< Back Marinduque Gov. Velasco Elected New League of Provinces President Having received an overwhelming majority of votes from the members of the National Executive Board, Marinduque Gov. Presbitero J. Velasco Jr. has been elected as President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP). The LPP held its first General Assembly and Election of Officers for the term 2019-2022 on 11 July 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria with 61 governors in attendance. Along with Gov. Velasco, Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua was also elected as National Chairman. Both Govs. Velasco and Cua were elected by their colleagues owing to their experience and eminence in their respective fields prior to being elected as provincial chief executives, as an Associate Justice in the Supreme Court and as chairman of the powerful Committee on Ways and Means in the House of Representatives during the 17th Congress, respectively. Also elected to lead the League in pursuing its various advocacies toward protecting and advancing local autonomy and decentralization were Tarlac Gov. Susan A. Yap as Executive Vice President; Gov. Albert Raymond S. Garcia of Bataan and Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito A. Dolor as Vice-Presidents for Luzon, and Aklan Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores and Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Wilter T. Palma as Vice-Presidents for Visayas and Mindanao, respectively. Meanwhile Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang was elected as Secretary-General. The National Executive Board, comprising the regional chairpersons selected by the governors in their respective regions include the following: • CAR: Gov. Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos • Region I: Gov. Ryan Luis V. Singson • Region II: Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua • Region III: Gov. Susan A. Yap • Region IV-A: Gov. Hermilando I. Mandanas • Region IV-B: Gov. Presbitero J. Velasco Jr. • Region V: Gov. Al Francis C. Bichara • Region VI: Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores • Region VII: Gov. Zaldy S. Villa • Region VIII: Gov. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla • Region IX: Gov. Wilter Y. Palma • Region X: Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo • Region XI: Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy • Region XII: Gov. Nancy A. Catamco • Caraga Region: Gov. Francisco T. Matugas • BARMM: Gov. Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. Meanwhile, Eastern Samar Gov. Ben P. Evardone, together with Govs. Garcia, Dolor and Dayanghirang were selected as Board Members-at-Large. Joining the roster of new officers of the LPP are the following: • Treasurer: Gov. Imelda Q. Dimaporo • Assistant Treasurer: Gov. Marilou H. Cayco • Auditor: Gov. Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos • Deputy Secretary-General for Luzon (North): Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc • Deputy Secretary-General For Luzon (South): Gov. Jose R. Riano • Deputy Secretary-General For Visayas: Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr. • Deputy Secretary-General For Mindanao: Gov . Jayvee Tyron Uy Publications and Public Information Officers • Luzon (North): Gov. Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang • Luzon (South): Gov. Eduardo B. Gadiano • Visayas: Gov. Ben P. Evardone • Mindanao: Gov. Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo Council Of Advisers: • Gov. Jose CH Alvarez • Gov. Danilo E. Suarez • Former Governor Jose “Joey” Lina Jr. • Senator Imee R. Marcos In turning over the helm of the League to Gov. Velasco, outgoing president, Gov. Singson thanked his colleagues for the support they extended to him, national chairman, Albay Gov. Al Francis C. Bichara and the rest of the outgoing officers in pushing forward the advocacies of LPP.

