< 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.

< Back Israel-Philippines Relations Remain Strong With Improv BY EDWIN ALLAN DIAZ Israeli improvisational theater trio Duda returned to the Philippines for a show dedicated to the late Susan “Toots” V. Ople, who passed away on August 22 at the age of 61. Duda’s Improv Performance on the OFWs in Israel” honored Ople, the former secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), last September 6, 2023 at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Attendees included family and friends of Ople, DMW officials, members of the diplomatic community, government officials, and relatives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel. “You mentioned that you are friends of Filipinos and migrant workers. I really could feel the sincerity of that friendship because you didn’t have to honor my mom this way,” expressed Susanne Laurie Osorio, Ople’s daughter, to Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss during the event. Osorio added Duda’s Improv was a fitting tribute to Ople, who was a comedy and improv fan. IMPROV IN THE PHILIPPINES Duda is a three-piece improvisational theater (improv) group from Israel, composed of Matan Goren, Elad Yishav, and Tal Zolti. Improvisation is best described as unscripted live theater. The plot, characters, and dialogue are all enacted impromptu by the performers. During their performance, Duda invited volunteers from the audience to act alongside them. They would give the act beforehand to the participants, but the scene would be on the spot. The scenes were playful and comedic retellings of the stories of the OFW community in Israel. Duda interacted and listened to their stories before coming to the Philippines. Zolti is an actress and stand-up comedian who hosts the podcast “Talk of Shame.” Goren is a playwright known for the comedic play “Trampoline.” Yishay, who accompanies the two on piano and percussion, is a classical musician who has performed for ensembles in Israel. The following day, Duda performed at the Manila Improv Festival at the Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. One of the biggest improv festivals in Asia, it was the trio’s second time to join, the first one being in 2019. Duda also visited White Cross Orphanage in San Juan City and held an improv workshop at Makati Medical Center on September 8. They were joined by medical practitioners and members of the Philippine Navy (PN). “To their exceptional improvisational talents, they take us on an artistic journey that resonates deeply through the lives and experiences of the OFWs in Israel. A journey filled with laughter, empathy, and profound understanding,” said Ambassador Fluss in his opening message. FOR TOOTS Ople was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., as the first chief of the DMW since it was created in 2023, to protect the rights and promote the welfare of OFWs. She also founded the Blas F. Ople Policy and Training Center. It is a non-governmental organization that offers OFWs assistance, livelihood training, and prevents exploitation and human trafficking. The Ople Center was named after Ople’s father, former Senate President and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Blas F. Ople. Fluss said he was honored to have witnessed her unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership to the OFWs firsthand, always championing their rights.“Secretary Ople’s life was dedicated to advocating for OFWs. In my close collaboration with her, I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership. Her unique blend of pragmatism and empathy made her a formidable advocate for OFWs.” Around 27,000 to 30,000 OFWs in Israel work as caregivers and in the hotel and service industries. The Israel Embassy in Manila is working closely with the Philippines and DMW to ensure OFWs’ rights are respected and protected. This is especially crucial today, as the DFA has issued a mandatory evacuation of Filipinos from Gaza due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. All OFWs have annual leave with pay, medical insurance, a pension fund, and social rights as dictated by Israel’s labor law, according to its embassy. “We collectively honor the OFWs, we honor the former Secretary Susan Ople, and all those tirelessly working for the welfare and the good of OFWs, recognizing their invaluable contribution to society and the economy,” Fluss said. SHARED HISTORY The Philippines is one of Israel’s closest allies. In 1937, President Manuel L. Quezon’s “Open Door Policy” saved 1,300 Jews from the Holocaust. Through Proclamation No. 173, Quezon allowed Jews to seek refuge in the archipelago, regardless of their social status. In 1947, the Philippines cast a vote in support of the establishment of the State of Israel via United Nations Resolution No. 181. It divided Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, with Jerusalem being established as an independent entity. Israel and the Philippines opened their embassies in Metro Manila and Tel Aviv, respectively, in 1962, four years after signing the Treaty of Friendship. Article I of the bilateral agreement states, “There shall be perpetual peace and firm and lasting friendship between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel and between their peoples.” Other bilateral agreements include “Cooperation on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy,” “Abolition of Transit and Visitor’s Visa,” and “Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation.” Fluss acknowledged the warm and friendly relations of both countries that span decades of cultural collaboration and colorful heritage. “Cultural collaboration has played a pivotal role in reinforcing this bond. Through a rich tapestry of cultural exchanges, we have deepened our understanding of each other’s heritage and fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie.” The ambassador added, “Culture is the bridge that connects our hearts and minds.”

