The Filipino Press: September 15-21, 2023

MANILA -- The completion of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (NAEA) is the best birthday gift he could ever receive, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked on Tuesday.

The agrarian reform department presented to President Marcos the IRR of the NAEA, or Republic Act No. 11953, after signing the twoyear extension of another executive order (EO) imposing a moratorium on amortization payments by farmer beneficiaries on agrarian debt.

“Magpapasalamat ako sa inyong lahat, lalong-lalo na sa mga staff at sa mga empleyado ng Department of Agrarian Reform. Alam ko hindi naman nangyari ito – hindi nangyari ito kung hindi sa inyong sipag at karunungan na maibuo itong IRR na ito,” Marcos said during IRR launching and signing of the moratorium extension at the Department of Agrarian Reform in Quezon City.

“At ako’y nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat, sa lahat ng kasama natin upang mabuo natin ang IRR ng New Emancipation Law. On a personal note, nagpapasalamat ako – ito na yata ang pinakamagandang birthday gift na natanggap ko sa buong buhay ko.” said the President who will celebrate his 66th birthday on Wednesday, September 13.

The President signed the EO for the two-year extension of EO No. 4, s. 2023, which provides for a oneyear moratorium on the payment

of the principal obligation and interest on amortization payable by the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), to include even those who were not covered by the NAEA. EO No. 4 is set to expire on September 13.

The ARBs need continuous economic relief due to the disruptive effects of the pandemic, climate change, and ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The extension of EO 4 aims to include ARBs not covered by the NAEA, which only covers

those who have been indebted to the government as the law took effect last July.

Asked by reporters in an interview how the extension of the Agrarian Debt Moratorium enhances the capabilities of farmer beneficiaries,

By Selen Ozturk/eMS

Marcos said, “Right now, hindi sila nasama doon sa condonation, kaya’t ang ginawa — dahil nandoon sila pagkatapos ng expiration ng — may cutoff date para doon sa moratorium, hindi na nila naihabol bago dumating itong IRR kaya’t nasa gitna sila. Sila

ang matutulungan doon sa extension ng moratorium ng EO No. 4.”

As for his birthday wish, Marcos said he wishes for a much improved agriculture sector and better weather for the benefit of Filipino farmers.

“Maging maayos na ang agrikultura at malaman na natin kung ano ba talaga ang weather. Wet season ba o dry season? Para naman matulungan natin ‘yung mga farmer natin. Iyon lamang naman ang aking panalangin pa rin hanggang ngayon,” he said.

During the event, Marcos also called on everyone to support and take part in the implementation of the NAEA through a whole-ofnation approach which is vital to achieve its goals and ensure food security.

He urged the DAR, along with other concerned agencies, to strive for a smooth and immediate execution of the IRR to free the beneficiaries from the burden of debts and reap the benefits from the lands that they cultivate.

“Continue to facilitate the delivery of support services to all ARBs and make them your foremost priority in all our development efforts,” Marcos said in his speech.

“I call upon the beneficiaries to utilize your lands not only to cater to your families, but also for the rest of the nation.”

The President signed RA 11953 last July, which condones all

Gala Awards Ceremony at 19th

Filipina Leadership Global Summit 29 Oct – 02 Nov 2023 at the Hyatt Andaz in Prague, Czech Republic.

Filipina Summit’s 2023 theme is “Intersectionality: Filipina Women Changemakers.”

SAN DIEGO, CA -- ROHANEE

ZAPANTA, SAN DIEGO SUPERIOR

COURT JUDGE to receive the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World” award from the Foundation for Filipina Women's Network. She will receive her award at a Gala Dinner Ceremony at the Lobkowicz Palace, a 16th-century palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic in the Prague Castle complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are changing the face of leadership in the global workplace. They have reached outstanding work in their respective fields and are acknowledged for their

contributions to society, femtorship, and legacy. ZAPANTA was selected from an outstanding field of nominees from 10 countries this year.

BUILDER AWARD: Builders have demonstrated exceptional organizational impact in a large workplace environment, displaying a deep passion for a cause through collaborative initiatives or alliances

with institutions, corporations, or nonprofit organizations on behalf of her own company. Builders demonstrate high potential and skill with measurable results at government agencies, higher education institutions, nonprofits, or corporations in the public and private sectors. “Buildership” is about developing better organizations, leading broken organizations to adjust, repair, and re-align, including journalistic views redefining traditional methods.

FWN launched the Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award (Global FWN100™) in 2006 in the United States and expanded its search globally in 2013. Awardees have reached the pinnacle of their careers, breaking “glass ceilings” in the public and private sectors –

• First Filipino appointed by Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau to his cabinet, MP Rechie Valdez

• Former California Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye,

• First Filipino to become CEO of a Fortune100 company, HealthNet CEO and now Sterling CEO Cora Manase Tellez,

• Charles Schwab Investments CEO and now Commonwealth Club Board Chair Evelyn Dilsaver,

• Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Minerva Tantoco as New York City's first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

• Philippines former Vice President Leni Robredo,

• First Filipina woman elected Mayor of Manila, Dr. Honey LacunaPangan

Scammers are now using texts and AI to steal passwords, accounts and Social Security numbers as the newest methods of an increasingly lucrative fraud practice called “phishing.”

Scammers are now using texts and AI to steal passwords, accounts and Social Security numbers as the newest methods of an increasingly lucrative fraud practice called “phishing,” the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported in a media briefing it presented with EMS.

Ben Davidson, an attorney with the FTC Division of Marketing Practices for over a decade, described phishing as “an attempt to steal the consumer’s information, personal information, financial information, passwords,” often in the form of an email-based attack involving, for example, someone “claiming to be from Microsoft or attaching an invoice.”

Although these text- and AIbased innovations are on the rise, the practice of phishing itself is not new. American hackers coined the term as early as 1996, when it appeared in the hacking newsgroup alt.2600. The word derives — with a “ph” substituted for “f,” in homage to the first form of hacking known as phreaking — from “fishing,” analogizing the scam with the practice of throwing “hooks” into a sea of internet users.

Rising losses

As reported losses rise, these forms are evolving and intensifying, particularly in the case of text-based and AI-enhanced phishing.

Although fraud reports themselves have fallen over the last few years, said

Davidson during the Sep. 1 briefing, “the amount that consumers report losing is going up — so there may be fewer frauds, but they’re more harmful and consumers are losing more money.”

Per the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network, the first half of 2023 saw 1.1 million fraud reports (compared to over 2 million in 2022), with consumers reporting a total $4.4 billion loss.

The highest losses overall are due to scammers contacting people through social media, by which $658 million was reported lost in the first half of 2023. The highest losses per person owe to scammers contacting people through phone calls, by which a median of $1,400 per reporting person was lost.

The top-reported forms of fraud this year have been imposter SCAMS, with losses to business imposters more than tripling from $196 million in 2020, to $453 million in 2021, to $660 million. Reports of imposter fraud — in which the scammer claims an affiliation with, say, the government, a company, or a loved one in order to convince the consumer to provide personal or financial information — are over twice as common as online shopping, which is the second-most-

reported form, followed by prizes, then investments, then job or business opportunities.

Text and AI-based fraud

The FTC has particularly seen a rise in text-based forms of fraud: in 2022, “text message was the leading contact method for fraud complaints,” Davidson said. “That was the first time we saw that from all the ways that fraudsters contacted consumers.”

Text phishing scams often take one of five forms: bank impersonation (the most popular), free gift texts, fake package delivery, fake job recruitment, and texts purportedly from Amazon.

The most unique and elusive development in the rise of phishing losses, however, has been AI-based fraud, most often in the form of family emergency scams.