< Back A Mother’s Triumph Over Adversity BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO N ow on her second term as local chief executive of Cabadbaran City, Mayor Judy Chin-Amante embraces new challenges and opportunities with renewed vigor. Recently, she discovered a new passion that mirrors her life’s journey: riding big bikes. RIDING THROUGH THE ROAD OF OBSTACLES The twists and turns of Amante’s life as a single mother are so much like navigating the open and rough road on a big bike. Both require resilience, balance, and an unwavering sense of direction. Just as she leans into every curve with confidence on her motorcycle, she has faced life's challenges head-on, finding strength in every struggle and joy in every journey. Amante has always had a passion for riding motorcycles, dating back to her high school days. She never had the opportunity to drive big motorcycles though, preferring instead to ride scooters. Recently, she became intrigued about the idea of riding big bikes after hearing her fellow city officials discuss it as an after-work hobby. They then urged her to give it a try. At first, she hesitated because she was intimidated by the size of the motorcycles. However, she felt challenged by the sight of women riding such large bikes. She was nervous during her first ride, but felt a sense of fulfillment upon realizing that she had overcome her fear. After that, she went on a training program to further equip herself to ride big bikes safely. “I wanted to overcome the fear. When I saw girls on TikTok who were already proficient, I couldn't help but wonder, ‘Why can they do it? Why can't I?’ That's why I diligently trained," she reveals. The lady mayor, along with friends and some city officials, would traverse some highways and hilly roads in Cabadbaran to destress and sometimes check on the situation of communities they pass by. Reflecting on this, she says that her foray into the world of motorcycling is not merely a personal interest but a symbol of breaking barriers and limitations. She resolves that conquering the fear of riding large motorcycles, particularly on highways, mirrors her determination to overcome the obstacles she faces as Cabadbaran's chief executive. RIDING BIG BIKES SYMBOLIZES AMANTE'S LIFE JOURNEY, REFLECTING RESILIENCE, COURAGE, AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, BOTH ON THE ROAD AND IN HER ROLES AS A SINGLE MOTHER AND PUBLIC SERVANT . She acknowledges that her inaugural term as mayor presented significant obstacles because of her lack of experience in local governance. Her second term, however, presented a different scenario, as she ran unopposed in the 2022 election. She says that her victory was an affirmation of the people’s satisfaction with her administration’s performance during her first term. She emphasizes that, despite facing no opposition in the previous elections, she should not become complacent and instead strive to maintain, if not surpass, the progress she has made. "I need to push for even bigger efforts to genuinely realize what I have envisioned for my city through a collaborative undertaking with vital development stakeholders," she says. BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Amante acknowledges that she still has much to learn about the intricacies of local governance, especially since being mayor is a complex job that requires considerable time and effort. Being in touch with the people at the grassroots is her energy booster. "It's a fulfilling experience to see people smile and be happy when I do mass civil weddings and go to communities to visit the elderly who are milestone awardees," she shares. One of her pet projects is giving milestone awards to citizens who have reached 86 years of age and above. She would personally bring cakes and balloons to their homes. She expresses her fulfillment in witnessing the smiles on these elderly citizens' faces when they hear people sing a birthday song, encourages them to blow their cakes, and presents them with a PhP20,000 cash incentive from her office. "I sometimes couldn't make it on the exact date of their birthday due to important functions, but I always make sure to visit their homes.There were even instances where some of them lived alone. It’s a heartfelt experience.” The mayor is currently working on her flagship project, the Cabadbaran City Sports Complex. Cabadbaran, the capital city of Agusan del Norte, requires a comprehensive infrastructure development plan that is in harmony with and complements the influx of activities that the city will be hosting, according to Amante. This project will be a boon in the improvement and revitalization of the city's economy, thereby fostering sustainable progress. Amante acknowledges that this sports complex, to be built on a five-hectare lot, is an ambitious project and has faced significant challenges. Prior to the start of construction, the project underwent a rigorous and demanding process, particularly the approval of the comprehensive development plan and its design. "We had to carefully consider the project's purpose and compliance with standards to ensure the effective and appropriate utilization of available resources. This will also help address the city's need for more recreational spaces for year-round activities," she reveals. Currently, the project is in Phase 2 of land development, focusing on elevating the area to prevent future flooding. Amante is also focusing on helping support squash pancit production, an initiative that has earned Cabadbaran great pride for the product's nutritional benefits, flavor, and quality. Squash pancit is now gaining popularity after the Food and Drug Administration approved its production. The city government approved the funds for additional land to improve its production facility, especially since demand for the product has increased. Some Pasalubong Centers, DTI Negosyo Centers, local grocery stores, and public markets sell this pancit not only as pasalubong or token to tourists but also to expand its market coverage and offer a healthier alternative to conventional products. A cooperative