our school days we may remember stories of the Holocaust, Stalinist purges, Mao’s murderous rampage, or Cambodia’s killing fields. But we never really stop to think that the innocent people killed during those tragic times were no more deserving to die than we are to live. Their only misfortune was being born to a land where dictatorship ruled, and our only advantage was being born in a land where freedom reigns.

After observing the fruits of a free, democratic, capitalistic system, the rest of the world is finally starting to catch on. As a result of American leadership in protecting the rights of innocent civilians against Nazism,

ASK NAPCA

We chose several questions about senior benefit’s eligibility from the calls and letters we received and want to share the information in this month’s column. If you have additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427, (Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336

Email: askNAPCA@napca.org

Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

<Q1> I have received SSRB (Social Security Retirement Benefit) since I turned 62. Will my retirement be increased when I reach my FRA (Full Retirement Age)?

No. Because you started receiving retirement benefit earlier than your FRA, it was fixed with the reduced amount permanently. Beneficiaries can collect full amount only when they start to collect retirement at their FRA. They can delay applying for benefit up to age 70 and it will grow by around 8% every year during those delayed years.

<Q2> I am a US citizen and 58 years old. My husband just passed away. He had received

Fairly recently, for example, a group of Cubans sailed toward America in a 1951 Chevy flatbed truck outfitted with pontoons made from fifty-five-gallon drums and a propeller attached to the drive shaft. It’s heartening to see the lengths to which such people will go – and very disheartening, if I may say to see how many Americans squander their gifts and their right to make something of themselves.

As fellow Americans, we have not only a right, but also an obligation to succeed and live a happy life.

Don’t you think so, my dear folks?

I say our “kababayans” – fellow Filipino-Americans – the vast majority of them and if not the entirety – have all proven that despite prejudice, despite inequalities, despite American society’s attempt to keep some people down, if you are committed, believe in yourself, and have faith, anything is possible here in good, old U.S. of A.!

Indeed, the American Dream is alive and well!

For whatever it is worth, yours truly is a testimonial to that great American Dream all of us had before we immigrated to this wonderful “Land of Opportunity.”

Mabuhay!

Keep pressing on until you succeed!

May God bless America as always, now and forever!

Social Security Retirement. Can I receive survivor’s benefits now or should I wait until I reach my retirement age? Can I get additional assistance for living even when I can receive spouse’s benefits?

When you reach 60 years old you can apply for lifetime reduced Surviving Spouse benefit. If you qualify for retirement benefits on your own record, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. You can receive whichever is the higher benefit. If you wait to apply for the survivor benefit until your FRA, you will receive 100% of the SSRB your deceased spouse received.

You may be eligible for Medicaid now if your income is limited. At 65, you should apply for Medicare, and you can try to apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and/or MSP (Medicare Savings Programs) depending on your income and assets.

<Q3> I am 65 years old and have been in the US for 10 years by this September. I applied to be a permanent resident and will be getting my green card soon. When can I enroll into Medicare?

I heard there is 5 year waiting period. Do I have to wait 5 years after I receive my green card?

To be eligible for Medicare, a person must be 65 or older and must be either a US citizen or lawfully present in the US for at least 5 continuous years. You don’t have to be a permanent resident for the entire 5 years but need to be a permanent resident when you enroll in Medicare. Your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) starts

when you receive your permanent resident notice with card and lasts for the following 3 months.

<Q4> When will my Medicaid Redetermination happen? When will I get my renewal letter from the state? I haven’t gotten a letter from the state. What should I do?

When you receive Medicaid Redetermination notice depends on when your Medicaid end date is. In general, Medicaid recipients receive renewal notice 30-60 days prior to their coverage end date but every state has their own rules. Medicaid Redetermination is currently in progress and will continue for 2023 and expected to continue on a rolling basis through 2024.

It is very important to pay close attention to all communications sent by your State Department of Health, so your renewal goes smoothly and to avoid a loss of your insurance. That is why it’s important to keep your contact information up to date. If you think you should have received your redetermination paperwork but haven’t, you can call your local Medicaid office.

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM: The author and his wife Zeny (both seated, left to right) and with other family guests posed for posterity with the double 50th birthday celebrant couple Jason and Jennifer (seen standing, 2nd and 3rd from the left on the back) with their Mom Minda (standing at the extreme left on the back).

BIRTHDAY BASH VENUE: Both Jason and Jennifer's 50th birthday anniversary celebration were held at the Sunset View Park in Chula Vista, California.