In these, said Davidson, the scammer uses AI technology to clone the voice of a victim’s family member with a 30-second sound file (often obtained through social media), and call the victim while impersonating this family member: “‘Hi Grandpa, it’s me. I’m in trouble. I need money.’ They say they’re in jail and need money to be bailed out, or they’re traveling

THE PAMPERED PINAY: Healthy Steps

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

Last week, I disclosed that I have been diagnosed as prediabetic and that I need to take better care of myself--healthier diet, more exercise. Our community has some of the most quickly rising rates of diabetes and obesity (two very linked health matters), and I want to thank those who have written me (or come up to me at the gym, different events, and stores around town) to share that you or someone you love is going through a very similar situation. Being diagnosed as prediabetic not a death sentence, my friends. It's a wake up call! It's time to do our due diligence, learn all we can, and make some better choices.

You all know I love a good research project, so I've been reading everything I can for us.

Here's what the Mayo clinic tells us:

"Prediabetes means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but it's not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Still, without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes in 10 years or less. And, if you have prediabetes, the long-term damage of diabetes — especially to your heart and circulatory system — may already be starting." 10 years or less?! The damage to your heart and circulatory system may have already started?!

WebMD shares:

"With prediabetes, you are at a 50% higher risk of heart disease and stroke than someone who does not have prediabetes."

A 50% greater chance we could have a stroke?!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give us this scary news:

"79 million Americans—35% of adults aged 20 years and older— have prediabetes. Half of all Americans aged 65 years and older have prediabetes. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5

years." Those are frightening percentages...and they give us only 5 years to turn things around!

Well, if that doesn't get you swapping burgers for salads and TV time for workouts, I don't know what will!

The rest of our lives--healthier, longer, fuller lives--starts right now, my friends.

The news that you're prediabetic can be overwhelming as can the action steps you need to take to reverse any damage already done to your body...but change is necessary, my friends. Here are 2 easy ways we can start:

#1 - Walk. 3 times a week, walk. Walk during your lunch break. Walk after dinner. Walk on the weekend.

I've found that, not only do I squeeze in some necessary exercise by choosing to walk when I can, I also relieve some stress, enjoy some "me time,” and get to play tourist as I explore new routes and take in our gorgeous city (that I normally zoom through).

#2 - Swap veggies for rice. Trust me, I like (ok, love) the comfort of rice with my meal...but our body recognizes rice and other carbs like any other sugar. As prediabetics, we simply can't afford for our blood sugar level to rise. Start off, little by little. Try cutting down your serving size of rice. (I like to use a small ice cream scoop to keep myself on track...Plus, it makes the serving look pretty.) Replace portions of rice with vegetables or a salad. Before you know it, you won't miss the rice like you once did. *promise*

We’re on our way, my pampered friends! Got questions? Got stories? Got tips? We're in this together, and I know we’ll have much to celebrate as we take do-able steps to our healthiest bodies and best lives yet! Here's to us!

Exclusively here in The Filipino Press--Follow Pampered Pinay, Francine Maigue’s, adventures as she represents our region with grace and honor as the Filipino-

American History Achievement Award Winner in Humanitarianism, Arts, and Community Service as an Outstanding Filipino American Young Leaders Awardee.

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

Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

Get Pampered Pinay tips and news first! Visit Francine’s official website: thepamperedpinay.com.

Want to view photos and join fun weekly chats with other Pampered Pinay fans?

Your comments could be featured here!

Simply check out www.Facebook. com, and search “Francine Maigue.”

See you online!

Got a business or event Francine should know about? Wish to agree or “agree to disagree” with her? Want to send her a love note? (She loves those.)

Email Francine at thepamperedpinay@yahoo.com.

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!

Begin the next step of your healthcare career today!

Complete your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Home Health Aide (HHA) Training at Heart to Serve Institute, approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

NON-PROFIT

SAN DIEGO, CA — Pag-asa Law Clinic, a non-profit legal group focused on the Filipino-American community in San Diego, is hosting a Naturalization Clinic on October 7, 2023 in Scripps Ranch, San Diego, California from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The free event will be held at Garcia Hong Law, a law firm located at 10680 Treena Street, Suite 160, in San Diego. Pag-asa Law Clinic is a group

of volunteer leaders, community advocates, and attorneys providing free to low-cost legal services to low-income individuals. With over 200,000 Filipinos in San Diego County, Pag-asa Law Clinic is the first Filipino based legal clinic serving Filipinos regardless of legal status and the greater community in Southern California.

“As an immigration lawyer, I have represented clients nationally

and internationally. This clinic is an opportunity to meet with Filipino lawyers who can speak Tagalog and other Filipino dialects to help our community,” said Grace Tenorio, Principal of Tenorio Law. San Diego County has a large Asian American Pacific Island (“AAPI”) community with nearly See PAG ASA on 5

Marlou Colina expands MC Aesthetics in San Diego market

are his product endorsers Mary "MK" Kintanar and Cindy Moussopo, loyal users of the products and swears on its efficacy that they offered to market/share the products to as

Acne System, Long Wearing Velvet Lipsticks, Thickening Hair Care System, Body Line System are available thru direct sale with its authorized distributors. The product launch was recently held at the Marriott Hotel in Mission Valley with over 20 attendees who listen intently as Marlou Colina educated them about Skin Health, Hair and Anti-Aging with his own line of Beauty and Skin Care Wellness products, which are all natural. The products are being promoted here in San Diego by businesswoman Ellen Nobles Sexsion with Fay Tabalon a registered nurse and aesthetician. Business opportunities are available to those who are interested by calling Ellen at (619)972-4387, Fay at (619)587-3269 and MK at (213)5226761, Cindy at (941)961-3568.

SAN DIEGO, CA-- Problems and solutions relating to Aging skin, acne issues, hair thinning, unwanted

dark spots, sun damaged skins and more are the topics covered during an educational seminar held recently

in Diego led by Marlou Colina, LVN, CLT, COS, a Medical Aesthetics Specialist. Accompanying Marlou

many as possible all over the US and beyond. The MC Aesthetic Systems with its Basic Anti-Aging System,

Consumers want to know who is behind the products or services that

are being offered to them and this is what this article is all about. So let's get started.

Who is Marlou Colina?

Marlou "MC " Colina is an investor, businessman, philanthropist and the Chief Executive officer of MHCO Group of Companies. A conglomerate company involved in Real Estate Development, Rental Property Management, Health Care Facilities, Oil and Gas distributorship in the Philippines, and MC Aesthetics Skin Care products which are now distributed globally.

"MC" as he is fondly called is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Psychology and degree holder in Licensed Vocational Nursing in California. He also attended a leadership program in Biblical Christian Principles in 2013. He began to venture into the oil and gas business in Cebu, Philippines in 2005 and expanded to Real Estate Development in 2013.

MC made waves in the Hollywood and the Filipino community in America as a TV personality on TFC,KTLA and the Fox hannerl, becoming a beauty consultant and a commentator for numerous events and academy awards which included the Oscars. He was also the editor of Balita Media from 20102016. He has served as a beauty consultant and worked for Filipino and Hollywood celebrities and personalities like Kylie Minogue, Selena Gomez, David Foster, jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, David Pomenrans, Jim Brickman , Broad way star/international artist Lea Salonga, Jaya and ABS-CBN and GMA 7 Stars.

MC is recognized for numberous accolades, which includes Nurse Entrepreneur of the Year for Philippine Nurses Association North Houston 2022, the Beautiful Life Celebration 2015, Hollywood California, Gawad America Outstanding in Cosmetology 2014, Los Angeles, CA, 100 Most Influential Filipino American 2012, Hollywood California, Celebrity Chronicles Outstanding Professional in Creative Make Up 2004, HACAP Grand Champion Bridal Make Up Competition, Cebu 1999.

Marlou "MC" Colina (3rd from left) of MC Aesthetics with product endorsers Mary "MK" Kintanar and Cindy Moussopo and Ellen Nobles Sexsion (photos by Zen Ply)

Attendees to the MC Aesthetics Skin Health and Hair Seminar, Learning the Science Behind Anti-Aging pose with dynamic founder MC Colina.

IS LIFE”: THE PASSIONATE PHILIPPINES MAKES HISTORY IN EPIC HOSTING OF FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 2023 THAT GENUINELY DELIVERED IN TERMS OF DRAMA, FAN ENGAGEMENT AND PLAYERS EXPERIENCE

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Greetings!