of farmers and residents of Barangay Katugasan manages and operates the squash pancit production. The mayor is currently concentrating on increasing efforts to attract investors to Cabadbaran. Branches of a well-known department store and a national food chain are currently under construction in the city. She is pleased with this development because it will create more jobs, especially for the graduates from their local colleges and university. Amante is also considering ways to enhance the water supply in Cabadbaran, given the depletion of potable water sources. The city government is now looking at proposals from different water concessionaires to choose the one that can respond to the people's water supply needs and requirements. I NEED TO PUSH FOR EVEN BIGGER EFFORTS TO GENUINELY REALIZE WHAT I HAVE ENVISIONED FOR MY CITY THROUGH A COLLABORATIVE UNDERTAKING WITH VITAL DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDERS. The mayor’s administration has also established a resettlement housing project in Barangay Comagascas for 70 families who were previously living in Sabang Dike in Barangay 3. Imelda Gomez, one of the beneficiaries, now lives with her family in one of the houses and is grateful that they were able to acquire the property. These 70 families do not live on the property for free. They pay PhP1,500 per month to the city government, and this monthly amortization will continue for 25 years. According to Gomez, it is quite difficult to pay the monthly amortization, but the amount is insignificant in contrast to the anxiety and risk they used to encounter each time the water levels in the dike would rise. Her husband is a tricycle driver, and her daughter, who is already married, set up a mini sari-sari store in their new house to cover the monthly amortization. According to Amante, the resettlement and squash pancit production projects are just two of the sustainable programs her administration is implementing. She is committed to empowering the people, ensuring they are not solely dependent on government handouts. Thus, she ensures that the program she implements is sustainable. She encourages the people of Cabadbaran to work hard for themselves in order to have a sustainable income. "It's not always that they will just rely on what the mayor is giving them. If you develop that culture in them, they will just wait," she explains. She cites the assistance provided to farmers as an example. The mayor states that while the city government helps the farmers, it also finds ways to link them to the proper agencies that could help them with skills training, enabling them to become self-sufficient and establish a sustainable project. NURTURING COMMITMENT AND MARRIAGE Amante acknowledges that her role as a mother and her experiences as a single parent provide an advantage in her current role as mayor. She also treats city affairs the same way she handles matters in her home. She expresses her meticulousness in allocating the funds, particularly considering their limited resources in comparison to the number of priorities requiring funding. Therefore, she consistently prioritizes programs for children, such as Pahalipay sa Kabataan (Joy for the Children), which provides toys, food packs, and groceries. “I know how painful it is when you can’t provide your kids with their basic needs and give in to their simple desires that would give them happiness, like having toys. That’s why, when I became mayor, I doubled the number of beneficiaries of regular city programs for children, from the little over a thousand plus kids,” she says. Amante believes that she is not just a public servant but also a mother to the city of Cabadbaran. However, she always makes it a point not to make her biological children the least priority. She stresses that her demanding role as mayor should never serve as an excuse for her not to find quality time for them. “It’s all about proper time management. At least once a year, I should plan an outof-town or out-of-country trip to compensate for the missed opportunities to spend time with my kids. A simple call to check on how they are doing after a day at school or work will suffice,” she reveals. Amante is aware that, given her husband's family's prominence as influential politicians, there is an expectation that their children will follow their parents' and paternal relatives' political careers. She understands that joining politics will put pressure on her children; that’s why she does not push this matter on them. While she clarifies that she will never stop her children from taking the political path if they so choose, given that this is the environment they have grown accustomed to, she would prefer to see them traverse the paths that bring them happiness. “If they need a mother, I'll assist and guide them. I let my children discover, develop, and become their own selves. I hope and pray my values and guidance will guide them to the right path and make proper decisions,” she stresses. Amante recalls that she never imagined she would become mayor of Cabadbaran. Despite setbacks in her personal life and political career, however, she has triumphantly risen to give her constituents the service they deserve. For now, she says that she is married to Cabadbaran and its people and is committed to giving all she can to make the marriage work. Although her marriage contract with the city and its people is time-bound, she has pledged to continue supporting and serving them, even beyond her tenure as mayor of Cabadbaran. “I can continue with my passion to serve and help transform people’s lives. I never imagined that I would reach this far in life, but despite the challenges and trials I have faced, I succeeded in serving the people. The experience has been overwhelming and humbling. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve and lead this city to its rightful place as Agusan del Norte's capital city," she stresses. Mayor Judy Chin-Amante is still in her second term, and she intends to serve as mayor of Cabadbaran for yet another term, ready to lead the city past the challenges that may come their way.

