< Back Elevating Filipino Ingenuity BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO Switzerland, a country renowned for its steadfast commitment to excellence and pioneering innovations, recently honored emerging Filipino inventors at the Swiss Innovation Prize Competition 2023 through its embassy in the Philippines. The awarding ceremony was held at the Makati Diamond Residences last November 24. Students, researchers, business owners, and start-ups from the Philippines with creative ideas or projects that could further societal advancement and economic development joined the competition. Out of the more than 150 submissions received from across the country, the Embassy Screening Committee chose the finalists for the digitalization, prosperity, and innovation categories. The Swiss Innovation Prize Competition 2023 is a platform for the exchange of ideas, introducing young Filipino innovators to cutting-edge solutions from Swiss companies. The competition, according to Switzerland’s Ambassador to the Philippines Nicolas Brühl, is a testament to Switzerland’s belief in the power of fresh ideas for economic growth and societal advancement, which reminded him of the enduring spirit of innovation that Switzerland is renowned for. “The objective of promoting a culture of innovation here is not just the exchange of knowledge, but winning innovations and aspirations from both our nations," he stressed. The participants were challenged to think holistically, ensuring that their innovations stand as testaments to creativity, feasibility, and a commitment to lasting positive change. Their works were evaluated based not only on the ability to solve problems but also to contribute to the overall development of society and the economy. The innovations were also judged to see if they could really be useful and put into action in a reasonable amount of time and money. The participants were encouraged to think of sustainable solutions that would have long-lasting positive effects on the ecosystem as a whole. The winners thanked the Swiss Embassy for the opportunity to take part in the competition because it served as a platform for them to share their ideas and showcase that Filipinos are not only adept at innovations, but are sincerely dedicated to propelling change on a global scale. As young innovators, they feel empowered to contribute to stories that highlight the Philippines as a hub of creative brilliance and a force to be reckoned with in the global innovation landscape. The judges of the competition were representatives from different Swiss companies. They believe that the concepts presented by the young innovators have the potential to redefine industries and contribute significantly to societal progress. Through the Swiss Innovation Prize Competition, Switzerland and the Philippines will continue to amplify and elevate the spirit of Filipino innovation that will spur creativity and originality in addressing societal challenges and propel the nation toward economic growth.

< Back 𝐔𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO Ipa-Tulfo Mo“ has become a part of Philippine pop culture, uttered by people from all walks of life when someone wants to seek justice because they feel oppressed. The phrase came from a popular radio and television program titled “ Raffy Tulfo in Action,“ hosted by veteran broadcaster turned Senator Raffy Tulfo. It is a public service program where people seek help in order for their issues, grievances, and complaints to be resolved on air. Tulfo and his team would call in both parties and third-party personalities or government authorities to settle disputes and conflicts live. It gained popularity because people were served justice in the program—minus the hefty legal fees and slow-moving court proceedings. 𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐅𝐎 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 Admittedly, the show is a source of pride for Quezon City 2nd District Representative Ralph Wendel Tulfo and his sister since it acknowledges their father ‘s work and sacrifices in providing public service to those in need. Tulfo reveals he never dreamed of becoming a congressman, as he was already satisfied in serving the public in his private capacity. After all, he was immensely blessed to be able to impact the lives of the people even before entering politics. However, his mindset changed after witnessing his father, Senator Tulfo, during the latter’s program and his hands-on efforts in serving the people through the ACT-CIS (Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support) Partylist. Through Congress, Tulfo believes that he can carry out his vision of responding to the needs of the people, particularly the poor. More than once, he interacted with people seeking help through his father‘s program. Although the Tulfo program provides assistance to those who come from vulnerable sectors or have less in life, it also serves as a means of exposing the cracks in the processes of our government. “People felt the need to come to Raffy Tulfo in Action to seek help and assistance from the injustices they experience. That is what aches me the most,“ he underscores. He takes satisfaction in having been brought up with the belief that helping others is a privilege rather than a burden; which is why the duties of his office come naturally. “I don’t consider public service to be mentally and emotionally taxing; rather, it is purposeful and revitalizing,“ Tulfo says, adding that he even uses personal funds to pay for some of the programs he runs in his district because he thinks that helping those who are less fortunate in life is more important than anything else. However, Tulfo also notes that he had been providing assistance out of his own pocket since he began earning money, even before he was elected to the House of Representatives. Tulfo envisions a future in which people will no longer rely on “Tulfo Justice,“ and this will be a thing of the past, as the government system for helping and delivering justice will become more effective. As a congressman, the 26-year-old Tulfo believes he can assist in resolving issues and deficiencies within the various government systems: “Having the means to assist them and act on the injustice they have experienced is a privilege; hence, we are blessed to become vessels of giving what is due them.“ Many Filipinos have benefited from Senator Tulfo‘s program, as evidenced by his YouTube channel. Congressman Tulfo asserts that they have contributed to a number of memorable events. But he will never forget the time, during one of his campaign sorties, when a stranger came up to the crowd and announced that the Tulfo family had helped him tremendously. “I was taken aback at the number of the people we have reached,“ the young solon shares. 𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐅𝐎 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐒 Currently, there are four Tulfos in government service, but the congressman remains unaffected by the common negative perception of political families or dynasties. He values people›s freedom of expression, stating that dissent and opposition are part of democracy›s beauty. And he takes no offense at people›s negative perceptions of political dynasties because effective management and leadership are based on performance, not family names. While being a Tulfo may have played a significant role in his victory, his platform of transparency and good governance enabled him to win against a ruling political dynasty, which is a great accomplishment considering it was his first time getting involved in politics.“ It is with immense pride and gratitude that I offer the best years of my life to my constituents in the 2nd District of Quezon City,“ the young representative affirms. According to Tulfo, having three more incumbent legislators in the family is beneficial because it makes actual work more familiar and keeps him grounded because his father, mother, and uncle are his biggest supporters and critics, and they push him to create better policies and programs. His mother, Jocelyn, and his uncle, former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo, are both ACT-CIS Partylist representatives. ACT-CIS topped the partylist race in the 2023 elections, giving them three congressional seats. Ex- DSWD Secretary Tulfo was not one of the three original ACTCIS nominees but later on replaced a nominee who resigned in February 2023. ACT-CIS earned 2.1 million votes, or 5.7 percent of the total votes cast for the partylist polls. The young Tulfo states that his uncle and father have had a significant impact on him and that they were the inspiration for his pursuit of a degree in media and communications. They are both his mentors in performing his duties as a representative with their experiences as long-time public servants. According to him, his mother, who is also vice president of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, champions women through policies and social work. The fact that his mother is a congresswoman also allows them to talk about and coordinate their efforts to support women‘s causes and needs. He states that his position in Congress is also a means for him to honor his mother because it enables him to support her goals and advocacies. He is still uncertain about whether he intends to someday serve in the Senate like his father. In the Senate election of 2023, Senator Tulfo finished third. Congressman Tulfo wants to prioritize serving his constituents for now. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐅𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒 Prior to running for public office, Tulfo cited a number of issues that needed to be addressed. However, he highlights three issues that he believes should be prioritized in the second district. First is the lack of suitable housing for his impoverished constituents; second is the unavailability and inaccessibility of healthcare programs; and third is the inadequate family income caused by unemployment. He acknowledges, however, that as a political novice entering just his second year as a lawmaker, he and his staff are taking everything one step at a time, explaining: “There is a need to painstakingly assess and evaluate the extent of these major issues and coordinate with relevant stakeholders in addressing them.“ By maximizing his resources as a representative and carrying out dialogues with various stakeholders, Tulfo believes that changes can be done. He has filed a number of bills, but three of them are particularly dear to him because he believes they are crucial to improving the living conditions of Filipinos who do not have the means to acquire adequate housing. These are House Bill (HB) No. 5, which seeks to establish an on-site, in-city, nearcity, or off-city resettlement program for families of informal settlers; HB No. 6715, otherwise known as the Sustainable Cities and Communities Bill; and HB No. 7706, which seeks to strengthen the right of the government to expropriate lands for socialized housing. Tulfo is the vice chairperson of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development at present. In order to prioritize housing issues, he is in constant communication and conducts consultations with different homeowner associations and community organizations in the second district. In addition, he coordinates with the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) regarding housing issues, particularly for residents in danger zones, as well as programs and policies that will benefit the informal sector. Furthermore, his office collaborates with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to expedite the issuance of titles for the individualization of 1,700 families in Barangay Batasan Hills. Tulfo established satellite offices in each of the five barangays in Quezon City’s 2nd congressional district so that his office‘s services would be accessible to his constituents. With the assistance of and coordination with other government agencies, their office offers social services to his constituents, including medical, burial, legal, educational, and even temporary employment, internship, and scholarship opportunities. Residents are encouraged to submit their requirements for evaluation at the barangay auxiliary offices. Barangays under the 2nd district are Bagong Silangan, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Holy Spirit, and Payatas. 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐅𝐎 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 Congressman Tulfo is one of the nation‘s youngest incumbent representatives, having just turned 27. He states that he and other young congressmen have developed an amicable connection through their close collaboration and sharing of initiatives and best practices. “We talk about mutual aspirations as well. It has been meaningful and productive working with them,“ says Tulfo of his relationship with other young legislators. They not only exchange ideas, but they also learn from seasoned congressmen in their midst. But while Tulfo appreciates being surrounded by brilliant minds in Congress, he says he also makes time to be with the constituents he has vowed to serve. Friday is “People‘s Day“ in his district, and he never misses it. LEAGUE was fortunate to join him for a day, witnessing several of his usual events. One took place in his office, where he distributed letters of guarantee to medical assistance recipients, as well as medical, dental, and optical services. “Being with them in our activities on the ground, I am even more motivated to work. It is truly great to accomplish things and help out in my youth, and I intend to reach out to a multitude for years to come,” Tulfo ends.

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< Back MUNTINLUPA CITY MAYOR ROZZANO RUFINO “RUFFY” BIAZON BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA MUNTINLUPA CITY MAYOR RUFFY BIAZON’S NO-NONSENSE APPROACH TO LOCAL GOVERNANCE IS EXPECTED TO TRANSFORM THE CITY INTO A PLACE WHERE THERE IS A BALANCE BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. ONCE YOU ARE IN OFFICE, POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS NO LONGER MATTER. THE OBLIGATION IS TO WORK TOGETHER BECAUSE IT WILL BE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE. WHEN POLITICIANS BICKER, IT IS THE PEOPLE WHO SUFFER. It is often assumed that children born into military families, particularly those whose fathers have held high-level positions, are destined to pursue a similar path. However, this assumption doesn’t hold true for Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon, youngest child of the late former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and Senator Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon. Growing up within the confines of a military camp, the younger Biazon developed a profound admiration for men in uniform. “For me, putting your life on the line is inspiring,” he tells LEAGUE. At the height of the insurgency problem, his father served with the Philippine Marines and was always at the frontlines. Even as a young boy, he knew his father’s life was always in danger. Trips to his father’s outpost offered Biazon a firsthand glimpse of military life. “During visits, we usually rode the military air transport. Going to his outpost, we would ride with soldiers being deployed. On the way home, we would fly alongside caskets of fallen soldiers,” he says, looking back. “Sometimes they would hold the wake of multiple casualties at the Navy Village where the Marine Headquarters is.” Biazon witnessed firsthand the pain that families go through when they lose a loved one in conflict. These experiences left an indelible mark on him, who resolved not to pursue a military career. Nonetheless, his father remained an influential figure and steered him into the realm of public service. Initially inclined toward medicine, Biazon’s life took an unexpected turn when his father won in the 1992 senatorial elections. He became Senator Biazon’s chief of staff, setting him on a trajectory towards the world of national legislation. His journey in public service continued even after his father’s unsuccessful reelection bid, as he served under Senator Sergio Osmeña III. He once again served as his father’s chief of staff when Senator Biazon successfully regained his Senate seat in 1998. HIS FATHER’S SON Contrary to what some may think, Senator Biazon did not force or influence his son to enter politics. The younger Biazon recalls to LEAGUE their conversation before he decided to run as Muntinlupa representative in 2001. “What are you going to run for?” his old man asked. When he told him that he’s running for congressman, the senator commented, “Why don’t you start with being a city councilor?” He explained that he’s been trained in national legislation, so gunning for a congressional seat is a logical career move. Biazon was fascinated by lawmaking and believed he had what it took to become a good lawmaker—he was confident in his ability to comprehend complex discussions, communicate effectively, and take principled stands on issues. He believed he got these qualities, especially his strong convictions and willingness to speak his mind, from his father. “He trained us to be independent, stand on our own, and then speak our mind if needed. Contrary to the common perception that we were raised the military way,” he offers. Suffice it to say, his father has been his role model. “He’s an ideal leader—somebody who’s not taken over by the trappings of power kasi sobrang simpleng tao siya [because he was such a simple person],” he says. GRASSROOTS APPROACH Some people believed that Biazon was an underdog when he ran against then-incumbent congressman and former Muntinlupa Mayor Ignacio Bunye in the 