Federal Government Shutdown and Eleven Years After My Retirement

Today, October 1, 2013 is the first Federal government shutdown in nearly 18 years.Today is also eleven years after my retirement as a Federal employee with the Food and Drug Administration, Center of Evaluation and Drug Research, New Drug Chemistry, Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Silver Spring, Maryland. Today, the Office of Management and Budget said in a note it sent to federal employees. "Agencies should now execute plans for an orderly shutdown due to the absence of appropriations." This is the first time the government has shut down in nearly 18 years. The last time this shutdown happened, was during the Clinton administration, which lasted 21 days. I hope this year shutdown will not last long. Speaking of working for the Federal government, I am proud to re post the following article on my Federal work experience from 1990 to 2002. If you have read this before my apologies.

Today is the 11th Anniversary of my retirement from the Food and Drug Administration as Chemistry Team Leader. Since then, I keep myself busy with my blogs and managing the family small beach resort and conference center in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. The following is a re post of my biography as published in the Sulo Newsletter dated January 7, 2003 for those who are not regular readers of my blog. Today, I am happy and still feel productive, but I must admit I missed the daily intellectual challenges that I experienced when I was still working for the FDA. The photo above was taken on September 1, 2013 in Mountain View, California.



The following is an excerpt from the article published in Sulo Newsletter, Vol.8, No.1 dated January 7, 2003. Sulo is the official newsletter of PAASE ( Philippine-American Academy of Science & Engineering). I have been a member of PAASE since 1969.

"David is the oldest of seven children of Dr. and Mrs. David Jamili Katague, Sr of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. Even before he went to grade school, he had dreams of coming to US, since he had a lot of contact with American GI who were dental patients of his father in the US-Filipino army during World War II. In 1951, he graduated valedictorian of his high school class.

He enrolled at the University of the Philippines Iloilo College (UPIC) in Iloilo City. During his two years at UPIC, he was a recipient of several scholarships, such as the Fernando Lopez,university and college scholarships. In 1955, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry in UP Diliman, Q.C. at top 1% of his class. The next year, he passed the board examination for Chemists coping 3rd place nationwide. He was appointed instructor in Chemistry and taught chemistry for three years in his Alma Mater before pursuing graduate degrees to the US. In 1957, he married Macrine Nieva Jambalos of Boac, Marinduque. In 1962 he obtained his Master of Science degree followed by his PhD.in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago. The following are the highlights of David and Macrine's involvement in US and Philippines from 1964 to the present:

1964-1969: The Kansas City, Missouri Years

Downtown Kansas City, Missouri
* Employed as chemist by Chemagro Corporation(Bayer). His work on pesticide residue research resulted in four scientific publications.
* The Kansas City Roman Catholic Diocese appointed David to the Social Action Commission dealing with racial prejudice and other social issues.
* David and Macrine organized and lead the first ecumenical ( interfaith) group of the Christian Family Movement (CFM) in the KC Diocese.

1969-1974: The Modesto, California Years
Downtown Modesto
* Employed as Research Chemist by Shell Development Company. His work resulted in two
scientific publications as well as numerous in house reports on analytical method development of pesticide residues
* David and Macrine founded the " Mabuhay Club" - the first Filipino-American organization in Stanislaus County involved in social, educational, and cultural projects. They served as the first president couple with twenty original members. Today the organization has more than 300 members.
* In 1972, David and Macrine became US citizens
* In 1972, David was listed in the 12th Edition of American Men and Women of Science for his expertise on pesticide residue method development and regulation

David III, Dodie, Ditas and Dinah with second cousin Kimberly Jambalos Williams Lamarre, 1969
1974-1990: The Pinole, California Years

New Shopping Small Mall in Pinole

* Employed as Principal Research Chemist by Stauffer Chemical Company( ICI), 1974-1986. This position was the highest technical position ( without supervisory duties) attainable in the company
* In 1986-1990, David was employed by Chevron Chemical Company as Senior Research Chemist supervising three junior chemists and technicians.
* In 1986, David participated in the TOKTEN(Transfer of knowledge through Expatriate Nationals) Program at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Q.C.
* David donated technical books and journals worth more than $1,500.00 to the UP Chemistry Library, through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. A letter of thanks from Alfredo Perdon, Executive Director of CFO dated May 23, 1990 states " Your donation is a manifestation of the willingness of Filipino overseas to be actively involved in the development efforts of the country. Such participation through the commission " Lingkod Sa Kapwa Pilipino Program or LINKAPIL serves to strengthen the linkages between Filipino overseas and their countrymen". A LINKAPIL Certificate of Appreciation was attached along with picture of the turnover ceremony at the UP library.
* David served as President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association
(UPAA), Berkeley Chapter for two years. Some of the projects during his term were cultural( music/dance) and educational ( Kulintang-Mindanao Art Exhibits).
* In 1980, David obtained his Master's Certificate in Business Management at UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
* In 1976, David was listed in Who's Who in the West, 15th Edition
* In 1981, David was listed in Who's Who in Technology Today, 2nd Edition
* In 1982, David was listed in the Chemistry Section of "Experts and Consultants in the United States

