< Back Filipino Athletes Shine in the 31st SEA Games By Julia Garcia The 31st SEA Games is the first in-person sports competition in the region after the COVID-19 pandemic struck. How did our delegates perform after the long hiatus in such events? Filipinos have proven themselves to be more than competitive in the athletic field. From Manny Pacquiao to Hidilyn Diaz, we can make big names in almost every sport there is. Resilience and determination are common among Filipino athletes. Resilience not just in the face of difficulty and discipline required in training, but also because of the personal reasons that hinder them from focusing on strengthening their skills. This is why rags to golden medal stories are also not unfamiliar. What more if faced with the pandemic that isolated them from their usual activities as athletes. Due to the relaxed protocols worldwide, the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games finally took place on May 12 to 23, 2022, six months after its supposed date of opening in December 2021. Despite the pandemicinduced challenges, host country Vietnam still managed to present an eye-pleasing opening ceremony with group dance performances backed by magical lighting and made extra special by the computer generated imagery of elements floating on the screen. Even the torch lighting was presented through this modern way. The 31st SEA Games had the theme “Let’s Shine.” At first glance, the logo looks like a hand. The hand serves as a welcoming symbol, with Vietnam being the host country. It also shows Vietnam as a friendly and peaceful country. The hand also stands for humanity and chivalry while the rough and soft edges of the “fingers” convey the flexibility of sports. Aside from the aforementioned details, the logo is also designed to look like a flying bird. The bird represents the strong will and extraordinary efforts of the athletes. The logo is intentionally shaped like a V which stands for Vietnam and victory. HIGHLIGHTING ATHLETES Finishing 4th in the overall ranking among 11 participating nations, the Filipino athletes showed that they are ready to be back in the game after the long hiatus the pandemic forced them into. One of the gold medalists is Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino to bring home an Olympic gold medal. This is her first competition following her monumental win in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Ernest John Obiena, the world’s number 6 pole vaulter, also brought home a gold medal after setting a new SEA Games record of 5.46 meters. Meanwhile, world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo bagged five gold ......

< Back CHED COMMISSIONER POPOY DE VERA Better Education for More Commission on Higher Education OIC, Commissioner Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, talks about the historic developments in Philippine education BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA PHOTOGRAPOHY BY JAR CONCENGCO The education journey of many students—including young Filipinos who are off to college with the goal of earning a degree—culminates this month. The new school year may seem like business as usual, except that some families did not have to shell out tuition fees for highereducation scholars. A new piece of legislation known as Republic Act (RA) 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA), now makes the government responsible for the tuition in state-run universities, colleges, and technical vocational institutions. If learning is a right, then it’s time to do things right. It is a “historic development,” according to Commissioner Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). “This has never been tried in our country or, for that matter, in any developing country. We’re entering uncharted waters, so to speak.” RA 10931 is pillared on four programs: free higher education to students admitted in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and CHEDrecognized local universities and colleges (LUCs), free technical-vocational education and training in state-run technical-vocational institutions (TVIs), tertiary education subsidy (TES) or grants-in-aid, and a national student loan program (SLP). The Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), along with other government agencies, will implement the law, while CHED is the central agency because the network of public higher education institutions are under the commission. INVESTING IN THE YOUTH According to De Vera, who has been with the agency since 2016 and was appointed OIC at the beginning of the year, this means overseeing P41 billion in funding for quality higher education. This makes him and his office accountable for over 1.3 million young people. “If we invest in them, we give them the opportunity to complete their education and develop the skills needed,” he tells LEAGUE Magazine. “We’ve always looked at population as a problem, or the fact that we have a lot of young people as burden to this country . The impact of this (law) is not just going to be felt during the Duterte administration when students will not have the heavy burden of paying for tuition and miscellaneous fees. It will be felt maybe 10, 20 years from now when you see we have produced a bigger number of more educated, better -trained young people who will be the engines of growth in the country.” De Vera shares that CHED and some education institutions have warmed up to the recent changes since last year when President Rodrigo Duterte and the House of Representatives realigned P8.3 billion in funds to assist at least 900,000 students in 1 12 SUCs with their tuition fees. This means that these educational facilities already have experience in reimbursing from, and reporting to, the national government. The only change RA10931 brings is that aside from