JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  1

♦ JANUARY 10, 2015 ♦

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PRESORTED HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  JAnuAry 10, 2015 EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor appy 2015—the Year of the Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Addressing the Filipino Ram! We trust that you had a Publisher & Managing Editor joyous Holiday Season with Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Physician Shortage family and friends. Commuters Associate Editors enjoyed a reprieve from traffic he ‘Ekahi Health System, through the ‘Ekahi In- H Dennis Galolo tegrated Practices and ‘Ekahi Urgent Care, during the Christmas break, but Edwin Quinabo opened a new clinic in Waipahu which is a crucial with public schools and the University of Contributing Editor step towards addressing the shortage of physi- Hawaii-Manoa resuming classes on January Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. T cians in Hawaii, particularly for Filipino doctors. 12th, expect gridlock to resume. This means leaving home a Creative Designer According to statistics from the University of little earlier and allowing more time for our commute. Junggoi Peralta Hawaii, the state is about 750 physicians short of the number In the political arena, Gov. David Ige begins his term and Photography that should be treating patients, based on Hawaii’s overall pop- is still assembling members of his cabinet, which includes re- Tim Llena ulation. cent appointees Jade Butay and Randy Baldemor (see “Ige Ap- Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan The problem is particularly worrisome for Filipino physi- points Two Filipinos to Cabinet” on page 6). The cians in Hawaii, a good number of whom are international Democrat-controlled State Legislature convenes on January Columnists 21, 2015 and will be dealing with such issues as the economy, Carlota Hufana Ader medical graduates (IMGs) educated in the and Emil Guillermo trained in the U.S. Their ranks continue to dwindle as many education, domestic violence and prison reform. The Senate is Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. of them are nearing retirement age and have few, if any, suc- led by President Donna Mercado Kim and Vice President Will Ron Menor J.P. Orias cessors available. Of the 2,795 documented full-time physi- Espero, while the House is headed by Speaker Joe Souki and Pacita Saludes cians in Hawaii, an estimated 150, or a paltry 5.3 percent, are Vice Speaker John Mizuno. Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. of Filipino ancestry. This equates to roughly 2,280 patients of On the City side, the Council hit the New Year running, Charlie Sonido, M.D. having held an inauguration ceremony for its newly-elected Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. Filipino- or part-Filipino ancestry for every Filipino physician. Felino S. Tubera With less immigrant Filipino physicians anticipated in the members on January 2, 2015. On an interesting note, four of Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. years to come, groups like the Philippine Medical Association the nine councilmembers are of Filipino ancestry—Brandon Contributing Writers of Hawaii (PMAH) and ‘Ekahi Integrated Practices are taking Elefante, Joey Manahan, Ron Menor and Kymberly Pine. The Clement Bautista measures to boost the numbers of Filipino physicians. Council will be working with Mayor Kirk Caldwell in the com- Teresita Bernales, Ed.D PMAH’s mentorship program allows students of Filipino an- ing months on passing a balanced City budget for the next fis- Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. cal year, scrutinizing the rail project’s finances, and dealing Julia Crowley cestry to shadow physicians from various backgrounds and Linda Dela Cruz specialties, while ‘Ekahi Integrated Practices is actively re- with homelessness and other important matters. Fiedes Doctor cruiting recent graduates of residency training programs both Our cover story for this first issue of 2015 is about the Danny De Gracia, II, MA opening of the new ‘Ekahi Urgent Care Clinic in Waipahu and Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand here and on the mainland to come to Hawaii. Studies show Amelia Jacang, M.D. that minority patients, particularly immigrants from under- the impact that the shortage of Filipino physicians in Hawaii Caroline Julian served communities like Waipahu and Kalihi, overwhelmingly is having on the Filipino community. With other states experi- Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. Deborah T. Manog prefer seeing a physician of their same ethnicity based on com- encing similar physician shortages, the competition to attract Maita Milallos munication, cultural and other reasons. new doctors fresh out of residency programs has heated up. Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. The ‘Ekahi Urgent Care clinic is not only conducive for Turn to page 4 and find out what the new ‘Ekahi Integrated Seneca Moraleda-Puguan Lilia Q. Santiago, Ph.D. those needing to see a physician after normal business hours, Practices, the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii Jay Valdez, Psy.D. its facilities support Filipino physicians by accommodating (PMAH) and other medical groups are doing to meet the de- Glenn Wakai their patients on weekends, holidays and whenever they go on mand for physicians. Amado Yoro vacation. An added bonus is that the clinic’s staff speak Taga- In closing, we do not know what the New Year holds but Philippine Correspondent Greg Garcia log and Ilocano and are culturally sensitive to patients’ needs. the Chronicle will be here to provide you with timely and in- Big Island Distributor A third component of the ‘Ekahi Health System is ‘Ekahi formative news that you can use. We wish our readers and ad- Grace Larson Care Management, which provides disease management, care vertisers a very blessed and bountiful 2015 and that all of your Ditas Udani management and well-being strategies. All three work as an resolutions for the New Year will hold true. Maui Distributor innovative healthcare delivery organization that unifies inde- Until next time…aloha and mabuhay! Cecile Piros Molokai Distributor pendent physician practices, urgent care clinics and care man- Maria Watanabe agement teams. ‘Ekahi in fact means “one” in Hawaiian and Advertising/Marketing Director embodies the company’s innovative approach to delivering Chona A. Montesines-Sonido quality healthcare. Congratulations to the ‘Ekahi Health Sys- HR 5859 or the Ukraine Freedom Support Act. For the first Account Executives tem on the opening of the urgent care clinic in Waipahu. We time, this legislation authorizes the U.S. to provide military aid Carlota Hufana Ader J.P. Orias wish the company much success in its efforts to improve the to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, ammunition and troop- The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published health and well-being of our communities. operated surveillance drones. It could in essence, put both su- weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- perpowers directly head-to-head in military armed conflict. The tributed at various outlets around Oahu and Ukraine Freedom Support Act also expands existing sanctions the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- and sets new ones to hurt Russia’s defense and energy sectors. lication date. Subscriptions are available at Congress is Reckless $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- One very curious and odd part of the Act would require lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country $90. Copyright 2006-2014. The Hawaii Fil- sanctions be placed on Russia’s OAO Gazprom (GAZP), the ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 in Passing New Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- world’s largest extractor of natural gas, if GAZP withholds sup- phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- plies to other European nations. Could this very well be another 1829. E-mail [email protected]. Ukraine Freedom Act Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. chapter in the U.S. and Western Europe’s old storyline of enter- Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those ongress passed one of the most dangerous and po- ing into a conflict over oil and natural resources? of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle manage- ment. Reproduction of the contents in whole tentially miscalculated pieces of legislation to end Congress’ justification for the passage of the Ukraine Free- or in part is prohibited without written per- mission from the management. All rights re- 2014. dom Support Act is to affirm the U.S.’s commitment to Ukrain- served. Printed in the U.S.A.