2001 congressional race. But as Biazon later realized, it’s not about who his political allies are, but rather the strength of his relationships with his constituents, that matters. “I took the grassroots approach,” he tells us. “I found that formula to be effective, and it’s also a way for me to be responsive to the needs of my constituents because of my direct engagement with the people. Alam ko kung ano ang pulso ng tao, so that when I serve, ‘yun ang sinusubukan kong tugonan (I know how the people feel, so that when I serve, that is what I address). I don’t rely on big political leaders who have other agenda.” He also puts aside political differences and works with people or groups with political affiliations other than his own. “Once you are in office, political affiliations no longer matter. The obligation is to work together because it will be to the benefit of the people. When politicians bicker, it is the people who suffer,” he says. Biazon served as representative of the Lone District of Muntinlupa City for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010, and from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure, Biazon focused on issues concerning national defense, public order, health, environment, and education as well as matters that would improve the life of Muntinlupeños. According to his online profile, Biazon “filed more than 70 proposed measures and various resolutions on defense and security; local governance and public order; poverty alleviation/ social justice; education; environment; agriculture; housing; maritime, air and land transportation and safety as well as other proposed measures that would promote and protect the plight and welfare of his constituents in Muntinlupa City and the Filipino people in general.” THE 7K AGENDA Now serving his first term as chief executive of Muntinlupa City, Biazon is focused on his administration’s 7K Agenda (Kabuhayan, Kalusugan, Karunungan, Kapayapaan at Kaayusan, Kaunlaran, Kalikasan, Katarungan) which he believes addresses the basic concerns of his constituents. The 7Ks are also in line with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Pushing for these priorities and principles, says Biazon, is one of the reasons why they formed the One Muntinlupa Political Party. “What’s significant about it is that all those who wanted to join the party, all those who wanted to align with me, had a common ground which we wanted to push forward,” he says. He wanted to change the way the people chose their leaders, to wean them from personality politics. “[Pipiliin ka] hindi dahil pogi ka. Hindi dahil may pera ka. Hindi dahil sa kung sino [ang mga kamag-anak mo]. Kundi dahil sa itinutulak mong agenda, (The people will choose you not because of your looks, wealth, or relatives. Rather, they will choose you because of the agenda you are pushing for], ” he adds. “When we ran with the party in 2022, it was not a personality-based campaign. It was a party, a principle, a platform.” SHAPING THE FUTURE OF MUNTINLUPA The first-term mayor admits that adapting to the changing social and economic landscape has been a challenge for Muntinlupa City. “Back in the ‘90s, the projection was we can be the next central business district (CBD) [like Makati]. That’s why you see some developments here that are in line with going that direction, like the Filinvest area,” he says. The past years have been an aggressive push for development in the industries around the Calabarzon area. Key cities and municipalities in the South have likewise opened roads and highways. Thus, from being “The Next CBD,” he thinks the city needs to redefine its role amid all these developments. One of the advantages that they could capitalize on, he says, is Muntinlupa’s accessibility. It can easily be reached via Skyway and has a direct link to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and NAIA Expressway. “We can even be directly linked to Clark International Airport. The Philippine National Railways is being rehabilitated now and we have three stations here in Muntinlupa. The Laguna Lake Road Network is also coming into Muntinlupa, and I see this as a distinct advantage for us,” he observes. The 54-year-old mayor says his dream is for Muntinlupa to become a modern, livable, and walkable city. “One where there is a balance between development and a healthy lifestyle,” he says. They are looking into the potential role of Laguna Lake in boosting the city’s ecotourism. “I can see us performing the role of a destination for leisure, entertainment, and recreation of surrounding cities and communities, since we have the longest shoreline, about 11 kilometers,” he says. “That’s what we want to develop. We’re shifting to that vision and doing the initial steps toward that.” There is so much that Biazon wants to do for Muntinlupa. That is why, no matter how tiring his days get, he always finds ways to stay motivated and energized. His staff is amazed at how he is able to juggle so many tasks in a day. “I get an extra boost of energy knowing that even when problems come one after another, we are still able to find solutions,” he says. “Solving even one problem, whether it’s big or small, is a victory, every day,” he concludes.

< Back 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 ‘𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐭’ BY CARLOS GERARD SANTOS Good leaders are essential for progress. They drive growth, embrace change, promote order, and foster unity among the communities they lead. However, great leaders are as rare as they are vital. Mayor Ferdinand Viceo Estrella, or simply “Mayor Ferdie” to his constituents in Baliwag, Bulacan, embodies qualities integral to a good leader in these modern times. Estrella has served the local government unit (LGU) since 2016, starting his political career as a barangay chairman in 2007 and taking on the duties of president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Baliwag in 2010. Moreover, being the son of former Mayor Romeo Estrella, Ferdie is no stranger to public service. When asked about his leadership style, he shares that his brand of leadership is focused on empathy. While many leaders highlight the significance of discipline and rigorousness, Estrella claims that what people need the most is genuine care and compassion from public servants. “Ang brand of leadership na ginawa ko dito nung simula pa lang ay inangkla ko sa ‘Serbisyong May Malasakit.’ Ang ‘Serbisyong May Malasakit,’ ito yung serbisyo na maagap, magiliw, maaasahan, at magka-katuwang. Ibig sabihin, kapag ikaw ay nagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, dapat may kasamang pagmamahal at malasakit (The leadership brand that I’ve been implementing from the beginning is anchored on service with compassion. Service with compassion means service that is prompt, friendly, reliable, and holistic),” the mayor explains. He further emphasizes that it’s important for his constituents to always feel welcome whenever they approach him with concerns so that they can go home with peace of mind, knowing their problem will be addressed. Ang ‘Serbisyong May Malasakit,’ ito ‘yung serbisyo na maagap, magiliw, maaasahan, at magkakatuwang. Ibig sabihin, kapag ikaw ay nagseserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, dapat may kasamang pagmamahal at malasakit.” 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐖𝐀𝐆 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐘 Estrella talks fondly about his childhood and how he was exposed to the rewarding field of public service at a very young age. In addition to his father being a former mayor, his grandfather also served as vice mayor and OIC mayor of San Rafael, Bulacan. The 43-year-old mayor shares that when he lived with his grandfather, he often saw a lot of people visiting their home to ask for assistance. In their house was a wall decorated with many certificates and plaques, and seeing them sparked in him a hope to grow up like his obliging grandfather. Estrella adds that the joy of helping others was instilled in his heart from childhood. According to Estrella, when he was still a student, joining politics never crossed his mind until he was invited to join Junior Chamber International (JCI), a non-profit organization helping the youth improve their leadership skills by creating a positive impact to the community. He claims this organization has helped him experience and learn more things. In 1996, Estrella won as a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and was also elected as the SK Federation president of Baliwag, Bulacan. He was able to achieve this feat at 16 years old, in his second year of secondary studies at La Salle Green Hills (LSGH). In 2007, he served as the barangay captain of Poblacion while simultaneously serving as ABC president of the entire province. He first vied for the mayoralty in 2013 but lost the elections by 500 votes. Then, in 2016, he ran again for mayor and finally won with a lead of over 3,700 votes. Estrella considers his first term as the most memorable in his political career. Before winning the position, he reveals that some friends and allies lost their lives during the fight. Even their personal businesses were affected. So his first three years in the seat was filled with challenges. Due to what happened, Estrella realized the importance of the power he earned. “‘Di pala binibigay nang ganonganon lang. Siguro pinapaintindi sa ‘min na itong posisyon na ‘to ay mahalaga (It’s not that easy to earn. Maybe we were made to realize the real weight of this position),” he says. 