< Back The Importance of Diplomacy By Grace Bautista PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR. ASEAN-Philippines Director-General Daniel Espiritu shares the significant achievements of the notable intergovernmental organization. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel R. Espiritu, ASEAN-Philippines Director-General, shares the significant achievements of the notable intergovernmental organization. Established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was created to foster cooperation among the countries within the region in various sectors of the economy and to promote regional peace and stability. The Philippines was one of the five founding members, along with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Fifty-five years later, the association with 10 member states continues to provide a peaceful platform for discussion of regional issues and opportunities for mutual growth and development among nations. 1. Did the goals of ASEAN for the coming years change because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Not really. The goals of ASEAN remain the same, but in the last two years, ASEAN has focused more on pandemic recovery, which happened to be imperative while still giving attention to other priorities such as regional peace and cooperation, economic growth, relationship with external partners, and maritime cooperation, among others. Pandemic recovery efforts are harmonized among ASEAN member states through the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), and the pooling of resources such as funds and vaccines is conducted through the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund (CARF). Economic initiatives, policies, and plans are taken into consideration in the postpandemic recovery efforts, such as in the mapping and planning of people-to-people interactions through travel and tourism corridors to spur tourism and encourage business missions. 2. What is ASEAN’s strategy for economic recovery after the pandemic? As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN maintains its belief that the economy and people’s livelihood should continue. Trade and investment flows, and the movement of people, goods and delivery of services, in an everexpanding capacity, must continue so that we can bounce back and commence our economic recovery. The pandemic has revealed the vulnerabilities of the region’s economy, especially in terms of our supply chain, but the same gaps have also identified for us the rooms for improvement. In fact, it has also helped form new areas for further economic cooperation between ASEAN and its external partners. ASEAN aims to move into economic recovery and supply chain resilience by continuing to aim for faster digital adoption; upgrading technologies; and enhanced human capital and skills transformation to cope with more high-tech machines. The implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is expected to facilitate this recovery as it is intended to make trade faster and cheaper hence supporting higher growth of value chains. However, ASEAN is also mindful that uneven recovery in various sectors, if left unaddressed, may aggravate the growing inequality in terms of income and access to digital technology for Southeast Asia. As such, ASEAN’s focus of interventions is targeted on segments of society that are most vulnerable to the pandemic such as women, youth, micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), and tourism players. 3 ASEAN declared 2022 as the year of ASEAN Youth. What is ASEAN doing to help the youth in filling the gap in skills development since the education system has been affected by the pandemic? The education of 152 million children across the region was disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures. In observance of social distancing rules, ASEAN leaders and experts responded quickly by deploying distance learning initiatives, e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms and open educational resources, as well as conducting webinar series. Recognizing the digital divide caused by the pandemic, ASEAN education ministers adopted a statement in October 2020 calling for digital transformation of education systems throughout the region. They reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to ensure that education in the region is equitable, inclusive, and fit for the future by fostering digital literacy and developing transferable skills among all children and young people. 4 ASEAN’s handling of the West Philippine Sea dispute has been criticized by some as ineffective. What are your thoughts regarding this? ASEAN occupies a critical position and plays a central, strategic role in the region, especially in the maintenance of regional peace, security, and stability. There are many channels where the issue on the West Philippine Sea is being tackled, including through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. On a regional level, ASEAN continues to provide a forum for discussion. Beyond dialogues, ASEAN has also launched many practical maritime cooperation initiatives among its members and external partners. While not all ASEAN member states (AMS) are claimant states, the AMS have recognized and reaffirmed, through the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea, their resolve to settle the issue by peaceful means without resorting to force. Through the 2002. Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, they highlighted the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint, and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation. AMS have also committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Philippines also continues to reiterate the assertion of the 2016 Award on the South China Sea Arbitration as a cornerstone of international law. The arbitral award provides legal clarity to all, singles out no one but rather justly benefits the community of lawabiding nations. Many partners have expressed support for the 2016 arbitral award and we are confident that many countries will do so. Importantly, ASEAN provides a venue for a peaceful settlement on this dispute. Aside from ASEAN, we are also using other means to come up with a resolution. What is important is that tensions are managed and that there are no shooting wars between claimants. 5 What are the notable accomplishments of ASEAN for the past years? How did the organization achieve these despite the COVID-19 pandemic? For almost 55 years, ASEAN has continued to maintain regional peace and stability while promoting economic progress in the region. The creation of the ASEAN Community Pillars in 2015 further strengthened regional interaction and cooperation. One of the more recent achievements of the ASEAN Political Security Community is the progress in the negotiation for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, specifically the approval of the draft preambular portion of the COC last year during the Philippines’ Country Coordinatorship of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations. The finalization of the world’s largest trade deal, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was an ASEAN-led initiative, was probably the single most impactful achievement of the ASEAN Economic Community since its inception. Meanwhile, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community continuously works towards the building and recognition of an ASEAN identity while sustaining post-pandemic recovery efforts through the ACRF. These notable achievements of each Community Pillar all happened during the pandemic. Needless to say, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Although the pandemic has caused major disruptions, ASEAN has swiftly adapted in the way we deal with issues and challenges. 