< Back CAROLING, GOVERNANCE, AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC By Frederick N. Castillo Filipinos are now reviving activities and traditions that were prohibited during the height of the pandemic, such as caroling and other Christmas traditions, after more than two years. Ang Pasko ay sumapit Tayo ay mangagsiawit Ng magagandang himig Dahil sa Diyos ay pag-ibig Nang si Kristo ay isilang May tatlong haring nagsidalaw At ang bawat isa Ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay. The words are definitely familiar to us, right? How about this one: Tayo na, giliw, magsalo na tayo Mayroon na tayong tinapay at keso Di ba Noche Buena sa gabing ito At bukas ay araw ng Pasko. Undoubtedly, these words are likewise familiar, aren’t they? But, the following could be the clincher… Whenever I see girls and boys Selling lanterns on the street I remember the child In the manger as He sleeps Wherever there are people Giving gifts exchanging cards I believe that Christmas Is truly in their hearts. CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS Clearly, these iconic Filipino Christmas carols, as well as those from the West, get airtime as early as the first day of September and eventually dominate the airwaves (and in today’s generation, audio streaming sites) as the holiday season approaches. Given that the Philippines is known globally as the country with the longest Christmas celebration, all of us can’t get enough of these songs that represent everything that makes us feel good during this most wonderful time of the year. And yes, these tunes have actually taken on a new life with their being sung live, especially on the streets, through the practice of caroling. Caroling typically involves a group of individuals of different musical/singing abilities going from one house to another (or any other location where there are people), singing a medley of Christmas carols, and who may or may not receive a certain amount of money or, on a few occasions, goods (especially small food items) in exchange for their “performance.” Thereafter, such a gesture from and generosity of anybody in the household will be serenaded with a short signature musical line of gratitude: “Thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo (such kind souls), thank you.” Unfortunately, those who are unable to give something for various reasons (typically shouting “patawad” (sorry) are, on occasion, made fun of through another short iconic line: “Thank you, thank you, ang babarat ninyo (such cheapskates), thank you.” The musical performance of carolers could be as simple as singing to the accompaniment of improvised musical instruments (e.g., drums made from old tin cans, tambourines made out of flattened bottle caps, toy maracas), which is quite popular among children; or as elaborate as using the latest electric guitars, keyboards, and portable amplifiers, with the singers actually giving professional performers a run for their money. Of course, adding to the fun and festive nature of this tradition, particularly among children, are the notso-accurate lyrics that carolers belt out with gusto. LOOKING BACK Indeed, caroling is as Filipino as Simbang Gabi, noche buena, and everyone’s favorite puto bumbong in terms of Christmas tradition. But just when did the practice of caroling in the country begin? Historians and music scholars are relatively unsure when this tradition started, although they are pretty much certain that it can be traced to the Spanish colonization of the country, particularly when the villancico was introduced in the country. Villancico is a musical genre from the Iberian Peninsula (and later, Latin America) that was popular from the Renaissance era to about the 18th century. This musical form is typically performed during various religious feast days of the Catholic Church, including Christmas, although the use of this term in the 20th century is restricted to Spanish Christmas carols. With the passage of time, it is said that the villancico evolved and came to be generally associated with Christmas activities, including the singing of Christmas carols. Although the lyrics were in Spanish, Filipino composers eventually adapted the genre and introduced Filipino versions of the villancico. It was only a matter of time before these religious songs, previously exclusive to the Catholic Church, were brought out to the streets in the form of present-day caroling. “CONTROLLING” CAROLING Undoubtedly, caroling and carolers singing our favorite Yuletide tunes are clear reminders of the Christmas season in the country. Not even armed conflicts, economic hardships, and even authoritarian rule (i.e., Martial Law) could prevent Filipinos from continuing and being part of this tradition. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the closest that caroling had been put under some semblance of “control” is through several laws, ordinances, and regulations issued by the national and local governments, and even some neighborhood or village associations. In 2007, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarified that caroling, as a form of solicitation during the Christmas season, does not require a permit from the department. Although Presidential Decree No. 1564 (Solicitation Permit Law), the Administrative Code of 1987, and Executive Order No. 24 (series of 2001) generally mandate the DSWD to regulate the solicitation activities of individuals and corporations, the department stated that local governments, guided by the various related provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), also have the right to issue their own ordinances on activities such as caroling. Accordingly, cities and municipalities nationwide have, in one way or another, passed ordinances regulating the conduct of caroling activities, including the aspects pertaining to the hours covered, places where carolers can go, age of carolers, and prohibition of minors from joining such activities. Other ordinances, such as Cebu City’s anti-mendicancy ordinance, specifically prohibit children from begging for alms in the guise of caroling on the streets and public utility vehicles. Neighborhood and village associations have likewise implemented regulations pertaining to caroling in their respective areas. Specific reasons for implementing such guidelines are primarily related to peace and order matters, including the prevention of alleged “noise” that disturb residents, nonresidents roaming around neighborhoods, especially at night, and criminal elements and gangs from using caroling as a front to victimize residents. Hence, carolers are often required to obtain permits from barangay or neighborhood association offices. THEN CAME COVID-19… Unfortunately, laws and ordinances were not the actual threat against the tradition of caroling being discontinued. What regulations could not completely control, the COVID-19 pandemic easily did. Indeed, the pandemic has changed our everyday lives, including how we celebrate Christmas. Although we are currently heading back to a semblance of normalcy, given the continuously improving COVID-19 situation nationwide, everything was completely different and highly restricted since the start of the pandemic. From mid-March 2020 to as recent as mid-2022, the Philippines was under different forms of community quarantine (i.e., lockdowns), restricting all non-essential activities, including caroling and other Christmas-related activities and gatherings, with the primary purpose of preventing the transmission of the virus. As part of the quarantine measures, the national and local governments implemented regulations and ordinances, specifically those that prevent mass gatherings, impose curfews, mandate the wearing of face masks and (for a time) face shields, closure of malls and other similar establishments, and stay-at-home orders for those under 18 years old, senior citizens, and individuals with comorbidities. The Valenzuela City Council, for instance, passed the Bawal Muna Caroling Ordinance, which banned caroling from December 1, 2020 to January 4, 2021. The ordinance imposed a Php5,000 fine and/or community service for violators. For his part, thenCebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella in early November 2020 issued an executive order prohibiting street caroling in the city all throughout the holiday season for that year. This was on top of the existing city ordinance that prohibits street caroling unless covered by a permit from the mayor’s office. Local governments continued to impose similar restrictions in the following year. For instance, Dasmariñas, Cavite Mayor Jennifer Barzaga signed in December 2021 an executive order banning caroling during the Christmas season, and providing penalties for such. COVID-19-induced restrictions, however, did not last very long, as the condition began to improve in late 2021. In November 2021, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that Christmas caroling will be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2—the second-lowest in a five-level alert system. For its part, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified that as there were no specific national governmentimposed restrictions against caroling, it was up to local government units to come up with updated guidelines based on their local situations. The department also still encouraged online or virtual caroling. Given that even most work and school activities were conducted online during the height of the pandemic, it was naturally expected that caroling and other related activities were prohibited as well. But true to the innovativeness and creativity of Filipinos, the pandemic failed to completely stop caroling. Similar to other undertakings that could not be held in person owing to the lockdown measures, caroling inevitably continued online, using Zoom and other online platforms, thereby continuing this Yuletide tradition, albeit on a limited basis. Despite the limitations, carolers exerted efforts to keep the Christmas spirit alive amidst the challenging situation, and ensured that Filipinos will still enjoy and (possibly) sing along to these tunes while staying safe inside their respective homes. MOVING FORWARD With the COVID-19 situation in the country continuously improving, many of the restrictions previously imposed in the last two years have been gradually lifted, and Filipinos are beginning to return to a semblance of their normal prepandemic lives. And after over two years of “deprivation,” many are also re-engaging in endeavors and traditions that were subjected to restrictions at the height of the pandemic, including caroling and other Christmas traditions. Indeed, everyone is optimistic that the sights and sounds (especially of carolers and caroling) of the holiday season are not only back but are here to stay. Buy magazine here

< Back PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer PSALM’s gargantuan task: to fully pay off all the obligations of the National Power Corporation without having to burden the national government“ BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. After almost 20 years, lawyer Irene Joy Besido Garcia’s professional calling shifted from advocating the causes of individual clients or corporations to defending the public interest. The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) president and chief executive officer was in private practice for a long time, having started her career with the late great statesman, Senator Raul Roco. “He (Raul Roco) was a young lawyer then who was working for the ACCRALAW (Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices),” Atty. Garcia recalls. “After the 1986 EDSA Revolution, he formed his own law firm, the Roco Buniag Kapunan Migallos law offices with Attys. Lorna Kapunan and Atty. Barbara Migallos. It was one of the top law firms, and I joined them as a junior associate after I graduated in 1998. I wanted to be part of that firm because they don’t specialize or departmentalize the work. I wanted to be exposed to as many different kinds of law practices possible,” she continues. Atty. Garcia became a senior associate at the Roco Law Office after two years and was admitted to partnership after four years. When Senator Roco succumbed to cancer, the law firm was dissolved, and the partners went their separate ways. Along with Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Atty. Garcia established the Kapunan, Lotilla, Garcia & Castillo Law Offices. “We continued the same kind of practice—taking on litigation cases, many of which were controversial. We handled all sorts of cases like taxes, labor, family law, scandals, among others.” Among Atty. Garcia’s slew of professional achievements, she considers being named senior partner of the Kapunan, Garcia, Castillo Law Offices as one of her greatest. “I was actually managing partner of the law firm before I moved to the public sector. Throughout my career I could say I was fortunate to have handled a lot of interesting cases. Our firm got the first Writ of Kalikasan (a legal remedy under Philippine law that provides protection of one’s constitutional right to a healthy environment and protect and advance the right of human beings to a balanced and healthful ecology) for our work during the oil leak in Makati a few years back. We got the writ at a time when it was still a very new, young concept.” This particular success was probably the start of the University of the Philippines alumna’s career shift to public service. Click here to read full article for free

< Back Traversing Her Unusual Road to Public Service BY FREDERICK CASTILLO PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL SORIANO Public service was beyond her wildest dreams. But Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy Amante is going above and beyond to ensure that their family’s legacy will continue during her leadership. The surname “Amante” is quite familiar in local (Agusan del Norte) and national politics, and Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy C. Amante is exerting the necessary effort to ensure that the legacy of the family name will continue during her leadership. In particular, she finds inspiration from those who came before her as she navigates the challenging responsibilities of an elected public servant. UNUSUAL ROAD TO PUBLIC SERVICE Amante admits that public service “was beyond my wildest dreams,” and that her “passion was always in business—buying and selling.” She was not born into a political family and her background is also not typically characterized as that of traditional politicians. “I grew up a simple girl with no clear ambition in life. My typical lower middle class family could barely provide for our needs. I remember I would even share with my classmate our recess time snack—half a piece of bread and half a 12-ounce bottle of soft drinks. We could only ‘wish upon a star’ for a new pair of trendy shoes.” Evidently, her road to public service was unusual, but even more unusual was her actual foray into the realm of electoral politics. Amante shares that she met her ex-husband, former Rep. Erlpe John Amante, in college and eventually got pregnant at age 17, while still trying to obtain a degree. Inevitably, the challenges of juggling her responsibilities as a young mother and a student forced her to forego her studies and concentrate on her family. “We had lived a simple life—away from politics—until my ex-husband decided to run for governor in 2004. Even so, I stayed out of the limelight all those years.” Despite Amante’s effort to preserve her marriage, circumstances became challenging when they had their third child, ultimately leading to their separation. “I had to take care of all my children’s needs and attend to all of the important moments in their lives… alone.” Thereafter, Amante’s world would radically change, as she was thrust into a new arena amidst her personal struggles: politics. In the 2016 local elections, her sister-in-law, then Governor Maria Angelica Amante- Matba, supported her bid to run for mayor against Katrina M. Mortola, who was supported by her exhusband and, at that time, rumored to be in a relationship with him. However, even the governor’s backing failed to ensure Amante’s victory as she lost by a slim margin to Mortola. Instead of losing heart, the setback appeared to further strengthen her resolve, as she again challenged the incumbent mayor in the 2019 elections. She eventually won by a landslide. Amante says that “God’s time is, indeed, the perfect time. It was truly a sweet victory for my slate as we all won in that election.” ‘AMANTE’ BRAND OF LEADERSHIP AND INSPIRATION Amante confides that her decision to run as mayor was replete with difficulties. “For one, I didn’t have the slightest idea of how to run a city,” she admits. However, she drew strength from the support of her sister-in-law, who did not approve of her ex-husband’s alleged relationship with the former mayor. “She gave me the opportunity to redeem myself from all the shame that controversy had brought us and to correct what was clearly wrong.” Amante adds that her sisterin- law not only guided her while she was struggling in her married life but also served as mentor and inspiration in exploring her leadership potential and ability to serve. “She has not only followed and imbibed the legacy of genuine public service of her parents, but also raised the bar of public service even higher, creating a name for herself and making a brand of public service worthy of emulation, respect, and admiration,” the mayor elaborates. Despite the difficulties, Amante stresses that challenges have “strengthened our resolve to really create meaningful projects that will help make our people survive during challenging times like the pandemic and the aftermath of a super typhoon.” Amante also considered the legacy of her parents-in-law—former Congressman Edelmiro Amante and former Mayor Rosario Malbas-Amante—in her public service endeavors. In particular, she personally witnessed the quality of public service, leadership, and dedication of her parentsin- law. They “had set the bar of excellence in the area of public service,” Amante proudly shares. REALITIES OF PUBLIC SERVICE Meanwhile, winning the elections is one thing