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐂 Being the first mayor to test positive for COVID-19, Estrella tediously developed response programs to manage its spread in Baliwag. The distribution of essential goods was organized. His team also started ‘Almu-share’ which, as the name implies, involved sharing breakfast with the citizens through community pantries and public food stands. Additionally, he prioritized providing free transportation, especially for frontline workers and dialysis patients. Moreover, Estrella’s office implemented a tracking system for Coronavirus-related mortalities. Baliwag was also the first municipality to facilitate contact tracing through the generation of quick response (QR) codes via the IamSafe web application, a project that was even awarded the Best COVID-19 Pandemic Response by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Galing Pook Awards. Furthermore, their office implemented a public delivery service. At present, the city continues to offer free antigen testing to Baliwag citizens, and and medical needs. 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 Estrella’s implemented projects in Baliwag speak for his leadership style which he claims is anchored on compassion. Aside from his successful endeavors, Estrella shares that he pays a visit to the LGU hall every week to ensure that the people feel included by and close to the local government. Moreover, every Friday, he visits a barangay to deliver his services directly to the public. Estrella adds that the most unforgettable part of his barangay visits was personally paying calls on the sick. “I visit the houses of my sick citizens, giving as much help as I can, sometimes bringing a doctor with me. Whatever they need, I try to provide. In one barangay, [I would visit] sometimes five, eight, 10 people who are sick.” He stresses that he doesn’t only tend to these tasks during election periods but throughout the year to show sincerity and joy of serving, “Our tagline is anchored on compassion. They don’t need to go to city hall in order to receive help. I visit them myself and bring help to them.” Estrella also talked about his flagship project, the Hatid Kalinga Program, which entails making monthly deliveries of maintenance medicine to the elderly. At present, the program has already catered to 5,000 to 7,000 senior citizens. Meanwhile, for youth and education, Estrella upgraded Baliwag Polytechnic College (BTECH) by extending free education to senior high school students. BTECH also offers new courses—BS Internal Auditing, BS Management Accounting, BS Mathematics, AB History, and BSBA - Human Resource Management. Aside from free tuition, the city also provides some of the 7,000 enrolled students with additional allowance. BTECH is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)’s Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Program, and was recognized as first placer in “Gawad Parangal 2022 - EDUKALIDAD: Parangal sa Kahusayan” in May 2022. Estrella proudly shares that some of the BTECH graduates were topnotchers in licensure exams. Estrella also made sure that public school teachers were given attention. The city provided 36 public school teachers and principals with a maximum amount of Php20,000 financial assistance each for their master’s and doctoral degrees to help them get promoted at work. For trade, commerce, and livelihood on the other hand, Estrella improved the city’s processing time by reducing it to 30 minutes or less. Through the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS), residents can apply and renew business and construction permits in one place. It has a comfortable lounge that serves refreshments during renewal season and has a function hall that businessmen can use. 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 • 2022 Recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), Awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) • 2nd Most Competitive Municipality in the Philippines, 2022 National and Regional Competitiveness Index Awards • 2022 National Winner, Manila Bayani Award • 2022 National Winner, Bayanihan Service Award (1st and 2nd Class Category) • 2022 UA&P HELM Award for Mayor Ferdie Estrella [Community Engagement and Social Advocacy Award - Public Enterprise] • 2022 Recertified ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management System • 2022 Regional Winner, Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance Award, Awarded by DILG • 2022 Seal of Financial Housekeeper Passer • 2022 National Winner, Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS) Award for Model LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services • 2022 Compendium of Best Practices in Local Governance for Five Baliwag LGU Programs • 2022 National Finalist for Most Business-Friendly Municipality in the Philippines • 2022 National Finalist, Most Business-Friendly LGU by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). To maintain peace and order in the city, 253 CCTV cameras were installed that are connected to one command center. It monitors traffic, accidents, and other happenings in the city round-the-clock. Other than that, the city has a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-accredited Bahay Pagbabago Reformation Center which is now known as Balay Silangan. It is a facility that offers a three-month reformation program where reformees undergo counselling, spiritual activities, and skills and livelihood training. Estrella shares that over 300 reformees have graduated from this facility. If residents have more concerns, complaints, or questions, Baliwag has a Public Assistance and Complaint Center customer care and rescue hotline which caters to calls 24/7. 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐃 Nothing else is more satisfying than knowing that the people are experiencing the town’s improvement firsthand. This is what Estrella is most proud of. When he assumed the position, Baliwag was still a municipality which ranked 960th among the country’s 1,490 municipalities. But after just a year of being the town’s chief, he lifted the municipality’s rank to #47. With this, Baliwag was also recognized as the Most Improved Local Government Unit in 2017. From the 47th spot, it climbed to #13 in 2018 then back to back third in 2019 and 2020. Another back to back, this time, second place in 2021 and 2022. Estrella shares that in 2016, he was asked by some vloggers how he envisioned Baliwag in the next 10 years: “I told them that I could envision Baliwag becoming a city from being a first-class municipality.” The following year, Estrella worked immediately to make his vision a reality. From 2018 to 2019, he took the time to consult different stakeholders including the barangay leaders and volunteers, business communities, religious groups, teachers, medical professionals, even the senior citizens, and private sectors. In August 2020, Congressman Paolo Duterte and Congressman Eric Go Yap of Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Partylist filed House Bill 7362, or “An Act Converting the Municipality of Baliwag into a Component City of the Province of Bulacan to be Known as Baliwag City,” in the House of Representatives. Congressman Gavini Pancho of the Second District of Bulacan, eventually filed House Bill 9949, which served as the mother bill for Baliwag cityhood. Luckily, Republic Act 11929—the conversion of the Municipality of Baliwag into the City of Baliwag—was ratified in 2021. The plebiscite was the final step to cityhood. Fortunately, the long wait is over and the hard work of everyone in Baliwag has paid off because it is now officially a city. Baliwag is the fourth city in the province of Bulacan and first in the 2nd District. It is the 148th municipality to be converted into a city in the entire country. According to Estrella, Baliwag’s cityhood will further improve the services in the city, which the people will greatly benefit from. He continues that it will be a permanent change and make a lasting mark in history. Moreover, it will be a great way for the citizens to leave a strong legacy for the future generations of Baliwag. “Walang munisipyo na nagsisi na naging (No municipality ever regretted turning into a) city,” he ends.