< Back ROUND UP Moving forward to 2023, organizations and agencies ramp up their efforts to provide quality service. 2022 GALING POOK FOUNDATION RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT The Galing Pook Foundation highlighted local government units (LGUs) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that encourage innovation and quality, along with co-presenters SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Local Government Academy (LGA), and sponsors Cebu Pacific and Airspeed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised the foundation for recognizing and rewarding highperforming LGUs. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors in producing more significant and effective programs that genuinely benefit Filipinos. “The recognition that you give to cities and municipalities inspires them to accelerate their drive toward improvement, and it encourages LGUs to adopt practices that make us paragons of excellence in public service. It is necessary for us to underscore the importance of strengthening partnerships between the government and private organizations, such as the Galing Pook Foundation, especially as we bring about meaningful progress in the country,” Marcos said. All local executives and LGU teams that took part this year were congratulated by Galing Pook Chairperson Mel Sarmiento, saying “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of the work that you do, and I’m sure you’ve brought value to many Filipinos all over the country. Our collaborations bring us closer to realizing our shared vision, na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino, may simple pero kumportableng buhay (each Filipino family should have a simple but comfortable life). The top 10 included: The Green Wall of Alcala (Alcala, Cagayan); Advancing and Sustaining Good Governance and Community Actions towards Resiliency and Empowerment (Basilan Province); Bataan Public-Private Partnership Programs (Bataan Province); Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation (Biñan City, Laguna); From Black to Green: Fishponds, Eco-Tourism and Full Employment (Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal); Trekking to Unlock Community Ailments and Difficulties (TUCAD) (Goa, Camarines Sur); “I-BIKE” A Program Promoting the Development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture (Iloilo City); Yaru: A Whole-of-Community Approach Towards Disaster Management (Itbayat, Batanes); Libertad Fish Forever Savings Club (Libertad, Antique); and Basta Piddigueño, AgriHenyo: Consolidated Farm Production System (Piddig, Ilocos Norte). The Galing Pook Foundation’s executive director, Georgina Hernandez Yang, hopes that other LGUs will take their lead and develop creative plans and activities that might win the foundation’s award in the future. A total of 196 applications were received from various LGUs across the Philippines, and 18 finalists were used to determine the 10 winners. The Galing Pook Awards, which were established on October 21, 1993, have honored 329 LGU projects from 200 LGUs around the country that have been encouraged for replication to benefit more communities. The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) was inspired by the Galing Pook Awards. PHP100 MILLION SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND PROVIDED TO 34 SCHOOLS IN ILOILO The Special Education Fund (SEF) of the provincial government of Iloilo has provided Php100.93 million to 34 elementary and secondary schools in the province. Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led the distribution of the checks on November 24, and said, “We sync with the DepEd to know the needs of the schools.” According to a news release from Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo, the “Bulig Eskwela Sang Probinsya Program (BES Probinsya Program)” is the umbrella program for the assistance provided by the provincial government. On September 27, 2022, Defensor issued Executive Order 420, establishing the province of Iloilo’s program for an efficient, current, and transformational educational system. The press statement also stated, “[The fund] will be used for construction of school buildings, rehabilitation and repair of facilities, and the purchase of laptops and printers, among others.” Alimodian, Badiangan, Bingawan, Concepcion, Leon, Maasin, Mina, Passi City, Pavia, San Dionisio, San Joaquin, Sara, Barotac Nuevo, and Sta. Barbara were among the recipients with one school each; Barotac Viejo, Batad, Oton, and Janiuay each have two beneficiary schools; Calinog has three; Carlos has four; and Tigbauan has five recipient schools. SPORTS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN MINDANAO EXPLORED AT THE PANAGHISGOT CONFERENCE The University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UPMin), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the