1990-2002: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Years

FDA New Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. This is only about 2 miles from our residence in Colesville at Hammonton Road.
* In 1990, David was hired by FDA as a review chemist in the Office of New Drug Chemistry, CDER in the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products
* In 1993, he was promoted to Expert GS-14 with expertise in anti-malarial, anti-parasitic and systemic anti-fungal drug products
* In 1997, he was promoted again to chemistry team leader, supervising the work of five reviewers. He is the first Filipino-American to achieve this position in FDA/CDER. As team leader, he was responsible for prioritizing, assigning and assuring the technical accuracy of all of chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drugs. He has received numerous awards for outstanding performance, initiative, leadership and communication skills as well as commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of FDA mission.
* In 1998, David was awarded the EEO ( Equal Employment Opportunity)plaque. The citation reads, " For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of EEO by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership".
* David facilitated the donation of $20,000.00 to UP. He suggested to his classmate, Mrs Ofelia Umali-Barretto, to sponsor a Professional Chair In Chemistry( see Chemistry Alumni Newsletter dated April 20, 1997 )
* In 1995, he was elected to the United States Pharmacopeia(USP) Council of Experts, Division of Standards, Antibiotics and Natural Products. As an elected member, he was responsible for establishing standards of identity, safety, quality, purity of drug substances and drug products as well as in-vitro and diagnostic products, dietary supplements and related articles used in health care. David is the first Filipino-American elected to the USP Council of Experts since its inception in 1820. In March, 2000 David was reelected to serve another 5 year term to end in 2005.
* In July, 1998, David received an outstanding Filipino-American Senior Citizen Award in Chemistry, Science and Research. The Philippine Centennial Festival Committee of the Philippine American Foundation of Charities, Washington, DC presented the award
*The next year he was nominated by the Philippine Embassy, Washington, DC for the "PAMANA NG PILIPINO " award in Chemistry . David is a trailblazer in Chemistry and Drug Regulation. He is the first Filipino-American to attain the position of Team Leader and Expert in FDA as well as the first Filipino-American to be elected to the USP/Council of Experts. His drive and energy to succeed is a representation of the Filipino people's talent and passion for excellence. He has shown that Filipinos can contribute significantly to the advancement of science, thus making the world a better and safer place by insuring that only safe and better quality drugs are approved and marketed in the US.

* Retirement Years: 2002 and Beyond

David retired from FDA on October 31, 2002. David is a model husband, father and grandfather. David and Macrine have four children, all professionals residing in California. They have six grandchildren. Since retirement, they have built a retirement home in the Philippines. In the property, they also have built a beach house and conference hall, now open to the public
(www.chateaudumer.com) . They have also been busy managing and participating with the Medical Missions to the province of Marinduque ( www.marinduqueinternational.org). They spend 6 months here in California and six months in the Philippines. The article "Joy of Retirement" in his other blog (http://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com) is a summary of their current life and activities".
David in front of Retirement Home in Boac,Marinduque, Philippines


A: EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

1951-1955 B.S. in Chemistry, U. of Philippines, Diliman,Q.C., Philippines
1959-1962 M.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, U. of Illinois, Chicago, USA
1962-1964 Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, U. of Illinous, Chicago, USA
1977-1980 Masters Certificate in Business Management, U. of California, Berkeley, CA

B: EMPLOYMENT

1955-1958 Instructor in Chemistry, U. of the Philippines, Diliman, Q.C.
1959-1962 Teaching Assistant in Chemistry, U. of Illinois, Chicago, USA
1962-1964 Instructor in Chemistry, U. of Illinois, Chicago, USA
1964-1969 Analytical Research Chemist, Chemagro Corp., Kansas City, Missouri
1969-1974 Research Chemists, Shell Development Company, Modesto, California
1974-1986 Principal Research Chemist, Stauffer Chemical Co. Richmond, CA
1986-1990 Senior Research Chemist, Chevron Chemical Company, Richmond, Ca
1990-1996 Review Chemist, FDA/ONDC/Div of Anti-Infective Drugs, Rockville, MD
1997-2002 Chemistry Team Leader, FDA/Center of New Drugs/HFD-520, Silver Spring, MD