Have a great summer, Germany.

Dirk Nowitzki went into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and now his homeland stands atop the men’s international basketball world.

Tournament MVP Dennis Schroder scored 28 points, Franz Wagner added 19 and Germany capped off an unbeaten run through the World Cup by holding off Serbia 83-77 in the final last Sunday night, September 10th. It was Germany’s first World Cup title; its previous top showing in the event was a bronze at Indianapolis in 2002.

Germany went 8-0 in the tournament, becoming the fifth consecutive World Cup champion to go unbeaten. Schroder’s postgame news conference was briefly interrupted by his teammates, who doused him with water as they jumped and chanted in celebration.

“It’s an unbelievable group,” Schroder said. “It’s unbelievable going 8-0.”

Germany coach Gordie Herbert took the job in 2021, and his first official order of business was driving to see Schroder. They spent three or four hours together that first day, building a relationship that is now good as gold, so to speak.

“It’s a little bit of a surreal moment,” Herbert said. “it’s like I told the players. It’s a tremendous group of players, but we were a team first. Guys cared about each other and they challenged each other.” The notion of Germany being the world’s best in basketball was farfetched even when Nowitzki was the country’s best player.

Well…no more.

“In Germany, people are starting to recognize what we’re doing for our country,” Schroder said. “We want our respect as well.”

I say that respect was wellearned. Germany came up with a plan to ask its best players for a three-year commitment to the national team, with eyes on this World Cup and the Paris Olympics. This was the second year of that plan, and a team that didn’t even got out of the opening round at any of the last three World Cup – finishing 17th in 2010, not qualifying in 2014 and finishing 18th in 2019 –now has the Naismith Trophy in its possession for the next four years.

On the other hand, there is no doubt about it that the final buzzer to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 rang with a much deeper meaning for our “kababayans” –fellow Filipinos - who witnessed the best players from all over the world and immersed in world-class hardcourt action in Manila.

After setting a new attendance record on opening day with 38,115 fans at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, hundreds of thousands more flocked to the rest of the games at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay to root for their favorite players and teams.

The Filipinos’ love for basketball spilled all over on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the three top apps used by fans during the games, according to an internal report covering the Phase 1 games from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3. It was so much easier for local and foreign

MARLOU

Continued from page 4

In 2012, MC responded to his calling after he met Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In March 2013, MC went to Malawi, Africa and became a Christian missionary and built his first Church project. A year later, his company began building churches in Calayan Philippines in the Philippines, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato and partnered with the United Nations to build churches in El Salvador. To date, his company accomplished building and finishing 21 non-denominational churches nationwide.

Currently, Marlou Colina continues to expand his local and global markets on different platforms. He continues to educate medical professionals and inspiring people as a social media influencer and conducting round-table seminars

basketball fans to latch on to the networks by making available Prepaid SIMs and e-SIMs at stores and accredited retailers near the venues and airports.

All the networks pulled out all the stops to bring epic basketball fan experiences. The mobile network SMART signaled the country’s allout efforts to kick off the hosting of the FIBA World Cup 2023, as well as the larger-than-life passion and energy that Filipinos have for basketball.

The feat is no surprise for the Philippines where basketball is deeply embedded in the culture.

The country’s main league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has a solid base of passionate fans, while Filipinos are also avid NBA fans. The NBA Facebook page alone tallies nine million followers from the Philippines, making it the most significant online fan base outside the United States.

Parents name their children after NBA players, as seen in the Filipinos’ current pool of college players – Ray Allen Torres, Steve Nash Enriquez and LeBron Lopez. Ha-ha-ha-ha!

It’s no wonder top basketball players and NBA stars are eager to be in surroundings that honors their sport like a religion.

“The basketball environment is great in the Philippines, anybody who has grown up on the basketball circle knows that coming here, you’ll see the passion of the general public,” affirmed New Zealand Tall Blacks head coach Pero Cameron in the teams’ news conference. “It’s the basketball mecca.”

In this FIBA World Cup 2023, the host Philippines genuinely showed that basketball is life, indeed.

It may be dwarfed by other nations sporting prowess but our fellow “kababayans” fervor for basketball is gigantic, and enthusiasm for the sport – if I may add, too – was only intensified more during this 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

As we all know, basketball is played everywhere and certainly by almost everyone in our beloved old homeland – the Philippines –which counts the sport as a national obsession along with boxing and beauty pageants.

There is a basketball court of sorts set up near most churches, and whether it is in a cemetery or near a sewer, these places of worship are ubiquitous in the majority Catholic nation of 112 million people who co-hosted the FIBA world championship from Aug. 25 – Sept. 10 with Indonesia and Japan.

“We are excited since the tournament will happen here. There are many players from the NBA that we are excited to see,” college student James Froilan Almeda told Reuters near championship venue Mall of Asia Arena. The NBA is the U.S. National Basketball Association.

The Philippines might not clinch the 32-nation championship but it can win some games, added the young Filipino student. FIBA ranks the Philippines’ men’s team 40th globally and the women’s 42nd. Spain and the United States are in the top two spots.

both here in Philippines and US, including the Philippine Nurses Association in different states.

After the soft opening in San Diego, Marlon was asked as to how he feels about the turn out and reception he receives, " I am overwhelmed by the support and liked it" he said. He is flying back from New York to San Diego on September 16 to continue to meet San Diegans who wants get introduced to the MC Aesthetics Systems product line that will help solve their skin problems and emerge with younger looking, glowing skin even without make up. He also would like to offer business opportunities to our kababayans who wants to look good, earn an extra income by doing direct sales .

To attend the free workshop at Marriot Mission Valley 8757 Rio San Diego Dr, San Diego, Ca 92108 on Sept. 16 at 5pm, with free refreshments contact Ellen Sexsion at (619)972-4387.

it was a U.S. colony. American teachers introduced the game to the public school system, initially just for girls.

The appeal of basketball endured through the decades because of its simplicity, a veteran sports anchorman named Sev Sarmenta declared.

“The love affair with basketball continues,” he told Reuters. “I will give you a backboard right here, I will find a piece of wire, it becomes our ring, I’ll attach it to the wall here and we can play.” And it’s a scene repeated many times in many streets throughout the archipelago.

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

of Tondo, said he always turns to basketball when things get tough at home or at school.

which included amenities ranging from their own dedicated bar to a barbershop in every player’s hotel.

Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson's dazzling third-quarter performance carried Gilas Pilipinas to a 96-75 win over China in the final game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup for both teams.

Basketball also cuts across all social classes in this developing old country of ours where nearly half the population consider themselves to be living in poverty as a recent survey by private pollster Social Weather Services showed.

His teammates, bare-chested and barefoot, typically bet 50 pesos ($1) each per game, with the winner often using the prize money to buy everyone refreshments.

“Once I’m on the court, I forget all my problems,” the 18-years-old remarked. “At home, a statue of Jesus Christ wearing a Golden State Warrior’s jersey is prominently on display,” he adds.

Even though the cheapest ticket for the World Cup costs almost half the minimum daily wage, organizers did smash the record attendance of 32,616 fans that watched the 1994 FIBA World Cup finals in Canada –a testimony to the Filipinos’ fervor for basketball.

Truly, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has lived up to expectations and delivered in terms of drama, fan engagement, and players experiences, according to FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.

“What a tournament we had in Jakarta, Okinawa and Manila,” Zaglis told a press conference on the final day of the 19th World Cup. “It was a tournament spread out for the first time over three countries; a tournament that also had to be prepared during Covid; a tournament that saw two great venues being constructed – in Jakarta and Okinawa, the renovation of Araneta Coliseum, the beautiful Mall of Asia Arena and the Philippine Arena that set the World Cup record of 38,115 spectators.”

No wonder that the engagement on FIBA’s social media accounts was spectacular, too! Through the penultimate day, there were more than 10 billion impressions – double the amount from China 2019. The engagement was also doubled at 260 million. The 2023 World Cup three times tripled the video views.