< Back " THREE AT THE TOP: PARTYLIST ELECTION TOPNOTCHERS PROVE TO BE AN INTERESTING MIX " BY GODFREY T. DANCEL THE RESULTS OF THE PARTYLIST ELECTIONS ARE NOTHING SHORT OF INTERESTING, WHAT WITH A VARIED MIX OF TOPNOTCHERS. THE CONTRASTING FATES OF A NUMBER OF NEWCOMERS AND FORMER WINNERS WHICH MISSED THE CUT MAKES FOR AN EVEN MORE ENGAGING SCENE FOR THOSE INTENTLY FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS AT THE BIGGER CHAMBER. The 2025 partylist race’s top three is an interesting mix of partylist groups that represent different sectors in today’s political scene: a progressive political party, a “youth group” established to support a president, and a regional partylist group identified with a top leader of Congress. Akbayan Partylist, Duterte Youth Partylist, and Tingog Partylist accounted for almost seven million votes out of the 41,950,292 votes cast for the partylist elections. Each earned the maximum three seats in the 20th Congress. They will be joined by 51 other winning partylist groups. The 2025 elections saw the highest number of votes cast for the partylist elections in over a decade, with 73.14 percent of the total 57,353,968 voters who participated in the general elections casting their votes for their partylist groups of choice. What are the stories behind the top three partylist groups, what are their plans, and who will lead their efforts in the next Congress? AKBAYAN: TWIST OF FATE Akbayan Citizen’s Action Party emerged as the surprise topnotcher in this year’s partylist race. Preelection surveys placed Akbayan either outside or just within the winning circle. In the end, it earned 2.779 million votes, the highest vote count for any partylist group since the partylist system came into being in 1997. This year’s result for Akbayan is in complete contrast to its fate in the 2022 polls, when it finished just outside the 56-member winning circle, placing 57th. Its first nominee LGBTQAI+ rights advocate and former National Youth Commission Commissioner Percival V. Cendaña was able to take his rightful seat only in September 2024 after the registration of one of the declared winners was cancelled due to violations of the Party-list Act. Wasting no time, Cendaña f iled a number of bills on various issues, including the drug problem, contractualization of labor, gender-based harassment, people’s participation in the budget process, and relocation of homeless citizens. He also endorsed one of the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. Akbayan is a pioneer partylist organization in Congress, and has a winning record, having made it to Congress in all elections since 1998, except in 2019. Earning three seats, Akbayan will be represented by human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” I. Diokno, Cendaña, and Muslim women’s rights advocate Haima Kiram Ismula. The party has vowed to prioritize measures dealing with contractualization of labor, political dynasties, and assistance to college students. Akbayan will also take a major role in the vice president’s impeachment trial, as Diokno has been added to the House prosecution panel. Diokno’s entry into Akbayan and Cendaña’s performance as congressman were major factors in the party’s strong showing. Diokno was originally set make another run for the Senate but later on accepted the invitation to be part of Akbayan and be its f irst nominee. He brought with him the support of students and youth leaders dubbed as Cheldren. Post-election interviews highlighted the role of students and young voters in convincing older voters to support Diokno and Akbayan. Despite a last ditch effort by another progressive partylist group to discredit Akbayan and Diokno, the partylsit group emerged on top after the votes were canvassed. DUTERTE YOUTH: CONTROVERSIAL PAST, TROUBLED PRESENT Duterte Youth, which stands for Duty to Energize the Republic Through the Enlightenment of the Youth, lived up to preelection survey results that placed it among the top three partylist groups. It received 2.338 million votes, earning three seats in the 20th Congress. Duterte Youth was established in 2016 to support the candidacy and later, the administration of eventual presidential election winner Rodrigo Duterte. It gained one seat each in the 18th and 19th Congresses, where it pushed for, among others, the reinstatement of the death penalty specifically for heinous crimes and reinstatement of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps program for college students. On the day of the proclamation of winning partylist groups in the 2025 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended the proclamation of Duterte Youth on account of pending petitions against it. Among the allegations are claims that Duterte Youth submitted false information about the ages of its nominees. The partylist group questioned the timing of the suspension, noting that similar allegations were made in 2019, yet they were still allowed to assume office and were re-elected in 2022 and again in 2025. The partylist group also denied allegations that it is unregistered, it engaged in vote buying, and promotes violence, and vowed to clear its name. Duterte Youth is no stranger to