bdf14270-0032-4049-814e-497dc2993132 < BACK POC PRESIDENT REP. ABRAHAM “BAMBOL” TOLENTINO Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino shares the struggles and successes of being POC President after the Philippines nabbed four Olympic medals from the recent Tokyo Olympics 2020. BY EDWIN GALVEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO The country’s massive celebration of Team Philippines’ four-medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Games—topped by its first-ever gold medal win after a long 97-year drought— still lingers in the air, and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President and Cavite Representative Abraham “Bambol” Ng Tolentino has barely taken a rest. The 57-year-old incumbent representative of the 8th District of Cavite—which encompasses his hometown of Tagaytay City and seven other municipalities south of Manila—immediately buckled down to set the strategies for what promises to be a bigger medal haul for the Philippines in the next Summer Olympics. “More than one gold is the target,” says Tolentino when asked about the number of golds the country can capture during the quadrennial games in Paris, France in 2024. Before two-time Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz’s gold medal finish in the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at Tokyo 2020, the Philippines had only won three silver and seven bronze medals since joining in 1924 at the Paris Games. “Noong tinanong ako d’yan for Tokyo Olympics, sinabi ko (When I was asked about that in relation to the Tokyo Olympics, I said) one is enough and more than one is a blessing,” Tolentino tells LEAGUE at his district office at Tagaytay City Hall. “When Hidilyn said, ‘Kaya pala natin’ (We can do it, after all), this woke up many ‘sleeping’ athletes as it brought them a new wave of inspiration. With that, yes, more medals are forthcoming,” he says. Tolentino’s optimism shines more brightly for the Paris-bound delegation as he sees sending more than 20 athletes—which may even reach up to 30—so long as those who competed in Tokyo do not decide to retire. Ensuring Funds Called “Bambol” by friends, family and supporters, Tolentino comes off as affable, funny, and lighthearted, which easily make him a very engaging leader. But his ferocious grit and passion have also made the POC the winningest Olympic committee today in its 110-year history. He made headlines on the day of this interview after he successfully secured funding from Congress for the athletes’ preparation and participation in five major international multi-sport events slated in 2022. The unparalleled success of Team Philippines—considered the “finest squad” the country has ever assembled—could be attributed to Tolentino’s “hands-on and personalized” leadership of the POC. “I am leading the POC not as a mere leader and spectator, but I intend to lead with a purpose of giving glory to the country,” he says. “I will not just sit down and watch other countries make fun of us. I will show them that the Philippines is an athletic powerhouse when given good leadership.” In addition to heading the POC, Tolentino was councilor and mayor of Tagaytay City, nine years for each post. He then became congressman in 2013. Today, he is serving his last term in the House of Representatives as one of its 33 deputy speakers. Tolentino was elected POC president in November 2020, close to a year after the Philippines clinched the overall championship in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) that Manila hosted in 2019. Recognized as the National Olympic Committee of the Philippines by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the privately-run but politically-dominated POC has been beset by leadership squabbles for several years. Its precursor, which existed until 1975, was the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation. Today, he leads a unified board where he can simply apply “leadership with a purpose of fulfilling the mandate of the work.” “We’re united and everything is running smoothly. Kaya ngayon malaki na din ang tiwala ng business sector at ng mga stakeholders (That is why today, the business sector and our stakeholders have confidence in us),” he shares. Tolentino has been with the POC for a decade now and has accomplished much over the years using his foresight. “The leader must be able to foresee the results ahead of time based on current data,” he explains. “If I see that the National Sports Association (NSA) will not make it even to the qualifiers, I cannot send its team at the people’s expense as the team will spend public money.” Concurrently the president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines or PhilCycling, Tolentino knows which strategies to draw out from his own experiences in various games. These include the last three Summer Olympics, the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea from which PhilCycling brought home the country’s lone gold medal, and international cycling events he organized in the country. But the Philippines’ triumphant hosting of the 2019 SEA Games proved to be a sign of better things to come under his leadership. Assigned as the SEA Games’ sports director, Tolentino singlehandedly designed the sports line-up and build-up of events that made the country clinch the overall championship again since 2005, amassing 147 golds out of a total of 387 medals it won. It was a staggering achievement for the Philippines. Personal Touch In concrete terms, though, Tolentino believes his “personal touch” has helped boost the confidence and performance of the athletes. Tolentino confides that Hidilyn, in her fourth straight Olympics, couldn’t be prouder having her whole team around to support her— which other countries do for their athletes as a matter of course. He made it possible because he knew it could be done even with a limited budget. Tolentino says that he also feels for the athletes “kasi doon ako galing eh,” referring to the time when the NSAs were left to fend for themselves in the past. His awareness of the sacrifices of both the athletes and officials led him to work hard for their incentives, with some even coming from his own pockets. “Hindi pa nga nagsisimula, sabi ko bibigyan ko kayo ng (Even before the games commenced, I told them I will give them a) house and lot,” he recounts. Tolentino recalls personally calling top business leaders for their pledges to Olympic medalists even before the Philippine delegation left for Tokyo. He also says that the POC also helps athletes sort out their troubles when it comes to issues such as filing of liquidation reports, particularly when these athletes are about to compete abroad. He also takes care of the needs of the NSAs, mostly about funding. Looking For Potentials In his interactions with the athletes, one sees how Tolentino brings out the best in them and, more importantly, he sees their hidden potentials that only need nurturing. “Totoo kasi ‘pag ‘di mo ginawang ganon, wala. (Otherwise, nothing will come out of such.) Remember that an athlete’s performance peaks between the ages of 20 and 30 years,” he says. Driven by sports excellence, Tolentino knows where our athletes can excel in given their physique and innate talents. He also looks forward to participating in sports debuting at the Paris Games where Filipinos can really shine and win medals. These include ballroom dancing, cheerleading, breakdancing, and e-sports. Scientific Training The sports development agenda in the country has gained more ground under Tolentino’s leadership as the Tokyo 2020 performance bolstered the need for the scientific training of athletes using modern equipment. He recently sent a request with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for such provisions. He emphasizes that this should also be supported by the construction of a velodrome and a permanent POC office building. The pandemic “has worsened our training,” he says, as outdoor training is now done indoors. It also does not help that, in a scale of 1 to 10, “our equipment level is at 1.” “We are burdened with the need for updated training equipment designed for remote monitoring and scientific evaluation, and these are not cheap,” he argues. He cites that international training coaches can monitor training if we only have the equipment such as power meters and smart trainers. These can send data for analysis by sport scientists so that the correct training regimen can be customized for each athlete. Tolentino proposed the construction of a velodrome—an indoor arena for training and competing in track cycling events—in Tagaytay City 15 years ago. Its actual cost today is less than Php2 billion. He says the country misses getting 12 medals because of the standard 12 events in a velodrome, which include team sprint, keirin, sprint, team pursuit, and omnium. He relates that Malaysia would have ended up without any medal in Tokyo were it not been for a velodrome event. A velodrome can even save money for the government, he says, because it can accommodate all kinds of sports, including combat sports, badminton, volleyball and chess. The Philippines, he adds, is the only ASEAN country that has not hosted an Asian or ASEAN cycling championship because it does not have a modern velodrome. Winning Momentum Tolentino is a proud advocate through and through. He fully supports the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) which is on its first phase as part of honing young athletes coming from the grassroots. He was also among the sponsors of House Bill 5480 that proposed the establishment of the Philippine Academy for Sports. With its counterpart Senate Bill 1086, it later became the NAS under Republic Act No. 11470 which was signed into law last year. Housed in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the NAS will implement a “quality and enhanced secondary education program integrated with a special curriculum on sports.” For athletes to perform better, Tolentino believes the NSAs should also perform well. He sees only about 25 out of 40 to 50 NSAs performing in 2024. “This is the time to qualify. Go out there, find your races and competitions, and earn those points. With our and the athletes’ sacrifices, plus the cohesiveness and cooperation of the NSAs, it is our destiny to win, and that is what we can offer to the country,” he says.

