< Back The Value of DREAMS By: Agatha Onallera THE STORY OF THE 26-YEAR OLD BUSINESSMAN BEHIND PURE LUXUS SKIN CARE IS MARKED BY HIGH ASPIRATIONS AND UNWAVERING DETERMINATION, AND SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION NOT ONLY TO THE YOUTH BUT TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS TO EMULATE. FAMILY’S VALUE Andrews’ strong desire to have his own company started when he was six years old. He developed a strong desire to follow in his mother's footsteps and become an entrepreneur after being exposed to the family businesses as a child. “My family was really into business then. I would see how my mom handled people. I was inspired by her. I really looked up to her and wanted to be successful like her someday." His family was, and still is, into the perfume, hospitality, and general merchandise businesses. After working for the family company as an employee, Andrews decided to set out on his own and fulfill his longtime dream of becoming an entrepreneur. He thought that he could have more leverage for success if he became an entrepreneur rather than an employee. He points to his mom as the biggest influence in his decision to become an entrepreneur. “My mom groomed me to become a businessman as well, to have my own business, to have my own company. That's why I decided to resign from my day job because I really wanted to have my own business. I really wanted to have my own company,” he reveals. AFTER WORKING FOR THE FAMILY COMPANY AS AN EMPLOYEE, ANDREWS DECIDED TO SET OUT ON HIS OWN AND FULFILL HIS LONGTIME DREAM OF BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR. HE THOUGHT THAT THIS WAY, HE COULD HAVE MORE LEVERAGE FOR SUCCESS. THE VALUE OF ONE BOX In December 2021, Andrews was on his own while his family took a trip to the United States. They had no idea that he was about to start a business that would change his life. Taking advantage of having time to himself, he started making plans to come up with something that was truly his. He came up with the idea of selling soap. His dermatologist-aunt formulated the soap. He first sold just one box of soap, then, after a week, he was able to sell 10. After a month, he had sold 30 boxes. The soap became the foundation of what would become Pure Luxus Skin Care. The success of his initial foray selling boxes of soap gave Andrews the idea to focus on skincare because of his observation of the Filipino household, which dates back to his childhood. THE VALUE OF SKIN AND HAIR "Since I was a kid, every time I would visit a friend's house, I would always see skincare products. Throughout the Philippines and even in Filipino communities abroad, skincare products have been a constant presence. So, I thought, why not start a business that caters to this essential need and is a sure hit?" Having come to this insight, the Pure Luxus Skin Care founder decided to launch a company that initially focused on making soap and then grew to include haircare products. According to Andrews, there is an increasing need for effective haircare products, especially among Filipinos dealing with hair loss and baldness in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. This segment of the population became his target market. With the help of his chemist and dermatologist, Andrews developed treatments that precisely targeted hair problems experienced by Filipinos. They were able to produce shampoo, hair grower, and minoxidil hairspray that specifically deal with baldness and hair loss. These products indeed became a hit and are sold not only in the Philippines but have become bestsellers in Europe, particularly in France and Italy. “I'm so happy to say that step by step, we're expanding, from skincare to haircare products. And now, with God's grace, our products are thriving in the market. They are very saleable. The result is good,” Andrews elaborates. Pure Luxus' journey from skincare to haircare is not just a business expansion; it is a testament to Andrew’s commitment to offering complete solutions that meet the many and ever changing needs of his company's customers. With distributors in France, Italy, Spain, London, and the United Kingdom, Pure Luxus has successfully bridged the gap between quality products and consumer demands, creating a brand that resonates not just locally but globally. THE VALUE OF PRODUCTS Andrews places strong emphasis on the quality of ingredients used in his skincare line. "I am really strict about the ingredients," he underscores. Taking pride in hiring the best chemists, he ensures that the finest ingredients are used in the products. "I have one of the best chemists in the Philippines, so I am really confident," he says with pride. He reveals that the formulation for each of their products goes through three rigorous stages to guarantee that the resulting products meet the highest standards. Dermatologists and chemists scrutinize the products in the initial stage, after which they have to pass the scrutiny of managers and employees. The final stage is the “real test” for distributors, customers, and resellers. Once the products pass the final stage, this is already the time that they will release them to the market. Of course, Andrews ensures that all products meet the stringent standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He also emphasizes that Pure Luxus products suit the unique needs of the Filipino market. They made sure that the formulation of the products was suitable for Filipino skin, given the warm climate in the Philippines. THE VALUE OF CUSTOMERS Andrews acknowledges that like any other brand or product, Pure Luxus could at some point become subject to customer complaints. He says that they have a 24/7 customer service team that pays attention to feedback. He knows that there might be allergic reactions to the products. To avoid this, he emphasizes testing products in a small area, and not using the product if adverse reactions occur. He advises users to immediately stop and consult a doctor in case an allergic reaction occurs while they are using the product, even after initial testing. Andrews also believes that public engagement is one factor that helped Pure Luxus reach a wide number of customers. He also actively communicates with and networks with people from various backgrounds. He also has television appearances, which he thinks is also instrumental in shaping the brand's image and widening its reach. All these have led to increased followers, distributors, resellers, and customer trust in Pure Luxus. The young entrepreneur admits that he also aspires to be a singer and actor, and his mother—who was once a cruise ship singer—probably had an influence in this as well. He shares, however, that "for now, I'm really focused on my business, focused on how to become a successful businessman. But, yes, my dream is to become a singer or actor someday." THE VALUE OF AGE Winning the respect and confidence of his staff was one of the biggest obstacles Andrews had to overcome as a young business owner. Given his youth, he finds it difficult to manage people and earn their respect. "It's really hard to build your own company at my age. Like handling people, it's really hard. Because, to be honest, it's not that easy for people my age to gain the trust of their employees." He therefore always sets an example for his team members and makes sure he is performing his duties effectively in order to gain their respect. His emphasis lies in showcasing his ability through diligence and commitment. “I'm strict. Yes, because I need to change their perception of me. I'm not just a 26-year-old; I'm their boss. So they need to respect me. They need to do their job, and I expect them to follow because, at the end of the day, if there's something wrong, it will all reflect on me,” he explains. Outside his own organization, Andrews has also experienced discrimination on the basis of age on multiple occasions. He often finds himself in meetings with accomplished individuals aged 40 and above who are skeptical about his capabilities solely based on his youth. "Sometimes, they don't believe in me because I'm just 26 years old," he discloses. Andrews is still adamant about overcoming these obstacles, though. He understands that he must demonstrate his ability in a cutthroat corporate setting. "But, you know, I really give my best. I really need to prove to them that I am also capable. That whatever they can do, I can do too. I just really need to work hard and be responsible with the decisions I make. I just need to prove to them that they are wrong sometimes,” he says. The young entrepreneur dedicates himself to dispelling myths and proving that youth does not equate to incompetence. In the end, he views these difficulties as chances for personal development. ANDREWS' PERSEVERANCE AND OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK ARE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF HIS SUCCESS STORY. THE VALUE OF SUCCESS Andrews believes that the cornerstone of success, especially for youth and young entrepreneurs, is knowing their passion and doing what they love to do in business. "When passion drives your business, success, including financial gains, naturally follows." He also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing career goals before seeking success in personal relationships, urging the youth to focus on their professional aspirations first. "Leave the love life behind. Just go for your career first. Because love is just there, but the opportunities for success will knock on your door just once. So [grab these while you can and] don't give up,” he says. While he encourages the youth to go out of their comfort zones by venturing into something worthwhile or traveling like what he dreams to do, he also tells them to be financially responsible and have a mindful lifestyle. "Live below your means. Don't live beyond your means." Andrews admits that he does not see himself as a successful person yet. He sees success as a journey characterized by contentment and a sense of obligation. He says he would only consider himself as successful if he has already reached the stage where he is "already content with what I have and if I've decided to lay low a bit in life, focusing on family and personal life." For now, he is motivated to always wake up with a strong desire to reach his goal. "I need to be successful. I need to be somebody who can inspire the youth and the people," he concludes. WHEN PASSION DRIVES YOUR BUSINESS, SUCCESS, INCLUDING FINANCIAL GAINS, NATURALLY FOLLOWS.

