8b7fd90e-04a5-4ad4-9560-dbcd3d8d00ca < Back THEN AND NOW Then and Now. Is gossiping against the law? How about fake news? What are the limits of defamation law? BY ATTY. GILDA MIKEE D. FLORENDO AND ATTY. PIA ISABEL O. CO Due to the advent of social media, the sharing of ideas and opinions, as well as communication with other people, wherever they may be in the world, are now possible with a single click of a button. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok are just a few examples of social media platforms where information may easily be created, accessed, and shared by users from around the globe. In fact, as of January 2021, reports showed that the Philippines ranked first in social media usage for the sixth year in a row, with Filipinos spending an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes online each day. At a glance, it seems that social media has brought a positive development to how we interact with one another. However, like any other tool, social media may also be used to cause harm to other people. In a matter of seconds, a person’s reputation may be affected by a single social media post, or false information may be circulated to multitudes of other people. The question now is, are these potentially harmful social media posts considered libelous and criminal, and therefore, punishable by law, or are they considered as the rightful exercise of free speech? To address this, it is first necessary to examine Philippine laws on libel, and its application in our society. Libel, slander, and defamation: Are there differences? The old Spanish Penal Code of the Philippines used the term “defamacion,” which was later translated to “libel” under the laws that succeeded it, namely: Act No. 277, or the Libel Law, and the current law on the matter, Act No. 3815, or the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines (RPC). Defamation, therefore, essentially means libel. Article 353 of the RPC defines libel as “a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead.” Libel may be committed: (i) in writing (Article 355); (ii) orally, i.e., slander or oral defamation (Article 358); or (iii) through other acts, i.e., slander by deed (Article 359). From the definition, slander, whether orally or by deed, is a means of committing libel. Article 355 of the RPC Libel under Article 355 of the RPC is “committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, cinematographic exhibition, or any similar means.” If a complaint merely states “libel” as the offense charged, then the defamatory content is understood to have been made in writing. An example of this type of libel is an article published in a newspaper of general circulation to discredit, dishonor, or impute a crime or turpitude to a person. Advancements in technology have rendered some of the provisions of the RPC, such as those on libel, archaic and limited in scope. Congress thus enacted Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Cybercrime Law), which expanded the coverage of libel to include cyberspace, i.e., cyber libel, among others. Cyber libel under this new law is defined as “(t)he unlawful or prohibited acts of libel as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, committed through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in the future.” While the Cybercrime Law is relatively new, there are already well-known cyber libel cases, such as those filed against Maria A. Ressa, the chief executive officer of Rappler, Inc. (Rappler). These cyber libel cases were filed due to alleged defamatory online news articles which were exclusively published in Rappler’s website. Article 358 of the RPC Libel that is committed by oral or spoken means is slander or oral defamation under Article 358 of the RPC. Slander or oral defamation is defined “as the speaking of base and defamatory words which tend to prejudice another in his reputation, office, trade, business or means of livelihood.” Some examples of this type of libel involve shouting in public to accuse a barangay treasurer of stealing money and check of another person, and a verbal altercation between two neighbors where the accused shouted obscenities directed at the complainant, as witnessed by other neighbors. Article 359 of the RPC Libel committed through other acts may fall under Article 359 of the RPC, which penalizes “any act not included and punished in this title (Crimes Against Honor), which shall cast dishonor, discredit or contempt upon another person.” This type of libel is also known as slander by deed. Some examples of this type of libel are: (i) a verbal confrontation that escalates to a physical confrontation where the accused chokes the complainant in front of their co-employees; (ii) verbal insults hurled at the complainant coupled by giving the complainant the “middle finger” or “dirty finger”; and (iii) two (2) spurious entries in the barangay blotter for alleged illegal possession of firearms that is used as the basis to obtain a search and seizure warrant and file a criminal case that is eventually dismissed. Is gossiping a form of libel and thus punishable by law? Yes, gossiping may be considered libel and punishable by law if the following elements under Article 353 of the RPC are present: 1. There must be an imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect (whether real or imaginary), or any act, omission, status or circumstance. 2. The imputation must be made publicly. Notably, “(i)f the defamatory matter is not seen or heard by anyone except the defamer and the defamed, damages to character reputation cannot result since a man’s reputation is the estimate in which others hold him, and not what he himself thinks.” 3. It is malicious. 4. It is directed at a natural or juridical person, or someone dead. 5. It must tend to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt of the offended party. Hence, publicly indulging in pure speculation or gossip, in reckless disregard of the truth, which may harm the reputation of another or an organization, may be punished by law. What is protected by free speech, and how is something determined as satirical? Case law provides that: “The scope of freedom of expression is so broad that it extends protection to nearly all forms of communication. It protects speech, print and assembly regarding secular as well as political causes, and is not confined to any particular field of human interest…. The constitutional protection is not limited to the exposition of ideas. The protection afforded free speech extends to speech or publications that are entertaining as well as instructive or informative.… all forms of media, whether print or broadcast, are entitled to the broad protection of the clause on freedom of speech and of expression.” Despite the foregoing broadness, free speech does not protect “the lewd and obscene, the profane, the libelous, and the insulting or ‘fighting’ words—those which, by their very utterance, inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace. It has been well observed that such utterances are not an essential part of any exposition of ideas, and are of such slight social value as a step to truth that any benefit that may be derived from them is clearly outweighed by the social interest in order and morality. ‘Resort to epithets or personal abuse is not, in any proper sense, communication of information or opinion safeguarded by the Constitution, and its punishment as a criminal act would raise no question under that instrument.’” SATIRICAL MATERIALS Satire refers to a literary form that employs devices such as sarcasm, irony, and ridicule to pinpoint prevailing vices in society and is targeted to any group or individual, either from the private or government sphere. For speech to be considered as satirical, the elements of exaggeration, analogy, and other rhetorical devices must be existent. Political satire enjoys the constitutional protection on free speech. Like free speech, the protection over political satire is not absolute. Satire is a qualified or conditional privileged communication which means that although the speech may contain defamatory imputation, it would not be actionable unless made with malice or bad faith. The bounds of acceptable (political) satire are drawn by case law, as follows: • The intent of the writer to treat the published content as humorous does not matter if the language used has passed the bounds of playful jest and intensive criticism into the region of scurrilous calumniation and intemperate personalities. • While it is the right and duty of a citizen to make a complaint of any misconduct on the part of public officials which comes to his notice, such complaints should be addressed solely to some official having jurisdiction to inquire into the charges, or power to redress the grievance, or has some duty to perform or interest in connection therewith. • The defamatory remarks and comments published must pertain to the discharge of official duties and not to the private character of the public officer. • “Cyber-squatting” is punishable under the Cybercrime Law. It is the acquisition of a domain name over the Internet of a name that is identical or in any way similar with the name of a person other than the registrant. While the registrant may invoke that it is merely for satire or any other literary device, as far as the Cybercrime Law is concerned, such act is made in bad faith to mislead, destroy the reputation, or deprive others from registering the same name. How can defamation or libel be weaponized against journalists and ordinary citizens, and what is the chilling effect? The Supreme Court held that “[t]he norm does not require that a journalist guarantee the truth of what he says or publishes. But the norm does prohibit the reckless disregard of private reputation by publishing or circulating defamatory statements without any bona fide effort to ascertain their truth. This norm represents the generally accepted point of balance or adjustment between the two interests involved.” The Philippine Journalist’s Code of Ethics also requires journalists to “scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by