< Back LEGAL OPINION: MANDAMUS BY ATTY. JAVIER FLORES Continuing Mandamus to clean up Manila Bay A concerted effort among different government agencies is imperative to bring back its lost glory What’s the fuss about the sudden diligence in cleaning up Manila Bay? In 1999, environmentalists, styling themselves as “Concerned Residents of Manila Bay,” and represented by legal luminary Antonio Oposa, sought a writ of mandamus to compel government agencies to restore Manila Bay to its former glory. They alleged that Manila Bay’s fecal coliform content was so high that the bay was already unsafe for bathing and other forms of recreational activities. The idea of seeking a continuing mandamus was inspired by the experience in India, where its Supreme Court ordered the cleanup of the Ganges River. It seems like a worthy endeavor. What seems to be the problem? Generally, a writ of mandamus is available to compel the performance of a ministerial duty, meaning one that does require the exercise of judgment or discretion. The government agencies said that they could not be compelled to exercise judgment or discretion one way or the other. The plaintiffs countered that government agencies do not have the discretion whether or not they should perform their duties. In the case of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), for example, it was its ministerial duty to attend to solid waste disposal. It is not discretionary. It could choose where to set up landfills, but not whether or not to set them up. How did the court decide? On Dec.18, 2008, the Supreme Court, through Justice Presbiterio Velasco, decided in favor of the plaintiffs. The court ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to coordinate with various agencies to fully implement its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Strategy for the rehabilitation, restoration, and conservation of the Manila Bay at the earliest possible time. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs) were required to inspect all factories, commercial establishments, and private homes along the banks of the major river systems in their respective areas of jurisdiction to determine whether they had compliant wastewater treatment systems. Other government agencies such as the MMDA, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and also of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), were also given marching orders. They have to submit to the court a quarterly progressive report of the activities undertaken in accordance with the decision. With no motion for reconsideration being filed, the decision became final and executory. The Manila Bay Advisory Committee was created to receive the reports of the agencies. What happened after the decision? Subsequent to the decision, the Supreme Court in 2011 issued a resolution giving deadlines to various government agencies to comply with its 2008 decision. Several justices dissented stating that the court may be encroaching upon the powers of the executive department. In the main body of the resolution, the Supreme Court explained that execution of its own decision was an integral part of judicial function. Whatever one may say against the decision of the Supreme Court, it is still a major step in raising people’s consciousness regarding environmental laws and their right to a balanced and healthful ecology. More than that, it has compelled and continues to compel the covered government agencies to perform their duties to protect the environment, not just Manila Bay. Atty. Javier Flores, an alumnus of theUP College of Law, is a partner at the Flores Palarca and Ofrin Law Offices.

< Back Serving His Best for Calasiao BY CAMILLE CABAL CALASIAO, PANGASINAN MAYOR KEVIN ROY MACANLALAY EQUATES PUBLIC SERVICE TO HIS PASSION, COOKING— A BALANCE BETWEEN INGREDIENTS, WORKING WITH OTHERS, AND ENSURING PEOPLE ARE FULL AND SATISFIED. MOTHERS ARE STRICT. BUT EVEN THOUGH THEY SCOLD YOU, THEY STILL LOVE YOU, RIGHT? THAT’S WHAT I SAW [IN MAYOR CARAMAT], SHE CORRECTS MISTAKES BUT SHE ALSO PRAISES ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Cooking is one of Calasiao, Pangasinan Mayor Kevin Roy Macanlalay’s ways to serve others or show his appreciation to his family, friends, and even strangers. Whether a hobby or a profession, cooking requires expertise and patience to serve people a heartful meal or to be accomplished. For the 35-year-old town leader, cooking is one way to relax after a long day of fulfilling his duties. Like cooking, public service has its intricacies—not using too much of one ingredient, handling everything intelligently to not get burnt, or maximizing whatever resources you have on hand. ADDING HIS TWIST In an unfortunate turn of events, Calasiao Mayor Mamilyn “Maya” Caramat passed away six months into her first term. Chefs can look at one set of ingredients and see different recipes. But taking over a dish when it’s halfway cooked is another scenario altogether. Macanlalay admits that filling the mayor’s position after Caramat’s untimely demise was challenging and he is “filling a big shoe.” Although Caramat’s term was brief, Macanlalay reveals that she had accomplished incomparable milestones— infrastructure and her efforts to unite the town’s political parties. Although a lot has happened since Macanlalay took over as mayor, he shares that they still make sure the town’s progress and goals are according to what Caramat started and what they mutually agreed to accomplish for Calasiao. It’s been six months since Macanlalay was unexpectedly thrust into the mayoral position and he admits it still feels surreal. “For me, Mayor Maya [Caramat] is still the mayor of our town. I’m just doing the job of the mayor but until now, I still can’t believe that I’m now the mayor,” Macanlalay shares, adding that he just recently transferred to the mayor’s office. When he took over, he chose to work in the conference room and until now, he doesn’t have a calling card that bears his position. Macanlalay further says that he learned a lot from Caramat, noting her maternal way of leading—strict but loving. “Ang isang ina, strikto ‘yan. Pero kahit na pinagalitan ka niyan, mahal ka niya, di ba? Ganun ‘yung nakita ko [kay Mayor Caramat], kino-correct ‘yung mali pero ‘yung tama, i-praise mo (Mothers are strict. But even though they scold you, they still love you, right? That’s what I saw [in Mayor Caramat], she corrects mistakes but she also praises accomplishments.” Goes without saying, Macanlalay looks up to Caramat and he promises to continue the plans they made together for the improvement of Calasiao. ADAPTING A RECIPE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE Some of the best recipes are heirloom—tried and tested, and passed down from generation to generation. Macanlalay’s father, Roy T. Macanlalay, served as the mayor from 2001 to 2010 then his brother, Mark Roy Macanlalay, succeeded him, serving for two terms. After getting his diploma, however, the nursing graduate went straight to managing a poultry business instead of entering politics. Then the May 2019 elections came and Mark Roy decided to run for a third term. Their political party needed one more councilor to complete their slate. Instead of searching far and wide, his brother decided to sway him into running, to finally be involved in politics. Reluctant to join the fray, Macanlalay was only convinced by Dagupan’s late and former mayor Alipio “Al” Fernandez Jr. through a phone call. He recalls Fernandez telling him that if he liked what his father and brother had accomplished for their town, then someone else had to take over and oversee the projects. And who better to do that than Macanlalay? Those words were enough to push him out of the supporting role he resigned himself to and to run as councilor instead. While many may think that Macanlalay had an easy way to the top given his last name, he knew that he had to put in a ton of effort—introduce himself and his intentions as a “newbie.” And when the 2019 elections concluded, he was the only candidate from his slate who won a seat. Why? Macanlalay couldn’t say for certain, but quips that it could be his genuine personality that warmed people’s hearts. He shares that during the campaign, he made sure to visit every corner of the municipality to mingle with the people. Perhaps, Macanlalay muses, they appreciated his approachable and humorous attitude, adding that a lot of the people in their town saw his father in him