controversies. It had previously been accused of fielding overaged candidates in the privous elections, including its founder and president Ronald Cardema. As questions regarding overage nominees were being resolved in 2019, the partylist group said it represented not just the youth but also professionals. The Comelec, however, did not accept such claim, noting that it had been made only after the age controversy erupted. A number of youth organizations and progressive partylist groups also expressed negative sentiments against Duterte Youth, saying it is not a legitemate organization representing the youth. Reacting to the bases for the suspension of its proclamation, Cardema claimed that they had responded to all allegations way back in 2019, when Kabataan Partylist filed a disqualification case against it. The revived issues, he said, “are shallow issues bereft of factual basis. We were allowed to occupy our seats after winning in 2019 and 2022, and now that millions of Filipinos voted for us, we are being told on the very day of our supposed proclamation that said proclamation is suspended due to serious allegations filed by Kabataan Partylist in 2019. If such are truly serious, why didn’t [the Comelec] decide on such after our last hearing in 2019? This is definitely a grave abuse of discretion, putting our proclamation on hold even as millions of Filipinos voted us in. Elections are the last proof that democracy is still alive [in our country], but [the government] is toying with who could take their seats in Congress.” The Comelec, however, stood pat on its decision, stating that the suspension will remain in effect until the poll body is able to resolve the issues raised. If and when the isue of their accreditation and proclamation is resolved, Duterte Youth Partylist will be represented by returning Representative Drixie May Cardema, who is known for her pro-death penalty stance; Philippine National Police alumna Berlin Baday Lingwa; and Philippine Military Academy alumnus Ron Godfrey Waggawag Bawalan. TINGOG: REACHING A MILESTONE Tingog Siniringan (Voice of the East), more popularly known as Tingog Partylist, surpassed expectations by landing third in the partylist elections. Its 1.822 million vote total made it the third and final group entitled to three seats in the 20th Congress. “This renewed mandate is deeply humbling,” said Representative Jude Acidre, who is Tingog’s secod nominee. “It tells us that the people still believe in the kind of leadership we offer— one that listens, that serves, and that delivers.” Tingog traces its roots to 2012, when it was established as a provincial political party. It later on grew into a regional political party advocating for the needs of the Eastern Visayas, particularly in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. While the partylist group’s initial commitment was to give the people of Eastern Visayas a voice in Congress, it has grown to be a partylist group carrying a voice not just for their own “but for every Filipino who longs to be heard.” Tingog’s first nominee is young businessman Andrew Julian Romualdez, who is the son of Speaker Martin Romualdez and Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez. Reelected Representative Acidre, known for advocating for economic resilience, development for the Visayas and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, is its second nominee. Former Tingog Regional Chair for the Visayas Happy Calatrava will complete the list of Tingog’s representatives in the 20th Congress. By emerging as a topnotcher in the 2025 elections, Tingog achieved a significant milestone with regard to the number of seats gained. It failed to secure a seat in its initial foray into the partylist system in 2016, but gained one seat in 2019 and two seats in 2022. Tingog is expected to continue pushing for inclusive legislation, accessible public service, and community-based governance in the 20th Congress. After topping the polls, the next challenge for Akbayan, Duterte Youth, and Tingog is to live up to the people's expectations. Auspicious Launches, Missed Flights A number of first-time participants in the partylist elections had auspicious debuts, each earning a spot in the roster of partylist representatives. Solid North Party placed eighth, with 764,433 votes. Its first nominee Ching Bernos will represent the party in Congress. Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) took 14th spot with 546,689 votes. Its seat will be occupied by first nominee Atty. Leila de Lima. Taking the 15th spot is FPJ Panday Bayanihan with 533,953 votes. To serve as its representative is Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzarez. Even as Solid North and ML are first-time partylist election participants, their nominees are no strangers to legislative work. Bernos is the outgoing representative of the 2nd District of Abra, while de Lima is a former senator. Meanwhile, Llamanzares served as her mother Senator Grace Poe’s chief of staff. Meanwhile, a number of notable former winners missed the cut. In the same position as Akbayan was in 2022 is Gabriela Women’s Party, which placed 55th with 256,222 votes. At just a spot outside the winning circle, Gabriela will gain a seat if the disqualification case against Duterte Youth prospers. Gabriela’s f irst nominee is former Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Jane Elago. 