but facing the serious tasks that come with it is another matter. Amante immediately met the harsh realities of being an elected public servant once she assumed office. Foremost among these challenges was proving her capabilities and her worthiness of her constituents’ votes. “The biggest challenge that I had to initially face was how to meet the expectations of the people regarding the quality of service and the kind of leadership I could offer. I knew that some of our constituents were still doubtful of my capabilities,” she admits. Despite the initial uncertainties and reservations, Amante immediately buckled down to work, emphasizing that she “cannot afford to slack off, perform lousily, and shortchange [her] constituents in terms of quality and meaningful service.” Her ability to learn on the job was likewise enhanced with the presence of supportive co-workers, who share her vision and goals in governance. Despite her initial success, little did she know that she was about to face the most difficult problem of her months-old leadership. Similar to all local officials, Amante had to face the raging COVID-19 pandemic as the most serious challenge during her term. Given that nobody was prepared for it and there were no templates for procedures to follow, she and other city officials had to find ways to better mitigate the pandemic’s impact on people’s lives. “The last two years of my term were spent mostly on creating measures to survive and to fight a pandemic, managing meager resources to help our constituents survive on a daily basis,” the mayor confesses. Typhoon Odette did not help their situation, as Amante was again forced to address the people’s basic needs (i.e., food, shelter) while continuing to focus on pandemic response and local governance. Despite the difficulties, Amante stresses that challenges have “strengthened our resolve to really create meaningful projects that will help make our people survive during challenging times like the pandemic and the aftermath of a super typhoon.” She likens these problems to her personal battles, in that there are silver linings that will enable her city to survive and overcome immense difficulties. In particular, Amante shares that addressing these challenges has honed her management skills on disaster and calamity response, as well as her ability to productively utilize resources, while continuing with normal local government operations. PROGRAMS AND ACCOMPISHMENTS Amante says that coming from a Chinese family and inheriting her father’s meticulousness in investments have helped her scrutinize the effectiveness of programs and projects funded by her administration. “I have always been concerned in the identification of priority programs and projects and also in the completion of flagship infrastructure.” Whether concerning social programs or public works projects, she consistently reminds her department heads to take risks “by thinking outside the box in terms of crafting more impactful and vision-oriented programs that will fast track development.” To illustrate, Amante instructed those in charge of the city’s production of squash pancit to rethink their pricing scheme, marketing strategy, and production sustainability to maximize the potential of the product. Meanwhile, given that initiatives aligned toward the protection and preservation of the family have consistently been close to her heart, she is also proud of their mass wedding celebrations for those who cannot afford to spend for weddings on their own. She also supports livelihood programs to provide sustainable income for the underprivileged. “Let’s face it, love is not enough to keep the family going; there has to be food on every table to keep the harmony in the relationship.” Equally important to Amante is the city’s comprehensive program for senior citizens, which was first introduced by then mayor now Governor Dale Covera. The program, she explains, represents the city’s token of gratitude to its senior citizens. Amante further honed this program when she took over the city government. Among the important components of this undertaking are free daily vitamins, quarterly birthday party for senior citizens dubbed “Pa-birthday ni Lolo ug Lola” medical assistance, Php5,000 mortuary assistance, social pension, and Localized Milestone Award for Centenarians (instead of giving a lump sum of Php100,000, the amount is given on a staggered basis beginning at Php20,000 when they reach 86 years old, Php30,000 when they reach 90, and the remaining Php50,000 when they reach 100 years old). The mayor proudly states that “in our city, we have always been believers that we can only be successful in the future if we know how to express our gratitude to our past (referring to senior citizens).” FUTURE PLANS Amante will run unopposed in the May 9 elections, but her focus and priorities remain centered on what she can give and offer to the residents of Cabadbaran City. “I am just on my first term… I honestly feel that there is still so much to be done, so I really want to complete three terms,” the mayor answers when asked about her future political plans. In particular, she mentions institutionalizing the drive to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide more opportunities that will lead to the creation of jobs, given that the country is now recovering from the pandemic. The city’s Work Internship Program is likewise addressing students’ needs for the needed work/professional experience before joining the workforce. More importantly, their funding initiatives for agriculture, which include investing on post-production and harvest facilities, will enable them to accelerate the processing of agricultural outputs into reliable income for farmers. DRIVEN TO SERVE Undoubtedly, Amante is a driven public official, and she acknowledges that apart from her children, what drives her to wake up each day and continue with this “exhausting job” is the idea that an entire city depends on her. She explains that “it is important to look after the general welfare of those who entrusted me with their confidence to make genuine change happen being their mayor.” Despite the difficulties associated with being mayor—constant public scrutiny, limited resources, continuously increasing needs of the people—Amante insists that being mayor gives her “the opportunity to change people’s lives, give solutions to their problems, provide them with their needs.” Overall, Amante says that she is grateful to the people of Cabadbaran City for the trust and confidence they have given her. “As we continue to journey with our ‘Serbisyong Tinuoray, Serbisyong Walang Pili (Genuine Service, Service that Doesn’t Discriminate)’… I am highly optimistic that this will set a new direction for the way we deliver services to our people.” Given how Amante had adeptly navigated the challenges in her personal and political affairs, Cabadbaranons are undeniably proud that she is continuing the legacy of the family name that is synonymous to public service in their city. 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< Back Leading the Public Toward a More Resilient Philippines BY MC LAPPAY E very year, the Philippines faces a barrage of natural disasters, including typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, which threaten lives, properties, and livelihoods. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire and bearing the brunt of climate change, the nation has become exceptionally disaster-prone. For the second consecutive year, the World Risk Report 2023 has ranked the Philippines as the highest disaster risk country among 193 countries worldwide. As the country observed National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) last July, it is important to recognize the crucial role of leaders and public servants who work tirelessly behind the scenes to safeguard the lives and well-being of Filipinos during calamities, emergencies, and other hazardous events. They are the ones securing the future of the country by strengthening our preparedness today. Among the public servants determined to ensure the country’s resilience and continued development is Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Michael Cristopher R. Mathay. PUBLIC SERVICE IN HIS VEINS While many recognize him as the brother of actresses Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes, Mathay is also a dedicated leader, guiding his agency and the Filipino people toward greater resilience. Public service runs deep in Mathay's family. His grandfather, Mel Mathay, served as mayor of Quezon City from 1992 to 2001, and his father, Chuck Mathay, had a distinguished career as a congressman. Despite this legacy, Mathay carved his own path in a different city. Growing up in San Juan City, Mathay attended Xavier School in Greenhills. His community-oriented upbringing influenced his early career decision to serve as a director of the North Greenhills Homeowners Association, where he later became president and chairman. Inspired by his family's legacy in local politics, he transitioned into public service, successfully running for barangay kagawad (councilman) in