PCG New York Marks Filipino American History Month with Film Screening of 'Manila 1945' and a Panel Discussion on Filipino Americans Across Generations

Panel members (L-R) Steven Raga, LeezelTanglao, Sonny Busa and Anne del Castillo, together with moderator Prof. ChereeQuizon during a panel discussion on Filipino-Americans Across Generations. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

New York – In celebration of Filipino American History Month, about 110 guests mostly Filipinos, Filipino Americans, and Americans, showed up at the Philippine Center New York on 24 October 2019 for the film screening of Spyron-AV Manila’s documentary film, “Manila 1945: The Rest of the Story” and a panel discussion featuring five distinguished Filipino-Americans of diverse background coming from different generations to share their experiences growing up as Filipino Americans.

(Photo by Lambert Parong)

Next Day Better’s animated short video entitled “The Filipino American Story” was also played after the film screening.

In his welcome remarks, Consul Arman Talbo said that “as we remember the achievements of those who arrived in America before you, let us not forget that the Filipino American History Month is also about you; it is about the story of success and struggle of each one in this room. Let us continue the great story of the Filipino Americans.”

Some of guests join Consul General Claro Cristobal (top row, 9th), Philippine Consulate Officers and Staff, distinguished panelists, and NaFFAA officers at a photo opportunity at the end of the FAHM event. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

The guests and the members of the panel all appreciated that the documentary film Manila 1945 was shown as they were able to learn more about the Battle for Manila from the perspective of World War II survivors, veterans, historians and experts. Some have expressed that they now understood the war’s effects on the Filipinos’ psyche and the Philippine culture and society today. 

Ms. Janette Andrada (Photo by Lambert Parong)

Spyron-AV Manila’s New York representative Janette Andrada who introduced the film said that the film was shown not to open wounds but as a way for Filipinos, Americans, and Japanese alike to heal and forgive. She encouraged the audience, particularly the younger generations not forget the sacrifices of these unsung heroes and do everything in their power to avoid war and history repeating itself.

Consul General Claro Cristobal (Photo by Lambert Parong)

Philippine Consul General Claro Cristobal said that “after looking back, learning our history, the next thing to do is to look around, see where we are as a people and as a community. And hopefully after looking around, we can look ahead, to see the future and define what we have to do as a community so that our presence in this country will be felt even more.”

Panel members (L-R) Steven Raga, Leezel Tanglao, Sonny Busa and Anne del Castillo, together with moderator Prof. ChereeQuizon during a panel discussion on Filipino-Americans Across Generations. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

The panel discussion themed “Filipino Americans Across Generations: Challenges and Opportunities” featured Anthropology Professor Cherubim Quizon of Seton Hall University as moderator, and retired US diplomat and army officer Santiago Busa, Jr., New York City Mayor’s Office of Media Entertainment Commissioner Anne del Castillo, New York State Assembly Chief of Staff Steven Raga, and Huff Post’s journalist and media consultant Leezel Tanglao as members of the panel.

Seton Hall Anthropology Professor Cheree Quizon during the panel discussion. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

Noting each of the panels’ diverse background, upbringing and age difference, Professor Quizon asked the panel to share their narratives, including the challenges they faced as Filipino-Americans. She also asked them if they believe there is a gap between the first, second and third generations of Filipino Americans and if that is the case, how can we unite and harmonize efforts across generations to find synergy and common voice.

Retired US diplomat and army Officer Sonny Busa during the panel discussion. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

Sonny Busa, who is the only Filipino to teach both in the US Military Academy and the Philippine Military Academy, said that although he considered himself a Southern Californian, he decided later in life to use his being a Filipino as an advantage - not to the advantage of victimization - but as a source of strength. He encouraged parents raising Filipino American kids to always make sure that Philippine culture comes to the fore and not to be suppressed. Speaking about bridging the gap between generations, he said that the only way for the older generations of Filipino Americans to empower and engage the young ones in community involvement is to trust and give them control over planning and implementation.

NYC MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo relates during the panel discussion. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo, whose mother hails from Isabela, Negros Occidental, related how she has struggled to find her identity as an American and Filipino. She acknowledged that Fil-Ams who were born and raised here in the US feel they do not have the same certainties as those Filipinos who migrated to the USand are secure in their identity as Filipinos. She sees the importance of attending Philippine Independence Day events and cultural activities so that they can identify and know Philippine history and culture.