Dan Cusick Wells Fargo SVP Fraud Prevention

Spiritual Life

Tips on How to Keep the Spark of Romance Alive

I am currently reading a book entitled, “Busy Couple’s Guide to Everyday Romance”, given by the author herself, Editha Rodriguez, with the following dedication, “Dearest Tia Auring and Tio Peter, May you always believe in the magic of love, for love is all there is. I adore and cherish you both, Edith.” Since this issue ushers in the month of LOVE, I thought I would share some of the content of this book to my readers, to keep the spark of romance alive in your lives.

“Is your jam-packed schedule getting in the way of romancing your partner? Romance doesn’t ever have to take a backseat to work, kids, chores or any of the other constant demands of your multi-tasking life. The most important person in your world deserves to feel loved, cherished, and appreciated, right now and always. And you deserve the same!

According to Editha, it doesn’t require a lot of time, money and energy to make each other feel special every day. Her book brings you the romantic wisdom of busy couples just like you – living their own happily-ever-after-romances. They reveal their secret to keeping intimately attuned to what makes each other joyful and committed to creating an environment of trust, devotion and respect.

With the constant stream of demands on your time – work, kids, career, extended family –romance hardly makes it to the top of your daily priority list, if at all. From multi-tasking to synchronizing to overwhelming, sometimes you ‘re just plain exhausted, period. You want to spend more time with each other, but there are only twentyfour hours in a day. Something has to give. In your case, it’s romance.

Personal Testimony

So you postpone romances until: Friday or Saturday night; your anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or your birthdays; you find a babysitter; the out-of-town guests leave; you return home from a business trip; the house renovation is completed; you finish that big project at work; or things settle down.

I have good news for you busy lovebirds. Romance doesn’t have to take a backseat , ever. As long as you have the desire and intention to deepen your emotional connection with your beloved, you can make romance happen every day. No schedule, no task, no obligation get in the way. Make romance a priority! Why?

Imagine the last time you were cherished by your partner. Go ahead. Close your eyes. Was it that moment when he wrapped his arms around you when you came home after a brutal day at work, and he held you long enough until you felt you were in the safest place in the world. Or was it when she skipped a critical business meeting so she could take care of you as you burned up with the flu?

Cherished. Valued. Appreciated. These feelings of well-being spill over to other areas of life. Because of these good feelings, you’re a

better parent, a better friend, a better neighbor, a better boss, a better employee – on the whole a better person. And because you are a better person, your creativity is limitless – inspired by the affection you give and receive. You are less frustrated over things you can’t control.

If you have the feeling that you are loved and treasured by your partner every day, your emotional connection with your partner remains strong even when you are physically apart. Because you feel appreciated, you don’t feel resentful, trapped or taken for granted when faced with circumstances that come short of your expectation. You have confidence that you will grow old together – happily. You take care of yourself better, for each other. Your relationship is constantly renewed, not only as husband and wife, but also as best friends. You banish monotony from your marriage. And you set a good example of a loving, enduring relationship for your children.

I’ll share more insights and tips on keeping the spark of romance alive in your life, compliments of Editha Rodriguez, an alumna of the University of the Philippines and currently a resident of Houston, Texas. Thank you, Edith.

There is no fear in love...

A friend is a sky-diving, mountain-climbing, hang-gliding thrill-seeker, but in the cave he felt sheer panic. He was terrified. He tried fighting his fear, but he kept picturing his dead body moldering in the cave. Finally, he told his guide he was about to lose it, and the guide said, "Hey, close your eyes and listen to my voice. I will keep talking, calmly, and guide you through this. We will be okay. I have been here before. I will get you to the other side. But you must listen to my voice. It will not work for you to let your thoughts run wild. Just focus on my voice." He did so. What freed him from panic and fear was not trying hard to quit thinking fearful thoughts. It was listening to another voice.

What voice do you listen to when you're in the cave and it's dark, when the ceiling is low and you can't back out? The Spirit longs to flow in our minds all the time. One reason why people have found memorizing Scripture helpful is that it helps us listen to the voice of our guide when we are in the cave. We set our minds on those thoughts that equip us for life. God does not want us to live in worry or fear. He wants us to live with bold confidence in his power. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline."

Danny Hernaez From Whom

All Blessings Flow

In the Bible, we see a pattern in which God rarely sends people into situations where their comfort level is high. Rather He promises to be with them in their fear. It is God's presence - not comfortable circumstances - that brings people to the best version of themselves.

Paul said that when we live in the flow of the Spirit, he does not make us timid, but instead gives us power and love. This is not the only place in the Bible where we see a close connection between receiving love and living in power. The apostle John makes the same association in one of the most famous statements in the Bible: "There is no fear in love... perfect love casts out fear."