improper omission or emphasis,” and makes it his duty “to air the other side and to correct substantive errors promptly.” The foregoing are essentially the limitations, duties, or obligations of journalists, violations of which may result in a suit for libel. Defamation or libel may be weaponized against journalists, and even ordinary citizens, by alleging that a writing, more so a social media post or online news article, goes beyond the protection afforded by our laws and the Constitution. The journalist or ordinary citizen may then be subjected to a criminal trial for libel or cyber libel. While the case may be dismissed by a trial court, the journalist or ordinary citizen would have already been subjected to the rigors of a criminal trial. The possibility of prosecution may then deter journalists and ordinary citizens from publishing materials, voicing their ideas, reporting news, etc., despite these publications not being prohibited by law. Simply, defamation or libel may be wrongfully used (or abused) to incite fear among journalists and ordinary citizens, and prevent them from publishing lawful materials, in print, social media, or the like. All penal laws have an inherent chilling effect, which is the fear of possible prosecution that hangs on the heads of citizens who are minded to step beyond the boundaries of what is proper. The chilling effect is not necessarily evil, and may be necessary to allow the state to address and penalize socially harmful conduct. The chilling effect of a law, however, may be violative if the means to achieve a valid governmental purpose unnecessarily sweeps the subject broadly (i.e., overbreadth), thereby invading the area of protected freedoms. Fake news fall under libel laws, or are there only certain instances in which it may be punished? “Fake news” is false news stories, often of a sensational nature, created to be widely shared or distributed for the purpose of generating revenue, or promoting or discrediting a public figure, political movement, company, etc. It is a recent concept that emerged due to the prevalence of social media and different internet platforms for communication. Because of the concept’s infancy, there is presently limited case law on the matter. Nevertheless, the current provisions of law on libel, and cyber libel, may be applied to determine if “fake news” may or should be punished. If an online news article, or a social media post containing news material: (i) imputes a crime, vice, or defect, or any act, omission, status or circumstance against a certain person or entity; (ii) is accessible or may be viewed by the public, and not by certain persons only; (iii) is malicious; and (iv) tends to cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt of the offended party, then it may be considered libelous and punishable by law. In the libel suit filed by Senator Franklin Drilon against Manuel “Boy” P. Mejorada, the Supreme Court found that “[i]t was not necessary to establish that the publication was motivated by any malice since the articles were not privileged communication or fair comments; thus, malice is presumed. The accusatory character of the subject articles, as well as petitioner’s failure to present any proof that the statements were based on established and documented facts, negates petitioner’s claim that the articles were made in good faith.” The takeaway from this pronouncement is that if a “fake news” article is proven to have been made maliciously, then the proponent of such “fake news” may be convicted for libel. Conversely, if an accused can show that there was no malice when the “fake news” was published, he or she may be acquitted from a libel suit. Since the law is dependent on a person’s reputation and how much it was damaged, is there a difference when you defame a public figure versus an ordinary citizen? Yes, there is a difference when the target of a publication involves a public figure (government official, celebrity, etc.) versus an ordinary citizen. In the Philippines, honest criticisms on the official conduct of public officials and public figures are insulated from libel judgments. There is more leeway given to persons uttering statements against public officials vis-à-vis other private citizens. The reason for this distinction is “where the criticism is of public officials and their conduct of public business, the interest in private reputation is overborne by the larger public interest, secured by the Constitution, in the dissemination of truth.” The exception is when the public official or figure proves that the statement was made with actual malice, i.e., with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. In that case, the publication is libelous. Afterword Our society is ever evolving, and with it, our technology is advancing. Our laws, therefore, need to be modernized to keep up with these changing times. The Cybercrime Law was passed to help bridge the gap between our laws and technology, such as the need to regulate actions done through social media platforms, online news websites, and the like. Given this development, harmful social media posts may be the subject of a legal action for cyber libel. It may be argued, however, that even without the Cybercrime Law, common sense and decency dictate that the respect and care we show to other people in person should extend to social media, for cyberspace is simply an extension of our physical world. Cyberspace, especially social media, is and should not be a blanket of anonymity or tool to attack the honor or reputation of other persons. Atty. Pia Isabel Co is a Senior Associate in Corporate Practice Group of GSE Law Firm. She sits as a member of the Board of Directors and acts as Corporate Secretary and officer of various corporations. Atty. Mikee Florendo is a Junior Associate in GSE Law Firm’s Corporate Practice Group. In law school, Mikee was an intern with the Philippine Law Journal and a member of the Philippine Law Register. BACK

< Back Making His Own Mark in Public Service BY GODFREY T. DANCEL "I showed the people that I have my own brand of leadership, my own way of serving my provincemates.” Thus says Ilocos Norte 2nd District Representative Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba of how he has managed to become a long-serving public official. Today, Barba is an integral part of the House of Representatives, serving as chairperson of the Committee on the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, vice chairperson of the Committee on Accounts, and member of ten other committees, including the powerful Committee on Appropriations. NO STRANGER TO PUBLIC SERVICE Barba is no stranger to public service. To start with, he comes from one of the most successful political families in the country, the Marcos clan of Ilocos Norte. His mother, the late Fortuna “Baby” Marcos Barba, is the youngest sister of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos (FM). Incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is his first cousin. Barba has been in public service for three and a half decades. He served as three-term mayor of the municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, from 1992 to 2001, after which he became a senior provincial board member, representing the 2nd District from 2001 to 2010. He then became provincial vice governor, serving from 2010 to 2019. He is presently serving his second term in Congress. While some may be quick to say that he has only relied on the public’s familiarity with his middle name in order to stay in government, Barba’s record of true public service has shown that his electoral victories have been genuine reflections of his constituents’ trust and confidence in him. His successful initiatives on various fronts, including sports, livelihood, and public safety, have clearly endeared him to the people of llocos Norte. A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT “What inspired me to become a public servant was my upbringing,” shares Barba. “My father was a military man and my mother was a public school teacher. They showed me by example how one could help the people even in simple ways. And then, what motivated me more is that, after Kabataang Barangay, EDSA 1 happened and people were saying negative things about the kind of leadership of the Marcoses. So that motivated me to show the true kind of service that my family offers. I served as mayor of our town of San Nicolas and I showed the people, ‘This is the Marcos brand of public service.’” “I do not call myself a politician; I call myself a public servant,” he continues. Again, he points to his upbringing as a major factor that shaped his approach to public service. “We were brought up in old-school values. We were taught to value family and community.” Another factor that helped shape Barba’s leadership style was his exposure to community affairs at a young age. “I was a pioneer member of the Kabataang Barangay (KB),” he reveals. The KB was the precursor of the Sangguniang Kabataan. Established in 1975, the KB served primarily as an avenue for Filipino youth to express their views on matters that affected their communities and the whole country, and to help in ensuring the welfare of their communities. Barba’s stint as mayor could be best described as low-profile but effective. He attributes this to a piece of advice he always heard from the late President FM. “He would always tell me and my mother, ‘Keep a low profile,’” he recalls. Heeding this, Barba performed his role sans fanfare. Just as he worked silently, so did Barba not seek grandiose recognition for his contributions to his town and province’s development. “Whenever I am able to help my constituents, and I see them smile in return, I feel a sense of fulfilment as a public servant,” he shares. “I am content with hearing the people thank me for the help I was able to extend to them. When I see small children smile, when the elderly hold my hand and say ‘Thank you,’ I feel a deep sense of joy.” Such reactions, he says, are more precious than press releases announcing this or that project, or plaques stating one achievement or another. FROM