< Back MATI: A GEM IN DAVAO ORIENTAL By James Steven Batucan There is much more to discover in Mati, Davao Oriental besides its picturesque landscapes and resorts. Mati City has always been a destination for beachgoers. Aside from being the hub of trade and industry developments, there is much more to discover in this provincial capital of Davao Oriental besides its picturesque landscapes and resorts. It is now renowned as a surfing and skimboarding destination for foreign visitors. HOW TO GET TO MATI? You can reach Davao Oriental by land from either the Province of Compostella Valley, where you’ll first see the Municipality of Banaybanay, or the Province of Siargao, where you’ll first see the Municipality of Cateel. Mati, the third city from the town of Banaybanay, is three hours away by van or private car or five hours away by utility bus. If you’re traveling to the city of Mati from the mainland, you’ll soon come across a zigzag road locally known as “Badas,” from which you’ll have a breathtaking view of Sleeping Dinosaur Island. THE AIRPORT If you are traveling from Manila, Cebu, or another city, you can reach Davao Oriental by flying over Davao City on one of the daily scheduled airline flights through the Davao International Airport or by taking a regularly scheduled vessel that sails the Manila-Davao Sea route only. It is also directly accessible by a twenty-five-minute chartered flight from Davao City International Airport to the Mati Community Airport, also known as the Imelda R. Marcos Airport in Mati City. Before the Mati Community Airport became a functioning airport, it was originally built as a border to land by some prominent Mati families, who later added a strip to turn it into an airport. It was initially known as the Imelda Marcos Airport because these families were close to the first lady at the time. During her visits in the 1970s, Mrs. Marcos would fly directly through the airport. After locals and officials realized the strip had airport potential, they had it registered with the Philippines’ Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) as the Mati Community Airport (also known as RPMQ). The CAAP and the Saga Mindanao Flying Club are currently responsible for the airport’s operation and maintenance. As part of Congress’ plan to make the airport a potential Davao City replacement airport, renovations and an expansion are planned. FLY AROUND MATI The Saga Mindanao Flying Club’s ingenuity has enabled one to enjoy a lush and breathtaking aerial view of Mati, Davao Oriental’s scenery. The Saga Mindanao Flying Club is the only sports club of its kind in the province. It offers an activity called “Ultra-Light Flying” that lets people see the province’s amazing landscape from the air, which is a unique way to see it. SLEEPING DINOSAUR Along the long and winding road to Mati, Davao Oriental, there is a spectacular landmark view known as the Sleeping Dinosaur. The island got its name because it looks like a sleeping dinosaur, surrounded by water. The luscious green island can be easily spotted if you’re taking the land route, with a handful of free viewing decks along the winding road. SURFING IN MATI Mati is surrounded by several beautiful, clear-blue beaches. Dahikan, which is known as Mati’s surfing capital because of its huge, crystal-clear waves, attracts both domestic and foreign tourists on a daily basis. It also serves as a haven for the endangered pawikans (sea turtles). Dahikan beaches have produced a number of local surfers and skimboarders who have represented the city at local, national, and even international surfing competitions. One, if not the most famous is Sonny Boy “Bayogyog” Aborpo, a skimboarding and surfing prodigy who started shredding waves in 2004 at the young age of six years. Later on, Aborpo would compete and win several local, national, and even international competitions, all the while representing the City of Mati, Davao Oriental. Aborpo has bagged over 28 national skimboarding competitions to date, bagging the championship title each time; as well as competing in several international skimboarding and surfing competitions such as being the champion in Hong Kong in 2012, Malaysia in 2013, Singapore, and Malaysia in 2016, and having his most recent from October 2022 where he won the first-ever Algarve International Skim Competition in Portugal, beating at least 40 other competitors from around the world in addition to a few weeks prior where he was in Spain for the United Skim Tour. This goes to show that the shores of Mati do not fall short in producing great people and talent. GOLFING IN MATI Don Paco Rocamora Golf and Country Club (DPRGCC) is a nine-hole golf course in Barangay Dahican Mati City, adjacent to the Mati City Community Airport. The relatively flat course is the only golf course east of Davao City, but its design offers a variety of challenges to both beginner and advanced players. The facility also includes an eight-bay driving range and a 300-person clubhouse. Club cars, golf cars, trolleys, and caddies are also readily available to provide the best playing experience for players. FOOD AND DRINKS NOT TO MISS Mati also has a number of local household food establishments, such as Bador and Homebrew Café, each of which offers a distinct tasteful experience. Mati’s Bador is a household name when it comes to native chicken barbeque. A flavorful experience dating back to the 1970s, the juicy recipe has been passed down from father to son its time memorial. Since 1999, Bador’s name has been a football in Mati, popular with both locals and tourists. Finally, Homebrew is the only coffee shop in Mati, Davao Oriental, that offers customers a premium blended experience. Best sellers include the Homebrew Special, a creamy, sweet coffee blend, and the Popcorn Latte, which tastes exactly like drinking actual popcorn. The beans used in the establishment are a blend of 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta, all of which are sourced locally from Mt. Apo. They also have 100% pour-over imported beans, a light coffee that is rich in flavor and does not require any added sugar. Slow-drip coffee, which is prepared by batch because the extraction time ranges from six to eight hours, is also available in their café. They also sell fermented cold brew, which contains more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per cup, compared to regular brewed coffee, which contains only 50 milligrams per cup. Having said that, Mati is not only a venue to escape the hustle and bustle of city life but also a place to enjoy the magnificent sights and sounds of nature. To sum it all up, Mati, Davao Oriental, is a treasure chest full of gems for you to explore. Buy magazine here

< Back Harbinger of Change BY GODFREY T. DANCEL ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

< Back Rep. Karlo Nograles Back to Basics First Things First Rep. Karlo Nograles discusses the challenges of governance and legislation, and why, when it comes to sustaining the growth of our country, we must first focus on providing the basics GROOMING BY FLOE TAPAYAN OF KANEBO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO 1. As recipient of the Golden Globe Awards for Excellence in Public Service in 2015 and 2016, and awardee of Outstanding Congressman Award in 2012 and 2015, what are the achievements you are most proud of? I am most proud of our Oplan Kaalam scholarship program. I began this scholarship program when I was Chief of Staff to my father, the former Speaker Prospero Nograles. We began in 2001 with just 41 scholars from poor families; to date we have graduated some 5,600 scholars with around 28,000 students benefiting from the scholarship. What began as a small project to give tuition assistance to some students became one full fledged scholarship program for students at the University of Southeastern Philippines. Eventually, we were able to include the University of the Philippines-Mindanao campus and private colleges and universities in Davao City. It is one of the biggest congressional scholarship programs in the country. 2. What programs/projects/house bills are you working on now, which has you excited to share with the public? We worked really hard on the Free Higher Education Law (RA 10931), I am very proud of that. It was not easy. But even more difficult was looking for the funds to make sure that the law will be implemented. As Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, the heavy task fell on my shoulders, but we were able to do it despite the obstacles and hurdles and the naysayers. A total of P40 billion have now been set aside in the 2018 budget to ensure the law’s full implementation. With this law, tuition fees and miscellaneous fees will now be free for all college students in all state colleges and universities in the country including our premier university, the University of the Philippines. It will likewise be free for local colleges and universities accredited by CHED and for Technical Vocational Institutions run by TESDA. This law makes education a state priority, recognizing the importance of making higher education a right for all Filipino students. 3. As a lawmaker, what issues/causes are close to your heart? Education, jobs, livelihood, total human development, environmental protection, and healthcare have always been the causes close to my heart. Most legislation that I author or support center around these themes. 4. Even with the P3.767 trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB), can free tertiary education under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act be sustained? I am very happy and proud of our accomplishment in making sure we have the funds for this. Yes, free higher education can be sustained. It is the Law and as such, it is incumbent upon government to allocate the necessary funds for its implementation. By ensuring that we are more judicious in the allocation of our resources, making education a funding priority is an investment in our country’s future. It was a challenge for me to locate the funds needed to support the Free Higher Education Law. In the end, I was able to find items in the budget that were not ready for implementation in 2018 and was able to pool P40 billion that we re-channeled to CHED to implement the Free Higher Education Act. For the 2019 budget and the next budget cycles after that, we will ensure that the funding for Free Higher Education will always be there annually and perpetually. 5. Can you share a bill and/or program that you think has been one of the most successful and which can be easily adopted across the country? Green Jobs and JobStart are close to my heart. I was the primary author of both bills. I had the privilege of working closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during my term as Chairman of the Committee on Labor, and both Green Jobs and JobStart are laws that the country really needs. 6. What do you think is the greatest threat to the government now or our greatest hindrance to progress? What is needed to bring about greater change? I believe the greatest threat to our government is the constant attempt at discrediting the efforts of our President. We all need to come together and unite to achieve the progress we deserve. Finding ways to destabilize the seated government and efforts to discredit the work we do or politicking is a disservice to our country. 