< Back City on the Rise CITY ON THE RISE With his reforms for security, healthcare, education, and disaster responsiveness, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar “Oca” Moreno bridges the Northern Mindanao region for collective progress BY MARCO NICANO PHOTOGRAPHY BY BON ASERIOS OF ONE HAPPY STORY ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY TOURISM OFFICE OF CAGAYAN DE ORO Cagayan de Oro City is located right at the heart of Northern Mindanao, and is considered by many as the gateway to the second largest island in the Philippines. Known as the “City of Golden Friendship,” it is no wonder that the rising metropolis is a melting pot of religion, ethnicities, and culture in the region. With the city being easily accessible to its neighboring regions, Cagayan de Oro has become a convergence point, which explains it being among the top 10 most populated cities in the country. At the helm of this bustling and vibrant first-class, highly urbanized city is Mayor Oscar Moreno, or more fondly called as “Oca” by his constituents. When asked to describe his city and its people, he proudly declares that Cagayan de Oro is a resilient and friendly city. Its citizens embody generally shared traits of Filipinos, particularly openness and hospitality, even to strangers. With Cagayan de Oro being the face and centerpiece of development in the region, Moreno saw that he can further impact on positive change in that part of the country at the city government level. He knows that what orderly and good governance he can achieve in the city will reverberate and be felt across the region and throughout the whole of Mindanao and even the country. “There are many things that are without boundaries—peace, health, education, disaster. It would be wrong to assume that they have defined territorial basis,” says Moreno as he shares his insight about seeing the broader and bigger picture in serving Cagayan de Oro City. Through this belief, he concludes that bringing Cagayan de Oro to greater heights and harnessing its full potential will also effect greater change in the region. As he notably impacts the city with his reforms for security, healthcare, education, and disaster responsiveness, the region will symbiotically and immediately feel the results as well. THE NOBILITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE Cagayan de Oro since 2013 and now on his second term, Moreno was relatively late in joining the public sector. He enjoyed considerable success in the corporate world, having served as vice president for prominent banking institutions such as Citibank and BPI, as well as being an associate director for the Ayala Group. He laughingly shares that even his wife could not understand why he left the private sector. However, he shifts to a more serious demeanor as he recites from memory a quote by one of the most respected public servants from Cagayan de Oro, the late Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez, “Public service is an apostleship of sacrifice and service. You must use it to give of yourself unsparingly in the service of your people, not to make something of yourself.” Adjacent to his office table is a framed picture hanging on the wall with these same words, perhaps to serve as a constant reminder to the good mayor. He then chronicles how he was fortunate enough to have assisted Senate President Nene Pimentel, another highly respected public servant from Cagayan de Oro, for a couple of years during the early ’90s for a political and legal matter. During that time, he learned a lot from the brilliant legislator and that was when he saw the nobility in public service. On his first stint in public office, he was elected and served two terms as the Representative of the First District of Misamis Oriental, when he was recognized by media organizations as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Congressmen and he also became a recipient of the Ramon V. Mitra Award. He then proceeded to serve three terms as the Governor of Misamis Oriental before his tenure as mayor, where he vastly expanded the road network, unprecedented in the history of the province, and notably improved the hospital system. HEART FOR HEALTHCARE Moreno understands the role that Cagayan de Oro plays in its region when it comes to healthcare. He takes it as a challenge to level up this aspect in his local government as he advocates the improvement of hospitals and access to healthcare of the general public. Raised by a father who chose to be a rural doctor instead of making it big in the city, Moreno grew up assisting patients and witnessed how life was so difficult for poor provincial folk who needed medical care. “I saw patients (coming down) from mountains just to seek medical care and bringing with them eggs and chicken and vegetables because they had no money to pay. My father served his patients with passion,” the mayor recalls. But, as if that was not enough, he shares an even bitter memory of the tragic consequences brought about by lack of proper healthcare. He remembers how he was holding his father in his arms, the older man gasping for breath. “I had to shout and shout, but there was no answer. I realized the chief of hospital was behind me, and she couldn’t do anything but just cry,” he recounts. Because of this traumatic experience, Moreno vowed to advocate reliable healthcare for all. Even as governor of Misamis Oriental, he had pushed for reforms and innovation in its healthcare system. His efforts garnered the province one of the two Galing Pook Awards during his term. When he became mayor of Cagayan de Oro, he upgraded the quality and capacity of the lone city public hospital, the J.R. Borja Memorial City Hospital. After years of neglect, the hospital was in such a dismal state that the Borja family even tried to remove their name so as not to be associated with the hospital anymore. Through proper focus and determined management, Moreno successfully resuscitated the hospital and paved the way for its expansion. Now furnished with new and modern facilities, the hospital is once more earning the confidence of the public. In fact, it will soon gain the stature of a medical center. The city hospital has since then eclipsed its annual revenue of a paltry P19M in 2013, to posting more than P200M in revenues for 2017. Through effective utilization of the PhilHealth proceeds, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the DOH, and other external medical assistance programs, the revenues are able to fuel more improvements and have contributed to the general wellbeing of the city and its neighbors. The mayor further shares that two more city governmentowned hospitals are about to begin construction in Lumbia and Tablon. “The idea is that the health services must be brought closer to the people,” he says, stressing that the underprivileged should gain access to medical services. EDUCATION IS A KEY FOUNDATION Being a proud product of the public school system for his primary education, Moreno points out that the history of Cagayan de Oro mentions how the first public high school in the city was established in 1909. Today, that school is called the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School. But recent history also shows how far the state of its public school infrastructure has deteriorated. When Moreno took over the city, the classrooms were so overcrowded that the schools had to conduct two shifts of classes per day, conditions that were not conducive to learning. Aghast at this sorry circumstance, he initiated rehabilitation efforts and improvements not just through the local government but likewise, with the Department of Education. He is very pleased to report that these efforts have birthed significant results. “We have managed to build more than 400 classrooms all over the city in different barangays,” he shares. These facilities come complete with dedicated comfort rooms and roof decks, enhanced conditions that help the youth develop their potential in school. The city boasts of a number of major universities and colleges, like Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan (recognized as among the top performing universities in the country), Liceo de Cagayan University, Capitol University, University of Science and Technology Southern Philippines, and Lourdes College, among others. LEARNING LESSONS FROM THE DISASTER In 2011, Typhoon Sendong devastated Cagayan de Oro, leaving thousands dead and almost 100,000 people displaced from their homes. Learning from this tragic calamity, Moreno exerted efforts to bolster the city’s capability for disaster management. One of these undertakings was to institutionalize the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD). Allan Porcadilla, the current head of CDRRMD, recalls that previous to Moreno’s term, the department’s functions were accomplished by volunteers from various sections. “Mayor Oca issued a memorandum converging all the volunteers and eventually regularized and hired additional employees and personnel dedicated to the disaster response team. After his first year as mayor, the office has already become a department,” Porcadillaattests. The department has since then developed its own early disaster warning system, as well as flood risk mitigation programs in partnership with academic institutions to ensure that such catastrophes can be better addressed. Porcadilla adds that Mayor Oca empowers them to decide on the properly use of the 5% budget for disaster management earmarked from the Internal Revenue Allotment, enabling them to reinforce their vehicles, equipment, and training in order to respond more effectively to emergencies. The mayor proudly declares that his CDRRMD team is one of the best in the country. Today, the department has a complement of over 200 dedicated and round-theclock manpower, who