1-Pacman, which won two seats in 2016 and 2019, and a seat in 2022, faltered in its 2025 bid. It finished at 62nd spot, getting about 30,000 votes less than PHILRECA, which secured the last of 63 seats available. Bayan Muna, a partylist group which won three seats four times, two seats twice, and one seat once from 2001 to 2019, now faces delisting as it did not land a seat for the second election in a row. First nominee and former Representative Neri Colmenares pointed to redtagging and sustained negative campaigning by certain groups as major factors for the electoral debacle. The party, however, has vowed to keep serving the people in other ways.

< Back THE MANDANAS RULING: SALIENT FEATURES AND UPDATES BY ATTY. PAULA ABERASTURI The Mandanas-Garcia ruling, more popularly referred to as the Mandanas ruling, is considered as a major development related to local governance and devolution. Under the said Supreme Court (SC) ruling, the national government is required to expand the share of local government units (LGUs) in tax collection. Meanwhile, local government units (LGUs) are mandated to take responsibility for the delivery of services devolved to them by the national government. IMPORTANT DATES Following are some important dates related to the Mandanas ruling. April 10, 2019: The Ruling. The SC ruled that the just share of LGUs from the national taxes should be reckoned not only based on the national internal revenue taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), but based on all national taxes. The decision stemmed out of 2013 petitions filed separately by then-Congressman Hermilando I. Mandanas and former Congressman Enrique T. Garcia, with other local elective officials. The petitions questioned the government’s manner of computing the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) shares of LGUs. June 1, 2021: The Executive Order. Then-President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order No. (EO) 138 to support the efficient implementation of the SC ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia case and strengthen the autonomy and empowerment of LGUs. The order mandates the full devolution of basic services from national government agencies (NGAs) to LGUs. March 2023: The Suspension. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. suspended the implementation of EO 138 for one year, as the delineation of functions was not clear. He ordered the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and other concerned agencies to study the EO, and tasked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to come up with the necessary policy recommendations. A new EO is set to be issued before the end of 2023.

< Back A PEEK INTO SAN JUAN’S RICH HISTORY BY YUKI CABRAL SAN JUAN CITY OFFER A GLIMPSE OF OUR HISTORICAL PAST WITHIN THE WALLS OF THE EL DEPOSITO TUNNEL, THE ARTIFACTS OF EL DEPOSITO MUSEUM, AND THE PINAGLABANAN SHRINE. PINAGLABANAN MEMORIAL SHRINE Built in 1973 to commemorate the heroism of the Katipuneros, this 5-hectare shrine is maintained by the San Juan City government as one of its key historical sites. The monument, created by Eduardo Castrillo, pays tribute to the Battle of Pinaglabanan that took place on August 30, 1896. Said battle was a turning point in the Philippine Revolution. Hundreds of Katipuneros, under the leadership of Andres Bonifacio, attacked the Spanish forces in an effort to seize the water reservoir, a crucial infrastructure at the time. Though they were overpowered, the attack symbolized the beginning of a wider revolution that eventually led to Philippine independence. Today, the shrine not only serves as a reminder of the Katipuneros’ sacrifice but also as a community hub offering open spaces for recreational activities like picnics, fitness events, and family gatherings. EL DEPOSITO MUSEUM A few steps from the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine is a two-story building that houses various galleries. Opened to the public as part of a heritage initiative, the museum plays a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the rich history of the Carriedo Waterworks system. This system, which includes the El Deposito underground reservoir, was constructed by the Spanish colonial government in the late 19th century to provide Manila with a clean and stable water supply. The museum’s galleries display artifacts such as old pipes, waterworks tools, historical photographs, and documents. Additionally, the museum features interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality room that allows visitors to “walk through” the reservoir and see how it once functioned. The museum provides an in-depth look at how important water infrastructure was during the colonial period and the role it played in the development of Manila. EL DEPOSITO TUNNEL To the right of the museum, you’ll find a brick-walled structure with staircases leading down to a Spanishera water reservoir. Built between 1880 and 1882, the reservoir served as the central water