57155ce9-c6ce-4ff6-a06f-fa13f9b636b3 < Back THE VICO EFFECT The “Vico Effect” can be felt all over Pasig City as the mayor implements major changes in his first 100 days in office. BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO As we traverse the streets of Pasig going to the city hall, this writer was expecting tarpaulins and banners bearing the name and handsome face of current city mayor Vico Sotto to turn up along the way. In the local political landscape, it’s a norm for those in position to assert their dominance over their “territory.” But there was clearly none in sight. Even as we enter the city hall and the mayor’s office, we hardly see his photo or name. In one of the rooms where we are received, there is a cabinet where some of his recognitions are discreetly tucked, but that’s about it. That’s when this writer is reminded, showing off is not Mayor Vico’s brand of politics. He doesn’t like fanfare. He doesn’t subscribe to traditional politics, and he had made this clear since Day 1. “I decided to challenge [traditional politics] because I am not afraid to lose,” he recalls his decision to run for councilor in 2016. “Para sa akin, posisyon ’yan, maganda kung makuha ko pero hindi diyan nagtatapos ang buhay ko. (For me, it’s a position, it’s great if I get it, but my life doesn’t end there.) I’m here because I wanted to introduce a different style of politics. Kumbaga manalo o matalo, ang importante sa akin (Win or lose, what’s important is), I did things that I believe are right. And thankfully, there are a lot of people who believe in what I want to do.” His first bid for a Sangguniang Panlungsod seat bore good results—the neophyte politician topped the polls even if he lacked the political machinery and ran as an independent candidate. One of his landmark accomplishments as a single term-councilor was pushing for the Pasig Transparency Mechanism Ordinance, which seeks the disclosure of public records, including financial documents and contracts, upon request by ordinary citizens. Upon its passage, it became the first-ever localized version of the Freedom of Information Law in Metro Manila. Although it did not get implemented at that time, it had ordinary citizens talking about transparency. “The good thing that came out of that campaign was that it sparked the consciousness of Pasigueños about the importance of transparency in governance.” Looking back, Mayor Vico says everything that he had done in his life had always been geared toward government work. But how he toppled a Goliath and won the mayorship in Pasig is a different story— destiny must have played a part. His decision to run for mayor came about because he saw the need for change in the political scene in Pasig City, and he saw that no one else wanted to run. “Until the very last minute before filing my certificate of candidacy for mayor, I kept saying ‘If anyone else wants to run for mayor, hindi ako tatakbo; susuporta lang ako, basta maiba lang. Medyo ma-shift lang namin ang ihip ng hangin dito sa Pasig, masaya na ’ko; hindi kailangang ako ang tumakbo.’ Pero hanggang sa pinakahuling minuto walang ibang kandidatong lalaban sa nakaupong pamilya at that time. Kaya sabi ko, kung walang ibang tatakbo handa naman akong lumaban. (Until the very last minute before filing my certificate of candidacy for mayor, I kept saying ‘If anyone else wants to run for mayor, I won’t run, I will just support; let’s just change the course. If we can just sway the attention of Pasigueños, I’d be happy; I don’t need to run.’ But until the last minute, there was no other candidate who was willing to challenge the incumbent family at that time.)” He knew it was a risky undertaking but he stuck to his guns telling his team that it’s okay to lose, as long as they do what they believe is right. “Manindigan tayo (Let’s stand up for what is right),” the then 29-year-old urged his supporters. And their strong convictions won and ended the Eusebios’ 27-year reign. PREDESTINED FOR GOVERNMENT WORK People who don’t know the 30-yearold son of actors Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes might think he is too young and still unripe for the position. But his CV says otherwise. Truth is, Victor Ma. Regis Sotto discovered his calling very early on—thanks to his older brother, LA Mumar, who exposed him to the field of governance. “My kuya would come home from college—he is 11 years older than me—tapos ikukuwento niya sa akin ‘yung lessons niya sa school. Ituturo niya sa akin ‘yung Constitution. So from a very early age, naging interested ako. Hindi ko alam, baka na-brainwash ako na gusto ko ang gobyerno pero hanggang sa tumanda ako, ito na lagi ang inaaral ko, binabasa ko. (My brother would come home from college—he is 11 years older than me—then he would tell me about his lessons in school. He would teach me the Constitution. So from an early age, I got interested. I don’t know, maybe I got brainwashed that I want government work, but when I had gotten older, it’s what I studied and read.) So I became more and more interested,” he recalls. At age nine or ten, he had already made up his mind that he wanted to do governance work—which didn’t necessarily mean entering politics, but simply becoming a government worker. In high school, he would take elective subjects like economics and when he entered college, he took up Political Science, followed by Masters in Public Management. He worked as a legislative staff member for a couple of years and later on as a civil society member. “It’s like an NGO (non-government organization), and my work was with Government Watch (G-Watch) and Political Democracy and Reforms (PODER). That’s where I got my grounding and foundation in politics and governance work,” he notes. “There are many who want to enter politics but are ill-prepared for what it entails, kumbaga superficial lang ang understanding sa paggo-gobyerno [they only have a superficial understanding of governance].” Looking back, Mayor Vico says everything that he had done in his life had always been geared toward governance work. But how he toppled a Goliath and won the mayorship in Pasig is a different story—destiny must have played a part. “To be honest I really didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that people were ready for change,” he remarks on his win by a large margin of over 87,000 votes. “I decided to run because I felt that people wanted change. I wouldn’t say that I was surprised but neither would I say that I expected it. Of course in politics, it’s very hard to predict, so we were just taking it one step at a time. Basta lalaban kami hangga’t kaya. Bahala na kung ano mangyari. (We will fight for as long as we can. Whatever will be, will be.)” THE FIRST 100 DAYS “[My first 100 days as mayor were] the most challenging 100 days of my life. Pero sa tulong po ninyong mga Pasigueño, naging makabuluhan ang nakaraang 100 days. Napakalayo na po ang narating natin mula July 1 (But with your help, those 100 days became meaningful. We’ve gone a long way since July 1),” he declares in his State of the City Address. He refuses to be bogged down by external pressure because he knows that he’s doing his best— consulting the best people, making his teams strong, governing the best he possibly can. There has been a lot of institutional changes, a lot of concrete changes happening over the short period of time that he’s been mayor. He has mainly focused on his administration’s Big Five Agenda— transparency, universal healthcare, affordable housing, education, and participative governance. To combat corruption, Mayor Vico made sure people knew that he is strongly against any form of bribery, “kickback” or red tape. “Ako mismo bilang pinuno ng aming pamahalaang panlungsod, wala akong tinatanggap na hindi ko dapat makuha. Ang natatanggap ko lang na pera ay ‘yung sweldo ko, ‘yun lang. (As the leader of the city government, I don’t get anything that I’m not supposed to receive. I only get my monthly salary, that’s it.) And I think it will really have a trickledown effect; it will go down the ranks. Dahil hindi ako gumagawa ng ilegal, or hindi ako tumatanggap ng lagay o kickback, puwede akong manita. Kung corrupt ang mayor, ano’ng sasabihin ng department head niya? ‘Sa akin Php50,000 lang, sa iyo isang milyon.’ (Because I don’t do anything illegal, I don’t accept bribes or kickback, I can call out the offenders. If the mayor is corrupt, what will his department head say? ‘I got Php50,000, while you got 1 million.’) It won’t work that way, it has to come from the top,” he insists. The city government has also introduced a lot of institutional changes even in their Bids and Awards Committee. They get external observers to ensure that an open public bidding takes place. And if they receive corruption complaints through their Ugnayan sa Pasig (USAP) unit, Mayor Vico makes sure that these are addressed. “Inaaksyunan talaga namin [We act on it], we don’t turn a blind eye when we see something or when we hear a complaint. Iniimbestigahan namin (We investigate). Right now, we have a department head and one rank-and-file employee who are under suspension. There were some who got suspended, removed from their posts, or weren’t renewed because of evidence of corruption; others opted to resign,” he discloses. Healthcare is one of the priorities of Mayor Vico’s administration. They have in fact earmarked 21% of their funds for the improvement of healthcare services in the city. One of the immediate steps they have taken is to ensure that there are medicines in all their health centers; they evaluated and made the necessary changes in their delivery schemes. They also looked into the rationalization of their healthcare staff. “We’re adding around 300 positions for our city’s healthcare professionals, putting in the resources, and asking help from external experts. We are also partnering with medical institutions like Medical City—they have adopted five of our health centers and potentially other healthcare institutions.”