Greenhills, San Juan. After one term as kagawad, he was elected city councilor. During his tenure, Mathay demonstrated his commitment to the city by authoring several impactful ordinances. He lobbied for the creation of designated bike lanes and the implementation of strict speed limits in the city. Additionally, his initiatives included mandates for establishments to provide first aid kits and breastfeeding stations, requirements for dog owners to tag their pets, and ensured free PhilHealth membership for indigent citizens of San Juan. “After my last term [as councilor], I couldn’t run for the same position so I decided to serve in the national government. The DSWD was my destiny. I never thought I would end up in DSWD [but] God has a purpose for all of us so here I am,” Mathay shares on his transition from electoral politics to holding an appointive position in a government agency. Mathay reveals that his family wholeheartedly supported his decision to pursue a new career path. Coming from a tightly knit family, he cherishes holidays and family occasions as opportunities for bonding and catching up. Despite his shift from being a councilor to a DSWD official, his family stood by him, offering invaluable advice and affirmations. He fondly shares how his sister, Ara, supported him throughout his campaigns, while he, in turn, assisted the vulnerable through her foundation. The unwavering support from his family has been a constant source of strength and motivation in his public service journey. “DISASTER GUY” As director of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau, Mathay spearheads the agency’s efforts in responding to the needs of families and communities affected by disasters across the country. He shares, “I sometimes joke that I am the “Disaster Guy” because anything related to disaster is my role in DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau—from natural disasters to manmade or humaninduced disasters like armed conflict and fire.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, they led the distribution of the famous ayuda packs to the public: food packs consisting of six kilos of rice, eight canned goods, four sachets of coffee, and four sachets of choco malt drink together with nonfood items such as hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and kitchen kits. In 2022, a shear line and the Northeast Monsoon triggered disaster response operations to affected families in Region X. Mathay personally led the distribution of financial assistance, food packs, and potable water to 1,000 families who were displaced by floods and heavy rainfall. He also shares that in an effort to provide a more dependable mode of communication during disasters, the agency recently introduced the Mobile Command Center. This initiative aims to address communication challenges during disaster or emergency operations by establishing a direct link from the disaster-stricken area to the Regional Operations Center (ROC), Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC), or the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC). SHIFTING FROM LOCAL TO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT Things weren’t always easy for Mathay. Reflecting on his initial months in office, he describes the experience as life-changing. Transitioning from local government, where the scale of service and scope of responsibility were more manageable, he found himself navigating a steeper terrain. The technicalities of his new role demanded that he quickly familiarize himself with new procedures and protocols. At one point, he even used up an entire ballpoint pen’s ink in a single day, taking down notes: a testament to the intensity and dedication required in his new position. Reflecting on his experience, Mathay remarks, “From experience, we don’t have a magic wand that you can just wave around to make things happen instantly. You have to consider the process of doing things; go through the process vigilantly,” he adds. Despite these initial hurdles, Mathay appreciates how his political background and knowledge helped him grasp departmental workings and navigate processes effectively, noting the familiarity with working in the city government but on a larger scale. He acknowledges that the career shift from local official to national government agency top brass changed his perspective on public service, thanks to the agency’s dedicated employees. “I think I’m a better person now. I am working and learning at the same time from the best social workers who have dedicated their lives to public service,” he remarks. Mathay has indeed evolved into a steadfast and determined official at the DSWD. In early 2024, he spearheaded the implementation of Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and Project BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), initiatives aimed at assisting farmers and fishermen affected by the El Niño phenomenon. These projects provide beneficiaries with extensive training in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and practical skills such as water harvesting, gardening, vermicomposting, and hydroponics. Simultaneously managing assistance for El Niño-affected provinces and preparing for La Niña, Mathay, alongside DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and other officials, coordinated the distribution of food packs and non food relief items to typhoon-prone areas and provinces expected to be heavily impacted by La Niña. In 2023, Mathay joined representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the local government of Midsayap, and the provincial government of Cotabato to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on disaster response. This agreement, formalized between DSWD Field Office-12 Director Loreto Cabaya Jr. and Midsayap Mayor Rolando Sacdalan, marked a significant step for DSWD’s initiative, "Building on Social Protection for Anticipatory Action and Response in Emergencies and Disasters" (B-SPARED). This pilot initiative aims to prepare communities ahead of floods through multipurpose cash assistance and livelihood protection for poor and vulnerable households. EMPOWERING FILIPINOS THROUGH DSWD Reflecting on his motivation to support disadvantaged families, Mathay shares a sentiment inspired by his father: "Ang para sa tao ay para sa tao." (What’s for the people is for the people). He emphasizes sustainable methods over mere handouts to improve the lives of impoverished Filipinos, stating, “One of my hobbies is fishing, and I truly believe in the saying ‘Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.’” The bureau director highlights DSWD's nationwide implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program, aimed at building capacities and providing livelihood support to identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities. The program includes technical-vocational and life skills training, providing seed capital, giving access to credit and savings facilities, and establishing physical assets for more efficient livelihoods. This comprehensive approach ensures that beneficiaries are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term self-sufficiency and economic stability. Asked about the future of social welfare services in the Philippines, Mathay expresses high hopes for the agency's digitalization. "Under the leadership of Secretary Gatchalian, DSWD is advancing to another level with state-of-the-art technology. We are transforming from a traditional DSWD into a more proactive, rather than just reactive, agency," he states. RESILIENCE AS A BRAND OF LEADERSHIP Mathay, embodying the qualities of a great leader, praises the competence, knowledge, experience, and training of the mend and women of his bureau, highlighting them as invaluable human resources. He emphasizes the effectiveness of the whole-of-government approach in enhancing service delivery for Filipinos, enabling national agencies to collaborate more efficiently. Additionally, he acknowledges the crucial support of international organizations such as the World Food Programme and the United Nations, recognizing them as essential partners in the Philippine government's mission to achieve a resilient and safe Philippines. More than anything else, however, Mathay is hopeful that while the agency continues to work on helping Filipinos, the government will also recognize its outstanding workers who make the programs and projects possible. “We always have to keep improving ourselves. I just hope that the government will take care of their employees more in terms of job security and benefits.” Mathay emerges as an inspiration to leaders and civil servants as he advocates tirelessly for a more proactive approach to social welfare amidst evolving challenges. Under his leadership, the DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau is forging ahead with renewed vigor, and his own story of resilience fuels his determination to improve the lives of Filipinos and bolster resilience nationwide. His vision for a more responsive and supportive government underscores his unwavering belief in a brighter, more secure future for all.