As if tension between Russia and the U.S. isn’t ian sovereignty and to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin www.thefilipinochronicle.com C already alarming with threats of outright war and for his annexation of the pro-Russian parts of Ukraine into Rus- www.efilipinochronicle.com nuclear weapons already being positioned by both sia. MeMber, Society of ProfeSSional JournaliStS sides throughout Europe, Congress upped the ante by passing (continued on page 3) JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  3 COMMENTARY Now It’s Time to Focus on Growing the Economy By Lee H. Hamilton end of the recession — and support another tax cut or the everyone, through research well — that wastes money, the gap between the wealthy next move to stimulate the and development, job train- fails its regulatory responsibil- ecent economic and the rest of us is wider economy in the short term. ing, upgrading skills as well ities, and cannot make timely news has been than ever. Now is the time for policy- as technology, and reducing decisions — undermines eco- broadly reassur- Strong numbers do, how- makers to resist this and try to outsourcing. nomic growth. You can see ing. Retail sales ever, offer one unambiguous understand the large forces – At the same time, it means this, for instance, in our current R are strong, No- piece of good news: The pres- technology, automation, glob- eliminating public subsidies to inability to pass comprehensive vember saw the sure on policy makers to alization – that drive our individual enterprises. That immigration reform: We can- best job gains in three years, focus on near-term or imme- economy. As Princeton econ- money can be spent on boost- not increase economic growth the federal deficit is shrink- diate problems has eased, omist Alan Blinder, political ing the economic skills of or- without the people our labor ing, the stock market is ro- which means they can now strategist Al From and others dinary Americans through force needs, from mathemati- bust, and the Fed is focus on the fundamental have pointed out, the key is to education and training. Poli- cians and engineers to migrant expressing enough faith in the question of economic growth. concentrate on creating the cies aimed at strengthening farm workers. economy that an interest rate That’s where their attention environment in the country our education system from Finally, policy-makers bump next year is considered should turn. for sustained, non-inflation- pre-kindergarten to graduate need to remember that eco- a certainty. A strong economy that is ary economic growth. school, and at promoting life- nomic growth means provid- Yet the public remains growing for everyone, not To begin with, we have a long learning and a workforce ing a ladder out of poverty for unconvinced. This is partly just the people at the top, of- chance to get our fiscal house capable of upgrading its skills the truly needy. Providing op- because perceptions haven’t fers many benefits. The qual- in order and pursue long-term to meet changing needs, will portunity for low-income caught up to reality. For many ity of people’s lives improves. deficit reduction. This is a have a far more salutary effect Americans through the middle- and lower-class fam- Political problems become crucial early step for govern- on our economy than singling Earned Income Tax Credit ilies, economic circumstances more manageable. More peo- ment to take in creating a out politically connected en- and programs to upgrade their have not changed very much. ple have greater economic op- sound environment for eco- terprises for tax and other ben- skills is vital. No one who Average wages, adjusted for portunity. There’s more social nomic growth. efits. works full time should be inflation, have not risen in mobility and more tolerance This means modernizing There are other steps gov- poor in this country. keeping with the good eco- of diversity. entitlement spending and ernment policy-makers can Free, competitive markets nomic news. The median net Because the economy is shaping a tax-reform package take to improve broad eco- are the best way to deliver worth of households is actu- always at or near the top of that focuses on investments to nomic growth. We need to ex- goods and services to Ameri- ally a bit less than it was in voters’ concerns, the tempta- boost productivity and help pand trade through open cans. Government must not 2010, just after the official tion for the policy-maker is to the economy to grow for markets and simplify the reg- get in the way of that system. ulatory structure so that it Nor should it stand idle. The EDITORIALS (from page 2, CONGRESS....) protects Americans without right response by government So far the U.S. has resisted providing lethal Ukraine Freedom Support Act passed by Con- burdening companies beyond to our economic challenges is military assistance to Ukraine since the start of gress might just be that excuse for Putin, should reason. And we must address not to focus on the immediate the conflict in March 2014, until now, should a pressured Obama pushed into enacting it. our nation’s deferred infra- economic problems of the President Barack Obama decide to act upon the Already Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister structure needs, which hinder day, but to invest in economic recently passed Act. Congress’ passage of the Sergei Ryabkov announced that should new the smooth functioning of growth for all. every business that relies on Ukraine Freedom Support Act adds pressure on sanctions be enacted from this Act, “We (Russ- Lee hAMiLton is Director of transporting its goods. Obama to harden his stance, which some critics ian leaders) will not be able to leave that with- the Center on Congress at Indiana already see as harsh, saying that Obama has out an answer,” meaning that counter measures The same applies to re- University. He was a member of gone too far in rhetoric and bravado. will be taken by Russia. Putin in the past has forming government itself. A the U.S. House of Representatives retaliated by restricting food imports from a government that does not work for 34 years. What Obama Should Do range of Western countries. But that in actuality Ultimately, it’s in the interest of the entire has done more harm onto Russia’s economy world community that Obama either veto the than harmed the West. The fact is Russia’s only Act or simply ignore it because an already dan- alternative to causing hurt onto the West and gerous situation in Europe could escalate into the U.S. would be an act of military aggression. something far more chaotic, far more conse- Americans should hope that the U.S. and quential, and far more deadly than what the West discontinue these dangerous sanctions world has seen in any previous military con- that corner Russia into a position where a mil- flict, ever. This is what’s at stake. itary first strike is a last and only option. Russia is already a country in economic de- It is irresponsible for the Congress to put cline, dragging around a wounded leg in the the world in jeopardy with this kind of legisla- new body of economic globalism. Russia’s tion that does nothing but aggravate tensions. number one export and source of revenue, oil, It seems like world leaders have forgotten that is bleeding the country at the moment with nukes could be brought into this conflict at any global oil prices tumbling to a five-year low. time. Russia’s ruble has fallen 40 percent against the It is also irresponsible by American broad- dollar in 2014, and could devalue further. The cast media to ignore much of the drama unfold- country’s inflation rate also continues to climb. ing between the U.S. and Russia. Print media The bottom line is: the last scenario the has done a better job in covering U.S.-Russian world would want to see is for Putin to have an relations of late. At this very critical moment, excuse to enter into armed conflict with the an informed citizenry on what’s going on be- U.S., to drum up Russian nationalism, and to comes even more imperative for Americans, so deflect his own inability to move his country that Americans can pressure their elected lead- forward economically. And this ill-conceived ers in Congress to stop behaving recklessly. 4  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  JANUARY 10, 2015 COVER STORY New Medical Group Helping to Meet Filipino Physician Shortage By Dennis Galolo ahu’s newest medical facility offi- cially opened its doors on January 3, 2015 with a blessing ceremony for O the beautifully-renovated 2,200 square foot ‘Ekahi Urgent Care Clinic in the heart of Waipahu.

The blessing was con- offers a wide range of labora- ducted by Father Edmundo tory tests, sports and school Barut. Attendees included City physicals and radiology serv- managing director Roy ices. The clinic is open 7 days Amemiya, Councilmember a week, Mondays through Fri- Ron Menor, and State Senators days, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Clarence Nishihara and Dono- from 8 am to 4 pm on Sundays. van Dela Cruz. Other guests were Filipino Community Cen- Filipino Doctor Shortage ter (FilCom) executive director While news of the clinic’s Donnie Juan, Waipahu Com- opening provided a boost for the munity Association member Waipahu community, those in Susan Moniz, Philippine Med- the know see it as an important ical Association (PMAH) pres- step towards addressing a larger ident-elect Dr. Carolina Davide, problem—the growing shortage Waipahu neurologist Dr. Ray of Filipino doctors in Hawaii. Romero and other Leeward A majority of Filipino area physicians. physicians in Hawaii are inter- The clinic is located at the national medical graduates corner of Farrington Highway (IMGs) who were educated in Top left: The staff of the newly-opened 'Ekahi Urgent Care Clinic. Bottom left: Dr. Ray Romero, the only and Waipahu Depot Road, and the Philippines and trained in Filipino neurologist in Hawaii, is briefed by Dr. Kevin Lum, 'Ekahi Urgent Care Clinic's medical director. is a partnership between the U.S. The average age of Bottom right: Family medicine practitioner Dr. Carolina Davide (middle) and a guest chat briefly with Dr. ‘Ekahi Health System and these immigrant doctors is Kevin Lum at the clinic's blessing ceremony. SKAI Ventures. over 65. Most are ready to re- based radiologist who has been According to the Hawaii cessor. Busy pulmonologist Dr. In addition to treating ail- tire within 5-10 years and in practice since 1975. Age and Physician Workforce Assess- Danilo Ablan and his pediatric ments such as the flu, sore sadly have no successors to the difficulty of keeping his ment, Hawaii faces an overall allergist wife Dr. Mary May throat, ear infection, bronchi- take over their practice. practice afloat due to low reim- shortage of about 750 physi- Ablan also left last year to be tis, low back pain and frac- One such physician is Dr. bursements factored into his de- cians, especially in the area of with their family in New York, tures, ‘Ekahi Urgent Care Romeo P. Pineda, a Honolulu- cision to retire after 40 years. primary