FYLPRO 2019 Delegate Leezel Tanglao of HuffPost during the panel discussion. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

Leezel Tanglao is from Carson, California and has been in NY for 9 years. She is a bridge journalist having worked for every type of media company ranging from digital, print, broadcast, start-up, wire service, and innovation. Citing her work as a bridge journalist who has been at the intersection of a lot of spaces, she “looks at identity as very dynamic” and asks “why can’t we be both?”

NY State Assembly Chief of Staff Steven Raga during the panel discussion. (Photo by Lambert Parong)

Steven Raga, the first Filipino to become chief of staff at the NY State Assembly, shared that although bridging generational gap has been a challenge for a long time now, his experience in being both Filipino and American has helped him in gaining a wide network which is essential in his line of work. He said that he is American when he is with Americans and Filipino when he is dealing with the Filipino community.

Steven Raga, Sonny Busa, Leezel Tanglao, Anne del Castillo, Cheree Quizon, ConGen Claro Cristobal, Dr. Laura Garcia and Janette Andrada.  (Photo by Lambert Parong)

The FAHM event, which was hosted by Vice Consul Tanya Faye Ramiro, was organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York in cooperation with the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA).


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Mayor de Blasio Announces Lower East Side Late-Night Quality of Life Improvement Plan

NY City Hall Press Office Photo

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced a multi-agency plan to improve the quality of life of thousands of New Yorkers living in one of the city’s densest nightlife districts. The plan, created by the Office of Nightlife, targets a 6-block area on Ludlow and Orchard Streets between Houston and Delancey on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Improvements will reduce traffic and pedestrian congestion on the street and make garbage sweeping routes more efficient. Nightlife patrons will also see a new etiquette campaign encouraging them to be more respectful and aware of their surroundings.

“The world loves New York nightlife, but we also have to take care of the New Yorkers who live where others play,” said Mayor de Blasio. “We are creating cleaner, quieter streets to improve quality of life while ensuring bars, restaurants and clubs can thrive.”

“Nightlife is vital to New York City’s local culture and global identity,” said Ariel Palitz,Senior Executive Director for the Office of Nightlife. “The Lower East Side is one of the city’s most vibrant and social neighborhoods. This plan coordinates City services to support our thriving nightlife and respond to the needs of the residential community, to ensure that nightlife is fair and works for everyone.”

“We are proud to partner with our colleagues in city government and the local community to develop and implement collaborative solutions to quality of life concerns surrounding nightlife on the Lower East Side,” said Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne del Castillo. “Nightlife establishments are a fundamental part of the city’s DNA; they employ almost 300,000 New Yorkers. Through these collaborative efforts, MOME can ensure that the city’s creative and cultural industries like nightlife can thrive in ways that are mutually beneficial for all.”  

The area of Ludlow and Orchard Streets between Houston and Delancey contains more than 80 food and beverage establishments. For years, residents and businesses have complained of late-night horn honking and loud voices as traffic stops due to double-parked cars dropping off and collecting passengers on the area’s narrow streets. Moreover, litter builds up overnight under parked cars and on sidewalks, which is unsightly, unsanitary, and attracts rats.

The Lower East Side Late-Night Quality of Life Improvement Plan was designed with the support and input of residents, business owners, workers, and local officials to  make their neighborhood more livable. The plan includes:

New parking regulations to ease traffic congestion and reduce noise

• DOT is implementing a “No Standing” rule from midnight to 6 AM on the west side of the streets and 7 PM to 7 AM on the east side of streets, seven days a week
• Removing standing vehicles overnight eases congestion, honking and other noise

New litter removal schedule coordinated with bar closing times for more efficient cleaning and additional street cleaning

• To more efficiently clean neighborhood streets, DSNY street sweepers will now operate between 3 and 6 AM 
• The prior schedule from midnight to 3 AM was less efficient, as many businesses were still open and patrons were still out
• The Business Improvement District (BID), the Lower East Side Partnership, will provide 200 hours of street cleaning services a week, seven days a week
• Council Member Chin allocated $30,000 expense funding to LESP for cleaning Ludlow St, which is outside the  BID boundaries
• Council Member Chin has also allocated $40,000 in capital funds to LES Partnership to purchase a power washer truck 