< Back Leading with Meaning and Purpose BY MARIANNE JANE S. ZARA CANTIMBUHAN, HAVING SERVED CAVITE FOR THIRTY YEARS, ADVISES NEOPHYTE POLITICIANS THAT THEIR HEARTS MUST BE IN PUBLIC SERVICE, SAYING THAT IT TAKES DEDICATION TO ATTEND TO THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC AS IT IS A 24/7 JOB. For Cavite 3rd District Provincial Board Member Arnel “Ony” Cantimbuhan, it is paramount to be focused on responding to the needs of his constituents and ensuring that help is provided to them, no matter what time of day. Toward this, ON sa Serbisyo (ON for Service) remains as his guiding principle in serving not only those from his district but from all over Cavite. “ ON sa serbisyo, para kasing ‘on’, lagi kang nandiyan. Anytime na kailangan ka nila, nandyan ka (ON for service, it’s like youare always ‘on’ or ready to serve. Anytime that your help is needed, you are there),” Cantimbunan elaborates on his tagline. If someone comes to you, you need to extend help, no matter how little you can give–that person must come out of your office smiling and happy. Committed to helping his people, it has been part of Cantimbuhan’s routine to listen and attend to the different needs of his constituents anywhere and at any time of the day. His house has even become an extension of his office as he gladly welcomes people who are in need of help. Part of his routine for 30 years, he says that it reflects his having started his career in public service at the grassroots level. “I’m used to being around people. Because people are close to me, they are not ashamed to come see me. They know that I understand their needs,” he shares. Having worked his way up in public service, Cantimbuhan knows how to stay grounded and remain in touch with his constituents. During his time as vice mayor, he made it a point to keep his home’s doors open to the public, and dedicated Mondays to listening to the needs of the people and trying to help them immediately, if possible. “Every Monday was People’s Day. My office was packed,” he says. He also recalls pre-pandemic times where “Every Wednesday, a joggers’ group I belong to, composed of Imuseño leaders including barangay chairpersons, would gather at my house. We would tell stories and discuss plans for the city.” A SEASONED MENTOR Cantimbuhan started serving the public as a barangay kagawad (councilman) in 1994 and climbed up the political ladder. He then became Cavite ' s youngest barangay chairperson in 1997. After this, he had the opportunity to serve the City of Imus as a three-term city councilor and then two-term vice mayor, and is now a provincial board member for the 3rd District of Cavite. His career in public service may not have taken the usual route, but his journey from being barangay leader to senior provincial official has given him the proper perspective with regard to governance. With 30 years of service, he is one to mentor newcomers to politics and those who aspire to be in public service. When asked about his advice to new politicians, he says: “ Palagi kong sinasabi sa mga gustong pumasok sa politika na talagang kailangan nasa puso nila ang pagseserbisyo . (I always tell those who want to enter politics that public service must be in their heart.) You need to have the passion in your heart. Just like business, you cannot put up a business that is not your passion.” Drawing from his vast experience, Cantimbuhan stresses the importance of dedication in public service as he mentors neophyte politicians. “In public service, you are not bound by time. You are open 24/7. You need to dedicate yourself to serving,” he says. Cantimbuhan also tells the newcomers and aspiring politicians not to expect anything in return for the service they extend to the people. However, he underscores that once they have attended to the needs of the public, the appreciation and gratitude of the people will make their hearts full. Truly driven by his passion for public service, he also advises neophytes that they cannot please everyone and they may hear negative things said about them. “Just focus on giving the service that the people deserve. Continue doing what’s right and for the good of the people,” he stresses. CANTIMBUHAN, HAVING BEEN A PUBLIC SERVANT FOR 30 YEARS, ADVISES NEOPHYTE POLITICIANS THAT THEIR HEARTS MUST BE IN PUBLIC SERVICE. IT TAKES DEDICATION TO ATTEND TO THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC AS IT IS A 24/7 JOB. LEADERSHIP AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC To lead during times of crisis tests the brand of leadership of every leader. As for Cantimbuhan, the COVID-19 pandemic did not impede sustaining his constituents’ needs in times of uncertainty. He led with meaning and purpose and continued to serve as if it were business as usual. “During the pandemic, most politicians got scared to go out of their homes or offices. That wasn’t the case with me.I persisted and went out everyday to know the needs of the people,” Cantimbuhan recalls. To facilitate travel from one part of the city to another as well as maintain social distancing, the board member and his team went from one community to another aboard motorcycles. “I saw that children were in need of milk. I also received messages asking for milk so I ordered a whole truckload of milk from Alaska and distributed such to those in need,” Cantimbuhan shares. With little to no time for preparation, his adaptive responses to the direct consequences of the pandemic built and sustained the trust of the general public. His management of the situation and quick adaptive response to the needs of the children showed his ability to take decisive action. The milk distribution project did not come as smooth sailing. When confronted with the challenge of a temporary stoppage by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) because of the ban on infant formula milk donations, Cantimbuhan got ahold of the situation and explained to the city’s local health center and DILG the immediate need for milk of the children in his district. His initiative was eventually given the go signal. To quicken up the pace of distribution, Cantimbuhan called on the Sangguniang Kabataan officials of different barangays to distribute relief goods. Not only did they distribute milk to the children, but a complete set of ayuda (relief goods) for every household. “ Syempre kompleto naman kami sa ayuda. Talagang noon hindi kami nagpabaya . (Of course, we gave complete aid. We really did not neglect [the city] during those times.) We gave away 150,000 relief packs to 150 households every week. Sometimes, every household was given chicken. The next day, everyone was given hotdogs. As for me, I concentrated on giving away powdered milk for the children,” he reveals. FOCUS ON ALLEVIATING TRAFFIC CONGESTION As chairperson of the provincial board’s Public Works Committee, Cantimbuhan prioritizes road building and road repair projects in the 3rd District of Cavite. As they battle traffic decongestion in the district, he highlights that at the moment there are numerous roads being built in the whole of Cavite, and road widening is being done in his district. He points to the soon-to-be-completed Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and the Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEx), which is currently under construction, as major projects that will result in the interconnectedness of roads in the province and nearby provinces. At the rate the projects are going, he envisions a much better traffic condition in three to five years. The provincial board member also highlights the high traffic of bicycle riders, especially on Sundays, in the district. In order to avoid further traffic congestion and to ensure the safety of these Sunday bikers, Cantimbuhan is set to file an ordinance designating bicycle lanes in the district. Elaborating on the importance of the proposed measure, he says, “I will file an ordinance designating bike lanes becauseI see a lot of bikers here on Sundays. It seems that all Manila- based bikers want to come here to Cavite. Therefore, there’s a need to protect them.” ONY’S LEGACY After years of continued quality public service, Cantimbuhan proudly presents part of his legacy, which are the new city hall and the Ospital ng Imus (Imus Hospital). He recalls the significance and the momentousness ofthe timing of the opening of the new hospital. “ Binuksanyun, magpapandemic. Ang laking tulong pala na mayroon kang public hospital . Noong panahong iyon, Level 1 hospital sya,pero pinayagan kami ng Department of Health na magpasok ng COVID-19 positive. Talagang mabilis naming inayos at talagang ang dami naming natulungan dyan dahil alam nyo naman po nawala nang madalhan na ospital noon, punuan na (The hospital opened shortly before the pandemic. We realized how beneficial it is to have a public hospital. At that time, it was a Level 1 hospital, but the DOH allowed us to admit COVID-19 positive patients. We worked on this really fast and we really helped a lot. As you know, most hospitals then were on full capacity),” he reveals. The Ospital ng Imus was also the first in the province, and the second nationwide, to open a molecular laboratory during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearby provinces, even in the National Capital Region, sent their samples to the hospital to have these tested for COVID-19. Cantimbuhan mentions that the hospital’s laboratory did not disappoint, as the testing and release of results were done fast. Another legacy of the board member is the state-of-the- art City of Imus city hall complex, which includes modern infrastructure with spacious facilities giving constituents ease and comfort in doing business with the local government. Moreover, natural spaces were preserved, reflecting the city’s efforts toward environmental protection. “Our city hall complex is one of the most beautiful here in the region. It’s green, modern, and spacious at almost 5 hectares,” Cantimbuhan shares. DURING THE PANDEMIC, MOST POLITICIANS GOT SCARED TO GO OUT OF THEIR HOMES OR OFFICES. THAT WASN’T THE CASE WITH ME. I PERSISTED AND WENT OUT EVERYDAY TO KNOW THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE. Cantimbuhan stresses that his family has always played a big