GOV IN NEED OF REDUCTION

UNTIL NOW, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT TALKED ABOUT STREAMLINING.

If we look at the organizations of the different government agencies, we would find a lot of duplication, a lot of divisions that are no longer serviceable. Yet they are worth millions in terms of salaries. 

I think there should be a revamp of the government organizations for us to be able to reduce the budget. 

It is so fantastic that year in and year out, the budget gets bigger and bigger yet the organizational structure is not being commented on. Always it is just the programs and projects that are being discussed and publicized. 

Another thing, I don't really see the rationale for having new buildings within UP. These buildings are occupied by units that have former buildings which now lay empty, or not used daily. I wonder why UP always has to have a new building at all. 

And then it even leased that huge tract of land at the back to a commercial company which has commercial business and nothing academic at all. That is really a very questionable deal because UP land is supposed to be reserved for intellectual, academic and research purposes, not for selling shoes and clothes, or for dining out. 

Maybe it is high time that a task force be created to revamp the government structure once and for all. 

ON LIVING AND DYING

What is the purpose of engaging in politics?

It is to be able to show to the people what governance means, what they desire of a politician; how a country, a city, a town, a barangay should be run. 

It is telling them, "We can do this together, not singly but collectively."

Is that very hard to do?

If a person is not sincere in running, he or she would always think, "This act will make me win. I don't care what happens but by hook or by crook I gotta win."

What have they done? They have put up tarpaulins declaring themselves winners already of the coveted titles. Some have asked prominent people to raise their hands in triumph. Still others inject their names in the broadcast media hour by hour, declaring themselves for the good of the people. 

If a person is sincere, then he or she does not think of victory at the polls. Under the traditional Political scheme, only the affluent, those who have huge war chests can win. And if worse comes to worst before election day, those candidates who have been praying, doing all acts (peaceful) to win, then let us all pray together to still have a peaceful outcome of our elections. 

I have just been talking to an ex- political activist who told me pointblank that I am not going to win at all but I will be a virtual mayor of Quezon City. Folks, I don't think of May 20, 2019 at all, whence the winner will have been proclaimed already. I am thinking of reaching out to our Kababayan, to show them that they can desire and make real what their political officials can do.  

Once the people have imbibed those positive governance ideas then no matter what happens, whether the candidate espousing them win or lose, they are already prepared to face the consequences of their acts. 

However, the lure of money really is very strong. And I have heard from the grapevine that billions of pesos will be poured just to insure the most talked about names will win. This is why I am calling the attention of the public, and that those who believe, please pass on my website, Google: botokomahalaga.blogspot, and Google:thirdforce-prg, please value your votes at this time. We must be strong to resist every temptation of saying "Aye,Aye to the highest bidder." Whatever amount they dispense with now will return to them tenfold -- through tongpats. 

Then ask ourselves, what's the difference between living and dying? To live and die for principles is to live forever. To live for money is to insure dying instantly. 

WALANG KULELAT, BASTA ORO, PAGBABAGO AY SIGURADO!

Last night, I went to Ka Freddie Aguilar's restaurant and met his campaign leaders. Ka Freddie as we know is running for senator of our country. He has many supporters and I went there to find out how we could collaborate with his group as we also endorse his candidacy. 

Ka Freddie is a musician, an artist and has composed a lot of songs, the most famous and popular worldwide is Anak. The song talks of the lamentation over a son, the prodigal. - 

Lyrics of Anak

Nang isilang ka sa mundong ito
Laking tuwa ng magulang mo
At ang kamay nila ang iyong ilaw
At ang nanay at tatay mo'y
Di malaman ang gagawin
Minamasdan pati pagtulog mo
At sa gabi'y napupuyat ang iyong nanay
Sa pagtimpla ng gatas mo
At sa umaga nama'y kalong ka
Ng iyong amang tuwang-tuwa sa iyo

Ngayon nga ay malaki ka na
Nais mo'y maging malaya
Di man sila payag
Walang magagawa
Ikaw nga ay biglang nagbago
Naging matigas ang iyong ulo

At ang payo nila'y sinuway mo
Di mo man lang inisip na
Ang kanilang ginagawa'y para sa iyo
Pagkat ang nais mo'y
Masunod ang layaw mo
Di mo sila pinapansin