as he exhibited the same work ethic, attitude, and way of thinking. Macanlalay looks up to his father, whom he calls his idol in public service, crediting the former mayor as the one who established the Puto Festival in their town. The puto (rice cake) Calasiao has become a famous pasalubong (gift item) for tourists because of its unique taste and quality. Over time, it became the identity of the Municipality of Calasiao. Although this dessert placed their town on the map, for Macanlalay, that was just the beginning. ADDING FLAVORS TO THE TOWN Calasiao got its fame from the puto Calasiao. It reeled in tourists and opened many opportunities for investors. And while the delicious delicacy has done much for their town, Macanlalay has more ideas that would bring their municipality to new heights. The mayor’s passion for cooking comes in handy as he brainstormed ideas for other possible livelihood projects for Calasiaoeños. Since they are known for their puto which is best paired with dinuguan (pork blood stew), Macanlalay thought of creating their local version of a longganisa (sausage) using kaleskes, a Pangasinan dish featuring a cow’s internal organs, meat, and blood (much like dinuguan). Currently, he is in talks with a chef who will create the recipe and Macanlalay is hopeful that this would be appreciated like its counterparts (Vigan, Binalonan, Lucban, Cebu, etc.) Aside from their culinary plans, Macanlalay stresses that Calasiao has a lot more to offer. There was an attempt to begin a Blacksmithing Festival because, in one barangay called pandayan, there were numerous blacksmiths who were outsourced by international films (“Braveheart” and “300”) to create numerous swords. The mayor shares that these could be another identity for their municipality. SERVING A BALANCED AND HEALTHY LEADERSHIP If you care enough for the people, you will be mindful of the things that you are serving on the table. For Macanlalay, weighing the people’s needs is one of the most crucial parts of public service, requiring the right amount of listening and empathy. A recent case he mentions was with the town’s tricycle drivers. The lack of a common terminal in the municipality caused a dispute between groups of tricycle drivers who were waiting for passengers from opposite roads. The queue on the crossroad is preferred by the public since they no longer need to cross the street only to hail a tricycle. However, other tricycle drivers were complaining that they could no longer get any passengers since the crossroad was “claimed” as the territory of certain drivers. Changes have to be made and it is inevitable for some people involved to be compromised or affected. Situations like this, Macanlalay says, are among the many challenges he faces daily as a mayor. The convenience of the majority has to be considered and sometimes the best solution happens when all parties decide to talk. When he spoke with them, they decided on a solution that benefitted the tricycle drivers and the public. It’s a win-win situation, the best possible outcome. Still, the mayor is grappling with other problems such as traffic. And with the establishment of a new mall and grocery store, the main roads are more congested than ever. Macanlalay, however, looks at situations with a “glass half full” mindset. “They say that if your town is experiencing traffic, it means that there is progress because more people are coming to visit,” he says. “But I’ve spoken with my public transport officials and we are studying the traffic situation and looking at different ways to decongest the roads. Agriculture, Macanlalay confesses, is closest to his heart. As the main economic driver in their town, the mayor worries that the youth are not interested in pursuing agriculture as a career which could lead to the collapse of the industry. To turn the situation around, the Province of Pangasinan is offering full scholarships to students taking any agricultural course. He reveals that he also personally talks to the parents and youth, promising a full-time position in the municipality’s agricultural office once they graduate. DONNING MULTIPLE HATS Aside from occasionally wearing the chef’s hat, Macanlalay also boasts a wide array of interests. He was a big bike rider and a practical shooter, adding that he used to be the president of a gun club and participated in local and international competitions. Before entering politics, he was set to compete in Thailand but the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. All of these, Macanlalay shares, he had to leave behind as he dove into public service. Now he has a different hobby—bonsai cultivation and pruning. To bring out the beauty of the branches, the mayor shares that it may take months and up to eight years to fully prepare a bonsai plant for a competition. For Macanlalay, the hobby is not just a stress reliever but also a test of patience. This same patience he applies as he carefully nurtures Calasiao, tending to its branches as they grow in the best direction. The multi-hyphenate Macanlalay may be in public service but he leads the people the same way the head chef runs a kitchen—with calmness, resourcefulness, and focus. At the end of the day, it’s how the chef combines the flavors together that sets him apart from the others and it is this creativity and passion that will also elevate the Municipality of Calasiao.

< Back Raissa Above the Storm Bomb survivor and double amputee, Councilor Raissa Laurel-Subijano, is living a life with no limits and inspiring impactful leadership as councilor of San Juan BY ANNA CHATO PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO STYLING BY FLOE TAPAYAN OF KANEBO Seated at her desk, Raissa paints the picture of a typical young, hardworking woman in government, with papers piled high on top of the table. Bright eyed and idealistic, Raissa speaks without cynicism and brims with positivity. It seems unlikely that this young lady— with all her optimism—was the victim of a bomb blast that took both her legs seven years earlier. In 2010, while waiting on Taft Avenue for her friends to finish the bar exams in the law school tradition of salubong, an explosion shook the crowd. The next thing she knew, she was lying on the street with her legs mangled. At the young age of 23, with only a 20% chance of surviving, she had to undergo the amputation of both legs below the knee. She was a second year law student at San Sebastian College at the time. After her operation, she had told her friends who came to visit her, “Why are you sad? Be happy! I’m alive.” Her radiant smile welcomed them and instead of their encouraging her, she encouraged them. “I’m blessed with a second chance at life,” she says simply, and adds that she’s transforming the weight of that unfortunate, senseless, and violent incident into something inspiring and worthy of a second chance. THE WISDOM OF THE GOOD COUNCILOR Despite the spiritual weight of her physical downfall, Raissa Laurel-Subijano was elected councilor of San Juan City in May 2016. As councilor, her main duty is to participate in the making of laws in the form of ordinances for the city. She holds advocacies and is currently the chairperson of three committees: Committee on Social Services, Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities’ Welfare; Committee on Laws and Ethics; and Committee on Public Order, Safety, and Illegal Drugs. As a PWD herself, Raissa is pushing forward the rights of the disabled, and in 2017, the council approved an ordinance providing registered indigent Persons with Disability (PWD) in San Juan City with benefits and allotting funds for that purpose. Ordinances creating new schools, such as the San Juan Science High School in Barangay St. Joseph, the San Juan Technical-Vocational and Livelihood Senior High School also in Barangay St. Joseph, and the Emilio Jacinto Elementary School and High School in Barangay Batis, were also passed. “Being a leader doesn’t mean na paimportante ka,” she says and one wonders where her enthusiasm comes from. She explains that she saw herself as a simple person, that her running for office was not planned, though she has always had a heart for public service. “It’s really my dream because I have a heart for service, but it seemed impossible,” she shares. Click here to read full article for free

< Back USEC. RICARDO B. JALAD BY MARIEL ABANES Usec. Jalad of OCD and NDRRMC believes in the power of building a culture of preparedness.