care—general in- again with no replacements. “I plan to retire this year as ternists, family doctors and pe- soon as I get somebody to take diatricians. These are the Meeting the Need over my practice,” he says. “I’m doctors whom patients go to Addressing the shortage of still looking and have no suc- first for non-emergency needs Filipino doctors is crucial con- cessor in mind yet.” before seeing a specialist. sidering that in Hawaii, Fil- Dr. Pineda plans to spend For the Filipino community, ipinos and part-Filipinos his retirement gardening, going there is an acute need for Fil- comprise the second-largest on cruises and visiting his ipino doctors in select special- ethnic group at 342,095 hometown in Dinalupihan, ties. For example, there are strong. According to data from in the Philippines where currently no available Filipino the 2010 U.S. Census, the he has not been for many years. ophthalmologists or urologists number of Filipinos and part- Dr. Pineda is concerned in Hawaii, with the untimely Filipinos increased 24 percent with the shortage of Filipino passing of the late Dr. Jorge Ca- since 2000 and continues to doctors in Hawaii. mara and the retirement of Dr. grow with more than 5,000 “I would like to serve our Antonio Tan, respectively. immigrants arriving each year population here in Hawaii but Also thinning the ranks of from the Philippines. it will be hard for me to con- Filipino doctors is the semi-re- These new immigrants tinue due to hard economic tirement of cardiologist Dr. face unique cultural and lan- times and the changing med- Danelo Canete, who also has no guage barriers. Not surpris- ical reimbursements,” he says. replacement. The number of ingly, they feel more at ease “We need Filipino physicians Filipino general surgeons has with a Filipino doctor. who are culturally-attuned to also dwindled when general sur- “The best care for these the needs of their patients and geon Dr. Ignacio Torres retired new arrivals is provided by who speak their language.” a few years ago and had no suc- (continued on page 5) JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  5 COVER STORY (from page 4, NEW MEDICAL...) The clinic offers in-house immigrant physicians,” says x-ray and lab services that Waipahu-based physician Dr. help rapidly diagnose a pa- Charlie Sonido. tient’s condition. Common lab Studies have shown that services include rapid strep, when minority patients are al- rapid flu, urinalysis, glucose lowed to select a health care and hemoglobin testing. The professional, they are more clinic also offers tetanus and likely to choose someone of influenza vaccines and puri- their own racial or ethnic back- fied protein derivative (PPD) ground. Studies have also indi- testing to determine if patients cated that relationships between suffer from tuberculosis (TB). patients and physicians of the (from left): 'Ekahi Health System President Jay Fujimoto with 'Ekahi Health System Chief Executive State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, Waipahu-based physician Dr. Officer Dean Hirata with City Coun- What makes ‘Ekahi Ur- same race or ethnic background Charlie Sonido and State Sen. Clarence Nishihara at the cilmember Ron Menor. gent Care different from other are characterized by higher lev- 'Ekahi Urgent Care Clinic's grand opening. clinics is that it is part of a els of trust, respect and the in- chances are of retaining these Dean Hirata and President Jay log- and Ilocano-speaking em- larger system that also in- creased likelihood that patients future physicians to our state Fujimoto. ployees who are culturally sen- cludes physician practices and will recommend their physician and not losing them to better Dr. Sonido, who heads sitive to the needs of Filipino care management programs. to others. opportunities on the mainland.” ‘Ekahi Integrated Practices- patients. Office manager Teana In fact, ‘Ekahi, meaning “one” For PMAH’s Dr. Davide, Several local hospital West, is also doing all he can Penn heads a staff of seven, in Hawaiian, embodies the ap- a key factor is communication. groups have also taken steps to to recruit recent graduates of was born and raised in proach to unify independent She says that immigrant pa- expand their residency training residency training programs, Waipahu and is a 1997 gradu- physician practices, urgent tients are more expressive and programs. For instance, the Wa- particularly in primary care, to ate of Waipahu High School. care clinics and core manage- comfortable when speaking in ianae Coast Comprehensive come to Hawaii. “I’ve always wanted to ment teams to provide greater their own dialect. Health Center will be opening a “That’s why I decided to give back to the community access to quality care through “They feel inadequate in new Family Medicine Resi- join ‘Ekahi Integrated Prac- that I grew up in, so when I saw a sustainable and community- expressing their symptoms and dency Program next year. tices,” he says. “Financially, I the opportunity to work for driven delivery system. sentiments to a non-native This year, Kaiser Perma- cannot afford by myself to re- ‘Ekahi I thought that this would “Being part of a larger sys- speaking doctor,” she says. nente will open a new Internal cruit immigrant physicians be my chance,” she says. tem facilitates a more seam- She too is concerned with Medical Residency program at who were educated in the The urgent care clinic sup- less delivery of care for our the physician shortage which its Honolulu hospital and clin- Philippines and trained here. ports Filipino doctors who patients,” says Dr. Kevin Lum, she says will affect not only ics. And the Hawaii Island It’s too expensive.” practice in the community by the clinic’s medical director. Filipino patients but the Hawaii Family Medicine Residency With 2020 fast approach- seeing their patients after of- “For example, the ‘Ekahi Ur- population at-large. Program based in Hilo is now ing, Sonido says time is of the fice hours, on weekends, holi- gent Care staff will have ac- Of the 2,795 documented in its second year of residency essence. Unfortunately, most days and when they go on cess to our technology full-time physicians in training. doctors choose the mainland vacation. platform that includes perti- Hawaii, an estimated 150, or a “All of this is being done instead of Hawaii because the “Typically, urgent care nent clinical information to re- paltry 5.3 percent, are of Fil- to attract our young people to financial rewards—higher clinics are for patients with in- duce the need for patients to ipino ancestry. This equates to train and practice in Hawaii,” wages and lower cost of liv- juries or illnesses that require recall important health history roughly 2,280 patients of Fil- says Dr. Sonido. ing—are greater there. immediate attention but usu- and enable our staff to provide ipino- or part-Filipino ancestry By the year 2020, Filipino Nevertheless, Dr. Sonido ally not serious enough for a high quality, personalized and for every Filipino physician. physicians who were educated remains optimistic. visit to the emergency room,” coordinated care. We have To attract more young in the Philippines but wish to “With only a five year win- says Dr. Sonido. “The close relationships with pri- people to study medicine, train in the states will have little dow, now is the time to actively Waipahu urgent care clinic is mary care physicians in the PMAH and the University of or no chance of getting accepted recruit especially those doctors more affordable, convenient community to ensure continu- Hawaii’s SEED Program re- into U.S. residency programs. who are coming out of resi- and offers faster service.” ity of care.” cently launched a mentorship The reason is that the number of dency,” he says. “We have program for high school and allopathic graduates (MD) and started interviewing physicians college students of Filipino osteopathic graduates (DO) in who have trained here and on ancestry which provides the U.S. is expected to match the mainland. Four physicians prospective medical students the number of available resi- have already committed to with the unique opportunity to dency training slots. joining our group.” shadow physicians and other In addition to the new medical providers of varying Ekahi Health System Steps Waipahu clinic, ‘Ekahi Inte- backgrounds and specialties. Up grated Practices is scheduled to The program is headed by on- Another key player in ef- open a second urgent care clinic cologist Dr. Melvin Paul forts to address the physician in Kalihi where there is also a Palalay, who was born, raised shortage is ‘Ekahi Health Sys- large Filipino population and a and educated in Hawaii and tem, which is comprised of sizable number of Filipino doc- trained on the mainland. ‘Ekahi Integrated Practices, tors. The company hopes to “We hope to inspire these ‘Ekahi Urgent Care and ‘Ekahi open additional clinics across young Filipinos to strive for Care Management. All three Oahu in late 2015 and early higher education, optimize work as an innovative health- 2016 to address the needs of their potential and even pursue care delivery organization that other ethnic groups. a career in medicine,” says out- unifies independent physician Currently, ‘Ekahi Urgent going PMAH President Jerry practices, urgent care clinics and Care has three physicians on Garcia. “If we tap local stu- care management teams. staff and at least one clinician dents and encourage them to go ‘Ekahi Health System is always on-site during office into medicine, the higher our led by Chief Executive Officer hours. The clinic also has Taga- 6  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  JAnuAry 10, 2015 OPINION