< Back 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐮𝐯: 𝐇𝐈𝐕’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 By Edwin Allan Diaz Photos courtesy of EpiC Philippines Kailangang mahalin natin ang ating mga sarili at kailangang mahalin natin kung sinuman ang gusto nating mahalin (We need to love ourselves and to be able to love whoever we want to love).” These were the words of Quezon City (QC) Mayor Joy Belmonte during “Festival of Luv’’ at The Pop Up, Katipunan, last February 25, 2023. The event featured live drag performances from Minty Fresh, Prince, Jiggly Caliente, and Viñas DeLuxe of Drag Race Philippines, NAIA and Shewarma of Drag Den Philippines, and Myx Chanel. Attendees also enjoyed free face painting and caricature, as well as a speed dating session. 𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐑, 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 “Festival of Luv is part of the ‘Free To Be U’ campaign of Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) Philippines. EpiC collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) Healthy Pilipinas ‘to bring HIV services closer to the populations affected by HIV,’” said Joven Santiago, EpiC’s technical advisor for Social and Behavior Change Communication. EpiC and DOH launched the campaign in 2022, which informs the public about available free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention services and treatment. It works with organizations and advocates from the persons living with HIV (PLHIV) community, building safe spaces and destigmatizing the public’s perception of HIV. A medical forum was held in between drag performances to discuss the topic of safer and more fun sex. LGBTQIA+ members, PLHIV, medical experts, and representatives from Positibong Pasigueño, Love Yourself, TLF Share, and QC Health Department answered questions from the audience. All attendees were invited to write on the freedom wall and bring home condoms and lubricants. 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐌𝐀 𝐎𝐔𝐓, 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 Belmonte continued, “I’m also very proud to say that in Quezon City, we are also the leading city in advocating na basagin ang stigma ng discrimination dito sa atin pong lungsod (that we eradicate the stigma to end discrimination here in our city).” Santiago acknowledges this, which is EpiC’s main challenge in addressing HIV in the Philippines. “There’s a negative connotation [in the Philippines] about having multiple sexual partners. If ever they are to get an HIV test, they are afraid that people might think that they are promiscuous.” For attendees to determine their HIV status, the event offered free HIV testing at a tent. It covered pre-test counseling, testing, and post-test counseling, with the results given on the same day, according to case manager Anthony Villanueva of Klinika Bernardo. HIV-FREE BY 2030 With Quezon City’s “Tayo Ang Solusyon” program and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)’s “2030 95–95–95 HIV Fast Track” goals, Filipinos can live healthy and normal lives without fear of HIV. The first aims to end HIV in Quezon City and the country by 2030, guided by their commitment to the latter. “Ninety-five percent of all persons living with HIV must know their status; 95 percent of those who know their status must be on antiretroviral therapy (ART); and 95 percent of those on ART must have suppressed and untransmissible viral loads,” continued Belmonte. Santiago said most of the disinformation about HIV stems from the first generation of PLHIV; they didn’t know what to do and how to prevent HIV before. But now there’s “U=U” or Undetectable equals Untransmissible, where a person’s viral load count would not be detected six months after adhering to treatment. Once undetectable, HIV can’t be passed through sexual intercourse. He added, “In recent years, we have pre-exposure prophylaxis (PReP), a pill that an HIV-negative individual can take, either every day or through the other method of taking it if you are to have sex. PReP is there to protect HIV-negative individuals and people living with HIV.” With a referral system like QuickRes, individuals can book an HIV self-test, initiate ART, test their viral load, and initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to name a few. Through QuickRes and other EpiC partners like LoveYourself, PATH Philippines, and Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines, the country now has stronger safe spaces and communities that remove the stigma of HIV.

