< Back The Audacity of Abby In this no holds barred interview, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay opens up about the hard choices she had to make, the “blessing and curse” that come with her last name, the tough lessons she had to learn about family and politics, and how those experiences drive her view of the future BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO Makati City Mayor Mar-Len Abigail “Abby” Binay could very well be any writer’s dream interviewee. For one, she’s raw and real. She has no pretensions and is unafraid to show her true colors. She says what’s on her mind—revealing her resoluteness, her passion, and her smarts. Unguarded moments show her softer side, as she chitchats with her staff and pokes fun at herself glamming up for a magazine shoot, and then proceeding straight to her duties as a mayor. “Pwede kaya akong mag-house-to-house ng naka-makeup? ‘Nag-prepare po ako para sa inyo. Nagpa-makeup talaga ako’,” she tells the people in the room, as if addressing the people of Makati. “`Yun nga lang, baka bukas `di na nila ako makilala! (But they might not recognize me tomorrow),” she says laughing. She explains to this writer that she has a daily flesh-pressing schedule in the barangays, to endorse the team she’s running with in the forthcoming elections. After serving three terms as congressman and one term as mayor, one can see that Mayor Abby has grown accustomed to being in the public eye. She surmises that years of studying in UP Los Baños, where she finished BS Human Ecology, Major in Human Settlements Planning, and in Ateneo Law School, where she took up Law, served her well. Studying in those two schools exposed her to a wide spectrum of personalities and persuasions. She can be masa or alta, depending on who she’s talking to. Mayor Abby practically grew up in politics. She was 11 years old when her father, Jejomar Binay, started working as a human rights lawyer and was very active during the era of Martial Law. Public service became a normal part of their life when the patriarch won the mayoralty post in Makati and served from 1988 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2010. Her mother, Dr. Elenita Binay, served as city chief from 1998 to 2001. Suffice it to say, politics had been a usual part of the discourse in the Binay household. Mayor Abby is second in a brood of five. Despite the early exposure, Mayor Abby admits that it was only belatedly in life that she decided to enter politics. “I didn’t really see myself in politics,” she tells this writer. “Even my dad didn’t see me in politics. It was only in 2005 when I’ve decided that I wanted to run for public office,” she says. Her first foray into politics was in 2007, when she won as Representative of the 2nd District of Makati ; she served for two more terms after that. The then-lady legislator was planning to retire from politics after her nine-year tenure, but fate had other plans. The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal and perpetual disqualification of her brother, then-Mayor Junjun Binay, in connection with the administrative case he was facing over the allegedly overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. “We had to rethink whether it was a good idea to make him run, because he can get disqualified during the reign,” Mayor Abby recalls. So in 2016, it was agreed that she will run for mayor. And she prevailed over Romulo “Kid” Peña Jr. in the elections. Click here to read full article for free

< Back Finding the Next Champion BY ROSANNE BERNADETTE CHUA PHILIPPINE SPORTS COMMISSION CHAIRMAN RICHARD BACHMANN IS CHARGING AHEAD WITH A BOLD AGENDA TO IMPLEMENT TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGES WITHIN THE NATIONAL SPORTS AGENCY, ALL AIMED AT BETTER SUPPORTING FILIPINO ATHLETES. Dressed in his favorite pair of Jordan Nikes, former basketball star and sports executive Richard “Dickie” Bachmann is poised for one of his most significant challenges yet: leading the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in the quest to discover the nation’s next Olympic champions. For the former Alaska Milkman, this endeavor is about more than just funding; it’s about fostering proactive programs, nurturing grassroots development, and forging stronger collaborations to support our national athletes. “The PSC must evolve beyond being merely a funding agency for national sports associations (NSAs),” Bachmann asserts. “I envision the PSC as an active partner in elevating sports in the country, fully grasping its role as the national sports agency.” Aware of the limited time at his disposal, Bachmann is fervently advocating for institutional reforms within the PSC, committed to turning this vision into reality. A SPORTSMAN IN THE PSC Appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as chairman of the PSC in December 2022, Bachmann officially took his oath of office on January 4, 2023. Given that his appointment is coterminus with the president’s term, the former Green Archer acknowledges that the next four years may not be enough to realize his ambitious vision. “For me, one term is simply not enough,” he admits. “There’s a multitude of issues to address, from upgrading facilities to enhancing our programs and supporting our staff. Completing this work will require significant time and effort.” Bachmann is aware of the urgency of his mission, and is striving to implement changes at a rapid pace. “I’m pushing hard, often to the annoyance of my executive director and staff,” he confesses. “But it’s essential. I need to drive these initiatives forward for the benefit of our athletes.” Part of Bachmann’s game plan was to engage with the agency’s most valuable players—its dedicated employees—upon taking the helm of the PSC. His leadership approach is both collaborative and consultative, as he understands the importance of tapping into the extensive experience of long-serving PSC staff to effectively meet the needs of national athletes and sports stakeholders. After a year of careful observation and dialogue, the chairman began implementing changes. His first priority was to advocate for the Department of Budget and Management to establish more permanent positions within the PSC. Currently, many staff members are employed under contracts of service, while others are appointed by incoming chairs and often depart when their appointing officer’s term ends. Bachmann identifies this instability as a significant barrier to the agency’s ability to institutionalize its programs, activities, and projects effectively. “We have capable staff members on contracts of service, but they’re unable to transition into permanent positions due to a lack of available roles,” Bachmann explains. “My goal is to provide these employees with pathways to secure permanent positions and opportunities for advancement within the PSC.” With this vision in mind, Bachmann’s next step was to establish a solid foundation for long-term programs. He expresses concern over the transient nature of many agency initiatives, which often shift with the changing priorities of each new chairman. “That’s a major reason we struggle to make consistent progress,” he admits. “Each chairman brings their own set of ideas. One might initiate a series of programs, only for the next chairman to come in and completely overhaul such. My hope is to create a cohesive framework during my tenure that my successor can adopt and build upon, rather than starting from scratch.” Another key reform Bachmann has championed is the acceleration of the procurement process. Drawing on his extensive experience in the corporate sector—as former chair of the Philippine Basketball Association’s 3x3 League and a former team governor of the now-defunct Alaska Aces—he finds the cumbersome government procurement procedures particularly frustrating. “We have numerous items related to facilities that urgently need to be procured, yet the process can stretch on for six months for a single item,” he remarks. “In the corporate world, when we make a decision, we act swiftly to procure what we need. This inefficiency simply isn’t acceptable in sports.” AN ATHLETE FOR ATHLETES The son of former Olympian Kurt Bachmann, Dickie— as the chairman is affectionately known—considers himself an athlete first and foremost. Since taking office, he has dedicated even his weekends to traveling across the country, engaging with local executives about their sports programs. The true reward for this demanding routine comes from the athletes themselves. “When I meet an athlete who tells me this is the first time they’ve felt real change at the PSC, it inspires me to work even harder. There’s so much more to achieve for our athletes and all sports,” he shares. For Bachmann, grassroots sports development is the key to discovering the next champions like gymnast Carlos Yulo and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. Last year, the PSC successfully revived the Philippine National Games and the Philippine Youth Games, also known as Batang Pinoy, both of which had been suspended due to the pandemic. These national events have historically produced sports champions, including Olympic gold medalists Diaz and Yulo. However, before these athletes can shine on the world stage, they must be nurtured at the local level. This is where partnerships with local government units and sports organizations become vital. A robust network of local sports advocates, including collaborations