< Back THE KING OF THE NORTH Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Chavit Singson’s style of governance is marked by the merger of strength and strictness. What are his plans now? BY KRISTEL DACUMOS LAGORZA PHOTOGRAPHY BY IVAN LLANETA What we need now is a benevolent dictator,” states 78-year-old Luis “Chavit” Singson with a deliberate nod. It’s a controversial statement from an equally controversial figure. But he is unafraid of sharing his opinion, one formed from almost 50 years in politics. “Instead of dictator, perhaps the better term is disciplinarian, baka masamain nila ang dictator (They might misconstrue it),” he laughs. But Singson is unapologetic about his views. He means what he says, and says what he intends. MAN OF LEGEND Singson, one of the most powerful—and fascinating—Filipino politicians of his generation, is no stranger to scandal or controversy. He has waded through such for decades and has quite proudly survived attempts to discredit his reputation, and even more gravely, to end his life. Singson has already dodged death like a cat with nine lives. “Before I was elected, I was ambushed six times. And on the seventh attempt, it happened while I was dancing in the town fiesta after my win; two grenades were thrown at me.” Several people died that night, including the woman he was dancing with. “Luckily, she shielded me and took all the shrapnel,” he recalls. Just another day in the life of this politician. After so many attempts, he’s grown a thick skin and is unbothered by any other possible threats. “I believe in destiny. Every time I survive, they say, may mission ka pa,may mission ka pa,” he mentions in a previous interview. “I might not go to Mass, but I do have a direct line to God.” From serving as governor of Ilocos Sur for a total of nearly 29 years, to being a key figure in the events leading to the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada in 2001, to assuming power in the north yet again as current mayor of Narvacan, Singson is forthright with what he thinks is needed for the country to progress. “Simple lang, kailangan natin disiplina (It’s simple. We need to be disciplined),” he stresses. “We lack nationalism in the sense that we fail to follow laws that are already in place. That is why I believe what we need is a benevolent dictator, because that’s what the current situation requires. We need a leader who is strict and who people will fear enough to follow. Because abusado tayo (we are abusive).” While strict, Singson also believes in having a leader who is forgiving as well. Referring to the seventh ambush, he shares, “Nahuli lahat, nakulong lahat, but pinatawad ko din lahat. Ako naglabas sa kanila sa bilangguan. And ngayon, magkakaibigan na kami. (All of the perpetrators were caught and jailed, but I forgave and had them released. Today, we’re all friends.)” This unique ideal and mold of a leader is what Singson has patterned himself after, merging strength and strictness to serve his people. WIN AFTER WIN In the last elections, Singson won the mayoralty race with 16,551 votes, defeating Edgardo Zaragoza, the father of then-mayor Zuriel. This was a significant win as it ended the Zaragoza clan’s threedecade reign in Narvacan. The people spoke through the polls, and saw in Singson a leader who could fulfill their wants. "WHAT WE NEED IS A BENEVOLENT DICTATOR. WE NEED A LEADER WHO IS STRICT AND WHO PEOPLE WILL FEAR ENOUGH TO FOLLOW. BECAUSE ABUSADO TAYO (WE ARE ABUSIVE).” In his birthplace Vigan, as he walks through the public markets and the famous Calle Crisologo, he is swarmed by the locals and out-of-town visitors. He gamely poses for each and every selfie; he is welcomed like family among friends. But elsewhere, he acknowledges that he’s met with a little fear and hesitation as he can be intimidating. And it is perhaps because of the many folk legends that have attached themselves to the largerthan-life politician. Regardless, he says he’s too old to explain everything and please everyone. And when it comes to public service, Singson says, “Your work will speak for you.” Singson notes many accomplishments he is proud to have achieved as a public servant. One of these is Republic Act (RA) Reflecting on his years as governor, Singson discloses, “We were considered as one of the notorious provinces at that time. There were political deaths every day. And you would not have been able to restore peace and order, if you weren’t strict with the people and demanded discipline from your followers.” The province then was deeply mired in political rivalry, with families vying for coveted local government positions. He claimed that blood was shed, with threats constantly exchanged, but Singson sought to end the bitter war. He’s frank about this particular period in his political life, and insists that the story be shared, because this was one of the means that helped pave the way for peace in his region. “Kasi yung mga followers ko, nung nanalo na ako, gusto gumanti. Sabi ko, hindi No. 7171, the sole law he authored during his term as congressman from 1987 to 1992. RA 7171, or the Tobacco Excise Tax Law, mandates that 15% of the tax collected from the tobacco industry be returned to the tobaccogrowing provinces of Ilocos Norte, Abra, La Union, and Ilocos Sur. These provinces account for at least 60% of the national yield. This law aims to improve the lives of farmers by giving them greater lead to use their funds in agricultural development. Singson, notably, was also once a major tobacco industry player. PEACE REGAINED In addition to helping tobacco producers through legislation, Singson proudly touts having achieved peace in Ilocos Sur, then deemed the “wild, wild north.” Reflecting on his years as governor, Singson discloses, “We were considered as one of the notorious provinces at that time. There were political deaths every day. And you would not have been able to restore peace and order, if you weren’t strict with the people and demanded discipline from your followers.” The province then was deeply mired in political rivalry, with families vying for coveted local government positions. He claimed that blood was shed, with threats constantly exchanged, but Singson sought to end the bitter war. He’s frank about this particular period in his political life, and insists that the story be shared, because this was one of the means that helped pave the way for peace in his region. “Kasi yung mga followers ko, nung nanalo na ako, gusto gumanti. Sabi ko, hindi pwede. Hindi na natin pwede ibalik yung mga namatay na kamag-anak n’yo. Kung gaganti kayo, wala nang katapusan ang patayan dito sa atin. So ipinagbawal ko yung gumanti. (When I won, my followers wanted revenge. And I said, I can’t allow that. We can’t bring back the dead. If we continue to seek revenge, there will be no end to this.) “The only way to achieve reconciliation in a peaceful way,” he says, “is to be sincere with the want for peace.” This is a lesson important for him to share, because all over the Philippines, he says you’ll find numerous areas rife with conflict, stemming from longstanding political feuds. “But more can be achieved if we leave ‘politics’ out of politics, and just do what is best for our people,” he says. CONNECTING PEOPLE His call for unity is also reflected in many of his initiatives including the ambitious project of bringing greater interconnectivity to the region. Last October 2019, Singson led the groundbreaking ceremony in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, where the Philippines’ first shared cell tower will rise. This is the first of at least 50,000 (but he notes as high as 70,000) towers to be built across the region, which will be supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). This project will be led by LCS Holdings Inc. (his company), in partnership with Thailand’s UA Withya PCL. “What we aim to do here is address the lack of cell sites in the country to further improve our competitiveness. As compared to Vietnam, which has 70,000 towers, we only have a mere 18,000, which is why we experience spotty mobile services.” Through this endeavor, WiFi can be enjoyed by all for free. He proudly shares that Narvacan and all its barangays now enjoy the full privilege, and soon the surrounding municipalities will, too. Contrary to what many may think, Singson’s efforts to provide free WiFi are not a mere pandering to the young, digital savvy generation. It’s part of a greater strategic economic plan to strengthen the digital power of the region. The future is digital, he says, with everything—businesses, education, public services—tied to the efficiency of telecom services. Economic transformation begins with the adoption of