ter stock up on a lot of patience Political Will – No Political Sense SLEX put up signs asking or make friends with Waze, Ctalk By Cito Beltran a fare increase would not im- boat, I have to ask people drivers to prepare the exact Uber, or start planning your ac- prove the financials of the oper- who’ve done it or actually go fare or change for the toll. tivities this early. ccording to news ation. Being an economist and a directly to the bus or shipping That’s quick response and de- As I listened to the various reports, DOTC politician Arroyo had a grasp of company because most of them serves credit. Now, may we announcements and new re- Secretary Jun what made political sense. don’t have working phones, are suggest that they put up sev- ports on plans and activities Abaya and offi- The difference then and not in the yellow pages, have eral billboards right after the for the visit of Pope Francis, I cials in Mala- now was that under Arroyo the no website or have no idea entry points, at the various gas realized that even before the A cañang have proposed fare hike was not what to answer because it’s all stations and handout various Pope arrives many places will discovered the even half of the latest hike. In “Teka - Teka” or “Alas Puno” toll rates that can be printed by practically be inaccessible or meaning of political will and addition to the difference in or it leaves at the time it’s full. many willing advertisers. I difficult to pass through espe- have decided to show it fare increase, the biggest differ- If the LTFRB cannot im- also want to repeat the sugges- cially the city of be- through their Judas-like act of ence would be the mindset and pose a rule on schedules, fares, tion of tokens or cards that can cause of the advanced betrayal by raising train fares understanding of why govern- and destinations then it’s about also be contracted to some ad- preparations not to mention of the MRT and LRT while we ments all over the world subsi- time we cleanse the LTFRB vertiser. Either that or go the the on-going preparation and were all commemorating the dize mass transit. PGMA’s and even the DOTC of several way of Senator Sotto who actual day for the Feast of the coming of our Savior. They team had an appreciation of the overstaying or unqualified do- wants toll-free on holidays. Black Nazarene. This double have even gone as far as adopt- fact that trains helped move nothing political appointees. * * * treat if we can call it that will ing the mindset of the high people and things around and * * * Don’t say I didn’t warn also be a double threat on priests who said “better that that was good for the economy. Driving back to Manila, I you. If you’re not planning on everyone’s activities as well as The P-Noy administration is PROFILE (from page 5 FLYING...) one suffer than the whole na- immediately caught sight of getting out of town before Pope patience. So be forewarned. tion perish.” In the case of the simply dead set on outperform- how the Star Tollway and the Francis arrives, then you’d bet- (www.philstar.com) fare hikes Malacañang obvi- ing the Arroyo administration ously believes that better all the in savings and to be able to say HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS riders suffer than the one outfit P-Noy is a better economist who owns the MRT, who are than PGMA. That obsession Ige Appoints Two Filipinos to just so Sobra-Suerte they are with Arroyo is unfortunately the Department of reportedly the only beneficiary costing the Filipino people in Cabinet Human Resource De- of the fare hike and probably multiple taxes, traffic, higher part of the multi-billion peso fares, higher electricity and an ov. David Ige recently velopment. Baldemor allocation given by Senate two over all higher cost of living. announced the ap- previously served as days before the act of betrayal. As a final point, Palace Gpointment of seven the director of Strate- * * * apologists are claiming that members of his administration, gic Initiatives for the Secretary Abaya and Mala- there were various public con- two of whom are of Filipino Office of the Gover- Jade Butay Randy Baldemor cañang may have belatedly dis- sultations on the fare hikes, but ancestry. nor. He has 14 years of covered the need to show the funny thing about their The first Filipino appointee and Industrial Relations. Butay experience in a wide range of political will but the “Student claim is that none of the organ- is Jade Butay, who will assume holds an MA in business ad- fields including taxation, law Council” members apparently ized group of train riders con- his previous role as deputy di- ministration from Babson Col- and computer software devel- did not know that political will firmed that claim. In fact a rector for administration at the lege and a BA in business opment. Baldemor received his only works when it comes with couple have called it an out- State Department of Trans- administration from the Uni- undergraduate degree in politi- political sense. In terms of pres- right lie! It would be interesting portation, a position he held versity of Hawaii-Manoa. cal science from the University entation, announcement and ra- to watch how the DOTC ad- from 2011-2013. Butay is cur- The other appointee is of Florida and his law degree tionalization, the fare increase dresses this issue in the rently serving as deputy direc- Randy Baldemor, who has from the University of Wash- was not even done in a profes- Supreme Court or in the Philip- tor for the Department of Labor been named deputy director of ington School of Law. sional, proper and polite way. To pine Senate where they will date it is unclear what or how come face to face with the peo- PICTORIAL NEWS the fare increase was arrived at. ple they betrayed. There was no effort made to in- * * * form or educate the public While our Senators and where, what for, how, why and Congressmen prepare the royal when the total additional funds barbecue of officials of the would be used. Even after alle- DOTC, May I request that they gations were aired that the fare also inquire as to why the increase was to be paid to the DOTC has failed to impose Sobra Suerte group that owns their will on bus companies OPINION (from page 3, EX-JESUIT,....) the MRTC, DOTC or Mala- and shipping companies to cre- cañang chose to ignore or to be ate a reliable way for the public silent on the allegations. to know of their trips (destina- Instead, they broke out an- tions — fare — schedule — other bottle of vintage blame, and depots) from saying that past administrations to any point of the Philippines. did not have the political will to The problem of having rich and raise fares in over a decade. In- upper class officials in govern- terestingly enough, I actually re- ment is that they have no idea member former President on how the rest of the people as Filipino Caucus at City Hall Gloria Macapagal Arroyo say- well as non-business class The Honolulu City Council held an inauguration ceremony on January 2, 2015 for ing that the reason she refused tourists and guest travel. I con- its newest members. The current Council has a distinct pinoy flavor with four of the to raise the fare was because sider myself a well-traveled nine members being of Filipino ancestry. They are (from left): Joey Manahan (Dis- after a careful analysis of the Pinoy in my country but when- trict 7), Kymberly Marcos Pine (District 1), Brandon Elefante (District 8) and Ron cost-benefit, it was evident that ever I have to take the bus or a Menor (District 9). JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  7 CANDID PERSPECTIVES Mariota’s Island Pride Bests Winston’s apparent lapse of note. Ebul- In More Ways Than One lient as they were, some play- and bling, Mariota seems humility for Winston, who ers took the moment to jeer “bling-less.” Though he did after the game was seen on Winston with a satirical show off the trophy when he camera congratulating Mari- cheer. They took FSU’s War By Emil Guillermo won the Heisman, his speech ota. If football is said to build Chant aimed it at Winston ith the world and the ceremony were a character, maybe there’s and took it up a notch. never short of much-needed antidote to all some hope for Winston. You know the chant. Now turmoil, it was the things that have marred I wish the same could be change the words and say, nice to be able the season. said for some of the other “No-o000-oh, No means to kick back, Mariota’s victory was a participants. As noted by the nooo…” W enjoy the holi- reminder of a message that is game sportscasters, nearly 70 Repeat. days and watch the national too often forgotten in this percent of the Florida State It was funny considering Marcus Mariota coming out party for Hawaii’s venal, mercenary world—the team never bothered to shake the current concern on col- Marcus Mariota. good still triumph. The gift of against his rival, Oregon’s hands with their opponents lege campuses across the The star has emerged the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Mariota. but instead went straight to country over rape. from St. Louis School. It all Day was also a nice treat. But it’s Mariota, who now the locker room. Video was taken of the started last month with win- Florida State’s Jameis takes his team into the na- But Oregon too had an (continued on page 12) ning the Heisman Trophy and Winston, dogged by sexual tional championship against being the first Asian Ameri- assault allegations the last Ohio State on January 12th. can of Polynesian descent two years, may have found a In the Rose Bowl, Mariota from Hawaii to win the award way to prevail in the legal was as advertised—a passer, as the best college football system in the state of Florida. running threat and leader. player in the land. But not on the field on Winston played well We don’t see many Asian New Year’s Day. The game enough, but not when it mat- Americans in football, let was a kind of football tribu- tered. One play in particular alone as the star quarterback. nal for Winston with a na- seemed indicative of the kind Mariota’s excellence is such a tional television audience of of day it was when the ball rare thing, he puts the “P” in 28 million serving as jurors. seemed to fly out of Win- AAPI, standing before the na- The final score was defini- ston’s grip as he recoiled to tion as a role model for all tive: Oregon 59, Florida State pass. An Oregon defender re- Polynesian athletes. 20. It was an embarrassing covered it for a But even more refreshing defeat for Winston, the 2013 touchdown. is his humility. In an era when Heisman winner, who did It was a na- jocks aspire to “showtime” manage to hold his own tional lesson in HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS ‘My Big Bossing’ to Debut on Oahu opular Filipino film “My Big PBossing” star- ring and Ryzza Mae Dizon will be showing in select theatres in the U.S. in- cluding the Pearlridge West Theatre on Janu- ary 16, 2015. Ryzza Mae Dizon, Nikki Gil, Alonzo Muhlach, Vic Sotto and The film opened Marian Rivera in Philippine theaters on December 25, , , Maricar 2014 and is an official entry to the 40th De Mesa, Manilyn Reynes and Jose Metro Manila Film Festival. “My Big Manalo. The film was directed by Bossing” is the sequel to the popular award-winning directors , 2013 family film “My Little Bossings” Marlon Rivera and Tony Reyes, and and is a bigger, funnier version split into produced by Octoarts, MZET, and APT three stories within the movie. The three- Entertainment. part family-friendly movie shows Dizon Movie buffs can check out the taking on different characters in the fan- trailer and other tidbits on tasy “Sirena,” the horror-comedy “Tak- www.abovethelineevents.us and on tak” and the family story “Prinsesa.” Facebook (MyBigBossingUS) or get “My Big Bossing” also co-stars Mar- updates on Instagram (@AboveTheLi- ian Rivera, Nikki Gil, Rufa Mae Quinto, neEvents). 8  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  JAnuAry 10, 2015 CANDID PERSPECTIVES JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  9 TRAVEL The golden destination in ANILA, Philippines - It’s easy to overlook Nueva Ecija in a local traveler’s quest for an interesting M travel destination in Northern Luzon. What rather comes to mind are the province’s more popular neigh- bors and their respective attractions – Baler’s sought-after surfing swells, ’s famed culinary delights, Pangasinan’s beau- tiful stretch of seascapes, the Cordilleras’ pic- turesque slopes and rich cultural heritage, or Cagayan Valley’s wealth of undisturbed ter- rain and rugged coastlines.