between schools and community sports programs, plays a crucial role in identifying and training young talents from the outset. As head of the national sports agency, Bachmann goes around the provinces to engage local government units (LGUs) in local sports development programs. These grassroots programs are the building blocks to discovering and developing global sports champions. “We believe in engaging in local sports development programs. If the PSC is invited to local sports events, we listen and check on those programs in person so we could get a feel of how the PSC can help or support them in their advocacy of using sports as a tool for community building,” Bachmann says. THE POWER OF EXPOSURE AND COLLABORATION As a former assistant coach in the PBA, Bachmann does not shy away from acknowledging Filipinos’ tendency to gravitate toward a handful of popular sports. In his discussions with LGUs, he often finds that many requests are focused solely on building track and field facilities. Bachmann believes it is time to broaden our horizons and critically assess which sports are truly relevant to each community. “Let’s identify which sports thrive in your area and build facilities to support them,” he urges. He also emphasizes the importance of exposing Filipinos to lesser-known sports. Currently, the PSC oversees 80 different sports disciplines, and to cultivate our next generation of champions, it is essential to move beyond the mainstream and introduce children to a diverse range of activities. One initiative aimed at achieving this is the PSC’s Laro’t Saya (Play and Fun) Program, which features a sports exhibit and demonstration events designed to showcase a variety of lesser-known sports. “If we can spark interest through sports exhibits like Laro’t Saya, we can anticipate a significant increase in participation in our major grassroots sports programs,” Bachmann asserts. “Currently, many parents—especially in the provinces—tend to focus primarily on basketball and volleyball. But my advice is to explore the vast array of sports available in the Philippines. We have 80 different sports; by trying out various activities, their children may even find themselves on the national team in the future.” While grassroots initiatives sow the seeds of interest in aspiring athletes, the PSC is now turning to national sports associations (NSAs) to identify individuals with the potential to represent the country at a national level. “It has always been a collaborative effort between the NSAs and the PSC,” Bachmann acknowledges. “They possess a deeper understanding of their respective sports, allowing them to make more informed decisions when selecting athletes. The way to enhance the state of sports in our country lies in trusting and collaborating with institutions and organizations that share a genuine passion for athletics.” FUNDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE The remarkable achievements of Philippine athletes at the Paris Olympics have propelled interest in sports to unprecedented heights, particularly in gymnastics and pole vaulting. Although EJ Obiena narrowly missed out on a podium finish, his outstanding performance ignited a wave of enthusiasm for a sport that many Filipinos were previously unfamiliar with. This surge in interest presents a valuable opportunity to secure funding and support for the development of future athletes. By capitalizing on this newfound excitement, stakeholders can foster a stronger athletic culture and nurture the next generation of sports stars. “Exposure and awareness of the different sports in the country contribute so much to increasing support for our athletes, like how the Olympics did for our Filipino Olympians,” says Bachmann. This, however, doesn’t mean the PSC’s annual budget has increased enough to meet the needs of all 80 sports it covers. In fact, according to Bachmann, they need at least a 100% increase in budget to properly fulfill the agency’s mandates and deliver services. “Let’s put it this way, in 2019, we had 36 sports. Right now, we have 80 sports but our funding has remained the same. So the sports doubled, but the funding is the same. That’s a big discrepancy right there,” laments Bachmann. To supplement their budget, the PSC resorts to lobbying in the Senate and the private sector. But while the support is there, the funding is not always enough. And hard choices have to be made in the meantime. “I would rather focus on sports that we’re good at and pour the funding there. And then maybe minimize the funding on sports that are new and not an Olympic sport, that we are not actually good at yet. I say ‘yet’ because Filipinos actually adjust right away and we can actually compete in such sports in the future,” he says. Bachmann reveals that discussions are already underway in Congress regarding the potential establishment of a Department of Sports, aimed at more effectively addressing the funding and implementation challenges faced by the PSC, among others. However, he acknowledges that this ambitious initiative may not come to fruition during his tenure. But while that remains to be seen, Bachmann is focused on building better facilities for national athletes, including a sevenstory dormitory inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. “In my first few months in the agency, I checked the status of the athletes' facilities and the venues we have. The dormitories were in a poor state, which isn't good for our athletes. They deserve better bedding and living spaces. At the end of the day, the performance and well-being of an athlete always depends on the living conditions of the athlete,” says Bachmann. Aside from dormitories and sports facilities, Bachmann also eyes building regional training centers in the provinces. Most athletes who want to up their game come over to training centers in Manila. But one problem young athletes find hard to surmount is homesickness, with many abandoning their dreams to go back home. By building training centers nearer to these athletes, Bachmann hopes to fuel their passion much longer and develop a sports-loving community. “This isn't just for our athletes already in the national team or the national training pool, but also for the public who have a passion for sports. If we can provide our athletes with a safe and sound living space, a better venue, as well as well-functioning sports facilities for the locals, then we can attain one of our goals in building a better community with the spirit of sports,” he says. BEYOND FUNDING After observing Filipino Olympians compete in Paris, Bachmann seized the opportunity to analyze the other sports in which our athletes did not qualify, reflecting on the significant strides still needed to compete at the highest level. He believes that a crucial area for improvement lies in the development of high-performance training programs for targeted sports, under the guidance of world-class coaches. This strategic focus, he contends, is essential for elevating the caliber of Filipino athletes and enhancing their competitiveness on the global stage. “We have trainers that give our athletes basic training. But when we hire foreign coaches, they question, like, ‘why are we doing this? I don’t need this for squash. I don’t need this for tennis.’ So right now, the instinct is focus training on focus sports,” he says. Bachmann firmly believes that the Philippines is home to a wealth of young athletes with the potential to become the next Yulos and Diazes. Their work ethic and fervent desire to showcase their talents on the world stage are undeniable, creating an atmosphere ripe for nurturing future champions. “Right now, if you look at the athletes, they want to show everyone that they can. It’s just that we lack the support in the Philippines— be it facility, be it training, and training abroad. But once we actually fix all of that, consistently winning medals on the world stage, that will be my ultimate,” Bachmann says. THE HEART OF AN ATHLETE Despite his ambitious goals, it is hard to imagine that the former PBA star initially turned down the PSC chairmanship. He admits it was a challenging decision, as he had no prior government experience. However, after some contemplation, he ultimately accepted the role. “Witnessing the athletes firsthand and recognizing the urgent need for change in Philippine sports motivated my decision to step up,” Bachmann explains. “I didn’t want the PSC to merely function as a funding agency; that felt uninspiring to me. Instead, I aim to engage actively with the programs of the national sport associations, participating in their grassroots initiatives to ensure that their strategies align effectively with their respective sports.” As a former athlete, Bachmann considers it a tremendous honor to collaborate with athletes, NSAs, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and local sports stakeholders across the provinces. “It is both a significant responsibility and a profound privilege to give back to the country through my passion for sports development,” Bachmann shares. “There’s much to anticipate in the future, and I hope everyone continues to support the evolving sports development programs in our nation. To truly enhance our sports landscape and uncover the next generation of Olympians, we need collective support. The PSC, POC, and NSAs cannot achieve this by themselves; success in sports requires collaboration and unity from all parties involved.”