6 What can we expect from the ASEAN-US Special Summit? At the ASEAN-US Special Summit conducted last May 12-13 in Washington D.C., President Joseph Biden, Jr. declared that we were not only celebrating 45 years of partnership but ushering in a new era in ASEAN-US relations, demonstrating the United States’ (US) strong commitment as a partner in the ASEAN region. President Joe Biden announced over US$150 million to be allotted for cooperation activities that will revitalize relations in line with the Joint Vision Statement, the special summit’s outcome document. With commitment from the US, we will see an enhancement of cooperation in sustainable and inclusive development, promoting health security, enhancing people-to-people exchange, addressing climate change, and expanding maritime cooperation. Another important benefit arising from the special summit is the expansion of US support for access to education. The US will double the size of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) program within three years to benefit 900 scholars annually. US support and investment on clean energy infrastructure and projects are expected to help strengthen the region’s power system and energy trade, and accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies to help ASEAN advance its net zero carbon emission target. 7 Recently, scientists expressed alarm over an announcement that we only have a few years left to act to reverse the effects of climate change. Can you share ASEAN’s efforts in this regard? Climate change and its attendant effects remain one of the most pressing issues facing the region and the entire world. ASEAN has done much in terms of cooperative efforts to address climate change in the region, as noted in the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change during the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 26) last November 2021. In it, ASEAN noted its numerous programs on climate change. For instance, ASEAN has strengtIn addition, we have promoted sustainable management of forests and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. We have also worked to enhance biodiversity conservation, protection, and restoration of various terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems. Moreover, last year saw the launching of the ASEAN Green Initiative by the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, a project that will plant at least 10 million native trees across the 10 AMS in a span of 10 years.hened its capability to prevent, mitigate, and manage climate-related disasters through its existing mechanisms under the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), the “One ASEAN One Response” Declaration, and the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Adaptation to Drought. ASEAN has also surpassed its aspiration target in terms of energy efficiency by achieving a reduction of 21 percent in energy intensity and reaching a 13.9 percent renewable energy share in our region’s total primary energy supply in 2018. We also developed the new ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025. 8 Can you share some of the important things discussed during the recent ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue? How do these impact the Philippines? During the dialogue last April 7, the Philippines recommended that ASEAN and New Zealand further enhance cybersecurity measures by discussing developments in mitigating cyber threats to minimize damage in the private and public sectors. Both ASEAN and New Zealand looked forward to the conclusion of the upgrade negotiations of the ASEANAustralia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) with a view to support the region’s economic recovery. In our case, the Philippines wishes to focus on MSMEs as these are the nimblest in adapting to the challenges of the pandemic, especially in the fields of e-commerce and digital economy. Also, we encouraged New Zealand to cooperate with ASEAN through the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), headquartered in the Philippines, in promoting nature-based solutions in the areas of pandemic response, recovery, including zoonoses, and prevention. Lastly, the Philippines encouraged New Zealand to support mutually-beneficial TVET in ASEAN and New Zealand to support human resource development, enhance productivity by promoting life-long learning and digital education, and to contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the region and to better prepare our peoples for the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 9 What can we expect from ASEAN in the coming years? ASEAN, as the world’s fifth largest economy, will continue to be a force in the Asia-Pacific region. With its economies that remained resilient amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and which have adapted through digitalization of commerce, the future is looking bright for ASEAN. ASEAN has commenced working on the ASEAN Community Post-2025 Vision, which will be the successor document to the ASEAN Community Blueprints 2025 and will guide the thrust of the advocacies and policies of ASEAN after 2025. 10 What is your message to the Filipino people? The Philippines, and us as its citizens, are members of ASEAN. Everything in ASEAN and in the region affects us so it is better if we are onboard and actively participate in their processes. It starts by understanding what ASEAN is and what is happening inside the region and identify opportunities that are there especially in different cooperatives. Unfortunately, many are not aware of what ASEAN does and what is happening with our neighbors. Little by little, our neighboring countries have overtaken us because they are more aware of the opportunities within ASEAN. So it’s important that we are alert and nimble so that we can also partake of whatever benefits there might be within the regional organization.

< Back PROTECTING LAGUNA’S NATURAL WONDERS BY JOHN LEE P. CANDELARIA The “Resort Province of the Philippines” moves to protect its natural resources through an Environment Code, ensuring sustainable growth for its ecotourism industry. Ah, Laguna. That wondrous province steeped in history, filled with irresistible delicacies, and with such varied terrain and geographical features, is certainly a sight to behold for tourists who want to enjoy what the province can offer. Its natural hot springs remain a strong attraction during summertime and have given rise to a tourism industry that’s been growing year after year. But Laguna is not only known for its hot springs. The name of the province itself, Laguna, means lake in Spanish, given by the Spaniards who noticed that the lands that embrace the Laguna de Bay must aptly be named after the said body of water. And with the lake present, many forms of water bodies exist in the province. The crater lakes of San Pablo, the lake reservoirs of Caliraya and Lumot, and the river tributaries of Pagsanjan, all offer a variety of opportunities for people to enjoy. The moniker “resort province of the Philippines” is not baseless, after all. TOURISM IN LAGUNA Laguna’s proximity to the National Capital Region makes it rich in history as well. Archaeological finds in Pila prove that the province has been one of the earliest settlements in the Philippines. It is the birthplace of the most prominent Filipino hero, Jose Rizal, and the Rizal Shrine in Calamba has always hosted students and tourists from all over the country. Historical markers during World War II are also present in the province, especially in the town of Los Baños, where the Japanese commanders Homma and Yamashita were executed. The oldest churches from the Spanish colonial period, which date back to the end of the 16th century, can also be found in Laguna. The Catholic Holy Week brings