The Woman Behind a Meaningful SMILE

MAYOR JASMIN ANGELLI MALIGAYA-BAUTISTA'S S.M.I.L.E. AND HER TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONTINUE TO INSPIRE LEADERS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MAGALLANES, CAVITE TO ACT ON THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.

Magallanes, Cavite's continued march toward prosperity is rooted in its commitment to Social Services, Good Governance, Infrastructure Development, Local Economic Growth, Education, and Environmental Protection—the core principles of the S.M.I.L.E. framework. This framework has been the cornerstone of Mayor Jasmin Angelli Maligaya-Bautista's successful leadership as the town's chief executive.

Originally her campaign slogan, S.M.I.L.E. has since guided her administration. Now in her third term, Mayor Bautista remains focused on implementing long-term plans for each aspect of S.M.I.L.E., ensuring a sustainable future for Magallanes.

BORN INTO POLITICS

Born into a political family, Bautista, the eldest daughter of former Mayor Menong Maligaya, was immersed in the world of politics from a young age. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand her father's dedication to serving the people of Magallanes as residents frequently sought his help at their home. While initially uninterested in pursuing a political career, Bautista was deeply inspired by her father's leadership and compassion.

"I never aspired to hold public office," she recalls, "but as I grew older, I saw my father's genuine care for our constituents. I will always cherish his words: 'As long as we can help the people of Magallanes, we will help.' Those words have stayed with me throughout my life."

Motivated by her father's example, Bautista decided to enter public service herself. At the tender age of 16, she was elected to the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council). Just five years later, she became one of Magallanes' youngest vice mayors and the first woman to preside over the municipal council.

A WOMAN LEADING THROUGH IT ALL

As with other young women entering the male-dominated world of local government units (LGUs), Baustista faced challenges in Magallanes. During her term as vice mayor, she diligently prepared for the responsibilities ahead.

Known for her proactive approach, she studied local governance and parliamentary procedures, honing the necessary skills as a local government official. Her dedication impressed then Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo, who selected her as a scholar to study local governance and development at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

From the start, Bautista made it clear that despite her youth and gender, she was committed to collaborating with other leaders for the benefit of all Magalleños. Her determination earned her the respect of other elected officials, who shared her vision for progress.

As a strict presiding officer, Bautista enforced attendance and scrutinized resolutions and ordinances. She adhered to established systems to facilitate efficient sessions and ensure well-crafted measures.

Bautista's tenure as mayor was marked by significant challenges, beginning with the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020, followed closely by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Additionally, she faced the issue of the proliferation of flies due to mismanagement of a poultry farm. Determined to provide long-term solutions, she avoided quick fixes and focused on addressing the root causes of these problems.

MAKING A NAME FOR HERSELF

Grateful for the progress made under her father's leadership, Bautista aimed to sustain and build upon his legacy. To achieve this, she focused on implementing the goals she outlined during her first mayoral campaign.

Through her S.M.I.L.E. framework, Bautista emphasized her commitment to the following. Social Services: Providing access to essential services, such as the Free Titling and Property Tax Exclusion Program for those affected by road widening projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Good Management: Promoting transparency and accountability through the A.R.T. of Good Governance Program, which incentivizes good management in communities by giving them the Gawad Luntiang Barangay or Gawad Galing Barangay and funds for projects for their achievements. Bautista's leadership also engages the youth through the Magallanes Youth Forum. This program empowers young people to present their concerns and ideas to the local government. A culminating activity allows them to present recommendations for future actions.

Infrastructure and Innovation: Modernizing the municipality's infrastructure, including developing the public market into a premier vegetable hub, and investing in sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and solar energy.

Local Economic Development: Stimulating economic growth and job creation. Key projects include developing the public market into Cavite's premier vegetable hub, a vision inspired by her father. The mayor is also actively promoting sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting to augment the water supply and the use of solar panels at the town hall, demonstrating the town’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Education and Environment: Prioritizing education through comprehensive scholarship programs for all school levels, from daycare to senior high school, including those under the Alternative Leaming System and the Magallanes Scholarship Program to further support college students. In terms of environmental sustainability, initiatives like the Basura Palit Bigas (Trash-for-Rice) Program and Transformers are being implemented to promote waste reduction and recycling.

THE A.R.T. OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

Bautista's A.R.T. of Good Governance Program encompasses two key initiatives: Gawad Luntiang Barangay and Gawad Galing Barangay. These projects aim to foster good governance practices across all barangays in Magallanes, challenging barangay leaders to excel. Awardees receive substantial incentives of up to Php 800,000 to fund local projects. Additionally, winning barangays benefit from guidance on effective fund utilization.