tuition fees, miscellaneous fees will be paid for by the government as well. Now CHED has to transfer knowledge to 78 local universities and colleges created by local governments. “We have to make sure that SUCs created by local government efficiently implement the law,” continues De Vera, former vice president for public affairs of the University of the Philippines. “That is non-negotiable and we have to help them because they don’t have the experience. They have to learn fast and catch up.” De Vera recognizes the autonomy of local governments and has met with groups like the Association of Local Universities and Colleges, heads of colleges and universities to build relationships. In these dialogues, he said he has always stressed the role of CHED as they work together to help improve the quality and standards in schools. Click here to read full article for free

< Back 10 QUESTIONS: SEN. BAM AQUINO Carrying on the Legacy of Democracy BY MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO 1. Did you always know that you would go into politics? No, I didn’t think I would go into politics, but I wanted to be in public service, so I thought of going into media. Of course, I was in social enterprise for a long time, and I also served in the National Youth Commission before. There was a long time that I felt I was in public service, but not necessarily in politics. I made the jump into politics in 2013, and I entered kind of late at 35. Getting into public service was something I always thought about, especially with my being exposed to my relatives doing that kind of work. But you can say that I resisted getting into politics as much as I could. 2 .What was the deciding factor that led youto run for a Senate seat? We had social enterprise projects like Hapinoy, which empowered sari-sari store (neighborhood store) owners; Rags2Riches, which gave livelihood to women through weaving upcycled materials into bags and other accessories; and Gawad Kalinga (GK), which gave livelihood opportunities to those living in GK communities. They would end up doing well, but in very limited communities. We realized that if we wanted to expand and scale up, we needed some more government support or policies behind what we were doing. At the time, in 2007, we were cutting-edge. It was so new to be using business models to develop communities and we were helping about two or three communities, and with Hapinoy, about 11 provinces. But with no policy or program in place, you would never get past that scale. One of the challenges was finding people in government who understood what we were trying to do. GK’s Tony Meloto and I were at a conference together and during our four-hour breakfast, he said, “You should think about running.” And I said, “Okay.” Then, things just fell into place. My name was floated around in the surveys a year before the election and it showed me at around number 20. So, two weeks after I got married, they asked me if I still wanted to run because they have a slot. Thankfully, I won and a lot of the things we wanted to do we were able to fulfill. In the past four or five years, we were able to build a framework or ecosystem where your micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), community enterprises, and startups get more support from the government through negosyo (business) centers or better financing opportunities. 3. What was your idea of politics before you entered it and what was your goal? I was not new to politics because my family has been there for quite some time. I went into it because I wanted to make a change for something. With my years in social enterprise, I saw that with a good solution, so many lives can be improved. A number of us Filipinos have a defeatist mentality where they think nothing will change. Those of us who go into politics should have a reformist mindset. If you are in the legislative branch, you bring change through laws, policies, and budgets. You try to create those avenues where your countrymen will be able to do better. The problem with us is that there are politicians who win, but do not have plans or have no idea what they want to do. They end up just wasting time. In our office, we knew what we needed to accomplish, so we hit the ground running. I think we have 20 laws already and these were created to open more opportunities for our countrymen through education, entrepreneurship, and financing. All those things that are lacking for the people to improve their lives, we try to unlock them. 4. How did you get ideas for what to prioritize? It goes back to my years with social enterprise. I worked in the National Youth Commission with my friend, Mark Ruiz, who was with Unilever at the time, and we looked at microbusinesses such as the sari-sari stores, while at the same time we were exposed to the other side of the fence, which are the large supermarkets and big manufacturers. We saw that the store owners often got the worse end of the deals, but they somehow helped to move the economy along. We worked to band together the sari-sari store owners so they could get better deals because their larger groups held inherent power. It became sort of a People Power in that sense, and with the right interventions, they were able to move up and grow their business. That was why the first bill we had was the GoNegosyo Act. We look into areas where people should begetting but don’t get, such as Free Education, which is why one of our latest bills is the free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs). By giving more Filipinos the opportunity to study, they can have better jobs and hopefully lift themselves out of poverty. 