source for the growing population of Manila. The El Deposito reservoir is an engineering marvel, designed to hold millions of gallons of water, which was distributed via an intricate network of pipes to various parts of the city. At its peak, the reservoir supplied water to 300,000 people. The underground reservoir and tunnel system not only played a crucial role in ensuring Manila’s water supply but also became a strategic location during the Philippine Revolution. Today, visitors to the El Deposito Tunnel are provided with hard hats for safety as they descend into the dimly lit, atmospheric space. The tunnels are illuminated by soft lamps, creating a dramatic and haunting ambiance that transports visitors back to the 19th century. Informational plaques found in the area detail the construction process, the significance of the reservoir in Manila’s urban planning, and its role in the Revolution.

< Back DREAMING BIG BY FRAULEIN OLAVARIO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIGHTY PERALTA JR. Liza Diño steers FDCP anew towards the dream of making the Philippines the next South Korea when it comes to film and TV production. Undersecretary Mary Liza Diño had just finished watching “Business Proposal,” and she couldn’t help but gush over the treatment of the hit South Korean romantic comedy television series. “It’s so cute, isn’t it? And it can be such a Filipino story since it’s about a rich boss and his employee. It’s so typical,” says Diño, referring to the love story about an employee who goes on a blind date in place of her friend, but finds out that her date is the CEO of the company she works at. “But the treatment, it’s so engaging, it’s so new. They made use of things we see in social media apps where different backgrounds appear, right? To show that they’re really current,” she continues. “They’re really responding to their audience and use elements that serve the audience. I hope we could do the same; we can be that innovative and creative.” Asked about her favorite K-Drama, Diño is quick to answer “Start-Up,” the first Korean series she has seen. Being the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), she can relate to the characters struggling to build their start-up company and coming together to achieve their dreams. “Of course, as a CEO, their situation resonated. Oh my God, so it’s like that! You should have 51 percent ownership if you’re CEO, even if the finances didn’t come from you, things like that. I learned a lot, since they really dig deep into the world they create for the characters,” Diño remarks, lauding the characters’ vivid portrayal of conflicts felt by startup workers—from pitching ideas, finding investors, and building connections through networking events. “The devil is in the details. And if we disabuse ourselves of the mentality that mediocre work will do, and post-production will just make up for it, we could do so many things,” she says. There is no doubt that the Hallyu or the “Korean Wave” created a phenomenal growth of Korean culture, encompassing music, games, cuisine, and their cinema. It is this explosive success of the South Korean brand in the global market that she dreams of for the Philippines, as she continues to lead the country’s film agency for another three years with her reappointment. While Diño is cognizant of the decades of consistency and intentional effort it took South Korea to get to where they are now—including the collaboration of their government and private sector in pushing for the global potential of their entertainment and media industry as a catalyst for building their country’s influence worldwide—she sees so much potential in Philippine cinema, particularly in the diversity of content and the wellspring of untapped narratives, genres and executions through regional cinema, animation, and documentaries. “The Philippines is so rich and the people, so diverse. We’ve 7,641 islands. We don’t even know the stories behind most of these islands because the stories we hear almost always have Metro Manila as the setting. So, diversity is already something that we can check off the list,” she says. Moreover, South Korea, Diño adds, has always been an ally, as the Korean Film Council assists the FDCP in policymaking, exchange, and cultural collaborations. Diño had already set her sights on a global Filipino film industry when she was appointed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016. As her new term extends until 2025, she will carry on with her aim of finding audiences beyond the Philippines and enjoining Filipino filmmakers in creating content that can be up to par with international market standard. “The Philippines has been very, very insular. While we gathered a huge audience for Philippine cinema because of our insularity, we failed to tap the huge audience outside the country. So, that is what we at FDCP are working on, to come up with films that are meant not just for international festivals. We will actually have films that will resonate even in the commercial market,” she explains. To fulfil the dream of being Asia’s next success story, Diño proposed the FDCP’s 10-Point Agenda for Philippine film industry, putting a premium on