in a multitude of pilgrims taking part in the Visita Iglesia, visiting several churches to pray and hear mass. The crater lakes of San Pablo, the lake reservoirs of Caliraya and Lumot, and the river tributaries of Pagsanjan, all offer a variety of opportunities for people to enjoy. Aside from the natural and the historical, a variety of activities in the area also attract local tourists. The Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa is still the country’s most popular and biggest theme park. The Solenad in Nuvali, also in Sta. Rosa, is a shopping and restaurant district that has all the city feels, giving Laguna the balance of the urban and rural appeal. But what remains as Laguna’s main draw is its natural heritage. “Laguna’s rich natural resources have always been popular all year round,” says Dr. Rosauro Sta. Maria, Chief of Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Trade Office (LTCATO). His office oversees the tourism policies and activities of Laguna, which is quite the task. He points out the difficulties he encounters in the tourism management of Laguna, “We have about more than 20 municipalities and six cities and not all have tourism offices; it is difficult, but we manage.” Dr. Sta. Maria cites the challenge of maintaining the ecotourism sites of Laguna in the age of social media. All it takes nowadays is for someone to go to a pristine natural site, take pictures, and post it on Facebook. As soon as it goes viral, tourists start coming in. “Without a policy or management measures in place, the ecology of the site could be damaged,” he says. Dr. Sta. Maria, a medical doctor by profession, maintains that there should be a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection when it comes to tourism activities. “Tourism allows the growth of industries in the area, but once the environment has been degraded, what used to be a beautiful destination could easily be ruined,” he stresses. It is in this context that the Provincial Government of Laguna has been championing the strict implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 4, series of 2015, “An Ordinance Establishing the Environmental Code of the Province of Laguna.” THE ENVIRONMENT CODE OF LAGUNA Laguna provides more than 33 percent of power generation in Luzon, while the Laguna Lake is essential to the water supply of Metro Manila. Thirty percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings also originate from the province, due to the presence of the province’s 30 industrial parks. Most of the food supply of Metro Manila also comes from Laguna. All these make the impetus to protect Laguna’s natural resources crucial. The Environment Code is being implemented by the Environmental and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) headed by Engr. David Rubio. “Our office has made the necessary preparation and we are well-equipped to realize our mandate, as it will help improve the lives of the people of Laguna,” he says. The Environment Code has a big mandate that governs fisheries and aquatic resources, natural resources management and conservation, land use management, protection and improvement of water quality, air quality management, wildlife protection and conservation, forestry and soil conservation, flood control and natural calamities, energy development, conservation and utilization of surface and ground waters, mineral resources management, and waste management. “We empower the local communi - ties to participate in ecotourism governance because at the end of the day, it is them who will benefit more.” —Dr. Rosauro Sta. Maria, Chief of Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Trade Office Ecotourism is an integral part of the code. It cites that Laguna is “home to diverse and abundant natural resources and cultural heritage,” which include “Laguna Lake, Tadlak Lake of Los Baños, Pagsanjan Falls, hot springs of Los Baños and Calamba in the slopes of Mount Makiling, cold springs in the slopes of Mount Banahaw, the Sierra Madre Mountain Rage and the mystical twin mountains of Banahaw and San Cristobal, Taytay Falls in Majayjay, hidden valley springs of Calauan, Seven Lakes of San Pablo,” and many more. These natural attractions are complemented by Laguna’s rich cultural heritage. And these must all be managed through sustainable tourism practices. HARNESSING ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL “Our office (LTCATO) complies with relevant laws such as RA 10066 (Natural Cultural Heritage Conservation Act), PD 1152 (Philippine Environment Code), and RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009. Together with the ENRO, we are tasked to adopt measures to enhance the services and facilities to accommodate local and international visitors to our natural and cultural sites,” says Dr. Sta. Maria. But this tourism infrastructure must be balanced with sustainable ecotourism management strategies. LTCATO particularly supports community-based ecotourism, or the co-management approach to establishing, operating, maintenance, and visitor marketing of the ecotourism sites. “We empower the local communities to participate in ecotourism governance because at the end of the day, it is them who will benefit more.” The Environment Code of Laguna specifically addresses the challenges of managing the Laguna Lake, a very important body of water in the province. According to Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon of the School of Environmental Science and Management of the University of the Philippines LosBaños (UPLB), real ecotourism can be good for Laguna Lake. Real in the sense that it “preserves the naturalness of the landscape or the seascape, and not about constructing dikes or buildings.” “The idea of developing Laguna Lake, with ecotourism as a platform, can actually help bring in more jobs because old boats can engage in tours, while people can produce food and handicrafts,” she says. The same model can be applied to other ecotourism sites. “The focus need not be on constructing hotels, lavish accommodations, and other infrastructure,” says Dr. Sta. Maria. “What we can highlight to the tourists is the natural activities that they can do to enjoy their surroundings, such as trekking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, birding, photo safari, and other relevant activities.” This holds true for the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, a mainstay in the Laguna tourist map and often the destination of educational trips for students. Under the management of the UPLB, the mountain has been utilized to promote sound environmental practices that relate to tourism activities. The Makiling Botanical Garden, for example, has been receiving tourists and guests for decades now, and still maintains its rich biodiversity despite the influx of visitors every day. It also helps that the forest reserve is the laboratory of the university’s College of Forestry and Natural Resources, the country’s premier educational institution for forestry. FOLLOWING LAGUNA’S LEAD IN ECOTOURISM Other provinces should follow Laguna’s model of promoting sustainable ecotourism activities through the Environment Code. The detailed provincial ordinance will further enable relevant offices mandated to protect the environment while promoting different industries of the province such as tourism. Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez believes that the Environment Code of the province will ensure the balance of economic development and environmental protection and sustainability in Laguna. “It is our hope that the natural resources and environment of Laguna will be protected and preserved,” he says, “and with the thorough implementation of the code, we will make sure those who will not follow it will face the corresponding penalties.”

