< Back Barangay connection By Treisha C. Rovero IMPROVED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES FOR BARANGAY MAGNAO, TABUK CITY, KALINGA Residents of Barangay Magnao, Tabuk City, Kalinga have one less worry about their health facilities. This, as a barangay health center featuring a lying-in facility and an outpatient clinic was constructed recently. With a budget of Php 2.2 million, a 320-square-meter lot was acquired and turned over to barangay Magnao officials through the support of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Cycle II. As part of the program, Barangay Magnao was selected as one of the 22 beneficiaries of the three-cycle project initiative by the DSWD Cordillera Office. In the first cycle, a waterworks system was successfully implemented with a budget allocation of Php 1.2 million. The second cycle saw the completion of the barangay health center, and the community is now preparing to identify their third project. Barangay Chairperson Eduardo Tubban expressed deep gratitude for the assistance provided to their community, which has helped alleviate the residents’ burdens through improved healthcare services and facilities. YOUTH LEADERS STEP UP IN RAGAY, CAMARINES SUR COMMUNITY With the goal of supporting students for the upcoming school year, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Council of Barangay F. Simeon, Ragay, Camarines Sur, led by Chairwoman Donna Caña, distributed school supplies and hygiene kits to learners of Pugod Elementary School. Each student received a kit containing notebooks, pencils, and other essential school materials, along with hygiene items. This program highlights the SK council’s commitment to promoting the welfare of young learners and supporting their educational needs. Caña and the entire SK council emphasized their dedication to improving the community’s quality of life through such programs. They also announced plans to organize more activities and initiatives aimed at positively impacting students’ academic journeys and overall development.

< Back VIGAN: A THRIVING HERITAGE CITY BY ATTY. JAVIER FLORES WITH MIO DELA CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATTY. JAVIER FLORES AND PIE DAVID Vigan’s vision is to create a productive, investment-friendly, and safe heritage province that promotes industrial peace, green economy, employment generation, and poverty reduction VIGAN IS THE ONLY CITY IN THE COUNTRY THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED BY UNESCO AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE, AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT IT IS A LIVING FAB- RIC OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. Bagnet and longganisa—for some of us, these come to mind when we think of Vigan. For others, the mention of the city’s name evokes memories of walking along the cobblestoned-steps of Calle Crisologo, and snapping a “selfie” or two with its heritage buildings, or maybe buying an abel iloko, the famous handwoven fabric that the region is known for, from the souvenir shops that line the street. Vigan, however, is an old soul. Vigan is the only city in the country that has been declared by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a world heritage site, an acknowledgment that it is a living fabric of historical significance. Recently, Vigan also won a spot as one of the “New7Wonders Cities” campaign of the Swiss-registered nonprofit New7Wonders Foundation. The campaign allowed people from all over the world to nominate and vote for cities that they believe fit the title of being a wonder of the world. People voted via telephone and the internet. Since Filipinos are some of the most prolific internet users in the world, Vigan garnered one of the seven coveted spots, alongside Beirut, a city founded in 3,000 BC. Garnering those accolades guaranteed a steady stream of tourists for Vigan. But as any conservationist would know, tourism brings its own boons and burdens. According to Tourism Investment Promotion Officer Edgar de la Cruz, the city receives an estimated one million visitors per year, both in terms of day visitors and tourists who stay overnight. Hotels have been required to expand, and transient houses have sprung up to accommodate the influx of tourists. The volume of foot and vehicle traffic generates vibrations that threaten the age-old buildings that are the hallmarks of Vigan. KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES Vigan knew how to cope. In the early 2000s, under the steady leadership of Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina, the mother of the current Mayor, Juan Carlo Medina, the city saw the need to improve other tourism destinations so that people and trade would not be limited to Calle Crisologo. To that end, the city designated and upgraded the areas for the industries it is known for: loom weaving, jar- or burnay-making, preparation of native delicacies, and damili-making (or terracotta or red clay craft making), among a host of others. All these areas are reachable by horse-drawn carriages or kalesas. Mayor Singson-Medina also laid the groundwork for the Vigan Conservation Complex, which is a vision that will see completion under the term of her son. The complex houses not only one museum, but three, featuring various periods of Vigan history—from the time of its early settlers, to the time of the Japanese occupation, and to the period of the saka-saka, that violent phase in Ilocos history defined by the bloody archrivalry between the Singson and the Crisologo clans. The Conservation Complex also features an Escuela Talyer or school for restorers, a product development center for ceramics, and a research center that will house digitized materials regarding the history of the north culled from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Once the complex is opened to the public, students will be able to use the interactive features of the museum such as the ability to build a digital house using traditional architectural features of doors, windows, and roof. The city has also been a recipient of a convergence fund from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to develop Calle Ventura Delos Reyes and Plaridel Streets, which are streets parallel to Calle Crisologo, including all adjoining roads. Soon, these streets will also be paved with cobblestones sourced locally to ease the congestion at Calle Crisologo. Considering the city’s focus on conservation of its heritage, it is but natural that the city adopted a Vigan Conservation Council, which reviews and approves applications for construction, renovation, restoration, and other works in the heritage district. It is composed of representatives from the local government, the academe, the homeowners association, nongovernment organizations, and the Church. The accolades of the city do not end there. Under a competition held by the Council for the Welfare of Children, Vigan had won as the most child-friendly city under the component city category three years in a row, from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, Vigan was elevated into the Hall of Fame of the competition, and now spends a great deal of its efforts in teaching other local government units policies geared for the welfare of children in the community A LOOK BACK AT VIGAN’S HISTORY Long before it was called Vigan and before the arrival of the Spaniards, the lands lying in the delta of the Abra River and hemmed in by the Mestizo and the Govantes rivers were known as “Samtoy,” a contraction of the words “sao mi ditoy,” meaning “our language.” The area was already an important trading center for merchants from Japan, China, Malaya, India, and the local inhabitants composed mostly of Dumagats and Tinguians. Chinese junks laden with silk and porcelain regularly traded with the people from the Cordillera region, who brought with them gold and beeswax. As the goods brought by the Chinese junks were light, the Chinese would use piedra china or granite cobblestones as ballast, and would leave these stones in the Samtoy once they had the goods they needed. These piedra china became the flooring material of stone houses and churches that are seen around Vigan to this day. When the Spaniards arrived on the islands, the trading post captured their attention. It was also at that time that the place began to be called Vigan. The name originated from an often-told tale of a Spaniard walking along the banks of the Mestizo River where he met a native. When the Spaniard asked for the name of the place in the Spanish language and pointed to the ground, the local inhabitant did not understand him. But seeing that Spaniard was pointing to giant taro plant called Bigaa, the native exclaimed “Bigaa Apo.” Hence, the name Vigan. After the Spaniards established their colonial capital in Manila, Governor General Guido de Lavezares sent Captain Juan de Salcedo with 70 to 80 soldiers on a pacification or evangelization campaign to the north, beginning with Vigan (also spelled as Bigan). Salcedo arrived in Vigan on June 12, 1572. Don Juan de Salcedo christened the place “Villa Fernandina de Vigan” in honor of King Philip II’s son, Prince Ferdinand who died at the age of four. After Salcedo pacified Luzon, he was rewarded the province of Ylocos, then made up of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, and some part of Mountain Province as his Encomienda, with Vigan as its capital. It was the Spaniards who designed the grid of streets and buildings according to a pattern inscribed in Ley de la Indias for all new towns in the Spanish Empire. A Papal Bull established the Nueva Segovia diocese in Cagayan’s city of Lallo as the religious center of the North of Luzon. Due to the threat of flooding, the diocese was transferred to Vigan, which at the time was only a pueblo or town, and not yet a city, by virtue of the Royal Decree of Sept. 7, 1758. By this Royal Decree, the new seat of the diocese was automatically elevated to the status of a city. Today, the City Government of Vigan is the repository of a certified true copy of the Royal Decree issued by King Fernando VI. It states, among others, that so long as the cathedral stands and the seat of the diocese is in Vigan, it will always remain as a city. FINDING ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE ON THE