role in his rendering service. For one, their interaction with Imuseños has been a way for the board member to serve his constituents better, as his siblings, wife, and children also share with him their insights on how to address the province’s needs and have been active throughout his political career by helping him reach different groups such as the youth, women, and senior citizens, to name a few. They have been very visible and active even during campaign periods and during his incumbency in different positions. A few have encouraged other members of his family to enter public service as well. He does not see this as an immediate need as of now, but shares that his family members have imbibed his principles as a public servant and are open to continue his legacy to serve the Imuseños and Caviteños. VISIONS OF TOMORROW With his long experience in governance, Cantimbuhan has at times been asked about the possibility of seeking a higher position in the 2025 elections. However, the provincial legislator says that he has decided to run for reelection. He also recalls the reason he ran for provincial board member from City of Imus vice mayor, saying that the party talked it over and found it best for the whole of Cavite that he serve as board member, as this will enable him to use his strength in public service to serve the whole province. His transition from VM (vice mayor) to BM (board member) has proven beneficial to Caviteños in general. As he remains steadfast in his commitment to helping make Cavite a first-class province, Cantimbuhan highlights the foreseen interconnectedness of roads through CALAX, CBEx, and the Naic Bridge connecting Cavite to Bataan and CALAX. “The development of a province depends on the connectivity of cities in municipalities within it, and its interconnectedness with neighboring provinces,” he says. “Because first of all,you can easily transport goods in and out of the province, transactions are fast, and money will flow within the regional economy.” With present efforts to strengthen the industrial sector in Cavite, Cantibuhan also envisions that the people of Imuswill no longer need to leave the city to work because there are opportunities in Imus. As he highlights their industrial and Philippine Economic Zone Authority areas, he also visualizes that the people of Manila, Alabang, and Laguna will go to Imus for work. Cantimbuhan also mentions that he dreams for Imus to be a home for erstwhile Manileños. “ Isa sa tinitingala ang buong Cavite. Saka ang daming nagma- migrate dito. Ang gusto ko dito, maging retirement home ng mga taga-Manila. Dito nila gustong manirahan dahil tahimik, maganda, at walang problema sa basura, tubig at traffic, (People look up to Cavite. The number of migrants continues to increase. I want Cavite to be a retirement home for Manileños; for them to choose to live here because it is peaceful, beautiful, and there are no problems with regard to waste management, water supply, and traffic,) he states.” A PROMISE TO ALL IMUSEÑOS Cantimubuham promises his constituents a continued focus on solving the district’s problems and commitment to being accessible to everyone. He, together with the other city and provincial officials, remains committed and dedicated to continue providing excellent public service. “My prayer is for Imus to be a quiet place, that Imuseños will always be happy under the leadership of our group. As for us, we will provide all the services we can do. We have been tested by the pandemic, and they saw that we did not abandon them. I can say that no matter what happens, we will not abandon them. We continue to take note of all problems, we talk about how to solve these, and that’s where we focus,” he stresses. The board member also expresses his deep gratitude and appreciation for the support of his constituents and promises that he would remain grounded despite the title to his name. “To every Imuseño, all I can say is thank you for trusting me, thank you for 30 years of trusting me. This trust, I have reciprocated with honest service and ON sa Serbisyo service. And don’t worry. I did say VM to BM, vice mayor to board member, but for me, no matter what the title is, I will not change. Only the title will change but my personality and dedication will not change,” he ends.

< Back BEST OF BOTH WORLDS A delicate balance between modernity and culture gives Lapu-Lapu a unique advantage as the country’s “Historic Resort City” BY JOHN LEE CANDELARIA INTERVIEW BY DANIEL MARCO NICANOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY TOURISM OFFICE OF LAPU-LAPU Imagine living in a city with a deep connection to its past as a site of an epic historic event. It would be great to be able to relive these moments, in a place where our ancestors bravely fought encroachers to their land. Now, how about living in a modern city with a world-class airport, luxurious five-star hotels and resorts, a bustling industrial center, and top-notch technological centers and development hubs? You do not have to go far to experience both, because in the City of Lapu-Lapu, the best of both worlds is a reality. OPONGANON’S LAPU-LAPU Lapu-Lapu was formerly a municipality called Opon, established by Augustinian friars in 1730. It was renamed in 1961 through Republic Act 3134, also known as the City Charter of Lapu-Lapu. The city chose to honor a Filipino chieftain of Mactan Island, whose troops defeated the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The site of the Battle of Mactan in 1521 is located in the city, declared a national shrine in 1973. Today, the people of Lapu-Lapu refer to themselves as “Oponganons,” as an homage to their original name. Composed of 19 barangays in the mainland and 11 barangays in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu is separated from the province of Cebu by the Mactan Channel. Two bridges, the First MandaueMactan Bridge and Marcelo H. Fernan Bridge, facilitate transportation to and from the province. Lapu-Lapu’s proximity to Cebu City, another major city in the region, creates a mutually beneficial relationship for further growth and development. The city is also the seat of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the second busiest airport in thecountry. In 2016 alone, it serviced 8.8 million passengers, and might even go past 10 million in 2017 as arrivals increase every year. A TOURIST DESTINATION IN AN INDUSTRIAL HUB Under the leadership of Mayor Paz Radaza, the city branded itself the “Historic Resort City” in 2014 to highlight its two prominent features—as the site of the historic Battle of Mactan, and a major tourist destination in Cebu because of its pristine sandy shores and white beaches. The city’s tourism tagline, “Free Yourself,” is also telling of the amazing recreational experience one could have in the city, as well as the national importance of the history of the island of Mactan as Lapu-Lapu is believed to be the country’s first freedom fighter. Tourists are treated to a host of destinations to choose from in LapuLapu itself. They can regale in the tradition of pride and freedom in the Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Punta Engaño, where a towering statue of the Filipino hero can be found, as well as the “Liberty Shrine,” formerly known as Magellan Shrine. Click here to read full article for free

< Back COP28: Global effort launched to bridge skills gap in RE sector The urgent need for a just transition to mitigate the climate crisis had been a prevailing theme at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai. Against the backdrop of a growing skills gap to enable this transition, the Danish government announced during the climate summit that it will look positively on future collaboration with the Philippine government on the new JOBS4RE initiative aimed to accelerate the upskilling and reskilling of a global workforce for the renewable energy industry. The initiative was announced last December 5 at a ministerial event organized by the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA), co-founded by Denmark, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). “While it is positive that an increasing number of offshore wind and other renewable energy projects are being planned all over the world, it becomes clear that the growing lack of skilled workers hampers the faster deployment of projects,” said Denmark Climate Change Ambassador Tomas Anker Christensen. At its core, JOBS4RE seeks to create a flexible and globally capable renewable energy labor pool by defining training standards initially for the wind industry, with the view of expanding to the solar industry later on. Central to the initiative is scalability, aligning the renewable energy industry's needs with ongoing skills development efforts by governments, international organizations, and technical schools. The initiative will seek to build upon existing wind industry standard certification schemes, such as that of the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), ensuring that high-priority job roles are aligned with training standards and that proof of qualifications is internationally recognized. The Philippines, in particular, known to be home to millions of skilled workers, has expressed support for the initiative, with the participation of government representatives and local industry players in the early stages of consultations spearheaded by the Danish Embassy in Manila. The initiative also has the potential to support a just energy transition by providing capacity-building options for professionals transitioning from the fossil fuel industries to the renewable energy sector. According to a forecast by the Boston Consulting Group by 2030, there will be a global shortage of 7 million skilled workers for the necessary climate and energy projects, which if delayed, can could lead to a global temperature increase of 0.1°Celsius. Beyond the environmental agenda, JOBS4RE can also create economic opportunities especially for countries that deploy skilled workforce to the global market. “JOBS4RE can create invaluable opportunities. But at the heart of this initiative is the drive to empower people for a just transition,” said Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael Mellbin.