< Back ART TOWN WITH BIG DREAMS Local government officials take pride and honor in having Angono as the go-to place not just for art aficionados, but also for municipal and city planners to observe and learn how a small town with meager resources managed to become a model in local governance. BY MIO GALIT DE LA CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY PIE DAVID Angono is a quaint little town steeped in customs and traditions, immortalized by National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos “Botong” Francisco in the murals he has painted, depicting the country’s historical milestones and cultural milieus. Some of Botong’s great works have been inspired by what he witnessed and experienced growing up in Angono, then a rural town where a fiesta in honor of San Clemente was held annually, harana was the way to win a woman’s heart, and bayanihan was fully alive alongside chivalry and gallantry. Indeed, “Fiesta,” “Harana,” and “Bayanihan” are the titles of some of the popular mural paintings of Botong. Many of the inspiring traditions and scenes witnessed by Botong and other famous artists of Angono may have faded with time, progress, and modernization, but they continue to exist as timeless murals in the streets of Angono—on the walls of major establishments in the Philippines and, more importantly, in the hearts and minds of Filipinos. TITLE WELL-DESERVED Not too long ago, Botong and another favorite son, National Artist for Music, Maestro Lucio San Pedro, were more familiar names across the country than in Angono, their own hometown. The town was known far and wide in the arts circle, but not by the general public, according to old-timers. The influx of thousands of migrants and new homeowners from neighboring Rizal towns and Metro Manila in recent years provided this once sleepy municipality with a distinct identity and character as the Art Capital of the Philippines. Real estate developers and marketing gurus began using the term in their sales pitch. But it was former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who first suggested the title before a crowd of fiesta revelers, and it held fast and firm as naturally as oil on canvas. No formal pronouncement was ever made. No decree or executive order was signed. Angono assumed the title as if by virtue of divine right. Click here to read full article for free

< Back MARAWI: HOPE RISES In the face of countless tragedies and against all odds, the Filipino has always proven to be resilient BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE Guided by their faith and family, Filipinos endure in times of disaster, catastrophe, and crisis. Their mettle was put to the test during the recent hostilities in Marawi. It has been several months since the Battle of Marawi began on May 23, 2017, igniting what would be months of armed conflict between government forces and local terrorist groups. The Maute group, affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and led by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, initiated the assault on the capital of Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao. The group laid waste to the city, setting fire to buildings and houses, taking hostages, and waving the black flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). On the same day, President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed Martial Law in Mindanao for a 60-day period. Undeterred, the Maute continued their assault and hold on Marawi City. On July 22, Congress voted to extend the proclamation until the end of the year, granting the President’s request for extension in hopes of quelling the rebellion. What followed was a long drawn out battle between the government and militants, a mass evacuation of the city, and a series of raids and air strikes. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sought to capture Isnilon Hapilon, appointed ISIL emir in Southeast Asia and former leader of the Abu Sayyaf. Hapilon was said to be working with the Maute. It was only on October 1, after a five-month-long battle, when Marawi was declared liberated by President Duterte. This declaration came a day after Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon were killed during an operation to rescue hostages. REBIRTH, REBUILD Battle operations had officially ended on October 23, and now, many months after the Battle of Marawi began, the Maranaos begin to rebuild their city. Completely war-torn and savaged, the city is a pile of rubble, illustrating the harsh effects of the armed conflict. President Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana have said that P50 billion will be needed to rehabilitate the city. Aside from the mangled landscape and the historic sites that have been pounded into dust, the greater tragedy is the country’s painful wound of lives lost. This tragedy reportedly has left 165 soldiers killed, more than 1,400 wounded, 87 civilians dead, and more than a million displaced from their homes. Here, we share the stories of these survivors and heroes. THE WOUNDED SURVIVOR At the Manila Naval Hospital in the Naval Station Jose Francisco located at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, several wounded soldiers of the AFP have been brought from the frontlines of the Battle of Marawi. Click here to read full article for free

< Back Progressive Visionary BY SHIELA MARIE D. PENULIAR & ORPHEUS “BUTCH” M. VELASCO HOME BECKONS Home is where the heart is. And for Mayor Karl ChristianF. Vega, home is nestled in the municipality of Mapandan,a town located in the 3rd District of the Province of Pangasinan. Thus, after spending seven years working in a financial institution in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mayor Vega finally made the decision to return to the Philippines in 2012. He started a construction and real estate business in Baguio City. However, with his love for his own town and province, he expanded his business ventures to Mapandan and to neighboring towns and cities in Pangasinan. THE POLITICAL ASCENT Over the years, Mayor Vega's journey took a different course. While managing over 200 employees with his business ventures, Mayor Vega had the chance to connect with Mapandanians and grasp the community's concerns, needs, and challenges. His desire to be a public servant became more evident, especially when he initiated a feeding program 18 years ago at the Mapandan Central School where he graduated from elementary. Afterwards, he started receiving invitations to speak at school events. Although Mayor Vega claims that he was basically a shy person who seldom spoke in front of others, many claim that he speaks with charisma on stage. “I noticed that whenever I am delivering a speech, the audience listens intently. I just speak plainly to them without the usual rhetoric.” As he became active in the civil society, Mayor Vega was prodded to lead the revival of the Pandan Festival. This provided him with the opportunity to gain wider exposureand popularity among the Mapandanians. “We brought back the Pandan Festival to our town after it was set aside for several years. From 2016 to 2019, we managed the Pandan Festival, inviting contingents from other municipalities to perform alongside our own street dancers. The festival has become a source of pride for the Mapandanians” he shares. During this period, the street dancing contingent of the Pandan Festival called Tribu Pandan bagged various championship awards from different Street Dancing Competitions such as the Agew na Pangasinan and the Festivals of the North that highlighted the Bangus Festival of Dagupan City. MAYOR VEGA'S BUSINESS EXPERIENCE COMPLEMENTS HIS WORK AS A MAYOR, GIVING HIM AN ADVANTAGE IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE TOWN AND IN ATTAINING ITS DEVELOPMENT GOALS THROUGH COMPETENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. According to Mayor Vega, it was the people who urged him to run for councilor. Without hesitation, he accepted, knowing that the opportunity would benefit his constituents. In the 2019 elections, he emerged as the number one councilor. Serving for one term as the top councilor, Mayor Vega accepted the call to run for a higher position-- this time as the mayor of Mapandan where once again, he won. Mayor Vega's fast rise in the political arena is attributed to his genuine desire to help the Mapandanians. When asked about his winning strategy, he responds, "I speak and express myself from my heart and the commitments I utter, I bend over backwards to fulfill." FROM CORPORATE TO GOVERNMENT LEADER Mayor Vega’s experience in both the business and government sectors greatly benefits the municipality as both are similar in many ways. Although Mayor Vega says he leads on a larger scale when it comes to public governance, the core principles of leadership for both are the same. As a mayor and a businessman, he understands the importance of effectively leading people, managing finances, and meeting project implementation deadlines to ensure compliance with audits. As a local chief executive, Mayor Vegaputs emphasis on valuing human resources, considering them as his greatest assets, whether in the municipality or in business. Moreover,he stresses the importance of applying prudent financial management gained through his corporate experience, in government which entails non-negotiable, judicious allocation and utilization of public funds, including the