The Peñaranda river, fed by waters from the Sierra Madre, cuts across beautifully sculpted limestone For many, Nueva Ecija visit. Spelunkers are advised karst formations. Photos by berlin Maynigo largely remains merely a gate- to bring a headlamp or flash- way or passage – until one light and wear proper and imposing Sierra Madre trance to save time and effort. Liner buses plying the Ca- discovers the natural treasure footwear as the cave’s cham- looming in the distance. Going back home, simply gayan Valley route regularly that is Minalungao. bers become slippery espe- To get to the Minalungao take a tricycle back to Gen. pass by or . Think Surigao del Sur’s cially during the rainy National Park from Manila, Tinio and take a jeep to Victory Liner’s cush- Enchanted River and season, when water continu- one can board a bus that plies Gapan or Cabanatuan, where ioned reclining seats, enter- Palawan’s breathtaking la- ously drips from the ceiling. the Cagayan Valley route and buses bound for Cubao or tainment system plus strong goons rolled into one – calm More experienced adven- get off at Gapan, Nueva Ecija. Pasay are stationed. WiFi connection are sure to waters hemmed by impres- turers can opt for a more in- From here, the best mode of Victory Liner, with its make the four-hour trip to sive limestone formations, tensive cave exploration, as a transportation is the tricycle. fleet of well-maintained air- Nueva Ecija a breeze. Online giving off a vibrant emerald system of subterranean cav- Hop on the public routes to conditioned buses, is the best reservations and bookings hue. erns has also been identified. Gen. Tinio, or charter one to bet for relaxing and safe travel can also be made for added Spread over more than Another experience gaining go directly to the park en- in Northern Luzon. Victory convenience. (www.philstar.com) 2,000 hectares of prized land popularity among the brave in the town of , of heart is Minalungao’s ver- Minalungao National Park is sion of cliff diving from a Nueva Ecija’s well-kept stone ledge jutting out over a tourist secret. The place de- portion of the river. rives its name from the local The less audacious need terms “mina” and “lungao” not worry about being left be- which mean “mine of gold in hind, as they can enjoy a caves.” The area was brim- leisurely trip gliding through ming with commerce until the waters on a rented bam- gold panning was prohibited boo raft. Apart from provid- and the reserve was declared ing a view of the stunning a national park in 1967. Sit- landscape, friends and fami- ting on the foothills of the lies can enjoy a hearty lunch Sierra Madre mountain range, or merienda under the raft’s the natural enclave holds a canopy. plethora of experiences wait- These same rafts can also ing for both the daring adven- transport visitors to another turer and the passive admirer. point of interest in the park, To get to the other end of which is the Minalungao the Peñaranda river, Minalun- cross. Perched on top of a hill gao’s center of attraction, an adjacent to the river, the cross option is to traverse along the stands at the center of a jagged limestone walls, where polygonal base that can be a gentle sloping trailhead lies reached after climbing a at the end of the stretch. flight of a thousand steps. Within a good five-minute While the hike may be tiring, hike, adventurers will be one’s hard work will be re- taken to the mouth of a cave warded by priceless which, although modest in panoramic views of the na- scale, makes for a worthwhile tional park and the majestic 10  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  JAnuAry 10, 2015 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS City Moves Forward With LED Streetlights Plan onolulu Mayor Kirk proximately four years via Caldwell has issued a public-private partner- Ha request for pro- ship. posals for a contractor to re- Compared to existing place approximately 52,000 LPS streetlight fixtures, low pressure sodium (LPS) the new LED lights reduce City streetlights with light- energy consumption by an emitting diode (LED) street- average of 50 percent and lights. A 2013 pilot project by have a payback period of the City demonstrated that just four years. City retrofitting streetlights to streetlights consume ap- LEDs provides significant Mayor Kirk Caldwell proximately $6 million in cost savings, greater efficiency and in- electricity annually and the switch to creased visibility. LED is projected to save roughly $3 “Last year’s pilot project showed the million in energy costs each year. The advantages of transitioning all 52,000 winning contractor will enter into a city streetlights to LEDs,” says Mayor public-private partnership with the City Caldwell. “By creating a public-private and be paid for its services over a period partnership to do the installation, the of time through energy savings. City will receive the benefits without In addition to reduced energy costs, having to pay the initial upfront cost for the City is also eligible for a $25-$33 installation. This innovative approach is electricity rebate per fixture from a win for taxpayers, motorists, pedestri- Hawaii Energy. ans, cyclists and the environment.” LED streetlights are more energy ef- The City commenced a pilot project ficient and provide brighter light directed in June 2013 to replace approximately towards the street, rather than radiating 400 street lights using U.S. Department light toward surrounding homes and busi- of Energy funding. In his 2014 State of nesses as LPS streetlights do, enhancing the City Address, Cadlwell announced public safety while reducing peripheral plans to replace all 51,700 city-owned glare. For more information on the proj- street lights with LED fixtures and com- ect, please visit the city’s purchasing web- mitted to a complete conversion in ap- site at www.honolulu.gov/pur. HFD Reminds Public to Safely Dispose Christmas Trees ith Christmas to deposit highly flamma- and the Holiday ble creosote in the chim- WSeason now but ney and may cause a fire a memory, Honolulu Fire to extend to the rest of Department (HFD) officials your home. are reminding the public of • Never burn a Christmas the need to remove and re- tree in a bonfire. The cycle their non-artificial pitch in the wood is likely trees as soon as possible. to generate large, fast- According to HFD moving sparks, which can Chief Manuel P. Neves, a spread a fire. dry Christmas tree is a seri- • Rubbish fires are ille- ous fire hazard. gal. Other open burnings, “While the tree itself such as bonfires, require won’t start a fire, it is a fuel source that the fire chief’s approval. burns very quickly and can cause a fire • Do not leave your Christmas tree to spread,” Neves says. “An indoor outside for a long period of time. Christmas tree fire can be very devastat- Someone may be tempted to ignite ing. An outdoor Christmas tree fire is the tree, which would endanger life also very dangerous, as it can send and property. flames, heat, and smoke billowing into a • Place your tree at the curb on your structure, thus endangering lives and green waste collection day or take property.” it to the nearest City convenience HFD officials issued the following center or composting facility. reminders to help reduce the risks asso- ciated with Christmas tree fires: For additional information on dis- • Never burn a Christmas tree or tree posing your Christmas tree, visit clippings in a fireplace. This is likely www.opala.org. JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  11 PHILIPPINE NEWS Transit Fare Hike Protest Grows pposition to the fare Manila Consortium. proving,” Escudero says. “We hike for the Metro Senator Chiz Escudero, already allocated money for ORail Transit (MRT) chair of the Senate Committee the MRT rehabilitation and and the Light Rail Transit on Finance, says the DOTC’s improvement for 2015. There (LRT) train lines continued to 2015 budget request would not is enough funding. We don’t mount as a formal petition was have been approved had the need the money from the fare filed before the Supreme Senate known that the fare in- hike in order to improve Court. creases would be implemented. MRT3. The petition was filed by Escudero adds that the “We are not in favor of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan new rates would burden the this LRT-MRT fare hike. They against Secretary Joseph public without any improve- never mentioned this, not dur- “If that is their basis for the fare hike, which went into Emilio Abaya of the Depart- ment in the service of the rail ing the senate hearings with the hike this 2015, I think that effect on January 4, 2015, will ment of Transportation and transit system. Passengers the department, not even dur- is not fair. They will imple- take P2.1 billion from at least Communications (DOTC); Re- have complained about worn- ing the budget deliberations.” ment the fare hike four years 1.3 million commuters who nato San Jose, officer-in-charge down tracks, open