academic community, and other government agencies gathered last November 28, 2022 for a two-day event to promote long-term sports development initiatives in Mindanao. Alona Quinto, project development officer for the PSC, stated that the “Panaghisgot” conference aims to address a variety of concerns, notably with regard to the region’s sports development projects. She stated in an interview, “Mindanao was never a lesser priority of the PSC. They have a big part of the programs as we produced promising athletes from Mindanao.” Quinto said that the seminar would explain PSC Chairman Noli Eala’s strategy for the grassroots program, which recruits promising athletes from different local government entities. She said, “It is always a partnership when it comes to developing athletes; Chairman Eala said we will never stop supporting, financially or on the technical aspect. That is the direction of PSC: to help the LGUs promote their sports programs.” Dr. Jezreel Abarca, the head of the UP-Min Department of Human Kinetics, emphasized the significance of starting the Mindanao Sports Development Program as part of the initiative. A comprehensive program, according to Abarca, would offer readily available, high-quality academic degree programs expected to produce graduates from Mindanao who are culturally aware, gender-responsive, globally competitive, and sports specialists. She stated, “With this, we can also promote Mindanao-specific research for sustainable programs in sports development, sports science, sports education, physical fitness, and well-being.” She said that through the exchange of technical expertise and facilities, the program would improve the sports initiatives of the Mindanao LGUs, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Education (DepEd). Jimmy Musa, development management officer for the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and point of contact for the Sociocultural and Education (SCE) Pillar of the Brunei DarussalamIndonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), stated that his office is dedicated to supporting the sustainable growth of sports in Mindanao, especially in the context of BIMP-EAGA sub-regional cooperation. He said, “We have been playing a key role in coordinating and facilitating the participation of sports athletes and players from various Mindanao LGUs in the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games since 1996.” As the third strategic priority sector of the BIMP-EAGA SCE Pillar, he said that MinDA has contributed technically to the terms of reference for the founding of the Youth and Sports Development Working Group. DAR’S AGRI-PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM HELPS FARMERS IN CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR A farmers’ association from Barangay Panoypoy in Calbayog City has received farm equipment worth Php260,250 from the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) program. The Panoypoy Farmers Association (PFA), which has 113 members and 69 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who are involved in raising hogs and growing organic vegetables, benefited from the equipment, which included a hand tractor with a rotavator, a water pump with suction and discharge hoses, a grass cutter, and several garden tools. Alfonso Catorce, the provincial chief of DAR-Calbayog, stated that the distribution of the farm equipment is in accordance with Secretary Conrado Estrella III’s mandate to provide ARBs with contemporary equipment. Catorce said, “These farm machines are exactly what the 113 farmer-members of the PFA need to help them in their livestockraising and organic vegetable production.” The association expressed their gratitude for the assistance, which is anticipated to increase their agricultural output. PFA President Pedro Abajo stated, “We would like to thank the DAR for listening to our concerns and for granting what they had promised us.” The CRFPS project is designed to help agrarian reform communities become more resilient by giving them access to cuttingedge machinery that will boost farm output, generate more income, and enhance their quality of life. Buy magazine here