National Tax Allotment (NTA) and local income. MILESTONE IN LEADERSHIP The mayor bared that his proudest achievement in 2023 was when Mapandan received the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award for the first time. According to him, the SGLG award, which is considered the "mother of all awards," is a source of immense pride for everyone in Mapandan, from top officials to the ordinary employees. This recognition marked a significant milestone for their municipality, demonstrating their commitment to good governance. He explained that sustaining the achievement poses a new challenge for him and the entire workforce of the municipal government, as they aim for another SGLG award this year. When asked about the significance of the award to his leadership, the mayor emphasized the importance of vision and political will. He also highlighted the fact that the SGLG award is not just about an individual accomplishment but is reflective of the collaborative efforts of various departments within the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mapandan. According to the mayor, the SGLG award serves as a roadmap for his administration, indicating that the LGU- Mapandan is on track in terms of good governance. SERVANT LEADERSHIP Mayor Vega stressed that in order for him to comprehend the needs of his people, he always starts at the grassroots level. He regularly visits various communities, personally interacting and engaging with residents to understand their concerns. Because of his individualized approach and commitment to serving all constituents without partiality, he has gained the reputation of being “colorblind.” He is known to see beyond socio-economic classes or political affiliations. Mayor Vega discussed his belief in giving everyone a chance, even those who did not support him in the last elections, as he reflected on his administration's inclusive attitude. Instead of terminating workers who did not support his candidacy, he gave them a chance to prove their value and carry on with their jobs. This strategy not only fostered unity amongst the workers but also helped in maintaining the community's trust. By keeping the municipal office doors open, Mayor Vega encourages residents to express their wants and concerns as he is willing to listen to their problems and provide support whenever possible. He has also instituted a public Facebook page, the Mapandan for Every Juan (MFEJ), as he recognizes the need to keep people updated on relevant news, public advisories as well as completed projects, ongoing programs, and planned activities. Overall, Mayor Vega's leadership is characterized by his hands-on approach, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to serving the needs of all Mapandanians. Through direct engagement and open communication channels, he strives to build a stronger, more responsive local government that addresses the concerns of his constituents effectively. THE VEGA AGENDA Mayor Vega wants to make it clear that he is a man who keeps his promises. During his oath-taking, he vowed to start a significant project immediately, and true to his word, the people witnessed the groundbreaking of the welcome arch to their town the very next day.This action demonstrated MayorVega's commitment to delivering onhis promises and showed that he was ready to get things done for the people of Mapandan from day one. The second notable project is the improvement of the public market. Although Mayor Vega believes in the importance of a clean and functional market, he emphasized the significance of improving its facade. The Public Market now serves as an additional landmark that instills a sense of pride in the hearts of all vendors and Mapandanians alike. Furthermore, the continuous thorough cleaning of the market, provides for the safety and hygiene of the products for sale, thus inducing a greater influx of buyers including those from neighboring towns. Mayor Vega shared that he believes in the transformative power of positive reinforcement, hence, he incentivizedthe conformity of the vendors with the law. The most disciplined vendors who have remained compliant with the norms set such as maintaining cleanliness in their market stalls have been rewarded accordingly. The plaza's development isanother significant project of thelocal government under Mayor Vega. Recognizing the plaza as a central hub for community activities most especially for family gatherings, Mayor Vega understood the need to make necessary improvements in the area. By revitalizing the plaza such as by adding features like a pandan-inspired park, the space has then increasingly become a favorite spot for residents, especially during holidays. Infrastructure development has also been a big part of Mayor Vega's agenda. Projects such as the illumination of the bridge and riverbank in addition to the slope protection of the Angalacan River are ongoing initiatives that are geared towards ensuring the safety of the Mapandan residents. Mayor Vega has also revealed plans to establish a food park coupled with a shopping arcade along the riverbank which will not only provide a new recreational space but will also promote economic activity in the area. Mayor Vega anchored his projects on BHEA, an acronym for Basura (waste), Healthcare, Education, and Agriculture. He is working with senators to secure resources for his infrastructure improvement, garbage management and plans to improve the healthcare system. This includes the mobilization of ambulances on a 24/7 basis, along with the creation of a localized 911 command center. The Vega Administration initiated the establishment of a Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) for the less fortunate children with disabilities. The construction ofthe center was then funded by the Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Partylist whilst its facilities have been provided through the aid of the Philippine Honorary Consul to Queensland, Australia. As for education, Mayor Vega is allocating funds for capacity development (CapDev) programs such as those offered by Technical Vocational Institutes (TVIs) through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These CapDev initiatives will aid Mayor Vega’s kabaleyans (townspeople) in sustaining their start-up livelihood projects offered by national agencies who have found value in the administration of Mayor Vega. In agriculture, the Vega Administration, through its Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), assisted local farmers in increasing their crop production. Mayor Vega, hand-in- hand with the MAO, served as a conduit for the provision of farming systems such as solar-powered irrigation and greenhouses with hydroponics. Various farm machineries have been provided to farmers which include mechanical transplanters, tractors and combined harvesters. A steady flow of agricultural inputs such as fertilizer subsidies including palay and corn seeds have likewise been distributed. Also, veterinary missions have been continuously conducted in the municipality to support the needs of livestock owners and ensure the health of their animals. Moreover, to assist farmers in transporting their agricultural produce, construction of farm-to-market roads are underway. Since the mayor revived the Pandan Festival, he also encouraged farmers to cultivate more pandan plants to boost their income. The mayor also motivated individuals and small business owners to manufacture products made from pandan leaves, such as bags, placemats and hand-held fans. These products, alongside local delicacies, are available for sale at the newly opened Negosyo Center in Mapandan. This initiative enhances the experience of tourists and visitors in the municipality as it allows them to bring home products together with tokens and memorabilia that will help them to forever be reminded of their lovely stay in the town. Additionally, the center provides an opportunity for residents to showcase and therefore sell their products. THE MAYOR’S PASSION Mayor Vega’s dedication to his town is not confined to his official duties. Despite his busy schedule in running the local government unit, he finds time to play basketball and engagein his long-time hobby, photography. Also, he has been doing talk shows called “Heart-to-Heart with Mayor Vega”, which is a way for him to reach out to a much wider audience. Mayor Vega's passion for serving the community is evident in his dedication to Mapandan. He affirms his love for the town, expressing his deep affection for the place he calls home. "Yes, of course. I really put my heart into serving our town," Mayor Vega reiterates. "I made a commitment to not only provide service but also to improve the Mapandanians’ livelihood. It may seem a bit far-fetched, but our dream is to elevate Mapandan from a third-class to a second-class municipality. We still have a long way to go, but that's our target." The mayor's love for Mapandan goes beyond mere service. It is a genuine desire to see the community thrive and prosper. Through his dedication and vision, Mayor Vega aims to make a lasting impact, ensuring a brighter future for all residents. I MADE A COMMITMENT TO NOT ONLY PROVIDE SERVICE BUT ALSO TO IMPROVE THE MAPANDANIANS’ LIVELIHOOD. IT MAY SEEM A BIT FAR-FETCHED, BUT OUR DREAM IS TO ELEVATE MAPANDAN FROM A THIRD-CLASS TO A SECOND-CLASS MUNICIPALITY. WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT THAT'S OUR TARGET."