can be readily dispatched to respond to emergencies, distress calls, vehicular accidents, fire suppression, urban search and rescue, and even possible terrorist attacks. Enhancing the response team’s capabilities is the recently launched computeraided emergency dispatch system. Cagayan de Oro is the second city in the country to have adopted a 911 24-7 response center. The system is patterned after the successful implementation of Davao City’s Central Communications and Emergency Response Center, as the city was fortunate enough to have invited Colonel Mario Monsanto to oversee the CRRMD and learn from the best practices of Davao. SUPPORTING ACTIVE YOUTH INVOLVEMENT It has been said that the youth is the future of the nation. While it is fundamentally true, reality is far from ideal as the youth sector is often disengaged or glaringly disconnected from the local government. However, Atty. Ernesto Neri, the first-ever chairman of the Oro Youth Development Council in 2014 when he was still a law student, shares that “for the youth, we scroll our newsfeeds and stand satisfied that we rant our complaints about government in our statuses and nestle in our concept of activism by simply sharing the link of an advocacy page.” With the goal of having a proactive form of political engagement, Neri’s group, the Kagayanon for Good GovernanceYouth (KGG), which initially banded together as volunteers to conduct voters’ education seminars and youth consultations, strongly lobbied for a more tangible involvement in local governance. Mayor Moreno was not indifferent to their vigor and youthful exuberance and welcomed their participation in helping create a betterCagayan de Oro. He signed Executive Order 072-14 which established the CDO Youth Development Council (OYDC), with the City Social Welfare and Development Office as secretariat. Neri proudly says, “The unique feature of the OYDC is the institution of youth representatives in various local bodies of the city. I sit as youth representative in the local school board, while my colleagues also sit in other city bodies such as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, among others.” Although Neri acknowledges that the OYDC has a long way to go, it is no doubt a step in the right direction in enabling and empowering the next generation to better handle the future of the nation. EVEN KEELED AND INCLUSIVE IN SUCCESS While the seasoned mayor acknowledges his achievements and breakthroughs, and is also proud of them, it is evident in his tone that he is not oneto rest on his laurels. “With more success, comes more challenges and expectations,” he says. Not that he complains, but rather, he looks forward to tackling these new challenges in serving his constituents as best as he could. He remains modest and unassuming, confessing that there is still much to be done until the potential of Cagayan de Oro City is fully realized. He is hopeful, now that he is on his second term as mayor and that he has a more cooperative city council. What is evident in Moreno’s style of leadership is his humility in involving the community, whether private sector or the citizenry, realizing that everyone’s joint efforts will produce greater success. From empowering the youth, to seeking assistance from other government agencies, to collaborating with academic institutions, and emulating the best practices of other local government agencies, he knows how to lead and get everyone involved. His governance style is perceived to be more inclusive and is widely appreciated. When asked about what he believes is the best about Cagayan de Oro, the mayor declares, “Aside from the people who are resilient and friendly, this is one city where you can enjoy the luxuries of a metropolitan area and still be able to savor the beauty of provincial life.” Click here to read full article for free

< Back FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 2023 BY ADELINA TAN Another storied edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup (FBWC) is over, and certainly, the 2023 edition of the quadrennial basketball tournament has left the winners euphoric, and sent the rest back to the drawing board. For one, host Philippines, represented by Gilas, is still reeling from the debacle it suffered right on its own turf after failing to clinch a win in the regular group phase elimination of the tournament’s 19th edition, co-hosted by Japan and Indonesia. Had they won at least once in the preliminaries, the Filipinos would have assured themselves of an automatic berth to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France—something which co-host Japan achieved after pulling off a 98-88 victory over Finland. WORLD CUP HYPE There was so much hype about the FBWC 2023 iteration of Gilas. Its handlers, notably the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), were not without any idea on the time frame under which they would work on preparing the team. As early as August last year, the SBP announced that the Philippines was awarded with the hosting of the FBWC 2023, along with Japan and Indonesia. The federation also said it was shifting to a higher gear, adding that it had received total commitment from basketball stakeholders in the country. The Manila showpiece was held from August 25 to September 10, 2023. In an SBP board meeting led by Chairman Senator Sonny Angara, President Al Panlilio presented the plans for the staging of the event to the different board members from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and other major basketball organizations. “Showcasing the Philippines, this will be the biggest basketball event to be hosted in the country. Since 1978, we have not hosted a tournament of this magnitude,” said Panlilio. Preparation began and the local organizing committee, composed of industry stalwarts and experts, was formed to run the show. A total of 40 games were held in the qualifiers at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena, and 12 games for the final phase at the Philippine Arena. Everything was done in earnest: launching of the official ball, official clock, in August last year. The FBWC 2023 Draw was done in April 2023. Apart from the hosting plans, the SBP president also shared the unified Philippine basketball commitment to put together the best team for the FBWC 2023. Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes presented to the SBP board his so-called roadmap in building the men’s basketball team, identifying the best players from the PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and different international professional leagues with the aim of performing in the World Cup Asian Qualifiers, reclaiming the gold in the Southeast Asian Games, and competing against the world’s best in the FBWC 2023. A 21-man pool for the FIBA World Cup was formed. INSUFFICIENT TEAM PREPARATION Announcement after announcement since August 2022, the preparation of the team itself was forgotten in the interest of other things. The vaunted overall preparation was mistaken for team preparation itself. There’s no doubt, preparation is a must, especially for a team whose players are, by practice in the Philippines, taken from their mother teams in the PBA or in different collegiate leagues. Had the 15 to 20 cagers played together as a team since last year by seeing action in different tournaments here and abroad, we would have seen a fighting Gilas team in the last FIBA. Instead, what the fans saw was a team playing distressingly like a ragtag team assembled in the 11th hour. Oddsmakers’ opinion that Gilas did not have adequate preparations was clearly proven during the group stage eliminations, with the team failing to show some grit and spunk. Basketball, for generations, not just decades, has been the nation’s most popular sport, in fact a national pastime. The truth, however, is that, on the basis of height and reach, we have already long been overtaken, outjumped, and regrettably outclassed by other Asian nations on the hardcourt That being the case, the country’s basketball stakeholders ought to draw a no-nonsense program, in which the national team will have to be formed way ahead of the targeted tournament, sent to as many tournaments overseas as possible to gain exposure and experience of playing together. Other teams did the same strategy as Gilas did, but our team cannot be compared to that of, say France, Spain, and Serbia, since their players are blue-chip ones who could play smoothly and with sound harmony even on a short preparation. Our players need long preparation in order to be competitive. STILL ALIVE All is not lost, however, for Gilas’ Olympic dream. Thanks to a victory they pulled off during the classification round, the Filipinos still have a shot at the Paris Olympics. Behind the yeoman job of Jordan Clarkson, the Philippines defeated long-time regional arch-rival China to advance to the Olympic qualifier. The win somehow soothed the bruised ego of Gilas, which lost all their games in the group phase against Dominican Republic (81-87), Angola (70-80), and Italy (83-90). With the Asian Games coming right after the FBWC, the Filipino cagers, still licking the wounds they sustained in the tournament, knew they had to make a turnaround. AN INDELIBLE MARK Still, the last edition of the World Cup–hosted for the first time by Indonesia, and the second time by the Philippines (1978) and Japan (2006)–left an indelible mark, thanks to an excellent hosting, which Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go described as a “milestone” for Philippine basketball and a testament to the Filipinos’ love for the sport. “The 2023 FIBA World Cup is more than a basketball tournament. It’s a celebration of Filipino resilience, unity, and love for the game,” said Go who frequently watched the games. “The world is watching with us, and