< Back SPEAKING OF Cabinet Appointments… By Prof. Herman Joseph Kraft Cabinet members give an indication of what the priorities of the new administration are. In the aftermath of the May 9, 2022 national elections in the Philippines, J.P. Morgan, a global leader in financial services, relegated the Philippines to the bottom of its ASEAN investment preference list and advised investors to reduce their exposure to local stocks as it intended to “downgrade the Philippines to underweight.” This brought down the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index, and highlighted the economic hole that the Marcos Jr. administration has to immediately fill in. Much of this hole was due to the pandemic response of the Duterte administration which emphasized lockdowns and government spending to compensate for economic displacement. The Philippine economy contracted by 9.5 percent in 2020 and joblessness surged by 10.3 percent in the same year. The outlook for economic recovery is viewed with uncertainty, and the J.P. Morgan decision reflected the lack of confidence that international investors had in what the prospect of a Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. presidency would bring into the situation. FIRST NOMINATIONS Within the first few days after he was declared the winner of the 2022 presidential elections on May 25, 2022 by the Philippine Congress, Marcos announced his first Cabinet nominations. Among these were Benjamin Diokno as his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF), Felipe Medalla as Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Arsenio Balisacan as Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and Alfredo Pascual as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Later he named Amenah Pangandaman as head of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). All of the aforementioned, particularly the first three, are well known to the business and economic community. As a team, their appointment sent the signal that the Marcos Jr. administration will be .....

< Back UNVEILING THE MAGIC OF HIDDEN PARADISE BY ANDIE AREL THE PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS OFFERS MORE THAN BREATHTAKING BEACHES; THEY ARE A RICH TAPESTRY OF HISTORY AND CULTURE WAITING TO BE UNCOVERED. WITH HIDDEN GEMS AND CAPTIVATING STORIES, THESE ISLANDS PROMISE AN ENCHANTING EXPERIENCE BEYOND STUNNING SHORES. Though I’ve visited many beaches, I’ve never considered myself a typical beachgoer. My trip to Dinagat Islands was for work, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I discovered. This hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists, captured my heart in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Dinagat Islands offers far more than just picturesque beaches. While the title “Mystical Island Province of Love” might sound like an exaggeration, the enchanting experiences and revelations we encountered here make a compelling case for its magic. Given that the province is an archipelago, one might expect a focus on beach activities. But let me save that delightful surprise for later. BONSAI FOREST Beyond beaches, Dinagat Islands also boasts intriguing forests ripe for exploration. One such hidden gem is Mount Redondo Bonsai Forest in the town of Loreto. Reaching this natural wonder requires navigating rough, winding roads that cut through the remnants of an old mining site. As you travel through the rugged terrain, you might feel like venturing into a forgotten world. Just when you start to wonder how far you have to go, you’ll find yourself at the forest’s edge. Unlike traditional forests, the bonsai forest is home to dwarf trees. Standing amidst such trees felt like towering above the forest itself. Spanning 300 hectares, this unique forest is home to a variety of stunted trees and shrubs, including dwarf versions of narra, molave, ipil, and agoho (a tree that resembles a pine tree). Sylwin Castora, an environmental management specialist for the Dinagat Islands provincial government, attributes the trees’ unique growth patterns to their struggle for survival. He explains that the combination of soil contaminants, soil type, and rocky substrate has led to these dwarf trees. In elevated areas, trees naturally limit their growth to adjust to the effects of strong winds and avoid being uprooted. The bonsai forest also hosts rare plant species, including the endemic pitcher plant. This fascinating carnivorous plant with leaves shaped like a pitcher captures insects for nourishment. Indeed, a visit to this remarkable forest is a testament to nature’s resilience and the extraordinary beauty of adaptation. HIDDEN PARADISE CAMPINTAK BLACK BEACH Though Dinagat Islands may not feature prominently in historical records, the province played a crucial role in the Philippines’ World War II liberation, as evidenced by Campintak Black Beach No. 2 in Loreto. This site serves as more than just a location for relaxation or events; it stands as a testament to the islands’ significant contribution during the war. During World War II, the 6th Army Ranger Battalion, consisting of Australian and American troops, used this area as a covert base, code-named “Black Beach Number 2”—a designation rather than a literal description. This location was pivotal in the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 25, 1944, which saw the defeat of the Japanese fleet, including the sinking of the Yamashiro and Fuso battleships. The resort has rooms named after Allied officers who played roles in the victory and features displays of war relics, such as shell casings and World War II cooking utensils. The name Campintak derives from “camp intact,” reflecting how the site remained undiscovered by Japanese forces until the war’s end. THE PEOPLE’S HALL The People’s Hall in San Jose, Dinagat Islands, is a mustvisit site for its unique design, modeled after a naval ship to commemorate the island’s role in World War II. Inspired by the IJN Yamashiro, a Japanese battleship sunk during the Battle of Surigao Strait, the building serves as a tribute to the island’s contribution to Philippine liberation. It houses the governor’s office and offices of key government departments. Provincial tourism operations officer Daryl Mae Lopez told League Magazine that the provincial government aims to showcase not only Dinagat Islands’ stunning beaches but also its historical landmarks. By highlighting these sites, the government hopes to enhance awareness of the province’s crucial role in history, offering visitors and locals a deeper appreciation of its natural beauty and rich heritage. “We want to show tourists that Dinagat Islands is not just a beautiful group of islands, but also a place with a rich history,” she shared. ISLAND HOPPING With its 54 islands and islets, the province of Dinagat Islands is a prime destination for island hopping—a major attraction for tourists eager to uncover the region’s hidden treasures. Each island has its own allure, from pristine white sand beaches and towering limestone cliffs to crystal-clear lagoons and azure waters. Whether they go swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in tranquil surroundings, visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Our first stop was the Tidal Pool, also known as the Blue Lagoon of Dinagat Islands, located on the island of Libjo. Surrounded by dramatic rock formations, this lagoon offers a breathtakingly scenic introduction to the area. It is a serene escape from more crowded spots, and is cherished by locals for its peaceful ambiance. During our visit, we enjoyed a seaweed known locally as lato (sea grapes) and grilled fish, all freshly harvested from the surrounding waters. Pagkawasan Garden and Beach Resort offers more than just a chance to swim in clear waters and stroll along pristine white sands. It provides charming cottages for overnight stays, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The name Pagkawasan, derived from the Visayan word kawas, reflects its history as a haven for fishermen during storms. Surrounded by coconut trees, the beach also delights visitors with fresh buko or coconut. Cabacongan Beach is an ideal spot for a relaxing break from island hopping. Its picturesque setting, complete with cottages, invites families and friends to unwind by the blue waters. Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the white sand beach, bringing their own food to make the most of a tranquil day in this stunning destination. If you’re seeking a day of fun without the island hopping adventure, Bitaog Beach is your ideal destination. With its picturesque setting, it’s perfect for hosting a beach party, where you can enjoy meals by the shore and take refreshing dips in the pristine waters. The beach is a beloved spot for family gatherings, especially on weekends, making it a great place to create lasting memories with loved ones. For those interested in exploring an island, Sayaw Islet is a charming choice. This small but captivating spot is a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering an easy-to-explore coastline that showcases its natural beauty. Hinabyan Beach is a true marvel. Stepping onto this secluded stretch of white powdery sand feels like entering a scene from a “Survivor” episode. It’s an untouched paradise that provides an ideal escape from everyday chaos. With stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature. A solitary walk along the shore here is a deeply soothing experience. Dinagat Islands also offers Linao Spring, a refreshing freshwater spring that’s a cool respite from the tropical heat. Equipped with cottages for group outings, it’s another great spot to relax and enjoy a family day out. To round off your trip to a tropical location, a visit to Tay Jay's dragon fruit farm would be a delightful experience. The farm, located in the upper portion, offers a perfect view of the entire Dinagat Islands. FOOD IN DINAGAT ISLANDS Dinagat Islands offers a delightful