THE KAPITOLYO TO BATASAN With his long history of public service, Barba was able to gain the trust and confidence of his provincemates, who elected him to Congress in 2019 by an overwhelming majority. With his extensive experience in local governance, he was named vice chairperson of the House Committee on Local Government. Barba describes the transition from local legislator to national lawmaker as uncomplicated. “My nine years as board member and nine years as vice governor prepared me well to become a member of Congress,” he shares. Having mastered the essentials of lawmaking, he felt at home in Congress from day one. “Whereas I had previously been engaged in crafting local laws for our provincemates, I then had to deal with proposed pieces of legislation for Filipinos in general.” The tedious process of national legislation, however, is something that he still has to get used to. “Unlike in local legislation where you could almost instantly see the results of your legislative efforts, crafting laws at the national level takes a lot of time, and it could take years before your bill is enacted into law, especially if it involves appropriating public funds” he shares. Despite this, Barba’s first term as congressman was marked by active involvement in the affairs of the 18th Congress. Among others, he sponsored more than 550 House measures, and was instrumental in the establishment of a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training hub in his district. The training center is a tangible proof of his resolve to help the province’s local industries such as loomweaving, artisanal soap making, and rice coffee production. Riding on his successful first term, and banking on his clear promise that “Awan ti MaiBati (No One Left Behind)” the lawmaker’s reelection bid went smoothly, again gaining a very clear mandate. In his oath-taking, Barba described his victory as “everybody’s victory” even as he reiterated his will to push for programs that would help farmers, fisherfolk, and small businessmen have better opportunities in life. FOCUS ON SPORTS It is perhaps providential that Barba’s office at the Batasan Complex overlooks a tennis court. For one, the Ilocano congressman is a tennis enthusiast and champion of developing sports at the grassroots level. The congressman’s AMB Tennis Clinic has been instrumental in getting Ilocanos, including young kids, to pick up tennis rackets. Facilitating the tennis clinics are topnotch tennis players, including former Davis Cup participants. The sports enthusiast is also taking the same grassroots approach to promoting volleyball. He regularly holds a beach volleyball clinic for youngsters 14 to 21 years old. “I am happy to announce that our players are already being recruited by Metro Manila universities like Letran, Jose Rizal University, and Adamson,” he reveals about his AMB Beach Volleyball Clinic. The project is expected to become even better, as it has found a permanent home in the idyllic coastal towns of Currimao and Pagudpud. Promising tennis and beach volleyball clinic participants are given the chance to compete outside the province, as Barba thinks this is the best way for them to be even better athletes. “Our athletes who are based in the provinces need exposure through competitions. But then, there are no competitions in the provinces,” laments the former University of the East Varsity Tennis Team standout. “It is not enough that our athletes practice. They need to take part in competitions.” The annual AMB Beach Volleyball Tournament, meanwhile, has become an avenue for Ilocos Norte’s volleyball players to show their skills. Describing the tournament as more than a sports meet, Barba thinks of it as an inspiration for the youth to do their best and prove themselves worthy of stepping up to the professional leagues. The success of the AMB sports clinics has inspired Barba to seek to institutionalize a comprehensive sports program in the province. Together with Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, he filed House Bill 6412, otherwise known as the INSPIRE Bill. The bill seeks to establish a sports academy in Ilocos Norte to be known as the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research, which shall focus on implementing a special program for sports, focusing mainly on an “enhanced secondary education program with a curriculum specially designed for student-athletes.” The facility will have modern “sports facilities which are at par with international standards.” Meanwhile, the project’s research and development component will focus on sports medicine, sports rehabilitation, and athletes’ nutrition. The multi-pronged approach seeks to ensure a holistic approach to the development of student-athletes who are expected “to excel in sports, compete in local and international sports competitions, and eventually pursue their chosen career or profession.” IMPROVING AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES Remaining true to his promise of pushing for the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk, Barba refiled the proposed Young Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Challenge Act. The bill “seeks to establish a Young Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Challenge Program that shall support and empower young farmers and fisherfolk to be active partners in food security and agricultural development and modernization.” The program is meant to ensure that farmers and fisherfolk become the government’s active partners in formulating policies and implementing programs related to their sector. It is also expected to enable the government to help young Filipinos to become agrientrepreneurs. The Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Council, which the bill also seeks to create, will be in charge of tasks such as ensuring access to capacity-building and livelihood programs; monitoring best practices in agriculture such as smart farming and farm tourism; proposing agriculture and agribusinessrelated subjects to be taught at the basic education level; and ensuring access to scholarships and financial grants for young farmers and fisherfolk studying in state colleges and universities. Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte being an agricultural province, Barba has made it part of his priority to help Ilocano farmers. For this, he emphasizes the need for synchronized efforts among elected officials and leaders of concerned government agencies. For instance, he laments how the use of water pumps distributed by his office will not be maximized unless the National Irrigation Authority is able to ensure the steady supply of water for irrigation in the province. HELPING ENSURE A HEALTHY ECOLOGY Barba’s House Bill 2412, meanwhile, is part of his efforts to ensure a balanced and healthy ecology. The proposed Rainwater Harvesting Facility Act seeks, among others, to establish “facilities to reduce flooding and the devastating effects of typhoons and other weather disturbances,” as well as “encourage the active participation of the public and private sectors in the flood mitigation efforts and initiatives of the government.” These facilities basically harvest rainwater and delay the release of such into drainage systems and natural waterways. Once the bill is enacted into law, new residential, institutional, and commercial development projects with an area of at least 1,500 square meters shall allot at least three percent of the project’s total area as rainwater harvesting facility. Aside from helping prevent flooding, the proposed measure, Barba says, will greatly help in conserving potable water. It will provide building occupants with water that they can use for flushing toilets, watering plants, and air-cooling measures. SUPPORT FOR AND FROM YOUNGER LEADERS With his extensive experience in governance, Barba has served as an inspiration and source of wisdom for younger leaders in the province. Foremost among these are 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos and Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc. “It is heartening that they seek my counsel,” he says. “We talk about projects for the continued development of Ilocos Norte every chance we get.” He cites their rallying call, MASWIN—Matthew, Angelo, Sandro, Whole of Ilocos Norte— which encapsulates their resolve to work as one in serving their constituents. Barba, most importantly, has shown not only his nephews but also other young leaders in his province how it is to be one with the people. “I am a friend to all, an enemy to none,” he declares. “I have no enemies. I can walk from our house to the public market without a bodyguard; from our house to the tennis court [near the municipal hall] without a bodyguard.” LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD Keeping in mind his election promise, Barba has pledged to continue pushing for his bills and projects meant to improve Ilocos Norte’s agriculture and tourism sectors. Looking forward, he envisions a revitalized Metro Ilocos Norte Council, the central authority tasked to supervise the implementation of a unified development plan in the province’s growth areas, particularly the cities of Laoag and Batac, and adjacent municipalities of San Nicolas, Sarrat, Paoay, and Bacarra. Launched by incumbent Senator Imee Marcos when she was Ilocos Norte governor, the body is tasked with implementing programs on housing; waste disposal and management; water supply management; transport and traffic management; and promotion of tourism in the aforementioned areas. As Barba looks back at the years when being part of the Marcos clan meant being a constant target of ridicule and political persecution, he thanks the handful of true friends who stood by him. He thanks, more than anyone else, his townmates and provincemates who gave him a chance to prove his worth as a leader. Having spent three terms each as mayor, provincial board member, and vice governor, Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba is unequivocal in his desire to continue making a mark in the history of Ilocos Norte and in the hearts of his provincemates.