“This is important because the images are what inspire the people and what makes the next generation want to grab a ball,” noted Zagklis, who added that within two and a half weeks, the FIBA media accounts added 2 million new followers.

Personally speaking, it’s a safe bet that most of those new followers were our “kababayans” …Ha-haha-ha-!

The 2023 World Cup also won a major step forward in the experience for the players. What started at China 2019, there was a dedicated program for the players from the 32 teams. All the players stayed in single rooms at the hotels.

Players Commission Chairman Dirk Nowitzki also visited the players’ hotels in Okinawa and Manila and provided feedback to FIBA about any adjustment to make during the tournament.

“Players who have played three, four, five World Cup said they have never experienced such conditions before,” Zagklis commented. “We are very happy when our players are happy.”

The link between the World Cup and qualifying whether directly or indirectly for the 2024 Olympics added extra drama, even further down the classification games.

“I really congratulated my team for the competition format. It was not only who wins the Naismith Trophy, it was not only who goes for the medal, it was not only who goes for the direct Olympics spot, it was who gets the direct OQT spot.”

“At the end of the day, the last game Philippines versus China was about the OQT spot because being 22nd or 29th makes a big difference. Same for New Zealand versus Egypt. They were playing a 17-32 last classification game and they were giving them all,” he observed.

“I don’t think any other World Championship or World Cup in any other sport has at this late stage of the classification games so much interest and so much meaningful games.” I concur!

If you – my dear folks – are not aware of it – basketball first came to the Philippines in the 1910s, when

PAG ASA

Continued from page 3

half a million people. It is the among the top 10 largest AAPI communities in the country. The AAPI community makes up more than 14% of San Diego County, according to the most recent census data by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Pag-asa Law Clinic provides legal services for those seeking support in areas pertaining to immigration, domestic violence, and unlawful detainers/housing issues. During the October 7, 2023 naturalization clinic, the volunteer lawyers will be offering pro bono services for status and citizenship matters.

“We will be rolling up our sleeves on Saturday morning to work through applications with members of our community,” said Ian Seruelo, Principal of Law Offices of Ian M. Seruelo.

If you are interested in attending,

you must send an email to President Diana Laranang at diana.pagasa@ gmail.com no later than September 27, 2023. We cannot accept late registrations because of the work up on each matter. You must bring the following documents: (1) copy of green card (front and back); (2) copy of driver’s license or California ID (front and back); (3) marriage

There were dedicated players lounges with a former player in charge as the liaison between the players, the teams, and the organizing committees. Former players also served as advisors on how to build these players spaces,

certificate, if the application is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen; (4)

Proof of spouse's US citizenship, if application is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen; (5) a copy of your last year’s tax returns to determine whether there is a fee waiver; (6)

FYI: Gilas Pilipinas did get another crack at its Paris Olympics hopes. After missing out in an outright ticket to Paris, the Philippines qualified for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) as it ended its FIBA World Cup run on a high note with a 9675 win over China on Saturday, September 2nd. Wrapping up their campaign with a 1-4 record, the Nationals wound up at 24th out of the 32 participating countries and secured one of the OQT berth up for grabs in the World Cup. Gilas Pilipinas achieved the feat by finishing second in Group M behind South Sudan (3-2), edging Angola and China in their three-way tie with a superior point difference. And looking ahead to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the FIBA Secretary General declared that fans should be excited that Qatar is hosting the next event. “Yes, it’s going to be hot but it’s going to be a tremendous basketball experience for those who love basketball. You will be able to see all the best players in the world in one city across four venues,” he assured.

I say - Yes, just like what happened in Manila! Mabuhay!!

Benefit award letter from the County, if you are receiving means-tested benefits (like Medi-Cal or food stamps); (7) List of travels abroad; (8) List of addresses for residence; (9) List of employment in the last 5 years.

Hydrofacial Available Chloe Han (858)262-1295

A local newspaper talk about Jessie Conde, a regular at a court built by waste pickers in the slums

“BASKETBALL

Germany wins the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 after beating Serbia in the finals.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 highlighted its historic record of 38,115 spectators in the Philippines.

Filipino men play basketball bare-chested and barefoot at a court alongside the train tracks in the district of Pandacan in old Manila, Philippines circa July 2023.

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abroad and they lost their passport and need money for a plane ticket. Maybe they’re in a car accident … There’s always an emergency. The skimmer also often says ‘Please don’t tell anyone, my parents will be mad at me’ ‘My spouse will be disappointed.’”

“The consumers we talked to who later realized that the person they were speaking with was a scammer and not a loved one a really jarring experience,” he added.

Avoiding fraud

Although AI-based fraud is often more difficult to spot than other forms due to its efficacy, Davidson recommended that those receiving an emergency call from a loved one use “a challenge question to make sure that the person you’re talking to really is who they say they are. It doesn’t need to be anything as fancy as a password arranged ahead of time. If I asked my wife, tell me something

about me and convince me you’re you, it should be easy for her to do:

‘What are our kids’ names?’ ‘Who’s our next door neighbor?’ ‘What did we have for dinner last night?’”

A “false sense of urgency” is common to phishing scams more generally, he continued, and to avoid them he advised that consumers look for grammatical errors or strange phone numbers and emails; ask themselves if they expect financial or personal disaster in lieu of an immediate response; block unwanted messages; use multifactor authentication on all possible accounts; independently verify messages by contacting the company the scammer is impersonating; and report the fraud.

“As a consumer protection lawyer

… I see fraud everywhere,” Davidson said. “If there is an extraordinarily urgent and someone calls you and asks for money,” taking these measures and “asking these sorts of questions to make sure you’re talking to the person that they claim is a really good idea.”

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

PBBM

Continued from page 1

unpaid amortizations, including the principal debt, interests, and surcharges of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) for awarded lands under various agrarian reform laws.

The law covers P57.56 billion in principal debt and interest, penalties, and surcharges of 610,054 ARBs tilling more than 1.17 million hectares of agrarian reform lands.

All cases involving the disqualification of ARBs or forfeiture of agrarian reform awards due to non-payment shall will be dismissed, reinstating any cancelled emancipation patent, certificate of land ownership award, or titles to the beneficiaries.

The law also enjoins the DAR to continue providing support services to all ARBs, such as the provision of extension services, credit and financing, and rural infrastructure.

(MNS)

PBBM wants ‘immediate’ enforcement of new agrarian emancipation law

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to ensure the “smooth and immediate” enforcement of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act.

Marcos made the call, as he led the ceremony for the presentation of the IRR of RA 11953 at the DAR’s central office in Quezon City.

In his speech, Marcos emphasized the importance of helping some 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to help the government attain its bid for food security. “So, I urge the DAR with all government agencies to strive for

a smooth and immediate execution of this IRR so that our beneficiaries may be freed from the burden of debts and reap the benefits from the land that they tirelessly cultivate, continue to facilitate the delivery of support services to all ARBs and make them your foremost priority in all our development efforts,” he said.

Marcos assured the local farmers of the government’s continued support to empower them and help the nation in securing a “more progressive, sustainable and resilient future.”

“This will enable us and ARBs and the rest of our farmers to realize the utmost potential and reach for our aspirations for our families, for our communities and for our country,” he said.

“To achieve this, we have collaborated with experts, we have strengthened our supply chains and pushed for the enactment of the new agrarian emancipation act. I therefore acknowledge the efforts of the DAR and other implementing agencies for supporting our endeavor to help our producers lead more dignified lives and attain food security for our people,” Marcos added.

Signed into law on July 9, 2023, RA 11953 condones all loans, including interests, penalties and surcharges incurred by ARBs from land awarded to them.

The condonation covers an estimated 1.173 million hectares of land that will benefit around 610,054 ARBs who incurred an estimated PHP57.55 billion in unpaid amortizations.

RA 11953 also terminates the payment of PHP206.247 million in unpaid just compensation to the landowners by 10,201 ARBs tilling 11,531 hectares of land acquired through the voluntary land transfer or the direct payment scheme (VLT/ DPS).

