“The People’s Champ” comes out of retirement for an exhibition match which benefits families affected by the Ukraine-Russia war and homeless Filipino families. < Back PACQUIAO RETURNS TO BOXING FOR HOUSING “The People’s Champ” comes out of retirement for an exhibition match which benefits families affected by the Ukraine-Russia war and homeless Filipino families. By Edwin Allan C. Diaz PHOTOS FROM MANNY PACQUIAO AND DK YOO’S FACEBOOK PAGE Retired or not, Filipino boxing legend Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao’s stellar performance is unwavering. He recently defeated South Korean martial artist DK “Master” Yoo, demonstrating that he is still a legendary boxer. He won via unanimous decision in the charity exhibition match against Yoo on December 11, 2022, at the Korean International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang, South Korea. Pacquiao, 44, with a record of 62 wins (39 knockouts), eight losses (two knockouts), and two draws, had complete control of the fight despite Yoo’s reach and weight advantages. A year had passed since his loss to Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás and subsequent retirement from the sport. In the first round of “Pacquiao vs. DK,” both fighters tested the waters. But in the second and third rounds, Pacquiao was on the offensive. His powerful body shots and flurries were too much for the South Korean to handle; he would clinch and run away from the People’s Champ. Yoo managed to land a couple of shots, but these didn’t stop Pacquiao from dropping him in the fourth round with a right cross (ruled by the referee as a slip) and twice in the sixth round with his powerful left. Although Pacquiao was not able to knock out Yoo, he was still able to “give a good fight, with good action,” which made people happy. Especially the beneficiaries of the match— families affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and the poor and homeless families in the Philippines—who will receive 100 percent of the fight’s proceeds. PACMAN VILLAGE This is not Pacquiao’s first time giving free housing to poor and homeless families. “‘Yung pabahay ko matagal na ‘yung ginagawa ko. Wala pa ako sa pulitika namimigay na ako ng sariling tahanan, bahay at lupa (My housing project has been around for a long time. I have been giving away houses and lots long before I joined politics),” he said during the groundbreaking of two Pacman Villages. Both of these are in Leyte province, particularly in the towns of Kananga and Leyte. Pacquiao’s career earnings were used to construct Pacman Villages, which provide free, decent, and disaster-resilient housing. They feature a barangay center, a place of worship, and a community center, providing residents with alternative livelihood opportunities in the food, retail, and manufacturing industries. More than 2,000 houses have been built in General Santos City and the towns of Alabel, Glan, Maasim, and Malungon in Sarangani province, where Pacquiao first established his Pacman Villages. More will rise in the provinces of Bohol, Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, and Nueva Ecija, as well as Marawi City. During a press conference for “Pacquiao vs. DK” at the Shangri-La Fort in Taguig City on July 20, 2022, Pacquiao said it has always been his dream to provide housing for the less fortunate. “That’s really my advocacy, to be able to give houses to our fellow Filipinos.” He has been buying plots of land for his housing projects as early as 2004. MAN WITH MANNY TALENTS Pacquiao holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Boxing World Titles in Different Weight Divisions.” He is the only octuple world champion who has won the following titles: International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight; International Boxing Organization (IBO) Light Welterweight; The Ring Featherweight and Light Welterweight; and World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight, Lightweight, Super Featherweight, and Super Welterweight. The eight-division world champion has also been a fivetime Lineal Champion in the Flyweight, Featherweight, Junior Lightweight, Junior Welterweight, and Welterweight divisions. Unlike the aforementioned “alphabet soup organizations,” the Lineal Championship recognizes one world champion per weight division. The title is passed down if the champion loses in a contest, announces formal retirement, or vacates their current weight class. In recognition of his boxing prowess, Pacquiao has garnered numerous local and international awards. These include the Philippine Presidential Medal of Merit, the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Athlete of the Decade, Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and Sports Illustrated’s Fighter of the Year, to name a few. Aside from boxing, Pacquiao has also played professional basketball. Kia Sorentos (now Terrafirma Dyip) selected him in the first round of the 2014 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft. He was also their playing coach for three seasons until 2017. Pacquiao founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) a year after leaving the PBA. Now in its fourth season, MPBL follows a regional format that invites teams from all over the Philippines. It has proven to be successful, reaching as far as Dubai for exhibition games. But nothing has more reach than the Manny Pacquiao Foundation (MPF), which Pacquiao established in 2019 in Los Angeles, California, United States (US). According to the foundation, he has donated “more than one-third of his career earnings to charity.” It’s a family effort, with Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee and daughter Mary Divine Grace serving as its Girls Initiative Ambassadors. To curb the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, MPF pledged 50,000 test kits to the Jack Ma Foundation in 2020. It also joined forces with two nonprofit organizations (NPOs)— CAMELEON Philippines and FundLife—to support young girls who are survivors of sexual violence and prone to abuse. With the help of MPF, Pacman Villages has even given homes to the Batwa people in Bundibugyo town, Uganda. The Batwa are one of the oldest still-living African tribes. FIGHTERS FOR A CAUSE A year after hanging up his gloves, Pacquiao put them on once more for charity. But he’s not the only fighter who has boxed for a cause. Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier donated a portion of their guaranteed earnings (US$2.5 million each) from “Fight of the Century” to charity. Ali also raised funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, in his match against Ken Norton, and for underprivileged children when he fought Japanese wrestler Muhammad Hussain Inoki. Mike Tyson and Roy Jones, Jr.’s heavyweight exhibition, billed as “Lockdown Knockdown,” lasted eight rounds and ended in a split draw. Both boxers were guaranteed US$1 million for the fight, but Tyson donated all his earnings “to various charities.” Evander Holyfield fought former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2015 to raise funds for CharityVision. The organization corrects people’s vision and gives them cataract surgery and glasses. For muscular dystrophy research, George Foreman fought comedian Jerry Lewis in 1991. Other fighters who have been in the ring with famous personalities for charity include Sugar Ray Leonard and Wladimir Klitschko, who fought actor Don Cheadle and TV presenter Piers Morgan, respectively. Then in 2010, Lennox Lewis fought comedian/actor Terry Crews. A FIGHTING LEGACY Manny is not the only famous Pacquiao. His mother, Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao, or “Mommy Dionisia,” has always accompanied him in his fights. She gained worldwide fame during Pacquiao’s fights because she would usually be spotted praying for her son’s safety or cheering for him to knock his opponent out. Had Pacquiao won as president, Mommy Dionisia would’ve become one of his presidential advisers. Pacquiao has five children: Emmanuel “Jimuel,” Jr., Michael Stephen, Mary, Israel, and Queen “Queenie” Elizabeth. Jimuel is an amateur boxer who won his first welterweight match in the US. Michael is an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artist and rapper with millions of views on YouTube. Aside from helping out with MPF, Mary is an influencer who documents the daily life of her family on YouTube. Israel is the youngest at only eight years old, while Queenie (named after the late Queen Elizabeth II) will appear in Planners Capital, an Asian TV series. Jinkee became the vice governor of Sarangani from 2013 to 2016. After her term, she left politics for good to focus on their family and business, but not before becoming the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sarangani. Under Jinkee, the Sanggunian successfully acted on 428 resolutions and 71 ordinances. These include measures eradicating open defecation, creating breastfeeding stations, and enhancing hospitals and water systems in the region.

< Back COMMUNITY-LED ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES THRIVE IN BARANGAY MANDARAGAT, PUERTO PRINCESA BY TREISHA C. ROVERO Discover community-driven environmental initiatives in Barangay Mandaragat, Palawan, and the revolutionary plastic waste program in Barangay Sto. Niño, Quezon City, highlighting innovative solutions and teamwork for a greener future. Barangay Mandaragat, a coastal barangay in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan is now maintaining its reputation as a community of environmentally responsible citizens doing community-driven initiatives such as coastline cleanups and waste management. Aside from championing waste management efforts for 10 years now, they have again started to mobilize the barangay residents since January 2024 in doing weekly coastal cleanups. Barangay officials lead in the coastal cleanup efforts to show that they too are committed to protecting the environment. They have been implementing creative methods in waste handling. This includes establishing 13 vegetable gardens to help biodegradable wastes be recycled with the help of what they call a “bio-man,” the one who collects and transports waste directly to the gulayan and uses it as fertilizer for the vegetable crops. With this program, they were able to collect solid waste that includes residual wastes such as plastic packaging sachets, thin films, and grocery bags they kept for waste collection since there are no available waste bins in their streets and alleyways. This also helps to discourage residents from loitering around as well as to lower the amount of waste they bring into the city’s sanitary landfill. This grassroots effort not only tackles immediate environmental concerns but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility and pride in safeguarding their surroundings by including barangay officials, tanod, purok officials, and beneficiaries of 4Ps. Such initiative epitomizes the power of local action in combating the global challenge of declining coastal environment. Barangay Mandaragat sets a commendable example that one small step can lead to a profound impact.