< Back Investing in Education Congressman Greg Gasataya’s vision: every family in Bacolod should have a college graduate. INTERVIEW BY MARCO NICANOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY RICKY LADIA Coming from a humble family and bestowed with the opportunity of a proper education by the government, Congressman Greg Gasataya is out on a mission to pay it forward and envisions that every Filipino family should have a college graduate in their midst. He represents the lone district of Bacolod City, which garnered the top spot in Visayas with the highest competitive index among highly urbanized cities, and placed 8th overall in the country, besting even many other cities from the National Capital Region (NCR). Let’s get to know the honorable congressman up-close in this Q&A: 1 . How did you get into politics? I am a very simple and ordinary person. I came from a very small family in Bacolod. My father was a driver and my mother was a teacher, but she resigned from teaching and worked full-time at the church. We grew up on a hand-to-mouth way of life. I used to sell bottles, goodies, just to have additional income. We were renting a small place. Basically, galing sa mahirap na pamumuhay. Probably because of the opportunity given to me to study and get a degree, a lot of things happened to my life. Before politics, I worked as a broadcast journalist for eight years at a radio station in Bacolod. I used to handle the primetime programs. Come to think of it, we are not a family of politicians. It never entered even my wildest dreams that I would join politics. In 2001, I was given the opportunity to run as councilor. Out of 69, I landed number 10. I handled the committee on transportation as a tribute to the profession of my dad. In 2004 and 2007, I was already the number one councilor and I handled the committee on education. I took a break from politics in 2010, but I worked as director of Bacolod City Water District. In 2013, the Party asked me to run for Vice Mayor. I was very hesitant because I was away from politics for a couple of years, but by God’s grace, I was given another opportunity to serve. In 2015, the mayor was suspended, so I was the acting mayor for three months. And in the last elections, I ran and got elected as the congressman in the lone district of Bacolod. 2. What is your leadership style? Why do you think you are effective as a leader? Nakikinig ako (I listen). Every person that we meet has a story to tell, has opinions, and has inputs, so I like to listen and know what they have to say. I don’t like it to be too formal. You can just approach me anytime and anywhere. That is my style of leadership, probably because of my experiences from the grassroots; I prefer that people can easily talk to me. My advocacies and my policies come from these conversations. Click here to read full article for free

< Back BARANGAY OLD BALARA IN QC LAUNCHES URBAN FARM These LGUs prove that there is always much more you can do to help your people. Photo courtesy of QC Government Facebook Page. Quezon City (QC) Mayor Joy Belmonte and Barangay OldBalara Chairman Allan Franza, together with District 3Action Officer Atty. Tommy De Castro, Public EmploymentService Office (PESO) Head Rogelio Reyes, and Tina Perez, whois assigned to the project, launched the biggest urban farm in thecity’s 3rd district. The said project is the 347th urban garden opened in thecity, under the project named ‘The Joy of Urban Farming.’Along with the urban farm launched that day is the Sitio PayongBackyard Fishpond. QC’s urban gardening project is one of the initiatives to helpthe city achieve its aim of being a self-reliant local governmentunit (LGU) by attaining food security. Once the plants are readyfor harvest, they may be used as ingredients for the city’s feedingprograms. The said urban farm will serve as the demo farm that the residentscan visit if they are interested in starting their own urban garden.Restaurants may also source fruits and vegetables from this garden. According to the QC government’s Facebook page, this project is alsoa big step in mitigating the effects of climate change. Belmonte started ‘The Joy of Urban Farming’ in 2010 when she wasstill a vice mayor, however was faced with the challenge of changing themindset that farming is not suitable for cities. The local chief executivesaid that anyone can start at least a vertical garden in their own spaces. It was launched through a 750-meter square area around therestaurant chains in Quezon City Memorial Circle but now, the city hasover 300 urban gardens located in barangays, parishes, daycare centersand non-government(NGO) owned spacesin the cityThe Departmentof Agriculture(DA), Departmentof Environmentand NaturalResources (DENR),Department ofEducation (DepEd),Allied BotanicalCorporation(ABC), and variousnon-governmentorganizations(NGOs) are thepartners of QCgovernment for thisproject.

< Back Breaking the Cycle of Violence BY PROF. HERMAN KRAFT October 7, 2023 will be on record as one of those days when violence in the Middle East once again threatened to inflict itself on the rest of the world. The brutal attack by Hamas on Israeli settlements and other locations bordering the Gaza Strip led to an even more ferocious response from Israel on Palestinian communities in the strip. Body counts which equate the taking of more than 200 hostages and the deaths of around 1400 Israelis and over 100 foreigners against the November 1 count of more 7500 Palestinians killed and the tens of thousands injured and displaced in the Israeli retribution doesn’t make the wherefores of the issue any clearer. Complicating sentiments further closer to home, four Filipinos have been confirmed as fatalities in the ongoing conflict with a few hundred needing repatriation from Gaza and Israel. International public sympathy has swung heavily between horror at the cruelty of the Hamas attack and distress over the emerging humanitarian disaster resulting from the Israeli reaction. The latter has seen a backlash against Israel and led to attacks against Jewish communities all over the world. There is a growing call internationally for an immediate ceasefire, for Israel to stop its airstrikes and ground attack against Gaza, and for Hamas to release at once without preconditions the hundreds of hostages it still holds. Even in the unlikely event that both parties, the Israeli government and Hamas, accede to this demand, it still begs the question of what happens after—is there going to be any way forward for a resolution to this long-standing conflict? ACT OF TERROR OR ACT OF SELF-DEFENSE? The Israeli representation of this latest outbreak of violence revolves precisely around that—that it was a surprise attack by Hamas against unprepared and non-combatant targets. Emphasizing the gruesomeness of the attack by highlighting the act of killing and method of killing of women, children, and old people in settlements along the border, and those attending a music festival including a number of foreigners, Israel sought to not only paint Hamas as the aggressor but that this was an act of terror intended to pressure Israel into releasing Hamas activists and fighters currently incarcerated in Israeli jails. It was also intended to expose the vulnerability of Israelis and the weakness of the government in providing protection to Israel’s people. The counter-narrative, however, is that this was an act of self-defense by an oppressed people. Hamas claims that it was acting on behalf of the Palestinian people whose land had been occupied by Israel for nearly eighty years. Squeezed into enclaves in the Gaza Strip and in ever-shrinking territories in the West Bank, the Palestinians and those that support them have noted that their condition and destiny is controlled by Israel which imposes strict restrictions on the Palestinians. The demand of course is for the establishment of a separate Palestinian state. As with any political question, however, the answer cannot be this simple. More so as this involves the Middle East where history, religion, and geopolitics meet. The October 7 attack is only the latest episode in a history of conflict that goes beyond simple religious and ethnic differences. The idea of Palestine being divided between a Jewish and an Arab state goes back to United Nations (UN) Resolution 181 (II) adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 29, 1947. This resolution authorized the establishment of a Jewish and Arab state in the territory covered by the British Mandate for Palestine. The rejection of the resolution by the Arab communities in Palestine and the Arab states that supported them and the eventual establishment of a Jewish state in 1948 led to the first of the armed conflicts involving Arabs and Israel of which the October 7 attack is just the most recent iteration. Over the years, this conflict has involved wars between Israel and its neighboring Arab states, guerilla groups engaged in hit and run attacks which eventually morphed into terrorist attacks, and uprisings in Palestinian communities against the presence of Israel Defense Forces among them. These attacks do not present a very good picture of the Palestinians especially as the attacks by the armed groups that claim to be fighting for them are brutal in their execution and indiscriminate in who are targeted. At the same time, however, the Israelis do not do themselves any favors as their response to these attacks have tended to be disproportionate and equally indiscriminate in who is harmed. More importantly, the Israeli government’s general treatment of the Palestinians has been severely lacking in consideration for their overall condition as the difference in living standards between the Palestinian communities and Israel indicates. Of greater consequence for future discussions, allowing (even encouraging) the expansion of Jewish settlements into what is understood to be Arab areas raises questions about the credibility of Israel as a partner in a political solution to the problem. A SOLUTION WAITING TO BE IMPLEMENTED The continuing cycle of violence needs to be broken; but the distrust and hatred that it has generated and regenerated makes it difficult to find a path towards breaking this cycle. The two-state solution which was the fundamental idea behind UN Resolution 181 remains the primary formula towards a political resolution to the issue. It is, however, also the principal problem in seeking that political resolution that will end the conflict. An essential part of the basic formula set in UN Resolution 181 is the existence of two states. A key component of the Arab rejection of the resolution is the non-acceptance of the right of a state of Israel to exist in Palestine. Since then, recognition of this right and of Israel has been a key component of the agreements signed between Israel and those Arab countries it has entered into peace treaties with and eventually those peace treaties it will sign in the future. The oldest of these is the Camp David Accords signed between Israel and Egypt brokered by the United States in 1978. It eventually contributed to the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, but the peace he arranged with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin remains in place to date. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) eventually also signed with Israel the Oslo Accords of 1993 and 1995 that on paper included recognition of Israel by the PLO and the recognition by Israel of the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people and its partner in bilateral negotiations. While the Oslo Accords did not in and of itself establish a Palestinian state, it started the process with the establishment of the Palestinian Authority which would exercise limited self-government over the West Bank and Gaza. It was understood that the process of establishing a separate Palestinian state would involve negotiations with Israel over borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the right of return of Palestinians. Unlike the Camp David Accords, however, the terms and expectations of the Oslo Accords were never fully implemented and achieved. There was widespread opposition within the Arab communities, particularly among Palestinians, to the Oslo Accords. A key element of this opposition was the recognition of Israel. In fact, the emergence and popularity of Hamas stemmed from its rejection of Israel’s right to exist and its willingness to continue armed resistance against Israel and the status quo. Arab chants of “from the river to the sea” show that the intention to eradicate Israel is still alive and strong. On the other hand, neither was there ringing support for the Oslo Accords among Israelis, particularly those intent on pursuing the Zionist aspiration of building an Israel that would encompass the whole of Palestine territorially. Yitzhak Rabin, who was Prime Minister of Israel at the time of the signing of the Oslo Accords, was assassinated in 1995 by a rightwing Israeli extremist a few months after signing its second and final part. There is already a state of Israel and the territory it encompasses is vastly larger than what was originally intended in UN Resolution 181. A Palestinian state is yet to be established and the territory it would encompass is shrinking as Israel’s military victories gain it more territory to occupy. The rejection by the Arabs of UN Resolution 181 in 1947 and the subsequent war and wars basically took the territorial formula it proposed off the table. IT’S COMPLICATED Would Israel be willing to give up territory even if it helps to guarantee peace? Would the Palestinians be willing to guarantee peace in exchange for the cession of territory? And even if some pathway towards the establishment of a Palestinian state could be found, there would remain other sources of resentment that would continue to fuel conflict. Arguably, Israel’s economy is what keeps the Palestinian communities viable to the extent they are—a dependence that would be unsustainable in a two-state set up, and would continue Israel’s dominance of the Palestinian people. And then, there is the geopolitical angle that needs to be factored in. Nonetheless, any pathway to lasting peace requires an end to the violence that has been feeding the mutual hate and distrust. Given the latest outbreak of fighting and the numbers of noncombatants killed, injured, or taken hostage, this is not going to happen in the near future. If it had a Facebook profile, this conflict’s status would be “it’s complicated.”