Nagdaan pa ang mga araw
At ang landas mo'y naligaw
Ikaw ay nalulong sa masamang bisyo
At ang una mong nilapitan
Ang iyong inang lumuluha
At ang tanong,"anak, ba't ka nagkaganyan"
At ang iyong mata'y biglang lumuha ng di mo pinapansin
Nagsisisi at sa isip mo'y
Nalaman mong ika'y nagkamali
Nagsisisi at sa isip mo'y
Nalaman mong ika'y nagkamali
Nagsisisi at sa isip mo'y
Nalaman mong ika'y nagkamali
Nagsisisi at sa isip mo'y
Nalaman mong ika'y nagkamali.

Now we ask, what is the role of a musician in the Senate? So many people could have a nebulous idea of the role of a musician in crafting legislation. I think we have to clear up our mind about the role of artists and musicians in society. We should not bracketize people and say only lawyers (boxers?????) should be allowed to become senators. 

Rather, these sectors of our society who have a lot of imagination and creativity should be allowed to sit and think side by side with those who have the tendency to think of formulaic solutions to the people's problems. 

Meanwhile, I was also barraged with questions like = if you're going to run, do you have money? Why did you appear only now? You should have started last year, why only now?

I have no money for campaigning. My savings are reserved for my last years on earth. Now I concentrated on what to offer the people of Quezon City and came up only with a Pamphlet which contains my program of action in the realms of health, education, work, transportation, and many more. 

This is how i envisage the governance of a city, one that is vibrant, artistically-inclined, sensitive to the people's minutest sufferings, embracing everyone, adults, children and the elderlies, PWDs, regardless of gender. 

I need support, both physical and emotional and will appreciate receiving it from as many people as possible. 

Like Ka Freddie, I am also an artist, a writer, a filmmaker, composer of music, puppeteer and many other arts that I have engaged myself in projecting relevant themes according to the socio-political demands in our country. 

FRIENDS, COUNTRYFOLKS, CO-RESIDENTS, STRANGERS TO AND WANDERERS IN QUEZON CITY, HEAR MY VOICE AS I SEARCH FOR THAT MAYORALTY SPACE:

WALANG KULELAT, BASTA ORO, PAGBABAGO AY SIGURADO!




Google: botokomahalaga.blogspot

WHAT IS THE USE OF DEMOCRACY?

What is the use of democracy if it does not allow the removal of oppressors who would deny people their right to livelihood?

What is the use of free speech, free assembly, free press, and all of those human rights if the people are muted in the face of overt rejection of their right to live humanely?

The mockery of democracy is becoming glaring every day and makes us wonder what we have all been fighting for in this Third World country. 

MY GREATEST CONCERN NOW

I don't understand it when leaders deprive their constituents the capacity to feed their 

families; the capacity to have a decent livelihood. that is no longer a leader but an oppressor

 who has no legal space in a democratic society. don't you think it is high time to dislodge 

such persons? they are prolonging the agony of people when they should be helping them

to lead decent and humane lives. speed to act against oppression can never be passe. I 

think 

ALL OF US HAVE TO ACT NOW WITH DISPATCH. 

Wilhelmina

WHEN THE GOLDEN YEARS APPROACH

Folks, let us learn from our OFWs on how they help and treat the elderly in the United States, how they prepare them to enjoy the golden years, and how they show that even though advance years, they can still enjoy their rights to a decent and humane life. Notes by Ludy Resurreccion, former English Professor from Maryknoll College in the Philippines: 

How Would You Prepare and Enjoy the Golden Years?

Philippine Community Center Services for Aging has a full-range of attractive and innovative options, according to Director Ma. Consuelo Almonte. 

We envision Aging Seniors or Elderly Immigrants, who are educated and trained advocates, to access culturally sensitive & competent health-care services or therapies; fair housing practices; technological literacy; and financial independence.

We are seeing immensely Creative, Innovative, and Vibrant Seniors and Elderly Persons, utilizing their experience and hard-earned skills to mentor young people and activate intergenerational dialogues which inspire and motivate the next generation to create their own legacies. 