< Back A LEADER ALWAYS ON DUTY BY DANIELLE MAE ORINES FOR LAGUNA 3RD DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE LORETO “AMBEN” S. AMANTE, BEING PRESENT BOTH IN CONGRESS AND THE DISTRICT HE IS REPRESENTING IS WHAT MATTERS MOST AS HE PERFORMS HIS ROLE. Being present for his constituents is something that Laguna 3rd District Representative Loreto “Amben” Amante makes sure of. For him, being with the people is a good starting point for providing them the service they deserve. Originally given the name Lanvincent where his nickname “Amben” comes from, Amante ' s family later found out that due to a misunderstanding in the local civil registry, his actual registered name was Loreto. It was the name he started using moving forward. Amante shares that the road to where he is now was not as smooth as everyone thought.The reality of their family’s life is much the same with the rest of the Filipinos, that is, filled with challenges. Having a big family, his father had to exert extra effort to make ends meet. The environment where the younger Amante grew up in taught him to value hard work, discipline, and having a simple lifestyle. This is also one of the reasons he has remained grounded and is easily reachable by his constituents. A LEADER’S FOUNDATION Amante’s leadership is inspired by his father, Mayor Vicente B. Amante, incumbent chief executive of San Pablo City in Laguna. He grew up to the usual activities of his father, welcoming different people in their home, from those asking for assistance to those wishing to discuss a business matter. Amante is a direct witness to how generous his father was, something that the people of San Pablo are also well aware of. He believes that his father’s genuine concern for the people of San Pablo is rooted in his experiences coming from a poor lifestyle before becoming a successful entrepreneur. Those people, whose lives were touched by Amante’s father, were also the ones who convinced his father to run for public office. The elder Amante granted the request of the people and took a shot at politics. However, his first try ended in defeat. In 1992, it was his followers and friends who once again encouraged him to run and this time, he won as the town’s chief executive. This marked the start of his three terms as mayor, which lasted until 2001. After a three-year hiatus, he made a political comeback in 2004, starting another three terms as mayor. As his father stepped down in 2013, Amben took the opportunity to be involved in public service. Looking back, the young Amante thought he was out to start a journey in foreign service after he graduated from the De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde with an AB Consular and Diplomatic Affairs degree in 2002. However, his father needed his assistance in the city as an executive assistant. He willingly obliged, albeit still not sure if this was where he was destined to be. Fast forward to 2013, Amante eventually replaced his father as the city ' s top leader. Far from practicing only what he learned from his father, Amante added his touch of leadership in leading the city. Amante is proud that during his tenure as the city’s mayor, he was able to place San Pablo inits best fiscal position so far, being the only local government unit in Region IVA and one of the few in the entire country to have no outstanding debts. Midway through his incumbency, he was also able to place the city in the tourism map of CALABARZON through the rehabilitation efforts in Sampaloc Lake, which is considered as the city’s crowning glory. The highlight of the rehabilitation was the successful decrease in crowding of fish cages and the fact that there is absolutely no necessity to use force in relocating informal settlers around the lake. These efforts resulted in Sampaloc Lake seeing an unprecedented number of visitors for the first time in many years. From being considered as one of the world’s most threatened lakes, it has been transformed into a primary tourist attraction in Laguna. This, and more of his efforts inthe tourism sector of the city, earned Amante the Department of Tourism(DOT) CALABARZON Regional Office’s recognition at the “First Chief Executive Awards” under the city category and the DOT Excellence Award (Local Government category) for San Pablo City in 2017. Amante also shares that San Pablo City was able to display its generosity and disaster preparedness when it hosted hundreds of evacuees from Batangas when Taal Volcano erupted in early 2020. Evacuees were provided with unlimited food and healthcare 24/7. Shortly after that, the city had to deal with the pandemic but that only strengthened their ability to handle unexpected disasters. The distribution of aid was speedy, with the city being the first to roll out a massive vaccination drive in Laguna, even extending its services to neighboring cities and municipalities. The field of education was likewise not left out when Amante and his father’s dream to upgrade the quality of education in Dalubhasaan ng San Pablo , now Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo (PLSP), came to fruition. His last year in office as city mayor coincided with the change in status which resulted in a wider range of courses, among others. "THERE'S A LOT TO GAIN BY BEING ACTIVE IN CONGRESS. EVERY DAY I SPEND IN CONGRESS, I LEARN SOMETHING NEW." The above are just a few of the many projects that Amante is proud to have accomplished for San Pablo during his incumbency as mayor. He