5. You are one of the most prolific senators when it comes to passing laws. What is needed to ensure that a bill gets passed? Persistence and perspiration. We all have that equal opportunity in the Senate, to pass laws that we think are important. That said, dapat masipag ka, persistent ka (You should be hardworking and persistent). Your team members should also know what they are doing. We are confident to push for those reforms because we convince not only our congressmen and senators to support us, but also the stakeholders as well. The sectors we are supporting are also supporting the bill, so when we put it forth, people agree on it already. For the GoNegosyo Act, we consulted with MSME groups, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, GoNegosyo, and a lot of other groups who thought it was a good idea. For the Education Bill, the students and their parents, the school heads, the SUCs, and even private sector were all in support. 6. It seems that you and the other senators in your political party are beleaguered by negative comments. How do you handle those? Trabaho lang (Just keep working). Honestly, if you dwell on negative comments you will do exactly what they want you to do, and that is nothing. Because, when you get barraged with negativity, the tendency is that if you do nothing, someone will get angry; if you do something, someone will get angry, too. It is a “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation. I think the best way to rile them up is to work hard to get your stuff passed. I think that is what riles them up the most—if you pass your law and it works so well that so many people benefit from it. I have accepted that politics, especially in the modern day, is like that. If you let the trolls get to you, you won’t do anything or say anything. If you want to make them angry, speak your mind even if you don’t know how people will react. Do your work and execute your plans to help as many people as you can. I think that is the best way to move forward. 7. How would you describe your management style? Leading by example. I think I was stricter before, but after five years, I trust my team a lot to be able to do the work with me. I tell them that it is my name boutside, but the office is more than just Bam Aquino. It is every single person that works here. The staff knows how important our work is and we are all invested in the things we espouse and advocate, and our office is inclusive and empowering. We pride ourselves in doing excellent work. I do not accept mediocrity; we strive for excellence and to be as inclusive as possible. If we can have fun along the way, we also do it. 8. What do you think the government should focus on right now? It should focus on what it should have focused on ever since, which is on what every Filipino family needs. You look at the common Filipino family and you find the blueprint of what we need to do. They find the prices of commodities too high; then don’t raise prices. Their children want to finish school; help them by offering free tuition. They want job security; remove contractualization and give them regular jobs. The reverse is to not pass laws that will make things more expensive, which is why I opposed the TRAIN Law. If you think about it, our job is not rocket science. If you look at our bills, it goes down to the needs of every Filipino family, regardless of whether they live in the city or anywhere in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. What is difficult is to have the wherewithal to pass those reforms, because none of them are simple reforms. We live in a complicated world where we need to determine what policies and reforms should be done to help the most number of people. In order to do that, we study a lot, we consult a lot. 9. What comes to mind when you hear theterm “public trust?” I don’t know how much the public stilltrusts politicians. For me, I always go back to the Jessie Robredo line of “Matino and Mahusay.” For you to get the trust of people, you need to be both. You need to be not only free from corruption— which is what people were looking for 20 years ago; you also need to be effective—which is what people are also looking for now. You need to come up with proposals that are cutting edge, not ones that have been around since 1965 or 1975. If we really want people to trust politicians again, we need to show them that we can get things done. It is not enough to say you will pass a law. You need to make sure it is funded, implemented, and refined across the years. I think our countrymen are looking beyond good intentions, but really try to see how their lives will be affected and improved. 10 What is your dream for thePhilippines? My dream for Filipinos is simple, where if you are ready to work and ready to apply yourself, you should be able to achieve success. Unfortunately, there are so many who are willing to work and are intelligent, but still have a difficult life because they don’t have enough opportunities. When we live in a country where the family can be comfortable, can have their children finish school, have some leisure, live in a decent place and have certainty in their jobs because they are willing to work hard and give of themselves, that is the dream. We are not there yet, but hopefully with measures like supporting MSMEs, better education, and being able to find better jobs by also attracting investments, then we can unlock the potentials of the Filipinos. As such, we are willing to work with all segments, all political parties, all persuasions, public and private sector, to be able to provide these opportunities to our countrymen for them to lift themselves up. No matter where they come from and no matter what circumstances they had when they were born, they will have opportunities if they are willing to work well. It may take one or two generations; Singapore was able to achieve a development ladder based on meritocracy in a span of 30 to 40 years. Hopefully in our lifetime, makita natin iyan (we will be able to see that). Click here to read full article for free