< Back THINKING BIG Congressman DV Savellano on his vision for a strong and economically robust Northern Philippines, and maintaining a HEALTHY district. BY ALFREDO G. GABOT Congressman Deogracias Victor Barbers Savellano of the First District of Ilocos Sur is no stranger to politics and public service. His dream of a better town and province started to take root in 1981 when he was elected vice mayor of his hometown of Cabugao at the young age of 22. He served as vice mayor until 1987 and was dubbed the “rising star” of Ilocos Sur politics. And this he proved as he slowly rose to become provincial board member, vice governor, governor, and now a member of the House of Representatives. The Ilocos Sur solon shares that it was his late father, Atty. Victorino Ancheta Savellano, who inspired him to enter politics and serve the people. The elder Sevillano served as mayor of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur from 1959 to 1968. “I grew up seeing people with smiles on their faces as they leave our house with satisfied hearts because they got the service they wanted,” he recalls. When he won as vice mayor, Savellano’s father had not yet warmed his seat as a commissioner of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The latter was appointed to the post in 1980, only a few months before the 1981 elections. Three years later, he was promoted by President Ferdinand Marcos to head the COMELEC. The young Savellano, however, made it clear that his father never influenced his election to various posts, winning them on his own merits and qualifications. Even today at 59, and married to actress and businesswoman Dina Bonnevie, Congressman Savellano is seeking reelection banking on his own achievements and projects as a lawmaker and nothing else. But he does not fail to acknowledge his political mentor, former Ilocos Sur congressman and governor Luis “Chavit” Singson. LEADERSHIP AND LEGISLATION As a legislator, Congressman Savellano has authored, co-authored, sponsored, and cosponsored many bills and resolutions. One of his favorites is House Bill 4995, which envisions a strong and economically robust Northern Philippines. The bill seeks to create the Northern Luzon Growth Quadrangle Development Authority whose primary objective is to enhance and synchronize socioeconomic development of three regions—Ilocos Region, the Cordilleras, and Cagayan Valley. Alongside this is the bill seeking conversion of the historic Salomague Bay in Cabugao, which has a port and is near an airport, as a special economic zone. Savellano says the three regions need a coordinating agency such as the proposed authority if they are to be developed together under a common framework of integrated and sustainable development and effectively mobilize people in improving local industries. “By increasing trade, tourism and investments, encouraging private enterprise, generating jobs, developing infrastructure, and advancing efforts toward peace and expansion, the region will bloom faster,” he explains. Savellano points out that the House Special Committee on North Luzon Growth Quadrangle has been discussing the economic integration of the three regions—CAR, Region I, and Region II. “If developed together under the framework of integrated and sustainable development, North Luzon could avail of economies of scale and a viable network that will enhance synergistic and complementary development,” he adds. “Without a government body yet to oversee such integrated development, I ensure that the Committee on North Luzon Growth Quadrangle serves as a venue where all the NL legislators practice/enforce oversight function in our respective districts in terms of program and project implementation by all line agencies,” he says. “My committee holds weekly meetings/ hearings whenever possible to address concerns involving the various line agencies. To ensure prompt remedies and resolutions, department secretaries or at least the undersecretaries are usually invited to the said meetings.” In fact, the House Special Committee on North Luzon Growth Quadrangle chaired by Rep. Maximo Dalog (Lone District, Mountain Province) and Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization chaired by Rep. Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City) have jointly approved the proposal to create the Northern Luzon Growth Quadrangle Development Authority but the bill, due to time constraints, has not yet hurdled the plenary as a whole. The delay in the approval of the bill has not discouraged Savellano. In fact, he looks at it as a chance to improve the measure which he will pursue again in the next Congress. This is one of his battlecries for his reelection campaign. PROGRESS THROUGH CULTURAL PRESERVATION While he speaks about development of a bigger region with lots of potentials, Savellano has made the needs of his home province of Ilocos Sur and its people his top priority. While awaiting for his dream of a North Luzon Growth Quadrangle to be realized, the congressman has pursued with the national government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the construction of roads and other infrastructure in Ilocos Sur. “The DPWH has already started the construction of the coastal road that will connect the Salomague Port to Vigan Airport,” he informs LEAGUE. “This will facilitate an easier travel for the tourists and entice investors to bring in businesses to the province. The Cabugao, Ilocos Sur-Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte road project, connecting the province of Abra, will also bring in economic activities that will benefit the municipalities along the project.” To further boost tourism, Savellano also helped negotiate for more cruise ships to include Ilocos Sur in their itineraries. The province is famous for its many tourist and cultural heritage sites such as Vigan City, Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo, as well as beaches and surfing sites comparable to those of Siargao, Baler, and La Union. Several cruise ships have docked at the Salomague Port in Cabugao town, which was once a famous international mariners, seafarers, and trading post for rice, tobacco, and other products. The port also served as the jumpingoff point for ships, which carried over 100 Filipino pioneers in the sugar plantations in Hawaii. Savellano admits that they are faced with the challenge of balancing modernization with the preservation of the province’s rich heritage and culture. To address this, he created the “Kannawidan Ylocos Festival” in 2008, in time for the celebration of Ilocos Sur’s independence as a province. “Kannawidan” aims to preserve and promote culture, traditions, practices, and beliefs that have become part of the lives of the Ilocanos. It also showcases the preservation of traditional arts, crafts, and cuisine as well as the preservation of native animals and plants that are on the brink of extinction. “In so doing, I am confident that these practices shall be carried on for the ensuing generations to appreciate and put into practice,” Savellano declares. OTHER PRIORITY CONCERNS According to Savellano, his utmost priority in the district has always been the efficient delivery of basic services to his constituents, as provided for by the constitution. “While the piece of legislation has longer gestation period to fully implement, my other functions as legislator come into fore to address some gaps in the delivery of services for the people in the 1st District of Ilocos Sur,” he says. Savellano has also been at the forefront in helping the farmers, particularly tobacco, garlic, and onion growers and fisherfolk of Ilocos Sur. “Fully aware of the challenges besetting our garlic and onion industry, I have been in constant communication with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies since the start of my term as congressman. In mid 2017, I came up with a proposal for DA to consider the project titled ‘Adoption of Enhanced Garlic Production System Through Cooperative-based Farm Clustering in the Province of Ilocos Sur’,” he recalls. “Moreover, I have been advocating the collective effort of DA attached agencies such as the Bureau of Agricultural Research, DA High Value Crops and Rural Credit with Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) to revive the local garlic industry. The Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC), an umbrella organization of 156 primary cooperatives based in Ilocos Sur as the implementing partner, shall be a recipient of experts’ advice in terms of appropriate Package of Technology (POT) on garlic production.” Tobacco is almost synonymous to Ilocos Sur and so Savellano has been helping in channeling government assistance to the tobacco farmers. And he is glad to report that based on data from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) for calendar year (CY) 2018, there were about 43 million kilos of tobacco produced in the province, which is one million kilos higher than for CY 2017. “Exports increased but deliveries to local cigarette manufacturers decreased by about 30% from 2012 figures,” he points out. “Of the total number of tobacco farmers (32,000), NTA is providing partial production assistance to about 4,000 while 28,000 are being directly financed by tobacco companies. In spite of the billions of pesos in excise tax share derived from RA 7171 for Virginia tobacco, including those for burley and native tobacco, little is extended in terms of production assistance. Most are focused on infrastructure projects. The challenge for me is to refocus our efforts in helping the tobacco industry increase its production as it fights for survival,” he admits. In the agricultural sector, he admits that although much has been done, there’s still more to do to achieve food sufficiency. “Free Irrigation has already been passed, and along with it, I was able to carry out projects like the construction of irrigation canals, distribution of irrigation