< Back Ensuring Harmony in the Workplace By: Ragie Mae Taño-Arellano PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON CHARITO ZAMORA’S PASSION FOR SONGWRITING HAS DEEPENED HER COMMITMENT TO SERVING THE COUNTRY SHE ADORES. LOVE FOR SONGWRITING “Chat,” as she is fondly called by her friends, had been a songwriter even before she entered government service. She began writing songs in high school, but started writing songs professionally during her law school years after being influenced by a sorority sister. She recalls going to a recording studio to record their demo tapes and then submitting them to Viva Records. According to Zamora, it was Regine Velasquez who first sang their song, 'To Reach You.' “She already recorded the song ‘On the Wings of Love’ that time, and then we gave the song to her and she liked it,” she recalls. She wrote 'With You,' her favorite song, which was recorded by Jaya. It's also her first R&B (rhythm and blues) song. She is also the songwriter of the ever-popular ‘Tila’ by Lani Misalucha and 'Beginning Today' by Agot Isidro, and has written songs for Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Ella May Saison. She still dreams of writing a song for Lea Salonga. Zamora regards songwriting as a passion that she indulges in whenever she feels like it. She notes that there will be times when she is prolific in the early hours, especially if she is unable to sleep. “I can’t sleep because this melody and lyrics are playing in my head. I have insomnia, so I really have to express what’s on my mind.” She emphasizes, however, that the love songs she creates are not based on her personal experiences; rather, they are based on the experiences or heartbreaks of her friends as described to her, and some are based on the plots of movies that inspire her so much. She says 'When I Love' was inspired by a scene in My Best Friend’s Wedding in which Julia Roberts refuses to be touched in public. “My friends would pour their hearts out to me. So, [the songs I write are] hardly about myself. They are mostly about the heartbreaks of friends.” Except for the song 'Kailan Pa Man' (Whenever It May Be), which she wrote after her father died. “My emotion was too strong that time because I lost him,” she reveals. “IT’S VERY EASY TO CRITICIZE. BUT WHEN YOU’RE THERE, SOMEHOW, YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON. SO YOU JUST DO YOUR PART. BECAUSE IF YOU TRULY LOVE YOUR COUNTRY, YOU LOVE YOUR COUNTRY NO MATTER WHAT. YOU SUPPORT WHAT THE OTHER OFFICIALS AND THE ADMINISTRATION ARE ACTUALLY DOING. BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT IN THEIR HEARTS, THEY WANT THE COUNTRTY TO MOVE FORWARD.” With the exception of the three Christmas songs she wrote for the Department of Justice (DOJ) at former DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s request while she was still with the department, she has not yet written any songs regarding events in government. Up until 2022, the songs served as the department’s Christmas theme music. She reveals that Guevarra, who is currently the solicitor general, is requesting that she write a song for the Solicitor General’s Office. LOVE OF COUNTRY The PRC head clarifies that she never intended to work for the government. She just dreamt of becoming a lawyer because she was inspired by her lawyer-father. Zamora says she was enthralled by his father’s demeanor in the courtroom during legal proceedings. She, however, fell in love with working for the government when she was offered a position under Justice Jose Melo at the Supreme Court. From then on, her ambition to serve the country and her fellow citizens began to grow. She acknowledges that there have been moments when she had become impatient with the way things were going, but she has never joined the ranks of people who criticize the government. “It’s very easy to criticize. But when you’re there, somehow, you know what’s going on. So you just do your part. Because if you truly love your country, you love your country no matter what. You support what the other officials or the administration is actually doing. Because you know that in their hearts, they want the country to move forward. She feels that she has fallen so deeply in love with her nation that she returned after a brief hiatus from government work. “I longed for it. It was giving me fulfillment that I'm able to do something; I'm able to do my part, no matter how small,” she reveals. While Zamora admits that there are times that she gets frustrated with how the government works, she finds comfort in believing that no institution is perfect. “It will still boil down to the fact that you love your country.” It is this love for country that keeps her going and passionate about serving the Philippines. LOVE FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE Before taking over as PRC’s leader, Zamora first worked at the Supreme Court (SC) as a court attorney under Melo. After her SC stint, she worked as the chief of staff of former Quezon City 3rd District Representative Matias Defensor, Jr. She considers Melo and Justice Renato Corona as her mentors and sources of motivation when it came to public duty, describing them as “very good and kind-hearted men.” Next, she went to Malacañang, serving as assistant secretary at the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary during the time of the late President Benigno Aquino III. She went on to serve at the Office of the Senior Deputy Executive Secretary during the early years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. From 2018 to 2022, Zamora was officer-in-charge at the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime. She thinks that because cybercriminals and their crimes are always incorporating the newest technological advancements, working in this field is extremely difficult. She saw it as a race that she had to stay up with, particularly given how quickly technology is advancing. “Even with new technology installed, scammers continue to advance and even improve,” she says. One of her favorite parts of the work, she recalls, was prosecuting cybercrime offenders, particularly in a case in Cebu where parents had used their kids for online prostitution. UPGRADING PRC As a recent appointee to the PRC under Marcos, Jr., Zamora acknowledges that she is still trying to learn the ropes. For now, PRC has established Special Study Teams and a Rightsizing Technical Working Group with the aim of concentrating on decentralization, organizational assessment, regional classification, competency standards, and upgrading salary grades. PRC is concentrating on digitalization as well, since they wish to increase public accessibility to their services online. This will minimize red tape and fixing while also streamlining regulations and procedures to make their services faster, more effective, and more efficient. The Client Relationship Management System (CRMS), which allows users to provide feedback, is one aspect of digitalization. This can be used to gauge client satisfaction and assist the commission in tracking responses to complaints from clients. PRC will also introduce the eDocumentary Stamp Tax (eDST), the electronic Professional ID Card, or ePIC, and the decentralization of the Certificate of Registration or license. The commission has also started pilot-testing its Computer Based Licensure Examination (CBLE) in Metro Manila and is soon to do the same in the four pilot regions. The CBLE will open the door for the implementation of the full online licensure examination. It will also expand their services by reaching out to their clients not just in the Middle East but in other countries through Special Professional Board Licensure Examinations. They are also tapping the support of embassies, Philippine overseas labor offices, and other professional groups to strengthen the program for protecting overseas professionals. The PRC is also focusing on continuous education and development for professionals, especially since there have been efforts for ASEAN integration among professionals from other countries in the region. The commission is doubling its efforts in educating and training Filipino professionals to develop their core competencies in order to level up, if not compete, with other foreign professionals. One important reform that Zamora immediately implemented when she assumed office was to improve communication and relationships among staff and departments within the PRC. “They don’t talk the way I want them to communicate with each other. So actually, that’s what I’m emphasizing. We have to work together. We have to communicate better, so we’ll be able to achieve what we want for PRC.” LEAD BY EXAMPLE Zamora puts a premium on harmony in the workplace. She is known as a “cool” and very young-hearted chairperson. She wants to be surrounded by young people, believing that they have more energy to work harder. But she’s also very thankful and appreciative of those who have been working at the PRC for a long time. She mentions Commissioners Jose Cueto, Jr. and Erwin Enad, whom she consider very supportive of her. Zamora admires government leaders who have integrity and honesty because these are her top values. She believes in leadership by example, saying that being unkind and bossy to make colleagues follow does not work. She always wants to inspire the people around her, especially her subordinates, for them to easily follow what she wants to implement. The above is the reason why Zamora values transparency and openness in her leadership. She is so accessible that anybody who wants to have an audience with her does not need to have an appointment. “My door is always open. Even when I’m busy, I don’t see any point in being snobbish and bossy,” she concludes. WHILE ZAMORA ADMITS THAT THERE ARE TIMES THAT SHE GETS FRUSTRATED WITH HOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS, SHE BELIEVES THAT NO INSTITUTION IS PERFECT. HER LOVE FOR HER COUNTRY KEEPS HER GOING, AND SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT SERVING THE PHILIPPINES.