culinary adventure with its fresh seafood and local delicacies. Kamanting Grill and Restaurant is a standout, serving a variety of dishes like seafood, pancit, and buttered chicken. Their unique desserts, including sweetened kamanting (cassava) waffles, add a local touch to your meal. The restaurant’s relaxed ambiance is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Boss Fons Grill and Restaurant is ideal for hearty meals. Their menu features delicious options like sinigang with watermelon, bulalo, seafood mix, kinilaw na tuna, and more. The warm, welcoming service enhances the dining experience. For coffee enthusiasts, Islanders' Coffee and Genie’s Ridge are must-visit places. Both offer stunning views of the Dinagat Islands. Genie’s Ridge is found along the highway, perfect for those who are traveling from south to north of the Dinagat Islands. Don’t miss their famous turon—a caramelized banana roll paired with creamy ube ice cream. But for those who are just in the heart of Dinagat, Islanders' Coffee in San Jose is very accessible. Staying on the roof deck provides you with a 360-degree view of the entire Dinagat Islands. HOMESTAY AND CULTURAL ATTRACTION IN DINAGAT While Dinagat Islands doesn’t have big hotels yet, it offers a variety of homestays that provide a welcoming and authentic island experience. Dinagat West Pacific Homestay is a charming place to immerse yourself in local hospitality. Led by Maam Ichu Demerey, the staff’s warm and inviting nature makes you feel right at home. For a touch of luxury, Vines Bed and Breakfast is situated by the sea, and serves as a perfect base for embarking on islandhopping adventures. For a cozy, homely vibe, consider a stay at DokMee’s Homestay that also offers an event space, ideal for small conferences or intimate gatherings. No visit to Dinagat Islands is complete without a stop at the PBMA Founder’s Shrine. This site highlights the deep cultural and spiritual roots of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) and reflects its significant impact on the local community. A trip to Dinagat Islands will unveil why this “Mystical Island Province of Love” is not just a hidden paradise but a place where cultural heritage and natural beauty create an unforgettable experience, leaving you yearning to return.

< Back DEFENDER OF JUSTICE Department of Justice Undersecretary Em Aglipay-Villar talks about the agency’s fight to end human trafficking and to uplift the marginalized. BY MARIDOL RANOA-BISMARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO Two rooms filled with piles of papers greeted Justice Undersecretary Emmeline “Em” Aglipay-Villar when she finally accepted Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s offer to join his team in July 2019. But instead of wringing her hands in despair, Villar thought of a solution. She asked her office staff to bring in work that she can manage to fit on her table. “I took it one table-size at a time,” she recalls. It worked. When assessment period came, Villar’s voluminous work merited a good rating. Others would have rested on their laurels. Not this magna cum laude graduate (AB Economics) from De La Salle University and law degree holder from the University of the Philippines. She brushed off her staff’s opinions that she had done more than enough, and said they just have to keep on going. Her young, energetic staff support their boss all the way. Villar lets them go home after office hours, but they stay until the evening to help her finish the paperwork. They keep it light by laughing and telling stories in between. But they get the job done. “I can honestly say I work very hard. I compete with myself,” Villar quips. This work ethic makes her bring home crates of paperwork. Villar pores over the papers in the car on her way home, and studies t hem further on weekends. NO BREAK FROM PUBLIC SERVICE Besides an upbringing that instilled a love for excellence, Villar credits her parents-in-law and her husband, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, for reminding her how important it is to work hard. “They are some of the most hardworking people I know. They work daily, even on Sundays and holidays. I learned from them that there is no break from public service. In a way, it has helped me go about my work because they understand the demands. My husband understands when I have to be away sometimes during important occasions,” she says. Her boss, Secretary Gueverra, being worried for her health, tells her to take it easy too, because she pushes herself too hard. But Villar thinks work for others can’t wait. As USec, she’s fighting a powerful invisible enemy—human traffickers—who exploit women and children online. Villar observes that the crime is getting more complex and the perpetrators are harder to catch because of advances in technology. Villar is the Undersecretary-in-charge of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), whose moving video on human trafficking is making the rounds of online sites all over the world. The video bears the slogan, “human, hindi laruan”, and shows a little girl told to pose in front of a computer by her mother for an online client. This supplements the council’s and the Foreign Affairs Department’s drive to repatriate abused workers and give them work in the Philippines. This way, they need not go abroad to seek greener pastures. REPRESENTING THE UNDERREPRESENTED Villar hits the ground running at 9 am, after an early morning workout at home. She rarely calls for staff meetings, opting for Viber group and email exchanges instead to save precious time. “Meetings take time,” she points out. “They take an hour or more. You can do so much in an hour. I don’t like wasting time so I try to do my work as efficiently as possible, then I can spend more time with my family (which includes four-year-old daughter Emma).” This respect for time has led to landmark laws during Villar’s term as former representative of Diwa partylist, which promotes workers’ welfare. Labor concerns are close to Villar’s heart since her great grand uncle, Gregorio Aglipay, founded the first labor union in the country, together with Isabelo Delos Reyes. This is also why she joined Diwa. Still, Villar’s landmark laws for workers’ welfare as Diwa representative reflect a compassion for the masses. She co-authored the Kasambahay Law, or the Domestic Workers’ Act, which promotes household workers’ rights. Before the law came along, household workers didn’t get a minimum wage, even if they worked day and night. Some failed to eat three meals day and didn’t get medical attention. THIS TIRELESS PUBLIC SERVANT, WIFE, MOTHER AND SISTER IS WILLING TO WORK EVEN HARDER TO MAKE SURE SHE GETS MORE— FOR HER FAMILY AND THE HUMBLE FOLK SHE LOVES TO SERVE. “They were practically slaves,” Villar laments. The law faced rough sailing, especially from employers, who claimed that their househelp would sometimes steal from them and disappear after getting travel fare from their province to Manila, and argued that household workers did not deserve protection. Villar argued that these issues were totally different from the human rights concerns she’s addressing. As we know by now, these protests failed to railroad the passing of the Kasambahay Law. Villar is also the principal author of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which gives 105 days of paid leave to qualified female employees who give birth by normal or caesarian section. rmal or caesarian section. “This allows not just the mother, but the baby to recover better,” Villar explains. To critics of the law, Villar pointed out research that showed how an extended maternity leave makes mothers more productive when they return to work. Meanwhile, Villar is the principal author of a law strengthening the Occupational Health and Safety Act and coauthor of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law. Villar also strengthened the public employment office. Villar’s pro-labor efforts got her a Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award for public service in 2012, when she was a firsttermer as Diwa representative. HARD WORK AHEAD Still, there’s still much work to do for the youngest daughter of former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Edgar Aglipay. Villar wants to involve local government units (LGUs) more in fighting human trafficking. “Human trafficking is a transnational crime. I get a different kind of fulfillment when I help rescue girls who are sex slaves in Malaysia, bring them back home, and give them a new life. We’ve rescued women who go abroad to work as waitresses and end up prisoners in a room where men use [the women’s] bodies. We coordinate with the police, reintegrate the victims to society, give them livelihood and counseling, and make sure their recruiters are prosecuted,” says Villar. She wants to hold more seminars on human trafficking for barangay captains, barangay councilors (kagawad), and municipal mayors. She wants LGUs to report suspicious activities of money service companies in farflung provinces, which see lots of transactions from suspicious sources. Villar cites how online childtraffickers were discovered in Cebu through money service businesses, which receive payment from foreign clients. She also wants to see improvements in investigation through better evidence collection, such as the use of forensic science. Outside work, Villar, a lupus patient herself, supports the Hope for Lupus Foundation, which promotes awareness about the disease, its early detection, counselling for patients and families, and gives financial assistance to those concerned. Having a sister with autism inspired Villar to also help Project Inclusion Network, Inc., a nonprofit organization that aims to build a society where persons with disabilities (PWDs) contribute to and actively participate in communities. Thanks to the group’s efforts, 250 out of 1,800 PWDs who received skills training now work in the program’s 40 partner employers. Despite all these, this tireless public servant, wife, mother, and sister wants to do more. And she’s willing to work even harder to make sure she gets more—for her family and the humble folk she loves to serve. Click here to read full article for free