operational excellence in order to provide the most efficient service to their stakeholders. They are now working towards an ISOQMS certification that will streamline and standardize the programs of the divisions in the agency; a permanent building for the FDCP; and more plantilla positions for the organization that employs 130 workers. The agency will sustain programs, such as the FilmPhilippines Incentives, which attracts foreign productions to make the country a go-to filming destination through cash rebates; the UniPhilippines program, which promotes Philippine cinema in the international film market; and the Behind the Scenes Academy, which professionalizes film workers through education and skills training in the technical and creative aspects of the industry. “When I say workforce, I mean not only the directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers. I also mean the technical workers who aren’t given the opportunity to get an education: makeup artists, prosthetics, riggers, grip, and gaffers. We’ve gotten used to romanticizing things, like ‘Oh, I’m self-taught’ but at the end of the day, you need education. You really need a continuing learning strategy so you could better equip yourself, and that’s what we want to provide for our workforce,” Diño stresses. For Diño, this is particularly important as she sees the need to embrace the best practices and “unlearn” old and traditional habits in favor of producing quality films. “We tend to take for granted our post-production, sound, technical,” she says, harping on the need to challenge old norms in search of delivering movies that could be considered as world-class. “In other countries, before the story they look at the technical [aspect]. If you don’t meet the technical standards, they’ll reject your film. We do things the other way around. For us, as long as the story is good, we don’t mind even if all you see on screen are blurry images of the characters.” “So, we want to change that and enjoin our filmmakers to realize that. It has to go hand in hand. Kahit na sobrang ganda ng story mo, kung hindi naging pulido ‘yung paggawa ng pelikula, walang manonood, lalo na sa ibang bansa because right now, ang dami dami nang pelikula. So, ‘yung ganda, hindi lang sa istorya, pero ‘yung kalidad na puwede mong mabigay para maipakita yung pinakamagandang version ng mga pelikula natin (No matter how good your story is, if other aspects were not done well, no one will watch it, especially abroad, considering that there are so many films. So the film must be good not only story-wise but of high-quality overall if we really want to create the best version of our films). And that’s actually what we need to still work on,” she adds. The television, film, and stage actress, who has appeared in several films for both independent and commercial studios in Manila, will also pick up the gains from the last six years in championing workers’ rights to fair wages and safe working conditions. With Diño at the helm, the FDCP and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2020, which formalizes the guidelines governing the working conditions and occupational safety and health of workers in audiovisual production. The landmark agreement, which was crafted even before the untimely death of veteran actor Eddie Garcia—who tripped on a cable wire and hit his head on the pavement during a shoot for a teleserye—ushered in definite working hours, social welfare benefits, the “no contract, no work policy”, and insurance among others. “Without prejudice to my predecessors, they may have had different priorities before, but as an industry worker, I am fully aware of the issues we have to address. And film workers’ welfare has been unaddressed for so long. Even during the time of Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, and all those stalwarts of the industry who have preceded me, that has been a dream, to have sector-specific policies to address the occupational safety and health of the workers,” Diño says. “So, we could say that my achievement [regarding this concern] in the last six years is that we saw concrete developments. There was actually a policy that was finalized between the DOLE and the FDCP as a transitional policy as we aspire for that enabling law, the Eddie Garcia Bill.” While Diño has yet to sit down with the new president, she feels that the film industry could play an integral role in Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s promises of unification and nation rebuilding, especially considering cinema’s power to shape people’s perception. “I hope that we can use cinema as a tool to bring the country back together by celebrating why we should be proud that we are Filipinos because we seem to have forgotten some aspects of our being Filipino,” she says, while pointing out that there is an abundance of other facets that filmmakers could tap aside from social realities the country is facing. For example, films that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Philippines. “While cinema is an important vehicle to highlight social injustices, these stories are only one part of who we are as Filipinos. I hope that in the next six years, doon naman tayo sa