We see these engaged Seniors and Elderly persons building strength for themselves, their families and communities, through Art, Dance, Theater, Literature, and many other expressive cultural forms.

We see active Seniors reach out to invisible aging or Elderly Immigrants seriously challenged by chronic illness, loneliness, isolation, or separation from close family, and by lack of information on access to government benefits. and engage them in self-empowering health & wellness practices.

We support Active Seniors who are opening their own private homes (or houses) to provide Living Spaces for fixed income Seniors, or Interactive Spaces for dialogues where Elderly Immigrants and Younger Immigrants interact, recall, and document their family and social histories living in Queens and other boroughs of New York City.

We encourage Seniors to expand their range of choices & strengthen support networks that help them navigate resources to address their health, housing, psycho-social, financial, or legal/immigration needs and issues. 

We all look forward to our productive, beautiful and healthy Golden Years!

Ludy Resurreccion

Program Director, The Nursing Office

" A Day in the Life of a Gerontological Nurse" by Myrna D. Santos, RN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMGWbBiV_P8

Mission:

To promote, celebrate and salute the elderly, and provide products and services to influence a change in culture to prepare and enjoy the golden years through a carefully designed program by and for seniors.

Vision:

Aging should not be a challenge.

Philosophy:

Aging is not loneliness and giving up. It is a continuing life of fun, diversity and spin. One must seek it.

Q: What is the Board all about?

A: The Board is the governing body of The Philippine Community Center Services for Aging

Q: What are the duties and responsibilities of the Board?

A: The duties of the board (Board Governance) will be designed by the board members themselves. Through business, leadership and management skills, we will start our organization, put up our bylaws, rules, policies and procedures, so that we will thrive as a successful organization both for services and financial sustainability. We will put up the basics for our projects, so that it can be implemented by our employees, or partners. 

Q: What does it take to become a Board member?

A:  We will be our greatest assets. Our willingness to give back and make a difference and influence the future of our aging communities will keep us together in this mission and vision.  

VISION-MISSION: 

Aging seniors or Elderly Immigrants who are educated and trained

To advocate for their rights to:

1.  Culturally Sensitive/Congruent & Competent Health-care services or therapies

2.  Fair housing practices

3.  Technological literacy

4.  Financial independence

Who are nurtured and honed in Senior-friendly spaces/environments with family, friends, and the general community of Richmond Hill and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Aging Seniors or Elderly Immigrants empowered to support other Immigrant Seniors in the community with similar situations, issues or challenges in their pursuit of optimum health and well-being as well as meaning and purpose in life.

GOALS: 

To reach out to invisible Aging Seniors or Elderly Immigrants living in our community who are seriously challenged by chronic illness, loneliness, isolation/separation from close family, and lack of information on access to government benefits, by addressing unmet needs and encouraging active participation in TNO Community Center's community activities for the Richmond Hill neighborhoods.

To provide Space for Intergenerational Dialogue where Elderly Immigrants and Younger Immigrants interact, recall, and document their family and social histories living in Queens, New York.

To encourage Seniors to expand their range of choices & strengthen support networks that help them address their health, housing, psycho-social, financial, or legal/immigration issues (See www.thenursingoffice.com).

 PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

I.  Case Management Program

A.  Establish Case Management Protocol for technical, legal, financial, health, housing, etc., challenges of Aging Senior citizens and Elderly Immigrants, regardless of race, gender, color, religion, or ethnicity.

B.  Draw up Support network, contacts, resource, & point person to meet the specific challenge of the aging Senior citizen and/or Elderly Immigrant.

C.  Implement Plan of action to address urgent and/or pending issue of Elderly Immigrants and secure a Safe Space to protect confidentiality.

D.  Execute timely, appropriate Documentation (paper, electronic, etc.) and Reference files on each Immigrant Senior’s case.

E.  Resolve urgent issues with the least harm, at the least cost to the aging Senior citizen and/or Elderly Immigrant person.

II.  Intergenerational Dialogue Program

F.  Connect with Younger Immigrant groups to write, document via various media, their dialogue on family & social  histories, by mentoring the youth and/or learning from them how life challenges were overcome.