also believes that these were the foundation that gave him a seat in Congress. “I believe that the people in my district appreciated what they saw and heard in San Pablo City during my tenure. Additionally, the services of our city government extended beyond its borders, benefiting neighboring towns as well,” Amante tells LEAGUE. ACTIVE MEMBER OF CONGRESS Amante describes his job as a congressman as basically addressing the same concerns a local chief executive faces but on the legislative side. Having nine years of experience as a local chief executive, he is confident that he is familiar with how things are being done. However, he is open about still having to acquaint himself more on the technicalities of crafting laws, as well as rules and protocols in Congress.This is why he finds it so helpful to always be active in Congress. “There’s a lot to gain by being activein Congress. Every day I spend in Congress, I learn something new,” Amante reveals. The number of bills he authored and co-authored only proves his active and mindful presence as a legislator. On top of his list is House Bill 2049, which he considers his priority bill. HB 2049 proposes to establish centers for individuals with special needs (ISN). Amante considers people born with neuro developmental disorder as the most vulnerable, as they are unable to fend for themselves and perform activities of daily living. Amante believes that it is just right for the government to intervene and start addressing the needs of this “most neglected sector” with members nearing 30,000, some of them even being abandoned. The ISN centers to be built in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are expected to provide ISNs with free services that ensure their health and well- being aside from providing them a shelter where they are protected from abuse and neglect. “There is very little advocacy for their rights and welfare. If we can shout in defense of animal rights, why not at least speak up for these individuals with special needs? My heart always goes out to those who need help the most,” Amante states. Another of his principal authored bills is House Bill 300 which was among the bills that sought to amend the Centennarian Act of 2016. One of the main provisions of the bill is the staggered release of the financial aid given to elderly Filipinos. Instead of receiving the whole Php100,000 as they turn 100 years old, octogenarians and nonagenarians will instead receive this amount in portions. For Amante, it is based on the reality that only a handful of Filipinos reach the age of 100. Even if they reach that age, they may no longer enjoy the amount provided by the government because of various conditions brought by their advanced age. “Therefore, it was my intent to enable our elderly to enjoy what is provided for in the Centenarian Law much earlier while they still can,” Amante adds. With the enactment of Republic Act 11982, or the expanded Centenarian Law, every 80-year-old Filipino will receive Php10,000 from the government and another Php10,000 for every 5 years thereafter until they reach age 95. Centenarians will still get Php100,000 as provided for in the old law. The congressman believes that this will uplift the spirits of the elderly knowing that they are appreciated and cared for by their government. Amante also did not turn a blind eye on a major concern plaguing the justice system in the country. He is convinced that the backlogs in pending cases is a result of the insufficient number of regional trial courts. “Aside from the grief, anxiety, and fear experienced by victims of wrongdoing, and the agony of those wrongly accused and awaiting acquittal, this diminishes the public’s confidence in our justice system,” Amante says, adding that it worsens jail congestion in the country. Amante believes that if more courts exist, more cases will be heard, resulting to a more speedy dispensation of justice. Thus, he co-authored multiple bills creating additional regional trial court branches in different parts of the country. Aside from these, he also filed the proposed State Universities and Colleges Mental Health ServiceAct as well as the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Act. He believes that life is more complex and fast-paced now than before. And since the school is a place where youth from different backgrounds meet, there can be a pressure on them. Hence, there is a need for institutions to be equipped in addressing such concerns. “Both proposals in Congress seek to institutionalize mental health services in schools as an important component in nurturing the overall growth and well-being of students and the learning community as a whole,” Amante explains. “We are called representatives for a reason, and that is to represent our district in the halls of Congress. What better way is there to accomplish