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Behavior analyst Cherry Ann Chishti: Helping improve autism care in Filipino families
In New York’s close-knit Filipino American community, family comes first. When a child is diagnosed with autism or a developmental delay, immigrant families can face daunting challenges. Navigating the U.S. special education and healthcare systems can be confusing. Language barriers, limited resources, and the high cost of quality care can create additional obstacles. For behavior […]
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Trans woman Cassey Arrobang from Albany crowned Ms. PAFCOM LGBTQ 2026
By Elton Lugay Every time Cassey Arrobang steps into the spotlight, she carries more than a microphone. She carries a story. “As a performer, my greatest goal is to tell a story through every performance,” Cassey, a transgender woman, singer, dancer and community leader from Albany, shared in an interview with this writer. “Whether it’s […]
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Why corruption persists: Young FilAms look to history, entrenched political elites
By Cristina DC Pastor As the Philippines confronts renewed scrutiny over allegations of corruption, particularly involving government spending and flood-control projects, a group of young Filipino Americans are asking a difficult question: Why does corruption persist in the Philippines? For these young observers, the answer cannot be reduced to individual politicians or a single administration. […]
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UST grad Caroline Araullo promoted Chief Nursing Officer at NYCHH/Carter facility
NYC Health + Hospitals announced on August 11, 2026 the appointment of Caroline H. Araullo, MSN-NE, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC as the new Chief Nursing Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter. Since 2025, Araullo has served as the deputy director of Nursing at NYCHH/Carter and previously as its Nursing Educator since 2022. She earned a Doctor of Medicine […]
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Empowerment Awardees Francisco and Corazon Reyes: Partners in healing and service
By Cristina DC Pastor An emergency room physician and surgeon and his corporate nurse wife were among the honorees at Fiesta in America’s Empowerment Awards on August 9, 2026, where they were recognized for decades of professional excellence and community service. Dr. Francisco Reyes and his wife, Corazon Reyes, RN, received the Lifetime Empowerment Couple […]
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An Ivy League inspiration: A community library finds a home in Mindanao
By Elaine Joy Edaya Degale Before the Library, there was Merienda. I founded Operation Merienda in 2020 while completing my graduate work at Teachers College, Columbia University. My academic work examined philanthropy through the frameworks of human rights and peace education. I was interested in how philanthropic projects could provide resources to communities without treating […]
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When care turns to crime
The FilAm Editorial Marizel Yukee’s name is now on every Filipino’s lips. She is not the first Filipino American to be linked to a major healthcare fraud scheme. Others have come before her, and others have followed. Yet, registered nurse Yukee has become the poster girl of large-scale healthcare fraud because of the staggering scope […]
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Physical therapist wanted in yet another Medicare fraud totaling $2.8M
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), is seeking information on the whereabouts of Conrado Dizon Lopez Jr., a licensed physical therapist and former owner of Total Rehab in Brooklyn, New York, who is wanted in connection with a multimillion-dollar health care fraud case. According to the HHS […]
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Elmhurst Hospital appoints Dr. Robin Ulep as vice chair of Neurology and co-director of Stroke Center
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst has announced the appointment of Robin Ulep, MD, as Vice Chair of the Department of Neurology and Co-Director of the hospital’s Stroke Center. Dr. Ulep is a vascular neurologist with clinical expertise in acute stroke management, telestroke consultation, stroke prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery. She joins Elmhurst Hospital’s nationally recognized stroke care […]