< Back Ensuring Harmony in Public Service BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON CHARITO ZAMORA’S PASSION FOR SONGWRITING HAS DEEPENED HER COMMITMENT TO SERVING THE COUNTRY SHE ADORES. Attorney Charito Zamora, who is currently serving as the head of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), characterizes herself as a woman brimming with love. Having spent more than two decades serving the Philippines in public office, she says, has led her to develop a deeper affection for the country. Aside from this, she also composes songs for some of the country's famous divas. LOVE FOR SONGWRITING “Chat,” as she is fondly called by her friends, had been a songwriter even before she entered government service. She began writing songs in high school, but started writing songs professionally during her law school years after being influenced by a sorority sister. She recalls going to a recording studio to record their demo tapes and then submitting them to Viva Records. According to Zamora, it was Regine Velasquez who first sang their song, 'To Reach You.' “She already recorded the song ‘On the Wings of Love’ that time, and then we gave the song to her and she liked it,” she recalls. She wrote 'With You,' her favorite song, which was recorded by Jaya. It's also her first R&B (rhythm and blues) song. She is also the songwriter of the ever-popular ‘Tila’ by Lani Misalucha and 'Beginning Today' by Agot Isidro, and has written songs for Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Ella May Saison. She still dreams of writing a song for Lea Salonga. Zamora regards songwriting as a passion that she indulges in whenever she feels like it. She notes that there will be times when she is prolific in the early hours, especially if she is unable to sleep. “I can’t sleep because this melody and lyrics are playing in my head. I have insomnia, so I really have to express what’s on my mind.” She emphasizes, however, that the love songs she creates are not based on her personal experiences; rather, they are based on the experiences or heartbreaks of her friends as described to her, and some are based on the plots of movies that inspire her so much. She says 'When I Love' was inspired by a scene in My Best Friend’s Wedding in which Julia Roberts refuses to be touched in public. “My friends would pour their hearts out to me. So, [the songs I write are] hardly about myself. They are mostly about the heartbreaks of friends.” Except for the song 'Kailan Pa Man' (Whenever It May Be), which she wrote after her father died. “My emotion was too strong that time because I lost him,” she reveals. With the exception of the three Christmas songs she wrote for the Department of Justice (DOJ) at former DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s request while she was still with the department, she has not yet written any songs regarding events in government. Up until 2022, the songs served as the department’s Christmas theme music. She reveals that Guevarra, who is currently the solicitor general, is requesting that she write a song for the Solicitor General’s Office. LOVE OF COUNTRY The PRC head clarifies that she never intended to work for the government. She just dreamt of becoming a lawyer because she was inspired by her lawyer-father. Zamora says she was enthralled by his father’s demeanor in the courtroom during legal proceedings. She, however, fell in love with working for the government when she was offered a position under Justice Jose Melo at the Supreme Court. From then on, her ambition to serve the country and her fellow citizens began to grow. She acknowledges that there have been moments when she had become impatient with the way things were going, but she has never joined the ranks of people who criticize the government. “It’s very easy to criticize. But when you’re there, somehow, you know what’s going on. So you just do your part. Because if you truly love your country, you love your country no matter what. You support what the other officials or the administration is actually doing. Because you know that in their hearts, they want the country to move forward. She feels that she has fallen so deeply in love with her nation that she returned after a brief hiatus from government work. “I longed for it. It was giving me fulfillment that I'm able to do something; I'm able to do my part, no matter how small,” she reveals. While Zamora admits that there are times that she gets frustrated with how the government works, she finds comfort in believing that no institution is perfect. “It will still boil down to the fact that you love your country.” It is this love for country that keeps her going and passionate about serving the Philippines. LOVE FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE Before taking over as PRC’s leader, Zamora first worked at the Supreme Court (SC) as a court attorney under Melo. After her SC stint, she worked as the chief of staff of former Quezon City 3rd District Representative Matias Defensor, Jr. She considers Melo and Justice Renato Corona as her mentors and sources of motivation when it came to public duty, describing them as “very good and kind-hearted men.” Next, she went to Malacañang, serving as assistant secretary at the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary during the time of the late President Benigno Aquino III. She went on to serve at the Office of the Senior Deputy Executive Secretary during the early years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. From 2018 to 2022, Zamora was officer-in-charge at the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime. She thinks that because cybercriminals and their crimes are always incorporating the newest technological advancements, working in this field is extremely difficult. She saw it as a race that she had to stay up with, particularly given how quickly technology is advancing. “Even with new technology installed, scammers continue to advance and even improve,” she says. One of her favorite parts of the work, she recalls, was prosecuting cybercrime offenders, particularly in a case in Cebu where parents had used their kids for online prostitution. UPGRADING PRC As a recent appointee to the PRC under Marcos, Jr., Zamora acknowledges that she is still trying to learn the ropes. For now, PRC has established Special Study Teams and a Rightsizing Technical Working Group with the aim of concentrating on decentralization, organizational assessment, regional classification, competency standards, and upgrading salary grades. PRC is concentrating on digitalization as well, since they wish to increase public accessibility to their services online. This will minimize red tape and fixing while also streamlining regulations and procedures to make their services faster, more effective, and more efficient. The Client Relationship Management System (CRMS), which allows users to provide feedback, is one aspect of digitalization. This can be used to gauge client satisfaction and assist the commission in tracking responses to complaints from clients. PRC will also introduce the eDocumentary Stamp Tax (eDST), the electronic Professional ID Card, or ePIC, and the decentralization of the Certificate of Registration or license. The commission has also started pilot-testing its ComputerBased Licensure Examination (CBLE) in Metro Manila and is soon to do the same in the four pilot regions. The CBLE will open the door for the implementation of the full online licensure examination. It will also expand their services by reaching out to their clients not just in the Middle East but in other countries through Special Professional Board Licensure Examinations. They are also tapping the support of embassies, Philippine overseas labor offices, and other professional groups to strengthen the program for protecting overseas professionals. The PRC is also focusing on continuous education and development for professionals, especially since there have been efforts for ASEAN integration among professionals from other countries in the region. The commission is doubling its efforts in educating and training Filipino professionals to develop their core competencies in order to level up, if not compete, with other foreign professionals. One important reform that Zamora immediately implemented when she assumed office was to improve communication and relationships among staff and departments within the PRC. “They don’t talk the way I want them to communicate with each other. So actually, that’s what I’m emphasizing. We have to work together. We have to communicate better, so we’ll be able to achieve what we want for PRC.” LEAD BY EXAMPLE Zamora puts a premium on harmony in the workplace. She is known as a “cool” and very young-hearted chairperson. She wants to be surrounded by young people, believing that they have more energy to work harder. But she’s also very thankful and appreciative of those who have been working at the PRC for a long time. She mentions Commissioners Jose Cueto, Jr. and Erwin Enad, whom she consider very supportive of her. Zamora admires government leaders who have integrity and honesty because these are her top values. She believes in leadership by example, saying that being unkind and bossy to make colleagues follow does not work. She always wants to inspire the people around her, especially her subordinates, for them to easily follow what she wants to implement. The above is the reason why Zamora values transparency and openness in her leadership. She is so accessible that anybody who wants to have an audience with her does not need to have an appointment. “My door is always open. Even when I’m busy, I don’t see any point in being snobbish and bossy,” she concludes.