we have shown that we can host a global event of this magnitude,” said the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports. The visiting players were thrilled and at the same time amazed by the massive support of fans in most of the games. The tournament set a record for the most-attended World Cup game in history, with 38,115 spectators watching the Dominican Republic vs. Philippines game at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue. The number broke the 32,616 mark set during the 1994 final at the SkyDome in Toronto. Still, the final buzzer to the FIBA World Cup 2023 rang with a much deeper meaning for Filipino fans, who admittedly witnessed the best players from all over the world and immersed in world-class hardcourt action in Manila. Latvia, Georgia, Cape Verde, and South Sudan all made their first World Cup appearances, with Latvia placing in the Top 5. Japan qualified for the Olympics by virtue of being the best-performing Asian team, while the Philippines qualified for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Even well-established teams failed in their bid in the tournament, hence there’s nothing for Gilas to be ashamed of. After all, the Filipinos put up a decent fight every game, except that they could not seem to execute their killer instinct, no thanks to lack of preparation. Defending champion Spain, for instance, lost to Latvia and Canada in the second round and finished only in 19th place. The Spaniards missed the quarterfinals for the first time since 1994. Olympic champions United States (US) also failed to win a medal for the second consecutive tournament. The Filipinos’ love for basketball spilled over on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the three top apps used by fans during the games. One of the main attractions was definitely the US team, notwithstanding the fact that it did not send a star-studded one like it did in previous editions. However, the Americans were the prohibitive pretournament favorites to run away with the Naismith Trophy. In a twist of fate, the US team steered by NBA coaches Steve Kerr, who is the champion tactician of the Golden State Warriors, and his Filipino-American assistant Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, lost their touch in the playoffs after completing a 3-0 sweep of the elimination. USA lost to Germany, 111-113, while Serbia defeated Canada, 95-86, in the cross-over semifinals. Having seemingly lost their heart to play, the Americans’ skid went unabated as they fell anew in ambush to the Canadians in the battle for third place, 127-118. Germany, meanwhile, turned back Serbia, 83-77, to clinch its first World Cup title. The win completed an 8-0 sweep by the Germans from the elimination up to the final. BASKETBALL SHOWPIECE Thirty-two teams qualified in the World Cup, including five from Africa (Angola, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and South Sudan); seven from the Americas (Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, and Venezuela); eight from Asia and Oceania (Australia, China, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, New Zealand, and the Philippines); and 12 from Europe (Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and Spain). The preliminaries were held simultaneously in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while playoffs were all conducted in the Philippines, being the main host. The main opening ceremony took place in the Philippines on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, in between the first two games of Group A (Angola vs. Italy; and Dominican Republic vs. Philippines). Another ceremony took place in one of the two co-hosts. It was held on the same day at a later time at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, before the Group H game between Canada and France. Both ceremonies and another at the Okinawa Arena in Japan featured performances highlighting the cultures of the host countries. The ceremony in Okinawa took place before the start of the Group E game between Germany and co-hosts Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conducted the ceremonial ball toss. Fans trooped to the Philippine Arena to watch the opening ceremony. They also flocked to watch the succeeding games at the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena to root for their favorite players and teams. Gilas Pilipinas may have failed to come up with an impressive showing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but still improved their world ranking from 40th to 38th. The Philippines placed 24th overall, punctuated by a 21-point hammering of China to end a nine-game losing skid in the tournament dating back to 2019.

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. < Back Account Director Apply Now San Francisco, CA, USA Job Type Full Time About the Role This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Requirements This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. About the Company This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Apply Now

< Back Transforming Communities: Filinvest City takes the lead in developing the first sustainable and smart city in the country Long before smart cities were envisioned to be a possibility in the country, one of the Philippines’ leading real estate developers had started laying down the foundation of a smart and sustainable city in the early 1990s, designing a groundbreaking sustainable township in a sprawling 244-hectare prime property in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. This pioneering development is Filinvest City – a vision that was brought to life, thanks to the forward-looking ethos of Filinvest Alabang Inc. (FAI). As the first and only green-certified central business district in the country, Filinvest City is awarded with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold in Neighborhood Development Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as a BERDE-Certification with a 3-star rating under the Philippine Green Building Council, Filinvest City is truly ahead of its time, seamlessly integrating life’s conveniences around nature. Fully integrated and self-contained, the development is divided into districts with a balanced mix of developments such as residences, leisure hubs, top educational institution, and medical and wellness facilities, all within close proximity for easy walkability and safety. “We believe that these features of Filinvest City are the main reasons its land value continues to appreciate over time. The city continues to evolve and modernize to meet the everchanging needs of people,” stated Don Ubaldo, FAI First Vice President for Townships. Yet despite all the developments that have been achieved over the past 30 years, the improvements and innovations are not about to slow down as the township looks forward to the next three decades with even better innovations that will further enhance the quality of life of its people and the environment. They’re already taking significant steps, beginning with the city’s security, connectivity and accessibility. For motorists, the city offers its ecological parking facility, featuring two slots of e-vehicle charging stations for public use. To involve and inspire the community to recycle, the parking area of this charging station features sustainable pavers which use far less equipment in production, Filinvest City has partnered with Green Antz to upcycle residents’ plastics into building materials that would be used for purposeful display at Filinvest City’s Central Park. Further strengthening its commitment to sustainability, Filinvest City has installed the District Cooling System in 2017, the largest cooling facility in the Philippines that enables 16 of the city’s buildings to outsource chilled water needed to cool their interiors at Northgate Cyberzone. Filinvest City has their forthcoming upgrades to the city’s existing sewage treatment plant which will be complemented with a water re-use facility that will produce recycled potable water for the community by 2025. This initiative aims not only to facilitate safe water recycling for landscaping but also to meet cleaner water quality standards. While in the city’s commercial developments like Festival Mall, solar panels have been operating since January 2022, a 2.8 MWp solar rooftop solution at Filinvest Land Inc.’s Festival Mall in Alabang. The intelligent system will supply about 28 percent of the mall’s peak demand and save close to 41,000 tons of CO2, an equivalent to removing approximately 9,000 cars off the roads of Metro Manila. And since security is a key pillar of communities like Filinvest City, for better monitoring, management and recording of city activities, it has installed CCTVs in strategic locations and common areas of the city. On top of these, as part of the city’s rapid move as a smart city is the infrastructure for connectivity to grant public access to free WIFI, allowing them to utilize the city’s service and operating systems for free. This includes the launch of FC App on December 2023. This mobile application will provide users with a wide range of features, including a comprehensive locator for businesses, parking information, transport option and routes. For Filinvest City’s parks, many improvements are also set to happen to provide ease and better wellness for people and nature. Solar powered streetlights will soon cover the walkways of Filinvest City Central Park. Smart benches will also be provided where people can use wireless phone chargers. “Everything we do is intentional - from the infrastructure to the amenities and creative activations around the city. They are all in place to support our move towards becoming the first smart city in the country where people and the environment can benefit from each other,” concluded Ubaldo.