Additional benefits for ARBs include exemption from payment of

estate tax and mandatory inclusion in the Registry System of Basic Sectors in Agriculture to give them easy access to support services of the Department of Agriculture.

The IRR also provides procedures to accelerate the processes of condonation of the agrarian debt and the payment by the government of unpaid just compensation to landowners for lands acquired under the VLT/DPS.

The law also orders the outright condonation of the principal loan of PHP14.5 billion, including interests, penalties and surcharges of the 263,622 ARBs tilling some 409,206 hectares of agrarian reform lands.

The condonation of the remaining PHP43.057 billion in unpaid debt of 346,432 ARBs tilling 763,894.66 hectares of agrarian reform lands will be completed within three years from July 24, 2023, or the date of the effectivity of RA 11953.

Extending agrarian debt moratorium

During the event, Marcos also signed an executive order (EO), extending the moratorium on the payment of the principal obligation and interest of the amortization due and payable by ARBs for the lands awarded to them.

The new EO extends the agrarian debt moratorium under EO 4 issued on Sept. 13, 2022 for another two years, or until Sept. 13, 2025.

Marcos’ latest directive will benefit some 129,059 beneficiaries tilling 158,209.94 hectares of land whose land awards did not reach the cut-off on July 24, 2023 provided in RA 11954 to qualify for the condonation of agrarian debt.

“This (new EO) provides for the moratorium of the principal obligation and interest of amortization payable by the ARB, to include even those who are not covered by the new emancipation law,” Marcos said. Birthday wish

Marcos, who will celebrate his 66th birthday on Wednesday (Sept. 13), said he wished for the continued development of the agriculture sector in the country.

Asked for his birthday wish, Marcos said: “Naku. Maging maayos na ang agrikultura... ‘Yun lamang naman ang aking panalangin pa rin hanggang ngayon (I hope) agriculture will improve. That is my only prayer until now.”

Marcos also considered as the “best” birthday gift the issuance of the IRR of RA 11953.

“As we chart a path towards a more self-sufficient and equitable Philippines, this administration reaffirms its commitment to enrich the lives of our farmers, ensure the rapid industrialization of our farmlands and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the countryside,” he said. (MNS)

Prayer to Saint Expedite 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 DivineWill Amen

PBBM to biz community: PH offers ‘endless opportunities’

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday wooed the foreign business community to invest in the Philippines, telling them that they could consider the country as a “strategic partner with endless opportunities".

Speaking before a select group of chief executive officers (CEOs) and top investors at the 10th Asia Summit in Singapore, Marcos said the Philippines has demonstrated “remarkable resilience,” in the face of global economic volatility.

“As we navigate a world marked by uncertainty, the Philippines remains steadfast in its pursuit of economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development. Our nation's story is one of the resilience of a people who rise above challenges and seize opportunities to build a better tomorrow,” Marcos said.

“Given the strong fundamentals of our economy, I invite you to explore the Philippines as a destination for investment. Moreover, the Philippines' strategic location within Asia, coupled with our membership in regional trade agreements, positions us as a gateway to countless possibilities,” he added.

Marcos stressed that despite high inflation and local market instability, the country has sustained economic growth, noting that its gross domestic product (GDP) reached 7.6 percent in 2022, “the fastest rate of growth recorded by our country since 1976.”

He also cited the Philippines’ ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is considered the largest free trade agreement covering roughly 30 percent of the world's population and global GDP and over a quarter of international trade in goods and services, as well as 31 percent of foreign direct investment inflows.

Businesses, Marcos said, could invest in various areas such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism.

Continued economic growth

Marcos said the country’s economic expansion is expected to continue, adding that global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have projected the Philippines to grow around 6 percent in 2023.

“Our growth story is underpinned by a strong domestic demand and increasing fixed capital investment as a result of upbeat domestic activity and improved business confidence,” he said.

Marcos also emphasized the Philippines is a “large market” comprised of 110 million consumers “whose demand helps fuel our current and future growth.”

“Moreover, the regulatory reforms that we have recently passed, which liberalized many sectors, including public services, retail, and renewable energy, amongst others, are expected to encourage private investment and bolster the growth of our economy over the medium to the long term,” he said.

"So, in conclusion, as we stand here discussing ways we can collaborate, I invite each one of

you to consider the Philippines as a strategic partner in your journey. Our story is one of promise or potential of endless opportunities, and all waiting to be harnessed," Marcos added. Marcos is the first sitting Philippine president to deliver a speech at the Asia Summit hosted by the Milken Institute.

Carrying the theme “Bridging Complexity and Opportunity,” the 10th Asia Summit “celebrates a decade defined by greater access to capital, deeper digitalization, health innovation and the rise of connected, purposeful living.”

Founded in 1991, the Milken Institute is a non-profit and nonpartisan think tank that focuses on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life.

Measure to help salt farmers get easy access to financial aid

A lawmaker said Thursday the proposed Philippine Salt Industry Development Act would provide salt farmers and producers easy access to financial and technical assistance, allowing them to revitalize their once-thriving industry.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. said the positive development surfaced as the Senate passed its version of the measure establishing the Philippine Salt Industry Development Council (PSIDC), which shall craft and implement a roadmap to speed up the modernization and industrialization of the Philippine salt industry.

Villafuerte said under the priority measure of the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), the wouldbe PSIDC shall identify sources of financing and facilitate credit windows from state-run banks and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council for them to accelerate the development of the salt industry.

“With an archipelagic nation like the Philippines ironically importing over 90 percent of its annual salt requirement, the main task of the PSIDC is to draw up a short-, medium- and long-term roadmap to expand land area devoted to the production of this agricultural product, boost farm productivity, promote investments in this sector, institutionalize capacity-building programs for salt farmers and producers through the ATI (Agricultural Training Institute), and market overseas our Philippine products made from this nutrient,” he said.

Villafuerte said the PSIDC shall also create an Agri-Insurance Program for salt farmers and producers and set rules as to when locally produced salt may be subjected to mandatory salt iodization under Republic Act 8172, or “An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN).”

He said the measure aims “to put flesh " into President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goal to "revive the dying salt industry and help it get back on its feet on his watch.”

“Our goal is for the 19th Congress to help the Marcos administration revitalize the local salt industry by providing it with the right government support services for its protection and direction, specifically those

that involve production and development,” Villafuerte said.

LGUs with best anti-hunger initiatives to get P2-M reward each

The local government units (LGUs) with the best anti-hunger initiatives and practices on food security will receive PHP2 million each through the “Walang Gutom Awards”.

This after Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) chairperson Mel Sarmiento and Executive Director Georgina Ann Hernandez-Yang signed a memorandum of agreement at the DSWD Central Office in Batasan Hills, Quezon City on Thursday.

“Today is a very significant day because it is an acknowledgment that the department cannot do it on its own. We are celebrating that because I always say nobody has a monopoly on the right answers and ending hunger surely cannot be done by one department. We need to create a movement among every single Filipino to once and for all say we are ending hunger right here, right now,” Gatchalian said in a news release on Thursday.

“If the department pretended that we can do it on its own, then I don't think 2027 will be enough as a cut-off date,” he added.

Through the Walang Gutom Awards, the DSWD and the GPF aim to recognize and showcase the achievements of LGUs and amplify their success stories in ending involuntary hunger and malnutrition among Filipinos, especially children.

“That is why early on we told ourselves that we have to enlist every single Filipino out there to join this battle and to join this crusade. It is a movement. We want to end hunger right here, right now,” Gatchalian said.

“We want to end human suffering right here, right now and no child should go to school hungry right here, right now. That is why we enlisted the most reliable brand there is, when it comes to bottomup policy-making or bottom-up project creation, which is Galing Pook,” he added.

To qualify for the awards, the program must be implemented in the LGU, either in the barangay, municipality, city, or province; must be operationalized for at least one year; and must demonstrate verifiable and significant results in addressing food security and nutrition.

The DSWD and GPF will award 10 LGUs nationwide with each winning LGU receiving PHP2 million that they can use to extend the program and their beneficiaries.