pumps and other agricultural equipment, fish landing and fishports along the coastal towns, and [provision of] fishing paraphernalia, etc.,” he notes. On health services, Savellano recalls that upon his assumption to office as congressman, he outlined his development agenda for a HEALTHY District. “This embraces priority concerns on Health and social services; Education and environment; Agriculture and aqua programs; Livelihood opportunities; Tourism and trade; Heritage, culture and arts; and Youth and sports development. Initially, in order to put the agenda to work, I had to establish my strong relations with the different government agencies, and the private sector, for the much-needed funding support for the programs and projects and other material needs that will benefit the people,” he claims. He also joined hands with the Ilocos Sur Medical Society, the Department of Health, the Philippine Red Cross, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, and other service providers who readily gave their support for the implementation of the KISS Project or “Kabsat Idanonmi Serbisyo Salun-at.” This project aims to improve and enhance the delivery of healthcare services to the people especially in rural communities. “My office is open for whoever is in need of assistance, whether it be educational, hospitalization, burial, and other forms of social service assistance that we can provide to ease the predicament of the people. I established a link with the Department of Health to channel funds under the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) to the different government hospitals so that we can readily help those who are hospitalized. Likewise, with the aid of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, we can also accommodate the needy people in terms of financial requirements,” he adds. Having started as a youth leader, the youth is Congressman Savellano’s main concern. He sought funds for the construction of school buildings benefitting the towns and barangays. He also supported the approval of free college education now being enjoyed by students in state colleges and universities nationwide. “We also have around 800 CHED scholars and thousands of TESDA scholars because I always believe that education will help everyone to succeed in life,” he avers. “I want to continue these big projects that I have started until the end of my allowable term,” Congress Savellano says, explaining why he is running for reelection. “In spite of the billions of pesos in excise tax share derived from RA 7171 for Virginia tobacco, including those for burley and native tobacco, little is extended in terms of production assistance... The challenge for me is to refocus our efforts in helping the tobacco industry increase its production as it fights for survival.” He acknowledges that the projects would not be realized without the support of the people. “I would not be what I am now if not for my constituents who gave their trust and support to me. I owe them my position and I am most grateful and proud because of that kind of love that I need to reciprocate. I give them my number personally (not through my staff) and keep my line open 24/7 so they could reach me whenever necessary,” he says. For someone who has made good as a public servant for more than two decades now, Congressman Savellano looks forward to at least three more years in the House of Representatives to pursue his big dreams for Ilocos Sur, Northern Philippines and the country. Click here to read full article for free

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< Back EMPOWERING AND MOBILIZING THE YOUTH NYC Chair and CEO Ryan Enriquez bares his office’s plans to fulfill their herculean task of helping the country’s millions of youth. BY MARIDOL RANOA-BISMARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. Newly-installed National Youth Commission (NYC) Chair and CEO Ryan Enriquez defied the odds to be where he is now— on top of a government agency with a tough mandate. His office’s herculean task: help the country’s millions of youth become upright, empowered, and fulfilled. Never did the 41-year-old Caviteño with soft-spoken ways and millennial looks see himself in a post other government officials aspired for. But two months after his predecessor, Ronald Cardema, resigned last May, President Rodrigo Duterte caught Enriquez unaware. The Chief Executive named Enriquez as NYC head. Even for a veteran public servant who served as National Chair of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines for three years, (he was regional chair for Calabarzon from 2013 to 2016), the NYC is a totally different ballgame for Enriquez. He admits he didn’t know what NYC does, so he had to start from scratch. “You can’t approach every problem by being aggressive,” he points out. “You should be patient. You should learn to listen. You should know how to unite people and maximize the talents of the youth for many projects.” This includes the youth-oriented bills he wants Congress to greenlight. ADDRESSING TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND MENTAL HEALTH The father of four likens his job to taking care of children whose potentials he wants to develop. For instance, Enriquez wants to erase the Philippines’ negative reputation as the country with the highest number of teenage pregnancy cases in Southeast Asia. To address this concern, Enriquez has proposed the idea of holding female-only and male-only discussions among adolescent boys and girls from grades seven to 12 when topics like sexual health, reproduction, and HIV are tackled in class. This is based in part on his appreciation of a UNICEF study on comprehensive sexuality education published a few years ago. He knows how explosive the situation in classrooms which combine girls and boys can be. He also knows how tempting things could get for students with raging hormones as they work on a project with classmates of the opposite sex after school. “Temptation strikes when these students go to a private house or somewhere else,” he points out. “They get curious.” That curiosity can lead to teen pregnancy, which can cut the students’ dreams short and rob them of the wholesome pleasures those their age are entitled to. Enriquez also figured that girls and boys can openly ask sensitive questions in sex education classes if they are among people of the same gender. They won’t be afraid to throw the most sensitive questions about the birds and the bees, because their classmates are of the same sex. It also helps if their teacher shares the same gender. While the idea was criticized by many especially on social media, it also had its share of supporters. If at all, the idea has added another facet to the debate on teenage pregnancy. Another nagging issue Enriquez plans to tackle is mental health. “Some of our youths tend to give up easily,” he observes. They are addicted to social media and gadgets. So Enriquez met with officers of the Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Pediatric Society. They came up with a project to provide free mental health seminars for parents and children. Health officials will go around the provinces to hold these seminars. The NYC has existing links with Lions Club Antipolo District 301- D2 and Magdalo Lions Club Cavite District 301-A2. The agency plans to have more of such links by joining forces with LEO Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, JCI Makati, the Philippine Jaycees, other Lions Club chapters and other big service groups to help push its youth development plans on the environment, health, and others. “We can align our projects so we can move as one,” explains Enriquez. The hardworking government official is also giving the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) even more direction by offering various doable projects to choose from. To fast-track projects and improve coordination among offices, Enriquez is talking with National Housing Authority (NHA) officials for a property that will house a new NYC building, hostel, and training facilities in Quezon City. STRENGTHENING THE SK The past year was particularly important for the SK. The NYC, in cooperation with other government agencies, took important steps to strengthen the SK by providing help on various fronts. Guidelines covering different SK-related matters were released to help SK officials better perform their duties. A joint memorandum circular was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), DILG, and NYC regarding the appropriation, release, planning, and budgeting process for SK funds. Guidelines pertaining to the forming of Local Youth Development Plans, Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plans, and Annual Barangay Youth Investment Programs were also issued. Meanwhile, the Government Procurement Policy Board released a memorandum circular on the composition of the SK Bids and Awards Committee as well as the conduct of procurement. SK officials also benefitted greatly from the NYC-led continuing and mandatory training program. More than 500 LYDOs from all over the country took part in the LYDO Summit, where they discussed the latest guidelines on the localization of the Philippine Youth Development Plan. Training modules on leadership, resource mobilization, ethical decision-making, dynamics of local governance, climate change adaptation-disaster risk management, and other topics were also developed and pilot tested to further capacitate SK officials. Just last November 2019, the NYC and COA gathered SK officials from Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon for a training on the pilot implementation of the Handbook on the Financial Transactions of SK Officials. To ensure a more efficient performance, the NYC came up with a comprehensive directory of the SK, Local Youth Development Officers (LYDO), and Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) members. This will help simplify and facilitate