Increased enforcement of for-hire vehicles

• TLC will increase enforcement patrols to crack down on unlicensed for-hire vehicles double parking and making unauthorized pickups
• A 10-person team of TLC officers and supervisors will conduct random patrols between 11pm and 3am at least once every Friday and Saturday night

Mayor’s Office of Nightlife “Night Owl” etiquette campaign urging patrons to be more considerate 

• Awareness Campaign will urge patrons to use common-sense nightlife consideration including keeping sound to a minimum and keeping sidewalks clean and clear. The PSA will be displayed on LinkNYC kiosks in the area
• The Office of Nightlife and NYPD will distribute signs to bars and clubs with tips for theft prevention

SPAA’s Annual Art Exhibition at the Philippine Center New York

Consul Arman R. Talbo (5th from left, 1st row), Mrs. Fe Cabactulan, Mrs. Marilou Cristobal, (6th and 7th from left, 1st row) joined SPAA President Art Zamora (3rd from right, 1st row) and SPAA members and Board members in cutting the ribbon at the Opening Reception of the 26th Annual SPAA Art Exhibition. (Photo by Philippine Center New York)

New York – The Society of Philippine-American Artists (SPAA) held the opening reception of the 26th Annual SPAA Art Exhibition on 15 October 2019 at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center. Members and officers of SPAA, artists, art enthusiasts, and members of the Filipino-American community attended the opening ceremony.

Art enthusiasts attended the opening of the exhibit. (Photo by Philippine Center New York)

Consul Arman R. Talbo, Manager of the Philippine Center, congratulated SPAA for the successful launch of the exhibit and thanked the members for their many contributions in the field of arts and for inspiring and encouraging both Filipino and Filipino-American artists to pursue their passion.

SPAA President Art Zamora during his welcome remarks at the Opening Reception of the 26th Annual SPAA Art Exhibition. (Photo by Philippine Center New York)

Mr. Art Zamora, President of the SPAA welcomed the guests, artists, sponsors, and volunteers to the well-attended event. He said that the exhibit is the fruit of the hardwork and artistry of the artists and SPAA members.

(L-R) Mrs. Marilou Cristobal, Mrs. Fe Cabactulan, Dr. Angelina Ricafrente and SPAA Secretary Athena Magcase-Lopez during the opening reception of the 26th Annual SPAA Art Exhibition. (Photo by Philippine Center New York)

Twenty-four artists were featured in the show: Christian Ray Blaza, Ysabel Cacho, Aurora Caparas-Corpuz, Cheryle Cranbourne, Ronald Cortez, Dulcie Dee, Tessie Dichupa, Carlos L. Esguerra, Angelito Espiritu, Apolinario Folloso, Joel Francisco, Leonore RS Lim, Greta Lood, Athena Magcase-Lopez, Angelo Maristela, Esmie Gayo Mclaren, Chato Morando, Mirinisa H. Myers, Ameurfina H. Nazario, Rene Ner, Godfrey C. Pinder, Carol Tanjutco, Ching Valdes-Aran and Art Zamora. Their works are diverse in medium and artistic content.

Consul Arman R. Talbo during his welcome speech at the Opening Reception of the 26th Annual SPAA Art Exhibition. (Photo by Philippine Center New York)

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Asia Society Museum in New York presents Xiaoze Xie: Objects of Evidence

Xiaoze Xie. Chinese Library No. 62, 2017. Oil on canvas. H. 60 x W. 60 in. (152 x 152 cm).
Courtesy of the artist and Chambers Fine Art. Photograph courtesy of the artist.

Asia Society presents an exhibition of paintings, installation, photography, and video by Xiaoze Xie (b. 1966 in Guangdong Province, China) tracing the history of banned books in China and exploring the subjectivity of censorship in relation to the shifting nature of sociopolitical and religious ideologies.

Exhibition of paintings, installation, photography, and video on view through Jan 5, 2020. 

Born on the cusp of the Cultural Revolution, Xiaoze Xie experienced the profound power of books firsthand. Formative memories of his grandmother sharing epic tales from classic novels dovetailed with recollections of his father, a school principal, who was forced to collect banned books slated for destruction under Mao. Doomed titles from the artist’s youth became forbidden, yet tantalizing objects that have continued to inspire Xie as a central aspect of his artistic practice.