PHILIPPINE MAP “You can be out all night long in Vigan and we can guarantee your safety,” Gov. Ryan and Mayor Carlo Medina of Vigan both say, and cite former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson for laying the groundwork for their province’s enviable peace and order today. The strength of Singson’s political dynasty in the province is viewed by his politically-inclined relatives and allies to signify peace and unity. Although Chavit ran and won as municipal councilor last year in Narvacan, as token political participation after announcing he has had enough of politics, he continues to be the fulcrum from which politics in Ilocos Sur revolve. Many of his relatives and allies ran unopposed in the last 2016 elections, including Gov. Ryan (son), Vice Gov. Jerry Singson (brother), Vigan Mayor Carlo Medina (nephew), First District Rep. DV Savellano (partymate), and Second District Rep. Eric Singson (cousin). The political clan attributes the sustained economic success of Ilocos Sur, specifically the cities of Vigan and Candon, to their collective political will and cooperation. Gov. Ryan notes that without the support and cooperation of elected leaders from various levels of governance in his province—from barangay officials and municipal council members to provincial board members and representatives in Congress—the task of rebuilding Vigan to its former glory days would have been impossible. Mayor Eva, mother of incumbent Mayor Carlo, is recognized as the key architect of Vigan’s transformation from a laid-back municipality to a vibrant city that attracts an average of a million visitors a year. She is the daughter of the late former Ilocos Sur Gov. Evaristo “Toting” Singson, Chavit’s brother, who served as mayor of Vigan at the same time when Chavit was governor of Ilocos Sur from 1972 to 1986. GETTING READY FOR METRO VIGAN If size and population were the only bases for cityhood, Vigan would not have qualified as a city even today. According to figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Vigan does not have the minimum land area and population required by the Local Government Code for cityhood. This is why a plan is already in place to develop a Metro Vigan, which includes the neighboring municipalities of Bantay, Caoayan, Sta. Catalina, San Ildefonso, and San Vicente. With Vigan’s growing popularity among tourists and investors, more economic growth is expected in the next 10 years. Economic expansion is also forecast to happen to Candon City in the Second District, with spillover economic benefits to neighboring towns: Santiago, San Esteban, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Cruz, Galimuyod, Salcedo, Tagudin, and Banayoyo. The provincial government has both medium- and long-term plans to shepherd these developments. “We’re closely working with NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) and DPWH (Department of Public of Works and Highways) in identifying infrastructure projects to support our development projects,” he says. “While we wish to have more industries to hasten industrialization and generate more jobs for our people, we’re also focused on supporting our farmers because our province is still basically an agricultural area.” KEYS TO COMPETITIVENESS The first six years of Gov. Ryan’s incumbency saw Ilocos Sur’s steady rise in the competitiveness index as monitored by the National Competitiveness Council. The province now ranks 11th, just a notch behind Ilocos Norte, and is expected to be in the top 10 before his third and final term as governor, which ends in 2019. The local government unit is in talks with potential investors from other countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, and China—for projects that qualify under the Public-Private Partnership Program of the government. “Most of these are outside Vigan so that we can continue to protect our cultural heritage and allow other towns to grow and prosper,” says the governor. The province is particularly bullish about attracting business from China, the world’s newest economic powerhouse, because of its relative proximity. Gov. Ryan’s vision is to “create a productive, investment-friendly, and safe heritage province,” anchored on a 10-year (2010-2020) development plan that promotes industrial peace, green economy, employment generation, and poverty reduction.

< Back DBP EMMANUEL HERBOSA DBP PCEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa tal ks about effective risk management and pandemic recovery plans. In his sterling four-decades long career, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel G. Herbosa has led organizations with a keen sense of responsibility. He has held leadership roles in corporate banking, consumer banking, branch banking, and overseas banking in various financial institutions such as the Bank of the Philippine Islands and Bank of Commerce. Previously, he was also COO of Ayala Insurance and President and CEO of Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC). Here he shares his insights on the country’s economic recovery and the role DBP plays in this effort. 1. As the current President and CEO of DBP, what are the challenges you’ve encountered during this pandemic? How did DBP address these? We experienced a large increase in the volume of loan applications as most universal and commercial banks imposed stringent credit standards due to the pandemic. Consequently, the DBP Board of Directors and the Bank’s credit committees and lending units continued to meet regularly, either online or face-toface, while strictly adhering to the prescribed health protocols to discuss how the Bank could respond to the funding requirements of the business industry. 2. NEDA Acting Secretary Karl Chua reiterated that he is hopeful that due to the reopening of the economy (along with safety protocols), our economy will bounce back. This is despite an 11% drop in our country’s GDP during 2020’s third quarter. What is your take on this? As a government financial institution, DBP has aligned its economic assumptions with that provided by national government agencies, such as NEDA. May I add that despite the 11% GDP drop in the third quarter of last year, this is still an improvement over the second quarter contraction, and this likewise demonstrates the gradual recovery of the economy. There have also been significant improvements in the employment situation compared to the peak of community quarantine restrictions. The country’s GDP contraction is estimated by NEDA to settle at 8.5% for 2020. While the economy is expected to swing back to a robust 6.5% growth in 2021, we continue to strike a delicate balance between opening the economy some more and ensuring the observance of health protocols to avert the risk of a second or third wave of COVID-19 infections that has forced some countries to reimpose stricter lockdowns, as is now happening in developed countries. 3. More realistically, when do you think the economy will go back to the “normal/pre-pandemic” state? What is needed to achieve that level of economic virility? DBP will be operating under the common assumption that the business environment will not be in a “normal/ pre-pandemic” state at least for the first half of 2021. Even with the vaccine for COVID-19 already available, mass inoculation for at least 60 million Filipinos would take some time in order to significantly impact our economy. Critical to the recovery effort is a sustained containment of COVID-19, improved consumer confidence, a positive business outlook, and government support for key industries and businesses that create jobs. The “Build, Build, Build” program of the government is an example of an infrastructure program that will help propel the economy towards long-term growth. 4. What are DBP’s future plans in helping to rebuild our economy? Can you break down the plan into key steps/phases and your expected timeline for these? The passage of the Financial Institution Strategic Transfer Act (FIST) will let banks offload souring loans and assets, allowing these banks to extend more credit to pandemic-hit sectors in need of assistance. DBP will continue to support the national government in its continued implementation of the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. DBP will continue to support and even step-up its efforts to support and revitalize MSMEs and critical industries and the services sector. DBP will also be increasing its focus on growing its loan portfolio in environmental and sustainability projects. DBP likewise hopes to be more responsive in providing its products and services to all clients through the improvement of its digital banking capabilities and its customer experience strategies. 5. What are some of the key hurdles you think the Philippines will have to face in the coming months or years? What should people prepare for? The most immediate challenge is to continue to be vigilant so that the rate of COVID-19 infection does not worsen and relapses the economy. The other short-term challenge is to ensure that the vaccine for COVID-19 arrives in the country as soon as possible and that we are able to inoculate a large portion of our population soon. However, timing is uncertain. In the short- to medium-term, there should be sustained efforts to revive the economy by ensuring the following: • Timely completion of major infrastructure projects already started. • Digitalization of major industries and economy depending on our ability to quickly harness technology and promote innovation. • Support for vital industries, i.e. manufacturing, transportation, MSMEs, and the like. Support for systemically-important companies such as airlines and mass transport systems. • Help for critically-affected tourism-related businesses such as hotels/accommodations and restaurants. • Support for the health sector to boost capability to deal with the pandemic without neglecting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). • Setting up of information technology and digital infrastructure, including implementation of digital education and the use of alternative learning modalities. • Improvement in supply chain efficiency. • Provision of financing assistance to LGUs, such as the DBP ASENSO lending program, to support infrastructure projects and socio-economic programs consistent with the goals of the Philippine Development Plan and the attainment of the SDGs. • Improvement of the capacity of local contractors to complete their contracts and finance their own investments, such as the DBP Infrastructure Contractors Support (ICONS) program. 