mobilization whenever there are trainings and consultation meetings. Finally, the NYC has started work on the SK Web Portal, which is expected to be launched later this year. This multi-interface platform will let SK officials, LYDOs and LYDCs have access to real-time, accurate, and reliable data. Interactive modules for SK Continuing and Mandatory Training, as well as templates for various SK documents will also be available. Aside from these, the web portal will serve as a venue for SK officials from all over the country to interact and learn about the latest policies, programs, and information that can help them serve their communities better. FULL PLATE Meanwhile, NYC has a full plate. It has an ongoing advocacy on education, peace building and security, social inclusion, equity, and economic empowerment. It is conducting another National Youth Assessment Study, which serves as a rich source of information for the midterm Philippine Youth Development Plan. A Government Internship Program for those aged 18 to 25 helps the young appreciate government service. The three-month program requires interns to work at NYC, which gives them a monthly stipend equivalent to 70 percent of the applicable minimum wage. A module development project for enhanced trainings targets the Sangguniang Kabataan. It includes entrepreneurship and peacebuilding elements. Preparations for next year’s 47th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) are in full swing. This year, the NYC is sending 28 youth leaders and young professionals on a 52- day goodwill cruise on board the luxury liner MS Nippon Maru to ASEAN member states and Japan. Participants will take part in discussion activities, Solidarity Group activities, and voluntary activities, among others. NYC was instrumental in the successful holding of the 5th ASEAN-Russia Youth Summit from November 26-29, 2019. The Philippines hosted the project, which gathered youth leaders from ASEAN and the Russian Federation, for the first time. The summit is part of efforts to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the youth of ASEAN member states and Russia. On November 17, NYC led the celebration of National Students’ Day, along with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). On November 22, NYC marked the ASEAN Youth in Climate Action and Disaster Resilience Day. This year, NYC will hold the National Youth Parliament (NYP) biennial congress where youth leaders debate and discuss resolutions, advocacies and draft bills. There are also regional youth development meetings and peace building projects to attend to. Figures why Enriquez and his staff are in the office even on supposed nonworking days like Saturday. LEARNING THE HARD WAY After all, the youth is the future. And Enriquez wants to instill in them the gung-ho attitude he learned the hard way decades back. “Our family is not well-off,” he admits. “My father studied for free, thanks to a music scholarship.” Inspired by his father’s example, the NYC head took up table tennis, and spent long hours practicing his moves. He started playing the sport at 13 and made it to the varsity team. He became Athlete of the Year, and got a full college scholarship at San Beda College in Mendiola, Manila, where he finished his management degree. He used his remaining playing year to take up a masters course in public administration at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Years after, the Caviteño ran for Provincial Representative for the Board Members’ League, and lost. Enriquez admits he felt bad, but fate had another plan for him. He was appointed Regional Director, a job he poured his heart and soul into. People sat up and noticed, until he made it as Nationa Chair of the Provincial Board Members’ League. “You can’t win them all,” he looks back. “Everything happens for a reason. Your experiences will make you strong.” He wants the youth to be just as resilient. “Don’t ever think of failing. Just tell yourself you did what you wanted to do. If you don’t make it, you won’t have regrets, because you won’t be left wondering about the whatmight-have-beens.” Enriquez is the best example of one with no what-ifs and what-might-havebeens. Click here to read full article for free

< Back PANGASINAN VICE GOVERNOR MARK RONALD LAMBINO BY KRISTEL LAGORZA ALTHOUGH A LATE BLOOMER, PANGASINAN VICE GOVERNOR MARK RONALD LAMBINO HAS PROVEN EQUAL TO HIS VISION OF A BETTER-SERVED AND MORE PROGRESSIVE PANGASINAN. Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino is a true-blue, full-blooded Pangasinense. Born in Dagupan City and raised in Barangay Buenlag, Mangaldan by his parents, Raul and Marilyn, 41-year-old Lambino comes from a family that is simple but has deep and numerous political ties. His father, Sec. Raul Lambino, has a long, prolific career as a lawyer and statesman, having served as a consultant and coordinator for the House of Representatives in the 1990s and chief of staff of Senator Loren Legarda (from 1998-2000) and Speaker Jose de Venecia (from 1995-1998), among many other notable roles. Sec. Lambino is also a former administrator and chief executive officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority. His mother, Marilyn, on the other hand, formerly served Mangaldan as municipal mayor. AN ACADEMIC PRIVILEGE With both parents working in public service, the oldest in a brood of three understands that not everyone may have the same privileged opportunities as he does. But he makes sure to honor every opportunity given to him by ensuring that he fully uses his potential, extracts knowledge and wisdom from the experience, and finds ways to help others by bridging the gap. Recalling his childhood, Lambino shares, “I was exposed to a lot of politicians growing up; some of my relatives, at that time, were also in public service. But I was never ‘groomed’ to become a politician. I was groomed, so to speak, to choose my own path.” While there was no pressure on him to commit to the “family calling,” his parents did, however, have high expectations from their children to excel—especially for Mark Ronald who showed great promise, intelligence, and potential. After finishing his primary studies in Dagupan City, Lambino was encouraged by his parents to study at the Philippine Science High School in Diliman, Quezon City, a highly competitive institution and considered the top science high school in the Philippines. It was an important opportunity for the teen. But it would also require Lambino uprooting and moving to Manila, far removed from his family. It was a sacrifice he was willing to make as the advantages outweighed his fears. He had dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. Later, Lambino pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography at the University of the Philippines Diliman and rounded out his education at Ateneo de Manila University for his Master’ Degree in Public Management and the Asian Institute of Management for his post-graduate studies. The latter two he completed while working in government as a regular employee. He was formerly the technical assistant for the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representative from 2003 to 2006 and the Senate Committee on Public Services from 2011 to 2013. During his first term as vice governor, he finished his Management program from the Columbia Business School at Columbia University in New York. “Both my mom and dad (who are proud teachers themselves at the University of Pangasinan) ingrained in us the importance of education, which is why they encouraged me to leave home and pursue my studies in Manila where the best academic institutions were. They taught me that education is the best foundation that you can have and with it, you can pursue anything that you want in life.” As vice governor of Pangasinan, Lambino wants to assure his constituents the same opportunities for quality education that he received, which is why he is elated to share the news that the provincial government will soon open its own Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) in Lingayen. Here, students can avail of college education for free and enroll in numerous vocational courses. “This is the first college fully owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos Region,” Lambino shares proudly. “And it is the brainchild of Governor Ramon Guico and myself, being the chairman of the Committee on Education, Culture and the Arts of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.” Immediately expanding on this initiative, the local government is aiming to establish two to three campuses in central Pangasinan, San Carlos City, and the eastern part of the province. Also, the local leader is taking the lead in talks with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to help bridge the gap between education and employment, with efforts to support students in their professional pursuits. It is an incredible feat and honor to be contributing in such a meaningful way, he nods, and Lambino is humbled that the people of Pangasinan are placing more trust and faith in his vision and abilities. “I have always believed that you should present yourself as you are. Show the people who you are and what you can do. Never over-commit. And, at the same time, if you give your word, make sure that you follow through.” DUTY CALLS As a public servant, Lambino considers himself as a “late bloomer,” having only entered the political arena at 37 years old. But he admits that the wait was necessary because those years of working in government and taking further studies were critical for his growth and development as a servant leader. It was in 2018 when he was approached by then incumbent mayor of Alaminos City, Arthur Celeste, to join his slate. Celeste was running for governor and was set to have retired Colonel Paterno Orduna as his running mate. However, the colonel unexpectedly withdrew his candidacy due to health concerns and Celeste sought