< Back 𝐀𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐳 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩: 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO True to her reputation as a phenomenal athlete, volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez once again demonstrated her gratitude to the community by sharing her time, skills, and efforts with aspiring volleyball players, to express her appreciation for the sport that brought her so much success. The three-day Alyssa Valdez Youth Volleyball Camp (AVYVC) was open to young volleyball players ages 9 to 12. Valdez launched this camp, knowing that this type of activity would considerably help uncover and refine the skills and talents of aspiring athletes who want to be like her in the future. Herself a product of volleyball camps, Valdez recalls that she and her fellow aspiring athletes back in the day had little exposure to volleyball and volleyball camps. “You don’t know where to go, and you don’t have enough experience to become a good volleyball player,” the Filipina sports star explains. She credits her coaches, who gave her one-on-one instruction, for her outstanding performances in her games, which grabbed the hearts of many Filipino volleyball fans. The Pasig City government and Allianz PNB sponsored the activity, which took place at the Rizal High School Gymnasium, Pasig City, from March 24 to 26, 2023. It was Valdez’s way of thanking the coaches who taught her the abilities that wowed many Filipinos in their games. Along with other experienced coaches, Valdez taught over 80 young aspiring volleyball players. “I will show them how to start from scratch because I want them to learn that there are those who believe in what they can do,” Valdez promises. This is not the first time the Creamline Cool Smashers team captain has demonstrated her compassion. She once raised funds for healthcare workers in the Philippines by raffling off her sneakers. In 2019, she and now Japanese B.League player Kiefer Ravena founded the Phenom Elite Training Academy, a training facility for promising young athletes. Their vision was to help prepare athletes for national and international competitions. Regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball, Valdez started carving a name for herself as a member of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigress Cubs volleyball team. She later led the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles to a number of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) titles, in the process earning a string of individual awards. Valdez’s stellar skills made her a certified star at the professional level. She has also represented the Philippines in international competitions, including the 2008 Asian Youth Championship, 2015 Asian U-23 Championship, and this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

< Back Onto the Digital Highway CAVITE’S DIGITAL EVOLUTION Governor Boying Remulla’s goal is to make Cavite the first digital province in the country BY ANNA V. CHATO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO The province of Cavite, led by Governor Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, signs in to the digital age with its priority project of providing fast Internet service for the entire population of Cavite. Its aim: to purchase its own fiber optic backbone for the province and expand the free WiFi available to constituents. Cavite currently has the best LTE (4G mobile communications standard) in the country, according to its governor. With the cooperation of 4G providers Globe and Smart Communications, “Most of Cavite is under LTE already,” he says. Remulla is a forward-looking policymaker not to be left behind by the millennials, already tweeting public service announcements, and sharing his projects in an interactive manner on Facebook. Cavite’s fiber optic plan is set for implementation in July 2018. “Because (the fiber optic project) will be our own backbone and we will have our own bandwidth, we will be capable of supplying Internet as a third player, as an Internet provider in Cavite, as a public enterprise. We are allowed by the local government code, our charter, to run a public enterprise,” Remulla explains. The fiber optic plan is geared at targeting a number of the province’s priorities. It can provide greater productivity, improve access to online jobs, assist in traffic management, and help maintain peace and order. BETTER WORK FOR CAVITEÑOS The local government of Cavite will be providing Internet for the use of schools, free WiFi during break time, and for teachers, though there will be a number of filters to ban certain dangerous or distracting sites. “The main resource of Cavite is people, and the only way to make use of this resource is to make them productive,” says Remulla. A staunch supporter of the “Work from Home” movement, he says, “Most of the thinking jobs do not require you to leave your home [in our experience]. Especially writing jobs. Even in government, you can lessen the number of government personnel doing duty for the day by putting people online to be able to process requests. Give workers/employees two days working from home and three days working in the place, or vice-versa, depending on the needs of every department. For the writing jobs, it’s more important really to maximize the time of the people to be more efficient.” Beyond this, Cavite’s governor points out another advantage of the fiber optic plan: less people on the road. Giving people the capability to work from home will help address the traffic situation, in tandem with ride-sharing and the development of motorcycle lanes with 30kmph speed limit. The benefits of the fiber optic plan do not end there. “It’s meant to assist professionals, like doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects, accountants, writers, entrepreneurs… As long as they are all duly registered, we will put a discounted plan in order for them to have a secondary, alternative option for Internet in the whole province,” says Remulla. “For me, if we are able to attain a level of use by 100,000 households, then we have already achieved our objective,” he adds. IMPROVE PEACE AND ORDER Throughout 2017, the provincial government of Cavite, led by Governor Boying Remulla, has distributed over 200 units of closed circuit television (CCTV) to barangays, subdivisions, schools, markets, and offices in the province to aid the local authorities in monitoring criminal activities and ensure the safety and security of its constituents. In line with this, Cavite, in purchasing its own fiber optic backbone for the province, also aims for greater economy and efficiency in the use of these security measures set in place. Remulla explains, “Because we will be spending on security (CCTV) anyway, if we hire the service, it’s better to own the network as long as you have the bandwidth. And because we will be given a bandwidth by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) we can use it for that.” Trash management is also one of Cavite’s priorities, which digital technology can help address, since the presence of security cameras can also aid in monitoring proper waste disposal, helping them catch violators of the Solid Waste Management Law who create new dumpsites. FROM INDUSTRIAL PARKS TO ROBOTICS Although Cavite is also currently being recognized for its industrial parks, Remulla admits that manufacturing will take a shift towards robotics in the near future. He cites trends around the world where robotics and mechatronics (technology combining electronics and mechanical engineering) have taken over production. “What is left now here will not be here 10 years from now. But the intellectual process never stops and the productivity online never stops,” he projects. Still, he is hopeful for the workforce and their ability to keep up with the rapidly changing times. “We have finally laid the groundwork, and in 10 years’ time, we hope to see and reap the success,” Cavite Governor Boying Remulla declares Click here to read full article for free

< Back STRENGTH IN ALLIANCES BY HELEN HERNANE ROMANIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES H.E. RADUTA MATACHE HIGHLIGHTS THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN OUR TWO NATIONS, STRESSING HOW THIS LONG-STANDING FRIENDSHIP CAN BE LEVERAGED TO LAUNCH BOTH INTO FURTHER PROSPERITY. Surrounded by six nations and the Black Sea, Romania was once behind the Iron Curtain— the metaphorical political line that separated the countries in the Eastern Bloc from the West and non-communist nations. Eventually, following the revolutions of 1988-1989, the Soviet Union collapsed and the Iron Curtain fell, freeing countries like Romania to connect with the rest of the world. “Before we freed ourselves from communism in 1989, the economy was down, people were lacking hope, lacking perspective. But the moment when we decided we wanted to be a democratic country, to be like the other Western European states; when we decided to change course in order to enjoy human rights, the rule of law, to have our dignity back... that was the moment when magically alot of energy was unleashed. It was like every citizen of Romania wanted to be part of the great transformation,” Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Răduța Dana Matache shares. “I would lie if I said that it was easy. It wasn’t easy. But then we aspired to be like the Western European countries, to share in their values which used to be our values before communism. We put all of our efforts into first joining NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), then the European Union (EU), and we had very clear objectives. Once we joined them, we realized that we are part of a circle of friends, of relationships, of organizations that are meant to help each other perform to the best that we can.” Matache explains, “I believe thatthe Romanian Revolution was part of a worldwide movement for a better life. It wasn’t only Romania. It was also the Velvet Revolution in the Czech Republic, the reunification of Germany. Those were very troubled years. There was a yearning from the people for real prosperity, for a different life. We were part of a wave that swept all over the globe. And I believe the world is better for it nowadays.” True enough, globalization took off following those movements, including the end of the Cold War in 1991. Nations allover the world connected with each other.Fortunately, the connection between Romania and the Philippines had been established long before. Romania was the first country in the Eastern Bloc which partnered with the Philippines and established diplomatic relations.For decades, we nurtured exceptionally good political, economic, and cultural relations. In 2022, our two countries celebrated50 years of diplomatic relations. Matache reveals that when relations were established, every Filipino passport holder had to change their passports: “On your passport, before establishing relations with Romania, it was written: ‘Not valid for travel in the USSR and other communist countries’ and we were a communist country at the time.” REVIVING RELATIONS Aside from the celebration of five decades of relations, 2022 also marked the year when regular bilateral talks resumed, after the pandemic. The bilateral dialogue really took off since then. Only in the last six months, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Romanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu held two rounds of very productive talks. The Philippines decided to re-open the Philippine embassy in Bucharest which had been closed since 2012. Matache reveals that Romania hopes the Philippine embassy would open this year, further strengthening the ties between our nations. The ambassador is convinced that we were always bound to get along. “Before coming here [to the Philippines], a friend of mine told me that during her 18 years working on a cruise ship, her very best friends were Filipinos. And it’s not an isolated story; I heard of the same good relationship between Filipinos and Romanians over and over again. I’m thinking of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Romania, over 2,500 of them now, and we hope their number will increase. The [OFWs] are extraordinary ambassadors of your country in Romania. Also,if you visit Romania, there is a beautiful hotel near Dracula’s Castle that has a full Filipino menu— [including] adobo, sinigang, turon and halo-halo . We, at the Embassy of Romania, want very much to be an engine of this reinvigorated relationship. We get along as people and