“We know very well that there are success stories in fighting hunger nationwide. It is probably occurring right now but except that it is probably in one of those remote towns out there and the stories are not amplified. That it can be done on a micro level,” Gatchalian said. “So this award today, this launching of the Galing Pook-DSWD Walang Gutom Awards is a testament that we want to amplify the success stories in the local government units out there.” (MNS)

MANILA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. is optimistic that more projects in Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites with the United States will be operational next year.

During his visit to the EDCA sites in Basa Air Base in Pampanga on Wednesday, Brawner said the Philippine military is happy with the development of the ongoing projects.

“We're also very happy that we saw the development of the EDCA sites. We went all the way to Lal-lo in Cagayan and Sta. Ana and this time we're here in Basa Air Base. We're also very happy at the rate that the development of these EDCA projects have been going,” he said.

“We're very optimistic that for next year, we will have more of these projects operational so that we can work on our joint exercises right away and also our joint operations,” he added. US Indo-Pacific Command commander Admiral John Aquilino said the developments in EDCA projects are moving at great speed.

“The work that his team has done in coordination with our team to further advance the capabilities here in the Philippines, I am really impressed with the work of the team. So I'm very happy,” he said.

“I was here a year ago. The advance of the runway and all of the sites is moving at great speed and it's only because of the great partnership,” Aquilino added.

AFP public affairs office chief Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Ileto said the Philippine military presented its proposed projects for EDCA sites to its US counterpart.

According to him, the US military is “very positive” about the proposed projects.

“Narinig ng ating mga kaibigang Amerikano kung ano iyong mga proposals natin at I believe iaassess nila iyon kung paano nila mapopondohan, kailan ito puwedeng simulan at malagyan natin ng timeline,” he told reporters.

(Our American friends heard our proposals and I believe they will assess how they can fund them, when these projects can be started, and set a timeline.)

“Very positive ang naging sagot nila kanina (Their response was very positive),” he added.

On Wednesday, Philippine and US military officials visited and checked the developments in the EDCA sites at Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias in Cagayan; and Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

The visit to the EDCA sites is a prelude to the upcoming Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, allows them to build facilities and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

In February, the Philippines and the US agreed to designate four new EDCA sites in strategic areas of the country with the aim of accelerating the full implementation of the agreement. These will be established in Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Before this, there were five existing

EDCA sites: Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.

EDCA sites vital for humanitarian aid, disaster reliefUS admiral

A ranking American military official on Wednesday said the development of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations would greatly enhance the interoperability of Filipino and American troops.

"We have identified several projects that benefit the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and allow the United States and the Philippines to operate together effectively, exercise together and increase our interoperability," United States Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral John Aquilino said in a press briefing at the Basa Air Base in Pampanga, which houses an EDCA site in the country.

Aside from the Basa Air Base, Aquilino, together with AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson also visited EDCA sites in Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias, both in Cagayan province.

He also emphasized that all EDCA sites are sovereign Philippine territory.

He added that EDCA sites are very useful for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions as proven by the use of the Lal-lo Airfield EDCA site for relief missions during the height of Typhoon Egay last August.

"We were at Lal-lo today (Wednesday), Lal-lo was a place where the United States and the Philippines came together to support the most recent humanitarian assistance to the Philippine people which is the best example of why these EDCA sites are important," he added.

Aquilino also lauded the progress of EDCA projects during their visit.

“The work that [General Brawner’s] team has done in coordination with our team to further advance capabilities here in the Philippines is truly impressive. We're very pleased. I was here a year ago, and the progress of the runway and all the sites is moving at a great pace, thanks to our strong partnership," Aquilino said.

Meanwhile, Brawner also expressed optimism that more of these projects will become operational by next year to support joint exercises and operations.

“We are very pleased with the progress of these projects, and we are highly optimistic that next year, more of these projects will be operational, allowing us to engage in joint exercises and operations immediately,” the AFP chief noted.

The two officials also added that all future projects will undergo vetting by the Philippine government for consideration in future operations and mutual benefit.

The five initial EDCA sites are the Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

Meanwhile, the additional four sites are Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac

Island in Palawan.

PH, US military officials to visit EDCA sites in Cagayan, Pampanga Philippine and US military officials are set to visit areas identified as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations in Cagayan and Pampanga on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday.

Those who will visit the sites include AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., US Indo-Pacific Command commander Admiral John Aquilino, and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, the AFP said in a statement.

The EDCA sites to be visited are those in Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; and Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

According to the AFP, the officials will have an extensive tour of the completed EDCA projects at Basa Air Base. Senior military officials are expected to see the potential of the sites for the development of facilities to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations as well as the modernization priorities of the AFP. For the AFP, the visit shows the commitment of the two countries in boosting its cooperation, which ensures that both militaries are prepared and well-equipped to respond to “evolving security challenges and humanitarian crises.”

The visit to the EDCA sites is a prelude to the upcoming Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday, according to the AFP.

“These activities underscore the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and US militaries in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster response efforts,” the AFP said.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, allows them to build facilities and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

In February, the Philippines and the US agreed to designate four new EDCA sites in strategic areas of the country with the aim of accelerating the full implementation of the agreement.

These will be established in Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Before this, there were five existing EDCA sites: Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City.

On Monday, Carlson said senior Philippine and US military officials are set to meet in Manila in the coming days to discuss assistance programs and large-scale exercises as part of the MDB-SEB activity.

“In the coming days, senior military leaders from the US and the Philippines will meet here in Manila for the annual MDB-SE meeting to finalize our shared plans for the coming year,” she said.

She added that the meeting aims to set “a course of action through assistance programs, largescale exercises, and hundreds of smaller exchanges between our two militaries.” (MNS)

BACK INTO THE WILD. VP Sara Z. Duterte witnesses the release of 152 pawikan (sea turtle) hatchlings at Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Davao City, on Tuesday (Sept. 12, 2023). Duterte underscored the presence of children during the event to instill in them the values of responsible environmental stewardship. (MNS photo)

GRATEFUL. A beaming Rhealyn Latorre shows the PHP15,000 cash she received from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program at the Parañaque City Hall on Monday (Sept. 11, 2023). President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the distribution of financial aid to registered micro rice retailers to cushion the impact of the mandated price ceiling under Executive Order 39.(MNS photo)

Brawner optimistic more EDCA projects with US will be operational next year

Hello Dear Readers,

Do

MANILA -- Eight years into their marriage, Yeng Constantino opened up about why she and her husband Victor Asuncion have yet to build their own family.

In an interview with Ogie Diaz for his vlog, Constantino disclosed that, as a couple, their original intention was to start a family two years after they got married.

The second anniversary arrived, but Constantino confessed that she still didn't feel prepared for it.

“One time, pumunta kami ng Cambodia, nag-tour kami sa mga temple. Tiyempo pa, delayed ako. 'Yung sinasabi ng ibang tao na kapag naka-feel sila ng parang buntis sila, sobrang nae-excite sila. Sa akin po parang na-feel ko na natakot ako,” she related.

“Gusto ko rin po maging honest. Ayaw ko rin po maramdaman 'yun. Gusto ko kung sakaling totoo ito, dapat happy ako. So ako rin po nahiwagaan ako sa sarili ko, na bakit hindi [excited] 'yung nafi-feel mo?” she added.

Constantino then decided to talk to Asuncion about it.

“Sabi ko, ‘Love, delayed ako ilang araw na. Paano kung buntis ako?’

Tapos nakatingin siya sa akin. Sabi niya, ‘Ikaw anong nararamdaman mo?’ Sabi ko, ‘Hindi ko alam. Parang hindi pa yata ako handa.’ Tapos lumaon po 'yung trip namin, delayed nga lang po talaga ako. Na-realize ko lang na hindi pa ako handa talaga.”

Constantino feels that she's currently in a phase of prioritizing enjoyment in life, having become aware of responsibilities at a very early age.