< Back JOY OF SERVICE “While we should seek leaders who are passionate and inspired, and who have great ideas, it’s also important to find those who more than simply having a vision also have a road map. BY KRISTEL DACUMOS-LAGORZA PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO MAKEUP BY FLOE TAPAYAN OF KANEBO HAIR BY ERRIZA SANTIAGO With 142 barangays under its wing, Quezon City has become the largest city in terms of land area in Metro Manila (occupying 161 sqm of land), and is the most populated to date, with an estimated three million people residing within its six districts. More than just a major central business district, Quezon City has grown to become a well-respected historical arts and culture hub—home to the People Power Monument, Mowelfund Institute, and Museo Recoletos, among others. It is also the locus of the country’s most important government operations such as the House of Representatives, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Social Security system (SSS), the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) office, and many more. To date, there are about 125 national government offices and 25 government-owned and controlled corporations with headquarters in Quezon City. Indeed, Quezon City is an integral player and major force when it comes to national economy, because of its size and influence, and keeping this city functioning like a well-oiled machine and servicing its millions of residents and visitors requires a keen, forward-thinking leader. And for years, it has found one in its current administration led by Mayor Herbert Bautista. And by his side, working in tandem for three terms, is Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, who has proudly proclaimed her intentions of leading Quezon City into the next period of progress as she completes her third and final term as vice mayor. Of her plan to pursue the mayorship, she reveals: “After serving as vice mayor for all these years, I think it’s a natural progression for me to run for the next highest post. Also, I think being a mayor or a local chief executive provides the perfect position wherein I can enact greater change. They say that if you want change to happen, it’s really in the local level,” reveals the youthful and inspiring leader, who also is the daughter of former Quezon City mayor, Speaker Sonny Belmonte, and the late founding chairman of The Philippine STAR Betty Go Belmonte. PROVING HER METTLE Belmonte, with her kind face and bright disposition, may seem at first glance to be soft and timid for her role, but she is made of sterner stuff and has proven her mettle as a worthy leader. When she had first run in 2010 for the second highest position in the local government, she was met with certain doubt by other politicians, as she was a neophyte in public service. However, Belmonte—unknown to many—had already been training to become a leader since her youth. Belmonte graduated with a Social Sciences degree from Ateneo de Manila University and spent a year working as a teacher with the Jesuit Volunteer Philippines, leaving behind a lofty lifestyle and a pampered childhood. For her first assignment, she was sent to Bukidnon to serve the underprivileged folk, teaching history, values education, physical education, and music. In the far-flung communities, which had no running water or electricity, she lived with the people, ate with them, laughed with them, and worked with them. In return, she gained a greater appreciation and understanding of their plight. And from that invaluable experience, a fierce desire was ignited: “I wanted to be an effective agent of change.” Click here to read full article for free

< Back Reigniting Political Participation Through Community Engagement BY MARIANNE JANE S. ZARA JULITA, LEYTE COUNCILOR JUDE ROMUALDEZ ENVISIONS A MOTIVATED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY THAT CARES AMONG OTHERS TO UPLIFT EACH INDIVIDUAL’S LIVES, STIMULATING POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL GROWTH. Councilor Romualdez illustrates how civic engagement is very low in the town of Julita, Leyte and how he is driven by this challenge to show what Julita, Leyte could be if we change the apathy to action, and move the youth to delve into civic events so little by little, the town sees itself as a progressive community. “Panahon na upang baguhin yung paniniwalang ok lang kahit hindi makibahagi sa mga gawain kasi hindi uunlad ang bayan kapag hindi tayo lahat kikilos. Yung ‘sige pwede na yan’, ‘kung ano lang ang meron, ganun lang,’ ayoko ng ganon kasi ako hindi ganon. Let’s think outside the box. Kailangan mayroong bago naman, bagong makikita, at bagong mapapansin.” (It’s time to change the mentality that it's ok not to take part in community activities because we will not progress if we do not act together. The ‘that will do,’ ‘whatever is there is already fine,’ attitude is something I resent because I’m not like that. Let’s think outside the box. There must be something new, something new to see, and something new to notice.) “IT’S TIME TO CHANGE THE MENTALITY THAT IT'S OK NOT TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES BECAUSE WE WILL NOT PROGRESS IF WE DO NOT ACT TOGETHER.... LET’S THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING NEW TO SEE, AND SOMETHING NEW TO NOTICE." Julita, being a fifth-class municipality, is behind when it comes to health and nutrition programs, civic engagement, and number of emergency vehicles, among others. The young councilor aims to put Julita on the map of Leyte province and be up to date when it comes to programs, community services, and facilities for the town. FROM PRIVATE TO PUBLIC LIFE Like a typical Juan dela Cruz, Romualdez dreamed of going abroad. He ended up being employed in Dubai where he worked all day and took care of the chores at night. The next day, he would find himself waking up to go to work and repeat the same routine. He found himself in a challenging situation of being alone in a country with a different culture and language. Just like a typical overseas Filipino worker, he braced through this with hopes and dreams of a better life. Once he had a family, he found it harder to live in a community that doesn’t feel like home so he went back to the Philippines and became an entrepreneur. Although it was hard for Romualdez to leave at once, especially because of the high salary, having a small child pushed him to go back to the Philippines. Upon seeing the Julita he left and came home to, Romualdez felt the need to run for office because he saw how backward life was and he wanted to serve the people well. He had seen different cities and towns and he wanted Julita tobe like such. The young councilor mentions that when he was younger, he also thought of becoming a politician someday, and he thought that having come home, it was time for him to serve the people of Julita. Romualdez shares that he was inspired by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s leadership. He was also inspired by his father who was also in politics before. In the eye of a small boy who grew up in a family of politicians, he was inspired to serve immediately and attend to the needs of the people. His father inspired him to be approachable and accommodating to the needs of his constituents so that they would not need to come back for their needs. At present, he is proactive in looking for what projects or facilities he can provide for his constituents, and regularly hears out barangay officials so that the services he provides them is tailored to what they need. A BELIEVER IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, ROMUALDEZ USES SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES IN COMMUNITY BUILDING. THIS ENABLES THE TOWN OF JULITA TO HAVE A PROACTIVE, COLLABORATIVE, RESPONSIVE, AND HAPPIER COMMUNITY. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT To develop and cultivate social bonds within the community, the young councilor prioritizes sports and recreation activities. As vice chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports, Romualdez initiates Sangguniang Kabataan-related projects and basketball tournaments to turn the youth into active members of a proactive, healthier, and happier community. Romualdez mentions that in Julita, basketball is the number one sport. If there’s a tournament or any basketball-related event, people will go and watch, no matter what time it is or no matter how late it ends. Through looking into youth behavior in different barangays, Romualdez discovered that this brings happiness and joy to the community. Thus, he thought of holding basketball events like three-point shootouts, half-court shootouts, and others that the people had not personally seen or taken part in previously. Through these events, the youth felt included in the process of community-building. A believer in sports for the youth and a lover of basketball as well, Romualdez has his own basketball team that takes part in different tournaments across Leyte. He wanted to provide young basketball players with better opportunities and have them sign up for good tournaments to improve their skills and enable them to be known provincewide. To further community engagement and to ensure that all the needs of the different barangays are met, the councilor also joins barangay assemblies, apart from attending the opening of the basketball tournaments initiated by the Sangguniang Bayan in all barangays. Romualdez makes sure to sit down with the people and hear our their needs, concerns, and suggestions to make their community safer, economically-sound, and responsive. He mentions that such visits are a must especially since their session is only conducted once a week. He uses the feedback he gains as basis for the resolutions and ordinances he drafts. OVERCOMING MALNUTRITION Romualdez believes in services that target the