6. In a previous interview, you had mentioned that DBP is “ready to provide needed resources to enable industry players to institute mechanisms that would rebuild trust in travel.” Could you share the ways you’re planning to help in rebuilding tourism? Under Republic Act No. 11494 (Bayanihan 2), DBP was allotted P6 billion for low-interest loans for businesses including tourism-related enterprises. The Bank is now targeting to provide credit for working capital of MSMEs. Moreover, under Bayanihan 2, airlines will get around P700 million from the P9.5-Billion recovery program of the transportation sector. I understand that the Department of Finance (DOF) is awaiting the final loan plan of local airlines to determine the participation of the government financial institutions, including DBP. The Bank stands ready to extend financing or credit to micro, small and medium enterprises in the tourism value-chain, in addition to industries vital to tourism such as land, air, and water transport facilities. DBP is also working closely with the Department of Tourism (DOT) in formulating long-term solutions and interventions to help the tourism industry rebound, and for guidance on which critical investments need to be supported to build resilience and restore trust in the industry. 7. Aside from tourism, DBP previously helped a poultry farm and a cancer facility. Why did you decide to pursue this direction; why these particular projects? One of the priority sectors that DBP supports is the MSME sector as it has an important role in developing the economy. MSMEs serve as partners to large enterprises as suppliers and providers of support services. MSMEs help reduce poverty by creating jobs for the growing labor force. Poultry is a major source of protein for most Filipinos. The industry is a key contributor to growth in the agriculture sector and creates employment in the countryside. Supporting the poultry industry is part of the Bank’s broader support for agri-business development in the country. On the other hand, cancer is a growing and serious public health concern. It is said that there are 11 new cancer cases every day in the country. For decades now, the Bank has continued to support the build-up of the country’s health capacity through its financing program for the healthcare industry. 8. Are there any other sectors you plan to help or are currently aiding? Could you share the ways you’re helping these sectors? As a government-owned financial institution, our priority development thrusts are Infrastructure and Logistics, Social Services, Environment & Climate Change, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. We offer our loans products and other banking services to companies in these areas, while ensuring that our financing activities are aligned with the priorities of the national government. We recently launched two programs specifically to aid in post-pandemic economic recovery. These are the: a. Rehabilitation Support Program on Severe Events (DBP RESPONSE), which extends financing support for the rehabilitation efforts of both public and private institutions adversely affected by the pandemic. DBP RESPONSE is also available for DBP and non-DBP borrowers stricken by calamities and/or force majeure events, including typhoons, floods, drought, pest and disease infestations, earthquakes, peace and order problems, and other similar events resulting to significant socio-economic damage. b. DBP ASENSO for LGUs Financing Program, on the other hand, aims to provide financing assistance to all levels of LGUs in the accomplishment of projects to accelerate infrastructure and socio-economic development consistent with the Philippine Development Plan. Under the program and pursuant to Bayanihan 2, an amount of P1-Billion is also available to subsidize loan interest payments on new and existing loans of LGUs as they implement their respective COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis to LGUs that meet a set criteria. DBP will also continue to support the agriculture sector especially as the ongoing pandemic has reinforced the importance of the sector. The Bank is one of the implementing agencies of the ERCA-RCEF Program of the Department of Agriculture in which the P1 billion credit fund is equally shared by Land Bank of the Philippines and DBP, at P500-Million each, from 2019 to 2024. The financing assistance to small palay farmers come with a minimal interest rate and minimum collateral requirements. In addition, DBP intends to expand its portfolio in the agriculture sector through its Sustainable Agribusiness Financing Program (SAFP), which provides funding for agribusiness projects engaged in the production, harvest, processing, and marketing of crops, poultry, livestock, and fishery. Likewise, DBP supports agricultural projects with post-harvest and infrastructure facilities that add value to agricultural projects. 9. You have mentioned that DBP has a Peso Bond program for development projects in priority sectors. What are these sectors and why are these critical in getting aid/assistance first? Aligned with its sustainable development goals and to allow the Bank to reach a wider network of stakeholders especially in the countryside, DBP raised P21-Billion from its second issuance of Peso-denominated Bonds from its P50-Billion Bond Program. Proceeds from this fundraising activity have been earmarked for renewable energy projects, green buildings, clean transportation, energy efficiency, pollution prevention and control, and climate change adaption projects, among others, under the Bank’s Sustainable Financing Framework, as well as for other projects in line with the Bank’s mandate. Other eligible projects include affordable basic infrastructure and houses, initiatives that promote access to essential services, employment generation, food security, and socio-economic advancement and empowerment. 10. Many countrymen are afraid of debt and of ballooning government loans, what is your take on this? The country’s debt at about 51% of GDP as of end-October 2020 remains manageable and well-below the average of the ASEAN economies. The large debt incurred since the pandemic began in March 2020 is necessary in order to fight the pandemic and to help revive the economy. To give us a perspective on our debt levels, in 2004, the country’s debt level reached 71.6% of GDP. In 2019, our debt declined to 39.6%. Our economic managers continue to ensure that government debt is used and managed wisely and strategically. I would like to encourage our fellow citizens to engage with our government on this issue and other matters as we work together to emerge stronger from the crisis.

< Back Expert in Export With such an illustrious career, PHILEXPORT President Sergio Ortiz-Luis has made a name for himself as an export advocate and an instrumental figure in advancements of the Philippines. BY LOUISE NICHOLE LOGARTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), is renowned in the world of business as a key player in the trade industry. With such an illustrious career, he has made a name for himself as an export advocate and an instrumental figure in advancements of the Philippines with respect to the field. FROM LAW TO TRADE The son of landlords, Ortiz-Luis spent his formative years in his hometown of Cabiao in the landlocked province of Nueva Ecija. Upon finishing elementary school, he was sent to Manila to continue his studies, as was the practice at the time. Ortiz-Luis aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps, who was also a lawyer. However, the future executive ultimately thought better of it since he found the extra years of study were too long. Among the experiences that influenced Ortiz- Luis to join the workforce instead was his first taste of employment: a part-time job in the collection department of his father’s friend’s motor company that sold a Japanese brand no longer on the market today. In college, the would-be businessman went the LIA-COM (Liberal Arts-Commerce) path, a program that afforded students a chance of graduating with two degrees. In the case of Ortiz-Luis, he took up a bachelor of science in liberal arts and a bachelor of science in business administration. Although this resulted in an additional year to his overall stay at De La Salle University (formerly known as De La Salle College), he felt it was most suited to his decision to keep his path open to law, should he change his mind again. Eventually however, he ended up going for a Master’s in Business Administration at his alma mater as well. He had initially wanted to join Operation Brotherhood, an overseas assistance program headed by the Philippine Junior Chamber of Commerce, but was discouraged from doing so due to the war in Southeast Asia between the early ‘60s and ‘70s. So, Ortiz-Luis was recruited as an office manager and accountant by his uncle who was operating businesses in Palawan. “My uncle pioneered the Puerto Princesa Electric Company (now replaced by the Palawan Electric Cooperative),” he explains. “We also operated a sawmill and had logging concessions—logging was a decent livelihood at that time.” He adds that they also owned a hacienda and a ranch as well as a construction company that built many of the roads that led north and south. Though this was far from what he studied in college, he worked his way up to general manager, years before his 30th birthday. “At night I would teach at Trinity College, a branch of [the University of Santo Tomas] run by nuns,” he reveals. “I taught apologetics (a subject melding Christian theology and philosophy) and commercial law, [particularly] obligations and contracts.” His stint at his uncle’s company came to an end when insect bites due to exposure at logging sites led him to develop an allergy that ultimately infected his kidneys. Ortiz-Luis was bedridden for some months and went back to Manila to recuperate. “[When I was better], my uncle called on me again to manage [their latest acquisition], a textile mill in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur,” he continue. This, he says, was originally