< Back HOPE FOR THE NATION Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano shares his views on how the agency gives hope to the Filipino people. BY GREG HUBO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. In recent years, the Philippines has experienced the effects of climate change with stronger typhoons and multiple natural calamities, putting the lives of Filipinos at great risk. With the phenomenon bound to continue, the information that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA),provides becomes increasingly important. As PAGASA administrator Dr. Vicente Malano puts it, “Our work is tantamount to the protection of lives and properties.” For Dr. Malano, the crucial role of the agency in dealing with natural disasters, such as typhoons, is inevitable; when natural disasters happen, people look to information providers like PAGASA, and the agency strives to be competent enough to provide what is needed. Dr. Malano, who became PAGASA’s head in 2013, has logged over 37 years of service with the agency and is continuing so to this day. However, like most people in the industry, his humble beginnings wasn’t as easy. He recalls, “I joined PAGASA through the training program, the in-house training program in 1981-’82. So I was accepted as one of the members or the employees of PAGASA in 1982 after the training. The training was a meteorologist training course. Before you enter PAGASA, you should undergo this training program.” After staying for two years, he passed the qualifying exam in the University of the Philippines (UP) to get his Masteral Degree in Meteorology, and soon after, his PhD. It can be said that Dr. Malano really worked his way up the ranks. After training in 1981, I started as a meteorologist. Meteorologist 1 and 2. Then the position was renamed to weather specialist but it was essentially the same.” In 2010, he headed the National Capital Region Division and went on to be the deputy of operations. After former administrator Nathaniel Serbando stepped down in 2013, Dr. Malano was the clear choice to be PAGASA executive. MOVING TOWARD A BETTER INFORMED FILIPINO PEOPLE To the public, the task sounds simple, “Run PAGASA well and oversee PAGASA on how you’re going to manage its operations,” but what PAGASA is here for is very crucial. When it comes to information concerning natural disasters such as typhoons, “Lahat ay recipient ng information na meron kami.” (Everyone is a recipient of the information we have.) ”Dr. Malano would like to believe that PAGASA is not remiss, saying that it is an agency that puts primacy in information for its services. “From data collection, processing, then dissemination of information, warning. Then coordinating with other agencies like local government units (LGUs) for disaster prevention, climate projection, and complementary to the services of other departments.” He envisions PAGASA in partnership with other government agencies, LGUs, and global partners in disseminating the information the agency gathers. “Dapat magiging kaakibat o ka-partner nga in terms of disseminating our information kasi kahit na gaano pa kaayos ang iyong forecasting kung hindi naman naintindihan ang information mo, wala rin,” (They should be our affiliates or partners in terms of disseminating our information because even though we are efficient at forecasting if the information cannot be understood, it will be useless,)” Malano says. “The coordination of agencies is important because people look to PAGASA and other information providers such as Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)” to counter the increasing risks brought about by natural disasters. Dr. Malano believes that the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 is a huge boost for his vision. “The act gave a clear-cut role to the different government agencies. Disaster risk reduction and management is not the job of one information provider. It should be the collective effort of agencies,” he points out. Click here to read full article for free

< Back GRASSROOTS APPROACH TO GLOBAL INNOVATION BY HELEN HERNANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR. Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss highlights innovation as the key to developing each country, while further strengthening bilateral ties. Ambassadors often have a very glamorous, jet-setting image with most of their duties and responsibilities shrouded in mystery. At least to those not involved in governance, ambassadors are representatives, travelling the world while rubbing elbows with country leaders, the rich and the famous. It’s a huge misconception that Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Ilan Fluss, is trying to address by engaging in grassroots projects. GLOBAL TITLE, LOCAL WORK “It’s hard work, not just going to cocktails and parties. It’s constantly looking for new opportunities to enhance relations between countries. It’s important to engage with as many people and partners as possible—a lot of thinking, planning, implementation, outreach, and engagement. And then the follow up, which is the most important thing,” Fluss stresses. He shares that interacting with government secretaries and other similar leaders is still very much important because they make the decisions. But at the end of the day, the projects they push for are for the benefit of the public. “We want and need to address everybody, interact, and be relevant. And that’s the challenge for ambassadors because, especially here in the Philippines, they look very highly at ambassadors. There’s no expectation for us to go down [to the local level]. But for me it’s extremely important, touching the grassroots, touching people’s lives,” the University of Haifa alumnus says. Fluss cites one example, a project that the embassy is spearheading in Tarlac. They visited the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and he met with alumni of an agro-internship program in Israel. Students actively teach their fellow students regarding the latest in agriculture, but they also encourage teaching the surrounding communities. During his visit, the Israeli ambassador sampled some of the produce and remarked that their quality is at par with those in his home country. However, the visit also revealed some concerns and challenges with the existing technology. “When we visited and were made aware of their issues, we found an opportunity for partnership. So we are contributing some upgrades to their technology. Some Israeli experts will visit soon in order to consult and provide more training. That’s an example of how we help develop partner countries; we join local initiatives and support, enhance, help.” He also shares another experience when they went to a remote village in Nueva Ecija to donate food and water purification systems to indigenous communities. Fluss explored the village to understand the community and living conditions. It’s these experiences, he explains, which are very helpful when it comes to their work and creating projects and it’s why he tries to travel outside Metro Manila as much as possible. He also adds that connecting to the people and the communities is important for him as each experience teaches a lot. SHARING INNOVATIONS Fluss highlights fostering development cooperation as their key objective as ambassadors, “For me, one of the most important things is to identify development challenges in the [host] country and to contribute to solving these challenges. Israel is a very far away country which has technologies; we can provide different solutions that are very relevant to the Philippines. However, we have to adapt to the local conditions.” Even though Israel, whose total area is only around 7 percent of the Philippines’ total area, is a small country with a different culture and challenges, the ambassador shares that there are comparable approaches in developing solutions. In principle, the Israeli approach is finding out how to do more with less resources. “The approach and challenges are very similar. Like, for example, with agriculture. How can you produce more [crops] with less inputs? It’s important to consider climate change and environmental challenges, and it’s also relevant when you have less resources. It’s a constant search for a better approach; you can always improve,” he reveals. Despite its size, Israel, Fluss underscores, is a strong country and is a global center of innovation. He likens their country’s technological capabilities to that of United States’ Silicon Valley and it’s this strength that they could contribute to the Philippines. Every year, 400 Filipino students are invited to Israel for an 11-month practical internship. This program would allow them to work with Israeli farmers five days a week, study for one day, and rest for the remaining day. While there, they are to conduct a research program and before the program ends, the students should have prepared a business plan. The expectation is for them to bring home different approaches to agriculture. “In the Philippines, close to 30 percent of the workforce is involved in agriculture. In Israel, it’s less than 2 percent. Because it’s very mechanized and technology-intensive. Farmers in Israel look at this agriculture venture as a source of income,” Fluss explains. “You have to make money, it’s a business. It’s not backyard farming. So, you have to maximize your outputs and minimize your inputs because you’re investing. And that’s a different approach [compared to how agriculture is done in the Philippines]. So, the students are learning the technologies and