7. What’s a misconception/misunderstanding people have about the current administration? Our President is unorthodox, but that does not mean he will not deliver. Some people have this misconception that the current administration is only concerned with eradicating illegal drugs and criminality. While these are two objectives that the President is particularly bent on accomplishing, there are many other various areas of concern that the current administration is addressing. Growing the economy faster, lifting the people out of poverty, bringing development to the countryside, addressing the people’s basic needs, providing jobs, better education, and healthcare are just some of the many items under the current administration’s socioeconomic agenda and the Philippine Development Plan that will propel our country and our people to greater heights by year 2022. 8. Describe your leadership style. I believe in people, I believe in team work. I believe each person has an invaluable purpose no matter how small the work they do. I believe it is important to share a common ideal, practice the same values, and have passion for what we do. I work with people closely and always try to lead and inspire by example, while also learning from them. It is only when we are able to inspire and learn from each other that we are able to come together and become more effective in the work we do. 9. What’s one of the most meaningful lessons you’ve learned from your father, former House Speaker Prospero Nograles? My father taught me the value of hard work and helping others. He showed me that we each carry the responsibility of helping others and creating good in the lives of others. He also taught me the importance of family, and that the love and support of family is what we must cherish most in this life. 10. What’s the next step for your political career? I have dedicated my life to public service. Right now, I’m just concentrating on the responsibilities of my current office and the tasks I need to do. I don’t know where God will lead me next. So I just pray He will allow me to continue being of service to the people. Click here to read full article for free

< Back LEADERSHIP AND COMPASSION BY ELAINE ESTRADAFELICITAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL SORIANO New Councilor Maliksi joins the city council of Imus, Cavite, bringing her own style of leadership focused on women and family. Known to many as first lady to then-Imus, Cavite Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi, Jelyn Maliksi has forged her way to politics by bringing her own style of engaging and dynamic leadership. Her experience as an active member of different socio-civic organizations and the support of the people of Imus paved the way for her to become part of the new set of city councilors. Maliksi wants to focus on her advocacy of representing and empowering women, children, and the family; and to encourage them to participate in different community projects. ENGAGING THROUGH VOLUNTEER WORK Even before being elected as a city councilor, Maliksi had been active in doing volunteer work since 2007, being a member of different non-government organizations (NGOs). She is the charter president of the Inner Wheel Club of Mutya ng Imus and was president of the Rotary Club of Imus. She also served as part of the board of directors of the Red Cross Cavite Chapter and has organized Maliksing Kababaihan, an organization that provides different support projects directed to women. She also spearheaded the Imus First Women Credit Cooperative, the first cooperative exclusively for women in Imus. The neophyte councilor describes her brand of leadership as dynamic and engaging. She makes sure that she is involved in the activities of her organization as well as encouraging the people to be part of it. “I want to serve and enjoy the experiences together at the same time,” she says. She sees this as similar to being a servant leader as she actively participates in projects and chooses not to delegate to other people. All of these, on top of being a mother and wife. PATH TO PUBLIC SERVICE “I had a very simple childhood because I came from a simple family,” Maliksi recalls. Her mother was a real estate broker and her father, a jewelry designer. The second of four siblings remembers that her parents were very strict but is proud that they were protective of her and their family. Maliksi describes herself as a shy girl and a late bloomer. She started modelling during her college days and was into beauty pageants where she met her husband, former Imus Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi. She participated in school activities a little later and came to enjoy the experience. When asked how she became a public servant and if it was planned, she says, “I would say no. I did not plan, because if I did, I would have started a long time ago.” Comparing her experience with that of her husband’s, she says that she could have started while he was in his first or second term as Imus mayor but she’s a private person. “Dumating lang ‘tong opportunity (This opportunity just presented itself), to be honest,” she says. She explains that the Serbisyong Maliksi brand of leadership which started from her father-in-law has been known and trusted by Imuseños, and paved the way to start her career in politics. Aside from that, she realized that there was a great need for women leaders in the City. She believes that she is a great instrument or voice for women and families. Given the time she spent working with NGOs, she’s confident and convinced that she can do it. INSPIRATION FOR LEADERSHIP Maliksi has identified the people in her life as her inspiration to be the leader that she is, “Of course, family is foremost. Because they’ve always believed in me and I get inspired every time I look at our children.” She also mentions the people of Imus who have been supportive during his husband’s journey as a public servant and up to the time she entered politics. Lastly, she says that her husband has influenced her leadership with the attributes and qualities that she has learned from him. His charitable work and pakikisama are some of the things which inspired her own brand of leadership. PUBLIC SERVICE AND FAMILY LIFE Being a family woman, getting married to her husband, and becoming a mother to her children have been linked to her advocacy for women and children. “Since I started joining NGOs or socio-civic organizations, most of my projects were focused on women and children. It’s the the same advocacy actually, when I ran for public office.” Her motivation is centered on her family, especially her son. Asked what drives her every day, she answers, “My son, my youngest son, and also serving other people, to do something good and not only for myself.” Balancing her time for family and work may be difficult at times but she wants to be remembered as “someone with compassion, that I really shared with other people.” And that’s what she loves about her work in the community. Maliksi aims to push for ordinances and programs focused on women, children, and family as she understands the importance of the role of women, herself being a woman, wife, and mother. “The family is the most basic unit of society. Kapag matibay ang pamilya, matibay ang community (Strong families make strong communities).” THE IMPORTANCE OF KINDNESS Maliksi has her mind set on maintaining her values and attitude towards others. “One of my biggest learnings is to always put your purpose first. You need a purpose with a heart,” she says. This, together with compassion, has become her guide when dealing with difficult people and situations. Starting from her pageant days and even as she became the wife of the highest elected official in Imus, she has had her fair share of detractors and people who keep an eye on her every movement. “I think it’s very important that we possess that value,” she shares about the importance of helping people even if she’s not an elected official. “There are other ways to help. We Rotarians have a motto regarding that: service above self.” Maliksi stresses the importance of kindness in her activities and daily life. “Marami nang problema sa mundo (The world has enough problems, as it is). You always have to be kind because you don’t know what the other person is going through.” She explains that kindness can be in different forms such as smiling, a simple touch, sharing a part of yourself, or anything that you can do to lift another person.” PROJECTS FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN Asked about the biggest moments in her life, aside from winning as a city councilor, Maliksi talks about the organizations she spearheaded which reflect her advocacy for women and the family. Maliksing Kababaihan was organized by her in 2018 with 3,000 women volunteers. “The goal of the organization is to have a network of women helping other women,” she shares. There are ongoing projects such as feeding and livelihood programs, and medical missions that are focused on women, especially the members of the organization. Another organization that she is proud of is the Imus First Women Credit Cooperative, of which she is one of the founding directors. It helps women and mothers to have credit services geared towards their needs. There are other projects which reflect her advocacies for children and the family. With the NGOs that she’s connected with, she was able to provide kits for kids which contain tablets for online distance learners and Wi-Fi towers to support their online classes. Each tower can provide Internet access to more than 10 students. She believes that this project can be reapplied to other cities and provinces and can greatly help children in need, especially during the pandemic. IMUS CITY’S WOMAN SERVANT LEADER Consistent with the promises she made during her campaign, Maliksi will focus on her advocacies as there haven’t been any woman official in Imus for the past three years. “Sa abot ng aking makakaya (As much as I could), I’ll try to fulfill the promises I made during the campaign,” she stresses. She also gives her thanks to the people who trusted her and placed her in office, even as she promises to provide a broader range of services for the people. Aside from her plans of pursuing projects that could help advance her advocacies, she also wants women’s groups to have more active participation in the activities of the city government. Maliksi notes that she will need engagement, involvement, and dynamics—which have helped shape her brand of leadership—to draw in these groups. She feels confident that she’ll be able to do such, with the support of her constituents. As a piece of advice to women who plan to enter politics, Maliksi highlights “I believe in the importance of equal rights, not only in politics but also in business and civic arenas. I also think that investing in women can lead to a just, equitable, and more peaceful society as women are the primary caretakers of the family. This can be achieved by women empowering women.”