weaknesses of Julita. He has observed that with a high malnutrition rate, children have stunted growth and their height and weight are less than the ideal. With this, he saw the need for intervention and thus initiated a well-coordinated feeding program in schools. Prior to conducting the feeding program, Romualdez makes sure that each community is informed through the barangay officials that there will be a feeding program. EMERGENCY VEHICLES FOR JULITA The young councilor saw the need for new emergency vehicles like ambulances and police cars. Romualdez requested for new ambulances for Julita from the Bureau of Fire Protection in July 2022 and through perseverance and constant follow ups, the request was granted and the new vehicles were delivered in November 2022. He also noticed that the police cars were old and outdated so he requested new ones from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The patrol cars arrived in December 2023. MAKING USE OF JULITA COCONUT HOUSING Julita Coconut Housing was established after the town was hit by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. It was established for affected families who needed shelter. When Romualdez was elected, he became chairperson of the Committee on Housing and he saw an opportunity to make good use of Julita Coconut Housing. He served as the bridge to have the application for units reopened, and to date, 150 families reside in the housing project. It was not an easy process for the young councilor but with determination, experience in politics, and friends in higher offices, he was able to do a full implementation of the housing project which had been in place since 2015. As the councilor describes it, he approached the project the way private companies implement their projects. He sent emails setting appointments with the National Housing Agency (NHA) in Manila, after which the NHA referred him to a regional agency. The regional agency in turn followed up with the local government unit. A NEOPHYTE RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Romualdez laments the limitations brought about by his current position. Being a councilor whose role is legislative in nature, he has seen how limited an impact he can give his constituents. He recalls a time when after drafting a request, a national government agency official called up to ask who made the request. He realized that had he been the local chief executive, his request could have been acted on more swiftly. Aside from the limited capacity a councilor has, being a neophyte among councilors who have had at least one term has been difficult. The edge that young and neophyte officials show is that they want change; however, not all see the need for such changes. Again, we could see how limited the influence one councilor in the whole council could have. Because of this, Romualdez thought of putting himself in a better capacity to serve his constituents. He has decided to seek higher office as vice mayor in the 2025 elections. He is convinced that as vice mayor, he would be able to propose and initiate more projects that would have a bigger impact on his constituents. “To my constituents in Julita, Leyte, let’s be more positive and let’s focus and adapt to change. Let's embrace new projects and programs that will come our way because these are all for you," the young councilor ends. "TO MY CONSTITUENTS IN JULITA, LEYTE, LET’S BE MORE POSITIVE AND LET’S FOCUS AND ADAPT TO CHANGE. LET'S EMBRACE NEW PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS THAT WILL COME YOUR WAY BECAUSE THESE ARE ALL FOR YOU."

< Back Season of Love Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. LGU officials share how they make Christmas more joyful and meaningful for the people in their barangay. BY SHIMICO DIANNE NAKAMURA Here in our barangay, it has become a practice to focus more on the youth during Christmas season; we give gifts to the children. Hopefully, this year, we’ll also be able to give back through our senior citizens. It was actually their request. That is the essence of Christmas—giving and sharing.Kagawad Darwin Leuterio Dela Cruz BARANGAY 177, ZONE 15, DISTRICT 1, NORTH CALOOCAN CITY Click here to read full article for free

< Back EXPLORING THE UNTAMED BEAUTY OF SAMAL ISLAND BY CAMILLE F. CABAL Get a glimpse of the natural and man-made attractions at the Island Garden City of Samal. The name Garden Island City of Samal, or simply Samal Island, readily suggests images of pristine beaches, exciting snorkeling and diving spots, and more activities for the adventurous ones. Being able to experience these places first hand, you could say that the photos you see online do reflect reality. HAGIMIT FALLS Hagimit Falls is not like the ordinary waterfalls where a massive amount of water falls from a high mountain edge to a plunge pool below. Hagimit Falls has a series of low waterfalls, each with its own natural pool. From the entrance of the attraction, you need to walk a few steps down a concrete stairs and a short trail to reach the waterfalls. But on your way down, you will already see locals using the fresh water for various chores or simply for their enjoyment. Upon reaching the waterfalls, you will instantly feel relaxed by the view of natural rock formations, lush green trees, and the bluish green water of the waterfalls. Speaking of trees, Hagimit Falls is named after a tree that grows in the area. Hagimit Falls is currently closed to the public for rehabilitation and is an ecopark in the making. SANIPAAN MARINE PARK There is no better time to go to the beach than summer, and if you prefer to enjoy the sea sans the usual crowd, Sanipaan is the perfect spot! Sanipaan Marine Park is a 158-hectare marine protected area at Barangay Tambo, Babak District. The marine park is divided into four zones—marine sanctuary, multiple-use zone, mangrove protection/ rehabilitation zone and ecotourism or recreational zone. Just last March 2, the local government opened the 320-meter boardwalk and staging area in Barangay Tambo as part of the development program of the tourism office. On the other end of the boardwalk await multiple boats that can bring you to the beautiful Vanishing Island. The island is called such because the sandbar literally vanishes during high tide and reemerges during low tide. Standing there, you can see the healthy marine life consisting of different species and the mangrove trees that grow beautifully, complementing the color of the seawater; a perfect scene for your beach photos! MONFORT BAT SANCTUARY If you think Samal Island is all about beaches and falls, then you are wrong. One of the unique experiences you can enjoy in the island is bat viewing. It is not just a simple bat viewing though, because Monfort Bat Sanctuary is home to more than 2 million fruit bats. This made the sanctuary a Guinness World Record holder for having the largest colony of a single species of Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bat. The Monfort Bat Sanctuary is owned by the nongovernment organization Philippine Bats Conservation Foundation Inc. They group takes care of the bats not just for viewing but because these bats have a very important contribution to the environment. Fruit bats serve as seed dispersal agents and they are the reason why Davao became the Durian Capital of the Philippines because the more the fruits smell, the more attractive it is for the bats. There is only one cave in the sanctuary, a big one that has four different holes from which you can view the bats. The caretakers identified the holes as the maternity/ courting holes (first and second holes), training ground for flying (third hole), and the darkest hole that is 30 feet deep is the area for hibernating bats or the elderly bats (fourth hole). The bat sanctuary is open for day tours from 8 am to 5 pm. If you are looking for a more adventurous activity, try the night tour from 5 pm to 7:30 am when most of the bats are out of the cave. If you are lucky enough to visit during a full moon, you may witness the bats fly in a tornado-like formation. But be careful because during nighttime, taking of photos is strictly not allowed as this may cause total blindness and miscarriage for the pregnant bats. The bat sanctuary has a Php150 entrance fee. Make sure to bring your face masks when visiting because bat droppings can be toxic for humans. GIANT CLAMS SANCTUARY Have you ever seen giant clams? If they are amazing enough as seen in photos, imagine seeing them in person! There is nothing to be anxious about if you are afraid of the water or a first timer in snorkeling. The tourist guides will orient you on the proper way of snorkeling while appreciating the giant clams. Besides, the clams are just a few feet away from the water surface. The area is a 14-hectare marine reserve park that is home to 37,000 giant clams. This is under the partnership of Davao del Norte College (DNSC), AdeCor United Fisherfolks Organization (ACUFOR) and Samal’s local government. The Giant Clams Sanctuary provides livelihood to the residents of the coastal communities who are trained to become tour guides and conservation warriors. With the cooperation of everyone, this tourist spot was recognized by Pearl Awards 2022 with the Best Tourism Practices award, under the Best Practices in Responsible Tourism category. TOURIST REST AREA The Tourist Rest Area is one of the flagship projects of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco. This establishment situated at the city hall complex in Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCOS) is one of the first two built in the country. It is a one-stop-shop for tourists who need to literally freshen up because it has a shower and comfort room for men, women, and persons with disability (PWD). They can also buy souvenirs here or enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee at the soon-to-open café.