“I really feel like I have to take my time to fix also my mindset. Kawawa naman 'yung bata kapag lumabas sa mundo tapos hindi siya lumabas ng nasa kaligayahan ng aking kalooban. Gusto ko rin po matulungan 'yung sarili ko mentally, emotionally and physically. Kasi may hormonal imbalance din po ako,” she said.

“Pero I can’t say na malapit na po or matagal pa. Kasi kung binigay na ni Lord, Panginoon, kalooban mo na talaga ito. Kasi ako sa sarili ko, alam mo na nandoon pa ako sa moment na ine-enjoy ko 'yung life ko. Pero kung

pakiramdam mo Lord na kaya ko na yung responsibility, kaya ko nang maging okay na nanay, hindi ako magdudulot ng kalungkutan sa buhay niya at ako ay magiging biyaya sa kanya, honor sa akin na ipagkatiwala sa akin ng Panginoon yun kung sakali mo.”

However, Constantino acknowledged that her foremost priority is to provide a financially secure life for her future child.

“Gusto kong ma-secure 'yung sarili ko at sa aming mag-asawa financially lahat now para kapag dumating siya, lahat ng gusto niya mapupunta sa kanya. Ayaw ko po 'yung mga bata pa kaming magkakapatid, medyo mahirap. Namomroblema po sa mga simpleng pangangailangan. So kaming mag-asawa, we are really working hard to prepare kung ano man ang magiging pangangailangan in the future.”

Constantino said she is just really grateful for her incredibly supportive husband, who truly understands her needs.

“Ganun siya. Adjust adjust siya nung nakita niya na hindi pa ako handa. Nakita ko sa mukha niya na medyo nalungkot siya pero naintindihan niya.

Sabi ko, ‘Love, secure muna natin lahat ng mga bagay. Tumatanda na rin yung ama ko, alagaan muna natin si Papa.’ Naiintindihan niya, nakakatuwa to have that kind of person in your life na hindi ipipilit yung bagay na alam mong hindi mo gusto.” (MNS)

“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

Spiritual Life

Meeting the housing needs of older adults

I just finished going through my re-certification as resident of the Congregational Tower, a 16-story building in the heart of downtown Chula Vista. I am very fortunate to be one of the residents of this beautiful place, with an apartment unit, which I call "my pent house" for the past 21 years. When my late husband and I decided to live independently from our children, we got the place that we prayed for - a unit at the top floor, thus giving us an awesome panoramic view of the skyline of the City of San Diego and Coronado. We can see from our patio, the sunset and its glorious colors, especially when there are cumulus clouds on a serene day. We particularly enjoy the fireworks coming up from so many corners of the horizon during the annual July 4th celebration. We can see the majestic Coronado Bridge upon waking up on a clear morning and the skyscrapers, the landmark which identifies San Diego as the finest place in the USA. As many of our visitors would say, "You live in a place with more than a million dollar view!"

The Congregational Tower was conceived by visionary leaders of the United Church of Christ, more popularly known as the Community Congregational Church as part of their mission and ministry in a growing community in the late 50's. It has undergone a massive make-over recently and a grand ceremony was held to inaugurate the "new" building. Like all the

other units, my unit was repainted, the flooring was changed, new air conditioners were installed, electric wirings and water pipes were replaced, new kitchen and shelves were re-built, refrigerator and new electric stove were replaced with new ones and so many more. So I practically live in a new home. All these without any increase in rent! We are blessed. All these new changes were made under the management of the Retirement Housing Foundation, a national non-profit organization whose mission is " to provide various housing options and services for older adults, low income families, and persons with disabilities, in an environment which enhances their quality of life: physically, mentally and spiritually."

It is very heartwarming to live in a place that is managed by an agency whose philosophy and values encompasses faith and belief in God, respect and dignity in the treatment of the residents,

honoring the faith and traditions of every religion and the nonreligious, advocacy for public policy that enhances the lives of the residents, practice of sound business principles, serving people and employing staff without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, gender, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, physical disability, medical condition and sexual orientation, and equitable and fair treatment of its team members.

Living at the Congregational Tower makes me feel safe, secure, loved, and respected, more so that you see around you, management and service staff that are truly committed to service and dedicated to excellence. My going through another season of re-certification reflects that I love this place. God has given me a home where love and respect abide and where I enjoy a good quality of life in a peaceful environment. Thank you, God for Your faithfulness.

(aurorasorianocudal@gmail.com)

Give me the strength to do Your will

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9a)

It started out like any other evening. Donny made dinner while Annie attended aerobics class after work. It was a good arrangement. Donny got to practice his cooking skills and Annie got to exercise. Once Annie was home, dinner was served. Unknowingly, their lives were about to change forever. In the middle of dinner, Annie's right hand suddenly went numb. Unable to hold her fork, she dropped it to the floor. "Are you okay?" Donny asked. Annie felt ill. Her head pounded like never before. Something was wrong.

The next day, Annie's MRI exposed bad news: a brain aneurysm. The good news was it was operable. Alarmed by the dreadful findings, Annie fell to pieces as the doctor explained the procedure. He would start by shaving her head where the incision would be made. Then, the brain specialist would remove the left part of Annie's skull. Her heart would have to stop for a split second in order to put a metal clamp around the artery in her brain. This would definitely affect her speech for a while. The doctor couldn't guarantee how things would turn out, but he was hopeful. Distressed, both Annie and Donny melted with grief. After sharing the news with friends and family, Annie sank into a deep depression.

The unknowns of her condition left her scared stiff. Her mind raced with possible outcomes. She didn't get out of bed or bathe for days until she visited her pastor. Surely,

Danny Hernaez

he could offer her the peace to face her illness. But peace didn't come during their conversation. "I need something more," Annie confessed to her pastor. "He is what you need," the pastor said, as he pointed to the large cross hanging at the front of the church.

Annie walked slowly toward the cross, knelt down in front of it, and cried out to the Lord. She didn't ask God to heal her. She didn't even ask to live through it.

"Just give me the strength to do Your will," Annie pleaded.

At the moment Annie placed her life before God, she was filled with His peace and power. She had no more tears. Annie knew in that moment, no matter what - live or die - everything was going to be fine.

Annie's surgery was a success.

Though it took several months before she could speak again and nearly a year to heal fully, she had something better than a life without trials or sickness. She had the companionship of Christ and the assurance of His strength and enabling grace.

The world's philosophy says, "What can't be cured must be endured." Our key verse says the opposite. What can't be cured makes us dependent on the power of God.

In that dependency, His power is given and we are made strong.

Last Sunday we reflected on two important actions that members of Christian communities are expected to do. The first is fraternal correction and the second, coming together in communion as faithful followers of the Lord. The gospel of Matthew chapter 18, verses 15-20 describes, in the first place, how the followers of Jesus are expected to act when an offensive action occurs in the human relationship of its members. Steps are taken in a manner that would expect the offender to be reconciled before he would be ostracized from the community. Towards the end of the gospel narrative Matthew affirms the presence of the Lord in the midst of the faithful gathered in His name “for where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Our gospel reading this Sunday, taken from Matthew chapter 18, 21-35 deals with the center of our Christian faith, namely, forgiveness. The parable of the master who forgave the servant for his material debts due to his compassion, as the gospel Matthew relates “moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him his loan,” is a concrete expression of the core of the Christian faith that even points to the original purpose of God the Father’s sending to Jesus

to the world in order to reconcile sinful man through forgiveness because of His unconditional love for humanity. Nevertheless, the act of forgiveness that is unlimited, as Jesus answered Peter’s question, “Lord if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? He declared that forgiveness, especially among the followers of Jesus must go beyond human nature’s trait:

“I say to you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Finally, the parable narrated by Matthew affirms that forgiveness is really expected from among those who consider themselves faithful followers of Jesus, “so will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives you brother from your heart.