< 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.

< Back IN MEMORIES On May 1, 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) promulgated the Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (“Interim Guidelines”) for the observance of businesses in their respective workplaces. BY THE LAW OFFICE OF FLORES & OFRIN Here is a quick guide on the protocols prescribed by the DTI and DOLE in order to prevent and control COVID-19 in the workplace as of May 20, 2020. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS What should employers provide to their employees in the workplace to prevent and control COVID-19? Employers should readily provide the following items to their employees in the workplace: * Appropriate face masks for workers. Should cloth masks be used, the washable type shall be worn but additional filter material such as tissue papers inside the masks may be added. * Alcohol and sanitizers at the workplace entrance, corridors, conference rooms and areas where workers pass, and disinfectant foot bath at the entrance, if practicable. * Sufficient clean water and soap in all washrooms and toilets. Can employers deduct the costs of the face masks, alcohol, sanitizers, and similar COVID-19 paraphernalia from the salaries of their employees? * No, the employers cannot deduct the cost of face masks, alcohol, sanitizers, and other COVID-19 paraphernalia from the salaries of their employees. This is clarified in the DOLE Labor Advisory No. 18, Series of 2020, dated 16 May 2020. What should be done if an employee is suspected to have COVID-19? The following protocols shall be observed if an employee is suspected to have COVID-19: * The employee shall immediately proceed to the isolation area for attention of the clinic personnel. If necessary, transport the suspected employee to the nearest hospital. * Observe established company protocols for transport of suspected COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 testing. * The employer shall suspend work for the decontamination of the workplace. * Decontaminate the workplace with appropriate disinfectant. * Work can resume after twenty-four (24) hours. * Workers present in the work area with the suspect COVID-19 employee shall go on a 14-day home quarantine. The clinic staff shall monitor symptoms and possible next steps. If suspected COVID-19 worker has negative result, co-workers may be allowed to report back to work. What if an employee is sick or has fever, but is not suspected of having COVID-19? The employer must advise the employee to take the following prudent measures: * Stay at home and keep away from work and crowds. * Take adequate rest and plenty of fluid. * Practice personal hygiene. * Seek appropriate medical care if there is persistent fever, when difficulty in breathing starts, or when the employee becomes weak. Are employers required to conduct COVID-19 testing for all their employees? No. COVID-19 testing shall only be required for those employees who are suspected of having COVID-19. The company, at its option, may decide to implement COVID-19 testing for all its employees, but it shall first consult its employees and it shall formulate a company policy on COVID-19 testing in conformity with the Department of Health protocols. The company shall also shoulder all the expenses related to the COVID-19 testing. While some local ordinances are requiring mass testing for establishment before their operations resume, note that as of this writing, the national government is consistent with its opinion that businesses are not required to conduct a mass testing of their employees before they resume operations. Are employers required to provide shuttle services and/or accommodation in near-site location to its employees to prevent exposure to COVID-19? No. While the Interim Guidelines included these possible measures, they may be adopted only when feasible. Further, in an interview with the Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez on May 16, 2020, he clarified that the employers may provide shuttle services for their employees especially since public transportation is not yet available in places under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. But they are not required to do so. Are employers required to provide health insurance coverage to their employees? No. While the Interim Guidelines state that employers may enhance health insurance provisions for their workers, securing a health insurance provider to cover the medical needs of their employees is not mandatory. Are employers required to adopt alternative work arrangements? In general, employers are not required to adopt alternative work arrangements but they are encouraged to do so, if feasible and if their industries are allowed to operate under the applicable community quarantine guidelines in their respective locations. Are employers required to pay the salaries of their employees who are working under alternative work arrangements? It depends on the kind of alternative work arrangement being employed. As long as work is performed, such as in the case of a work-from-home arrangement, the employer is required to pay their employees who are rendering work. Can an employer implementing a work rotation scheme implement a “No Work, No Pay” Policy for those days when the employees are not required to render work? Yes. For those days that the employees are not in work rotation and are not required to render work, the employer may adopt the “No Work, No Pay” policy. AGREEMENT TO REDUCE WAGES AND OTHER BENEFITS Can the employer adjust the wage and other wage-related benefits of the employees in order to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 and the community quarantines in its business