Lambino’s support as a substitute candidate. Despite not having any plans or desire to run for public office, Lambino knew it was a role he could not refuse. At first, Lambino was hesitant and had even thought that Celeste had made a mistake in inviting him. “My uncle was the former vice governor; my dad was in government. So, one of the first questions I asked him was, ‘Tama ba yung Lambino na tinatanong niyo? (Are you asking the right Lambino?)’,” he chuckles remembering their first conversations. But once his heart was decided—with the assurance and support from his wife Atty. Melanie —”I accepted the challenge whole-heartedly.” Lambino won in his first vice gubernatorial race, garnering over 710,000 votes. READY TO COLLABORATE Under former Governor Amado Espino III, Lambino was confident in his abilities to find common ground and push for collaboration to deliver results. Despite being a member of the minority party, Lambino knew how to work with those with differing points of view, a skill learned from his years working in government and the bureaucracy. “I’d say that even though politically we were outnumbered, I was able to maneuver the sangguniang panlalawigan to be very professional. As much as possible, we aimed to be very nonpartisan when it comes to the performance of our functions. I made sure that, while I was the presiding officer, I would never let politics be the deciding factor in any actions or decisions we made. We set aside politics in favor of public service.” And testament to his fair leadership, Lambino was reelected for a second term in 2022 by an overwhelming margin of 320,000 votes. DEFINING SERVICE “In a nutshell, my brand of leadership and service is about making lives easier,” he nods. Beyond education, Lambino is driving the provincial board to improve social services and launch public programs that are streamlined, effective, and consistent. He has a particular focus on elevating medical services across the province as well as expediting infrastructure projects and the improvement of roads. Today, working in tandem with Governor Ramon Guico, Lambino is continuing the projects from his previous term and building momentum. “What we both want is to grow businesses and expand industries, fix the bureaucracy, and address the persistent problems of Pangasinan particularly in health care and employment,” he stresses. “We asked the people for a year to plan everything. And that year will be finished in a few weeks. The plans are in place and actions are ready to be executed, so you can expect that in the next two years, ratsada na ang mga pangako na matutupad dito sa probinsya (more and more promises will be fulfilled),” he smiles. This includes the groundbreaking of a major expressway and the Pangasinan Polytechnic College, township programs, and renovation of the capitol complex. “You can quote me on this: 2023 will be the start of the global age of infrastructure here in the province,” Lambino shares with conviction. THE SALT SHORTAGE One of the resolutions that Lambino and the provincial board are currently working on is how to address the looming salt shortage in the province. Pangasinan is the country’s second largest producer of salt. However, it only produces seven percent of what the province consumes, with the rest being imported from nearby provinces. Lambino explains that the shortage is due to several factors but primarily the outdated method of saltmaking. For the past 50 years, saltmakers have relied on the simple yet laborious process of bringing in saltwater from the sea and drying it on the salt beds, which takes weeks from start to finish. Currently, the province operates around 470 hectares of salt beds, but this is not enough. “In addition, there needs to be consistency in our production process. Our salt technology is outdated and dependent on the sun. During the rainy season, not a lot of evaporation will occur, so salt production is at the minimum. In other countries like Indonesia, they can produce salt better. Whether it’s the rainy season or summertime, they are able to continue production,” he laments. As part of its plans to rehabilitate the salt industry, the provincial board is developing the Pangasinan Salt Center, which will be attached to the Pangasinan Polytechnic College. The aim of this initiative is to boost research and development in salt production, acquire better methods and equipment, make salt products more competitive, and also boost the province’s stock as a tourist attraction. FINDING MOMENTUM Today, Lambino is focused on supporting Guico’s vision and ensuring that he fulfills his duty as vice governor to the best of his ability. “Everything we (Governor Guico and I) do may not be as flashy as what the others are doing. Some may say that how we work is too slow. But we are strong advocates of proper planning, proper organization, and proper utilization. This is to ensure that no resources go to waste.” Lambino believes that many initiatives fail due to poor execution, and so they’re taking the necessary steps and precautions to build strong foundations. In addition, they hold themselves to a high level of accountability and transparency. “I have always been conscientious and mindful of the promises I give to my constituents. I say ‘Huwag kang mangangako ng di mo kayang tuparin. (Don’t promise what you can’t deliver).” Expectedly, local leaders from barangays and municipalities request assistance and support from higher levels of government. “Many in my position tend to make promises and commitments to ensure votes.” “In fact, I was criticized a lot in the beginning, with others saying that I wasn’t moving fast enough or seemed hesitant to help. But I believed in honesty and transparency. I won’t promise what I can’t commit, but rest assured that if I do commit, consider it done,” he underscores. Lambino is very intentional and careful with his agreements since he wants to break the misconception that “hanggang pangako lang ang mga politiko (politicians are nothing but empty promises).” “I don’t want to be part of that demographic of public servants or politicians who say one thing, but, at the end of the day, don’t deliver. I am committed to serve to the best of my abilities nang maayos, malinis, at matapat (in a manner that is systematic, clean, and proper).” LOOKING FORWARD TO A BETTER FUTURE Apart from his responsibilities at the capitol, Lambino offers his time and services as an instructor at the Pangasinan State University, teaching Public Administration and Parliamentary Procedure, Leadership, and Principles, while also taking his Doctorate in Developmental Studies at the same state university. These do admittedly take hours of his time, but they do not distract the vice governor from his greater goal and duty to the province. In fact, they complement all his efforts as a leader. “As mentioned, I believe strongly in education because, at its core, it’s about selfimprovement. Through more education and training, you become a better leader and a better person.” Midway through his second term, Lambino looks forward to continuing to serve Pangasinenses for a third and final term: “If given the opportunity, I would humbly accept it.” “I want to turn Pangasinan into one of the premier provinces in the country—and I truly believe that we are ready. We may not be able to finish everything during my short term, but we have taken the important steps to start it. Let’s continue to build momentum and turn our dream and vision to reality,” he ends.

< Back ISABELA PROVINCE GRAIN & GRIT Unpretentious and easily overlooked, the bucolic province of Isabela holds more than just a bounty of agricultural achievements BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEDDY PELAEZ Tucked away almost at the northeast corner of the Philippines, nestled among the rolling plains of the Cagayan Valley Region, and guarded by the towering mountain ranges of the Sierra Madre and Central Cordillera, sits a humble titan that is the province of Isabela. As the second largest province of the Philippines with a land area of 1,066,456 hectares, Isabela is widely known as the “Rice Bowl of the North” and the Corn Capital of the Philippine s.” Founded in May 1, 1856, the province was named after Queen Isabela II of Spain, thereby also earning the moniker “Queen Pr ovince of the Philippines.” Initially part of La Provincia del Valle de Cagayan, the province was created by royal decree with towns separated f rom Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya. Today, Isabela has 1,018 barangays and 34 municipalities. The province has two component cities, namely, Cauayan City and the provincial capital of Ilagan City . It has one independent city, which is Santiago City. At the beginning of his term, Cauayan was only a third-class municipality. Owing to the efforts of Governor Dy, Cauayan, thereafter, became a city. After his stint as mayor, he became the Representative of the Third District of Isabela from 2001 to 2010. Since then, he has served as governor and is now on his third t erm. A SURGE OF CHALLENGES Isabela’s economy relies largely on agriculture, which is 80% the source of its income. The province supplies rice to Jollibee, Chowking, and SM malls. Metro Manila also obtains 20% of its fo od sources from Isabela. “This is why if Isabela gets sick, Manila might not be able to eat,” Governor Dy says. When the clouds gather and a storm approaches, the primary trade and industry of the provinc e is threatened. Isabela is surrounded by the provinces of Cagayan, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Aurora on its northern, western, and southern fronts. However , the Philippine Sea borders the east of Isabela, facing the west of the Pacific Ocean. Governor Dy recounts that of the 27 total storms in 2017, aroun d 20 passed through Isabela. “That’s how nice we are here in Isabela; we welcome the typhoons with open arms,” he jokes. Click here to read full article for free