< Back UNEARTHING THE WONDERS OF BONGABONG BY TEODORA MARTINEZ Tucked away in the serene municipality of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro lies a pair of destinations that quietly weave the threads of heritage, sustainability, and hope into the fabric of the community: the Gabutero Organic Farm Resort and the mysterious Kuta Shrine. Each tells a compelling story—one of innovation rooted in nature, and the other, a spiritual remnant of a centuries-old past. GABUTERO ORGANIC FARM RESORT What started as a simple plot of land has blossomed into a 15-hectare haven of sustainability, thanks to the vision and dedication of Mr. Nelson Gabutero Sr., the founder of the Gabutero Organic Farm Resort in Sitio Tubigan, Barangay Labonan. Here, the usual reliance on chemical fertilizers is replaced by a more mindful method. Coconut husks enrich the soil, while a developed blend of animal waste, carbonized rice hull, mudpress, and indigenous microorganisms fuels plant growth. The result? Fruits and vegetables grown without a trace of synthetic additives—pure, healthy, and grown with the planet and consumers in mind. But the farm’s mission goes far beyond providing organic produce. It stands as a learning hub, offering training on sustainable agriculture techniques like organic rice cultivation and vegetable production. Gabutero’s knowledge-sharing efforts have turned this site into a classroom under the open sky, open to those who wish to learn the craft of eco-conscious farming. As innovation continues, the farm explores unconventional methods of animal feed, such as black soldier fly larvae, which serve as a protein-rich food source for chickens. In a bold move to contribute to environmental protection, Mr. Gabutero has also begun cultivating super worms, which digest plastic O materials at a rapid rate—a potential breakthrough in the fight against waste pollution. THE KUTA SHRINE Deep within the heart of Anilao, surrounded by the gnarly embrace of ancient Balete trees, stand the haunting yet beautiful ruins of the Kuta Shrine. Though its roof and walls have long surrendered to time, its story continues to echo through the stones and soil. This 18th-century church, once a fortress against Moro invaders and a refuge for faith, remains unfinished which symbolizes devotion and resistance and yet, its spiritual pull is undeniable. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2012, the first of its kind in Oriental Mindoro, Kuta Shrine is more than just a remnant of colonial architecture—it is a vessel of folklore and belief. Locals whisper that the shrine holds a kind of quiet magic. It is said that any wish made here, no matter how far-fetched, has a strange way of finding its path to reality. Y B U U Perhaps it’s the history soaked in the stones or the sacred stillness of the surrounding forest, but visitors often leave with a sense of peace and a spark of hope.

< Back Helping Promote Peace and National Development By Godfrey T. Dancel NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS JONATHAN E. MALAYA SHEDS LIGHT ON THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL IN ADDRESSING NOT ONLY SECURITY CONCERNS BUT DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AS WELL. THE NSC’S ROLE “There are three main functions of the NSC,” Malaya states. “The first is to advise the Philippine president on matters of national security. The second one is to monitor, guide and supervise the intelligence community, and third, to be part of and support various task forces involved in matters of national security.” The advisory function is performed by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Secretary Eduardo Año, who primarily advises the president on the proper coordination and integration of plans and policies affecting national security. The monitoring and supervisory function, meanwhile, is done by working closely with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and all intelligence outfits of government, including the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces (ISAFP), and the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (PNP-IG). This involves, among others, making sure that policies adopted by the NSC on national security are effectively and efficiently implemented. Finally, the NSC, through the secretary and other top officials, plays a major role in government task forces. Among these are the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which, despite being quite controversial, has been very successful in diminishing the communist insurgency in the country. The NSA also chairs the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), which deals with all deployments and actions which relate to the dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea. WORKING WITH MEDIA “My role as Assistant Director General is technically to handle the public affairs of the NSC,” Malaya states. “My role is to promote peace and development in the country by communicating the programs and projects of the NSC. Meanwhile, utilizing the measured transparency policy of the NTF-WPS, we, together with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCO), handle information dissemination insofar as our operations in the West Philippine Sea is concerned,” Malaya states. “So, we deal with media; we are the ones who invite mediamen to board Coast Guard vessels, sail with us to Bajo de Masinloc, to show what government is doing.