as countries and despite the distance, we need to work together increasingly more in order for us to continue to develop and reach prosperity for our people,” she says. Beyond talks, expanding relations also means developing partnerships in certain areas— trade, education, technology, agriculture, and tourism. Romania has been pushing for university partnerships and educational opportunities.For instance, Matache visited the University of the Philippines (UP) in 2022 to express their interest in forming new academic ties.That same year, UP launched an event to celebrate the extraordinary milestone in diplomatic relations between Romania and the Philippines. High-level officials from both countries’ foreign affairs departments were present at the event which featured cultural performances by the multi-awarded group UP Singing Ambassadors and the Romanian Cultural Society. Matache adds that Romania is doing its part in participating in the EU’s Erasmus+ program. This initiative provides chances for Filipino students to immerse in Europe for one to two years to study and learn about their culture and language. Romania also has its own program of scholarships, opened every year for applications from non-EU citizens, including Filipino students. She added that the embassy is successfully engaging with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to further publicize these opportunities to Filipino students. However, the ambassador stresses that these programs are two-way streets. There is reciprocity in a way for each program. “Offering these opportunities is extremely important for us. Because when you take in a foreign student, it’s not only them who gain a lot. As hosts, we learn a lot about that person’s country and their culture. Also, Filipino students are native speakers of English and they help their colleagues improve their command of English.” THE MOST IMPORTANT, IN MY VIEW, ARE THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT YOU CREATE, THAT YOU LEAVE SOMETHING GOOD BEHIND YOU, THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT YOU MAKE IN THE PLACES WHERE YOU WORK. ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY Aside from education, Romania is also known for being one of the trailblazers in cybersecurity. Bit defender, one of the global leaders in cybersecurity, was founded in Bucharest in 2001 and there are many other effective Romanian companies working in this area. Matache praises the software programs which have helped Romania prevent catastrophic cyberattacks in their country. In recognition of the country’s capabilities in this field, the EU has chosen Bucharest as the location of the Cyber Security Competence Agency. These advancements in technology would not be possible if it weren’t for a political decision made more than two decades ago. In 2001, the government decided that information technology (IT) experts in software were exempt from personal income tax. Matache explains that “It doesn’t deplete the government of a lot of funds, but it helped establish that the government (and any succeeding governments) believes that IT is important. We are good in mathematics and physics, and this is why there’s a genuine love of information technology in Romania. So that’s why the government made this political winning choice. Of course, they were criticized; it’s a democracy. But at the end of the day, I think it paid off.” “Now, I am aware of Romanian companies interested to explore opportunities here. The Philippines needs to master cybersecurity, has an important pool of IT talent and is a big market for cybersecurity training and software. We believe there is room for joint degree educational programs or other types of training on cybersecurity,” Matache reveals. The ambassador also shares that in 2023, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) officials had fruitful discussions with the Romania Space Agency (ROSA). For now, the details are still being finalized and the embassy is eager to share such once plans become more concrete. The PhilSA and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in cooperation with the EU launched the Copernicus Capacity Support Action Program for the Philippines (CopPhil), a space cooperation program with a budget of roughly Php610 million. Copernicus is the European Commission (EC) and European Space Agency’s (ESA) “Earth observation flagship program” which gathers data from over 30 satellites. The information aims to help EU partner countries like the Philippines (and its government officials) better manage “disaster mitigation, climate change adaptation, and food security strategies.” MAKING AN IMPACT Even the ambassador herself was drawn to technology prior to joining the Foreign Ministry as she was an electronic engineer. She explains that it was safe to be an engineer during those times, a career that was far away from the complications of politics and communist party doctrines. Then the revolution happened and as she puts it, “Everybody wanted to contribute.” “It was not clear [to me] how I can contribute as I was working in research for electronic switchboards. Does it help Romania? It probably does, but I wanted to do something immediately. So I took up a master’s degree in International Relations. Some of our professors were distinguished diplomats and that’s how the dream of being like them arose.” Matache professes her love for the profession and admits she’s lucky to have joined the Foreign Ministry and to work with great colleagues. In her over 30 years of experience as a diplomat, she has been posted in Washington D.C., London, and Sweden. Each, she says, holds a particular place in her heart, stressing that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. “I was a junior diplomat when I was in Washington D.C.; my responsibilities were relatively limited. And when you are young, sky is the limit. You also have free time, which does not happen later on in a diplomatic career, so I was fortunate to be able to visit 44 states in the United States—each of them different, special.” London, she shares, was brilliant because of the city’s vibrant atmosphere. It was a political, economic and cultural hub and the think tank community was nothing short of amazing. On the other hand, Sweden was a lot about work because it was there where she was posted as an ambassador for the first time. “I tried to apply [in Sweden] what I learned from previous postings and from my previous ambassadors who were all outstanding diplomats. Here in the Philippines, I feel like I have it all: highly interesting work, in a region of geopolitical significance and in a rapidly developing country, all in a beautiful environment.I am happy to have the chance to work well with the Filipino officials, at both central and local level, to travel and enjoy nature and the warmth of the Filipino people.” With her decades of experience, the ambassador believes every moment and experience shaped her as a diplomat. It is a career, she adds, where in you learn continuously from the people you meet especially since diplomats are thrown in the water when posted in a new country. “It’s like an explosion of new things. We have to adapt very quickly, see and judge the reality, and understand the historical context at the same time. I would be remiss if I say that only one moment stands out because I feel that what I do well nowadays can only be the result of having learned from a lot of people over time. And I still have a lot to learn.” But Matache shares some experiences that were undoubtedly amazing—meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, taking her ambassadorial oath in front of the Romanian president, and presenting her credentials at the Malacañang Palace. “However, I can say that sometimes meeting one person that tells you one sentence, which all of a sudden illuminates everything in your head—that’s equally memorable. The most important, in my view, are the relationships that you nurture, the friendships that you make in the places where you work and, finally, that you leave something good behind.” These experiences keep her moving forward in this career as well as the motivation that diplomats are working for a good objective. Also, a healthy sense of proportions and a sense of humor, Matache jokes, adding that if sometimes things don’t go as planned Romanians have a way of laughing at trouble: “I think we resort very often to jokes when the going gets tough. And I think we are alike with Filipinos in this regard.” She points out that diplomats also have to be ethical with a strong moral compass, to be very adaptable and work under stress. Also, they must be respectful of the country they work in and the people they work with. Lastly, she notes that a diplomat "I would lie if said that it was easy. It wasn't easy. But then we tried to be like the Western European countries, to share in their values which used to be our values before communism." must be aware of the limits of their knowledge and power, while also aiming high, not for their own career, but for their home and host countries. Diplomacy, Matache underscores, is a way of life which implies accepting some sacrifices, while holding your own convictions and loving to work with people. LOVE FOR HOME & HOST Despite everything, the ambassador wouldn’t have it any other way, especially now that she’s posted in the Philippines. She professes her love for the country, every place offering wonders and surprises. “There’s always so much to discover; somehow every place I have visited stole my heart: Iloilo, Cebu, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, Zambales etc. From an artistic point of view, the Dinagyang Festival, in my humble opinion, is one of the best in the world. The magnitude, the choreography and synchronism and the beauty of the performances are absolutely amazing. Recently, I also heard that Iloilo became part of the UNESCO gastronomy cities.” It then came as no surprise when the Romanian Embassy invited Tribu Silak, an award-winning Dinagyang Festival dance group, to perform at Romania’s National Day celebration last November 29, 2023. While the celebration, Matache admits, cannot fully highlight everything that Romania has to offer, it included a Romanian carol and a performance by a pair of Filipina and Romanian sopranos. During the first part of her speech, the ambassador spoke at length in Filipino before transitioning to English, joking that she mostly did not understand the Filipino part of her speech. Still, despite the language barrier, the audience felt the heartwarming and genuine welcome. Throughout the celebration, video presentations highlighted the many beautiful destinations that Romania has to offer. Stunning beaches on the shores of the Black Sea, the Danube Delta, the Carpathian Mountains, UNESCO Heritage Sites, and more natural and cultural wonders. Matache admits that most tourists come to Romania to see its biggest attraction—Dracula’s Castle. "THOSE WERE VERY TROUBLED YEARS. THERE WAS A YEARNING FROM THE PEOPLE FOR REAL PROSPERITY, FOR A DIFFERENT LIFE. WE WERE PART OF A WAVE THAT SWEPT ALL OVER THE GLOBE. AND I BELIEVE THE WORLD IS BETTER FOR IT NOWADAYS." “Nowadays, you can even have dinner at Dracula’s Castle at midnight. The ghosts are not guaranteed, but sometimes they appear,” the ambassador quips. Matache met with Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and they explored different possibilities to promote the Philippines in Romania and vice versa. Recognizing the potential for enhanced cooperation, both officials agreed to work together in taking these opportunities into fruition, adding that bilateral relations is all about improving both nations—a two-way street. The ambassador also expressed her admiration for the country’s resilience. “Filipinos maintain a positive outlook and continue to move forward with a smile. This virtue has enabled them to emerge and prosper, amidst adversity, towards their aspirations.” “I believe that the Philippines is doing everything that should be done. Your GDP [gross domestic product] per capita will take off because you have one of the highest growths in the region and especially since you are rebuilding and consolidating a circle of friends and allies both here in the ASEAN region and far away, like the EU. If your country stays the course, I’m sure the Philippines will be one of the countries that will be spoken about more all over the world. Prosperity doesn’t come all of a sudden, it comes little by little. And from our vantage point, we are convinced that [the Philippines] is on its way there,” Matache ends.