practices and are exposed to a different mindset. When they come back, they could bring home a different approach and become agripreneurs.” But as a foreign envoy, Fluss clarifies that the goal is simply to introduce to Filipinos a different perspective. But ultimately, these new programs shouldn’t change the culture. It’s all about introducing something new. The ambassador shares that the embassy is also in talks with Department of Agriculture (DA) officials regarding dairy production. Israel, he reveals, is the world leader in milk production. One cow in Israel could produce 12,000 liters, the highest in the world. By using their approach and technology, Fluss hopes to see more local production of milk or dairy farming. Food security is another issue that Fluss would like to address. In one food security hackathon that he attended, his team shared Israeli foodtech and agro-technology. Among the things they shared were improved seeds which were developed to be resilient against drought and other effects of climate change; drip irrigation which uses remote sensing through the Internet of Things (IoT) technology and artificial intelligence (AI) which detects if a field needs more irrigation, pesticides, or other interventions. They also shared alternative food sources, such as vegetarian options for dairy, or beyond meat (plant based, 3D meat). With over 400 food technology startups in Israel, Fluss elaborates that there are plenty of practices and innovations that they could share here in the Philippines. Apart from their assistance in agricultural programs, Israel could also help develop our military and defense initiatives. “Defense is a strategic issue for any country to be able to secure itself. Our countries are both dealing with the global challenge which is terrorism. We share principles and the values of a democracy that has to defend itself,” Fluss explains. Developing by encouraging the innovation sector to create local solutions also helps strengthen bilateral ties by making Israel a meaningful partner. This pandemic also provided many opportunities for collaboration and cooperation. “During the pandemic, Israel sent PPEs (personal protective equipment) and test kits. Israel was leading also in terms of our vaccination campaign and we sent a delegation here to share our experience and practices. Another delegation came to share the clinical work and management of hospitals,” he shares. “I think the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that global issues need global approaches, which means sharing practices and learning from each other.” But it’s not just helping or forming business partnerships, but partnering in a sense that their country also learns and benefits from the Philippines. Philippine Airlines hopes to soon launch a direct flight from Manila to Tel Aviv, which will greatly improve access between the two countries. Fluss illustrates that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly 35,000 Filipino tourists would visit Israel and a similar number of Israelis also visited the Philippines. With direct flights, he expects that tourism between the two countries will flourish more. Israel is the Holy Land, a destination in the bucket list of almost every Filipino. The travel link will also serve the business community, government, and more. “We have close to 30,000 caregivers in Israel, which is critical for our society. It’s a mutual relationship [between Israel and the Philippines]. It’s not a one-way [relationship], it can’t be. It wouldn’t be sustainable if it’s one-way. A partnership benefits both sides,” the veteran ambassador highlights. ISRAELI-PHILIPPINE RELATIONS Historically speaking, the relationship between Israel and the Philippines has always been strong, and there’s a bond that dates back to World War II. Fluss enlightens the team with a little history lesson, sharing the two significant historical events that formed the connection between our countries and also, sent out “a very strong moral message.” Because of anti-Semitic sentiments, the Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler took over Germany in the 1930s. Over 6 million European Jews were murdered by the Nazis in a genocide, The Holocaust. Thousands of Jews fled the region, seeking refuge in various countries. ThenPhilippine President Manuel Quezon approved a special immigration programme in 1938 which helped save 1,300 Jews. Quezon’s ‘Open Door Policy’ was considered controversial at the time and he was heavily criticized by many. “It was a unique policy because most countries closed their doors,” the Israeli ambassador reveals. The president stood his ground and even planned the immigration of 10,000 more Jews through the ‘Mindanao Plan.’ Plans fell through, however, when the Japanese invaded the country. But since the end of the war, many have praised Quezon for his policy. “[Quezon] assured us that big or little, he raised hell with every one of those persons,” Jewish-American businessman Alex Frieder shared in 1939. “He made them ashamed of themselves for being a victim of propaganda intended to further victimize an already persecuted people.” The second event which Fluss believes strengthened our bilateral ties was when the Philippines voted in the United Nations (UN) in favor of the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel. Our country was the only country in Asia that supported the establishment of Israel. “Recently, I approached the Philippine government and suggested that they recognize the international definition of antiSemitism, which is coming out of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), composed of Israel, Europe, and other countries relevant to the Holocaust,” he shares. After his visit to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier this year, Fluss shares that they received a letter from then Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin which states that the Philippine government is joining in the recognition of the international definition of anti-Semitism. “Today, all over the world, we see growing anti-Semitic [sentiments] and we see this, not necessarily in the Philippines, but in many countries. More attacks, more expressions of anti-Semitism. [Accepting the international definition] is a very important message coming out of the Philippines.” BALIKBAYAN Fluss started his foreign service career in 1994, serving from 1995 to 1998 as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines. Afterwards, he became the Spokesperson and Cultural Attaché at the Israeli Embassy in the Hague, Netherlands. For over two decades, he has served in various capacities in many regions all over the world. In October 2021, he returned to the Philippines, this time as the Israeli Ambassador. “I don’t consider myself a diplomat. I’m a balikbayan,” Fluss says, noting his time in the late 1990s in the Philippines. “I opted in a request to come back as an ambassador [to the Philippines] because I felt that I could contribute a lot to this country and to the relations between our two countries. He also highlights that while we have different cultures, one thing he highly appreciates in the country is our very welcoming nature which makes them, as foreign ambassadors, feel very accepted. Following his departure in 1998, he said that he had plenty of good memories and experiences which also made him want to come back to the country. “As a diplomat, you move from country to country, assignment to assignment. We always look back favorably, but we also look forward to the next challenge. However, when I was given the option, I chose to come back here. I enjoyed the hospitality and the openness of the people. But I also came back because the embassy grew in size and areas of activity,” he shares. Almost two years ago, the Embassy of Israel opened two new offices—one representing the Ministry of Economy and the other representing the Ministry of Defense. Fluss explains that this expansion demonstrates their keen interest in promoting relations in those fields. On a personal level, however, he shares that his action-oriented nature also drove him to return to push for more programs, more defense cooperation, and more trade and innovation partnerships. Needless to say, the work of a diplomat is not about lavish parties and vainglorious ceremonies. And with the constant travelling, it is a challenge socially. But Fluss finds that the reward is the fulfillment in boosting international relations. Among his many achievements, the seasoned foreign representative shares that he helped establish the relations between Israel and Arab countries, a clandestine mission as a special envoy which eventually led to the Abraham Accords, a peace treaty which was a “dream come true” for Fluss. During his time serving at the Israeli Permanent Mission to the UN, he led the drafting of a resolution named “Agricultural Technology for Development.” Agriculture, he reveals, is a very sensitive issue. But after 11 months, the resolution was adopted with an enormous majority supporting the initiative. “It was a new resolution and the first time that Israel initiated one on a developmental area, nothing to do with the Middle East or the Holocaust,” he explains. With their responsibilities, it seems that being a foreign representative is a heavy undertaking fraught with difficulties and pressure. But it’s an important duty that ultimately helps change lives. “At the end of the day, you influence people and you touch people’s lives. It’s really about trying to uplift the standard of living of people,” Fluss ends.