< Back WOMEN’S CLUB PANGASINAN CHAIRPERSON ATTY. MELANIE LAMBINO Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” This old proverb is shown to be true between Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Lambino and his wife, Atty. Melanie. Both of them work to make a difference, although they are in different fields such as politics or public service and community service or non-government organizations. It is sometimes an overlooked fact that, as much as we give respect and honor to the places where leaders try to make a difference, it is often the untold stories of the people who stand beside them that deserve equal recognition. Atty. Melanie has undoubtedly contributed significantly to Vice Governor Mark’s success with her persistent support, efforts, and accomplishments. Atty. Melanie is a director at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a business economist, and a lawyer. She and Vice Governor Mark have a son named Luke, who is an inspiration to both of them for why they are working hard to serve the communities they chose to work for. Atty. Melanie is also an advocate of community involvement and women empowerment which she practices in the Women’s Club Pangasinan (WCP) as its president. WCP is an affiliate of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines (NFWC) that was established on September 8, 2019. It is during hardships and trials that women and mothers are always the last people to give up, and they are the ones that will inspire others to see light in every darkness. This is what WCP showed during the height of the global health crisis—COVID 19. The group showed the rest that the pandemic is an opportunity for women to show they care for society. WCP has successfully conducted several projects and programs, such as the distribution of face shields, hygiene kits, school kits, and grocery packs, for the past four years. The COVID-19 pandemic motivated WCP to set up a multi-faucet hygiene facility in David Elementary School, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, to ensure the safety of students and teachers. This project is in partnership with Manila Water Philippine Ventures, the Department of Health (DOH), and the local government of Pangasinan under the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program. WCP also conducted a PWD (Persons with Disability) treat, set up a community pantry for Pangasinenses, and hosted online activities such as the Facebook Live Game Show and online raffles. PWDs from different municipalities were given wheelchairs, a simple gesture of affection that brought so much happiness not only to the PWDs but also to the WCP members. AWARDS Still under Atty. Melanie’s superintendence, WCP was recognized by the Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) and given the Ang Susi Awards 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City for its best community service. Complementing this are her efforts to preserve and protect the environment particularly to protect marine life and resources. She spearheaded the use of recycled materials to design and decorate the WCP float for the Pistay Dayat 2023. The WCP float topped the contest as the “Best Float” during the Grand Float Parade last May 1, 2023 at Lingayen, Pangasinan. WO M E N ’ S C LU B PA N GAS I N A N H O ST E D N AT I O N A L F E D E R AT I O N O F WOMEN’S CLUBS OF THE PHILIPPINES ANNUAL MEETING 2023 As president of WCP, Atty. Melanie led the hosting of NFWC Pangasinan National Annual Meeting at the Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan on May 26 to 27, 2023, highlighting the theme: “Challenge: Women’s Well-being and Economic Resilience Amid COVID Impacts.” This momentous gathering was graced by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos of Ilocos Norte as their guest of honor and speaker, and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino of Pangasinan as the inspirational speaker. “We pray as we go back to regular life, we remember what we went through, and may we be a little bit kinder and may we be compassionate as people, as women... being compassionate, being nurturing, being loving and being caring to other people,” Cecilia Araneta-Marcos emphasized during ner keynote speech. Part of this two-day event also was a church tour in Señor Divino Tesoro Shrine and Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, and Bella’s Puto Factory in Calasiao, Pangasinan which delegates truly enjoyed. The said activities showcased the tourism industry of Pangasinan specifically in the Municipality of Calasiao. The NFWC National Annual Meeting aims to reunite the members and renew their camaraderie and fellowship, establish networking, experience new places and cultures and to simply enjoy a wonderful time with their fellow women. An estimated 180 delegates from the various affiliated clubs and federations of NFWC from different parts of the country gathered together during this significant event.