train doors Escudero says public hear- after the public hearing and use the three train lines every of the Metro Rail Transit 3; and broken elevators at the ing must be held before a fare they will tell us that that is the day. Honorito Chaneco, administra- stations. hike can be implemented. public hearing as required by Supporters say the fare tor of the Light Rail Transit; “The reason why this fare DOTC officials insist that law? I certainly disagree with hike is long overdue and that and the Metro Rail Transit Cor- increase is such a burden is such a hearing was held in that logic,” Escudero says. government lawyers are ready poration and the Light Rail because the service is not im- 2011. The petition estimates that to defend it. evidence or the absence of probable cause. The passage of Relieving Philippines’ Overcrowded Jails the country’s tough anti-drug he Supreme Court of human rights law that the law in 2002 also resulted in a the Philippines has or- Philippines has agreed to up- sharp rise in arrests that have Tdered 286 people to be hold. The International added to the pressure on the released from jail because they Covenant on Civil and Political country’s already overcrowded had already spent the same Rights, for instance, states that detention facilities. amount of time behind bars as everyone detained on a crimi- Reducing the large num- the minimum penalties for their nal charge is “entitled to trial bers of people in lengthy pre- alleged offenses. within a reasonable time or re- trial detention will require The court’s long-overdue The Supreme Court de- spend decades in jail waiting lease.” more than occasional mass-re- action is designed to address the serves credit for taking the ini- for their case to go before a Prolonged pre-trial deten- leases of individuals whose country’s serious problem of tiative to address the problem judge. tion is often the result of the trial was overdue. It will re- lengthy pretrial detention and is of lengthy pre-trial detention in A June 2014 report by the Philippines’ inefficient judicial quire much more wide-reach- part of what the court called its the Philippines. But human International Center for Prison system, which is hobbled by ing justice system reform to Judgment Day program. Along rights group say that the re- Studies noted that the Philip- corruption, clogged dockets, address the systemic issues that with “Justice on Wheels” and lease of these detainees is noth- pines has the highest number of and an inadequate number of create such injustices. The “Hustisyeah!,” the program ing more than a symbolic drop pre-trial detainees in Southeast court facilities and judges to Supreme Court has highlighted aims to decongest the Philip- in the bucket compared to the Asia and the sixth highest in oversee them. Police and pros- the problem but now it is up to pines’ notoriously overcrowded estimated 70,000-plus pre-trial the world. Prolonged pre-trial ecutors often file charges de- the government to step up and detention facilities. detainees, many of whom detention violates international spite inadequate preliminary take serious action. (HRW Press)

50 percent of the total operat- Lower Airfares Seen As ing costs of airlines. The CAB allows airlines to Fuel Surcharge Lifted impose a fuel surcharge to help by Lawrence Agcaoili Bengzon Jr., Civil Aviation Au- recover fuel costs and system Wednesday, January 8, 2015 thority of the Philippines direc- losses caused by sudden spikes ANILA, Philippines tor general William Hotchkiss in fuel prices. - Airline passengers III and former Clark Interna- Based on prevailing inter- Mcan expect lower tional Airport Corp. president national practice, fuel sur- fares this year as the Civil Victor Jose Luciano. charge may be reduced or Aeronautics Board (CAB) CAB executive director removed as it is not part of the lifted the fuel surcharge im- Carmelo Arcilla said airline basic fare, depending on the posed by foreign and domestic passengers could expect lower price of jet fuel in the world airlines. fares starting this weekend. market. The CAB yesterday pub- Arcilla said the fuel sur- Citing data from the De- lished Resolution No. 79 dated charge imposed by domestic partment of Energy, the CAB Dec. 22, lifting the authority of and foreign airlines depends on said fuel prices have declined domestic and foreign airlines to the distance of the flight. by 25.51 percent from January impose fuel surcharge on do- The surcharge is between to November last year. mestic and international flights. P200 and P500 for domestic On Dec. 5, CAB asked do- The resolution was signed flights and can be as high as mestic and foreign airlines to by Transportation and Commu- P15,000 for international des- explain why they have not re- nications Undersecretaries Jose tinations. duced or lifted the fuel sur- Perpetuo Lotilla and Benito Fuel cost accounts for over charge. (www.philstar.com) 12  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  JAnuAry 10, 2015 FEATURE Disaster Preparedness in the Philippines By Julia Crowley

his past Decem- was worried when Typhoon lands, and under- ber 6th was a Hagupit hit our country this served at-risk com- difficult day for year while I was in Honolulu, munities,” says Kim. Filipinos all studying as a fellow in the East This past August, over the world West Center,” she says. Kim and other re- T as Typhoon In the midst of these diffi- searchers and scien- Hagupit made landfall in East- cult times, a Honolulu-based tists were brought to ern Samar with sustained max- organization called the Na- the Philippines by the imum wind speeds of 125 tional Disaster Preparedness Consuelo Foundation, Dr. Karl Kim visits survivors of Typhoon Haiyan miles per hour. The Category Training Center (NDPTC) has a Hawaii-based non- 3 storm hit many of the same been sharing its resources and profit, to assist in the recovery mestic Preparedness Consor- tional drill exercises in all com- locations as Super Typhoon expertise to aid the Philip- from the disaster of Typhoon tium, frequently delivers train- munities. NDPTC looks for- Haiyan, which occurred just a pines. NDPTC was founded Haiyan. ing programs to help first ward to more collaboration little over a year ago. The by Congress in 2008, and is “[This trip gave us the op- responders prepare for natural projects with the Philippines in news of such calamities can be funded by the Department of portunity to] engage in infor- disasters all over the world. He the future. extremely stressful to Filipinos Homeland Security and the mation exchange, technical feels that one of the most im- “We have strong ties with abroad as they rush to locate Federal Emergency Manage- capacity building as well as portant lessons learned in the the Philippines,” says Kim. “We their loved ones. ment Agency (FEMA). The develop relationships with case of Typhoon Haiyan is the need to work more closely with Pearl Erguiza Pacada, the executive director is Dr. Karl universities, government importance of education and this country, which has many former Vice Governor of Tar- Kim, a professor of Urban and agencies, and NGOs,” says training for detection and similar threats and hazards as lac, was residing in Hawaii Regional Planning at the Uni- Kim. “We also were able to warning, evacuation, search we have in Hawaii. There are when Typhoon Hagupit oc- versity of Hawaii at Manoa. study and learn about recov- and rescue, and especially for great opportunities for us to curred. Pacada came to Hon- “NDPTC delivers and de- ery. Disasters are teachable recovery because storms and learn from each other.” olulu for five months to take velops training courses that in- moments because they mag- other hazards will strike again. part in a leadership program. tegrate urban planning and nify what works and what As for measures that the JuLiA crowLey is a PhD stu- dent in the Urban and Regional “Having witnessed and ex- disaster risk reduction with a does not work.” Philippines can take to prepare Planning department at the Univer- perienced the impact of strong focus on natural hazards that Kim, who currently serves for future disasters, Kim rec- sity of Hawaii at Manoa. She can be typhoons in the Philippines, I affect coastal communities, is- as the chair of the National Do- ommends investing in educa- reached at [email protected]. ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE CANDID PERSPECTIVES (from page 7, MARIOTA’S....) players and posted on the web postgame,” coach Mark Hel- Let’s hope Helfrich’s in- HOW THE FACE OF BUSINESS by Fox Sports West. Some of frich said in a statement re- ternal discipline is just a minor IS CHANGING! the Ducks could be seen as leased by Oregon. “This is slap on the wrist. Ten pushups No matter how small your ad, it gets our readers attention! “bad sports” but are they as not what our program stands and a lap or two around Mount CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITES @ bad as the FSU players who for and the student-athletes Hood. Something innocuous. www.thefilipinochronicle.com walked off the field without will be disciplined inter- And then let’s hope Mari- www.efilipinochronicle.com as much as a breathy “good nally.” ota puts the exclamation point game?” They, not the Oregon It’s good to see the Oregon for Oregon, and for Hawaii, in players, should be disci- squad is aware of a problem the national championship plined. that some other players and game But as the AP reported, schools (Like Winston and the Oregon coach was not FSU) still don’t seem to get— eMiL guiLLerMo, an award- winning journalist and winner of an happy with his players’ chant. No means no. And that toma- American Book Award, was an edi- “We are aware of the in- hawk chant has always been torial board member of the Hon- appropriate behavior in the racist and stupid too. olulu Advertiser. JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  13 LEGAL NOTES Don’t Be A Victim of Immigration Scam Under the DAPA program, such instances, would pose as uments and can obtain it faster letin, believes that it is too “deferred action” is extended USCIS personnel or other gov- than when applying directly early to hire anyone since the to qualified parents who have ernment officials and request with the USCIS. They would government is not expected to U.S. citizen or lawful perma- personal information such as charge a high fee. publish applications for three nent resident children who Social Security number, pass- Immigrant advocates ad- to six months. He said that By Reuben S. Seguritan have resided in the U.S. since port number, identify false vised that immigrants should “There is no application date, ollowing Presi- January 1, 2010. The DACA problems on the individual’s seek information from legiti- there’s no form, there’s no pro- dent Obama’s an- program launched in 2012 is immigration records and ask mate legal service providers. cedure. Anyone who pays a nouncement of also expanded to cover undoc- for payment to correct the They should seek reputable at- dime is gambling.” his immigration umented immigrants who records. torneys and Board of Immigra- Individuals who qualify F plan which in- came to the U.S. as children The agency also warned tion Appeals (BIA) accredited for the administrative relief cludes protection but did not qualify under the against advertisements in the representatives working for may begin collecting necessary from deportation for millions initial program because of their internet, newspaper, radio and BIA approved organizations. documents in preparation for of immigrants, immigrant ad- age. The expansion would community bulletins offering Heartland Alliance's Chicago- the application process ex- vocates warned against scam- allow more immigrants to immigration help. Many fall based National Immigrant Jus- pected to start next year. Doc- mers who seek to profit from qualify under the program. prey to unscrupulous individu- tice Center (NIJC) further uments may include, among the program. Their modus Applicants will undergo a als who pose as “Notario Pub- recommended that they should others, proof of identity, family operandi would be to promise thorough background check. lico” and offer legal services also not sign any document or relationship and presence in immigrant families help in ex- Beneficiaries of the program related to immigration. The pay anyone at this time for the US. change for a fee. would also be granted work USCIS stressed that notaries legal services. Immigrant families are The President’s series of authorization, are not authorized to provide A total of 891 complaints warned that the wrong help executive actions which in- The United State Citizen- legal services relating to immi- for immigration services were would not only cost them clude the Deferred Action for ship and Immigration Services gration. They are people ap- reported last year according to money but would also hurt Parental Accountability (USCIS) announced that the pointed by state governments the Federal Trade Commission. their chances of benefitting (DAPA) program and the ex- initiatives have not yet been to witness the signing of an im- This number is up from the 746 from the program. panded Deferred Action for implemented and that they are portant document and adminis- complaints reported in the pre- Childhood Arrivals (DACA) not yet accepting any requests ter oaths. vious year but less than the re- reuBen s. seguritAn has program is expected to grant or applications at this time. Some businesses may also ported 1,220 complaints in been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you deportation relief to approxi- The USCIS also warned advertise that they can “guar- 2011. may call him at (212) 695 5281 or mately five million undocu- against different scams such as antee” a visa, green card, or Dan Kowalski, editor of log on to his website at www.segu- mented immigrants. telephone scams. Scammers, in employment authorization doc- Bender’s Immigration Bul- ritan.com PHILIPPINE NEWS Armed Forces chief Gen. Gre- Noy Wants Papal Visit Security Improved gorio Catapang Jr. said the alert Pasay City government yester- status entails the cancellation by Cecille Suerte Felipe day said on Jan. 15, the south- of leaves of soldiers. Wednesday, January 8, 2015 bound section of Roxas The military would also tap ANILA, Philip- Boulevard will be closed from 100 snipers to further secure pines - A few days 4 p.m. until the papal entourage the venues of the papal visit. Mbefore the arrival of passes. Roxas said ensuring the Pope Francis in the country, On Jan. 16 it will be closed safety of all the devotees is part President Aquino urged gov- from 1 p.m., on Jan. 17 from 8 of the security preparations be- ernment officials and security a.m., and on Jan. 19 from 5 cause millions of people are ex- personnel to further improve a.m. until the papal entourage pected to see the pope. “So security preparations for the passes. whatever the preparations in papal visit. The PNP announced earlier closed on certain hours during The 125,000-strong mili- major activities such as the Interior and Local Govern- that 25,000 policemen would the papal visit to give way to tary, meanwhile, will be on red State of the Nation Address, ment Secretary Manuel Roxas be deployed in all areas where the papal entourage. alert starting on Saturday until this must be tripled with sev- II yesterday said the President the pope would pass and stay. In a traffic advisory, the Pope Francis leaves on Jan. 19. (continued on page 15) on Tuesday presided over a The National Capital Re- four-hour meeting on the secu- gion Police Office (NCRPO) rity preparations, and Aquino also started erecting concrete “critiqued the plan for each part barriers along the stretch of of the visit.” Roxas Boulevard and other The President would like roads where Pope Francis all 18 government agencies to would pass. further strengthen their security NCRPO chief Director plans in the remaining days be- Carmelo Valmoria said the fore the pope’s arrival on Jan. concrete barriers would serve 15. as the “first line of defense” Roxas gave assurance that against “troublemakers” and the Philippine National Police those too eager to get close to (PNP) is prepared to secure the the pope. perimeter of the areas to be vis- The southbound section of ited by the pope. Roxas Boulevard will be 14  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  JAnuAry 10, 2015 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE Nangayed Nga Selebrasion Ti Paskua Ti Naaramid Iti Philippine Consulate Nga Insagana Dagiti Grupo Ti Filipino DAYASADAS dagiti nadumaduma a kanta ti Konsul General iti Hawaii a By Pacita Saludes Iti Hawaii Filipino, dagiti nadumaduma a nakikanunong ti napintas a Hawaii, Chamber of Com- ganization, OFCC KEN UFCH pannakasangal ti maibitin a program a naaramid.. abii ti Martes, merce in Hawaii ni Paul Alim- ti nangisagana dagiti adu nga parol ti Paskua, baso a maisal- Kararagsakan pay laeng a Disiembre 16, buyao ken Bernadette Fajardo makan. Nadumaduma a luto sala ken panagkablaaw a Paskua a naaramid iti Balay 2014 ti dinto ti nangidaulo nga nangpan- Filipino ti naidasar agraman ti Ninong ken Ninang.. dagiti Filipino iti Hawaii day- malipatan a gayed daytoy nga selebrasion. lechon baboy. Saan kano a Naragsak unay ti programa toy a pasken. Agyamantayo R panakaselebrar ti Technical Direktor - kompleto ti pasken no awan ti babaen ti panangiwanwan ni kadagiti naanep a kameng ti Pascua ti Philip- ABONG CALLANTA, Set lechon. Adu pay dagiti naidasar Amelia Casamina Cabatu. Ni Philippine Celebrations Coor- pine Consulate babaen ti Design and Execution Stage- nga pagsasalipan a kankanta, Padre Mario Raquepo manipud dinating Commitee iti Hawaii, panangisungsung dagiti craft - ROGER KAEMER ken salsala a nangparagsak iti rabii. iti Stephen Parish ti nangmisa, kasta met ti panagtutunos dag- kadadakkelan a grupo ti Fil- KEVIN PAGADUAN, Sounds Nakaawatda ti premio nga im- paraibasa ni Mrs. Alikpala