more digital technology. How do you expect businesses to become competitive; how do you expect children to learn and be at par [with their global counterparts] if we do not equip them with the tools needed for growth,” he points out. Education is also one of the soon-to-be octogenarian’s key priorities, and he takes great pride in having provided scholarships to hundreds of worthy students. “I don’t believe in dole outs. I find people who deserve the help, or they come to me. Sa akin, knowledge is wealth, yan ang tunay na yaman.” In addition to tuition support, he has also donated homes and helped farmers and entrepreneurs bounce back from crippling calamities. TOURISM: KEY DRIVER OF PROGRESS For the seasoned public servant and businessman, tourism is the other priority area of development aside from education and telecommunications. With regard to this industry, he’s also made a head start, transforming his personal properties in Vigan into a tourist destination. Baluarte, a sprawling 100-hectare farm, is home to hundreds of wild animals, including deer, giraffes, ostriches, zebras, camels, and his favorite tigers and lions—all transported from around the globe. A big game hunter, Singson shows off his biggest and most prized hunts in a museum where visitors can marvel at massive black bears, elephants, tigers, and the whole lot. These attractions, which are open to the public at no cost, help ensure the continuous flow of tourists to Ilocos Sur. Singson’s focus on tourism also prompted him to host the highly successful Miss Universe 2016 pageant. Candidates wined and dined, and were brought to the most beautiful corners of the country on his private jets with private security. Needless to say, the successful staging of the pageant that year further highlighted the Philippines’ position as a growing and strengthening player in regional and global tourism. The Baluarte and the Singson Museum have helped define Ilocos Sur as not only a proud heritage site, but a thriving tourist destination, and there is definitely more that can be done, says the Narvacan mayor. Another of his projects that he’s excited to see completed is the Jesus Christ statue, touted to one day become the tallest religious statue in the world. At its proposed height of 121 feet, the Jesus Christ statue, which will sit at the foot of one of the hilly ranges in Ilocos Sur, will tower over the Statue of Liberty and the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The paperwork for its construction are underway and Singson notes that if all goes well, the statue will be up in one to two years. SEAL THE DEAL Singson is happy to flex his skill and talent as a nimble dealmaker, rolling out his projects with such swiftness and urgency. One of his strengths he mentions is that he never waits. “I analyze, and make a decision immediately.” And this quality, which is important in effective leadership, is what he also brings to the table as the new League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) president, assisting the 68 municipalities that are part of the organization. The LMP, in essence, works hand-in-hand with the national government in the development and implementation of policies, programs, and projects affecting municipalities. In addition, it supplements the efforts of the national government in creating opportunities for gainful employment within the municipalities. Singson prides himself on being someone who is able to see the bigger picture, a master negotiator, and a compelling leader who can bring key players to the table and have them work together to make things happen. For the indefatigable politician, time is his new currency and he squeezes it for everything it’s got. “As LMP president, I hope to teach and show others how things can be done more efficiently and effectively, not through politicking but by supporting local leadership and demanding accountability from the leaders,” he says. “They have to deliver on their promises, and they have to deliver it by a deadline,” he nods. Politics is definitely dirty business, says Singson, and you need to have the grit and character to power through all the mudslinging. “In fact, I’ve said to my children, don’t go into politics.” But Singson has grown a thick skin over time, and this is why he has survived for as long as he has. JUST GOT LUCKY On most days, Singson admits that he’s become restless, sleeping a mere few hours a night. But that’s enough to power him through his often-packed schedule, which includes flying back and forth from Manila to Ilocos on his private plane with guests and business partners on board. On these short trips, which last around 45 minutes to an hour, he indulges in his favorite past time, a simple game of cards with his flight attendants who have become his friends and family. They squeal when they win, and collect their bets from Chavit. “It makes me happy,” he says of his hobby. “But it’s still me who often wins,” he says with a chuckle. From surviving assassination attempts to outliving enemies, to further growing his business empire, to serving his constituents for another fruitful term as mayor, it seems that Chavit has been on a winning streak his whole life. He shrugs. “I don’t know; I just must be lucky,” he ends. Click here to read full article for free

< Back REALIZING DREAMS BY NOVIE ROSE NUÑEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR. Struggles and hindrances did not stop Marilao, Bulacan Mayor Ricardo ‘Ricky’ Silvestre from becoming who he is today, someone constantly serving the people. Tourists visiting this 1st class municipality located two hours away from Metro Manila, will be greeted by colorful and vibrant surroundings. The atmosphere in Marilao, Bulacan can only be described as calm and peaceful, a textbook countryside vibe accentuated by the sunflowers and warm breeze. Beyond the soothing aesthetics of the town, its citizens are just as welcoming, positively reflecting their culture and governance. SERIES OF FORTUNATE EVENTS Behind the current success of Marilao is none other than Mayor Ricardo “Ricky” Silvestre. But before all the achievements that eventually led to him leading the municipality, he led life full of struggles. “Noong 14 years old ako, second year high school, napilitan lang akong tapusin ang second year sapagkat ang kuya kong marino ay nagkasakit kaya minabuti ko na ako na ang magtrabaho para sa pamilya niya. Tumigil ako ng pag-aaral—naggapas ako ng palay, nagtibag ng bato, hanggang sa napunta ako sa construction (When I was 14 years old, I was in second year high school, I was forced to stop my studies because my older brother who was a seaman got sick and I had to work for his family. My schooling ended—did odd jobs such as harvesting rice and quarrying rocks, and then eventually I landed a job in construction).” Silvestre says that their life was simple back then, and he tried almost every manual job available at the time. He became a carpenter, electrician, plumber, and even mason. Then, in 1992, he became a contractor and started his own construction firm, Silvestre Builders. His luck started to turn after he launched his own business. At the young age of 19, Silvestre managed to buy a padiri, pugad ng baboy, and a rest house. Two years later, he married his wife Maria Luisa. “So, ‘yun ang pinagsimulan natin at nangarap [pa] noong 1994 na magsilbi sa barangay (So, that’s where I started to dream of serving our barangay, in 1994).” Back then, his vision and ultimate goal was to eradicate drugs within Barangay Patubig in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. He says, “Noong panahon na ‘yon, masyadong malakas ‘yung drugs kaya sabi ko rin sa sarili ko na why not mag-try akong lumaban na punong barangay para malipol ko naman ‘yung drugs na ‘yon. Ang nangyari doon sa barangay namin noon, nawala ‘yung problema sa droga (Back then, there were a lot of illegal drugs [in our barangay]. I then thought of running for barangay chairperson to eliminate drugs, and [when I was elected], we managed to get rid of the drugs).” After eliminating illegal drugs in his barangay, Silvestre implemented more projects and programs. He proudly shares that during his first term as barangay chairperson, he offered school supplies and medicines to his constituents for free. “Naging barangay chairman ako ng labing anim na taon, barangay pa lamang ginawa ko nang libre lahat ng gamit pang-eskwela. Libre lahat ng gamot sa pangkaraniwang sakit, kami lang ang bukod tanging barangay na naglagay ng sariling doktor sa barangay. Sapagkat mahal ko ang kabarangay ko (I was the barangay chairman for 16 years. I gave free school supplies and even medicine for common illnesses—all for free. We