Lingayen’s Quest: Be as Ubiquitous as Bagoong by Maielle Montayre Photos by Romeo Peralta, Jr. COUNCILOR JUDY DE LEON-VARGAS OF LINGAYEN SHARES HOW THIS TOWN, KNOWN AS PANGASINAN'S PROVINCIAL CAPITAL, STRIVES TO BE KNOWN FOR SOMETHING ELSE. If there is one condiment that could be identified as truly Filipino, it has got to be bagoong. That salty, fishy paste we love to put on mangoes and serves as a base for many of our beloved Filipino dishes is popular everywhere in the Philippines. The smell may put some people off, but its unique taste deepens and enhances the flavor of our favorite vegetables, meats, and even fruits. There is one town in the Philippines vying for the title of “Bagoong Capital.” Lingayen, the provincial capital of Pangasinan, is known for this thriving industry. The town has 56 bagoong processors, wholesalers, and retailers that each produce at least 1,500 boxes of bottled bagoong every month. We want to be known as the Bagoong Capital, not just of the Philippines, but of the world,” says Judy de Leon-Vargas, the young and energetic municipal councilor of Lingayen responsible for the town’s branding using Bagoong, when she authored the resolution to designate bagoong as the “one town, one product” (OTOP) of Lingayen. “For years, people have been recognizing Lingayen as the kapitolyo of Pangasinan, and nothing else. With bagoong, which we call Pasig, we contend that we do not just have the best bagoong in the country, but it is also the foundation of our identity as a town.” Lingayen and Bagoong a Historical Pair Lingayen’s name came from the Pangasinan word “lingawen” which means “to look back,” since the people of the town in the early days developed the habit of constantly looking back at a big tamarind tree growing in what is now the town’s plaza. The town is also historically significant, being the birthplace of Former President Fidel V. Ramos. It also played an important role during World War II, as it was where the Allied forces landed its amphibious operation in 1945 to commence the liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese. Lingayen’s product of pride, bagoong is also special in Philippine history, since the Spanish colonizers were never accustomed to the smell or taste of bagoong, and even described it as “fish which has started to rot and stink.” To which, Rizal reacted with “this fish, that cannot be good until it begins to rot, is bagoong, and those who have eaten it and tasted it know that it neither is, nor should be, rotten.” SUBSCRIBE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.. BACK BUY MAGAZINE NOW FINAL SALE GET 30% OFF EVERYTHING. CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

< Back BARANGAY CONNECTION Barangay officials tell LEAGUE about their health initiatives. BARANGAY ABUCAY IN PILAR, SORSOGON CELEBRATES CHILDREN’S MONTH The Barangay Children’s Organization (BCO) of Barangay Abucay in Pilar, Sorsogon gathered the children in the community to celebrate National Children’s Month last November 19, 2022 at the Barangay Abucay basketball park. With the theme “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan,” children up to 17 years old were invited to a day-long celebration that started with Zumba and color fun run at five in the morning. The initial activities were followed by an assembly where a discussion about children’s rights was conducted. The children also participated in poster-making, slogan-making, coloring, and creative storytelling contests. The program ended with the awarding of prizes to the winners. “National Children’s Month is celebrated in the Philippines every November. This month-long celebration aims to give Filipino children access to a healthy environment, good education, and quality health care. This month highlights the ways we can help and support them,” BCO Abucay says in their Facebook page. In the same post, the BCO expressed its gratitude to Barangay Chairman Joselito V. Lolo for his full support to the said program. Barangay Councilor Cyrus S. Leosala was also present to guide the children during the activities while the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members helped by preparing the games under the leadership of SK Chairman Benjie M. Lita. BARANGAY MAMATID’S BOTIKA NG BARANGAY PROVIDES FREE MEDICINES Residents of Barangay Mamatid, Cabuyao, Laguna, have reason to celebrate, as their officials have another project going for them. In a Facebook video posted on September 21, 2022, Barangay Chairman Jervis Himpisao walked his audience through the Botika ng Barangay (Barangay Pharmacy) to show the available medicines the residents may avail of for free. Upon entry, every resident visiting the pharmacy will be assessed by two barangay health workers and interviewed about the medicines that they need. They will then be walked to the shelf, while being informed that they can ask for vitamins both for children and adults. Himpisao also mentioned that the pharmacy also stocks paracetamol and cough medicine for all ages. Moreover, the barangay chairman added that Mamatid residents may also get free antibiotics and maintenance medicine for diabetic and hypertensive patients. All these can be availed of by presenting a voter’s ID and prescription. Residents of Mamatid who have seen the video expressed their delight and gratitude in the comment section, saying that they no longer need to buy their maintenance medicine and that they are happy to have a pharmacy that gives free medicine in their community. Himpisao ended the video with a message to his constituents, saying “nagpapasalamat po ang inyong lingkod sa walang sawang pagsuporta po sa ating pamahalaang barangay at sama-sama pa rin po tayong magdasal para po sa ikauunlad ng ating barangay. Open po ang opisina ng barangay chairman para po sa mga mungkahi na [magpapaganda sa ating pamamahala sa] Barangay Mamatid. (I am thankful for your unending support for our barangay government. Let us keep praying together for the progress of our barangay. The office of the barangay chairman welcomes suggestions for better governance).” BARANGAY ANOS CONDUCTS WEEKLY CHECKUP FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES The Barangay Health Center of Barangay Anos in Los Baños, Laguna conducted its weekly immunization and checkup services for mothers and babies, spearheaded by barangay midwife Rowena Avila on November 23, 2022. During the activity, infants and toddlers were given vaccine shots while some ill patients were given needed medicines. Along with this, the Municipal Nutrition Office of Los Baños served food to beneficiaries of the municipality’s “kaKALINGAin” Feeding Program. Feeding activities take place thrice a week, and the feeding program lasts for three months. Aside from barangay health workers (BHWs), students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ (UPLB), College of Human Ecology, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, were present to help in recording the weight of the children in preparation for the upcoming “NUTRI Pack na Pack” program. Infants and toddlers are being weighed weekly to monitor their health and help address their needs Also present to assist in the activity were barangay nutrition scholars and barangay health center aides. SPECIAL-NEEDS CHILDREN GET ACCESS TO EARLY INTERVENTION ASSESSMENT IN BARANGAY SAN ANTONIO, PASIG CITY In partnership with Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP), Barangay San Antonio, Pasig City recently launched a free early intervention assessment program for children with developmental disabilities. Fifteen students attended the pilot session that took place in Barangay San Antonio. Around 20 children will undergo assessment every week for the following sessions. Over 100 children aged three and above are targeted to be served through the program. To be given priority are those presently being served by the barangay’s Child Development Center. The above-mentioned program is under the barangay’s “Project CARE or Children’s Access to Responsive Evaluation” program, which aims to detect developmental delays among children, and to determine the possible intervention during their early years. Under the program, children will be assessed through interactive games and activities that may help develop their communication and social skills. This program can be accessed for free or at an affordable rate compared to the Php5,000 to Php12,000 normally charged in other centers. Barangay San Antonio Chairman Raymond Lising and other barangay officials started this program because they noticed that there is a significant number of children in the barangay who have special needs. This led them to ask SOP’s help. This is also their response to the call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and the National Youth Commission (NYC) to strengthen efforts and services for the development of kids. Buy magazine here

< Back Redeemed BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS ENTERED POLITICS TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES. IRONICALLY, TIAONG, QUEZON VICE MAYOR RODERICK UMALI WAS THE ONE REFORMED DURING HIS TERM. The vice mayor of Tiaong, Quezon, is not ashamed to admit that he was already serving his first term as mayor when he got hooked on casinos, cockfighting, and womanizing. “People didn’t know because I wasn’t gambling here. I was gambling in Manila, and I never entered cockfighting arenas here; always in Manila,” recalls Umali about the habit that he thinks should never be done by a mayor. According to him, guilt was consuming him at the time, so he decided to serve out his term and not seek reelection. Umali claims that not even his wife was aware of his gambling and other vices. People were perplexed by his decision because he had no opponent at the time if he decided to run for reelection. “‘Di ko lang masabi sa kanila (I just couldn’t tell them that) I’m tired. Basta I told them lang I have small children and I wanted to be with them during their rearing years, ‘yun lang ang aking palusot (that became my excuse),” he confesses. Umali was 39 years old when he ran for mayor in 2010 and won. Before vying for the mayoralty, he first served as a councilor for two terms. At the time, he decided to replace his father, Raul Umali, who was serving his final term of office. He believed that he wasn’t deserving of the position because he engaged in vices. He convinced his father to run for another term and assured him that he would take another shot at the mayoralty after his father completed another term. In 2013, his father agreed to run for mayor while he opted for a sabbatical from politics. They then attempted a revival in 2016, but failed even in 2019. “Everything that we had was taken away: power, money. It seems that we were humiliated because everything was taken away; even my business wasn’t doing any good,” says Umali. HELPING BEYOND POLITICS Despite their circumstances, the Umalis continued to help their constituents. They were not in power in Tiaong at the time, but they still provided aid to their town and the people, along with some friends and members of their congregation, from their own resources. Umali states that they genuinely extended assistance, and it was not for political purposes. Due to the pandemic, it was never certain that elections would be held during that time. Umali acknowledged, however, that should there be another election, he would try his luck again. “I told myself if my heart was unready, I would not run. But you know, a month before, I [decided] I was ready to run for mayor,” recalls Umali. Instead of running for mayor, however, he eventually decided to gun for another post. “I know that it was the Lord who directed my path to run for vice mayor,” he states. As he is commonly known, “Vice Mayor Dick” is not new to politics. Since childhood, he has been exposed to the world of politics, particularly when his father was appointed officer in charge (OIC) mayor of his hometown by the late President Corazon Aquino immediately after the EDSA 1 Revolution. Since he was 15 years old, he had witnessed his father’s dedication to service. According to Umali, his father would spend the majority of his time per week, from five to six days in Tiaong, and would only visit his children for one