< Back CALOOCAN’S BARANGAY 12 TO LAUNCH AN ONLINE SYSTEM BY CAMILLE F. CABAL Barangay 12 in Zone 1, District 2 of Caloocan City, is preparing to launch an online system that residents can access through laptops and phones via the internet. The project is under the initiative of barangay chairman Darius “Dayo” Letada Sr. as a fulfillment of his promise during the barangay election campaign. SK DIMASALANG OFFERS FREE PRINTING SERVICES TO STUDENTS. The Sanggunian Kabataan of Barangay Dimasalang in Cabanatuan City is providing students with free use of a computer and a printer for their school requirements. According to the Facebook post of SK Dimasalang on January 29, 2024, each student is entitled to use the provided computer and printer one at a time and print up to 5 colored pages and 10 black and white pages in a day. The service is open to students from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend. SK Dimasalang claimed that this is just a dry run stage, so they are open to suggestions to improve the said initiative. The Sanggunian Kabataan of Barangay Dimasalang in Cabanatuan City is providing students with free use of a computer and a printer for their school requirements. According to the Facebook post of SK Dimasalang on January 29, 2024, each student is entitled to use the provided computer and printer one at a time and print up to 5 colored pages and 10 black and white pages in a day. The service is open to students from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend. SK Dimasalang claimed that this is just a dry run stage, so they are open to suggestions to improve the said initiative.

Man on a Mission Senator Sherwin “WIN” Gatchalian Man on a Mission “I REALLY BELIEVE THAT IF YOU KEEP ON COMPLAINING, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. YOU JUST HAVE TO DO YOUR SHARE, DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS.” ALWAYS PART OF THE SOLUTION BY GODFREY T. DANCEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO T he LEAGUE team arrives at the Senate building on a cloudy midmorning in October. The place is uncharacteristically quiet. Conspicuously absent are senators and their staff hustling from their offices to the session hall, officials from the executive branch attending hearings, foreign dignitaries paying courtesy visits, reporters trying to get a scoop, and ordinary Filipinos seeking an audience with particular senators. In a conference room at the second floor, however, a bicameral conference committee meeting is going on. It’s a hybrid meeting, with most participants—congressmen and senators, supported by their staff— participating online from their homes. Such has been the practice since COVID-19 radically changed the way we live, including the way Congress works. One senator, however, is physically present: Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy. Swiftly ironed out during the meeting were some inconsistencies in the House and Senate versions of the Microgrid Systems Act, the Upper Chamber version of which was primarily authored by Senator Win himself. The act is expected to fill the legal and policy gaps that have hampered the government’s total electrification program. “He’s the only senator who still physically reports to the Senate to hold hearings and meetings [despite Metro Manila being placed under Alert Level 4],” one of Senator Win’s staff members says. “He wants to have instant access to information during hearings.” Ever mindful of the value of time, the senator wants to be able to look at documents and confirm matters with the secretariat whenever the need arises—something he could not do if he were working from home. Clearly, it’s a win-win situation: all stakeholders remain safe from COVID-19 (strict health protocols are also being implemented at the Senate building), and legislative work goes on as it should. SUBSCRIBE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.. BACK BUY MAGAZINE NOW FINAL SALE GET 30% OFF EVERYTHING. CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

< Back "CABINET APPOINTMENTS" BY TREISHA C. ROVERO Following the mass courtesy resignation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet officials, most secretaries have been retained, signaling continuity and stability in the administration. As part of the strategic refresh, the President made appointments to several key government posts. One of these is Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe as the new solicitor general. Berberabe, erstwhile dean of the UP College of Law and former head of the PAG-IBIG Fund, brings with her years of legal expertise and public service experience. Marcos also named Police Major General Nicolas Torre III as the new chief of the Philippine National Police, replacing Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. Torre is expected to reinforce peace and order initiatives across the country. In the housing sector, Jose Ramon Aliling was appointed as the new secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, taking over to strengthen the administration’s housing agenda. In the finance and investment sector, Atty. Francis Edralin Lim, a prominent corporate lawyer, was tapped as the new chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Meanwhile, the judiciary also welcomed Raul Villanueva as the newest associate justice of the Supreme Court, following the retirement of Justice Mario V. Lopez. Villanueva is Marcos’ first appointee to the High Court.

< Back KAP. RAYMOND LISING BY EDWIN GALVEZ Inclusive, innovative, and compassionate leadership takes root in Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City under Kap. Raymond Lising.