< Back Adapting Technologies in QC District 3 With social distancing norms and lockdowns limiting mobility, Antonio turned to digital technologies to help address health and economic issues in the district. BY FRAULEIN OLAVARIO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. Chuckie Antonio has taken it upon himself to push for technological innovations in fulfilling his duties as Councilor of the 3rd District of Quezon City, particularly in finding solutions to problems brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing norms and lockdowns limiting mobility, the 29-year old public servant turned to the use of digital technologies to help address health and economic issues in the district. For one, he initiated a free teleconsultation program with the Ears, Nose, Throat (ENT) department of The Medical City, making the process of setting appointments with ENT specialists more accessibleand convenient for patients while being safe inside their homes. To equip public school students with the requirements of distance learning in lieu of face-to-face classes, Antonio started a free tablet program. He sought the help of private institutions and donors from his own network to finance new tablets or donate old ones, which he would bring to a gadgets repair shop that he had partnered with. Soon, Antonio will be launching jobbie.com.ph , a free job portal that will benefit not only the job hunters but also businesses and employers. “Once I announce this, it will accept anyone who wants to put job listings, and I have a person who filters those jobs, and then it will also accept people who want to apply for those jobs. So, it’s what we call the dropship model. You bring two sides of the coin together and you’re creating that sort of free portal,” explained Antonio, who personally funded the creation of the online platform. “I’ve talked to the city administrator about this already. I have a plan to integrate it to the QC ID system, so that we can make sure that all the beneficiaries of these jobs are from Quezon City. All you’ll have to do is enter your QC ID into the portal and it will allow you access. So, all of these are replicable [in other districts],” he adds. His penchant for turning to technological solutions comes as no surprise. After earning his political science degree from the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), followed by an entrepreneurial management degree from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), Antonio completed his Masters of Science Management at the Singapore Management University, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “I was first exposed to it in Singapore. It’s a very technologically advanced country, and I wanted to sort of use that as a pattern to how I think of programs and how I do things. I would say that maybe it was only brought about by this pandemic, and because of that background, I was able to pursue it,” Antonio says. Antonio, who’s running for reelection under the local Serbisyo sa Bayan party bannered by incumbent Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, believes in using technology to strengthen the ease of facilitating transactions, whether for health, employment, business or health. Though he has yet to concretize the plan, Antonio would like to install e-services kiosks in every barangay to encourage citizens with limited or no access to mobile devices to embrace digital transformations. “That way, they just walk to the barangay and someone would be there. It would solve the problem of ‘di ako marunong niyan.’ Kasi pagpunta mo doon sa e-services kiosk, may tao doon na magtuturo sa‘yo (‘I don’t know how to use that. Because when you go to the e-services kiosk, there are people there to teach you). You don’t have to go to the city, and you can do it remotely from the barangay. Wala kang cellphone? Okay, dito ka sa kiosk, ‘di ba. ‘Yung mga ganoong bagay (You don’t have a cellphone? Okay, proceed to the kiosk, right? It’s those kinds of solutions). It’s really taking advantage of technology to help make everyone’s life easier,” Antonio says. Even outside his political career, Antonio capitalizes on digital advancements as he runs a technological company that creates mobile applications. He launched a free mobile app called Slip Communities, where online sellers can create their own digital store and accept payments for free, track sales, and withdraw their money instantly with no withdrawal fees. “So, para kang nagkaroon ng sarili mong (It’s like having your own) website within the app, but you’re not paying anything. So, it helps you sell online, better and faster. Because the pandemic forced us to enter the digital world all of a sudden. So, [I’m all for] technology helping small businesses,” he explains. However, before being in the position to implement technological solutions for the betterment of his constituents, Antonio had to take on the manual approach to introducing himself, while at the same time, getting to know the needs of his community. In 2019, then running as an independent candidate for the city council, Antonio would walk the streets of the 37 barangays in Quezon City’s 3rd district, every single day, from Monday to Sunday, for 11 months. “Inikot ko lahat (I visited them all). I didn’t even see my family anymore,” Antonio says, chuckling. “I go around just talking to people, meeting new people, talking to them, their problems, etc. And this whole experience really taught me a lot about the people in my district, who they are, the different qualities of the different barangays, different kagawads, captains and their attitudes, etc. So, it really gave me a pulse of the district,” he recalls. “For me that was very memorable because it sort of defined my direction and my track moving forward. They say that you can’t really lead if you don’t know what the people are thinking, ‘di ba. So, that whole experience really sort of made that holistic for me.” It wasn’t his first foray into politics as he started his political career in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) when he was only 15 years old. At 18, he became Quezon City’s youngest kagawad. He was named #1 Barangay Kagawad, serving three terms before running as city councilor. “When I entered high school, that’s when I started being exposed to a lot of public service work. We used to do a lot of work with Gawad Kalinga (GK). We also used to do a lot of work with our own efforts; I used to run feeding programs with my parents, etc. It was the constant exposure to public service as a young child from my parents, their attitude when it comes to giving back. If you meet them, they really are just the type of people who always want to give back. So, in terms of public service [that experience] molded me. I guess that’s really what started my passion for public service,” Antonio recalls. His exposure to the local government and his parents’ community service served to strengthen Antonio’s desire to keep serving his community. “I guess in my head lagi ko nang naisip (I always thought of it) just because I started so young. I mean, during those times, I was in 4th year high school. ‘Yung mga ibang ka-batch ko wala namang ibang iniisip kundi school lang tsaka labas. Ako, I was thinking of school, labas, tapos ‘yung work ko as barangay councilor. So, I guess, it’s always been in my head na itutuloy ko, ‘di ba (My other batchmates used to just think of school and going out. Meanwhile, I was thinking of school, going out, and also my work as a barangay councilor. So, I guess it’s always been in my head that I’ll continue in public service, right?),” he muses. As a young public servant belonging to the Millennial generation, Antonio is cognizant of the advantages he brings to the table. “We’re ushering in a new generation. There’s been a lot of changes, not just in politics, but also in the way the world works. So, I guess I’m just representing my generation. And then, we bridge the older generation and the greatness of the older generation to the potential of the newer generation. I guess that’s my advantage, to be that representative, to show how we can improve the programs and projects that are already existing. Dagdagan natin ng mga bago na baka mas maka-improve pa (Add modern touches [to the project] to further improve them),” Antonio says. “So, it all boils down to technology and really, as part of this new generation that really grew up with technology, I feel like it’s my job to push that,” he adds. As the country looks to shift to lower COVID-19 alert levels and transition into the new and hopefully better normal, Antonio commits to continue pitching in and finding ways to make recovering from the pandemic easier for everyone.