day in Manila, where they studied. In 1988, his father ran for mayor of the municipality but lost. He had the same fate in the three subsequent elections held in 1992, 1995, and 1998. According to the younger Umali, his father never gave up, even after failing four times. In 2001, on his fifth attempt, he was eventually elected mayor. After that, he won the two succeeding elections, allowing him to serve as mayor of Tiaong for three terms. He believes that his father’s support was crucial to his victory when he ran for mayor after serving two terms as a councilor. Umali has wanted to work in government since he was in elementary school because his father’s work served as an inspiration to him. The mayor shares that his father was a major influence in his life, even beyond public service. He adds that he has the utmost regard for his father, who emphasized to him the importance of never taking advantage of others, particularly the less fortunate. “Everything that we had was taken away. Power, money. It seems that we were humiliated because everything was taken away; even my business wasn’t doing any good.” THE REFORMATION The Tiaong vice mayor no longer intends to seek a higher position. Everything he does, he shares, is meant to make his children inherit a legacy and a name that they’ll be proud of. “I want them to retain the lessons I gave them. Just that. No more political talk,” he explains, although he would never declare conclusively. But because he has been exposed to politics for 30 years, he feels as though he is already in the last phase of his political career. His political aim does not include recognition or renown. He declares that he gives praise to the Lord for every political success because he wants people to recognize God in him. He used to say to people all the time, “If I have helped anyone, I hope you will thank the Lord for it. Even if you hold a post for 20 years as mayor, 30 years as congressman, or even 40 years as governor, I think all of our positions are temporary.” Umali may have been ready to retire from politics with a sense of accomplishment, believing that his efforts to assist others, even if they occurred decades ago, would remain in his memory, especially since he continued to do so after leaving office. He states that he began a program, which he labels “Magtulungan Tayo (Let’s Help One Another),” more than a decade ago. According to him, the initiative is more like a help desk. By renting a van and transporting 10 patients to government hospitals in Metro Manila, they were facilitating medical assistance, despite their lack of funds, so that they could appeal for assistance from congressmen or friends who held high positions in government hospitals. The National Kidney Institute, Philippine Children’s Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, and East Avenue Medical Center are among these hospitals. Umali has a soft spot in his heart for people who require medical assistance. He places a higher priority on health issues than food programs because, in the province, there are plenty of resources available, especially for those who live in a barangay where practically everyone is a relative. “However, if you become ill, you must raise a substantial sum of cash for your treatment; you must sell your home, tricycle, cow, and goats,” he says. Umali claims that some of the workers and administrators of government hospitals would be shocked to find that he visits the patients he sends there. “That is where the people suffer; their world is spinning,” he says. Umali gives this explanation for why he visits his ailing constituents in hospitals: “[Emotional support] is also what they need at that very moment.” However, he claims that the visit is not his most significant activity. He finds ways for the patient to leave the hospital without having to worry about paying the bill, which might be in the range of half a million to almost a million pesos. “Because even if you just give them money—say, 500 pesos—it makes no difference. But if they leave the hospital without paying anything, their lives will be changed.” Helping his townspeople comes as second nature to the vice mayor. His wife reveals that he was constantly approached by the people to help them even when he was not holding any government position. Although her husband felt powerless and helpless at that time, since they were also struggling financially then, Umali went and did everything in his power to help. The couple would approach politicians, all the way to the Senate and the House of Representatives, to ask for help. “When you are not in power anymore, you become a nobody, and some [people] would not entertain you,” Mrs. Umali shares. Despite the odds and hardships, they were able to make it work. Umali, his wife shares, even extended help to those from Candelaria, San Antonio, and even Antipolo. LEAVING A CHRISTIAN LEGACY Umali reveals that the three elections they lost were the lowest points in their lives because those were the same periods during which their company failed. During this period, he says that they fell flat on their faces and found themselves on their knees. But Umali found hope in the Lord and shares that this renewed sense of faith helped pull him out of his gambling addiction and brought him back to his family, saving his marriage. Umali says that this recovery also led him back to politics, with the realization that everything is fleeting, and focused him on what truly matters. His legacy, he stresses, is not for himself but for his children. The vice mayor witnessed the grace of the Lord and is continually humbled by the experience of reaching rock bottom. Many believed he would not be able to defeat his wealthy, powerful opponent, but he won. Umali believes this victory was also because of divine intervention. “My strained relationships with my wife, children, family, and friends were completely restored. Not only that, in a span of less than two years, our construction business did very well during the pandemic and I was able to recover financially. As a bonus, I am again back in government, defying all odds. I can only point to the Heavenly Father for all that has happened. He is indeed merciful and gracious,” Umali ends. Out of gallery

Soco’s background and experience in business prove useful in his current capacity as a public servant. < Back PROVING HIS METTLE Soco’s background and experience in business prove useful in his current capacity as a public servant. By Edward James Castro PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN JOHN PASCUA British statesman and writer Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” These words have served Provincial Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco of the 6th District of Cebu and Lone District of Mandaue City well in his years of dedicated public service. He has taken it upon himself to achieve clear goals for development, advocate for just systems, and bridge the gap between government and the people. WOKE AT A YOUNG AGE In an interview with LEAGUE, Soco recalls his early experiences and tries to pinpoint where and when his passion for public service began. He was able to dig a quarry of fond, humble memories— such as how he would skip public transport and walk a good five kilometers every day, just to be able to save his allowance. Aside from these, sports played an important role in Soco’s personal growth. He possessed not only good volleyball skills but also the right attitude to back these up. “I learned so much from my coach. In sports, discipline is important,” he fondly reminisces. With the ups and downs of his life as an athlete helping shape his life philosophy, Soco was able to handle pressure at an early age. Soco’s talent for volleyball also helped him earn athletic scholarships in high school and college, which eased the financial burden on his parents. At home, Soco helped out as much as he could with his mother, who ran a small janitorial services agency, and father, who was then a Mandaue City councilor. He witnessed how his parents worked hard to succeed in their respective careers, and the experience shaped his work ethic growing up. While most teens his age were busy with age-appropriate concerns, the young Soco found more productive ways to channel his youthful energy. In his hometown in Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City, Soco ran and became the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman from 1992 to 1998. As a youth leader, he was exposed to a score of real-world experiences and problems faced by the masses. This fueled his desire to help bring about change in his community. “At the barangay where I came from, poverty is really prevalent; I saw that every day,” he laments. Soco completed his college program and graduated from the University of San Carlos with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Diploma in hand, he was ready to face the world. When their family business was struggling, Soco stepped in and helped his parents turn it into the manpower services agency it is today which caters to a variety of industries, from hospitality, food and beverage, to construction and even healthcare. He has also opened another company, Powerline Human Resource Management, Inc., which provides human resource solutions to companies. Under his watch, he has managed more than 8,000 people, servicing more than 100 clients within the country. FROM BUSINESS TO PUBLIC SERVICE Aside from helping his parents with their business, Soco also decided to launch his own, as he wanted to create something “from scratch.” The year 1996 marked a milestone for Soco as he ventured into the coffee industry. He launched a simple kiosk in Ayala Center Cebu using his personal savings as capital. As this was before specialty coffee consumption became a lifestyle, Soco’s move was a high-risk business decision. His gamble, however, paid off as he eventually saw his business grow and have 42 branches all over the country. Through their efforts, Soco soon saw himself managing multiple businesses—convenience stores, restaurants, cinemas, and a rural bank. His experience as an entrepreneur exposed him to the edges of a major issue that faces the country: skills mismatch in the Filipino labor force. “It dawned on me that my drive from within, why I launched all of these things—the cinema, cafe, restaurants— was because I find joy in creation and improvement. It is fulfilling for me to create something that people would like and along the process, create opportunities for others,” Soco shares. Aside from his business acumen, Soco’s leadership