III.  Education, Training, and Advocacy Program

      G.  Conduct Education/literacy, Work Skills-training, and Advocacy-training    classes necessary to upgrade aging Seniors’ learning & awareness on self-    care, health care services, fair housing, financial and legal issues, such as,             living will, estate planning, property management, pensions & benefits,    such as Medicare/Medicaid, social  security, taxes & retirement issues            (both here or abroad).

H.    Conduct and hold affordable Classes in Health Care-Giving in order to    develop basic skills in self-care and home care-giving among the Elderly            Immigrants and their family members.

I.  Connect with Diabetes Health & Wellness Academy for healthy nutrition                 and diabetes prevention classes.

IV.  Employment Referral & Placement Program

J.  Connect skilled, trained, and experienced Home Care-Givers with health                care agencies that provide FT or PT employment for willing, able, and    healthy Elderly Immigrant Seniors.

V.  Extended Arts Program

K.  Provide spaces for Creative, Interactive, and Socializing activities that are Senior and Elderly Immigrant-friendly in the Community Center.

L.  Conduct Visual arts, Performing arts, or Literary arts Workshops for elderly and aging Seniors as well as younger family members, to encourage individual and group collaborations that nourish and enhance their artistic/literary expressions and skills.

M.  Connect with neighboring Senior centers (i.e., Hillcrest Senior Center, Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center, Jamaica Library, etc.), arts and culture centers, and schools to collaborate on art/cultural exhibits and other activities, such as, Once Upon a Time, Inc. at 87-61 111th St., Richmond Hill, NY 11418; PS 90 Horace Mann School: Boys and Girls Club, Sikh Cultural Society, etc.

VI.  Health and Wellness Program

To promote Non-conventional Modalities of Healing and Wellness for Individuals, Children, and their Families and Care-givers.

To provide a Sanctuary (or Safe Space) for Non-conventional Healing Modalities for Practitioners, Clients, Families, and Caregivers.

To utilize Native American, Asian, African, and/or Middle Eastern traditions in Circle Stages, Ethnic Food, Music, Dancing, and Storytelling as Healing Formats and/or Environments.

To allow the Creative Modes of Non-conventional Traditional Healing and Self-care to Flourish and Prosper for the General Wellness of the Community.

To connect and/or integrate non-conventional modes of healing & wellness with institutional health facilities open to  collaborating with alternative medicine and innovative, nurse-driven healthcare solutions.

Non-conventional Healing (def.): Any or all healing modalities that flow with or use natural energies or elements not dependent on pharmaceutical or artificial chemical drugs;  any modality that ensures health & wellness beyond codependency on drugs.

PROGRAMS &/OR ACTIVITIES

1.            CIRCLE OF HEALING (STAGES)

                Getting Acquainted, Building Relationships, Addressing Issues, and

                Taking Action

2.            STORY-TELLING

                Introduction, Incident, Impact, Reflection

3.            FOOD AS MEDICINE

                Proper Choices, Preparation, Cooking, Enjoyment

4.            MOVEMENT AS HEALTH

                Qi Gong, Yoga, Tai Chi Exercises, Rhythmic Dancing

5.            STILLNESS MEDITATION

                Qi Gong, Healing Sounds, Breathing Techniques, Focused Prayer

6.            HOLISTIC HEALING

                Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda

7.            THE NURSE IS IN:  Health Screening, Education, & Outreach

                                              Nutrition & Organic, Natural Foods Education

 "The Fisherman's Wife"  Painting by John Walker

WHEN SPENDING THE TWILIGHT YEARS IN THE US

Our aging OFWs in the US find a haven  through the Nursing Office Community Center. Please find below their vision-mission and goals 

P.E.T.A.  Pagasa Education Training & Advocacy, 2014               

Slogan:  “Lakasan Ang Loob …Ibangon Ang Sarili”

(A Program of PCCSA & The Nursing Office COMMUNITY CENTER)

VISION-MISSION: 

Filipino-American Seniors educated and trained to advocate for their rights to culturally sensitive & competent health-care services or therapies; to fair housing practices; to technological literacy; to financial independence --- nurtured and honed in Senior-friendly spaces/environments with family, friends, and the general community. 