When we live in the flow of the Spirit, we let the perfect love of God wash over us until our fear begins to leave. Modern science has confirmed what John wrote so many centuries ago. Love and fear are literally incompatible in our bodies. God wants to love you

Last Sunday, Jesus called Peter “the rock”, but not long after that, He calls him “Satan.” This is sudden twist in events is the episode in our Gospel this Sunday. Here, Jesus discloses what it means for him to be the Messiah: He will have “to suffer greatly, be killed and on the third day be raised.” Such is the Father’s Will for him. Peter did not grasp this, but kept thinking as "human beings do, not as God does." After Peter’s confession, Jesus started confiding to his disciples what it means for him to be the Messiah. “He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” This was shocking to Peter, as it was a common expectation then among the Jews that their longed-for messiah would be a warrior-king or a political leader who would fight and defeat their oppressors.

Hearing this for the first time, Peter was horrified and “took Jesus aside.” He listened to Jesus, yes, but seems to have only heard “suffer greatly” and “be killed,” and failed to catch the last phrase: “and on the third day be raised.” The thought of Jesus undergoing that kind of cruelty was too much for him: “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you!” It's easy to imagine the scene where he most likely pulled Jesus to himself and literally stepped in front of him, thus blocking their progress to Jerusalem. Here, we are brought back to the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the wilderness. At that time, Satan also “took Jesus aside” and tried to tempt Jesus to

repudiate the path God ordained for him: self-denial, humility and obedience. Jesus told him: “Get away, Satan” (Mt 4:10). Jesus’ harsh rebuke to Peter calling him "Satan" was metaphorical. His thinking “not as God does, but as humans do” made him an obstacle to God’s plan. Maybe we can understand Peter, though, for at that time, suffering as part of God’s plan was not yet within the grasp of his mind. Still, his act of taking Jesus aside was uncalled for as he was apparently trying to get ahead of Our Lord. Thus, the command to “get behind me” was meant to bring Peter back to his senses: Jesus leads; he and the other disciples follow.

Peter still had much to learn about thinking “as God does.” In order to prepare him, Jesus spoke about the mystery of God’s way: “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel will save it.” This is the hard lesson that he and the other disciples would need to learn. In the First Reading (Jer. 20:79), Jeremiah helps us to visualize this teaching. Feeling “duped” into preaching, though he also admitted:

“I let myself be duped,” Jeremiah thought of giving up: “I will not mention him; I will speak in his name no more.” As he cried out to the Lord in prayer, there came a strong leading that “becomes like fire burning in my heart; imprisoned in my bones. I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it.” In this, Jeremiah foreshadows Jesus. There was also a “fire burning” in his heart, and fulfilling the Father’s Will was “imprisoned” in his bones. He could not “endure” any deviation from it. This burning feeling is the deep “thirsting” for God, which we pray in the Psalm (Ps. 63:2,3-4,5-6,89), where power, glory and kindness is “greater good than life.”

We have to admit that we are still far from the ideal of what Jesus teaches. We may mostly still think as human beings do; slow to accept that human suffering is part of God’s plan. With this natural temptation besetting us, Paul calls us to the “renewal” of our minds; not to conform to the dictates of the world, but to think as God thinks (Rom. 12:1-2). When we cling tightly to the culture and the comforts of this world, we risk losing out on the real Life that God desires for us. Peter proposed exactly that to Jesus in the Gospel and our Lord had to correct him and call him back to allegiance to God’s way. As the apostles would soon learn, the path to glory - both for Jesus and for us - cannot avoid the cross. Suffering, though, is never the end of the story for those who walk behind Jesus. “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.” (Mt 16:27)

Masusi nating bigyang pansin at usisahin Ang bawa’t desisyon na ating gagawin Magkaibang panig at iisa lamang ang pipiliin, Dito nakasalalay ang takbo ng buhay natin.

Ating napapakinggan ang dalawang tinig na munti Magkaiba ang kanilang pangako at sinasabi Pagisipang mabuti sapagkat tayo ang pipili, Ang dulot ay tuwa’t saya o pagdurusa at pagsisisi. Pakinggan natin ang pagtatalo ng LIWANAG at DILIM.

Sabi ng Liwanag: “ Kung ang pera ang batayan ng kaligayahan Bakit may mga mayayaman na naluluklok sa kapighatian? Upang ang kaligayahan ay makamit Ang kaligayahan ng iba ay huwag ipagkait.”

Sigaw ng Dilim:”

Ano? Sa harap ng marami ikaw ay insultuhin?

Huwag kang papayag na ikaw ay lait-laitin Akala mo kung sino siya! Hindi iisa ang araw!