< Back The Mangrove Stewards of Ibajay, Aklan BY TREISHA ROVERO Ibajay Mangrove Forest, also known as Katunggan It Ibajay (KII), situated nearby the famed Boracay, stands as one of the backbones of mangrove ecotourism, providing livelihood to nearby barangays of Bugtong Bato and Naisud.Managed by organizations like the Bugtong Bato Fisherfolk Association (BFA),KII embodies a community-driven approach to sustainable ecotourism and mangrove conservation. BFA members educate fellow residents and visitors on the importance of mangrove forests in preserving coastal ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods. BFA initiatives benefit local residents and instill a sense ofownership and responsibility for mangrove forests. With over 70 active members, the association promotes sustainable practices like responsible fishing, mangrove reforestation, and ecotourism. In a significant step towards mangrove rehabilitation, One Meralco Foundation funded the planting of 50,000 mangroves in KII in 2023, expanding opportunities for local tree farmers and reinforcing the resilience of coastal communities against environmental calamities. As climate change continuously threatens our ecosystem, mangrove stewards of Barangay Bugtong Bato stand as inspiring examples of community-driven conservation efforts in protecting our country’s precious mangrove ecosystems for the next generations to come.

e3d6a14e-3666-4de5-98d6-c8c06b096662 <Back BRGY CAPT. BENHUR CRUZ Barangay Capt. Benhur Cruz is on a quest to bring Poblacion, Makati to new heights, preserve its roots, and unite its people BY HELEN HERNANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL SORIANO In just the span of a few years, Brgy. Poblacion has rapidly grown into a thriving business and cultural hub that caters to tourists and locals alike. With its streets full of restaurants and bars, the once sleepy barangay has transformed into the place to be, especially for foodies and alcohol enthusiasts. And in the center of it all is none other than Brgy. Capt. Benhur L. Cruz. NEW IMAGE Since assuming office in 2010, Cruz has actively sought for a ch ange in Brgy. Poblacion’s image. For him, pre-existing establishments, such as El Chupacabra and Heckle and Jeckle Sports Bar, are huge factors on how Poblacion achieved the “facelift” it needs. But he knew that in order to flip its image completely , he would have to open its doors to everyone. In the barangay’s mission and vision, you could clearly see that one of their objectives is “conducive environment for business to flourish.” As the center of Makati, its prime location has not gone unnoticed by entrepreneurs and so it didn’t take long until its streets were crawling with people in search of great food and drinks. Dozens of establishments have opened up in Poblacion since Cruz became barangay captain. Of course, hand-in-hand with its development, a problem arises for the community and his office to resolve—noise pollution. “Poblacion is like a province within a city. We’re used to the silence,” Cruz says. He notes how drunken customers would often make noise until the wee hours of the morning. “So the once quiet Poblacion is now disturbed,” he adds. Click here to read full article for free

BACK PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST “What’s in it for the poor?” This is a question that proponents of privately initiated projects would expect to hear from 40-year-old Thomas Raymond U. Lising, the hardworking and dedicated punong barangay of San Antonio in Pasig City. Barangay San Antonio is the richest, most progressive, and self-sufficient barangay out of the 30 barangays within the bustling, highly urbanized city east of Manila. While discussing the details of the projects, Kap. Raymond, as he is fondly called, would appear more interested in how these would benefit the poor among his community’s 10,465 households. The first-term barangay chairman may have come from a well-off family, which has business interests in textile and real estate, but his heart beats for the poor. “May puso siya para sa mahihirap (He has a heart for the poor),” says a project advocate who has worked closely with the local chief. This was most evident during the recent Luzon-wide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Without a playbook to follow in dealing with the challenges brought by the pandemic, the mettle of the neophyte barangay official has been put to test,” attests Vita C. Martinez, Pasig City director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Martinez said, “Lising faced these challenges as if he were a veteran,” displaying courage, level-headed determination, resourcefulness, and innovativeness that brought about “responsive services” for his constituents. ASSISTING COMMUNITIES DURING COVID-19 To address the unique challenges of the pandemic, Barangay San Antonio known for its emergency response capabilities during natural calamities activated its own pandemic emergency response, ensuring the sufficiency of its calamity fund. Based on Kap. Lising’s report during the virtual Barangay Assembly held on October 22, 2020, Barangay San Antonio’s relief program gave out 20,000 rice and food packs over several distribution waves. These consisted of 16,000 three-kilo rice packs for residents, 3,000 food and rice packs for senior citizens, and 904 food and rice packs for persons with disabilities. For healthcare essentials, the barangay dispensed 2,000 gallons of alcohol, 3,000 face masks, 1,500 face shields, and 86,400 capsules of Vitamin C. The barangay assisted residents who tested positive for COVID-19 through aid and vitamins and intensified the testing of its frontline employees and citizens. The DILG recognized Kap. Lising’s “remarkable initiatives” to mitigate the threat of COVID-19, which included having barangay rolling stores move around the community thrice a week to bring food and basic commodities to residents during the lockdown. The barangay also partnered with major food service establishments to provide a wide variety of food choices. They also set up a fresh mobile market at the barangay hall. Kap. Lising closed some streets to pedestrian and vehicular traffic to discourage unnecessary movements (these are still closed as of present time), while disinfection continues in both public and private areas. “We are the only barangay to subsidize the disinfection of places, including the free disinfection of offices upon request,” says Kap. Lising. All these are actually on top of the programmed social services that the barangay provides to its constituents under the three principles that the barangay adheres to in delivering good governance. Kap. Lising laid out these three as inclusivity, compassion, and digital innovation. “Gusto naming maiangat ang antas ng paglilingkod sa aming barangay (We would like to raise the level of service of our barangay) through these three key principles,” he says. “Without a playbook to follow in dealing with the challenges brought by the pandemic, the mettle of the neophyte barangay official has been put to test.” Vita C. Martinez, Pasig City director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) “I don’t think our pandemic response would have been as effective if not for the relations we have built over the last two years.” BAYANIHAN, PARTICIPATION, AND PROMOTING ADVOCACIES Unlike most barangays in the city, Brgy. San Antonio cannot be considered a small residential village, according to Kap. Lising. He says the barangay is home to a diverse population, especially with the sprawling presence of a robust commercial business district, the approximately 100-hectare Ortigas Center, within its perimeters. Consider these: The barangay now has 25,000 individual residents who come from different income classes, including those in poor communities, while thousands of employees work during the day for its 11,000 registered businesses. It is not surprising then that the barangay has also become the richest in Pasig over the years. In the same Barangay Assembly, Kap. Lising reported that the barangay has so far collected real property tax income of almost P70 million and clearance fees amounting to a little over P16 million. From its realized income of close to P97 million at the moment, the barangay posts a bank balance of close to P25 million, a large enough sum to sustain its programs for the rest of the year. Reaching out to its constituents though has become one of the biggest challenges of the barangay with its ballooning population. However, with “very effective relation-building” and by promoting accessibility and enhancing connectivity, Kap. Lising believes that the barangay is now able to reach a majority of its constituents. “Nararamdaman na po ang ating barangay dahil sa mga activities o initiatives para mas mapalapit kami sa aming mga constituents. (The barangay’s presence is now being felt