Xie’s focus on books banned in China was initiated during a 2014 residency as a faculty fellow at the Stanford Center at Peking University when he compiled an index of banned books from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) through the Republic of China (1911–49) into the present day. The artist expanded this research project to chart the history of banned books—through the use of painting, photography, and installation—including Dream of the Red Chamber (Hong Lou Meng) by Cao Xueqin, and Water Margin (Shui Hu Zhuan) attributed to Shi Nai'an, which have become among the most revered and beloved novels in Chinese literature. Xie’s body of work provides a means to consider changes in cultural standards and their influence on shaping modern Chinese society.

On view in the exhibition are a selection of oil paintings, a photographic installation of editions of books printed in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing dynasties, and a 46-minute video documentary about Xie’s work and the history and impact of literary censorship in Mainland China. Objects of Evidence (Modern Books), comprises three vitrines containing first edition banned books from Mainland China, accompanied by later editions sourced from outside the mainland, from three modern eras in Chinese history: the Republican Era (1911–49), the Hu Feng Anti-party Clique period in the 1950s, and the Cultural Revolution (1966–76). Foreign books in translation—including A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë—were among the books banned for their socially corrupting material. To date, the artist has collected over 750 publications for this ongoing project.

Also included in the exhibition is a searchable database, created by the artist as an interactive complement to Objects of Evidence, of information about books censored in China from the Ming dynasty to the present including author, book title, and the date and reason for censorship. Visitors may access selected publications under the following subjects: politics, literature, religion, academics, and morality. The database also includes a brief overview of the history of censorship in Mainland China.

Xiaoze Xie was born in 1966 in Guangdong Province, China. He received a BFA in Architecture from Tsinghua University in 1988, an MFA from the Central Academy of Arts and Design in Beijing in 1991, and an MFA from the University of North Texas in 1996. The artist currently lives and works in Palo Alto, CA, where he serves as the Paul L. & Phyllis Wattis Professor of Art at Stanford University.

Xiaoze Xie: Objects of Evidence is curated by Michelle Yun, Senior Curator, Modern and Contemporary Art, Asia Society Museum.

Also on view

The following exhibitions are concurrently on view at Asia Society Museum from September 10, 2019 through January 5, 2020:

• Wang Dongling: Ink in Motion is the first public presentation of a work by one of the most celebrated living calligraphers in China, created for Asia Society as part of a 2018 performance at the Museum. Inspired by Laozi’s Dao De Jing, a classic of Daoist philosophy, the large-scale opus, like Wang Dongling’s other experimental works, features his luanshu (chaos script) that expands the venerated Chinese calligraphy tradition through a dynamic style that renders the texts almost completely indecipherable.

• In Focus: Lakshmi explores the importance and worship of the beloved goddess and consort of the god Vishnu, who is part of the complex Hindu belief that originated in India. The exhibition is centered on a hanging Meiji Period (1868–1912) scroll depicting Lakshmi as she appears in the Japanese Buddhist tradition, venerated as the most popular Buddhist deity. Lakshmi appears in numerous forms, as do the Hindu deities represented by Chola-period sculptures that are also on view. Contemporary paintings by self-taught artist Roberto Custodio (b. 1967 in São Paolo, Brazil) share broader context and transformations of the goddess’s image abroad. The exhibition is part of Asia Society Museum’s ongoing In Focus series inviting viewers to take an in-depth look at a single, significant work of art.

Exhibition support

Generous support for Xiaoze Xie: Objects of Evidence is provided by Bo Wu, The Lou Foundation, and the Fortinet Founder. This exhibition was made possible with support from the Department of Art & Art History at Stanford University. Asia Society appreciates the cooperation of Chambers Fine Art.

Support for Asia Society Museum is provided by Asia Society Global Council on Asian Arts and Culture, Asia Society Friends of Asian Arts, Arthur Ross Foundation, Sheryl and Charles R. Kaye Endowment for Contemporary Art Exhibitions, Hazen Polsky Foundation, Mary Griggs Burke Fund, Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and New York State Council on the Arts.

About Asia Society Museum
Asia Society Museum presents a wide range of traditional, modern, and contemporary exhibitions of Asian and Asian American art, taking new approaches to familiar masterpieces and introducing under-recognized arts and artists. The Asia Society Museum Collection comprises a traditional art collection that includes the initial bequests of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd, and a contemporary art collection.

Asia Society Museum is located at 725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street), New York City. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Friday from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. General admission is $12, seniors $10, students $7; and free for members and persons under 16. Free admission Friday evenings, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Find out more at AsiaSociety.org/NY.