Iyan ang tandaan niya!”

Sabi ng Liwanag:”

Huwag kang tatanggap ng suhol Perang hindi mo pinaghirapan ay di sa iyo Kapag ito ay iyong tinanggap at ginamit, Ang iyong prinsipyo at paninindigan sa buhay ang kapalit.”

Sabi ng Dilim:” Kung ano ang bulong sa iyo huwag kang maniwala Ano bang masama kung tatangap ka ng pera Ito naman ay gagamitin para sa pamilya Hindi iyan suhol kundi regalo at iyan ay gawain din ng iba.”

- and in loving you, to cast out your fear.

Jesus was facing adversity when he told his followers that if they had faith, they could command a mountain and it would be cast into the sea. When my focus is on the mountain, I am driven by my fear. When my focus is on God, however, I am made alive by my faith. But if I did not have the mountain, I would not know that faith could be in me.

Use your imagination to picture being shepherded by the Lord in green pastures beside still waters. Is there any room for fear?

God knows that you can stand that trial; He would not give it to you if you could not. It is His trust in you that explains the trials of life, however bitter they may be. God knows our strength, and He measures it to the last inch; and a trial was never given to any man that was greater than that man's strength, through God, to bear it.

<(((><

PBBM recognizes noble contributions of Sec. Toots Ople, unsung heroes on National Heroes Day

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. recognized on National Heroes Day the noble contribution of the late former Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople in promoting the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as he paid tribute to the unsung heroes who tirelessly dedicated their lives to public service.

In his speech during the commemorative ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday morning, President Marcos said that Secretary Ople was a perfect example of a true hero as she dedicated her life to promoting OFWs’ welfare.

“We must mention a dear and departed friend who we can only

describe as well as a hero and that is our good friend who we just lost, Secretary Toots Ople. And she is a perfect example of what true heroism can be. She tirelessly dedicated the better part of her life to promote the welfare of our modern-day heroes,” President Marcos said.

Secretary Ople, a true champion of the Filipino migrant workers, died on

Sabi ng Dilim: “Samantalahin habang ikaw ay nabubuhay sa mundo, Magpakasawa at pagbigyan ang bawat hilig at luho Ang buhay mo sa ngayon ay ang tangi mong nasisiguro, Huwag ka ng umasa pa sa isang bagay na hindi mo kita at tanto”.

Sabi ng Liwanag: “ Ang buhay mo sa ngayon ay pansamantala May buhay na walang hangan manilwala ka sana Upang makamit ang buhay na walang hanggan sa kabila Paglingkuran ang Kapwa at ang Diyos na dakila.”

Sabi ng Dilim:” Di ba’t gusto mo na ikaw ay maligaya? Dapat lang na magkaroon ka ng napakaraming pera, Walang bagay na hindi mabibili, Sa limpak limpak na salapi.”

August 22 at the age of 61.

President Marcos also recognized the heroism of the electric lineman from Bacolod City, who braved typhoon Egay floods and risked his life to repair broken electrical wires to prevent the greater danger of electrocution and a farmer who prevailed over harsh weather and economic conditions to ensure a successful harvest.

The President also acknowledged the heroic act of a teacher who strives not only to be a good teacher but also to be a patient and persevering multitasker in various activities. He also mentioned a teacher who lent a hand to an elderly neighbor in need during the ghastly wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. The chief executive also acknowledged the OFWs, whose

Bulong ng Liwanag, “Umiwas ka sa gulo Huwag mong idaan sa init ng ulo Walang relasyon ang nagtatagal kung walang kapatawaran Mahalin ang kapwa, masamang gawain niya ang kasuklaman.

Bulong ng Dilim:”

Ayos lang naman kung magpalaglag ka Bakit ka magpapakahirap kung hindi mo naman binalak ang magkaanak?

At saka ang aalisin mo ay hindi pa naman buo ang pagkatao Kapag magpalaglag ka ay tapos na ang problema mo.”

Sabi ng Liwanag:” Pagisip-isipan mong mabuti ang gagawin mo Ang nasa sinapupunan mo ay isa ng tao May karapatan ding mabuhay katulad mo Maranasan ang ganda at pagmamahal sa mundong ito.”

remittances continue to serve as a strong pillar of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

As he recognized the remarkable contributions of Filipino heroes in shaping the Philippines, President Marcos urged the people not to forget them and to continue to tell the world the tales of their heroic deeds with genuine appreciation and of promise to emulate their actions and do better.

“We shall not take their heroism for granted. We will not spare ourselves of the moral duty to perpetuate the ideals that they have fought for, and to rectify the unsafe, inequitable, or exceptionally difficult conditions that necessitated their selfless deeds,” President Marcos said.