operations? Yes, the employer and the employees may agree voluntarily and in writing to temporarily adjust employees’ wage and wage-related benefits. The adjustment in wage and/or wage-related benefits shall not exceed six (6) months or the period agreed upon in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), if any. After such period, the employer and the employees shall review their agreement and may renew the same. (Sec. 5, DOLE Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2020 dated May 16, 2020 and promulgated on May 18, 2020) Will these arrangements violate the rule against non-diminution of benefits? No, the restriction on diminution of benefits covers those diminutions or discontinuances done unilaterally by the employer. Adjustments pursuant to this Labor Advisory are voluntary on the part of both the employer and the employees. Furthermore, these arrangements are only temporary in nature. Can we put off payment of the holiday premium pay? Employees are still entitled to the proper holiday premium pay for regular holidays. However, Labor Advisories 13-A, and 20-2020 clarified that the payment of this premium pay for the following holidays may be deferred until such a time that the present emergency situation has been abated and the normal operations of the establishment is in place. Note, however, that establishments which are closed during these holidays are exempt from paying holiday premium. Is the employer liable to pay for the internet connection, electricity, and other utilities and expenses claimed to have been consumed by an employee under a work-from-home arrangement? No. The employer cannot be held liable for the cost of utilities of the employee especially because it is impossible to determine the exact amount spent by the employee on utilities that are wholly attributable to the work the employee has done at home. However, the employer may consider providing stipend or allowance as a form of financial assistance to the employee. TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BUSINESS Can businesses temporarily close shop? Article 301 (formerly 286) of the Labor Code allows the temporary bona fide suspension of the operations of a business or undertaking for a period not exceeding six (6) months. Consequently, affected employees will be temporarily displaced. After this maximum period of six (6) months, however, the employer must recall the displaced employees or dismiss them properly. Otherwise, they will be deemed constructively dismissed and will be entitled to the corresponding payment of full backwages and separation pay. The paramount consideration in determining the validity of the suspension of business operation is the dire exigency of the circumstances. This will be evaluated on a case-to-case basis. What is the process for undertaking temporary suspension of business operations? The employer must first notify the proper DOLE Office having jurisdiction over the workplace 30 days prior to the implementation of the temporary closure. Concurrent notice to the employees must likewise be sent within the same 30 days. Click here to read full article for free

< Back ORMOC CITY MAYOR RICHARD GOMEZ BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY RON MENDOZA GROOMING BY FLOE TAPAYAN Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez is out to prove that they can win the fight against drugs, corruption, and poverty For Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, the road to public service was a long, rough journey full of twists and turns. In 2001, he ran under the party list, Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD). It earned 1.52 million votes, but it was disqualified by the Supreme Court because it did not belong to or represent the so-called “marginalized” sector, the ruling said. In 2007, he ran for senator, but lost. He tried for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2010, but was disqualified due to residency issues. His wife Lucy then ran as his substitute and won. In 2013, he lost the mayoralty race to Edward Codilla by a slim margin of fewer than 3,000 votes. Finally, in the 2016 mayoralty race, he won against Liberal Party candidate Ondo Codilla. Two things can be gleaned from his story: first, there is a time and place for everything; and second, being a showbiz personality does not preclude one from becoming a qualified public servant. SHOWBIZ TO POLITICS Gomez’s foray into public service began in 1998, shortly after he got married to Lucy Torres. “I was appointed by then President Erap Estrada as a member of his Cabinet. Eventually, I created MAD and started this anti-drug campaign. At the same time, I was also a member of the national team, at doon ko nakita na if we don’t do anything, masisira talaga ang buhay ng younger generation with the proliferation of drugs. Under my office, I got to do different sports programs and projects, and I saw the effects. I realized that I can help more people through government resources,” he says. He admits that there were times when he felt frustrated—like when his partylist won but was not allowed to sit—but that only fired up his desire to do something more. “Sabi ko, even if we didn’t get to sit, I will just continue to do what I know best, which is to fight drugs and promote sports,” he adds. LEARNING THE ROPES Looking back on it now, Gomez believes that his past experiences and education have prepared him to become the mayor that Ormoc needs. “When Lucy became the congresswoman, I became her chief of staff. I was always in the district doing work,” he says. He also took three courses at UP National PROFILE College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), and finished his master’s degree in Business Administration.