“ “We work with media, because we understand media has a critical role to play in disseminating information to the public. With media reporting about us, there is a certain type of credibility and legitimacy to it. So we need media to be able to report government’s programs and projects. At the same time, media also needs government. Because media won’t have anything to write about if the government doesn’t have an official position on specific issues and does not communicate such to them. It's a symbiotic relationship. So that’s exactly what we do, through the policy of measure transparency,” Malaya stresses. Malaya notes that even with the love-hate relationship between government and media, the two actually work together in disseminating information as part of efforts to promote peace and security in the country. “We do that in all of our assignments, whether it is internal or external threats to the Republic. So in the communist insurgency, we also work with the media in bringing about and communicating to the rebels that they can immediately surrender. They will be given assistance from government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government, so that we can promote peace and development across the country,” he elaborates. THE ROAD TO THE NSC Malaya, who has spent half of his life in government service, traces his interest in public service to the fact that his parents were also dedicated public servants. “I think I was brainwashed early on by my parents into entering public service,” he chuckles. “My parents were both public servants. My father retired as a regional trial court judge. My mother retired as a schools division superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd). My brother joined the foreign service, and my sister used to work for the Supreme Court. So that was really what I wanted to do, early on, to join government. Public service has always been part of my DNA.” Just like public service, studying at the University of the Philippines was part of the Malaya family culture. “So all of us four siblings went to UP,” he shares. “When I got to UP Diliman, I knew exactly what I would do.” An English major, Malaya became a writer for the Philippine Collegian and founding member of the UP Debate Society. He also emerged as a leader of the Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity and the Independent Student Alliance, one of the major student political parties in campus during the 1990s. “The trajectory really was to enter public service,” he declares. In a career that has spanned 25 years, Malaya has served in all three branches of government. He first worked at the Lower House with then- Samar Congressman Antonio Nachura and later on at the Upper Chamber with then-Senator Mar Roxas. He later joined the executive branch as chief of staff to then-DepEd Secretary Florencio Abad, then as assistant secretary at the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel. He was subsequently appointed as chief of staff at the Office of the Solicitor General. In 2007, Malaya reunited with Nachura, who by then had been appointed as Supreme Court associate justice. He later on rejoined the DepEd, again as assistant secretary, this time under then Secretary Jesli Lapus. In 2011, Malaya took his talents to the Pasay City government, serving as spokesperson and public information officer during the term of Mayor Antonio Calixto. Six years later, he joined the DILG as assistant secretary, undersecretary, and eventual spokesperson. The multi-hyphenate Malaya has also been part of the academe, having taught at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) and the University of Makati, among others. He has also written a number of books on topics such as Philippine presidents, constitutional reform, and debating. A PERFECT FIT Malaya’s appointment to the NSC in March 2023 seemed to be part of the natural flow of things, what with Año being chosen to lead the agency two months prior. The ADG, however, shares that he did not quite expect such. “I was already supposed to join another agency. When Secretary Año called and asked me to join him, I acceded.” Asked what he thinks Año saw in him, Malaya shifts the focus to the perfect team at the helm of the NSC. “The team that is here, I think it’s a Dream Team,” he says. “Because the Deputy Director General is also a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, retired Gen. Benjamin Madrigal. Our Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Engagements, retired Gen. Nestor Hericho, used to be the Commandant of the Philippine Marines. Our Deputy Director General for Operations used to be the Commanding General of the Army Intelligence Regiment. And Secretary Año used to head the Intelligence Service of the AFP. So they’re all intel.” “I think what Secretary Año did was to choose the people he worked with in the past. He chose those who have shown him their expertise,” Malaya continues. Indeed, the ADG enjoys the full confidence of the secretary. Following Malaya’s appointment last year, Año was quoted as saying that Malaya’s “25-year experience in public service as well as his proven dedication and commitment to the national interest will serve this agency and the country well.” Their successful partnership at the DILG serves as a solid basis for Año to have complete faith in Malaya’s character and capabilities. “It’s important that when you work for someone, he has trust and confidence in you,” Malaya stresses. “Trust is very valuable. So I reckoned that, rather than work in another department, I would rather work at the NSC.” Aside from their good professional relationship, Malaya also values the close personal relationship he has with Año. “I consider him as my mentor. So I immediately took the opportunity to join him here at the NSC,” Malaya reveals. MAKING PROGRESS The same team Malaya mentioned above has been responsible for the success that the NSC has had in the recent months. For instance, Malaya points to the much-improved internal security situation. “The New People’s