were the only barangay that had a doctor on staff. Because I love my constituents).” MOVING FORWARD INTO BIGGER DREAMS Silvestre’s love for the people, beyond the confines of Barangay Patubig, flourished over time. The beauty of liwasang pangkalikasan has been Silvestre’s vision since he became a barangay chairman and when he got a chance to realize it in the municipality of Marilao, he then grabbed the opportunity. He says that his vision of liwasang pangkalikasan is something he hopes to apply at the national level someday. In 2019, while campaigning in mayoral race, he told the people, “Basura niyong nabubulok, ibabalik ko sa tahanan ninyo sa pamamagitan ng mga namumungang halaman (We will use your trash to plant fruit-bearing plants in your homes).” He adds, “Ang ginawa ko rito, ‘yung lupang mataba, tinamnan namin, pinamunga namin, tsaka namin dinala sa mga kabahayan. Nagtanim ako ng limampung libong talong, okra, kamatis, sili para siyang ipamigay sa bahay-bahay at sila ay makumbinsi ko [na] ang basura nilang nabubulok ay ihiwalay nila para magamit namin ito [at] para magawa naming lupang mataba. Ganon ang ginagawa natin (We planted vegetables on the fertile soil and waited for these to bear fruits before distributing these to the people. I planted five thousand seedlings of eggplants, ladies’ fingers, tomatoes, chili to distribute house-to-house and to convince the people that they should segregate their waste to produce fertilizers. It’s something we do until today).” Silvestre’s efforts toward the liwasang pangkalikasan benefited not only the environment but also the citizens. Aside from the community gardens, the town also has a materials recovery facilities (MRF) where waste is segregated before being turned into tiles, vases, and pillars. Improving his constituents’ livelihood is another proud achievement of the public servant. Silvestre shares that because of this initiative, dozens of Marileños have jobs. He shares, “Kahit wala silang sweldo sa pamahalaang bayan pero yung nagpipili ng basura, kanila na ‘yung makukuha nila. Nakapagbebenta ang bawat isa [ng mga] limang libo pataas bawat linggo. Ibig sabihin, kumikita sila ng dalawampung libo kada buwan (Even if they don’t receive salary from the government, they earn from segragating the waste materials collected. They earn up to five thousand pesos every week from selling [recylables]. That’s twenty thousand pesos a month).” Although they do not have compensation from the local government of Marilao, Silvestre made sure that they are still supported by giving them additional assistance like uniforms, gadgets, face masks, alcohol, and boots to keep them protected from the hazards of garbage and chemicals. He gratefully shares that they are a huge help in the municipality’s goal to further lessen the 15 percent waste of Marilao, Bulacan. This is 15 percent of over 7 million waste materials produced by the town. In addition, Silvestre mentions that the LGU has managed to save money by only using a budgeted over a million pesos to collect the waste materials. AHEAD OF HIS VISION “Kapag ang bawat lugar [ay] maraming mas mahirap kesa may pera, lahat ng bayan nangangailangan ng libreng hospital (When every community has more financially challenged families than those who have money, then every municipality needs a free hospital),” Silvestre reveals when asked about the biggest concern he faces in Marilao. In order to accomplish this, he has allocated a budget of Php200 million every year. Silvestre also adds that he is planning to build a hospital with up to a 100-bed capacity. “Ang talagang kailangang pera ay Php200 million a year. ‘Yun ang panggastos mo para mai-operate mo ang isang pangpublikong hospital (We need a Php200 million annual budget to cover operating expenses of a public hospital),” he adds. “When every community has more financially challenged families than those who have money, then every municipality needs a free hospital.” Silvestre also plans to provide an MRF for each barangay. He explains, “Para sa ganon sa barangay palang may pagkukunan na ng pera ‘yung mga nandoon. Pwede na sila na bawat barangay ay mayroon silang makuha na 2-3 [percent] na basura (So that even at the barangay-level, the people will earn money. It’s possible that each barangay will collect 2-3 [percent] of wastes).” He further says that his initiative in barangays’ waste management was done when the LGU donated a garbage truck to each of Marilao’s 16 barangays. Aside from garbage trucks, Silvestre also purchased 16 ambulances. “Sabay sabay kong pinurchase ang labing anim na ambulance dahil ayokong may isang kapitan o may sakit tatawag sa Office of the Mayor [para sabihing], ‘Wala pong ambulansya.’ Kung apat ang ambulansya ng Marilao noon, talagang mas-short (I purchased 16 ambulances in one go because I don’t want a barangay chairman or a sick person calling in my office saying, ‘We don’t have an ambulance.’ If there are only four ambulances in Marilao before, there will really be a shortage).” EXPANDING VISIONS Even after nearly 20 years of public service, he has never forgotten the initiatives he launched in his barangay which he now carries over as a mayor. One of these, as mentioned, is education. “Ako ang nagsimula ng scholarship program sa bayan ng Marilao. Kasi sa barangay namin, may kinuha agad akong scholar. Ang unang binigay ko sa scholar ko ay unang sweldo ko sa barangay tapos taon-taon nagdadagdag na ako [ng budget] (I started the scholarship in Marilao. In our barangay, I used to have a similar program. The first educational assistance I gave was actually from my very first salary in barangay then eventually, every year, I would gradually increase the budget).” Through his ingenuity, Silvestre says that this program was considered by then-Mayor Epifanio Guillermo and continued by former Mayor Juanito Santiago. He also shares that when he was first seated in the office, the program only had 900 scholars but now they currently have 1,600 scholars. They are still accepting applications and expect to add 1,500 more, serving more than 3000 scholars in total. He further explains, “Ang programa mo, sundan na lang nang sundan ‘yon dahil palakihin mo na lang nang palakihin ‘yung scholar (You should constantly continue your program because all you have to do is to increase the number of scholars).” “Ganon tayo nag-iisip. Kailangan yung isang project ay maging continuous, hindi mapuputol. Kailangan mahaba vision mo (That’s how we think. It’s important that that one project should be continuous, not unsustainable. You have to expand your vision),” he notes. DELIGHTED TO SERVE Although Silvestre was not raise and born in Marilao, as he is natively fromSta. Maria, he has learned to love the town and its people. “Paano ko hindi mamahalin [ang Marilao]? Dito ako nagka-pamilya, dito ako nagka-anak, dito ako nagka-apo, dito ako umasenso. Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko, mas mahal ko ang bayan napuntahan ko kesa sa bayan sa kung saan ako isinilang. Kaya mahal na mahal ko ang bayan na ‘to (How could I not love [Marilao]? This is where I built my family, where we had children, where I had grandchildren, where I became successful. I love this place more than my hometown. That’s why I really love this town),” he ends. DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE

< Back Old Town Meets New Blood BY GRACE BAUTISTA CARIGARA, LEYTE’S 26-YEAR-OLD MAYOR EDUARDO ONG JR. IS DETERMINED TO ELEVATE THE 452-YEAR-OLD MUNICIPALITY F ounded in January 1571, the Municipality of Carigara, Leyte was the first town established in the Eastern Visayas region. In its nearly 500 years of existence, the town has seen its fair share of public servants come and go—starting, of course, with the leader after whom it was named. As legend goes, Carigara was founded by a certain Datu Gara who landed on the bay with his 77-member clan. The town came to be called ‘Kan Gara (Belonging to Gara)’ but its name evolved into Carigara when the Spaniards arrived. IN WITH THE NEW Long gone is the era of the early settlers and Spaniards, and now at the helm is Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr. At 26 years old, Ong is one of the youngest local chief executives in the country. With his fresh take on public service, the mayor is resolute in clearing cobwebs, revitalizing the town, and getting rid of old, outdated practices. Less than a week before this year’s observance of Black Saturday, Ong decided to cancel a 400-year-old tradition which is the Turogpo Festival. Named after the Waray word meaning “to meet,” the festival involves three animal fighting events. Two carabaos fight each other in the Pasungay, two horses battle each other in the Paaway, and