The gospel reading of the past Sunday that spoke about fraternal

correction and prayerful group gathering, as well of today’s Sunday on forgiveness, may be understood clearly, when we remember how Jesus proclaimed himself to his disciples the fact that his mission of being the messiah would entail his rejection, suffering, passion and death, as mentioned in the past two other Sundays, in order that we may understand that fraternal correction and forgiveness among us, the faithful followers of Jesus, can only be realized when we, too, would truly embrace the humiliating process of undergoing the paschal mystery that Jesus went through in filial obedience to His Father. The act of being able to help brothers and sisters in a Christian community as well as forgiving the mistakes, if not sins of others, are not merely human acts. These are divine actions that we can only perform when we share the paschal mystery of Jesus that would make us humble instruments of his divine forgiveness. There is a very old saying that mention “to err is human, but to forgive is divine.” When we become sharers of Christ passion and suffering that would make us humble, then becoming instruments of reconciliation and forgiveness in the Christian community would be a reality that is possible to happen.

Ano nga ba ang ibig sabihin ng Colonial Mentality?

Ito ba ay bale wala, nakakasama o nakakabuti Sinakop ang Pilipinas ng mga ibang bansa Nang dahil dito nag-iba ang ating katutubong kultura.

ng problemang “brain drain” ang bansa Ninais manirahan at mamuhay sa isang bansang sagana Kaysa manatili sa Pilipinas at tulungan ang sariling bansa.

ng palayo, Darating kaya ang araw, na tuluyan na nilang makalimutan ang kanilang pinagmulan, ang kanilang pagkaPilipino?

I have come to learn this truth myself. God doesn't always remove me from my painful circumstances, but He supports me in them. This strengthens me like none other.

Something amazing happens when we faithfully cry out to the Lord in our weakness and believe in His perfect care. We experience His super-natural power and peace. Our faith suddenly becomes stronger than our fear, and our trust becomes a strong witness to others. Go ahead and be weak when the crisis comes. His strength and grace are sufficient.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your strong grace when my circumstances look bleak. In my weakness, I cry out in utter dependence on You. Make Your power known to me. Be my hope, my peace and my strength. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Father, help me live to honor you with undiluted desire. While I know you will send others to encourage and affirm me when I need it most, I also do not want to "sell out" my faith for the approval of others. Keep my heart, my motives, and my life pure of any contaminant that would rob you of your glory and your place of preeminence in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

<(((><

Napamahal sa maraming Pilipino ang bansang Amerika Isang bansang sa puso ng marami ay tinitingala Nagkamit ng edukasyon, naranasan ang kalayaan at demokrasya Nagpapasalamat ang mga Pilipino sa tinanggap na biyaya. Ang Pilipinas sa ngayon ay isa ng malayang bansa Subalit yakap-yakap at nakasandal pa rin ang bansang Amerika Gustong-gustong bumili ng “ Stateside – Made in America”Productong Pilipino ay halos binali wala na.

Bakit pinapangarap ng maraming Pilipino ang makarating sa Amerika? Nagkakaroon tuloy

Dumating ang isang angkang Pilipino sa Amerika Naniniwalang upang mapadali at masanay sa buhay Amerika Huwag nang kausapin ang mga anak sa wikang Pilipino Ingles na lang ang usapan ; sariling wika ay tinalikuran.

Ano ang nagiging bunga nito?

Marami sa mga Pilipinong ipinaganak sa Amerika ay tila nawawala Hindi naiintindihan ang sariling wika at kultura Kung sino nga ba sila bilang Pilipino hindi nila lubos na tanto.

Pagisip-isipan natin, ano na kaya ang kinabukasan ng mga apo natin sa Amerika?

Sapagkat hindi damdam ang pagkaPilipino, mula sa Inang Bansa sila ay palayo

Tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa biyaya ng bansang Amerika Subalit huwag nating itakwil ang sarili nating wika at kultura Sa kulay ng balat at sa dugo, tayo ay mga Pilipino Kapag ating tinalikuran ang tunay nating pagkatao, tayo ay magiging bansang litong-lito.

• Cebu Governor and former Philippines House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia,

• Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez,

• Country Head of Legato Philippines and former Undersecretary of the Philippines Department of Trade Nora Terrado,

• Millennial CEO and co-founder of MFT Group, a private equity firm, Mica F. Tan,

• Teresita Batayola, Commissioner appointed by President Joe Biden to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), President and CEO Emerita, International Community Health Services,

• First woman White House Executive Chef, Cristeta Comerford

• First Filipina elected President of the Oakland, California Board of Supervisors, Nikki Fortunato Bas,

• and four Admirals in the U.S.

Navy:

o First woman White House physician to two U.S. Presidents (GHW Bush and Clinton), Connie Mariano,

o Vice Admiral Raquel Cruz Bono,

o Rear Admiral Eleanor Valentin and

o Rear Admiral Babette Bolivar

Not everyone is at the C-Suite level – Jessica Cox, the world's first licensed armless pilot and Taekwondo black-belt, and Rowena Romulo, UK Restaurateur

“The Global FWN100™ awardees are innovators and thought leaders, dynamic entrepreneurs, rising stars under age 30, practitioners, and public service advocates, who have moved through the ranks in the public and private sectors. They are magnificent women doing extraordinary work trailblazing for the next generation leaders,” said Marily Mondejar, Founder and CEO of the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network.

“Each nominee goes through a rigorous multi-stage vetting process by the Global FWN100™ Awards Selection Committee composed of global awardees,” explained Teresita Batayola, appointed by President Joe Biden to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), a selection committee member. The awardees are selected based on the size and scope of their influence in their industries, communities, board affiliations, and other leadership roles.”

The Global FWN100™ Award is a “working award” with a meaningful purpose: A Filipina woman leader in every sector of the global economy. The awardees re-invent themselves, pay forward, and develop their global imprint with their Global Pitch. This two-year short-term project benefits Filipina women where they live. They “pay forward” by femtoring (female mentoring) next-generation leaders and women re-entering the global workplace and sponsoring their attendance at the Filipina Summit.

“To be acknowledged by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network, the premiere women’s organization for the global Filipina, is a unique distinction. It is not just a trophy. It is a validation of my

being empowered to rise above life challenges. It is a recognition that I have contributed, especially in my calling as a lawyer, to ensure that those who have less in life have more in law. The award I received in 2016 made me part of an extended global family- the FWN sisterhood. That, to me, is the value of the award. To be amongst strong, like-minded women who think wisely, feel passionate, love fiercely, dream endlessly, and laugh abundantly in between, is the true reward you receive as an awardee. To the 2023 Awardees- welcome to our sisterhood,” a ringing endorsement by Philippines-based Attorney Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, an advocate for the environment and the rights of women and children.”

‘Intersectionality: Filipina Women Changemakers’ is the theme of #FWNSummit 2023. Seeing all the awardees on stage at the awards ceremony assures me that the future of our young Filipina sisters is solid,” said Marla Rausch, Founder and CEO of Animation Vertigo, a motion-capture animation company. “Awardees share this inspiring evening with their moms, grandmothers, daughters, sons, spouses, partners, young women and men, co-workers, mentors, and bosses from their extended families and organizations. They all come on stage to celebrate her, which is a glorious sight.”

“We are proud to have Judge Zapanta as a valued member of our bench and welcome this recognition of her efforts within the court and the community,” said Hon. Michael T. Smyth, San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge. “Her dedication to mentoring future generations is most admirable.”

Salvador S. Idos

Pilipino Nurses Association of San Diego (PNASD) Annual Family Picnic

Officers and members of the PNASD led by president Perly Aguinaldo are shown on top photo before they wrap a day of fun, great food, fellowship and camaraderie when they celebrated their Annual Family Picnic. Other features of the event include games, opportunity drawings, line dancing and more (photo by Zen Ply)

Cindy Mac ( holding mic), presents the runway models who participated in her Musa Pink Runway Fashion Show. "Inspire, Empower Women with Cancer" themed event was held at Bankers Hill Club in downtown San Diego. The successful event was made possible in collaboration with House of Musa, Musa Fabric and MUSA PINK , local business owners, leaders and models, some are cancer survivors or who honor their loved ones who are battling the deadly disease or who passed on. (photo courtesy of Serina)

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