Army (NPA) has been decimated to such a degree that it’s no longer a major threat to the State,” he declares. Of course, there are still remnants in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Negros. But the NPA is now just a shadow of what it used to be, because of the successive losses coming from focused military operations and development programs.” “Of course, there will always be violent extremism in the South. But, it’s quiet there now,” he adds. He shares how a friend who came all the way from Basilan related to him how Lamitan, Isabela, and other parts of the province are much quieter now. “Because we were able to build the circumferential road in Basilan. Then the road that crossed the hinterlands to the other coast was also built. So they are now reaping the benefits of peace.” Malaya shares that the NSC is also actively looking at ways to stop the active recruitment of youth to take up arms against the government, noting that a number of schools in Metro Manila and nearby areas remain as recruitment grounds for the NPA. “Hopefully, we can find common ground with the Commission on Higher Education and university officials. I know it’s going to be hard, because to be honest, there is no anti-subversion law so it is not illegal to believe in communism. The only concern of the NSC is when students take up arms against the government,” he underscores as he laments the fate of students who, thinking that it was part of their duty as nationalist young citizens, joined the armed struggle, only to perish afterwards. With relative internal peace, Malaya says that “We can now focus our attention on the West Philippine Sea and external threats.” He also points to the continuing threat of China’s invasion of Taiwan, as well as possible conflict in the Korean Peninsula as threats that the NSC has been helping the government prepare for. Among the possible effects such are the disruption of the flow of goods to and from the country, as well as the displacement of overseas Filipino workers in affected areas. “All of these, we’re constantly monitoring to make sure that we can minimize the impact and keep us safe as a nation,” he assures. MALAYA’S STINT AS COLLEGE PROFESSOR SERVED NOT ONLY AS A MEANS FOR HIM TO IMPART HIS KNOWLEDGE TO THE COUNTRY’S NEXT SET OF LEADERS. IT ALSO SERVED AS BOTH AN EYE-OPENER ON THE YOUNGER GENERATION’S VIEWS OF GOVERNMENT AND A CHANCE TO CORRECT LONG-STANDING MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GOVERNMENT SERVICE. THE EDUCATOR AS PEACEMAKER Malaya’s stints as college professor served not only as a means for him to impart his knowledge to the country’s next set of leaders. It also served as both an eye-opener on the younger generation’s views of government and a chance to correct long-standing misconceptions about government services. “They’re mostly anti-government. Malaya says of his former students at the UP-NCPAG. I tell them, ‘Why did you go to NCPAC? Because you want to be public servants. Therefore, you must be fair to government. Because eventually, you’ll end up sitting there. You have to understand that not everyone in the government is stupid, crazy, or corrupt’.” “There’s an automatic mistrust. And I don’t blame them,” Malaya avers. He points to social media and Left-leaning groups as being major contributors to the prevailing view among students. “When you Google, you’ll usually see negative things about the government. And you know, that’s intentionally done by the Left. When we looked at the way they operate, we saw that they have propaganda campaigns on everything. On the economy, they have Ibon Databank; on human rights, they have Karapatan; on fishermen’s rights, there’s Pamalakaya. And they produce press releases almost every day. So researchers and students are bombarded with negative stories which are readily available online. So what I told my students is for them not to immediately believe in what they are reading hook, line, and sinker without subjecting such to critical analysis.” One strategy Malaya resorted to in his classes is the use of case studies in addition to discussing the theoretical aspects of governance. “So when we discuss about corruption, we have a discussion about the law itself. And then, we will discuss one or two graft and corruption cases, so that they can really understand the concept,” he shares. His experience as college professor has made such an impact on Malaya that he sees himself going back to teaching if ever he leaves government. “I don’t really know where life will bring me, as I never really planned on my career. In any case, if I leave government, I’ll go back to teaching. That’s what I did after I left the DILG. And before I joined government, I taught at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Assumption.” How long he will stay in government, even Malaya himself cannot say for sure. “I never really planned on my career. I did not plan to work in the Supreme Court, for example, since I am not a lawyer. But I found myself there. I did not plan to go to the Office of the Solicitor General, but I ended up working there.” Joining electoral politics is also an option that has been presented to Malaya a number of times. He has been asked to make a bid for a seat at the Lower House either as district representative or as a partylist lawmaker. He has also been named as a possible senatorial candidate a number of times. For now, however, he would want to concentrate on his role at the NSC. With this, one thing is crystal clear. With his active involvement in responding to various present-day threats to national security as well as in helping mold the country’s future leaders, Malaya is indeed a major figure in efforts to ensure peace and development in the country.

< 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.”