by our constituents through activities and initiatives that allow them to become closer to us),” he says. While Kap. Lising has served for only two years as a barangay captain (he was elected in 2018), he had served as their councilor for three consecutive terms. He is, thus, drawing from a decade of experience as a former councilor, who was first elected at the young age of 27. Even during his neophyte years, he was already a leader worth watching as he garnered the highest number of votes in the 2007 elections. Going back to the barangay’s current initiatives, he says, “I don’t think our pandemic response would have been as effective if not for the relations we have built over the last two years.” What makes managing the barangay more challenging these days, however, says Kap. Lising, is that they do not only cover the residential areas, but also the 130 buildings located in Ortigas Center. “After reaching out to the building managers, who have their own associations, I found out that they also need assistance from the barangay,” he says. Kap. Lising is also keen on pursuing relation-building with the barangay’s business communities, leaders, and associations. “It really requires a lot of patience to build relations so we can promote inclusivity also,” he says. The spirit of bayanihan or “tulungtulong o sama-sama (working together),” has eased his burdens. “Dahil buhay na buhay ang bayanihan spirit, dumami ang ating mga collaborations at donors na tumutulong sa ating komunidad, especially during the pandemic (With the burning bayanihan spirit, we have been able to establish more collaborations and donors to help the community, especially during the pandemic),” Kap says. He attributes this to the “good relations with our private entities,” which helped them reach out to their constituents more effectively. “We have received overwhelming support for the barangay through donations and projects, some of which were initiated by our residents themselves,” he says, adding that there is a prevailing “sense of ownership among residents” when they propose their own advocacies and are able to participate. “Because of this, our relationship becomes more harmonious.” Among the projects initiated by residents include urban gardening, mushroom culturing, and last October, the “Basura to Ayuda (Waste to Aid),” a waste management program wherein the barangay gives three kilos of rice for every 500 grams of plastic waste (bottles, containers, sando bags, etc.). The 250 kilos of plastic waste received (which was traded for 700 kilos of rice) would be recycled into trophies and school supplies, among other uses. Kap. Lising plans to continue promoting and encouraging collaborations not just with non-government organizations (Junior Chamber International or JCI, rotary clubs, etc.), but also with the business sector, the academe, and residents who have advocacies. “This will lead to more programs,” he says. COMPASSION FOR THE POOR, DISADVANTAGED SECTORS Beyond its effective pandemic response, the barangay’s stable financial standing has also allowed it to conduct social services and programs that assist the poor, students, the elderly, and other disadvantaged sectors. This is part of the barangay’s efforts to extend malasakit (compassion) for its constituents. In education, the barangays college scholarship program now benefits 87 scholars, which grew from a mere 17 in the previous administration. Each scholar receives a monthly stipend of P1,500. This is on top of the barangay’s shouldering the first P25,000 of their tuition fees per semester. The barangay has also distributed school supplies to all students, from nursery up to college, while it purchased six laptops and set them up in the barangay library for the use of students with no connectivity. “We also give extra attention to our senior citizens,” says Kap. Raymond. This translates to a yearly birthday gift of a small cake, an oatmeal pack, biscuits, and a midyear cash gift of P1,000 (now on its second year) for the barangay’s 770 senior citizens. Last August, the barangay gave each of its 16 centenarians (or those who are already 90 years old and above) a one-time cash gift of P5,000. The barangay also gives out a monthly allowance of P1,000 to 12 indigent senior citizens picked by their senior citizens association. Proudly, this year, the barangay has extended 185 financial assistance, 127 medical assistance, and 85 burial and funeral assistance to its needy constituents. Brgy. San Antonio has also become known for its programs under its “Service with a SMILE” banner, though Kap. Lising admits he does not recall how that phrase, which has become their trademark, came about. “I remember one resident saying kahit na ang dami mong problema, nakangiti ka pa rin, so dun na lang sya nag-spin (I remember one resident saying that even if I have many problems in the barangay, I can still smile, so that is how it spun),” he says. But the SMILE also refers to the various barangay projects and initiatives. These include Security, sining at turismo; Medical Services, mag-anak, kabataan, at kababaihan; Infrastructure; Livelihood; and Education, environment, and emergency response. DIGITAL INNOVATIONS FOR A ‘SMART BARANGAY’ Digitalization is one of the priorities of Brgy. San Antonio as this is part of the Kap’s plans to turn his community into a “smart barangay.” He plans to harness digital tools to further reach out to his constituents and to “make the services of the barangay more efficient and effective.” These include cashless transactions in its business dealings, starting with the cashless disbursement of allowances for its college scholars and later on, for the barangay fees and payments. In January 2020, the barangay launched its database solution software for business establishments. It plans to have a similar solution for its residents so it can have a database powered by Artificial Intelligence. “Now we can monitor the business establishments and keep track of their payment history.” The barangay has also provided free connectivity to the poorest areas within the community, while the barangay hall is already a WiFi hotspot. “If only we did not have a pandemic, more areas could have been hotspots already,” he says. The barangay is also improving its social media platforms, making them “more proactive and enjoyable.” Soon, the barangay will also have its own website. “We are one of the few barangays with a Weekly Kapitan’s Report and COVID-19 updates so the community knows what is happening,” he says. The DILG also commended the barangay for using information technology to maintain peace and order and enforce pandemic restrictions. “The barangay’s 24-hour command center was upgraded with the help of Project Greengrass,” says Martinez. “Under the said initiative, artificial intelligence-powered CCTVs were installed around the barangay to efficiently monitor the movement of people and vehicles, thus enhancing the enforcement of curfew and physical distancing.” This smart CCTV system, with its artificial intelligence and now fiberoptic connection, allows clearer and more efficient visuals. The barangay will also launch its ID system and support cashless transactions on the road through partnerships with Autosweep and Easytrip for RFID stickers. HEALTH AND SAFETY REMAIN PRIMARY CONCERNS Today, Brgy. San Antonio still considers health and safety a priority, strictly observing the protocols during its three-day work week, particularly the department of the barangay that releases business and personal clearances and conducts other transactions. However, the captain’s office, the health center, and the command center are all open Monday to Friday. “I’m usually at my office by 10am every day, but before I go here, I roam around the barangay to check its present situation,” he says. With the barangay elections postponed to December 5, 2022, Kap. Lising’s term, like the other barangay officials, will stretch close to five years. By that time, he would have served Brgy. San Antonio for 15 years and 2 months. “Sa aking paglilingkod, lagi kong tinatanim sa isip ko ang pagiging mapagpakumbaba, mapagpasensya, at maging magandang halimbawa. (In my service, I always bear in mind to remain humble, patient, and to set a good example),” he says. “Kung lagi kong magagawa ito, mas mabibigyang-halaga ang aking leadership. (If I can do these, people will appreciate more my leadership.)” And when it comes to his constituents who fear an uncertain future with COVID-19 still affecting thousands, he says, “Magpakatatag lang tayo (Let us remain firm). This is a time na palakasin din natin ang ating pananampalataya (to strengthen our faith). Eventually makakaraos din tayo (we will get over this). We are very transparent and we are trying to be the most accountable barangay. We aim to show all that we are working and doing our best to deliver service with a smile.”