< Back Being of Service to More Filipinos By: Ragie Mae Taño-Arellano LA PAZ, ABRA MAYOR JOSEPH STO. NIÑO "JB" BERNOS’ ACHIEVEMENTS AS LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND NATIONAL LAWMAKER HAVE PAVED THE WAY FOR HIM TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF HIS PROVINCEMATES, AS WELL AS TO BE OF SERVICE TO MORE FILIPINOS AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES. Bernos’ involvement in public service has also inspired the next generation to follow in their ascendants’ steps. Their second daughter, for instance, won as barangay chairperson in the town of Bucay in the recent barangay elections. BERNOS DOES NOT CONSIDER BEING A MEMBER OF A POLITICAL CLAN TO BE AN ISSUE, AS LONG AS THEIR INTENTION IS TO SERVE THE PUBLIC WELL. “We never encouraged her to run in the town of La Paz because we did not want to spoonfeed her. I told her that if she wants to join politics, she should do it the hard way.” He clarifies that he and his wife never interfere with how their daughter runs the barangay’s affairs, but notes that is performing well as a young community leader. HIS FATHER’S SON Bernos looks up to his father, who was the one who inspired and influenced him to enter politics. “I want to be like my dad. I want to be better than him,” he says. Witnessing the needs of his provincemates all the more fueled his desire to be a public servant. “Namulat ako na pagkagising mo, nakikita mo sa bahay na problema na ng mga tao ang kaharap mo, eh. Parang takbuhan. Yung dad ko kasi ganun sya eh. (I got used to waking up to my father attending to the concerns of his constituents. He was someone they ran to when they had problems. My dad was like that).” With his exposure to public service at an early age, Bernos decided to start as a public servant when he was 16 years old, as part of their barangay’s Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). After this, there was no turning back, as he vied for and was elected to higher positions. “I always wanted to go a step higher, for I want to do more for the people,” he says. The biggest motivation for him to be of continuous service to the people, he shares, is witnessing how they plead for help. “Lumalambot ako pag problema ng tao ang pag-uusapan. (My heart melts when I learn of people’s problems).” MORNING AND NIGHT HUSTLE Bernos wakes up as early as five o’clock in the morning, saying that his father instilled in him and his siblings the habit of starting work early when they were young. With this, he has enough time to visit the town’s barangays, a habit he has had since he started his life in public service. “I feel like I don’t do that much in the office. It’s like my day is incomplete when I stay in the office. I prefer going out rather than being the one being visited,” he shares. He doesn’t want to be confined in the office; going to the grassroots gives him a firmer grasp of the bigger picture of his constituents’ needs. He even frequently holds meetings outside his office or in a nearby location, particularly in the capital town of Abra, which is Bangued, where government offices and commercial centers are located. This way, if there is a need to have a meeting with other officials or ask for government support and services, everything is accessible. INDEED, BEING LMP PRESIDENT HAS GIVEN BERNOS THE CHANCE TO BE OF BETTER SERVICE TO MORE PEOPLE. Bernos, who also served as mayor from 2007 to 2016, discloses that he works until about one o’clock in the morning, taking calls and responding to text messages regarding issues, challenges, and concerns raised by his constituents. “People would call me even at midnight. It’s embarrassing if I don’t answer. Even when we are on vacation, work still continues over the phone,” he reveals. He notes that he wants to be the first to know about everything that is happening in his municipality and throughout the province of Abra, so his staff and constituents are aware that he can be reached even at odd hours. BRIDGING THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT Abra is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, which is regarded as one of the few remaining strongholds of communist insurgents in the country. Bernos understands why many residents in the hinterlands of Abra joined the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), through the years. During the height of the insurgency, many of them joined the NPA due to frustration that the services of the national government did not reach them. Looking back, he relates that this was one of the reasons that pushed him to become a public servant. He, however, claims that Abra’s peace and order situation has stabilized. “You can walk any time of the day, any time of the night. I can guarantee your safety once you set foot in Abra,” he assures. Bernos believes that infrastructure improvement is essential throughout Abra. He knows that Abra has been overlooked in terms of infrastructure development, which is critical for the province’s economic development. He notes that national authorities only focus on national roads, which are few in number, as well as flood control systems and farm-to-market roads. “So we had to be aggressive with regards to the infrastructure that is lacking in the province. So since I assumed office in Congress and up until now in the term of my wife, we really focus on infrastructure,” he stresses. Two-thirds of Abra’s 25 municipalities are located in upland areas. They are mostly populated by indigenous people (IPs) called Tinguian or Itneg. Meanwhile, around 60 percent of the people in the lowlands are Ilocano-speaking. Bernos is half Ilocano and half-Itneg, with his father being a full-blooded Ilocano and his mother, a full-blooded Itneg. According to him, most of the politicians before were Ilocanos; that’s why most of the infrastructure projects are focused only on the lowlands. “If there are no roads, how can the services of the national government reach the hinterlands?,” he asks. He says that it would even take three to four days to reach one barangay from another in some municipalities in Abra. The mayor reveals that there were even towns in Abra where the mayor’s residence served as de facto municipal hall because there was none. “This kind of infrastructure was among my priority projects when I became congressman of Abra. I made appeals to some national government agencies, and I am glad there were many who believed and placed their trust and confidence in me,” he shares. He proudly declares that since 2017, there has already been an influx of infrastructure projects in their province. Most of these projects are from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). At present, Bernos and Congresswoman Ching are focused on improving food production and the livestock industry in the province. He argues that Abra, as an agricultural province, may thrive in the production of rice, pigs, poultry, beef, and eggs, particularly because these commodities are being imported from outside Abra due to a lack of a viable animal industry. However, the mayor stresses that the situation will greatly improve once the necessary infrastructure to support various enterprises are in place. According to him, more than 20 bridges are currently under construction, with many of them set to open in the next few years. These bridges will connect faraway sitios and barangays to the town centers. They recently opened a public market in his hometown of La Paz, which the mayor deems the biggest in Abra. They will also launch Northern Luzon’s largest and most advanced Triple A slaughterhouse. “This is all in preparation for what we plan to do in the province. If local officials do not support farmers, they will suffer,” he stresses. Bernos does not hide his optimism as he describes his vision of a better province anchored on building the necessary infrastructure. He claims that data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shows that thousands of construction workers have been employed in Abra in the past seven years, with the many infrastructure projects. “It’s nice to hear stories about construction workers with children who have graduated from college and others who have already become teachers or engineers. I hope the national government will continue to assist us in our infrastructure and other projects,” he says. SERVING MORE PEOPLE THROUGH LMP Bernos’ success as local chief executive has not gone unnoticed, even outside Abra. In September 2022, he was elected as the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) National President for 2022-2025. The LMP is a national organization that brings together all municipalities in the Philippines, through their mayors. It was created by virtue of Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991. The organization’s mandate revolves around the “primary purpose of ventilating, articulating and crystallizing issues affecting municipal government administration, and securing, through proper and legal means, solutions thereto.” The mayor is no stranger to LMP, having previously served as the organization’s vice president for external affairs. With this, Bernos is expected to be able to live up to the tasks at hand, which includes assisting the national government in formulating and implementing policies, programs and projects affecting municipalities in general; promoting local autonomy at the municipal level; and encouraging people’s participation in local government administration in order to attain national development goals. Bernos' network extends to the international level. He was recently elected as a council member of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) for the term 2023–2025, giving him the chance to shape policies and programs