established by former president Elpidio Quirino to create additional livelihood opportunities for Ilocanos. “I stayed [with the mill] for three years,” he says. “It was fun and I learned a lot, as much as I did in Palawan.” When Martial Law was declared, Ortiz-Luis opted to return home to Manila and joined manufacturing company Silva Pipes shortly thereafter. He later served as its vice president for administration and stayed on for eight years. In the late ‘70s, he joined his sister and brother-inlaw’s business, ERMA Industries, exporting Filipino foods, particularly kakanin (rice cake) and other sweets. They eventually branched out to export shrimp and prawns, becoming the sole supplier for Japan’s Mitsui Trading Co. “At that point in [my life], I was happy with what I was doing,” he notes. RISING TO THE TOP They ventured further out and he later served as president of an enterprise that produced agricultural machinery (TOA Industries), which jump-started his life in various trade associations, such as the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (AMMDA). He had a hand in establishing Philippine Food Exporters (PHILFOODEX)—of which he is chairman— together with Clara Reyes-Lapus of Aristocrat and Mama Sita’s fame, among others. Ortiz-Luis rose to become president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in the early 2000’s and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). During those years, PHILEXPORT and the Confederation of Philippine Exporters (COPE) were the two main competitors in the export arena. The government decided that the country should have a single unified export organization, under the newlycrafted Export Development Act of 1994 (EDA), which mandated the government to undertake efforts for export development. “The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) compelled COPE and PHILEXPORT to join together,” he narrates. Today, PHILEXPORT is the umbrella organization for the country’s exporters, whose goal it was to cultivate “sustainable export-led national growth and development.” In the late 1980s, the country’s main challenges were the exchange rate, as the Philippines was under dollar control, and certain export policies were inefficient, such as expensive shipping tariffs and packaging materials. The EDA gave rise to the Export Development Council, composed of nine Cabinet members and nine private sector members nominated by PHILEXPORT, to address these shortcomings. The body was empowered to implement the Philippine Export Development Plan and craft reforms in aid of it. According to Ortiz-Luis, PHILEXPORT was instrumental in the ratification of the Philippines as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO); the passage of mining laws in the country; and the introduction of the barcoding system. He added that they received help from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in the form of facilities that enabled them to conduct economic studies and provide grants. He also reported that they supported the franchise sector, undertaking studies and employing experts in the industry to build a national franchise association. Ortiz-Luis was involved as well in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) initiative that aimed to invigorate trade, investments and tourism within the region and to utilize clean energy technologies in various economic activities. He related that they too had hosted the first Exporter’s Congress in Davao City, where incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte was the newly-elected mayor. About 2,000 participants were welcomed in from all over the world, quickly filling all available accommodations in the city. Ortiz-Luis recalled that Duterte had even opened up some houses and eyed bringing in two boats from Australia to house export officials. BEYOND EXPORT Apart from his firm entrenchment in PHILEXPORT, Ortiz-Luis has numerous other affiliations that impact trade, among them the Philippine Bamboo Council, Industry Development Council and the National Competitiveness Council. He also serves as Honorary Consul General in the Consulate of Romania in the Philippines, Dean of the Consular Corps of the Philippines and Honorary Adviser of the International Association of Educators for World Peace. Among his civic roles include Captain of the Philippine Coastguard Auxiliary, Director of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Phils., and Chairman of the Rotary Club of Green Meadows Foundation. Unsurprisingly, Ortiz-Luis has garnered many accolades. Most recently, he received Manager of the Year Award from the Oxford-based Europe Assembly. In 2019, he received the Sino Phil Asia International Peace Award. Years before, he had received the Gawad Parangal ng Rizal in Entrepreneurship, the ICCP Global Excellence Award and Business Leadership Award. Asked what principles he lived by that guided him throughout his life’s work, he said: “The important thing is to gain the people’s confidence, [that of] your peers and people working under you. You need to let them know you are not working against them, instead you are working for their interest. You must also be reliable and trustworthy especially if you are given access to money.” As the world enters its third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ortiz-Luis remains somewhat optimistic. “There is no way but up when you are really this down,” he says. He believes that the government should refrain from implementing lockdowns to avoid further losses. “It will get better, medyo mabagal nga lang (but it’s just a little slow),” he added. At present, Ortiz-Luis plans to back current laws that will help the export industry and ensure that the country takes steps to evolve into an exporting nation. “[Gusto kong] makatulong sa ([I want to] help with the) development ng country as well as employment,” he shares. Asked what his goal in life is, he declares: “I want to be sure whatever legacy I have built ay huwag lang masira (is not destroyed).” “I want to preserve that for my children to be proud of.”

< Back #ExplorePD4 Discover the beauty and richness of Pangasinan’s 4th District. BY NOVIE ROSE NUÑEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR. Discover the beauty and richness of Pangasinan’s 4th District BIKER’S DEN, SAN FABIAN In order to promote tourism, empower the kids, and promote sports in the area, a bikers’ den was built in Barangay Inmalog, San Fabian led by Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia on October 2019. The bikers’ den features facilities such as a shower area, as well as bike rails where bikers can park their bikes while taking a break. It was built strategically to maximize views of Lingayen Gulf, mountains covered in trees, and palay farms that can be viewed along the road. This biker’s den is managed by Nicolas Gonzales of Pangasinan 4th District Cycling Club Inc. (P4CCI). CALAMANSIAN ED LEKEP BUTAO Calamansian Farm started in the mid-1980s as a six-hectare calamansi plantation owned by different locals in Brgy. Lekep Butao in the Municipality of San Fabian. For almost four decades in the business, Calamansian Ed Lekep Butao was merely a farm until De Venecia discovered the plantation in 2021. With his guidance, the farm is now transformed into an agri-tourism venture, bringing in more income that balances the farm’s off-season. Price range every rainy season is from PD4 Php400-Php500 per sack while calamansi ranges from Php3,000-Php3,500 per sack during the summer season. According to Barangay Lekep Butao Chairperson Ferdie Estayo, they only market the calamansi around nearby towns like Mangaldan, Dagupan, and Agoo. Although sometimes they have excess supplies, they bring calamansi to Urdaneta City. For tourists who want to experience calamansi-picking, it has a Php80 entrance fee and a Php20 discount for children below seven years old and for senior citizens. They also offer a full package including entrance fee, handcrafted basket, and calamansi crinkles for only Php350 excluding the calamansi because the price varies depending on seasonality. Aside from calamansi picking, Calamansian Ed Lekep Butao also offers products like calamansi concentrate with honey that would last up to a month, calamansi juice, and calamansi crinkles. For online bookings, you may send a message via Facebook page at Calamansian Ed Lekep Butao. CALAMANSI CRINKLES This product was initiated by De Venecia last November 2021 through the so-called “crinkle ladies.” According to Dolores Lanata, De Venecia started the calamansi crinkles because of the oversupply of calamansi every August-October. Lanata also shared that they market the new product within the municipality and occasionally export. The calamansi crinkles, Lanata proudly says, are 100 percent natural. She adds that if this product becomes successful, they are planning to add a new product which is a calamansi powdered juice. CALAMANSI JUICE & CONCENTRATE Calamansi juice and concentrate are from Up Lokal—a micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) in the Municipality of Mangaldan owned by Ms. Gwynette and Huebert Ferrer. Calamansi juice and concentrate were also included in Calamansian Ed Lekep Butao because this is where they get their supplies to produce calamansi concentrate and calamansi juice. TUPIG Some of the most well-known tupig producers and vendors can be found in the municipality of San Fabian, and one of them is Marivic Abrio, owner of the ‘Tupigan ni Marivic’ stand along the Pangasinan-La Union highway in Barangay Tocok. Abrio’s tupigan has been operating since 2015 and she says that she acquired the cooking skill from her sister-in-law. They produce 300 to 400 pieces of tupig every day. Through the joint effort of their family, their tupig gained popularity and has been exported throughout the country, as well as the United States. They used to wrap the tupigs in newspapers, however, in order to incorporate a more attractive product packaging that is of an export standard, De Venecia, through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) assisted Abrio and other tupig producers in upgrading their product packaging into boxes. ‘Tupigan ni Marivic’ also provides the opportunity for visitors and other interested guests to learn how to produce tupig and potentially create their own as a feasible tourism