Primer on the 29 October 2019 Magnitude 6.6 Tulunan, Cotabato Earthquake - PHIVOLCS

What is happening in Cotabato and vicinity?

At 09:04 AM Philippine Standard Time (PST) of 29 October 2019 (Tuesday), another strong earthquake of Magnitude (M) 6.6 shook the province of Cotabato (also known as North Cotabato) and vicinity. This earthquake has an epicenter located 25 kilometers southeast of Tulunan, Cotabato, and a depth of 7 kilometers. This earthquake, as well as the recent earthquakes (9 July 2019 M5.6 and 16 October 2019 M6.3) in the area, are part of a sequence of events from interrelated faults in the region. Small to strong magnitude earthquakes followed afterwards, and as of 3:00 PM PST of 29 October 2019, 113 earthquakes following the M6.6 earthquake have been recorded by the DOST-PHIVOLCS.

Using the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), the ground shaking based on preliminary intensity reports are summarized below.

Have major to moderate magnitude earthquakes affected Cotabato in the past? 

The most recent earthquake events that affected Cotabato are the 9 July 2019 M5.6 and the 16 October 2019 M6.3 earthquakes. The maximum intensity of the M6.3 event was felt at PEIS VII in Tulunan, M'lang, Makilala, and Kidapawan City in Cotabato, Bansalan, Digos City, Hagonoy, Magsaysay, and Matanao in Davao del Sur, and some portions in Columbio in Sultan Kudarat. This earthquake was felt as far as 300 kilometers away from the epicenter.

At areas where PEIS VII was felt, most people are frightened and run outdoors. People find it difficult to stand in upper floors. Heavy objects and furniture overturn or topple. Big church bells may ring. Old or poorly-built structures suffer considerably damage. Some well-built structures are slightly damaged. Some cracks may appear on dikes, fish ponds, road surface, or concrete hollow block walls. Limited liquefaction, lateral spreading and landslides are observed. Trees are shaken strongly.

At least four onshore earthquakes ranging from M5.0 to M7.5 occurred in Cotabato and vicinity from 1924 to present based on the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Catalog and the report by the Southeast Asia Association of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (SEASEE). Small- to moderate-magnitude earthquake swarms were also recorded in April to May 1993, and August 2007.

Why do earthquakes occur in Cotabato?

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN Region), which includes Cotabato, is one of the seismically active regions in the country because of the presence of several active faults in the area which include the M’lang Fault, Makilala-Malungon Fault, North Columbio Fault, South Columbio Fault, and the western extension of the Mindanao Fault (Cotabato-Sindangan Fault). Cotabato Trench is also a major source of earthquakes which can affect the region. In addition, there are other nearby local faults, some of which may be covered by recent deposits, and could be sources of small to strong magnitude earthquakes.

Can this earthquake indicate volcanic activity?

No. Although the nearest active volcanoes from the epicenter are Matutum Volcano (~46 km) and Parker Volcano (~76 km), the M6.6 event and succeeding earthquakes are tectonic in origin. However, as part of DOST-PHIVOLCS monitoring procedures for moderate to large earthquakes occurring near active volcanoes, the Institute will closely monitor earthquake events in relation to any activity that may be associated with Matutum and Parker Volcanoes.

What can we expect from the current earthquake activity?

We expect small- to moderate-magnitude earthquakes to occur in the epicentral area which may continue for several days to weeks, some of which may be felt. Although the occurrence of another earthquake higher than M6.6 cannot be discounted, the possibility of it coming from the same source area is low.

Aside from strong ground shaking, what other seismic hazards are life-threatening?

Landslides, rock falls, and other types of mass movements may occur on mountainous or hilly areas. Liquefaction, manifested by subsidence, sand boils or lateral spreads may affect low-lying, water-saturated and sandy areas often near banks and shorelines. Offshore large shallow earthquakes may generate tsunami waves that may inundate nearby shorelines.

Can this recent earthquake event trigger a destructive tsunami?

No. The epicenter of the earthquake is inland. Cotabato is also landlocked, hence it is safe from tsunami. Based on the current Active Faults and Trenches Map of PHIVOLCS, the tsunami threat for Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and adjacent coastal areas in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region would come from the movement of the Cotabato Trench, located west of this region. Also, the tsunami threat for Davao Region would come from the movement of the Philippine Trench or other offshore active faults, located east of this region. Other sources of tsunamis which may affect the coastal communities of southern Mindanao would come from movement of the Sangihe, Halmahera and North Sulawesi Trenches located farther south offshore of Mindanao.