qualities also shone early on through his involvement in private sector organizations like the Rotary movement where he served as charter president of the Rotary Club of Cebu Business District, a club he co-founded with other civic-minded individuals. He likewise served as president of the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) for 10 years as his way of giving back to the sport which he once played. It didn’t take long for award-giving bodies to notice Soco, and he was one of the finalists nominated by Earnst & Young (EY) for the 2005 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. In 2006, he was also dubbed by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs and one of the 75 most admired entrepreneurs in the Philippines. His life is nothing short of colorful, and Soco admits that for most people, he has seemingly achieved his dreams. “To them, I have already achieved a lot but I felt that I could still do more for our people and our country. I believe that the people needed a new brand of leadership. A brand of leadership that I can contribute given my experience in the private sector,” he confesses, explaining his decision to enter politics. In 2010, Soco was invited by reelectionist Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to run alongside her as the vice gubernatorial candidate. He went up against the incumbent vice governor and unfortunately lost by a small margin. “But I knew that I had to run again. The loss only fueled my passion for public service,” he shares. In his second attempt, this time as an independent candidate in 2013, he came in as a close second in a three-way contest despite logistical challenges. The 2013 campaign has been etched in Soco’s mind as his most memorable experience in the field of politics thus far. As an independent candidate, he had to personally do most of the groundwork. This did not stop him from touching base with people from all walks of life, informing them of his vision for the province, at times speaking only from the back of a pickup truck, sometimes ending up spending the night in a supporter’s residence. “I have visited so many barangays, even the remotest and most far flung barangays in the province.” With this second loss, Soco was convinced that politics was not meant for him and resolved to focus on business. In 2016, he became president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It was in the same year, during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, that he was elected as a private sector representative to the Regional Development Council – Central Visayas (RDC 7), and was tasked to head its Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC). This role provided him the chance to showcase his leadership style in handling infrastructure development projects. As the highest planning and policy-making body in every region, RDC serves as the counterpart of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board at the sub-national level. As part of RDC 7, Soco became involved in stakeholder’s meetings and in scrutinizing infrastructure projects, making sure that these would really address the problems confronting Cebu and the entire Region 7. His philosophy, which he adheres to up to today, is simple: Do the right projects the right way. Fast forward to 2019. In his third electoral contest, Soco finally became an elected public official, having won as a provincial board member of the 6th District of Cebu. With his excellent performance, he successfully clinched another term in the May 2022 polls. This time, his area of jurisdiction had become the 6th District and the Lone District of Mandaue City. Soco’s philosophy is simple: Do the right projects the right way. SOCO-STYLE SERVICE A few months into his first term, Soco secured the approval of important pieces of local legislation. For starters, he shepherded Cebu’s supplemental budget for 2019, which was approved in a record-breaking six minutes. The measure, as endorsed by Garcia, provided for a substantial increase in the incentives for barangay frontliners: health workers, daycare workers, animal health aides, and barangay nutrition scholars. For good measure, he followed this up by filing the Barangay Workers Act of 2019, an ordinance which institutionalized such incentives and increase. Soco also authored the resolution declaring a “traffic crisis” in the province. He cited a 2018 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study which placed the economic cost of traffic congestion in Cebu province at Php1.1 billion per day. The resolution paved the way for the national government and other stakeholders to give more attention and support to Cebu in terms of addressing the traffic problem. A program that has become synonymous with the Soco brand of leadership is Trabaho ug Asenso (Work and Progress). What started out as a personal effort on his part has grown into one of his primary advocacies, run by dedicated staff. The program provides basic skills training, livelihood support, entrepreneurship training, and other interventions to a broad spectrum of individuals and groups who need such. “A lot of people are unemployed. But when they apply for jobs, they are unskilled or underskilled and they don’t get hired. I saw that there was a clear gap between the labor force and the job market. I believe government can help address the gap,” Soco stresses. Another program that he hopes to soon launch is the Barangay Employment Services Program (BESP). As can be gleaned from its name, the program connects people to job openings, trains them in basic skills, and increases their chances of getting hired, all the while reducing costs that accompany pursuing one job opening after another. Soco, being well-versed in business, knows very well that proper preparation greatly increases the chances of getting hired. He emphasizes that while there is a demand for workers, one problem which hinders jobseekers from being hired is their lack of training regarding the job application process. To remedy this, BESP aims to help jobseekers in crafting a résumé, preparing for an interview, or making a general presentation. From the name itself, this will be primarily implemented by the barangays since they know first-hand which families or individuals need assistance. “Government should be the link between their people and the private companies and other [institutions offering] job opportunities so that everyone, especially those in farflung areas, do not aimlessly look for jobs in the city. They are guided and it saves everyone’s time and effort,” he says. “I’ve consulted with the barangays within my district [regarding BESP]. Their concern is their workload; they are loaded [with duties]. They like the idea but it boils down to implementation.” First and foremost as well, Soco reveals that BESP should be instituted first with the right local ordinances. It would also be better if they receive backing through a national law, like Republic Act (RA) 11261 or the “First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act.” While the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) exists, Soco laments that they lack the initiative and that things could be done better according to their mandate. “[PESO] needs to do more. They have plenty of resources to work with. It’s a matter of streamlining the system and having the right mindset, not just merely doing job fairs and posting job offers, waiting for walk-in applicants.” Meanwhile, the Go Livelihood for Entrepreneurship, Enhanced Net Income and Nutrition (GLENN) Program serves as a complement to BESP. It is his personal and office initiatives to tap government, the private sector and even his personal funds. Soco goes directly to different barangays once a week to provide a variety of services. The program includes, but is not limited to: feeding, medical missions (blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring), providing free vitamins and medicine; free assistive devices to persons with disability (PWDs), free food packs, business skills development, free legal assistance, and even financial and burial assistance. It is his way of bringing government services closer to the people. “[The GLENN Program] has been happening even before I entered politics. But of course, now I’m able to maximize the resources of the government to further expand the program’s reach and provide more services. I’m efficiently using my office to alleviate the plight of the people,” Soco explains. TOWARD HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT As a public servant with a solid background in business, Soco has fully recognized Cebu’s boundless potential for advancement. The challenge is how to create or take advantage of opportunities in order to realize such potential. In relation to this, Soco plans to build upon his achievements when he was with RDC 7. For instance, he took an active part in pushing for the Metro Cebu Expressway Project under Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program. This major infrastructure project aims to dramatically reduce the average travel time from the northern part of Cebu to its southernmost tip. The 73-kilometer highway will not only significantly lessen the congestion in narrow streets and old roads, but also make commuting around the province more efficient and convenient. He takes planning and development seriously and believes that stakeholders should focus on making Cebu more liveable and sustainable to complement its growth. He shares his experience as a member of the JICA study team that went to Japan for the Metro Cebu Urban Transport Masterplan Study, saying that “Everything could be done with proper planning and implementation. I am hopeful that we could see these changes within the near future.” Under the administration of Garcia, the board members and the vice governor were involved in identifying infrastructure projects in their respective legislative districts. This gave Soco the opportunity to implement meaningful projects, like multi-purpose covered courts, daycare centers, road concreting projects, solar street lighting projects, barangay water systems, and other support infrastructure projects that the barangays need. His office has likewise effectively implemented priority programs of the provincial government, like the Sugbo Negosyo (an entrepreneurial development program) and the Sugbo Kahanas (a scholarship and skills development program) in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). THE ROAD AHEAD Public service and business, Soco states, may appear to be two different worlds, but lessons learned from both can be utilized to bring about meaningful change in society. “I remind my staff that there are measurable goals and objectives] that we have to be accountable for. There is no room for a lackadaisical attitude in public service,” the board member stresses. As for running for higher office, Soco says, “Wala naman kaming malaking pangalan [sa politika] (My family doesn’t have a big name [in politics] that I can boast of.) I will just do my best and God will do the rest. I’d like to think that everything I’ve achieved is because of my hard work and where I am today is a result of my passion to help people.” But whether he continues to be involved in politics or reverts to the world of entrepreneurship, it will always be full speed ahead for Board Member Glenn Soco, a good example of the true mettle of a man.