C: AWARDS, HONORS AND CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION:

Initiated to Rho Chi Phi, Pharmaceutical Honor Society, 1962
Elected to Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Honor Society, 1964
Listed in 12th Edition, American Men and Women of Science, 1972 (page 3184)
Listed in Who's Who in the West, 15th & 21st Editions, 1976 & 1987
Listed in Who's Who in Technology Today, 2nd Edition, 1981 (page 999)
Listed in Experts and Consultants, Chemistry Section,1982 (page 515)
Group Recognition Award, Halofantrine Review Team, FDA, May 1993
Team Excellence Award for Albendazole Review, FDA May, 1997
Commendable Service Award on Botanical Guidance, May, 1997
Commendable Service Award on Guidance in Evaluation of Clinical Studies for Antimicrobial Drug Products, May, 1998
Team Excellence Award for Trovafloxacin/Alatrofloxacin Review, May, 1998

D: OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:

1. Guest Lecturer, Institute of Natural Sciences, U. of the Philippines, January 1986 'sponsored by TOKTEN and United Nations Development Program, New York
2. President, U. of the Philippines Alumni Association, Berkeley Chapter,Berkeley, CA 1988-1990
3. Elected to the USP Committee on Revision,Standard Division,1995-2000 and 2000-2005
Antibiotics and Natural Products Subcommittees
4. Member, Philippine American Academy of Science & Engineering since 1965

E: PUBLICATIONS;

1. Analysis of the Volatile Components of Ylang-Ylang Oil by Gas Chromatography.
J. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 52 252(1963)
2. Gas and Thin Layer Chromatographic Analysis of the Volatile Components of Papaya Fruit, J. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 54 891 (1965)
3. Determination of Fenthion Residues in Plant and Animal Tissues by Electron-Capture Gas Chromatography, J. of Agri & Food Chemistry, Vol 14, No.6 (1966)
4. A Gas Chromatographic Method for the Determination of Bayer 37289, its Oxygen Analog and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol in Crops, J. of Agri & Food Chemistry, Vol 14, No.5 (1966)
5. Metabolism of P32 Labeled Dasanit in Cotton Plants, Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology, Vol 2 (1967)
6. Gas Chromatographic Method for Residues of Baygon and Metabolites in Plant Tissues. J. of Agri & Food Chemistry, Vol 20, No.6 ( 1972)
7. Characterization and Microdetermination of a Water-Soluble Metabolite from Bladex Herbicide by Conversion to 5,5-dimethyl Hydantoin, J. of Agri & Food Chemistry, Vol 21 No.6 ( 1973)

I have authored more that 250 research reports, FDA submisons and analytical residue methods ( GC, TLC and HPLC) during the last 20 years of my industrial experience in the field of pesticide research, registration and regulation for the following companies: Chemagro Corporation, Shell Development Co., Stauffer Chemical Co and Chevron Chemical Company

F; FAVORITE QUOTES AND PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

Home at last! Home is not a place: it is an attitude and it is in our heart and soul. It is an attitude which depends upon how much we are able to feel at home with ourselves as well as with others. Home is something that happens to a person. Homecoming has less to do with geography than it has to do with a sense of personal integrity or inner wholeness and satisfaction. The most important of all endeavors in life is to come home. The most terrifying fears is loneliness. We wish for home as our first wish; hope for home until our last hope, dream of home with every dreams we form.... Fr. Padavano

The day you really live is the day you have touch the lives of others

Success to me is not wealth or material things such as expensive cars etc...
Success is education, family accomplishments, honors and awards, but most of all is to have loyal friends available in time of need

Where there is God, and love, there must be faith and where there is faith, there is peace indeed.
Where there is peace, there must be God and where there is God,
there is no need...Where there is no need, there is Paradise,
In Paradise there is bliss, contentment and delight!


The David B Katague Clan,Walnut Creek, CA November, 2007

My Photo Gallery-1994 to the Present

The following are some of the many memorable pictures taken from my album from 1994 to the Present here in the United States (Washington DC, Silver Spring, MD, Los Angeles, Sacramento, California, Las Vegas, NV and Houston,TX) and in Iloilo City, Philippines.
Governor Arnold S. attending one of the several census updates meeting and Ditas, Director of Census, 2010, Los Angeles, CA August 27, 2009.