What should be done by the affected communities?

People are reminded to be cautious of structures visibly weakened or with signs of damage caused by the 16 October 2019 M6.3 and the 29 October 2019 M6.6 earthquakes, as these may be further damaged by succeeding earthquakes. In case of houses and other buildings with visible damage, it is best to contact the City/Municipal Engineering Office for advice.

Civil engineers from the local government, other agencies and organizations are strongly advised to inspect buildings and infrastructures to determine their integrity, and recommend appropriate actions to the affected groups or individuals. Affected buildings should not be reoccupied unless certified safe by these engineers.

Slopes should be checked for tension/incipient cracks that may have resulted from the strong ground shaking. Tension cracks may render slopes more susceptible to landslides. Areas that may be potentially affected should be avoided.

The best course of action is preparedness. In case of another strongly felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the “drop, cover and hold.” In homes and offices, heavy furniture should be strapped to the walls, hanging objects be securely fastened, and appliances be secured to prevent them from toppling and causing injuries to persons.

During these events, rumors claiming to predict an earthquake, tsunami or volcanic activity are easily spread that may cause panic. Please avoid sharing messages from unconfirmed and unreliable sources. Always verify information with authorities.

What is the role of DOST-PHIVOLCS?

DOST-PHIVOLCS operates and maintains a network of 104 seismic stations spread across the Philippines. Twenty-six of these seismic stations are located in Mindanao, nine of which are staffed-controlled and are located in Kidapawan City, Cotabato City, Davao City, Cagayan De Oro City, Bislig City, Surigao City, Dipolog City, Zamboanga City, and General Santos City. DOST-PHIVOLCS also has 17 remote-telemetered seismic stations located in Pikit in Cotabato, Bacolod in Lanao del Norte, Marawi City, Valencia in Bukidnon, Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat, Talacogon in Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, General Luna in Surigao del Norte, Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Loreto in Dinagat, Don Marcelino in Davao del Sur, Mati City and Cateel in Davao Oriental, Laak in Compostela Valley, Pagadian City and Ipil in Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi. Data from the seismic stations are used to determine the location, magnitude and other characteristics of earthquakes. The closest seismic stations to Cotabato are the Kidapawan City Seismic Station (staff-controlled) in Kidapawan City (Cotabato), and remote-telemetered seismic station in Pikit (Cotabato).

Aside from monitoring the occurrences of earthquakes, DOST-PHIVOLCS also provides information and services such as hazards analyses and assessments. DOST-PHIVOLCS works hand-in-hand with other government agencies in mitigating the damaging effects of earthquakes. Furthermore, DOST-PHIVOLCS immediately deploys Quick Response Teams in areas affected by strong and damaging earthquakes to assess impacts and conduct information dissemination campaigns to allay the fears of the public.

Please visit our website at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, and our Facebook (/PHIVOLCS) and Twitter (@phivolcs_dost) accounts for earthquake bulletins, volcano updates, hazard maps, and other information on earthquakes and volcanoes. Earthquake observations may also be reported to DOST-PHIVOLCS at telephone numbers (+63 2) 8929-9254 and (+63 2) 8426-1468 to 79, local 307 and 308.


https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/9268-primer-on-the-29-october-2019-magnitude-6-6-tulunan-cotabato-earthquake

New York PCG Conducts Consular Outreach Activities in Rhode Island and Connecticut

Consul Ricarte Abejuela III administering the oath to allegiance to former Filipinos in Newport, Rhode Island in line with their reacquisition of their Philippine Citizenship under RA 9225.

The Consulate General of the Philippines successfully conducted its back-to-back Consular Outreach Activities in Newport, Rhode Island on 05 October 2019 and in Groton, Connecticut on 06 October 2019. 

The Consular Outreach Team with the local partners, the Filipino-American Association of Newport, Rhode Island.

The Consular Outreach team was led by Consul Ricarte Abejuela III and the following members: Ms. Marita Omar, Ms. Marianne Olfindo, Mr. Carlo Aspeli, Ms. Beverly Pellosis, Ms. Criselda Abril, Ms. Lisette Vasquez, Ms. Floresita Cuabo, Ms. Annalie Galang, and Mr Wilson Ros.