< Back A Smart Future BY MARIEL ABANES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO ALCU vice president Dr. Ellen Presnedi shares the benefits of the partnership with CHED and their future plans for building smart campuses for LUCs. This free education, what a relief!” Dr. Ellen Presnedi, vice president of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU), comments about Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Better known as the Free Tuition Law in the Philippines, its implementation served as a huge help for underprivileged students not just in major state universities, but also in locally run schools nationwide. The inclusion of local universities and colleges (LUCs) in the picture—a first in the history of the country—is a big step towards bridging the gap in the education sector. “The standard of our public schools now, even with our local universities and colleges, has adapted the standards of SUCs and even private schools… I believe we are more competitive now than before. THE AID As chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Prospero “Popoy” de Vera himself recalls, the ties between the commission and ALCU were severed for decades—until 2017 came and there was a turnover of events. The Free Tuition Law paved the way for LUCs to gain access to grants that weren’t available before. What used to be dependence on local government alone bore into something larger, which further capacitated institutions as well as their students. “Because of that, we are now well-supported,” Dr. Presnedi says. “Now, it’s both. We have the national government’s support, as well as subsidy from the local government.” The better part of the deal? Students don’t need to pay their fees anymore. Before, HETs/LUCs had so many collectibles from their students. The students usually belong to the socio-economic status of Class C (around 10%), Class D (60%), and Class E (30%), the ALCU vice president further explains. “So you can just imagine, they’re really struggling.” At present, the aid carries a total of 1,332,691 beneficiaries around the country, with around 53,000 coming from LUCs. Despite education being given practically for free, this isn’t to say that the quality of education LUCs would offer their students would be lacking. Apart from this benefit, ALCU is also closely working with CHED to provide services for LUCs to enhance and upgrade their programs and facilities. “CHED has a continuing monitoring and evaluation program that they ask us to comply with on a periodic basis. So I believe that’s one way to ensure that we comply with the standards and policies required,” she shares. ALCU also encourages and assists their member schools to apply for accreditation run by the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA). With a total of 111 member institutions, only six among them are not yet recognized. However, they continue to work hard to provide support and service to reach the required status. They currently have the biggest membership in Region V with 18 member schools, followed by Region IV-A (CALABARZON) with 16, Region III, X, and XII with 13, and the National Capital Region (NCR) with 12. Through this initiative, Dr. Presnedi is happy to report that the number of enrollees have significantly increased over the years. Instead of opting for a private university, students are assured of quality education in public institutions. “We are proud to say that the standard of public schools now, even with our local universities and colleges, has adapted the standards of SUCs (state universities and colleges) and even private schools. We can compete now. I believe we are more competitive now than before,” the vice president affirms. Dr. Presnedi calls this aid a true “blessing.” Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the economy, the budget for education is steadily maintained to assist the youth. The timing, she says, is very good.

Government agencies are stepping up, delivering services to towns all over the country. < Back DPWH, DEPED BUILD P20.3-M SCHOOL BUILDING IN AURORA Government agencies are stepping up, delivering services to towns all over the country. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently announced the completion of a two-storey school building in Diniog National High School (DNHS) in Dilasag, Aurora. The project is done under the convergence program of the agency with the Department of Education (DepEd). The school building has eight classrooms with blackboards, wall fans, and chairs. It is also complete with comfort rooms, water tanks, and fire protection equipment to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for teachers and students. According to District Engineer Roderick Andal, constructing the building is a way of addressing the need for more educational facilities, especially in provinces, DPWH, DEPED BUILD P20.3-M SCHOOL BUILDING IN AURORA Photo courtesy of DPWH to reduce overcrowding and to provide students with a more comfortable classroom so they can focus on their studies. Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan committed that the agency, together with DepEd, will continue constructing more classrooms to address the problems in basic learning facilities in the country.

< Back DIPOLOG: A COASTAL GEM If you find yourself in the Zamboanga Peninsula, make sure not to pass up the chance to visit Dipolog City’s historical sites and eco-tourism spots. By Novie Rose Nunez Nestled in the heart of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Dipolog City is a place of wonders, waiting to be discovered. With its captivating natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, this city is a hidden gem that deserves to be explored. OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY CATHEDRAL The Archdiocese of Zamboanga established the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in 1896. From 1896 to 1939, the parish was overseen by the Jesuit Society. In the year 1940, Reverend Father Nicasio Patangan was the first appointed Filipino diocesan cleric. The remarkable wooden ceiling, wooden relief (made of Narra tree) of the four evangelists—Saint Mark, Saint Luke, Saint Matthew, and Saint John; the gigantic walls built with adobe stone blocks, and the three retablos of saints, are all historical and artistic treasures as the main retablo is said to have been designed by Dr. Jose Rizal. Dipolog City tourism staff Edgar G. Largo, Jr. shares that during the exile of the national hero in Dapitan City, Rizal would sometimes visit the city of Dipolog because it was only 15 minutes away. He then designed the altar when he was invited by the parish priest. The Diocese of Dipolog was established on July 31, 1967, by Bishop Felix Zafra D.D. who was also appointed the first bishop that year. The original retablo was replaced by a sheer vertical design with a cross taking a prominent position as a result of Vatican II reforms, and the façade was renovated with a central bell tower during the time of Father Jesus Tuquib as the parish administrator. Meanwhile, the central aisle columns were removed in 1985-1986 under the parish priest, Monsignor Salvador Mora. As part of the parish’s centennial celebration, Monsignor Esteban Gaudicos oversaw the restoration of the main retablo, which was replaced with carved marble. SUNGKILAW FALLS Camping, hiking, trekking, rappelling, canyoneering, swimming, and tyrolean traverse are some of the amazing outdoor sports and adventures available at Sungkilaw Falls. It is a 20-foot-tall waterfall in the middle of a lush forest in Sitio Virginia, Barangay Diwan. Aside from the natural features, there are several developments in the area for the comfort and convenience of would-be visitors. There is a large parking space, mushroom-shaped picnic gardens, showers, and comfort stations in the area. Upon arriving at Sungkilaw Falls, tourists are greeted by the peaceful sound of cascading waterfalls and the cool mist that envelopes the area. The falls are easily accessible, and visitors can take a stroll along the winding paths leading to the falls. The trek to the falls entails around 400 steps weaving through the forest. At the bottom of the falls is a serene pool, where visitors can swim and relax in the cool waters which locals believe have medicinal properties. The pool is surrounded by large rocks, making it an ideal place for tourists and locals to take a break and enjoy the stunning view. The area around the falls is perfect for picnics and family outings, and visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while indulging in some local delicacies. DEMO FARM One of Mayor Evelyn T. Uy’s recent projects, Demo Farm is located in Barangay Olingan. The City Agriculturist Office and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IX implemented this project, which has an integrated approach of diversified farming (rice, corn, vegetables, and fish culture) to intensify agricultural activities in the area and serves as a demonstration trial farm for new agricultural technologies that promotes organic agriculture. “The city agriculturist office and DA Region IX guide the local farmers of what are the latest planting strategies. We are proud to say that last September 28, 2022, we launched the Zamboanga del Norte agri-tourism farm circuit wherein the agri-tourism farm is now included in tour packages