activity. JULIANNA’S KITCHEN Photos by Jaaziel Rei Laxa Sumatra and Gail Mejia Matthew Gutierrez, the owner of Julianna’s Kitchen, came from a family of restaurateurs and entrepreneurs. Originally, their family’s main restaurant was Gigi’s Restaurant but when his grandparents passed away, the restaurant eventually closed. Gutierrez created Julianna’s to honor his grandparents, naming it after his grandmother, Juanitta. Julianna’s Kitchen started as a small kiosk food hub in 2016, undergoing several location changes, before finally finding its place in Royal Rays in Pantal, Dagupan City. While it was a challenge, Gutierrez says it was also a motivation to be different. He says, “We wanted to introduce something new. Because you know, the market is already saturated, everyone is offering this and that. Actually, our signature dish, you can actually see it in some other restaurant that offers the same dish. They have their own version of kare-kare, their own version of lengua, chicken barbecue, etc.” Although they have competitors which are very common, Gutierrez proudly shares that what stands out in Julianna’s Kitchen is the distinct taste and service that they offer to their customers. Gutierrez mentions that they now have something new to offer from the kitchen, which are non-Filipino Asian dishes. He shares that prior to the pandemic, he went on an Indo-China trip which helped him conceptualize his current offerings, such as Nasi Lemak Ayam, Curry Laksa, Chicken Satay, Pad Kra Pao Gai, Pad Kra Pao Moo, Thai Bagoong Rice, Thai Fried Chicken, Green Curry, Tom Yum, Viet Spring Roll, Sticky Rice, and Dynamite Roll. “Many think [our restaurant is] kind of typical Filipino, right? But it’s mixed where you have Asian, you have the traditional Filipino, you have like American, Italian. It’s very comforting food.” Because of the success of Julianna’s kitchen and as a coffee enthusiast, he started a pop-up coffee shop. He introduced specialty coffee and v60 air press in 2016. Until it became popular, he then continued his coffee shop in Julianna’s kitchen and he says, “I wanted to introduce the coffee first here [in Julianna’s] then if it turns out okay, I want to expand.” For those who wish to start their own business, Gutierrez says, “When you do a business, you have to be passionate about it. You have to be interested in it because if you don’t have the interest and the passion in doing that, you won’t succeed. SANTI’S BISTRO Susan Tandoc, the owner of Santi’s Bistro in Bonuan, Dagupan, says that starting the bistro was a huge risk that they had to take to make sure that their staff in Maxima training center would still have jobs. ‘Santi’s,’ derived from Tandoc’s father’s name Santiago, started as a food stall selling street food and barbeque. Three months after they started, they decided to expand their business. “We tried to add more products. But before we only had a tent, so from the tent, I told my husband to construct [the bistro] since our business went well somehow,” Tandoc shares. Santi’s Bistro became popular, earning praise for their best-selling dishes such as their Philly beef cheesesteak pizza, Santi’s special pizza (bangus flavor), chicken barbecue, and nasi goreng. HARDIN NG PARAISO “Twenty-one years and counting in the business,” says Ara Inductivo, operations manager of ‘Hardin ng Paraiso.’ The restaurant, owned by Carmelita and Wilkie Mendoza, started in 2001. Before it was known as ‘Paraiso sa Barrio Grill and Restaurant’ but the operation stopped in 2005 because of major construction of a farm-to-market road along the street of Barangay Lelemaan, Municipality of Manaoag. Although the establishment was discontinued because of the construction, according to Inductivo it became an exclusive food provider of San Roque Power Corporation from 2006-2013. In those years of being an exclusive food provider, they noted the increased traffic now that the access road was passable. Inductivo reveals, “When they constructed [the road], we noticed in 2008 that it’s getting more traffic so the Mendoza family decided to rebuild though we changed the corporate identity, then we named it Hardin sa Paraiso in January 2010.” And it’s still a huge hit. “We do not accept reservations during weekends because walk-ins alone are already too much to accommodate,” Inductivo shares. What customers love the most about the Hardin ng Paraiso are their fusion cuisines because their head chef is a Bicolano. Among their best sellers are crispy ulo, crispy pata, and sisig. Aside from these, they also offer healthier options like crispy tuna tail, ampalaya con carne, chopsuey, poke-poke, laing and of course, the original pakbet Ilocano. SALT REFINERY For the salt refinery industry, business was good during the pandemic. Basilio Javier, one of the owners of the salt refinery, shares: “During the pandemic, the profit was huge since the output was doubled as well as the deliveries because they weren’t able to go out of their province. Our situation was the opposite of how most industries fared. We delivered 40 sacks of salt every day.” One sack of salt sells for Php550 to Php600. Now that everything’s getting back to normal, they are also back delivering salt in the towns of La Union and to nearby markets in Pangasinan. Their salt refinery started in 1990 and 32 years later, Basilio hopes that they would also go into agri-tourism much like other farms. MINOR BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF MANAOAG The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag serves as a beacon for the Catholic faith for devotees all over the world. The Augustinians first built the Manaoag Church under the name “Church of Santa Monica,” which was later given to the Dominicans in the nearby town of Mangaldan, Pangasinan. For many Filipinos, the church serves as an inspiration for hope and healing. But it also experienced many tragedies, such as the Philippine Revolution. The cathedral was burned down, destroying valuable documents, ornaments, and religious artifacts. Reconstruction of the church started in 1882 and was completed in the early 1930s when the Dominicans returned through the invitation of Rev. Mariano Pacis. The Manaoag Church has been canonically connected to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome since June 2011. It is renowned for doing miracles and fulfilling people’s spiritual requests. Every year, thousands of people visit the Minor Basilica, particularly during Visita Iglesia in April. FORTUNE DRAGON FRUIT FARM Fortune, as they say, favors the bold. In Fortune Dragon Fruit Farm, the treasure is in its name. The six-hectare farm, located in the Municipality of San Jacinto, is home not only to delicious dragon fruit but also mangoes, watermelons, and even vanilla beans. Junnel Padohinog, caretaker of the fortune dragon fruit farm, reveals that they harvest around 7,000 kilos of dragon fruit. Because of its huge land area, you can see not only dragon fruit plants, there are five ostriches around the area, and a fish pond which Padohinog says also serves as the farm’s water source. Padohinog says that Moroccan red dragon fruits are way tastier and sweeter than the Pitaya (the white variant) and most of the time, the red ones are the main ingredients for wine. For only Php125 per kilo, you can taste freshly picked dragon fruit. If you want to know more and wish to visit, you may email nuezteddy@gmail.com or call them at 0918936536. HIGHLANDS CAFÉ IN THE SKY Looking for a place to rest while enjoying an overlooking view and drinking coffee? Try visiting Highlands Café in the Sky in the Municipality of San Fabian. They offer a different variety of comfort food. Among their many offerings are rice meals for as low as Php55, meaty burgers, pasta, appetizers, iced coffee, milk tea, refreshers, and much more! Their best seller is a bundle that consists of chicken, clubhouse sandwich, beef nachos, siomai, and bread toast. The owners, Harold Recede and Angeline Gali, have been good friends even before launching a business together. Highlands Café in the Sky started in November 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. And according to the owners, the pandemic wasn’t a huge deterrent in opening the store since it is al fresco which makes it safe enough to dine with your partner, family, and friends. FARMVILLE Farmville is located on nine hectares of land—seven hectares of which are for rice farming and two hectares are dedicated to the Farmville—in Barangay Lipit-Tomeeng, San Fabian and is owned by businessman Marcel Jon Mendoza and his wife Genelyn. The unassuming farm barely draws interest when you drive up the path, but nestled deep in the middle of the farm is a small ‘town’ which is reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings’ Shire. It features a restaurant (which sells Korean barbecue and the biggest milk tea in the province with their 2.7-liter cups), three “Hobbit” homes that people can rent for an overnight stay, and a ton of Instagrammable spots! Farmville is another agri-tourism venture in the region, providing additional income for the farmers and also boosting its local community. Tourists particularly enjoy taking photos in the area, and it is often the site of photoshoots for couples, families, and more. They are also open to catering for small, intimate events. TONDALIGAN BOARDWALK The construction of the boardwalk in Bonuan, Tondaligan started in April 2018, initiated by De Venecia in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pangasinan 2nd District Engineering Office and Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez. De Venecia aims to rehabilitate the image of the boardwalk and make it into a gathering place for Dagupeños, also stimulating the economy as the site caters to entrepreneurs. Four years later, the boardwalk is now in phase two as it was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But their initial efforts are already paying off. There are a lot of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) around the area and plenty of people are already enjoying the boardwalk—biking, jogging, going on picnics, and even swimming on the beach. The congressman adds, “We also have recent additions of sand barriers which you’ll see. It’s beautiful and it’s amusing because the barriers were designed to evoke and look like waves.”