mga istoryang magshoshowcase sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng kulturang Pilipino. (We could go that direction where we give our filmmakers who are brave enough to still put in the forefront things that we need to address, but at the same time, let us intentionally make movies that celebrate different aspects of Filipino culture),” she stresses. The film chief also allays fears of possible censorship of works that are critical of the next administration, noting how the first Marcos administration saw a number of films—namely from legendary auteurs Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal—were produced, distributed, and submitted to international film festivals. “Normally when conflict arises in other countries, cinema gets censored first, movie houses get padlocked first. But in the Philippines, even during Martial Law, dito na-produce at naipalabas ang mga pelikulayang nagpakilala sa atin sa buong mundo like ‘Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag,’ ‘Manila by Night,’ and ‘Insiang.’ Moreover, the experimental Cinema of the Philippines, governmentowned corporation of the Republic of the Philippines produced films like ‘Himala’ by Ishmael Bernal and ‘Oro Plata’ Mata by Peque Gallaga,” says Diño, who remains confident that the Philippine film industry will maintain the freedom it enjoyed under her watch the last few years. On September 29, 1972, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed a Letter of Instruction No. 13, s. 1972 pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 which aimed to “safeguard the morality of our society, particularly the youth, against the negative influence of certain motion pictures.” The chairman of Board of Censors for Motion Pictures was directed to ban films which “intend to incite subversion, insurrection or rebellion against the State; intend to undermine the faith and confidence of the people in their government and/or duly constituted authorities; glorify criminals or condone crimes; serve no other purpose; offend any race or religion; tend to abet the traffic in and use of prohibited drugs; and contrary to law.”Although, it is worth noting that some of the acclaimed films made by directors Brocka and Bernal were released after said proclamation. For example, Brocka’s “Insiang” (1976) and “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag” (1975) and Bernal’s “Himala” (1982) and “Manila by Night” (1980), all of which depicted harsh realities in the country. However, former first lady Imelda Marcos ordered “Manila by Night” to change its name to “City After Dark” and banned it for export as the film allegedly “maligns her city.” Same also happened to “Insiang,” whose initial release was halted by the first lady as it did not depict “a beautiful view” of the Philippines. After public protests, however, the ban on the film was lifted. What worries Diño, however, is the preconceived notion that arts and culture—to which cinema belongs—is last among the government’s priorities when it comes to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Whenever you are talking about the country’s recovery, of course you first have to think about food security, education, health, and all. And inevitably, arts and culture get sidelined and experience budget cuts. At times, it is regarded as not relevant enough,” Diño laments. “And I hope that we free ourselves from this perspective, because film, arts, and culture helped keep Filipinos at home during the pandemic.” While the film industry was able to restart productions adhering to specific health protocols as early as May 2020, cinemas were only allowed to reopen albeit at a limited capacity for fully vaccinated moviegoers within and outside Metro Manila in November 2021. Losses were felt industry-wide with 80 percent of the revenue pre-pandemic still coming from movie ticket sales. “Without music, content, TV, that we could watch every day to give us hope, distraction, and entertainment, a lot of us will be really, really suffering right now in terms of mental health. We are not non-essential. I hope that the government sees that value and instead of cutting down on budget when it comes to expenses to help Philippine cinema recover, it would instead be increased,” Diño emphasizes. “Right now, it’s really important to understand how to navigate these new platforms, [face] these disruptions, and see this as part of the ecosystem of the film industry, and at the same time, empower our producers by providing them incentives, funding to jumpstart the industry again to create films.” With the passage of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Bill, which will govern the development and promotion of the creative industries as a legitimate economic sector, Diño hopes that the country will take a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ regarding the film industry as an untapped market both financially and patriotically. “There’s so much potential for this industry to be a big economic contributor for the country, and at the same time, be a tool for ged against leading film industries today, like those in Korea and FFrance, so that we can be the next South Korea,” she ends.