around the region. Including the agri-tourism of Dipolog City,” says Largo. The Php2 million property spans 1.5 hectares and houses the latest in agricultural technology. In addition to its research and training functions, Demo Farm also offers two innovative farming techniques which are hydroponics and aquaponics farming. These two have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to produce high yields of crops with minimal water usage and low environmental impact. It was initiated by the Dipolog City government courtesy of Mayor Darel Uy and Engineer Kerr Porlas. According to Yves Uy, the city agriculture officer, “Demo farm involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. This technique has several advantages over traditional farming, such as the ability to produce higher yields with less water, and the reduced need for pesticides which makes it more organic.” He also says, that for every harvest, they gather six to seven kilos of lettuce depending on what kind of lettuce (Batavia Red, Eveline, and Romaine). Batavia Red costs around Php300 per kilo while Eveline lettuce and others cost Php200 per kilo. He adds, “We have sure buyers already, they go here to buy it for themselves. We also partnered with food establishments such as samgyupsal (Korean barbecue restaurants).” On the other side of the Demo farm, you will see aquaponics farming. Uy says, “It combines hydroponics with our fish (tilapia) farming. The tilapia’s waste is converted into nutrients and then circulates the lettuce farming for them to grow. Take note that we should maintain the circulation to 7pH and 900-1,100 ppm, otherwise the lettuce will taste bitter and inedible.” Demo Farm is evidence of the commitment of Dipolog City to promote sustainable farming practices and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. These innovative techniques have the potential to transform agriculture in the region and provide a sustainable source of food for the locals as well. P’GSALABUK CIRCLE P’gsalabuk Circle is a landmark in Dipolog City, located at the intersection of Rizal Avenue and Quezon Avenue. The circle is named after the Subanen word “P’gsalabuk,” which means “meeting place.” This iconic landmark serves as a hub for public transportation and is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to gather and socialize. The sculpture of the P’gsalabuk Circle is both abstract and classical. It is Architect Manny Dacanay’s interpretation of Dipolog City today—a harmonious blend of rich cultural, ethnic, and historical legacy; deep-rooted traditions, values, and customs; and technological progress, modern innovations, and conveniences. The three figures represent the three distinct civilizations that exist in Dipolog City: Lumad (Subanen), Muslim, and Christian settlers. Despite their differences, the people are bonded by a shared vision and optimism. The sculptures are over 4.50 meters tall and composed of resin, a polymer fiber product that is sturdy, light, and less expensive than bronze or brass. The raising of the bowl to the heavens is a symbol of appreciation and offering to the Almighty for the abundant outpouring of favors and blessings. 3,003 STEPS TO LINABO PEAK The 3,003 Steps to Linabo Peak is one of Dipolog City’s best nature ecotourism locations, which is found in Sitio Dinginan, Barangay Lugdungan. The city government built it in the early 1990s as one of the city’s major tourist attractions. At 486 meters above sea level, the spot is Dipolog’s highest peak. It is only six kilometers and 15 minutes from the city center. According to Largo, it was originally built for the community of Dipolog city to have road access to the city and vice versa. They use horses to lift heavy things going upward. Tourists and locals can visit the community on the 2000th step and another 1003 steps to reach the peak. The entrance fee is Php20 for adults and Php10 for kids. The parking fee is around Php5 to Php25. The path is marked with markers symbolizing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Thousands of people flock here during the Lenten season to take part in the Katkat Sakripisyo, a religious reenactment of Jesus Christ’s passion, suffering, and death through the traditional Way of the Cross. Largo adds, “Our arrivals count more or less 20,000 a year plus 20,000 more arrivals every Holy Week.” Reaching the top of Linabo Peak is a rewarding experience. The panoramic views of Dipolog City and the surrounding countryside are breathtaking, and tourists can also take in the sight of the nearby Dipolog Airport. The peak is also home to a small chapel, where visitors can take a moment to rest and reflect. The 3,003 Steps trail is not for the faint of heart, and tourists must be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenge. The trail is steep, and tourists will need to take frequent breaks to catch their breath and rehydrate. However, the feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the peak is worth the effort. COGON ECOTOURISM PARK Cogon Ecotourism Park is a natural wonder located in Dipolog City. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who are looking for an adventure in nature. This is a must-visit for those who want to experience the beauty of the great outdoors and learn about the importance of conserving the environment. The eco park covers an area of 355 hectares and 100 hectares of rattan plantation. Visitors can enjoy the trails that wind through the eco park, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. According to Largo, the local government approved the harvesting of rattan due to its huge leaves and branches with thorns that will kill the other plants and also help the locals to build their livelihood. He shares that recently the Women’s Association made products such as chairs, tables, and bags out of rattan raw materials. Also, to help the locals, the DA in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted training on how to make a product made of rattan. Cogon Ecotourism Park also provides livelihood opportunities for the local community. The eco park employs local guides, vendors, and craftsmen who sell their locally made handicrafts to tourists. This helps the local people showcase their culture and traditions to visitors while boosting the local economy. Sometimes, the Subanen tribe showcases their traditional dance called Buklogan. This dance is an integral part of the tribe’s culture and is performed during festivals, weddings, and other important events. The dance is accompanied by the sound of drums and other percussion instruments. The Buklogan dance has gained recognition beyond the Subanen tribe and it has become a popular attraction for tourists. It also has a Subanen village replica that allows visitors to get a glimpse into the daily lives of the tribe and learn about their customs and beliefs. In addition to that, Cogon Ecotourism Park is also home to a variety of rescued animals such as giant heron birds, monkeys, and snakes. The eco park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including a challenging bike trail. This difficult bike trail is designed for experienced mountain bikers who are seeking an adrenaline rush and a challenging adventure in the midst of nature. Once you are done with the challenges and exhaustion of trails, the eco park has a designated camping area that allows tourists and locals to enjoy. The camping area offers a variety of facilities to ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. There are designated camping sites with fire pits and benches for visitors to use. They also provide clean and well-maintained restrooms. The eco park receives an average of 60 to 100 visitors per day according to Largo. Visitors need only pay the affordable entrance fee, which is Php10 for kids and Php20 for adults. DIPOLOG BOULEVARD The Dipolog City government developed the Foreshore Development Project to protect the shoreline and its surroundings. The project’s construction began in the year 2003. This Foreshore Development project was made possible with the support of the President’s Office through its Department of Finance’s Local Government of Finance and Development (LOGOFIND). The boulevard, which faces the Sulu Sea is 3.5 kilometers long and is ideal for promenades, physical fitness enthusiasts, and recreational activities. It has seating, restrooms, a working stage, and a children’s playground. This boulevard comes alive during the P’gsalabuk Festival, Dahunog sa Dipolog, and Christmas time. The boulevard is also home to several restaurants and food stalls that offer a wide range of local and international cuisine tourists can feast on while enjoying the sea view. There is also local street food, such as grilled corn and fish balls. However, it is not only a scenic destination, but it’s also an excellent example of the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism. One of the most notable features of the boulevard is its no garbage policy, anyone who breaks this policy faces substantial fines. The policy is an essential part of the city’s efforts to protect the environment and promote responsible tourism. So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful respite from city life, a romantic spot to watch the sunset, or an opportunity to experience the local culture, Dipolog Boulevard has something for everyone.