for local communities in the region. UCLG ASPAC is an international organization that represents the interests of local governments in Asia. His election to the council demonstrates his great leadership and commitment to developing international collaboration. Bernos says that aside from giving him the chance to share his knowledge of local governance with his counterparts, LMP has had a significant influence on the direction of his own political career. Although managing the problems of 1,486 municipal mayors nationwide is no joke, he sees such as a chance to advance both personally and professionally. “Serving in the LMP fully maximizes my potential as a mayor,” he says. Being in the LMP opened Bernos’ eyes to realities in other municipalities as well as to more opportunities to help his constituents. This, according to him, gave him the chance to include Abra in the political and economic landscape of the Philippines. His views on improving Abra were broadened in 2010, when he was elected LMP chapter president for Abra during his second term as mayor. This experience convinced him that he needed to run for Congress. It was then that he realized how limited the help he could provide to the people if he stayed in Abra was. “When I joined LMP, my network widened. I became friends with other mayors and learned from veterans in the field of politics.” He rose from chapter president to vice president, leading to his election as national president. Bernos feels that LMP helped him see that there are better prospects for him to bring more projects to Abra. “From the start, I had the chance to rub elbows with national officials and Cabinet secretaries who encouraged me to seek a higher position,” he recalls. From that moment on, he understood that serving as the Congressional representative for the Lone District of Abra in the House of Representatives would guarantee that their province would get the services of the national agencies. Alongside the prestige that comes with his role, Bernos notes that being LMP president is a difficult duty because, in addition to dealing with mayors’ concerns as public officials, he is also expected to help solve personal issues. Indeed, being LMP president has given him the chance to be of better service to more people. MAKING TIME FOR FAMILY AND LOOKING FORWARD Despite his and his wife’s tight schedules, Bernos makes sure to find time for his family. Although he has been assigned additional duties as LMP president, he hopes that this will allow him to spend more time with his wife and children who attend Metro Manila schools, as his new role requires him to be away from his hometown at times. He is convinced, however, that even if he is not in La Paz, he has a trustworthy municipal administrator who will continue to look after their town’s needs. Despite the many opportunities that await him in the field of public service, the 45-year-old Bernos admits to LEAGUE that he has considered retiring at the age of 55. “I also want to enjoy life. It has been my dream to become an ordinary citizen because I entered politics at the age of 16,” he shares. He recalls his father’s words that when one enters politics, he automatically becomes public property. “I want to have a life kung saan walang nakikialam sa akin (where no one interferes). I have lots of friends who enjoy that kind of life, and I want that kind of life too while I am still able to enjoy it,” the mayor admits. Bernos believes that it is time to give the younger generation a chance to serve since the country needs new and innovative ideas. Although he agrees that more work needs to be done, he can boldly state that he has done so much for the people of Abra. Although he has been dreaming of a better Abra and continues to pursue that dream, there are times when he becomes drained, particularly when he considers how he has not fully lived up to his duties as a father to his children. “I wish I could spend more time with them before they start their own families. That is why I want to retire early,” he shares. Although the mayor recognizes that no one actually retires from politics, he is committed to refraining from running for public office at the age of 55 and instead become an adviser. This way, he could still be of service to his province mates even as he spends most of his time with his family. Bernos feels that even if he stays away from electoral politics, he will know that he has never failed and has even made his late father proud of his accomplishments. He turns emotional as he tells LEAGUE that his proclamation during his second term as congressman was the most memorable moment in his political career because he was able to share his landslide victory with his father. “Lalong nabuhay ang dugo ko para magsilbi dahil doon (My will to serve was further ignited because of that),” he ends. PARTNERS IN LIFE, PARTNERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE When NP JB Bernos, then-Mayor of La Paz, Abra, won the four-way congressional election in 2016, he pledged himself to work for the development of the province of Abra. But he did more than just improve it. Suffice it to say, he changed the province of Abra. During his tenure in the 17th and 18th Congresses of the House of Representatives, Cong. JB, as he became known, set out to bring progress to Abra. In the august halls of Congress, he spearheaded funding for the construction of roads and bridges that connected communities and enabled access from farms to markets. He also saw the need to build classrooms and gymnasiums in schools so that young Abreños would have a conducive space to develop their potential. In addition, with the strong Abra River running through the heart of the province, flood control structures were created across barangays to protect houses from raging waters during heavy downpours. As a Congressman with the primary duty to legislate, he filed numerous bills benefiting various sectors of society. With education as his utmost priority, he led the campaign to convert the Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology, the province’s lone state college, into a state university known as the University of Abra. This culminated in the enactment of Republic Act No. 11574, which formalized this desire to have a state university in Abra. When NP JB Bernos returned to the mayoralty of La Paz, Abra, his wife, then-Mayor Ching Bernos, succeeded him in the House of Representatives. Apart from continuing the infrastructure development initiatives that continue to benefit Abreños and visitors to the province, she also placed great emphasis on the social development of Abra. Cong. Ching expanded the delivery of social service projects such as the Educational Assistance Program, which has benefitted more than 10,000 scholars; the Medical Assistance Program, which helps indigent families with hospitalization expenses; the TUPAD Program, which provides short-term jobs to many Abreños; and the TESDA scholarship programs, which equip individuals with skills for employment. Like NP JB, Cong. Ching also prioritized education, as she filed bills seeking to create a science high school and a Polytechnic University of the Philippines site in Abra. She also filed a measure to develop and support the handloom weaving industry in the Philippines, which Abra promotes through the loomweaving communities that produce the famous abel fabric. The partnership of NP JB and Congresswoman Ching in public service shows that people can always count on good governance, benevolent continuity, and proactive leadership to get things done. With all of their efforts, they helped usher in an era of peace and prosperity in Abra. Indeed, Abra is fortunate to have them both as leaders, as they changed the province of Abra and the municipality of La Paz for the better. In their future endeavors, it can be boldly said that they will continue to bring PROGRESO, their brand of public service, to all Abreños and to all Filipinos.

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES Senate of the Philippines House of Representatives

< Back Man of the People Mayor Isko Moreno on going up against two political giants, his journey to the mayorship, and his plans for the future of Manila BY GODFREY T. DANCEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO The story of Mayor Isko’s humble beginnings is an oft-repeated one. It is a story he never tires of telling, not only to prove that he has not forgotten his roots but more importantly, to inspire children who are facing circumstances he had been through, to work hard toward their goal. Born to a stevedore and a housewife who had no steady income, he had to face the harsh realities of an underprivileged life. “Kung mayroon mang mas mabigat sa salitang ‘salat,’ ako ang tinutukoy ‘nun (If there is a word which means worse than ‘destitute,’ it pertains to me),” he says. The young Isko—Scott as he was known then—had to rummage through garbage heaps to scavenge not only for things he could sell, but at times even for food. In his teenage years, he became a pedicab driver, conveying passengers through the streets of Tondo. These, he had to do even as he attended public schools in Tondo. Scott’s parents had a simple dream for him: to finish high school. After all, they didn’t have the means to send him to college. He, however, had a bigger dream for himself: to be captain of a ship. He then enrolled at a maritime school using money he had saved up the previous months. Fate, however, intervened. In 1993, he was given the chance to join the entertainment industry, via the then enormously popular youth-oriented television show “That’s Entertainment.” This, Mayor Isko says, “started everything. It changed my life.” Click here to read full article for free