iti adda iti konsulado a kadua ipino iti Hawaii. and Lights da MUSIC DRIVE paay ti Filipino Chamber of Ward a nangasisttir ti misa. ni Consul GINA - da Joyleen Ti Congress of Visayan Or- ENTERTAINMENT nI LETH Hawaii. TI Philippine Con- Nagkumolgar dagiti amin nga Santos, Jeffrey de Mesa ken ganisation - da May Misuno ULEP CALLANTA - Arts ken sulate Coordinating Committee adda a nakimisa ken babaen Teresita Canilao. ken Hernando Tan, ti Oahu Fil- Digital Designs ni CHARLES iti Hawaii ti nangisagana ti pay ti asistir ni Padre Alex Ver- N A R A G S A K A ipino Community Council da P. IZUMOTO ket ti panan- sibubukel nga programa a gara a presidente ti OFCC. PASKUAYO KEN Alex Vergara ken Richard gurnos ken dIreksion ti amin – nangparagsak ti rabii. Nangngeg met ti kablaaw NARAGSAK A BARO A Ancog, ni Maria Etrata ti ni LEO GOZAR. Naidasar pay ti kaugalian ni Consul General GINA TAWENYO AMI MANIPUD United Filipino Council of Ti Congress of Visayan Or- idiay Filipinas a Misa de Gallo, JAMORALIN, ti kabbarbaro a KADAKAMI! MAINLAND NEWS Filipina Named California State Teacher of the Year Philippine-born mid- Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher, best represents all of Califor- dle school teacher an eighth grade English teacher nia’s nearly 300,000 teachers Aholds the distinction at Dodson Middle School in and symbolizes the profes- as the first Filipino to be pre- the Los Angeles Unified sion’s contributions to quality sented with the California State School district, was recognized education. Teacher of the Year Award. as an exemplary teacher who Marquez-Prueher received

Lovelyn Marquez-Prueher with Los Angeles County Superinten- dent of Schools Arturo Delgado the award along with four other the province of Cavite, south 2015 California Teachers of the of Manila. She was bullied Year awardees who were de- and even suspected of having scribed by State Superinten- a learning disability because dent of Public Instruction Tom she did not speak English Toriakson as “incredibly dedi- well. She has since become a cated teachers who devote their strong advocate for immi- energy, passion and creativity grants who need additional to helping all their students assistance in learning the achieve inside and outside the English language. Marquez- classroom.” Prueher says the award will “I intend on using what I help to open doors of oppor- learn about myself to under- tunity to talk with parents, stand the diversity and culture fellow teachers and students of every child that walks in California about overcom- through my classroom door. ing such obstacles. Through this, I believe that I Dodson School Vice Prin- can ensure that all students cipal Agnes Pitlik affirmed learn to function effectively in Marquez-Prueher as an “exem- today’s diverse society,” Mar- plary model for other teachers. quez-Prueher says. She is a leader in promoting Marquez-Prueher admits partnerships with parents and encountering difficulties as an the community.” (www.good- immigrant child coming from newspilipinas.com) JAnuAry 10, 2015  hAwAii fiLiPino chronicLe  15 PHILIPPINE NEWS CLASSIFIED ADS THE BEST MLM OPPORTuNITy EVER! North Cotabato Praying for MJ's GREAT PRODuCTS GREAT COMPENSATION Teamvelara.com/aquaman3 808-966-4675 Miss Universe Win DENTAL ASSISTANT reporters, Lastimosa said she will do by John Unson Liliha/Kalihi, P/T w/ poss. F/T, experienced her best to win the crown. preferred, English, Tagalog, Ilokano spkg. Tuesday, January 7, 2015 “There is always an ideal timing Call 532-5888 or fax 528-3384 IDAPAWAN City, Philip- for everything under heaven. If we pines - North Cotabato- fail, we can try and try to pursue our Kborn Binibining dreams,” she said. Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa was crowned Binib- Lastimosa is now preparing for the ining Pilipinas-Universe on Mar. 30, 63rd Miss Universe pageant on Jan- 2014, after two failed attempts to uary 25 in Miami, Florida. win the title in 2011 and in 2012. North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Lastimosa said she is elated with Taliño-Mendoza, a staunch benefac- the show of support from various USINESS IRECTORY tor of Lastimosa, on Wednesday said sectors in North Cotabato. B D provincial officials, relatives and “I wish to thank in advance friends of the beauty queen are pray- those who are praying for me, pray- ing hard for her to take home the ing hard for me to bring home the elusive Miss Universe crown. crown. I can’t thank them all “We are optimistic about it. She enough,” she said. is intelligent, smart and beautiful Lastimosa said she is also grate- and, most importantly, she’s a very provincial capital, Kidapawan City. ful to the local leaders in Tulunan fine woman,” Mendoza said. Mendoza said the 27-year-old and to Mendoza for providing con- Lastimosa, who is known in the Lastimosa is now preparing for the tinuing assistance needed in her bid province as “MJ,” left for America January 25 pageant. for the Miss Universe title. last January 3. At least 86 other contestants The office of Mendoza spon- Lastimosa was born and raised from different countries will aspire sored the participation of Lastimosa in North Cotabato’s Tulunan town, for the Miss Universe crown. in the 2014 Binibining Pilipinas some 20 kilometers southwest of the In a farewell message emailed to pageant.(www.philstar.com)

(from page 13, NOY WANTS....) The airline also called off 80 The low-cost carrier also can- eral government agencies involved.” flights or 40 roundtrip flights on Jan. celled six flights to and from “The challenge is not only for 19. Affected domestic destinations Tacloban City on Jan. 17 as Pope the PNP but for the entire country… include Bacolod, Basco, Busuanga, Francis is scheduled to visit the It’s a great job; it’s a great challenge. Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calbayog, province battered by Super Typhoon And I know, and I’m confident, in Catarman, Caticlan, Davao, Iloilo, Yolanda in November 2013. what I have seen in the PNP, we’ll Kalibo, Legazpi, Naga, Ozamiz, Four flights to Tagbilaran, Cebu live up and we’ll be able to set up to Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Surigao, and Kalibo on Jan. 19 were also can- that challenge,” he added. Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Zamboanga, celled as Pope Francis is scheduled Jolo and Cebu. Affected interna- to end his four-day visit to the PAL, AirAsia cancel flights tional routes include Hong Kong, Philippines. Since roads leading to the Ninoy Singapore, Haneda, Bangkok, AirAsia said affected passengers Aquino International Airport Jakarta and Fukuoka. could opt for a refund or to move to (NAIA) will be temporarily closed Passengers are advised to visit the next available flights of the same and will affect airline operations the PAL website (www.philip- route within 30 days from original during the papal visit, Philippine pineairlines.com) or the PAL Face- departure; credit shell valid for 90 Airlines (PAL) and AirAsia yester- book page to know the status of their days. day announced the cancellation of flights. Last Monday, Cebu Pacific and over 160 domestic and international Affected passengers may also Tiger Airways Philippines also an- flights. call PAL Reservations (632- nounced the cancellation of over 200 In an advisory, PAL said 142 8558888) for rebooking or refund domestic and international flights flights or 71 roundtrip flights have assistance. “Tickets may be re- from Jan. 15 to 19 due to the papal been cancelled on Jan. 15 and 19 to booked for travel within 30 days visit. give way to the arrival and departure from the original travel date without Operations of NAIA would be ceremonies of Pope Francis at the penalty, provided tickets are still affected from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on NAIA. valid. Tickets may be refunded with- Jan. 15 due to the arrival of Pope On Jan. 15, PAL cancelled 62 out penalty. Rerouting will be al- Francis as well as from 7:45 a.m. to flights or 31 roundtrip flights. Af- lowed under certain conditions,” 8:45 a.m. of Jan. 17 when the pope fected domestic destinations include PAL said in its advisory. departs to Tacloban City and from Bacolod, Busuanga, Cagayan de AirAsia, on the other hand, can- 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. when the Oro, Caticlan, Davao, Dumaguete, celled 24 domestic and international Pope returns to Manila from Laoag, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, flights on Jan. 15, 17 and 19. Tacloban City. Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Zam- On Jan. 15, four international The international gateway boanga and Cebu. Affected interna- flights to Kuala Lumpur and Seoul would also be disrupted from 6 a.m. tional routes include Hong Kong, as well as 10 domestic flights to to 10:30 a.m. of Jan. 19 when Pope Singapore, Kansai, Bangkok and Cebu, Tacloban, Kalibo, Tagbilaran Francis ends his visit. Honolulu. and Kalibo were called off. (www.philstar.com) JANUARY 10, 2014