this than by being active in Congress?” Amante says as he describes his job. However, he accepts the reality of lawmaking that it may take time for their priority bills to be enacted into law or may not be enacted at all. HANDS-ON SA DISTRITO “As public servants, people look to us in times of need. They wouldn’t come to us if they had the means to deal with their situations or concerns themselves,” Amante says. This is the reason he regularly spends time in his own district office. He finds it important that people feel heard and cared for, otherwise, they will lose hope and trust in government. Thisis Amante’s rationale behind People’s Day. Every Thursday and Friday, he opens his office to his constituents so that they could interact with him face- to-face. Every people’s day, his district office is filled with people who have different concerns, hoping to be given assistance. In response, Amante and his staff provide them with medical and educational assistance and other material and non-material help. In March 2022, Amante started the Cong. Amben Amante Enduro Cup. This introduced the people to motorcycle racing, a sport which promotes discipline, among others. For the congressman, discipline is a character trait every motorcycle rider must possess particularly now that motorcycle riding has become so popular. Still thinking of his constituents, Amante also expressed his intention to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent the downsides that come with utilizing it. Amante says that while using AI simplifies tasks by providing results in just a few clicks, this can be used in counterproductive things such as students depending on it for their homeworks, or swindlers using someone else’s identify in creating not-so-wholesome videos. Worse, it can replace natural talents when not controlled. Amante agrees that we should have a better understanding of AI before making use of it. After all, more discussions are needed to formally regulate its use and implementation. " Alarm bells are ringing on the world stage. Some tech giants are even pushing for a pause in its development. We should take the cue from there, " he says. One of the principles that Amante lives by is having compassion for the needy. “What you do for the least of your brothers, you do it for the Almighty,” he quotes the Bible. He also believes that “your word is your honor; once you break it, your honor crumbles to the ground. If you live by and stand for the truth, no lies will be effective against you.” With these principles in his mind and heart, “I am able to contribute in my own little way to crafting sound laws, being at peace with my decisions in Congress, and fulfilling other functions expected of me as a congressman and a public servant,” Amante says. Speaking to his constituents, Amante says that he is just an instrument to make the collective will of the people be reflected in the efforts of government. He encourages everyone to continue working together to achieve their common goal, which is a better life for all.

< 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.

< Back Quick Dams SURROUNDED BY WATER Innovative products for coping with flooding issues When heavy rain and floods occur, citizens’ safety is placed at risk. Many residents in flooded areas are forced to evacuate, leaving homes and other property prone to the destructive powers of the elements. For a country that experiences calamities of this kind year in and year out, we should be experts at disaster management by now. Several factors, however, get in the way of employing effective solutions. Rapid and unabated urbanization without rhyme or reason or even the slightest indication of urban planning has been deemed responsible for the state of chaos that aggravates the crisis when disaster strikes. Irresponsible property developers have been known to build projects over existing canals and creeks, thus blocking the flow of water within the city. And, of course, the recalcitrant informal settlers who treat the city’s waterways as their public toilet and dumping grounds continue to contribute to the constant flooding. But wait! Perhaps there is hope! Even if flooding occurs, maybe there is a way to cope with it. Flood Control Asia RS may have found the most effective solution to the flooding woes. Consider some of its flagship products that address flooding concerns. Flood Control Asia RS provides state-of-theart flood prevention products guaranteed to give protection not only to your properties and businesses, but more importantly, to your loved ones. As there is no particular flood barrier system that can solve all flooding scenarios, Flood Control Asia RS provides a wide array of flood barrier products and flood protection systems. Click here to read full article for free

< 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.”