The Gawad Luntiang Barangay aligns with the Manila Bay Compliance Audit, while the Gawad Galing Barangay is aligned with the DILG's Seal of Good Local Governance indicators. This strategic alignment simplifies the municipality's compliance with DILG requirements during assessments and audits.

GOING GREEN

Bautista has taken significant steps to make Magallanes a greener community. To reduce plastic waste, she launched the Basura Palit Bigas Program, where residents can exchange one kilogram of plastic for one kilogram of rice. This initiative has been praised for not only decreasing plastic pollution but also providing essential food support to underprivileged families.

"I'm proud to contribute to reducing plastic waste in our town, while also helping to feed Magalleño families. They are truly grateful for this program," Bautista emphasizes.

To further instill environmental consciousness in the younger generation, the Trashformers program encourages youth to collect various types of plastic in exchange for school supplies. By nurturing eco-friendly habits from a young age, Bautista believes that these values will become ingrained in their lives.

In addition to these initiatives, Bautista is committed to promoting a smoke-free and drug-free Magallanes, further enhancing the town's overall sustainability.

PROMOTING ECOTOURISM

Bautista spearheaded the development of Buhay Forest, an eco-tourism destination in Magallanes. While the initial attraction, the Stations of the Cross, drew some visitors, it wasn't enough to fully capitalize on the site's potential.

Inspired by Bali's iconic swings and nest-like structures, Bautista introduced similar designs to Buhay Forest between 2018 and 2019. This transformation proved to be a major success, attracting approximately 21,000 visitors daily. As a result, local businesses surrounding Buhay Forest thrived, improving the living conditions of residents in Barangay San Agustin.

Buhay Forest has become a significant income source for the municipality, generating one million pesos in monthly revenue. Eighty percent of the Php30 entrance fee goes directly to the municipal government, while the remaining 20% benefits the barangay. This innovative approach allows Bautista to generate funds for social services and other important LGU projects.

"I'm constantly thinking of ways to generate revenue for our town. We can't afford to be complacent. We need to find ways to increase our income so we can expand our services to the people of Magallanes," Bautista explains.

TOWARD FOOD SECURITY

Bautista envisions Magallanes as a prominent agricultural hub. To realize this vision, the municipality plans to establish a comprehensive agricultural center equipped with logistics, cold storage facilities, and a digital platform for agricultural products, similar to China's Taobao Agricultural Center Hub. This initiative aims to empower farmers by increasing their earnings and reducing losses caused by middlemen.

To lay the groundwork for this ambitious goal, Bautista began by addressing critical issues within the poultry industry. By implementing a strict One-Pest Control System, the local government aims to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain a healthy environment for poultry farms. Regular inspections further ensure the stability and sustainability of the industry.

In addition to these efforts, the municipality has established nurseries on a three-hectare plot of land and agricultural training centers. Bautista highlights the development of a Halal Agricultural Hub on a five-hectare land parcel, demonstrating the municipality's commitment to diversity in the agricultural sector.

A GOOD LIFE FOR MAGALLEÑOS

Bautista's ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for the people of Magallanes while safeguarding the pristine environment.

"My dream for Magallanes is simple: I envision a future where all my constituents enjoy a good life and the entire municipality continues to progress. Our hope is to preserve our clean water, clean air, and clean environment," she expresses. The mayor is confident that these sustainable development efforts and goals are integrated into the municipality's long-term economic development plan. Through diligent implementation, this vision can be transformed into reality.

THE WOMAN BEHIND MAGALLANES’ PROGRESS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Bautista has emerged as an exemplary female leader, driving progress, securing growth, and promoting sustainable development in Magallanes. She has demonstrated that environmental preservation and economic development can go hand-in-hand. As she strives to transform Magallanes into an agricultural hub and ecotourism destination, nothing will deter her from achieving these goals and improving the lives of her constituents. Even as her term as mayor draws to a close, Mayor Jasmin Angelli Maligaya-Bautista remains committed to seeing her plans come to fruition. “To my fellow Magalleños, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout these years. I couldn’t have achieved any of these without your help. While I may be stepping down as mayor, I will continue to support and assist the people of Magallanes. If you need me or my family, we are here to help,” she declares.

“I hope that we can continue working together to build a more progressive and joyful Magallanes,” she concludes.

WE CAN'T BE COMPLACENT; WE MUST THINK OF WAYS FOR OUR MUNICIPALITY TO MAKE MONEY SO THAT WE CAN EXPAND OUR SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE OF MAGALLANES.