< Back Leaving a Mark in Bagong Silang Barangay Chairperson Villanueva talks about his brand of leadership and the legacy he wants to leave behind. BY KAREN TERESE ROJAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. At 26 years old, Mark Anthony Villanueva became the youngest barangay chairperson of Brgy. Bagong Silang in Imus, Cavite. Many who are at that age would often get married, start building their own families, and begin a new chapter in their personal lives. For Villanueva, a neophyte public official, this was the time for him to start introducing a young, new brand of leadership and service to his kababayans in Imus. FOLLOWING IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS Villanueva is the son of Edward Villanueva, the first barangay chairperson of Brgy. Bagong Silang established in Imus. The former barangay chairperson was appointed by the late Governor Johnny Remulla, the father of incumbent Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla. “Back in the earlier days, our general area in Cavite still had that notorious reputation as ‘tapunan ng mga pina-salvage (dumping ground for victims of extrajudicial killing),’” Villanueva says. He further says that during his father’s time as barangay chairperson, funds were close to none as their barangay had just been established. “Walang pondo. Abono dito, abono doon (We had no funds. We had to dig into our own pockets),” he adds. “Noong bata kasi ako, every time may session [‘yung] daddy ko, may meeting sila, nandoon lagi ako sa tabi niya nakabuntot ako. Kahit nagse-session sila, doon lang ako sa tabi niya, nakikinig lang ako so medyo maaga akong na-expose (As a young boy, I would tag along with my dad whenever he had meetings. I would also listen in during council sessions, so I was exposed [to the job of a public servant] at a young age),” Villanueva shares. As he grew older, his eyes were opened to the difficult and challenging job that a public official had, and the responsibilities it entails. Villanueva saw how his father had to work tirelessly to help remodel and change their province’s reputation. What he saw from his father was what inspired the kind of leadership he now embodies. “Actually, na-challenge muna ako, hindi inspired kasi nakita ko ‘yung hirap ng father ko noon (I was actually challenged first rather than inspired because I saw the hardships my father had to face),” he says. With his new brand of politics, Villanueva wants to continue what his father had done for their community. “The main challenge for you as a leader is how you can work on what you have and constantly improve from where you are now. Like my father, I also wanted to be part of the progress nitong lugar namin (of our community),” he shares. “Hindi kami Caviteño, pero Caviteño by heart kami,” he opens. “Four years old ako dumating kami dito…dito na talaga ako halos lumaki (We are not Caviteños by blood, but Caviteños by heart. I was four years old when we settled here. I actually grew up here).” CHALLENGES FACED But of course, introducing a new kind of leadership to a community that has been under the reigns of a veteran politician can be tough, especially when you are elected at such a young age. “I’m the youngest barangay captain so ‘yung challenge ko talaga ay hindi ko alam papaano pasusundin sila, how to start, paano ko gagawin ‘tong pinasok ko na ‘to (the challenge for me was how to make the other officials abide by me, how to start, how to go about my duties),” Villanueva shares. He adds that the challenge was more difficult because of his young age. “Growing up here, ‘yung mga kagawad ko [are] way older than me. Mas matatanda sila sa’kin and lumalaki ako, I call them tito, tita, tapos suddenly, ako ‘yung kapitan, I have to lead. Hindi ko alam kung papaano ko sila papasundin kasi bata ako tapos matanda sila (My councilmen are older than me. Growing up, I would call them tito, tita, then suddenly I am the barangay chairperson. I did not know how to deal with the situation because of the age difference),” he says. Villanueva says that there were instances where he would do things himself rather than ask the other officials to do so, as most of them are older than him. For instance, he would be the one to sweep and clean up particular areas during cleanup drives. “Ako ‘yung magwawalis tapos makikita nila, sasabihin nila sa’kin, ‘Kap, bakit hindi mo kami sinabihan para natulungan ka namin?’ Hindi ko alam paano sasabihin sa kanila na hindi ko po kasi alam kung paano kayo ia-approach (When they see me cleaning, they would ask me why I did not ask for help. I had a hard time telling them I didn’t know how to approach them),” he explains. However, according to him, once people see you are an effective leader and public servant, they will listen to you and support you. “Basta makita ka nilang maayos na (If they see you as a good) leader, eventually, they will follow you,” he states. Villanueva wants to continue what his father had done for their community. “The main challenge for you as a leader is how you can work on what you have and constantly improve from where you are now. Like my father, I also wanted to be part of the progress nitong lugar namin (of our community),” he shares. SPORTS ADVOCACY Villanueva is a former basketball player for Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) and San Beda College Alabang (SBCA). He was a student-athlete back in high school in Letran, and continued to play college ball for SBCA. “‘Yung pagtanda ko, more on basketball talaga. Umikot ang mundo ko sa bola (Growing up, my life revolved around basketball). I played basketball since late elementary up to high school, then college,” he shares. He also played in commercial leagues and had a short stint in the Philippine National Basketball Youth Team until he unfortunately got injured. Villanueva now coaches basketball teams as a hobby. This is one of the main reasons why his advocacy in his constituency is promotion of sports. The barangay chairperson holds basketball clinics and other sports events in Bagong Silang to make children see the benefits and engage in sports. Villanueva also prioritizes the rehabilitation of sports facilities such as basketball courts and gyms. “[Katulad nito,] dati itong basketball court na ‘to walang bubong,” he mentions. “Nag-focus ako sa sports, tapos itong infrastructure na iniwan ko, kasi akin na lahat ‘yan, ‘yung mga nakikita mo diyan (This basketball court originally did not have a roof. I focused on [sports] infrastructure).” “Sabi ko sa sarili ko, gusto ko lahat ng gagawin ko, ‘yung gusto ko. Kasi kahit anong swerte ang tumama sa buhay ko, di na ko aalis dito eh. Dito na ‘ko tatanda, so ayoko naman na lumalaki ‘yung mga anak ko na sasabihang, ‘Wala namang nagawa ‘yung ama mo,’ (I resolved to go ahead with the things I want to do. I plan to stay here for keeps, and I don’t want my children to have to explain why I do not have anything to show for all those years I was a public servant),” Villanueva explains. Apart from doing his passion, Villanueva admits that being part of Rotary Club—he was elected as President of Rotary Club Imus East under Governor Joyce Ambray—made a big factor in doing his community service. He also shares that being an athlete ingrained in him the discipline he now possesses and the sense of camaraderie he constantly shows to his fellow public servants and constituents. “Hanggang sa naging kapitan ako, ‘yun [discipline and teamwork] ‘yung naging baon ko (I kept those values intact even as I became barangay chairperson),” he says. GREATEST LEARNINGS The young barangay chairperson admits it was hard to believe that he won the election at age 26. Running against a veteran female leader in their community who had served for 13 years was an uphill battle for Villanueva. On top of that, their family had wanted to stay away from politics, and that their father’s service to the people of Brgy. Bagong Silang was already enough. “My [predecessor] was unchallenged all these years and to be honest, I never expected na mananalo ang isang bagito sa kanya (a neophyte politician [like me] to win),” he opens. “My candidacy simply offered a young, new breed of service and leadership, if they are willing to take a chance on what I can bring to the table.” Villanueva shares that his proclamation is a day he will never forget. He explains that even after his proclamation, his victory did not easily sink in. “Hindi pa din ako makapaniwala (I still could not believe it),” he notes. Later on, Villanueva paid a visit to his ninong, Governor Remulla, who had supported him throughout his entire candidacy. After the visit, he went home with a lesson that has guided him throughout his years as a barangay chairperson. What the governor said resonates in him to this day. “Oh, andiyan ka na. Isa lang ang bilin ko sa’yo, irespeto mo ang oras. Maliit o malaking tao man ang kausap mo, harapin mo sa tamang oras kasi hindi lang oras mo ang mahalaga. Hindi mo din maibabalik ang oras na nawala sa kanila (You’re now a public servant. I have only one piece of advice. Value other people’s time as you value yours. Whatever the person’s status, show up on time. Time wasted cannot be recovered),” he says. LEAVING HIS MARK Villanueva is now on his last term as barangay chairperson, which is why he hopes that his successor continues his programs and projects that he sees are beneficial to their community. “Wala na kasi siya halos gagawin eh. Lahat nakatayo na, lahat bago. Gusto ko na lang mag-focus sa services ngayon… Kung wala na ‘ko, andiyan na ‘yung services, nakalatag na sa kanila, itutuloy na lang nila (They have practically nothing else to do. The infrastructure are there. The plans are there. I just want to focus on services now. After my term, they will just have to continue providing such services),” he confidently shares. Every year, he says, he would have a goal for infrastructure in their barangay. And for his last term, his goal is to rehabilitate their chapel. “Every year tuma-target ako pagdating sa infrastructure. Gusto ko this year, halimbawa itong building na ‘to kailangan magkaroon ng magandang court, magandang park. This year, isa na lang ang target ko, rehabilitation ng chapel kasi medyo may edad na ‘yung chapel namin (Every year, I have a target with regard to infrastructure. For example, I set out to build a quality [basketball] court, a neat park. This year, my one target is to rehabilitate our old chapel),” he says. Aside from the structures he has helped build, Villanueva says the continuation of his programs and projects will form part of his legacy to his constituents—a legacy that his three children will be proud of. “Gusto ko kasi lumaki ‘yung mga anak ko na proud sa ’kin na may iniwan akong legacy, ‘Yung tipong sasabihin ng mga tao na ‘Oh ito, project ng tatay mo, project ng tatay mo ‘yan (I want my children to be proud of me, of my legacy. I want people to tell them, ‘This is your father’s project)’,” he proudly says.