“Failing in our duty, their

Alin sa dalawang tinig na nagtatalo ang ating sundin? Ang isa ay ang ating konsensiya na tinig ng ng DIYOS, At ang pangalwa ay ang tinig ng mundo na tinig ng DIYABLO, Pangako Ng Diyablo ay langit sa mundong ito Ang makapiling siya sa kanyang kaharian ang Diyos ay nangangako.

sacrifices would have been all in vain. Collectively, their heroic acts, small or large, go a long way and make our country and the world a better place. To them, we once again earnestly dedicate this special day,” he added.

President Marcos also urged the Filipino people to collectively recall the heroic deeds of those who fought for the country’s honor and dignity from the warriors of old, revolutionary thinkers, war veterans, and the countless patriots who have helped shape the Philippines into becoming free, independent, and self-determined.

The President also urged everyone to continue to tell and impart their courage and wisdom to the youth “to inspire them and strengthen the identity and cohesion” of the Philippines for the century to come. (MNS)

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera My

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

MAGKAIBANG PANIG

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

Six of the weakened guerrilla fronts are from Luzon, seven in the Visayas, and the remaining six in Mindanao.

Given the latest developments, Año said the government is eyeing to reorient the armed forces’ on “external threats.”

“Because right now, we have so many geopolitical issues and challenges to raise. So, we need the armed forces to now focus their eyes on external threats,” he said.

NTF-ELCAC execom meeting

Prior to the holding of the press conference, Marcos presided over the 2nd NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee Meeting at the Heroes Hall of Malacañan Palace.

Marcos also led the oathtaking ceremony of the appointed Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS).

Torres said five agenda items were tackled during the NTFELCAC executive committee meeting, including the CORDS’ designation to regions to harmonize

FilVetRep

Continued from page 1

1892 – of the untold and hidden history of colonial imperialism, path to Philippine Independence, World War II in the Philippines, and the devastating impact on the lives of the veterans and families caused by the Rescission Act of 1946 – a law that still exist for over seventy-five years. This state-of-the-art project was approved with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. It was produced by the Filipino Veterans

the functions and contributions of the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council.

He noted that during the meeting, the designation of TESDA director general Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu as CORDS in Metro Manila has been approved.

Mangudadatu replaced Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople who passed away on Aug. 22.

Torres said the NTF-ELCAC also discussed the inclusion of 11 other government agencies in the executive committee, bringing the total number of regular members to 32 from the current 21 memberagencies.

The new members that will be part of the committee include the Department of the Information and Communications Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health and the Department of

Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), a nonprofit, tax exempt, charitable and education organization composed of dedicated teachers, educators, students, historians, community advocates, and families over the course of five years. It was developed by Night Kitchen Interactive, a leading and award-winning online education designer company in the country.

FilVetRep is deeply grateful to Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) for her stalwart support of the Duty to Country education project. A special thanks to Eric Schulz, Project

Migrant Workers.

Torres said there was also a discussion on the NTF-ELCAC membership of two representatives from the private sector.

He noted that the executive committee has agreed to include the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as an NTF-ELCAC member, representing the religious sector.

“These positions were never filled up since the establishment of the NTF-ELCAC… We need to review how we do things and we find it necessary that at this point in our campaign, it is necessary that we have two private representatives as memberagencies,” Torres said.

“Aside from the CBCP membership, we are working on a business sector representative to fill up the other slot for private representative in the NTF organization,” he added.

Torres said the meeting also focused on the inclusion of some departments, bureaus, agencies in 12 different clusters of the NTFELCAC, as well as the evolution of the half-way houses for the former rebels into unity, peace and development centers. (MNS)

Officer, U.S. Dept of Education for his outstanding assistance in producing Duty to Country. Log on to Duty to Country at www.dutytocountry.org and enjoy the program.

For questions and inquiries, please contact Valerie Mendoza, PhD, Education Outreach Coordinator at education@filvetrep.org, or Tony Taguba, Chair and Project Director at ttaguba@aol.com, or Marie Blanco, Vice Chair at mcblanco@verizon. net, or Jon Melegrito, Executive Secretary, at jdmelegrito@gmail. com.

“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

p BBM

Isang scan ka na lang mula sa pag-send ng pera sa Pilipinas kung paano dapat.

Itutok lang ang camera mo sa QR code para automatic na i-download ang Remitly app. May makikita kang app na nasa Tagalog, nag-o-offer ng nakakagulat na murang fees para sa pag-send ng pera at nagno-notify sa iyo kung nasaan ang pera mo sa bawat hakbang ng proseso.