Ditas Katague Thompson with Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, May 26, 2009

Dave with sister Amor Katague Gregorio pointing to his 74th Birthday Cake, Iloilo City, December 20, 2008

Marinduque International Members Pre-Medical Mission Meeting, Las Vegas, NV 2007

Dave and Macrine with Dr. Jim and Lorna Roscetti, Houston, TX August 2007

Dave and Macrine in their Cowboy Outfits, Houston, TX August 2007

Governor Arnold S. at his Birthday Dinner Party with Dave and Ditas, Walnut Grove, CA July 25, 2005

Christmas Party, Washington, D.C., December, 2000

GMA ( was VP at that time) with Dave and Macrine, Washington, DC. 1999

Lea Salonga and Ditas, Washington DC, Reception for President Estrada,1999


President Clinton at Asian Pacific Meeting Washington, DC, 1994
Note: Macrine and Dave( red tie/cumber band and his monkey suit)in the inset picture at the background. Macrine trying to shake hands of Bill Clinton after dinner.

Related Websites:
http://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com
http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com
http://marinduqueonmymind.blogspot.com
http://marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com
http://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com
http://lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com
http://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com

Trip to the Pinoy Grocery Store-Part 3

Yesterday after church, my wife and I went to the Pinoy grocery store for Pinoy delicacies, cooked food, bangus, longonisa and other Pinoy canned goods and delicacies. As usual I had a chance to talk to the owner of the store, a pretty Pinay about the Pinoy TV drama, My Husband's Lover. She asked me what my opinion is if I were in the situation of Vincent, the lead actor. In the latest episode, Vincent has a choice between his gay lover Eric or with his two kids. As portrayed in the drama, there was an agreement with Lally ( Vince wife) AND Eric, that during the day he stays with Eric but at night he goes home to Lally and the kids. Lally will no longer object to Vince relationship with Eric as long as he goes home at night and the kids will see him in the morning. How long do you think this agreement will last?

Here's one comment from a fan of the TV drama that was published in Facebook, the other day.

1. "For the sake of the kids" is not a valid reason to stay together. Children will know and feel the non-verbal or cold treatment between the parents. Animosity is felt more than bickering and the effects of this display is very confusing to the children.

2) Children will understand if we explain in simple terms the reasons for family conflicts. Refrain from negative words that might compromise their respect to either parent.

3) Explanations given to children must be based on TRUTH. Who wants to be lied to, anyway? and last

4) Forgiving the erring spouse is the very first step to healing. Moving on is always easy when we forgive.

I agree with the above statements;

On the other hand, I have a closed relative who stayed with her kids until all of them turned 18, before she divorced her husband after 22 years of marriage, even though, she was not happy with her marriage. Did she chose the correct decision in this case? Only time will tell, but at present her adults children appeared to understand their parents separation. Meanwhile, my closed relative is doing well on her new life after the divorce.

Going back to the TV drama, what do you think will be the ending of the story? Will Vincent finally tell the truth to his kids? Let me know what you think if you are a fan of MHL.

How Much Do You Know of the US Constitution?

With the partial US government shutdown looming this coming Tuesday, I think it is time to examine our Constitution for an addition to the propose Amendment 28, I am posting in this article. Have you read Amendment 28 and how much do you know of the US constitution? Take a Quiz and let me know the results.


I have listed seven questions below regarding the US Constitution. If you can answer at least five, I salute you. You know your constitution well, and keep up with your excellent knowledge of history. Here are the questions, followed by the answers.

Please do not cheat by looking at the answers first, without at least trying.

US Constitution Questions

1.Do you know by heart, or could you memorize, the Preamble of the US Constitution?

1.How many articles are in the US Constitution?

2.How many Amendments are in the US Constitution?

3.Can you name at least 5 signers of this document out of the 40 signatories?

4.What is the most popular and well-known Amendment?

5.What is the exact date of the ratification?

6.Who was the Secretary who attested the document?

Answers
1.We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promise the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

2.There are 7 Articles in the US Constitution.

3.There are 27 Amendments to the US Constitution.

4.Among the well-known signers of the US Constitution are: George Washington( President), Alexander Hamilton, B. Franklin, James Madison, Jr., W. Livingstone, John Blair, Charles Pickney, John Langdon and William Jackson.

5.Amendment XIV-Civil Rights.

6.September 17, 1787.

7.William Jackson.

Note: There is a proposal for Amendment 28 circulating in the Web a couple of years ago. Here's the essence of the proposed amendment?

"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

I will appreciate your comments. Do you have a suggestion to prevent future government shutdowns because there are indecision on the national budget about this time of the year?

Romantic Music for the Start of the Fall Season

When I woke up this morning,the temperature outside was a cool 54 degrees Fahrenheit reminding me that the Fall season had started here in Northern California. The leaves had started to turn yellowish in The Foothills but not in my backyard. However, this morning reminds of one of my favorite romantic music from the Secret Garden as follows. Enjoy!