lastly, 49 roosters (representing the town’s 49 barangays) are pitted against each other in one big fight until the sole surviving rooster is declared the winner in the Carambola. Despite the backlash from canceling the event, Ong went ahead with his decision, citing the Animal Welfare Act of 1998. In its official statement, the municipal government cited Section 6 of the law: “It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat any animal or to subject any dog or horse to dog fights or horse fights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.” Instead of the animal fighting events, Ong decided that a mass and a short program will make for a more meaningful celebration. While he received criticism from older citizens who were used to the centuries-old event, the mayor also received much praise from animal lovers all over the country, not to mention the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which coordinated with the local government unit in addressing concerns regarding said festival. “Even when I was still vice mayor, I was already pushing for the cancellation of the animal fighting] events. It’s against policy. I understand where the public backlash was coming from; they’re used to the festival and its accompanying traditions. But we have to cancel the Turogpo Festival because it’s unlawful; we have to follow the national law,” Ong says matter-of-factly. Ong’s decisions, however, are not solely fueled by the need to follow laws. Despite his seemingly stoic persona, his actions reveal his genuine compassion for his people. Last June 18, 2022, the local government held a Pride celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community of Carigara. Titled “Inclusivity and Acceptance: Carigara Embraces Pride in All Colors,” the celebration started with an “Understanding SOGIESC Seminar” held in the LGU Function Hall. This was followed by the Pride march around Carigara’s town proper. Afterward, a concert was held at the LGU grounds and included performances by local artists who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community. While the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill continues to be a divisive topic at all levels of government, Ong laments the misconception behind the bill which prevents it from being pushed forward to enactment. “When they say SOGIE Bill, they automatically assume that it’s only about gay marriage, which isn’t true. What the bill is pushing for is equality in all areas, including but not limited to job opportunities. Right now, whether we like it or not, the [LGBTQIA+] community is still not fully accepted. I see this both in government and the private sector. This is why it is important for this bill to be pushed in Congress,” Ong stresses. Carigara was among the LGUs praised by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for its Pride Month celebration (which the local government plans to hold yearly) and for approving a resolution that “promotes equal rights and condemns discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.” In a statement, CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that the commission “appreciates the initiatives of these LGUs to mainstream the plight of the vulnerable LGBTQIA+ and ensure a safe and enabling space in their respective jurisdictions.” FOLLOWING HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS While the mayor is not afraid to blaze his own path and make his own decisions for the town, he is also humble enough to admit that plenty of what he knows about public service (and what drew him to it) came from his father, Eduardo “Boy” Ong Sr. “My father was my role model and his involvement in government is what introduced our family to public service and its many aspects,” he reveals. However, much of what the younger Ong has learned from his father was not through words per se, but rather just by witnessing him render service firsthand. Ong shares that their family as a whole has a very introverted nature and that his father was a man of a few words—a demeanor, he quips, he may have inherited. Ong’s foray into governance began when he approached his father with his desire to run as councilor. It didn’t take much convincing from the senior Ong for him to run as vice mayor instead, in tandem with his father who was then gunning for the mayoralty. They clinched both positions and ran the town as a duo. When asked about the experience of being a vice mayor under his father, Ong shares: “Actually, it went smoothly because we agree on a lot of things so we hardly clashed on any decision. His executive plans complemented our legislative decisions, and vice versa, so we barely had any problems.” In the recent 2022 elections, the father-son tandem exchanged positions, and Ong Jr. found himself as the mayor, once again with his father by his side. Unfortunately, Ong Sr. passed away on December 7 last year due to cardiac arrest. The 66-year-old had served as Carigara’s local chief executive for three terms. With his father’s passing, Ong remains true to his quiet nature but shares that his father, who he looks up to, imbued him with the value of integrity as a public servant. The mayor says that his decisiveness and strong political will stem from this lesson. He also inherited his father ’s “talk less, work more” mantra, for which he is grateful because it continues to guide him to focus on the municipality rather than the politics or the noise. “Politics will always find a way to affect work, to interfere with governance. Even with the smallest of decisions. But I don’t let it undermine my decision-making as a leader,” Ong underscores. REVITALIZING CARIGARA The De La Salle University (DLSU) alumnus aims to implement innovative solutions to address the town’s existing problems and to prevent future issues from emerging. His bachelor’s degree in Management shines through as he launched several programs, some of which he began during his time as vice mayor. As an example, the computer literacy program teaches basic computer skills to elementary students with the help of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Carigara Campus students who are majoring in Information Technology (IT). The program, which began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, proved useful as the global health emergency shifted education to take on an online approach to curb the spread of the virus. Ong also shares that the local government is currently in talks with the national government, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for land reclamation, citing similar projects like the area of the Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City. “With the added space, we hope to invite more investors which, in turn, will yield more livelihood and job opportunities for the people of Carigara,” Ong says, addressing the congestion in the business districts in Leyte province and the lack of commercial space in their town. Some concerns, the mayor explains, require simple solutions. As such, he has provided Php200,000 worth of financial assistance to all 49 barangays in the municipality to help the barangays with their proposed projects. “Tungkod (Cane) Tuesdays” is another project that he launched long ago but is continuing now as mayor; to provide canes to senior citizens and persons with disability. (PWDs). “[Giving them canes] is such a simple gesture, but it creates such a big impact in their lives because it helps with their mobility. I personally oversee the turnover every week because the project means a lot to me,” the mayor adds. Another simple project with big results is the initiative to distribute 1,500 chessboards to young children across the town. Apart from keeping the children entertained, to keep them off the streets and turning to vices or illegal activities, Ong shares that chess exercises their minds. Another added bonus is that the project keeps the dying art of chess alive. Ong has plenty of projects centered on the youth and making sure that they stay active and focused, such as the distribution of basketball rings and boards, and volleyball nets. But the mayor has also concretized roads, built covered courts and health centers, and launched more infrastructure projects that benefit thousands in their dayto- day living. With all of these efforts, the mayor hopes to elevate the municipality from its status as a second-class municipality to first-class. Still, Ong is aware that achieving such would not mean the end of the problems in their municipality. “No LGU is perfect and there will always be problems in every town. But what I can promise the people of Carigara is that we’ll face these problems together,” Ong ends.