< Back Yes to free Higher Education BY MARIEL ABANES PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO CHED Chairman Popoy de Vera talks about the breakthroughs of the commission to achieve free education for the Filipino youth. A lot of Filipino students, especially those who are part of the poorest of families, rely on scholarships and financial assistance to be able to attend their graduation rites and accept their diploma. Education comes with a price. And with the growing demands of our society, daily survival alone is a big challenge. What more if you have one or a handful of children to send to school? That’s why for years, free education has been an ongoing call to the government. Previously, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) had rolled out several projects to address the situation. However, it only implemented the free education decree to state universities around the Philippines. While the number of beneficiaries from the said educational relief is steady, students enrolled in local universities and colleges (LUCs) remain dependent solely on their local government unit (LGU) or, worse, their own devices. Then came the Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in 2017. Providing free tuition and miscellaneous fees to students of state universities and colleges (SUCs), LUCs, and private institutions, more youth are granted access to quality education without the financial strain. YES TO CHANGE The implementation of the law is a big win especially for LUCs. Without the national government assistance in the past, it’s impossible for students not to shell out fees to be paid. This results in students dropping out due to lack of monetary capabilities. When CHED Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” de Vera entered the scene, he was determined to include everyone—even LUCs—to the list of grantees of the commission. Seeing that their students need help the most, it’s only a logical decision to pursue the cause. “I stood up in public and said ‘yes’ to free higher education. That’s a political promise of the President during the campaign. So I am obligated to fight it out,” he recalls. And the rest, as Chairman Popoy says, is history. After the law was passed, de Vera readily worked on things that needed fixing. Having served as vice president of the University of the Philippines (UP) and having sat on the boards of SUCs before, de Vera’s transition to the work as commissioner wasn’t much of a challenge. He already had a vision. Now, all he needs is to take action. In his first year in the position, the chairman created institutional reforms and resolved recurring policy concerns, which covered the exclusion of LUCs in CHED programs. He then gathered and arranged a meeting with the presidents of these campuses. “For the first time, the local universities and colleges became a part of the higher education family,” Chairman de Vera shares. “We established good relations with them, where before, the relations were really adversarial.” Another thing he promised was building a level-playing field among all institutions, whether state, local, or private. “We now require a certificate of program compliance for all degree programs. They must meet minimum requirements for the faculty who teach the course, the curriculum that is used, the facilities, and more,” he further explains. So no matter where a student chooses to pursue his studies, there’s an assurance of quality. INCREASING GRANTEES “In terms of free higher education, the good news is that the budget has been increasing every year,” the commissioner happily reports. “We are able to get the commitment of the legislature and, of course, the President to not only maintain levels of funding, but increase the allotment as well.” In the beginning of 2017, when the house and the senate realigned the budget to CHED, the number of grantees for just free tuition totaled 800,000, spread across 112 state universities. When the Republic Act 10931 was finally passed, the numbers increased to 1,100,000. “From an initial free tuition, we now put free miscellaneous fees, too. Effectively, that doubled the amount of funds that was needed,” Chairman de Vera explains. In that year alone, the budget allocated for the higher education sector skyrocketed to P16 billion. Apart from this, the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is also being carried out. This extension project of the Free Tuition Law is an additional subsidy given in priority to poor students and students residing in cities and municipalities where there is no public university.

< Back ACING THE MAYORSHIP By Camille Cabal PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO S. PERALTA, JR. He never eyed being a public servant, but Bocaue, Bulacan Mayor Eduardo “JJV” Villanueva, Jr. is surpassing expectations. It is often said that we could never have too much of a good thing. Bocaue, Bulacan residents, however, have chosen to have more of a good thing—good governance, to be precise. With 12 years of experience as local chief executive of Bocaue, Bulacan, Mayor Eduardo “JJV” Villanueva, Jr. is back to continue the projects that his sister, the late Mayor Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva- Tugna had started. Villanueva’s sister was known as Bocaue’s “toss-coin mayor” as her 2016 victory was determined by a coin toss after she tied with her opponent. With her first term being marked by relentless efforts to serve her constituents, she went on to have a landslide victory in her 2019 reelection bid. The lady mayor, however, succumbed to an illness barely a year into her second term. When she died, Villanueva believed that there was no one else better to continue her journey but his brother-inlaw. However, the latter suggested that Villanueva come back and continue the family’s tradition of public service. Villanueva felt it best to answer the call to service. As before, he could not leave the people of Bocaue in someone else’s hands, who does not have the same heart for them as he. After all, he had been the city’s mayor for three terms prior. About two decades ago, Villanueva was practically shuttling to and from the United States (US) where his family was based. When he finished his first term as mayor in 2004, he thought he was done for good and would be able to enjoy the rest of his time with his family in the US. He, however, came back to serve Bocaue once again as mayor from 2007 to 2016. THE MAYOR’S JOURNEY The young Villanueva had only two dreams: to be a lawyer and a basketball player. His college days at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) gave him hope he can achieve both. Unfortunately, he was forced to stop going to school because of an unforeseeable incident. Villanueva, who was not just a student but also a varsity player, was severely affected. Due to his strong desire to continue his basketball career, Villanueva transferred to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). When he got there, the only courses left available were mass communication, engineering, and political science. “Napilitan akong mag-PolSci (political science). Kumbaga, talagang pilit lang; wala talaga, ‘di ako interesado. Para lang makalaro ako ng basketball dahil hindi pwedeng hindi ako enrolled. So ‘yun ang nangyari (I had to settle for PolSci. I really was not interested in it but I took the plunge so I can play basketball. Because I cannot play if I were not enrolled. That’s how things went),” Villanueva shares. In his second year in college, Villanueva wanted to shift to another course but his professors and classmates convinced him not to. His attachment to them, who supported both his studies and career as a varsity player, made him stay. Villanueva built connections not just inside his classroom, but also with the residents around the university. Surprisingly, those informal settlers near the railway in Sta. Mesa were relocated to Bocaue, Bulacan. Villanueva claims that many of those relocated residents from the railway area in Sta. Mesa—who also became his friends back in his college