< Back Transforming with Faith BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO AS A FAITH CAPITAL IN THE PHILIPPINES, DOLORES, QUEZON DRAWS PILGRIMS SEEKING SPIRITUAL CONNECTION. MAYOR ORLAN A. CALAYAG EMBODIES THIS DEVOTION AS HIS LIFE’S CHALLENGES SHAPED HIM AS A LEADER AND DEEPENED HIS FAITH, DRIVING HIS MISSION TO TRANSFORM THE TOWN INTO A SANCTUARY OF FAITH AND WELLNESS. Dolores, Quezon Mayor Orlan A. Calayag cherishes memories of his childhood shaped by faith. When the church bells rang at six o’clock, everyone would pause from whatever they were doing, wherever they were in the town, to pray. Much has changed over the years, but Calayag emphasizes: "Dolores has transformed significantly since my childhood. But one thing remains unchanged—we will continue to uphold a culture deeply rooted in faith and dependence on God." Dolores is home to Señora de los Dolores de Quezon, and its image is housed at the Parish and National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows situated at the heart of the town. Dolores is a place of pilgrimage, visited by the Catholic faithful all year round. There are also 80 religious sects in the town, Christians and Muslims, whose members harmoniously coexist. The local government of Dolores is requesting Congress to officially declare the municipality as the "Faith and Wellness Capital of the Philippines." This initiative is the reason why Calayag’s f irst move upon assuming office was to proclaim Dolores as the "Faith Capital of the Philippine" at the local level. "We are just waiting for the official legal declaration from Congress. It has already passed the House of Representatives, and I have requested the Senate to do the same. So, the bill had to be refiled," he explains. "But the congressmen have assured me that the process will not be as lengthy this time." THE JOURNEY OF FAITH Faith is the pillar that strengthened Calayag even before he joined public service. He started his professional career as the chief of staff of then-Congressman Prospero Alcala. Due to his strong family values, he moved to the United States (US) to join his wife. His early years in the US were not easy. He worked in a fast food chain and walked from home to work as he did not have a car, unlike in the Philippines. He and his wife moved into an apartment and ate using a balikbayan box as a table. Calayag recalls, "Although I did not come from a wealthy family, and we are not even that poor, those were very challenging times. But I never felt like I was a servant or a slave." Calayag later found himself unemployed. But although he struggled to find work, he persisted. He became resilient and determined. “I told myself, this won’t stop me,” he says. He then discovered that he was overqualified for the job. His outlook changed then, and he entered the world of real estate. He realized that he needed US studies to improve his managerial skills. His real estate career seemed bright but challenges soon cropped up. The 2009 mortgage and real estate crash left thousands unemployed in the US He lost clients like many others. Calayag persevered during the economic crash when others gave up. By seeing the good in every situation, he found an opportunity where others saw despair. Instead of lamenting the disaster, he saw Filipinos' resilience and helped them buy homes. He advised Filipinos in the US to buy homes when prices were cheap. "Houses were affordable, and they had legitimate employment and weren't scared to verify their income. The story begins there," he says. Friends who became his clients referred him to their friends, expanding his network. He also received multiple proposals from major banks and commercial firms. That was his breakthrough. I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, IF I WERE GIVEN A CHANCE TO MAKE EVEN A SMALL CHANGE IN OUR COUNTRY, I WOULD SACRIFICE FOR IT WHOLEHEARTEDLY. THE CALL TO SERVE Calayag was already making good in the corporate world in the US when he was offered by then-President Benigno Aquino III to become the administrator of the National Food Authority (NFA). He had been recommended by his former boss, who during that time was the secretary of the Department of Agriculture. "It was in the headlines—NFA is still headless. At that time, many senior officials were vying for the position," he recalls. He was about to be promoted to a senior management position of the bank he works in in the US, but he gave much thought to Aquino's offer. "I thought to myself, if I were given a chance to make even a small change in our country, I would sacrifice for it wholeheartedly. So, I said, alright, I’ll give it a try." The appointment to NFA changed Calayag and his wife’s plans. For one, they had established their own business, with his wife managing their nursing home in the US and it was earning very well. It was never in their plan for Calayag to join the national government or run for public office. But because of the offer to head NFA, they made a final decision to sell their properties, give up their businesses in the US and settle back in the Philippines. Calayag began serving as NFA administrator on January 17, 2013. However, he was not free from issues and controversies, particularly regarding his eligibility to hold office due to his American citizenship. There were groups who questioned his appointment, but Calayag firmly stated that he had formally renounced his US citizenship before assuming the role, demonstrating his full commitment to serving the Filipino people. Despite the challenges, he was able to overcome the issues and was eventually cleared. The Office of the Executive Secretary also confirmed that he met all the qualifications required for the position. THE UNWAVERING SUPPORT FROM FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS, AND EVEN THE NFA EMPLOYEES’ UNION AFFIRMED THAT CALAYAG’S SACRIFICES WERE NOT FOR NAUGHT. FOR HIM, MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES IS THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS. During those times of accusations against him, his eldest, who was just 10 years old at that time, reassured him with words that kept him going: “‘Tay, we don’t believe what’s being said about you in the news because we know you. Just promise that you will always do the right thing because we too are part of this, and we have sacrificed so much for it too." In retrospect, Calayag claims that NFA crises kept him grounded as he performed his role with the hope that his children and grandchildren would look back on what he achieved with pride. Despite the many challenges, Calayag stayed in NFA for almost two years. He says he loved his job at NFA, and he takes pride in the transformation, reforms, and projects he implemented. He used his background in banking and finance to correct the perception that NFA was a non profitable government-owned and controlled corporation and implemented a middle-tier rice pricing system that allowed the agency to dramatically improve its financial position, making payment of a significant part of NFA’s debt possible. Instead of selling rice at Php27 or Php25 per kilo, NFA sold a higher-quality variety at Php32 per kilo. This strategy not only strengthened the NFA’s financial position but also ensured that it could support local farmers. “That period marked one of the lowest rice importation rates in NFA history. I made it a priority to buy local produce to benefit Filipino farmers. I received heartfelt letters from farmers, expressing how, for the first time, they could send their children to school without taking loans for tuition fees. One farmer even thanked me for helping him fulfill a lifelong dream—he was finally able to build a concrete house because the NFA had purchased all of his harvest,” Calayag proudly shares. The support of NFA employees and stakeholders, Calayag says, gave him a feeling of vindication. ”One of the most rewarding moments during my time at the NFA was receiving an open letter, signed by farmers, farmer leaders, and stakeholders, thanking me for the reforms I had introduced,” he recalls. But what made a great impact on him was the support he received from the NFA Employees’ Union. “Usually, a union is an adversary to management, but ours in NFA stood by me, by responding to allegations against me. Even after I left the NFA and ran for mayor, when false accusations about irregularities during my term resurfaced, the union explained the truth to the people.” He even keeps a placard at home, signed by NFA directors and farmer leaders, that reads, "In our