00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000002 < Back MAN OF THE GOLDEN’ HOUR Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino shares the struggles and successes of being POC President after the Philippines nabbed four Olympic medals from the Tokyo Olympics 2020. BY EDWIN GALVEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO The country’s massive celebration of Team Philippines’ four-medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Games—topped by its first-ever gold medal win after a long 97-year drought— still lingers in the air, and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President and Cavite Representative Abraham “Bambol” Ng Tolentino has barely taken a rest. The 57-year-old incumbent representative of the 8th District of Cavite—which encompasses his hometown of Tagaytay City and seven other municipalities south of Manila—immediately buckled down to set the strategies for what promises to be a bigger medal haul for the Philippines in the next Summer Olympics. “More than one gold is the target,” says Tolentino when asked about the number of golds the country can capture during the quadrennial games in Paris, France in 2024. Before two-time Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz’s gold medal finish in the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at Tokyo 2020, the Philippines had only won three silver and seven bronze medals since joining in 1924 at the Paris Games. “Noong tinanong ako d’yan for Tokyo Olympics, sinabi ko (When I was asked about that in relation to the Tokyo Olympics, I said) one is enough and more than one is a blessing,” Tolentino tells LEAGUE at his district office at Tagaytay City Hall. “When Hidilyn said, ‘Kaya pala natin’ (We can do it, after all), this woke up many ‘sleeping’ athletes as it brought them a new wave of inspiration. With that, yes, more medals are forthcoming,” he says. Tolentino’s optimism shines more brightly for the Paris-bound delegation as he sees sending more than 20 athletes—which may even reach up to 30—so long as those who competed in Tokyo do not decide to retire. Ensuring Funds Called “Bambol” by friends, family and supporters, Tolentino comes off as affable, funny, and lighthearted, which easily make him a very engaging leader. But his ferocious grit and passion have also made the POC the winningest Olympic committee today in its 110-year history. He made headlines on the day of this interview after he successfully secured funding from Congress for the athletes’ preparation and participation in five major international multi-sport events slated in 2022. The unparalleled success of Team Philippines—considered the “finest squad” the country has ever assembled—could be attributed to Tolentino’s “hands-on and personalized” leadership of the POC. “I am leading the POC not as a mere leader and spectator, but I intend to lead with a purpose of giving glory to the country,” he says. “I will not just sit down and watch other countries make fun of us. I will show them that the Philippines is an athletic powerhouse when given good leadership.” In addition to heading the POC, Tolentino was councilor and mayor of Tagaytay City, nine years for each post. He then became congressman in 2013. Today, he is serving his last term in the House of Representatives as one of its 33 deputy speakers. Tolentino was elected POC president in November 2020, close to a year after the Philippines clinched the overall championship in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) that Manila hosted in 2019. Recognized as the National Olympic Committee of the Philippines by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the privately-run but politically-dominated POC has been beset by leadership squabbles for several years. Its precursor, which existed until 1975, was the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation. Today, he leads a unified board where he can simply apply “leadership with a purpose of fulfilling the mandate of the work.” “We’re united and everything is running smoothly. Kaya ngayon malaki na din ang tiwala ng business sector at ng mga stakeholders (That is why today, the business sector and our stakeholders have confidence in us),” he shares. Tolentino has been with the POC for a decade now and has accomplished much over the years using his foresight. “The leader must be able to foresee the results ahead of time based on current data,” he explains. “If I see that the National Sports Association (NSA) will not make it even to the qualifiers, I cannot send its team at the people’s expense as the team will spend public money.” Concurrently the president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines or PhilCycling, Tolentino knows which strategies to draw out from his own experiences in various games. These include the last three Summer Olympics, the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea from which PhilCycling brought home the country’s lone gold medal, and international cycling events he organized in the country. But the Philippines’ triumphant hosting of the 2019 SEA Games proved to be a sign of better things to come under his leadership. Assigned as the SEA Games’ sports director, Tolentino singlehandedly designed the sports line-up and build-up of events that made the country clinch the overall championship again since 2005, amassing 147 golds out of a total of 387 medals it won. It was a staggering achievement for the Philippines. Personal Touch In concrete terms, though, Tolentino believes his “personal touch” has helped boost the confidence and performance of the athletes. Tolentino confides that Hidilyn, in her fourth straight Olympics, couldn’t be prouder having her whole team around to support her— which other countries do for their athletes as a matter of course. He made it possible because he knew it could be done even with a limited budget. Tolentino says that he also feels for the athletes “kasi doon ako galing eh,” referring to the time when the NSAs were left to fend for themselves in the past. His awareness of the sacrifices of both the athletes and officials led him to work hard for their incentives, with some even coming from his own pockets. “Hindi pa nga nagsisimula, sabi ko bibigyan ko kayo ng (Even before the games commenced, I told them I will give them a) house and lot,” he recounts. Tolentino recalls personally calling top business leaders for their pledges to Olympic medalists even before the Philippine delegation left for Tokyo. He also says that the POC also helps athletes sort out their troubles when it comes to issues such as filing of liquidation reports, particularly when these athletes are about to compete abroad. He also takes care of the needs of the NSAs, mostly about funding. Looking For Potentials In his interactions with the athletes, one sees how Tolentino brings out the best in them and, more importantly, he sees their hidden potentials that only need nurturing. “Totoo kasi ‘pag ‘di mo ginawang ganon, wala (Otherwise, nothing will come out of such). Remember that an athlete’s performance peaks between the ages of 20 and 30 years,” he says. Driven by sports excellence, Tolentino knows where our athletes can excel in given their physique and innate talents. He also looks forward to participating in sports debuting at the Paris Games where Filipinos can really shine and win medals. These include ballroom dancing, cheerleading, breakdancing, and e-sports. Scientific Training The sports development agenda in the country has gained more ground under Tolentino’s leadership as the Tokyo 2020 performance bolstered the need for the scientific training of athletes using modern equipment. He recently sent a request with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for such provisions. He emphasizes that this should also be supported by the construction of a velodrome and a permanent POC office building. The pandemic “has worsened our training,” he says, as outdoor training is now done indoors. It also does not help that, in a scale of 1 to 10, “our equipment level is at 1.” “We are burdened with the need for updated training equipment designed for remote monitoring and scientific evaluation, and these are not cheap,” he argues. He cites that international training coaches can monitor training if we only have the equipment such as power meters and smart trainers. These can send data for analysis by sport scientists so that the correct training regimen can be customized for each athlete. Tolentino proposed the construction of a velodrome—an indoor arena for training and competing in track cycling events—in Tagaytay City 15 years ago. Its actual cost today is less than Php2 billion. He says the country misses getting 12 medals because of the standard 12 events in a velodrome, which include team sprint, keirin, sprint, team pursuit, and omnium. He relates that Malaysia would have ended up without any medal in Tokyo were it not been for a velodrome event. A velodrome can even save money for the government, he says, because it can accommodate all kinds of sports, including combat sports, badminton, volleyball and chess. The Philippines, he adds, is the only ASEAN country that has not hosted an Asian or ASEAN cycling championship because it does not have a modern velodrome. Winning Momentum Tolentino is a proud advocate through and through. He fully supports the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) which is on its first phase as part of honing young athletes coming from the grassroots. He was also among the sponsors of House Bill 5480 that proposed the establishment of the Philippine Academy for Sports. With its counterpart Senate Bill 1086, it later became the NAS under Republic Act No. 11470 which was signed into law last year. Housed in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the NAS will implement a “quality and enhanced secondary education program integrated with a special curriculum on sports.” For athletes to perform better, Tolentino believes the NSAs should also perform well. He sees only about 25 out of 40 to 50 NSAs performing in 2024. “This is the time to qualify. Go out there, find your races and competitions, and earn those points. With our and the athletes’ sacrifices, plus the cohesiveness and cooperation of the NSAs, it is our destiny to win, and that is what we can offer to the country,” he says. BACK