< Back FIGHTING FIRE As the country observes Fire Prevention Month, BFP Chief Puracan shares important figures, updates, and tips. BY GRACE BAUTISTA In 2020, around 14,000 fire incidents were reported which cost billions in property damage and resulted in loss of numerous lives. On top of these are the additional losses incurred while the area undergoes rehabilitation and repair. Fire, needless to say, is serious business. It takes less than a minute for a small flame to grow into a major fire and if your house is made of easily flammable materials, then it can be engulfed in flames in just five minutes. And it only takes an hour or so for a house to completely burn down. Last year, on September 10, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11589 or the BFP Modernization Act into law. This puts into motion a 10-year plan that is expected to revitalize the institution. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Director Louie Puracan expects that this will move the agency beyond its “traditional role of firefighting.” With this development, Puracan shares his insight regarding some of our burning questions: 1. Fire protection is a major concern nationwide and the figures show that we are short on the necessary equipment, stations, manpower, etc. Ideal ratio is 1 firefighter: 2,000 people. Have we achieved this ratio? The BFP is getting there. As of January 31, 2022, the total BFP personnel strength nationwide is 32, 952. We are very positive that we will reach the ideal ratio with the passing of Republic Act 11589. One of the provisions of this act is Human Resource Development. The modernization program shall include the development of a comprehensive training program for all BFP personnel and BFP volunteers, including mandatory training for new entrants and newly appointed personnel of the BFP and BFP volunteers and establishment of training facilities. In this way, the BFP can hire more fire officers and train them to be competent and capable public servants. 2. In 2018, there were a total of 2,749 fire trucks nationwide—2,343 owned by the BFP and 446 owned by LGUs. Ideal ratio is 1 firetruck for every 28,000 persons. Considering the population of the Philippines in 2021, we should have nearly 4,000 fire trucks. As with the lack of manpower, is this a budget issue? What are the hindrances for us to reach the ideal ratio? Budget plays a crucial role. This has been answered with RA 11589. Though it is a 10-year modernization program, our vision of a fire safe nation by 2034 is now a clearer picture. Because in order to have the ideal number of BFP manpower, we need to hire new fire officers to close the gap. The BFP is equipment-based, meaning hiring requires the need to procure new fire trucks, personal protective equipment or PPEs, build new fire stations, and the budget for their salaries. 3. How is BFP reaching out to partner with LGUs to ensure fire safety in all cities and municipalities nationwide? The power lies in the BFP’s authorized representatives in the cities and municipalities, our city/municipal fire marshals (C/ MFMs). They carry a big responsibility in implementing RA 9514 and keeping the city/municipality fire safe. While the LGUs play a big role in the enforcement of such, C/MFMs always coordinate with the BFP in the issuance of Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance (FSEC) to ensure that safety standards are met and in accordance with the Building Code and the Fire Code of the Philippines. 4. The ideal response time is 5 to 7 minutes after a fire incident is reported. What is our average response time nationwide? If the ideal is not met, what are the reasons behind this? The BFP responds within this time period, however, there are factors that may hinder our firefighters to respond within the time frame in some cases. One is that fire incidents are not reported right away. And in some instances, the address of the scene cannot be found or is difficult to find due to streets with same names or barangays overlapping boundaries. In some provinces, where a number of municipalities do not have their own fire station and fire truck, if they seek help from other municipalities which have their own and would take a couple of minutes before our firefighters reach the fire scene. Also, far flung areas in some provinces, are tagged as ‘red areas’ (insurgent infested areas) which make it hard and dangerous for our firefighters to reach. 5. In case of a fire emergency and the firefighters have not yet arrived, what should people do or not do? The residents or the people in that area should call the fire department immediately. It’s the first important thing to do. And while waiting for the firetruck to arrive, people should stay away from the burning building/area to avoid possible injury and accidents. When the fire truck arrives, people should give way to our responders and should not block their way in any other means. In a fire scene, people’s emotions are high and they tend to do whatever they can to save their belongings. Some reports show people snatching the fire hose from our crew in trying to save their own properties. These scenarios sometimes injure our personnel and some are even assaulted. 6. March was designated as Fire Prevention Month since this month accounts for the highest number of fire incidents nationwide. What are our campaigns to help lessen fire incidents nationwide? This year our theme is: “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nagiisa” Our fire safety awareness programs include a kick-off program which involves motorcades, rallies, and concerts. Beyond the festivities, we shall also conduct community fire protection planning. Every fire station shall schedule Community Fire Protection Plan (CFPP) planning activities during Fire Prevention Month. The city/municipal fire station shall determine vulnerable barangays in the area of responsibility (AOR) to undergo the planning process. The said activity shall be done in coordination with the concerned local government unit. There is also a Kaisa Partnership Campaign in coordination with the business sector and OLP On the Road which consists of a periodic roving of their respective communities. Using a public address (PA) system, the public shall be informed on basic fire safety tips. We will also spread infographics and advocacy posters, and conduct a community relations week wherein we shall strengthen our relationship wti the communities through various activities (such as games, open station tours, barangay fire drills, exhibits, firefighting tournaments, etc.). The BFP is also determined to intensify our presence in the media through integrated online and offline campaigns. We are also launching a film and photography festival called “Apoy at Lente.” 7. What are the top causes of fire incidents? Based on the latest fire incident statistics, the following are the data dated February 24, 2022 gathered nationwide: 1. Electrical ignition caused by loose connection or arcing 2. Smoking (lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe) 3. Open flame from cooking (LPG/gas stove, firewood); open flame due to torch or sulo 8. Every year, the total estimated damage to property reaches an average of Php4.65 billion and there are an average of 251 deaths. Are there certain places that are more vulnerable to fire incidents and why? Or why is our country particularly vulnerable to fire incidents? Yes. Since the Philippines has a dense population, some of our fellow Filipinos build their homes using light materials which can easily catch fire. 9. In the USA, there is this new fire extinguisher technology called Elide Fire Ball which self-activates when in contact with fire. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of using these new technologies when it comes to fire extinguishing? New technologies always have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this case, the Elide Fire Ball does not require extensive training to detonate or special technique to be able to activate it once in contact with flames. Anyone may readily use this tool to suppress fire. Once it detonates, it creates a loud noise which alerts people nearby. It explodes within 3 to 5 seconds of contact with fire, making it one of the fastest ways to extinguish flames. However, this device can only be used once to put out flames. Once it makes contact with fire, it cannot be reused in the other parts of the burning area. 10. What are the latest advancements in technology or strategy that the BFP is employing? The BFP continues to procure firetrucks and other equipment. On January 25, 2022, the BFP distributed 65 units of brand new 1000-gallon fire trucks to LGUs nationwide. In addition, 104 fire trucks are in the pipeline for procurement and eventual distribution to other cities and municipalities across the nation. The BFP also has its K9 Unit, the first ever BFP-K9 unit and is one of the support units of the Special Rescue Force (SRF) and is part of the Modernization Program. The said unit is composed of 21 dog handlers with their 21 Search and Rescue Dogs (13 Belgian Malinois and 8 Jack Russel Terriers) which recently graduated from the Search and Rescue Dog Trainer Course held at Kawa-Kawa, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City on February 17, 2022. This new additional endeavor of the BFP is a huge help to speed up rescue and retrieval operations usually conducted after man-made and natural disasters. To cap, Puracan reminds every Filipino that while fire prevention is particularly important during March, it is something that should be observed throughout the rest of the year. “The BFP, as the lead agency of the country for fire suppression, is one with the public in combating destructive fires. The public should not be complacent and rely only on our awareness of fire safety tips but also be vigilant with our surroundings,” he ends.