hearts, in our minds, with our souls—you are the great NFA administrator ever." This reminds Calayag that his successful stint as administrator was worth all the challenges he faced and the sacrifices he made. “If given the chance, I would do it all over again. Even if it means risking my life. Because seeing people inspired by what you do, knowing you've made a difference—that's what truly matters,” he declares. After NFA, he served as an assistant secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA). MILESTONES OF PROGRESS It was never Calayag’s plan to become mayor of Dolores. He realized that his experiences and the network of friends he gained when he was with the national government could be leveraged for him to bring progress to Dolores. "I have my connections, and maybe I can capitalize on that to transform my town from nothing into a great inspiration for other towns. That’s where it all started,” he says, recalling what motivated him to run for mayor in 2019. When he assumed office in 2019, the municipality’s annual income was about Php 99 million, but in just five years, this has increased to Php 183 million. This coincided with significant growth in the local business sector. Dolores also climbed from number 600 to number 30 in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index. I HAVE MY CONNECTIONS, AND MAYBE I CAN CAPITALIZE ON THAT TO TRANSFORM MY TOWN FROM NOTHING INTO A GREAT INSPIRATION FOR OTHER TOWNS The mayor bares that when he took over, there were numerous issues about Commission on Audit (COA) findings. In his two terms as mayor, however, the municipality has consistently received recognition for good financial housekeeping every year, with COA findings always unmodified. An unmodified or unqualified opinion is issued when the auditor concludes that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework and there is a reasonable level of assurance that such statements present a true and fair reflection of an entity's results for the period reported. CALAYAG HAS NO PLANS TO SEEK HIGHER OFFICE OR HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER REPLACE HIM, BELIEVING THAT LEADERSHIP COMES WITH BOTH PRESTIGE AND RELENTLESS CHALLENGES. FOR HIM, DESTINY IS IN GOD’S HANDS. Dolores has also been a consistent recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in recognition of the efforts and programs of local government units that are showing excellent performance and integrity. From being a fourth-class municipality, they are now a third-class municipality and have been ranked 30th among the most improved municipalities. Dolores is also a Subaybayani awardee for its outstanding performance in promoting excellent infrastructure governance and meaningful change. Tourism has greatly improved, with the number of resorts growing from 1 when he assumed office in 2019 to 11 as he winds his second term. This was one of the reasons the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines, affiliated with the Department of Tourism, gave Dolores the Pearl Award, recognizing the municipality as among the best performers during the pandemic. The municipality is also a KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) awardee by the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (OCD-NDRRMC), highlighting benefits of the establishment of a disaster risk reduction and management building in Dolores. To top these all, Calayag was recognized as an outstanding municipal mayor by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. (ALSWDOPI) for his exemplary leadership and dedication as a social welfare and development champion because of his steadfast commitment to promoting social welfare and fostering inclusive development that created a profound impact in his town. However, the mayor does not take sole credit for his achievements. He is thankful to his department heads and employees for the support and initiatives to make Dolores progressive. Some department heads are also awardees in various fields of recognition. A BLUEPRINT FOR TRANSFORMATION Calayag is a visionary leader who is driven to transform his town into a prosperous municipality. Dolores, however, only has 6000 hectares of land. Of these, 4,000 are agricultural lands. So he is now focusing his vision for Dolores on agriculture and tourism. "There's a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow tower, that means I have two pots of gold—tourism and agriculture," he says. The mayor may struggle to promote and compete in tourism because Dolores has few resorts and no beaches, and the mountains are protected and restricted to climbers. He is certain, though, of his plans because he saw that even the Vatican, one of the smallest countries, gained the highest gross domestic product without industries or large commercial centers, but because people travel to the place to spend, donate, and purchase goods. Tagaytay, comparable in size to Dolores, is not industrialized, yet its robust economy thrives due to tourism. Calayag plans to capitalize on his influence and the network he established during his tenure in the national government to encourage friends to invest in his hometown. Major investors have already committed to starting their projects this year, but Calayag has refrained from revealing their identities or the specific projects they plan to initiate. For now, he is focusing on faith tourism, especially since Dolores is a pilgrimage town. Every Holy Week, Dolores welcomes hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, in part because the church of Our Lady of Sorrows has been declared as a national shrine. During Good Friday alone, up to 10,000 visitors f lock to the town. “Many do not consider these pilgrims as tourists, but anyone who is not from Dolores, comes to the town, and spends money is a tourist,” he explains. "I am not exploiting the church, but I am seeing economic potential in this." In terms of agricultural tourism, since the entire population depends on agriculture, Calayag introduced a new program where farmers buy seeds from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist but only pay 50 percent of the price, with the remainder being subsidized by the local government. In addition to being expensive for the government, giving farmers free seeds as dole-outs will not help, according to Calayag, who saw this support when he was with the DA. "Because it was free, farmers would simply ignore the damage caused by a typhoon and wait for the next batch of dole-outs," he explains. "Even though a bottle of seeds could cost more than Php5,000 or Php3,000, they didn’t feel the financial burden.” According to Calayag, the 50-50 program is successful because it encourages farmers to invest more in their crops with their own money. A new program, Plant Now, Pay Later, allows farmers to borrow funds for their land. The farmers' association guarantees the loan, so farmers can't use it for other expenses that prevent planting. Should a farmer fail to repay the loan, the remaining farmers would bear the burden, leading to the association's blacklisting. These programs, according to Calayag, are gaining success and making the farmers self sufficient. Dolores takes great pride in its locally grown coffee and salabat (ginger tea), cultivated in partnership with various farmer associations. With support from the local government, these products are gaining wider recognition, even reaching markets in Hong Kong. Calayag and department heads actively promote them, emphasizing their origins from the foothills of Mount Banahaw—revered as the "healing mountain." "We use that uniqueness to set our products apart," they affirm. For health programs, the two infirmary clinics are being joined to create a super health center that would serve Dolores residents without having to go to San Pablo, Laguna, and other adjacent cities. For education, aside from scholarship programs, the local government bought a 3.5-hectare tract of land for a community college set to open in 2026. Calayag realizes that he cannot fully finish his plans and projects for Dolores even if he wins a third and final term as mayor. He has no plans to seek a higher office or nominate a family member. "They shouldn't go through it. Having the top position in town comes with prestige but also the hardest obstacles. Even when you're doing the right thing, people will say and think what they want, and you can't do anything about it,” he laments. Still, he remains confident about the future. “I live by faith. My destiny is dependent on God's hands," he ends.