a84b2060-7c46-4f52-90e3-6185e9dad5fb < BACK SANTA CRUZ MAYOR EDGAR SAN LUIS Simple and practical. These are the factors that shape Mayor Edgar San Luis’ projects for his town of Santa Cruz, Laguna. BY KRISTEL DACUMOS LAGORZA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. Santa Cruz is a lovely, vibrant municipality in the province of Laguna, which sits adjacent to Laguna Lake. As its provincial capital, it is one of the key municipalities that is home to field offices of numerous national government agencies, banks, and businesses, making it an important governance and commercial center in eastern Laguna. In the past decades, Santa Cruz was considered a key trading post, where goods from Manila and around the region would be brought. And due to this, business and enterprises flourished. Santa Cruz idealizes the idyllic provincial life. It’s quiet and beautiful, but abuzz with dynamic economy. Santa Cruz, Laguna Mayor Edgar S. San Luis, fondly called “Egay,” hopes to bring back the “good old days” by re-energizing several industries post-pandemic such as agriculture, fishing, and duck and poultry raising. Reminiscing those days in his childhood, he starts: “I remember Santa Cruz, when I was in elementary, malakas ang fishing industry. We’re adjacent to Laguna Lake, but today, it’s not suitable for massive fishing. We were also a major supplier of salted eggs and balut at that time. And we are planning to bring all those back.” Survival and Service And these plans are timely, especially as many of Santa Cruz citizens have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Economy was significantly hit, needless to say, and the “normal way of life, lahat naapektuhan because we were caught flat-footed,” he admits. “Nobody knew how to deal with the pandemic so naging reactive.” In the earlier months of the crisis, San Luis immediately responded and explored the different ways to help his people and launched the Kabuhayanihan initiative, with the sole focus to provide and help families with sustainable livelihoods during the pandemic. Seeing how unemployment was on the rise and people were on the brink of hunger, he scanned all the vacant lots in Santa Cruz, Laguna, especially the rural/agricultural areas and started a community garden program. “On these empty lots, we planted a lot of vegetables for families so they could have sustainable food.” To date, the mayor is planning as well to place a moratorium on developmental subdivisions to focus on agricultural lands. “For Santa Cruz, our biggest challenge now is to help those affected by the pandemic and to re-engineer our plans. We have a lot of resources and agricultural areas. However, a lot of these [lots] have been converted into subdivisions. So my plan now is to place a [temporary] moratorium on developmental subdivisions and focus on the agricultural lands to help promote our ‘one town, one product,’ which is the kesong puti.” “Our kesong puti is well-known. However, we don’t have kalabaws that produce milk, because our agricultural areas have dwindled. I hope to revive and bring this trade back. It may be a bit challenging, but doable. The survival of his people and creating opportunities for livelihood is the mayor’s priority. In an another brilliant and thoughtful initiative, he launched the local egg machine project to supplement the needs of around 300 to 400 families. Through this, he distributed one egg machine to each family. The egg machine cost roughly Php20,000 per unit. “I gave them 20 layer chickens, which helped build livelihood for them, as they could sell these eggs. Can you imagine the impact? With chicken layers, every day nangingitlog yan, so meron ka nang almusal, tapos ang natira pwede mo pang ibenta,” he explains. It was important for San Luis that he start with initiatives that offered immediate relief and support as those who work at the very bottom tier of industry like tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, market sellers, and the lot suffered the most during the lockdowns. “Before, we were collecting around Php1 million a month from the public market, now we’re lucky to just to hit Php300,000,” explains San Luis, highlighting the stark effect of the pandemic on their local economy. “But we’re coping,” he adds optimisitically. “Ganyan naman ang mga Pilipino, very resilient.” From community agriculture to poultry, San Luis is also considering reinvigorating the fishing industry in Santa Cruz. Laguna Lake, as of the moment is not suitable for massive fishing, but there is opportunity, he mentions. “It’s a dying lake because 50 years ago, it was very deep at around 15 feet. Today, due to siltation and such, it sits at just 3 feet deep. But fishing on a small scale can be done.” In addition, San Luis has high hopes for the lakes swift rehabilitation as the Laguna Lake is under the management program of the national government, led by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and other relevant agencies. It is this nimble, practical, longterm thinking in times of crisis and compassionate leadership which has endeared San Luis to his people. Family Brand of Service Egay’s father, Felicisimo T. San Luis, in fact, was a long-time governor of Laguna, and sat at the helm for 33 years, from 1959 to 1992. He died in service, and so it was Egay’s brother, Rodolfo “Boyie” San Luis, who followed suit. His brother served as mayor, two terms as congressman, and ran for governor, but lost. His brother couldn’t also pursue politics further as he got sick at that time, leaving the 51-year-old Egay, who was in his prime, the unique opportunity to join public service. “My brother said to me, ‘Brod, walang magtutuloy ng tradition natin. Bakit hindi ikaw ung magpatuloy?’ Though their family was deeply ingrained in politics, Egay had never considered the option for himself as “my father had the rule that while he was in power, nobody in the family should be in power, too. In short, ayaw ng father ko ng dynasty.” Family members could serve, but not at the same time. “Honestly, hindi ko alam ang politika, kasi yung father ko binawalan kami eh. Very strict, very principled, and ideal ang father ko. Ang lagi niyang sinasabi noon, ‘Business and politics cannot mix. If you mix those two, it will be deadly.’ In Tagalog, ‘Ang serbisyo publiko at ang negosyo ay kailanman hindi pwedeng magsama, matatalo yung pagnanais mo na maglingkod sa bayan ng tapat at wagas.” History will tell us, a lot of politicians and even presidents, when they mix public service and business, issues always arise,” says the incumbent mayor. For Egay, his background was primarily in TV, in sales and marketing and advertising. He served as president of RPN-9, one of the biggest TV stations in the 70’s-90’s, which sufficiently equipped him with the skills to become an effective local leader. With his brother’s prodding and the sincere want to build a better, stronger district, Egay saw that he had a lot to contribute ran for a position in government in 2007. He won as congressman for the fourth district, and then later became mayor of Santa Cruz, Laguna in 2019. When I entered politics in 2007, I was probably one of the wealthiest congressmen. I used a large part of my personal savings and resources to aid the underprivileged and provide solutions to the problem of my constituents. When he went around his district, he was deeply affected by the scenes of poverty, helplessness, and hopelessness. At that time, he didn’t have the connections or the pork barrel to implement some of his plans, so he decided to respond to his communty’s needs by spending out of pocket. “Ako, sabi ko, ‘may kaya naman ako, may inipon akong pera kaya ako na ang magpapagawa.” He repaired buildings, built roads and such, supplementing the budget provided by his office. But his charity goes beyond simply in improving the infrastructure and the services of his municipality, he was sensitive to even the personal cases of his citizens. And he never sought repayment. He remembers one particular event: He was in Pila, Laguna where he saw a little girl, around nine years old. She was obviously sick as she looked purple. Fortunately, San Luis had medical staff by his side and asked them take a look at the child. They soon confirmed the she had a heart condition that needed immediate surgery, and so Egay ordered them to bring her to the Heart Center and cleared her finances for the operation. Mind you, this was all from his own pocket. But no matter the amount spent, the value of saving a child’s life is priceless, he says. “We saw her again in 2019 at the municipal hall. She was healthy and vibrant, at around 17 years old,” he beams. There are many other stories of this kind. He’s come across a bit of criticism because of his generosity. At a certain point, he also had to sell off even his own house and lot, to generate funds for his initiatives. “Sabi nga nila, ako lang daw yung congressman na naghihirap,” he shares. Like his father, San Luis wants to emulate the same leadership and values of really putting the people first. “First of all, I’m a servant leader; I’m not a politician. I believe in setting the example—kalaban man o kakampi tutulungan kita. Basta I will extend my help as a Filipino,” he says. He’s come across certain pushback as well from some local leaders he’s working with, but he’s continually seeking ways to build support. “It’s a challenge, I must admit, especially trying to convince them that we’re here to serve. We are not here to fight for personal interest. If you want, we can fight for 45 days next year [during the election period]. Doon tayo maglaban laban. But now, let’s join hands and be united against COVID-19 and the current problems of our municipality.” An Optimistic Future With mass vaccination rollout across the country, the people of Sta. Cruz are feeling hopeful, and San Luis is planning for their successful recovery post-pandemic. “We’re planning a lot of programs here especially Sta. Cruz, which include establishing a command center, improving rescue and disaster management, crime prevention, and everything else. Of course, digitalization is one of our priorities. And another is to address the drainage issue of the municipality.” He’s proud to have made progress on his previous campaign promises: from one ambulance, the municipality now has nine, and they’ve also successfully built a new community hospital outside Poblacion. “One of my goals is to increase the number of doctors, as there are only two within the municipality. And my plan is to reach out to all residents who cannot afford expensive medicare. I want to invest in building a medical facility, with more doctors, better equipment, and improved testing capabilities.” One of his other proud initiatives launched during the pandemic is the Hatid-Tulong Project for persons with disability [PWDs.] Through this, his office distributes wheelchairs, vitamins, and financial assistance to the vunerable and often underserved community. It all started because of the voluminous requests for help that started to pour in through their Facebok page. “I then formed a group whose sole task was to collate and respond to their messages. And then we’d head out to the barangay with our team of doctors, supplies, medicine, and the like to serve those in far rural areas.” “Di kami namimili ng tutulungan. Di namin tinatanong kung botante o nakakaboto siya. Yun ang akin lang, makatulong sa tao ng walang kapalit. I know sometimes it’s very idealistic. Pero sa akin, wala namang mawawala kung maging sincere tayo sa pagtulong. Nandito na tayo to help others, then why not do it with sincerity as well,” he says. The key identifiers of many of Mayor’s initiatives is their practicality and simplicity. And solutions like these that are effective and quick to rollout are highly appreciated, especially in these times. “Ang sa akin dito, ang advocacy ko talaga is to pave the way for the next generation of Filipinos that existing problems will not be inherited. I hope to help them gain a better understanding of how good governance should be. Governance with sincerity—with leaders not just looking to work for the next election, but for the next generation. Sa akin lang, sincerity and dedication (and fear of God), that’s what we all need.”