< Back BARANGAY STO.NIÑO, QUEZON CITY FIGHTS PLASTIC POLLUTION BY TREISHA ROVERO In the ongoing fight against plastic waste, Quezon City’s Barangay Sto. Niño has become a shining example of environmental awareness and ingenuity. In the ongoing fight against plastic waste, Quezon City’s Barangay Sto. Niño has become a shining example of environmental awareness and ingenuity. By launching a program that gives fresh fish as incentive to residents in exchange for plastic waste, they not only tackled the issue of plastic pollution but also addressed the lack of food in their community. Community leaders also plan to start including rice as additional incentive with the help of donations supported by the local government. This initiative showcases the power of finding creative solutions to tackle complex problems. It is a reminder that even in the face of formidable environmental challenges, there’s always room for ingenuity and collaboration. Barangay Bagong Silangan’s creative approach conveys that communities can innovate and be involved in the fight for a cleaner, greener future.

< Back THOUGHT LEADER: ENG. ROBERT RITO JR. BY ENGR. ROBERTO RITO JR. How do you solve a problem like Metro Manila traffic? Before anything else, let us first look at some traffic management specifics. Combining several definitions from dictionaries and the internet, “traffic management” is basically the way to facilitate traffic in a safe, efficient, effective, and systematic manner. There are three major phases in traffic management: planning, implementation, and feedback mechanism, which allows you to go back and forth between planning and implementation. There are also several stages within these phases to facilitate the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. A certain stage can still be broken down into several specific activities. In addition, traffic management can be applied to land, air, or sea traffic. We will be talking about land traffic alone in this article. TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS So, what have we been doing for the past years about traffic management? From the government’s point of view, there has been a lot. Our government has been busy solving our land transport and traffic problems by fast tracking infrastructure, revamping policy, and tightening enforcement. We’ve seen rather out-of-the-box solutions that are sometimes effective. A few examples: the elevated U-turn along C5, a truck route along a school zone with the lane right beside the innermost lane, and traffic enforcers who jump in to manage traffic when a stoplight is broken (instead of providing an adaptive signaling system). Despite the efforts of the government, there seems to be no improvement. Solutions implemented only appear to make traffic worse. Traffic congestion has become like a disease; it has spread rapidly—no Thought leaders longer just affecting Metro Manila and the central business districts. And unfortunately, the cure has yet to be discovered. Traffic congestion is one hell of an inconvenience. It suppresses productivity; it promotes social stress. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND COMMON SENSE It may seem that we can solve the traffic crisis with common sense, but let me tell you this: traffic management has scientific methods and processes for it to be efficient and effective. We do not implement what is planned and just take it back because it was ineffective. Common sense is following traffic rules and regulations. It is driving defensively. It is knowing how to change lanes without affecting other motorists. It is knowing which correct lane to drive on. It is knowing how to properly utilize pedestrian lanes and other infrastructure. It is considering the welfare of others, and not acting for one’s personal advantage alone. These basic, common sense examples are things that the public must know. Let this be a wake-up call to our government and the public. When dealing with public traffic—whether motorists or pedestrians—we should not compromise. We must follow the law. We must always promote safety through traffic management.