< Back CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SERVICE EXCELLENCE BY GABRIEL AGLIPAY METROPOLITAN WATERWORKS AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM (MWSS) ADMINISTRATOR LEONOR CLEOFAS’ COMMITMENT TO SERVICE EXCELLENCE HAS HELPED TRANSFORM THE OFFICE AND ENSURE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF A VITAL RESOURCE. Leonor Cleofas, the seasoned leader at the helm of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), is a public servant known for her steadfast dedication to service and innovative approach in managing one of the Philippines' vital utilities. With a public service career spanning four decades, Cleofas has established herself as a leader in the field of water resource management. Cleofas developed a passion for public service at an early age. She pursued her education with fervor, obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of the East. With a strong academic foundation and a fervent desire to bring about positive change, she embarked on a career path aimed at addressing the pressing challenges within the water sector. CHOOSING PUBLIC SERVICE After passing the civil engineering board exam, Cleofas joined MWSS as a project engineer. She could have taken the route leading to employment in the private sector or starting her own engineering firm, but instead chose to join government service. "I think that in any person's career, it's more of the satisfaction and contentment that you get out of what you are doing, rather than the material gains you could have," she says. "For us in the government, it's the calling to serve the people that serves as our main motivation." Another major chance to join the private sector came Cleofas' way in 1997. "When we invited the private sector to help the government deliver water services to the public, we were given the opportunity to transfer to either Manila Water or Maynilad, but I chose to stay with MWSS. I felt satisfied; I felt that I have given something to the government, to the people by serving them, and I could continue to do so by remaining with MWSS. I felt that by staying in government service, I could do more than earn money,” she reveals. RISING THROUGH THE RANKS Cleofas’ ascent within the MWSS ranks was marked by her exemplary performance, strategic vision, and unequalled desire to serve. Her expertise in civil engineering, coupled with her innate leadership abilities, did not go unnoticed. From a newly-minted civil engineer who started out as a project engineer within the agency, Cleofas became supervising project engineer, division manager, and project manager. She eventually rose to the position of Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Technical Operations. Upon her (short-lived) retirement in May 2021, she had under her belt major accomplishments such as the completion of a number of water reliability projects, including the Angat Water Utilization and Improvement Project (AWUIP)and Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project (AWTIP). A few months after her retirement, Cleofas was tapped by then President Rodrigo Duterte to take over MWSS as its first female full-fledged administrator. Her experience and clean track record positioned her as a natural choice to lead the agency. “Because I know very well what we are doing, our mission and vision. It is very critical that we are assured of 24/7 water supply. When I took over as administrator, I wanted to make sure that the vision and mission of MWSS is carried out,” she stresses. The initial bumps that marked the months after her appointment as MWSS chief executive did not deter Cleofas from doing her best once she was able to get settled. “I was appointed by President Duterte in July 2021, but it took me several months before I can take over because at the time there were still pending matters that the sitting administrator had to accomplish,” she recalls. “And then, in October 2022, I was reappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos.” "ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I LEARNED FROM SERVING MWSS IS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT YOU'RE DOING. AS WE ALWAYS SAYS, A PUBLIC OFFICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST... ANOTHER IS TO CONTRIBUTE TO AND CULTIVATE THE ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE... [BECAUSE] MWSS IS NOT JUST AN ORDINARY AGENCY." For his part, then-outgoing MWSS Chairman and OIC Administrator Reynaldo Velasco expressed confidence that he was leaving the agency in very capable hands. “Her experience, competence and institutional knowledge eliminates the time required to learn the job especially when there are challenges stacked from several fronts,” he said of Cleofas. “I sincerely appreciate her help as my pro-bono consultant after her retirement, taking on increased responsibility even during the height of the COVID crisis. She is the right individual to get the job done and I am grateful to leave MWSS in such capable hands.” As MWSS administrator, Cleofas, who also holds a degree in Sanitary Engineering from National University and a diploma in Water Supply Management from Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft in Germany, assumed the responsibility of making sure that millions of residents in Metro Manila and surrounding areas are provided with a reliable water supply and efficient sewerage services. Under Cleofas’ leadership, MWSS went through a paradigm shift towards sustainability and resilience. She spearheaded initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure, optimizing operational efficiency, and promoting environmental stewardship. She pushed for the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance water resource management, mitigate the effects of water scarcity, and address the challenges posed by climate change. The above, among other achievements, according to the administrator, stem from important lessons she has learned through the years. “One of the things that I learned from serving MWSS is to take responsibility for what you’re doing. As we always says, a public office is a public trust. We are accountable and responsible for what we are doing. And I want to make sure that my journey with MWSS is marked by my passion for the work that I am doing,” she states. “Another is to contribute to and cultivate the organizational excellence within MWSS. MWSS is not just an ordinary agency. It provides service to the people by providing potable water supply and helping ensure a clean environment by way of sewerage and sanitation.” EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE Beyond her technical expertise, Cleofas is known for her inclusive leadership style and commitment to stakeholder engagement. “I practice participative management,” Cleofas declares. Indeed, she has been known for giving importance to collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and local communities, with the goal of achieving shared objectives and fostering sustainable development. “And, as with other successful agency heads or organization leaders, I also believe in situational management,” she adds, noting that she adapts her leadership style according to changing circumstances. The end goal, however, remains the same: bringing out the best from her people and taking the organization to greater heights. “MWSS employees really know that I’m very strict when it comes to work,” Cleofas reveals. “I’mnot an eight to five leader. Youcan spend four hours, six hours at the office, but what’s important is your output. You have to deliver, to complete the tasks assigned to you.” The administrator’s ability to adjust and to connect with her team, even with the younger generation, have done wonders at MWSS. “The employees of MWSS are from the younger generation,” Cleofas shares. “Most of my contemporaries are already retired. This is a challenge for me as administrator, to have our younger generation of employees to really understand what it means to be a government employee or a public servant. It is a good thing that they listen to me, as I can guide them on how to be efficient public servants.” An integral part of Cleofas’ vision to have human capital that is conscientious of being public servants is the agency’s continuing program on value formation and professional ethics. Through this program, MWSS employees have a clear understanding of what it is to be a government employee, particularly public servants with the needed moral values and proper attitude toward work. TOWARD EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AND SATISFACTION “In any organization, you cannot always have 100 percent satisfied human capital,” Cleofas states. “And this is something that we want to address here at MWSS.” “I think one legacy that I want to leave with MWS is organizational excellence. In any organization, especially in a government entity, human capital is very important. We have to change the mindset of the people, make them realize that people who chose