< Back THE TONDO IDOL PHOTOGRAPHY BY IVAN LLANETA PHOTOGRAPHY BY IVAN LLANETA Throughout his academic and athletic career, Manila City 2nd District Councilor Lim has shaped his brand of leadership and his work ethic as a public servant. Number one, first place, top spot. These are positions that we always aim for in school, at work, during competitions, and other events in our lives. For Manila City 2nd District Councilor Numero “Uno” Lim, it was an entirely different case growing up, as his very name is a reminder for him to always do his best. THE ELDEST OF THE BROOD Lim is the eldest son of Alberto, a Bicolano, and Rosario Lim, a Waray. He is also a brother to four siblings: Algebra, Mathematica, Arithmetico, and Scientifica. Growing up in a traditional Chinese-Filipino family with strict parents, Lim was always expected to excel in different areas—sports, academics, and even music. And he rose to the challenge, being a consistent honor student in his younger years. “As a student, I was always consistent with my name Numero Uno,” he says. Lim did not only do good in sports; he excelled in it. In fact, he was once a member of the country’s national tennis team. He was even the number one player in Asia at one point in his athletic career. Music-wise, Lim was trained in singing—being asked to perform during family gatherings—which proved to be helpful when he eventually ran for public office. This earned him the nickname “Tondo Idol,” perhaps a reference to the popular United States singing competition American Idol. The values and experiences he gained through his academic and athletic career have actually shaped his brand of leadership and his work ethics now that he is a public servant in the City of Manila. YOUNGEST COUNCILOR ELECTED Despite having the qualities and discipline of a natural leader, it was not Lim’s dream to become a public servant. It was actually his father Alberto’s dream to become one. “[My father] ran and lost four times. On his planned fifth attempt in 2007, everyone, especially our family, dissuaded him,” the councilor shares. The elder Lim agreed to no longer run for a fifth time on one condition: Uno will run in his place. And so he did. Lo and behold, Uno won and became the youngestcouncilor in the City of Manila at just 26 years old. Lim served a three full terms until 2016, or a total of nine years, as a councilor to Manileños. After his third term in office, Uno went back to being a private citizen—a husband to his wife Kartini Bianca, and a father to their two children, Una and Dua. But after three years away from public office, Uno was called back to public service. “I knew that it would be difficult to get elected once more, having to compete with incumbents,” he says. “It was a difficult election having to run with an independent group. But with hard work and perseverance, I was elected number one.” One primary reason for this is that the Tondo Idol’s previous contributions to his district were not entirely lost on his constituents. SERVING DURING THE PANDEMIC Serving his fourth term starting 2019, Uno had to face the challenge of serving his constituents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The call to serve, according to him, was 24/7. The entire city council had to craft legislation to address the issues brought about by the health crisis such as hunger, poverty, and issues in healthcare. But not only did he help his fellow Manileños as a councilor. Being a chemical engineer, and his family owning a chemical business, Lim also provided aid to medical frontliners and hospitals around their city by providing medical supplies and equipment needed to combat the coronavirus. However, the councilor and his family were not spared from the pandemic. He, members of his family, and even members of his staff were hit by COVID-19 all at the same time. “It was a very difficult and uncertain time. Members from both sides of my family had to be put in intensive care, having reached critical status,” Lim shares. “Thankfully, we all pulled through and it was a [big] learning experience for me.” Despite being in the hospital, Lim continued to work—providing ayuda to those who have experienced and are experiencing the same situation as him. “Upon discharge, I focused on educating people on what to do during home quarantine, provided COVID-19 care kits, and launched a massive face mask drive in [Manila’s] 2nd District,” Lim says. He adds that he started these initiatives as he knew from personal experience how difficult it is to contract and overcome COVID-19. Lim’s staff also volunteered to help in vaccination centers when mass vaccination in the city began. “It was not just public service but a deep personal commitment to help people, especially my constituents, to get through COVID-19, to get through this pandemic,” he adds, pertaining to his pandemic efforts. Because of the pandemic, Lim also developed a deeper understanding of public service and what it means to be a public servant. “We [public officials] are elected and called not just to provide public service, but [specifically] meaningful and timely service to those in need,” Lim explains. “I am particularly proud and have been most fulfilled in my previous term, after having opportunity after opportunity to serve [in] this pandemic, and have the honor to serve under the exemplary leadership of Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso, first female mayor of Manila, Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, and our very hardworking and present congressman, Cong. Rolan 'CRV' Valeriano,” he adds. A READY SUPPORT SYSTEM The demands of public service are no joke. This is why Lim is grateful that his family understands the responsibilities that his work entails. “I am very lucky to have an amazing and supportive wife who understands the demands of public service. She, together with my two little girls, pushes me to become better and constantly reminds me of how blessed we are,” he says. The councilor adds that his family, loyal staff, and constituents who come from all walks of life motivate and inspire him to work harder and serve their district even better. His constituents’ stories inspire him to “dream bigger always, to be able to help them more.” CLOSEST TO HIS HEART Of all his advocacies, Lim says the ones closest to his heart are those centered on senior citizens and the youth. For the youth, they have the Tondo Idol program which cultivates the talents of young Manileños in singing, dancing, and acting. “As a former athlete and Philippine Team tennis player, I also conduct various free sports clinics and programs such as tennis, badminton, volleyball, and basketball to promote athleticism, healthy physique, proper discipline, and camaraderie,” Lim reveals. As for senior citizens, Lim has a program which provides the elderly with wheelchairs, nebulizers, blood pressure monitors, glucometers, hearing aids, and other medical devices and supplies. Lim was also the principal author of the ordinance banning the use of plastic bags in the city, which was enacted in 2012. The ordinance has since been adapted by other cities as well. The newly-reelected councilor has also authored other ordinances that can be adapted or replicated in other local government units (LGUs) in the country. These include banning the use of paint with lead in playgrounds, banning the sale of soft drinks in elementary schools, and the mandatory use of closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in all government offices and business establishments. A FULFILLING JOB While being a public servant can be demanding, Lim says that he loves being one. When asked what his favorite aspect of being a public servant is, he answers: “Being able to serve, help, and change the lives of not all, but some people.” And when asked what the most difficult part of it is, he says, “The downside is so many people need help, and with limited time and resources, you always need to prioritize.” Lim adds that they have plans in store for Manileños in the coming months and years. And as chairman of the Committee on International and Local Relations, the councilor says they have just established Manila Korea Town, and have definite plans to develop it. With the new mandate Lim has received, he is bent not only on living up to his name, but also on keeping his constituents in Tondo his priority numero uno.