< Back Upholding People-centric Leadership BY ROSY MINA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR. With his 15 years of public service experience, Congressman Dale “Along” Malapitan continues to uphold the family name, ensuring that they are approachable and willing to help. Aregular Thursday at the Malapitan household in Caloocan City is unusual for most—with the home bustling with strangers from all walks of life, bringing forth their concerns to the patriarch, Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan. “Labas-pasok sa bahay namin kaya madidinig mo ‘yung mga problema, at kung papaano niya sinosolusyunan (They freely go in and out of the house. You get to hear their problems, and how he finds solutions to them),” Mayor Oca’s son, Caloocan 1st District Representative Dale “Along” Malapitan, tells LEAGUE Magazine. The weekly event is dubbed “People’s Day,” wherein Mayor Oca reaches out to more constituents and provides ways to alleviate their situation. It is also a play on their last name, “Malapitan,” which means to get close to or easily approachable in Filipino. Consequently, being a witness to such initiative and welcoming nature was one of the reasons why Malapitan decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, even if he had no intention of joining politics. “Doon sa kaniya ko nakita ‘yung papaano maging isang leader, gaano kasarap ‘yung tumutulong (I learned how to be a leader by observing my father, [and] the fulfillment in helping others).” He saw the needs of the people of Caloocan and wanted to help address them, too. Just like his father, who started out as a councilor before becoming vice mayor, mayor, and congressman, Malapitan worked his way up the public service ladder. At 24 years old, he started his political career by operating his father’s district office. Three years later, in 2007, he won as a barangay chairperson, counting among his constituents his childhood friends whom he played with on the streets of his beloved city. His experience spanning 15 years also saw him become a councilor and president of the Liga ng mga Barangay before being elected as a congressman. “Nakita ko lang ‘yung daddy ko, ‘yung masaya siya sa ginagawa niya. Nakita ko ‘yung every day na kahit pagod ka, umuuwi kang masaya kasi nagiging productive ‘yung araw-araw mo (I saw my father who is genuinely happy in his work. Every day, I experienced going home happy because even if I’m tired, the day is always productive). It is fulfilling,” he shares. ‘PEOPLE’S DAY’ AMID THE PANDEMIC Extending help to Caloocan constituents in various forms, such as medical and livelihood assistance, was at the core of “People’s Day.” “Lahat ng kailangan nila na puwede naming ibigay na tulong ([We took care of] all their needs that we could possibly solve),” he adds. However, due to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, constituents trooped to their home more often, turning the weekly “People’s Day” into a daily engagement. It became so overwhelming, and he shares, “[There were times that] you really had to dive into your own pockets, your own savings [to provide for their needs].” They also had to relocate the venue of “People’s Day” in order to protect the elders in their household from contracting the novel coronavirus. Because of this, he remarks that the pandemic that began in March 2020 is the most challenging problem he has ever encountered in his public servant life. “Kailangan siyempre mag-adjust ka din ng galaw mo dahil kailangan mong mag-ingat dahil siyempre, ayaw mo rin mahawa ‘yung pamilya mo. Pero hindi rin naman pupuwedeng magkulong ka dahil may obligation ka rin sa city mo (Of course we had to adjust our operations because we had to keep ourselves and our families safe [from the virus]. But you also can’t stay at home forever because you have an obligation to the city).” Medical assistance continued to be free for as long as the recipient is from Caloocan, and several programs of the national government were brought forth to help displaced workers. “Many people lost their jobs. [This led to] many going hungry so we prioritized providing food. As for their jobs, we coordinated with agencies and this led to the implementation of the TUPAD programs of the government.” TUPAD, which stands for Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, is under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also has programs to distribute ayuda or assistance. One of these is the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (ASICS). Malapitan believes that aside from providing assistance to those in need, greater help is done when work opportunities are given to beneficiaries, even if these are menial tasks such as sweeping one’s street front. “Importante lang, may ginagawa. Ang mahirap kasi ‘pag puro ayuda, ang tao masasanay na maghihintay lang (It’s important for people to have something to do. The problem with just giving dole-outs is people will get used to simply waiting for assistance),” he says. “Mas masarap kumita kapag pinaghirapan mo (It feels much better to earn money that you know you worked hard for). It’s also important to maintain people’s dignity. They’re not beggars, they can work in exchange for financial assistance and such. They just need opportunities.” UPHOLDING HIS FATHER’S LEGACY Helping those in need is at the core of the Malapitan leadership, and the congressman says that thinking of those in need truly drives him to carry on. It is the same driving force for his mayoral candidacy this year, as his father is in his last term. And he vouches to continue with his brand of leadership that is straightforward and efficient. “May nagsasabing influencer daw ako. Pero ako, ginagawa ko lang kung ano ‘yung nakikita kong kailangan. Tapos ‘yung vision ko lang sa city na gusto kong ituloy, pinu-push ko lang (Many call me an influencer. But for me, I’m just doing what needs to be done. And I continue to push for my vision for the city).” The father of two also assures that there will be continuity in Caloocan should he be elected to succeed his dad. “Because for me, Caloocan has greatly improved. Caloocan has changed [for the better] under the administration of my daddy. So that is what I want, to continue [his good work],” he explains. “Kailangan ituloy kasi magpapalit ka. Kahit gaano kagaling ang pumalit kay Mayor Oca, kung hindi mo itutuloy ‘yan, back to zero eh. Kaya ang kailangan ngayon, ituloy mo, dagdagan mo (It has to be continued because the election will change things. No matter how good the successor of Mayor Oca is, if he will not continue [those projects], things will be back to zero. That’s why I need to continue his work, and add more improvements).” No matter the result of the polls in May, Malapitan assures his constituents of his constant concern and support for them. “Lagi naman nakahanda akong tumulong sa kanila (I am always ready to help them),” he states. “Kung saan man ako makarating, maging mayor ako o sa ibang posisyon man, hindi mawawala na ang Caloocan magiging priority ko lagi (Whatever happens to me, if I become mayor or end up in another position, Caloocan will always be my priority).” GETTING THINGS DONE Malapitan has no qualms about possibly shifting from a legislative to an executive position, given his 15 years of experience as a politician. “Enjoy kasi ako sa public service. Mismo na pagtulong eh so andun ‘yun, pasok siya sa pagiging barangay captain, pasok din siya sa pagiging congressman (I truly enjoy public service. Helping others is integral to the job, whether you’re a barangay captain or congressman).” He has had many memorable moments in his political career but considers the first bill that he steered into enactment as the best so far. “Yun ‘yung in-upgrade ko ‘yung bed capacity ng (That was when I upgraded the bed capacity of) Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital from 200 beds to 800 beds. And then from a tertiary hospital, naging medical center siya (it became a medical center). He also puts a premium on education, being the author of free college education at the University of Caloocan City (UCC). Malapitan also authored the creation of the College of Law at UCC as well as the provision of allowances to students of Caloocan Science and Technology High School. “And then ‘pag tinignan mo ang records ng DepEd (Department of Education), magmula dati sa lahat ng mga previous na naging congressman ng Caloocan, ako ‘yung may hawak nung record na may pinakamaraming classrooms na napagawa (If you check the records of DepEd, considering all previous congressmen of Caloocan, I hold the record of having most classrooms built).” As his term as a lawmaker ends soon, he proudly shares that he has passed the bill on having a Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Caloocan. “We are just waiting for the approved bill to be signed into law. We are just waiting for the signature of the President and then we will have a PUP here in Caloocan.” With his accomplishments, Malapitan chooses not to identify a big event or achievement as his greatest or proudest moment in public service. For him, the simple things are just as significant. “Siyempre every day, ‘yung sa akin, basta umuwi akong nakatulong, masaya ako (Of course when I get home every day knowing that I’ve helped, I’m already happy).” This also holds true for days when he does not have a busy schedule and would just go around, citing that what matters most is “every time na may nagawa kang nakatulong ka, na alam mong nakabago ng buhay ng tao (Every time that you’ve done something to help someone, that you know you have changed a person’s life).” DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE

< Back Lead like a Commoner Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia on breaking away from stereotypes and leading the City of Bacolod to greater heights BY HELEN HERNANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM TRONCO Known as the “Sugarbowl of the Philippines,” Negros Occidental is the country’s biggest producer of sugar. Because of their vast wealth, sugar mill owners and hacienderos once had a firm hold on local politics, often winning government seats. “They were the so-called ‘royal families.’ If you’re not a ‘royalty,’ you cannot become governor or mayor,” recalls Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, stressing on the huge divide in terms of social strata. Despite this stereotype, Mayor Leonardia, a “commoner,” ran for public office. He shares, “I belong to the middle class and I was fighting a dynasty. So I was risking my political career and future, just to show to the people of Bacolod that even if you’re not rich, if people want you, you can become mayor." Mayor Leonardia conquered what most people thought was impossible. With his steely resolve, he created a paradigm shift in the city’s political landscape. ACCIDENTAL POLITICIAN Mayor Leonardia was born to a family of nine children, with him as the youngest. His father, Jose Tulo Leonardia Sr., worked as a government employee while his mother, Ester Ramos, was a housewife. Click here to read full article for free