Filipinos of Groton, Connecticut availing of the various consular services of the Consulate.

At the outreach in Newport, the team was able to process and approve a total of 48 ePassport applications, 16 citizenship reacquisition petitions, 26 documents, and 6 civil registry documents. The consular team was assisted by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations – Rhode Island in the one-day activity.

Filipinos of Newport, Rhode Island availing of the various consular services of the Consulate.

At the outreach in Groton, the team was able to process and approve a total of 47 ePassport applications, 22 citizenship reacquisition petitions, 16 documents, and 13 civil registry documents. The consular team was assisted by the KIDS Philippines, Inc. in the one-day activity.

The outreach activity started at 8:30 am and ended at 4:30 pm.

The Consular Outreach Team with KIDS Philippines, Inc., the local partners at Groton, Connecticut.

The Filipinos who availed themselves of the activity extended their gratitude to the Consulate for bringing consular services to their cities. They also commended the team for their professionalization, friendliness, and efficiency. The outreach services were highly appreciated and saved them the time and effort to travel all the way to New York. 

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The United States Has Brought the Leader of ISIS to Justice - The White House

The White House Facebook Page Photo

BRINGING AL-BAGHDADI TO JUSTICE: President Donald J. Trump has announced that the leader of ISIS has been brought to justice and is dead following a successful United States operation.

President Trump announced a successful United States operation has finally brought to justice Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the founder and leader of ISIS.

The United States has been searching for Baghdadi for years and has been a top national security priority of President Trump.

Baghdadi and the cowards around him are responsible for horrific and depraved violence, including the deaths of Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig, and Kayla Mueller.

The operation was named in honor of one of Baghdadi’s American victims, Kayla Mueller.

ISIS publicly beheaded more than 300 people under Baghdadi, committed genocidal killings of the Yazidi population, and killed thousands of captured prisoners of war.

This operation is a win for the United States and the world and a reminder that we will continue to pursue all ISIS terrorists to the end.

EXECUTING A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION: This daring operation was launched at President Trump’s direction, successfully leading to the death of Baghdadi with no American forces lost.

This daring nighttime raid was launched at the direction of President Trump and is the result of a team effort by the military and partners from across the counterterrorism community.

Throughout the operation, the President and members of his national security team monitored developments in the Situation Room.

President Trump took steps to ensure that this operation would not be leaked and our troops put in danger.

In order to protect the safety of our troops, other countries with forces in the region were notified that American forces would be moving through the area.

The operation was a team effort by America’s finest, successfully leading to the confirmed death of the leader of ISIS – the most ruthless and violent terror organization in the world.

At 7:15pm Eastern Daylight Time on October 26, the Special Operations force commander on the ground reported that Baghdadi had been killed.

A combination of visual evidence and DNA tests confirmed Baghdadi’s identity.

No American personnel were lost in the operation, while five other enemy combatants were killed in the compound and additional enemies were killed in the vicinity.

An American military working dog was wounded and two United States military members were slightly wounded but have returned to duty.

DECIMATING ISIS: The United States and our coalition partners have completely destroyed ISIS’ territorial caliphate and continue to bring these vile terrorists to justice.

When he took office, President Trump empowered our commanders on the ground and ensured we were taking the fight to ISIS.

The United States and our coalition partners successfully destroyed ISIS’ so-called caliphate.

In March of this year, it was announced that all ISIS-held territory in Iraq and Syria had been liberated.

The United States worked with our Global Coalition, Iraqi Security Forces, and Syrian Democratic Forces to destroy the so-called caliphate.

After successfully destroying ISIS’ caliphate, we have continued to pursue any remaining ISIS leaders and fighters and bring them to justice.

The United States and our coalition partners have captured and killed numerous ISIS leaders, disrupting the terrorist organization’s ability to organize and plan attacks.

The United States and our partners have pursued a campaign against the most senior ISIS officials that have kept the organization’s leadership in a constant state of disarray.

President Trump has made clear that the United States will continue to pursue the remaining ISIS terrorists until they are brought to justice.

The United States is committed to ensuring the remnants of ISIS are destroyed and that it can never regain its so-called caliphate.

The United States remains committed to the Coalition and is confident that we will ensure a lasting defeat of ISIS.