days—contributed a number of votes when he ran for the mayoralty. “Talagang destiny, ‘di ko inakala talaga. Yun ang isang story na lagi kong shine-share sa mga nakakausap ko dahil kumbaga hindi ko naman talaga pinili ‘to, ‘di ko pinangarap pero nangyari (It was really destined although I didn’t expect it. This is a story that I always share with people because I never really planned to be here but it happened),” Villanueva recalls his journey to where he is now. OBEDIENCE-LED SERVICE Villanueva’s political career started when he ran for the position of municipal councilor back in 1998. He looks back to the time when his parents brought up this idea. During that time, he was just spending a vacation here in the Philippines with his family. His parents, who could not say no to then-Governor Josie Dela Cruz, volunteered Villanueva. Villanueva admits he was angry at his parents for deciding for him. But, out of obedience, he followed his parents and ran as a councilor for the first time. As a neophyte candidate, he earned the highest votes among those vying for the position of councilor. After one term, he decided to run for higher office, this time, as mayor. Villanueva reveals that before running for mayor, he had to once again weigh his priorities. As he was so close to reaching his dream of becoming a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player, his father made him choose. When Villanueva told his father he can balance the two, his father said, “Kaya mo talagang pagsabayin ‘yan pero ‘di ka magiging great sa kahit alin dyan dahil hati ang atensiyon mo, so pumili ka (You can really engage in both at the same time, but you will never excel in either because your attention will be divided, so you have to choose),” Villanueva remembers his father’s advice. His father explained to him the impact that he can have for Bocaue and its people should he choose to run. With a heavy heart, Villanueva dropped his basketball training to follow the path of public service. Changing his priorities proved fruitful for Villanueva as he captured the mayoralty in 2001. As he approached the end of his term, Villanueva persuaded his sister Joni to continue what he had started. The obedience-led Villanueva brand of service continued when his sister succeeded him as mayor. After a few years, Villanueva had to go back and continue what he started after his sister died. This, as Villanueva feels partly responsible for the death of his sister. After all, he was the one who had persuaded her to leave her comfort zone. THE ‘JJV’ LEGACY Asked about his proudest moments in public service, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bulacan Chapter president is quick to answer with some of his major accomplishments for Bocaue. First is the reclamation of the public market. Villanueva recounts that when he became the mayor, he worked on putting the ownership of the public market back to the government because he believes this is how it should be. He reveals that the public market was pawned by the former mayor to a private businessman. The agreement was 45 years, but three years into the agreement, Villanueva successfully reclaimed the public market. He admits it was a long process but after obtaining the return of the public market, Villanueva built another public market. He says that the old public market was not readily accessible through public transportation, so the new public market was strategically placed along McArthur Highway. As such, when the people are done buying goods from the market, they could easily take a ride home. Villanueva also credits the building of a new municipal hall to his office. He shares previously being ridiculed for envisioning walking on a paved road near the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), toward a building that would be the center of the municipal government. In time, he was able to prove naysayers wrong. What’s more incredible is that Villanueva was able to get the lot on which the municipal hall was built for free. He reveals that when he was searching for a lot, he met a Japanese business owner who bought multiple lots in Bocaue. “‘Di kami gumastos; hiningi ko. Sabi ko lang sa kanya, ‘tutal dito ka namili ng lupa sa amin, ibig sabihin may puso ka para dito sa bayan na ‘to so para maging mas makabuluhan yung pag-stay mo dito, baka pupwede kako mag-donate ka ng kapirasong lupa na pagtatayuan ko ng munisipyo na kung ganon, maging bahagi ka rin ng kasaysayan namin (We did not spend a cent, as I obtained it for free. I told him, ‘Since you bought numerous lots in Bocaue, that means its people have a place in your heart, so to make your stay more meaningful, why don’t you donate a piece of land where we can build our municipal building? That way, you will become part of the municipality’s history’),” Villanueva recalls. He shares that the Japanese was delighted with what he heard and willingly gave a portion of his land to the municipal government. A major accomplishment of Villanueva is making the municipality achieve first-class status from it being a third-class municipality. He emphasizes that this is important since the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) or the local government unit’s share of the revenues from the national government, also increased. As an effect, more projects and services will be delivered to the people. Also one of the most treasured achievements of Villanueva is being awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). BOCAUE, A CITY-TO-BE In spite of the countless projects that Villanueva has worked hard to bring to Bocaueños, he believes there is more to get done on his part. Right now, the goal of the reelected mayor is to push for the cityhood of Bocaue. “Gusto ko maging city kami. Gusto ko mawala na totally ang mga informal settlers sa ‘min. Gusto ko lahat ng Bocaueño may sariling bahay na matatawag nilang kanila (I want Bocaue to be a city. I want all informal settlers in Bocaue to have a home they can proudly call their own),” Villanueva says. He says that the decision depends on Congress but as a town, they are doing what they can do to push for the cityhood of Bocaue. He shares that the only thing they need to work more on is increasing the income of the municipality. Other than that, Bocaue is more than ready to be a full-fledged city. Road-wise, they already paved a lot while the construction of McArthur Highway going to the airport is already in the works. As to what else he wants to do for Bocaue, Villanueva shares that he wants to add a dialysis center in their newly opened Joni Villanueva General Hospital, a project he and his sister started and was later named after his late sister. He wants dialysis patients to get the necessary services for free, or at a very minimal cost. He also plans to transform rural health centers into super rural health centers and add one more to the two existing in the municipality. He said that health centers should offer more than just simple checkups or medication for fever and ordinary sicknesses. In the field of education, he claims that the scholarship grants stopped when the late and former Mayor Joni died but he wants to bring this assistance back to deserving students from Bocaue. The mayor calls on his constituents for more patience, saying that the progress of a town does not happen overnight but involves careful planning and takes time. He also encourages the people to cooperate and participate in the programs of the local government because it is the best way for the municipality to move forward especially from the impact of the pandemic. Villanueva reassures Bocaueños, “Ang inyong punong bayan ay laging nakaagapay sa inyo, laging handang tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya. ‘Yun ang gusto kong iwan sa inyo at gusto kong sabihin na ginagawa ko ang lahat para maging karapat-dapat akong punong bayan sa inyo (Your mayor is always here to support, ready to help in the best way I can. That’s what I want to leave to you, and I want you to know that I am doing my best to be more deserving of the position as mayor).” Buy magazine here