< Back MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR BATAAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLE CONTINUES Photo courtesy GOV. ALBERT GARCIA FACEBOOK PAGE These barangays prove that there is always much more you can do to help your people. Bataan Governor Albert Garcia revealed on April 07 that a health program for indigenous people (IPs) in Bataan is continuing, with more Aetas from upland villages taking advantage of the project launched by the Provincial Health Office (PHO). IPs from Barangay Biaan, Mariveles, were the most recent participants of the program. According to the governor, 108 Aetas received medical help, 32 availed of dental services, and four were vaccinated against COVID-19. This was made possible through the PHO’s “Kalusugan hatid sa Katutubong Kapatid” program. Previously, 150 IPs from Barangay Binaritan, Morong, and 134 IPs from Barangay General Lim, Orion, were given medical treatment. One hundred from Binaritan and 32 from General Lim availed of additional dental services. Four people from Binaritan and 37 people from General Lim were vaccinated against COVID-19. Garcia concluded, “We assure everybody that we will bring health programs and services to the people so that no one will be left behind as we walk the path towards a brighter, healthier, and more progressive life.” DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE

< Back THE GLOBAL RESPONSE TO COVID-19 The pandemic swept the world at an unexpected rate, but some countries handled the pandemic better than others. Immediate response and travel bans OUTSIDE of China, the rest of the world debated whether any action, if any, was necessary when the World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm on COVID-19 earlier this year. Taiwan did not waste any time and was one of the first countries to act—imposing travel bans from most parts of China and a 14-day quarantine for new arrivals. “Taiwan rapidly implemented a list of at least 124 action items in the past five weeks to protect public health,” said Dr. Jason Wang, an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford Medicine and policy-analysis expert, referring to the measures implemented by President Tsai Ing-wen since January. “The policies and actions go beyond border control because they recognized that that wasn’t enough.” In the Stanford Health Policy article, Wang also praised his native Taiwan for its robust pandemic prevention plan, which was established, along with the National Health Command Center (NHCC), after the 2003 SARS outbreak. Among their early actions were pushing for an increase in face mask production (and banning its export to ensure enough local supply) and mass testing. Taiwan’s health-insurance system provided universal coverage to its citizens, so citizens were not afraid to go to the hospital, Taiwanese government representative Kolas Yotaka told NBC News in an interview. “You can get a free test, and if you’re forced to be isolated during the 14 days, we pay for your food, lodging, and medical care.” Transparency is also a priority of the government, requiring television and radio stations to broadcast public service announcements (PSAs) about COVID-19 by the hour. “We think only when the information is transparent, and people have sufficient medical knowledge, will their fear be reduced,” Kolas added. As of April 27, Taiwan has reported 429 cases and six deaths. Click here to read full article for free

< Back Lipa City By Edwin Allan Diaz Eat, Pray, Love LEAGUE TAKES YOU TO THE HEART OF COFFEE AND LOMI, AND SO MUCH MORE. Eat, Pray, Love Lipa” is the official tourism slogan of Lipa City, Batangas. And for good reason: there is so much culture and heritage just waiting to be experienced here. So take a picture, take a bite, and take a breather as League highlights the best of Lipa City. THE FARM AT SAN BENITO A holistic medical wellness resort, The Farm at San Benito has 60 exclusive suites and villas. Optimize health with detox cleanse, weight management, and yoga & raw food retreat programs. Rediscover wellness at the holistic sanctuary, meditation labyrinth, and waterfall pool. Or explore its 52-hectare grounds, where ducks, geese, and peacocks freely roam. There’s also an organic vegetable garden near its helipads, where its vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian restaurants source their ingredients. OLD GROVE FARMSTEAD Experience nature like nowhere else at Old Grove Farmstead. Feed sheep, goats, and Japanese chicken, and see other animals at the mini zoo, featuring various birds, a python, and a crocodile. Its barn and windmill are the perfect backdrop for prenup shoots, weddings, and private functions. An old water tower offers a stunning view of the farm and Lipa, especially during sunsets. Gather around a bonfire with loved ones before retiring to one of the private villas to complete your relaxing staycation experience. TAGBAKIN BOAT CRUISE A scenic way to see Taal Volcano, Tagbakin Boat Cruise takes one to one and a half hours to reach the attraction, depending on weather conditions. There is also a grotto at the rightmost part of Barangay Tagbakin where people can offer their prayers. AQUAMARINE HOTEL Hosting an important event in Lipa? Make it more special at Aquamarine Hotel. It features a tropical exterior with aesthetic interior design and spacious hotel rooms. There are also conference rooms, event spaces with stage, karaoke and gaming rooms, swimming pools, as well as indoor basketball and volleyball courts spread across its compound. CATHEDRAL OF SAN SEBASTIAN DE LIPA Lipa’s first bishop and apostolic nuncio, Giuseppe Petrelli, chose Lipa City as the seat of Batangas’ diocese because of its cold climate and safe distance from Taal Volcano. Constructed in 1865, Cathedral of San Sebastian de Lipa is named after St. Sebastian, the patron saint of soldiers and athletes. His ex ossibus (a first-class relic), a five-tier belfry, silver carrozas with life-size holy images, and a German pipe organ can be found at the cathedral. OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE PARISH LODLOD A Marian church, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish was fully redesigned in 2018, taking two years to complete. A work of art, its modern design welcomes the faithful to a massive altar where the Blessed Mother is located, flanked by two angels blowing a trumpet. The spacious church has multiple pews in the middle and at the balcony where the choir is also located. There will also be a cemetery right behind the church for its parishioners. LIPA CITY MARKER A picturesque landmark that welcomes everyone to the “Little Rome of the Philippines,” Lipa City Marker incorporates Lipa City’s religious (the belfry of San Sebastian Cathedral), Spanish (crown), and cultural (clock tower) heritage. Shining yellow when its lights are turned on at night, the marker is a perfect spot for a groufie. TESSIE’S GOTO AND BULALO Since 1980, Tessie’s Goto and Bulalo has been the go-to goto (Filipino beef tripe and rice congee) and bulalo (beef shank) restaurant for many Filipinos, not just Lipeños. They are one of the first establishments to sell goto and bulalo in Lipa City, renowned for their tender beef and flavorful broth. To achieve such quality, they start preparing at 1 am, slowly cooking their meat for four hours. LIPA GRILL Famous for its kare-kare and crispy pata, Lipa Grill is a must-visit for those looking for quality Filipino food in Lipa. Bistek na bangus (bangus beef steak), roasted spareribs, inihaw na pusit, inihaw na tuna panga (grilled squid, grilled tuna jaw), bulalo, and lomi (egg noodle soup in thick broth) are also certified hits. What started as a twostory house with only three staff members is now a full-scale restaurant with 70 employees. Its menu has grown by 50% after its acquisition by Andok’s, added a pasalubong corner, and opened a new branch in Mexico, Pampanga. The restaurant accepts advance reservations for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. 2.0 BY LOMI KING Enjoy authentic Batangas lomi at 2.0 by Lomi King. It adds Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino comfort food alongside Lomi King’s menu. Managed by the To family which created the Batangas lomi recipe, 2.0 will soon serve lomi with premium ingredients, like crab and squid. For those with an insatiable sweet tooth, Maira To’s Sucree Bakery offers mouthwatering sans rival, cookies, and made-to-order specialty cakes, in-store or online.