Filipino-American Seniors empowered to support other Seniors in the general community with similar situations or challenges, in their pursuit of happiness and true meaning or purpose in life.

GOALS: 

To reach out to Invisible Seniors living in our community who are seriously challenged by loneliness, isolation, and helplessness, through the activities at the PCCSA & The Nursing Office Community Center, and participation in larger community activities.

To encourage Seniors to expand their range of choices & strengthen support networks that help them address their health, housing, psycho-social, financial, or legal issues (See  www.thenursingoffice.com).

OBJECTIVES

1. Establish Case Management Protocol for technical, legal, financial, health, housing, etc., challenges of Senior citizens, regardless of race, gender, color, or ethnicity.
2. Draw up Support network, contacts, resource, & point person to meet the specific challenge of the Senior citizen.
3. Implement Plan of action to address urgent and/or pending issue of the Senior person and secure a Safe Space to protect confidentiality.
4. Execute timely, appropriate Documentation (paper, electronic, etc.) and Reference files on each Senior’s case.
5. Resolve urgent issues with the least harm, at the least cost to the Senior citizen.
6. Conduct education, skills-training, and advocacy-training classes necessary to upgrade Seniors’ learning & awareness on self-care, health care services, fair housing, financial and legal issues, such as, living will, estate planning, property management, pensions & benefits, social security, taxes & retirement (both here or abroad).

SERVICES

Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program

The Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) Program, effective June 8, 2016, allows certain eligible U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to request parole for their eligible family members. For more information:https://www.uscis.gov/fwvp

Homecare Giving

With AARP's "I Love Caregivers" Program

Sisterhood

Sisterhood, Story Telling & Memoirs "Emma Santos: The Doctor's Wife"

The FilAm community is ‘aging,’ seniors underserved: study

Consuelo Almonte, Aka Tito deVera ,Rufina Ghan, Lumen Castaneda (PIDCI 2017)

 

PCCSA sponsors LOLA LAND, starring Fe delos Reyes (Nov 17, 2017, Sheraton Hotel, Flushing, NY)

LUDY WRITES ABOUT DRAGON GALLERY

The Library & Museum of Philippine American History, Arts & Culture

& The Nursing Office Extended Arts Center                                                                  Building Bridges Program for Artists

 

FIESTA of FILIPINO AMERICAN ARTISTS 2016 (FFAA 2016)

An Artistic Milieu by, with, and for Filipino Artists

In the Renaissance of Philippine Art and Culture, a lively platform for Filipino artists and Filipino-American artists has yet to become a prominent part of Fil-Am daily life.  Oftentimes many artists from the homeland come to America, seeking validation of their artworks or artistic visions, appreciation and sustenance from largeraudiences beyond the homeland.

VISION-MISSION

 1.  To provide internationally recognized Exhibition Space(s) for Filipino and Filipino-American artists to exhibit all forms of artistic works in all modes and mediums, and develop facilities or enhance available physical spaces toward a permanent Philippine Arts Gallery & Exhibition space.

 2.  To create Crossroads of Arts, an intersecting Environment or Space where community members visually experience artistic works, meet in person and interact with Filipino / Filipino-American artists and know them as persons.  More importantly, to recognize, appreciate, and accept our Artists as vital and integral culture-bearers of the evolving authentic Filipino identity and spirit.

 3.  To explore, experiment, and pursue innovative approaches, plans, and strategies to create Viable Market Opportunities to help sustain Filipino/Filipino-American artists' livelihood for safety, survival and continuing artistic productivity.

 4.  To increase and enhance the understanding and appreciation of Art as a Channel of Life's truths and wisdom, stimulated by intellectual and aesthetic criticism of writers, journalists, academicians, historians or other visionaries who view works of artists from different, varied genres, mediums, styles and schools, or historical eras.

 5.  To maintain and sustain Filipino artists' visibility, exposure and active participation in the Renaissance of Philippine History, Art, and Culture here in America and in the Philippines.

To address this true need of our native, original talent from the homeland, The Nursing Office formally launches the space called DRAGON GALLERY NEW YORK There’s more to Art, at its location on 115-03 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill, New York 11418.  It is the first of its kind in the area.