The following video is one of my favorite romantic classical pieces. If you agree please let me know.

Here's another version of the Adagio from the Secret Garden. The background in this video reminds me of our 12 years in Maryland during the Fall Season, the Longwood Gardens in Kenneth Square, Pennsylvania and the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. during the heights of the autumn season. Both gardens is must visit during the Fall season of you love Gardens. Enjoy!

Last July, Mr Melvin Rickarby of Radio 4, BBC, Bristol, UK interviewed me on how and why Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez touched my heart. The summary of the interview along with other fans of Rodrigo were taped and you could download it in the website as follows:

SoulMusic: Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar, Tuesday, July 09, 2013 4:00 AM

My three minute interview start at 11 minutes and ends at 14 minutes of the 27 minutes tape. I felt weird hearing my own voice with my distinguishable Ilonggo-American accent. However, I am proud to be chosen by BBC as one of the fans of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez.

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/soulmusic/rss.xml

A brief summary of the recording which was broadcasted live on July 9, 2013 at 4:00AM is as follows:

Written by Joaquin Rodrigo in 1939, the Concierto de Aranjuez is a guitar classic. It was written amid the chaos of the Spanish Civil War, and in circumstances of poverty and personal tragedy. This progamme explores how the piece touches and changes people's lives.

The composer's daughter Cecilia Rodrigo explains how the blind composer was inspired by the fountains and gardens of the palace of Aranjuez. Nelício Faria de Sales recounts an unforgettable performance deep inside one of Brazil's largest caves, while David B Katague remembers how the piece got him through a difficult period of separation from his family in the Philippines.

Guitarist Craig Ogden explains the magic of the piece for a performer, and actor Simon Callow recalls how hearing the piece was a formative experience for him during his schooldays, when it turned rural Berkshire into a piece of Spain.

Producer: Melvin Rickarby

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/radio4/soulmusic/rss.xml
Media files: soul music_20130709-1200a.mp3 (MP3 Format Sound, 12.7 MB)

New Words and Phrases, I learn Today

The English language is for sure not a dead language. Every year new words and phrases are coined and added to the vocabulary of our younger generation. Eight of the new words and two new phrases that attracted my attention are as follows: Number 10 is my favorite since I do it almost every month. I have also done a selfie, but will never do number 2 and 9. Do you have a favorite new word or phrase that you can add to this list?

1. Pomosexuality refers to a nonorientation in which people disregard sexual labels altogether. In the world of pomosexuality, the superficial orientation identifications (a.k.a. gay, straight, etc.) are insignificant and not what people should accord to.

2. Plopping: See definition in the reference cited at bottom of this page.

3. A Selfie: A picture taken of yourself that is planned to be uploaded to Facebook, Myspace or any other sort of social networking website. You can usually see the person's arm holding out the camera in which case you can clearly tell that this person does not have any friends to take pictures of them so they resort to Myspace to find internet friends and post pictures of themselves, taken by themselves.

4. Ratchet: A diva, mostly from urban cities and ghettos, that has reason to believe she is every mans eye candy. Unfortunately, she's wrong. Typical signs to beware of include, but are not limited to:-owning a Blackberry,-BLARES anything by Drake, 2Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka,and Lil Wayne.

5. Molly: Abr. of 'molecular'. Pure form of MDMA (ecstasy), usually a free powder or in capsules. Oftentimes MDA is sold as molly. Should be white in color (when it's pure) but is more often beige or yellow-brown, and sometimes brown or rarely gray.

6. Hipsters: Are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter. The greatest concentrations of hipsters can be found living in the Williamsburg, Wicker Park, and Mission District neighborhoods of major cosmopolitan centers such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco respectively.

7. Reekris: African American slang for Jesus. A word you scream when shit goes terribly wrong. Reekris motherfuckin bootleg firework SHIT.

8. Randy: Overly excited in a sexual manner. See also horny.

9. Alabama tuna melt: See definition on the reference cited at bottom of this page.

10. Egosurfing (also Googling yourself, vanity searching, egosearching, egogoogling, autogoogling, self-googling) is the practice of searching for one's own name, pseudonym, or screen name on a popular search engine in order to review the results. Similarly, an egosurfer is one who surfs the Internet for his or her own name to see what information appears. It has become increasingly popular with the rise of internet search engines, as well as free blogging and web-hosting services. Though Google is the search engine most commonly mentioned when referring to egosurfing, other widely known search engines include Yahoo and Bing. Once a month I do egosurfing, indeed!

For more details and additional new words and phrases please visit the website below:

Reference: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=new%20words