to be public servants have to really put their heart into everything that they do. People who have elected to join the government sector have to live up to certain standards of excellence,” she asserts. The real motivation for public servants, Cleofas says, “is not money, because you cannot find money here. You could achieve comfortable living, not only because you have a competitive income, but also because you are confident that you are able to help provide excellent service to the people.” “When I took over MWSS, I totally changed the personality of the office,” Cleofas continues. “I put emphasis on more transparency and greater accountability. Weare accountable to the president,to the people, to deliver on our mission. When our customers open their eyes, have to have clean, safe water.” TESTAMENTS TO EXCELLENC E Cleofas’ leadership has earned her and MWSS accolades and recognition. Just recently, she was named as a “Woman Leader in Water” in the World Water Day Awards organized by Maynilad Water Services, Inc. together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and National Water Resources Board. The award recognized more than two dozen water champions, particularly outstanding individuals, institutions, and programs that promote water and environmental sustainability in the country. Specifically, Cleofas was recognized for her role in promoting greater water access and a healthier environment. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Finance Undersecretary Catherine Fong, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna completed the cast of “inspiring women” in the aforementioned category. The administrator’s strategic leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have made MWSS stand out as a model of best practices in water governance and management. In 2021, for instance, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) conferred a Bronze Award on MWSS Corporate Office’s (MWSS -CO) Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM). Prior to this, the MWSS had achieved the prescribed level of maturity inits human resources (HR) system since 2013, reaching the first level of assessment (recognition) for excellence in at least one core HR system. After a thorough evaluation of the MWSS four core HR systems, the CSC gave MWSS-CO its first “award” in August 2021. "WITHOUT COLLABORATION, COOPERATION, AND TEAMWORK, THE AGENCY WILL LACK THE STRENGTH AND POWER NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH ITS OBJECTIVES." According to Cleofas, “ the award demonstrates that everyone contributed to the implementation and compliance with the various PRIME-HRM indicators. Without collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork, the agency will lack the strength and power necessary to accomplish its objectives, particularly as a recognized agency that has excelled in the four core areas of: (1) Recruitment, Selection, and Placement (2) Performance Management System; (3) Learning and Development; and (4) Rewards and Recognition. The award should inspire and motivate us all to do more and work harder to reach the next level... I encourage everyone to keep our vision for 2028 in mind and in our hearts—to be a dependable and reliable agency, with resilient water source infrastructure and competent personnel working under a strong organizational structure.” IMPROVED SERVICES, SURPASSED GOALS The past year has served as proof of what the MWSS, under a dedicated leader like Cleofas, can achieve. The MWSS-CO 2023 Annual Performance Report summarizes the agency’s2023 performance, thus: “From an operations perspective, the MWSS displayed resilience, commitment, and adaptability in braving the several challenges of re-engineering its raw water conveyance infrastructure, implementing short- to medium- term water augmentation projects, and building up the foundations of its long-term water source projects. This three-pronged approach to security, dubbed as the Water Security Pillars of MWSS, act as the keystone strategy of MWSS in ensuring water availability until the year 2050.” The MWSS went beyond its target of 4,584.40 million liters per day (MLD) water supply capacity, delivering 4,704.38 MLD by the last quarter of 2023. More than 90 percent of this raw water supply came for Angat Dam, with the rest coming from Laguna Lake. With regard to development of new water sources, the MWSS, through its concessionaires, built additional water treatment plants (WTP) near Laguna Lake. These are the Putatan Water Treatment Plant 1, Putatan Water Treatment Plant 2, and Cardona Water Treatment Plant. The 400 MLD that these treatment plants supply daily have helped lessen the reliance on Angat Dam, even as the MWSS tries to address the increasing demand for water. Through its concessionaires, MWSS more than trebled its target increase in the population connected to the sewerage system. It was able to get more than 650,000 residents to accept and use new sanitation, beyond the 200,000 target. Overall, MWSS logged a 57% acceptance rate for sanitation services by the fourth quarter of 2023. This is a positive development in relation to government efforts to enhance participation of the public in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and its tributaries. STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS Part of Cleofas’ major role is to make sure that Maynilad and Manila Water are able to deliver what is expected of them. “There are key performance indicators and business efficiency measures that they have to meet,” she stresses. “We have celebrated our 25th year of cooperation and partnership. And we feel that we are the most successful water sector partnership in the whole world.” She enumerates good relationship, open communication, and a very clear framework embodied in the concession agreement as the major factors that have led to such successful partnership. “What are you going to deliver? What are the reciprocal benefits or privilege that you will get from MWSS if you deliver on your targets? And of course, we have the Regulatory Office that takes care of the tariff.” “We cannot leave everything to the private sector,” Cleofas underscores. “That’s the reason why the partnership should be intact. And under the franchise given to the two concessionaries, the MWSS was given the authority to extend the concession agreement to coincide with the term of the franchises given to Manila Water and Maynilad. So last December, the Board of Trustees approved an additional 10 years in the partnership with our two concessionaires. So now the agreements will last until 2047.” A main reason for this is to continue protecting the public interest. “We made sure that the different projects and programs being implemented by our two concessionaires will not really have a major impact on the water tariff. The concession agreement is framed in such a way that any capital expenditure and operational expenses are prudently and efficiently incurred and are spread throughout the life of the concession. So with the extension to 2047, the tariff was lower by almost 40 percent.” LOOKING AHEAD As Cleofas continues to ensure quality water supply within the two concession areas and to shape the character of MWSS’ human capital, so does she continue to lead the agency in reaching even more customers. “We are happy that after so many years, the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply, with the concessionary Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation, is operational. And so far, we haven’t received any complaints from the different water districts,” she says of the expanded MWSS service area. “The thing with Bulacan before is that we were getting raw water from the province, but they did not get any potable water in return. Now, however, we are serving the 22 water districts of the province by delivering treated bulk water to them.” The biggest project whose proper implementation and eventual success now rests in Cleofas’ hands is the Kaliwa Dam project, which aims to bolster water security in the greater Metro Manila area. Moreso because of the close scrutiny that numerous groups have subjected to project to, the MWSS has made sure to strictly adhere to principles of collaboration with all stakeholders, environmental sustainability, and community development so that this milestone project will be completed on time. “Kaliwa Dam is a long-term water source that we want to develop as part of efforts to ensure water security and continued excellent water supply service,” Cleofas says. The road toward its completion is expected to continue to be a little bumpy, but the MWSS leadership is confident that as its projected positive impact becomes clearer and is better communicated to the public, things will take a smoother turn. For now, all eyes are on MWSS’ homegrown leader whose visionary leadership continues to leave an indelible mark on the water sector, ensuring equitable access to clean water and sanitation services for generations to come.