BACK HATE is a Virus Anti-Asian hate crimes are on the rise in the United States of America BY HELEN HERNANE America —despite labelling itself as a land of the free and a cultural melting pot—has a racism problem. This is clearly evident during this pandemic as two movements emerge following the death of George Floyd and a string of Anti-Asian hate crimes—Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Stop Asian Hate. CRISIS-DRIVEN HATE Recently, a 1956 video of a high school exchange student’s debate on prejudice circulated on social media. The forum discussion started with a simple question: What is prejudice? “When a person loses track of the dignity of the human soul and begins to judge others not on the basis of their being persons, but on the basis of race, creed, economic status—that is prejudice,” said the Philippine representative Raul Contreras. More than 60 years after the debate, hate crimes are still prevalent, especially in the United States. According to the 2019 Hate Crime Statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 7,314 hate crimes were recorded in 2019—the highest recorded figure in more than a decade, nearing the 7,783 recorded in 2008. According to civil rights groups, former US President Barack Obama’s election in November of 2008 provoked a rise in hate crimes. This was compared to the rise of anti-Islamic hate crimes following the 9/11 terrorist attacks coordinated by al-Qaeda, which targeted the United States on the morning of September 11, 2001. Four passenger airplanes bound for California were hijacked by 19 terrorists. Two of which crashed into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan—within two hours, both towers collapsed. The third airplane crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, while the final airplane crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania. The final plane was headed for Washington, D.C., but the plan was foiled after the plane crew and passengers attempted to regain control. In total, the attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and over 25,000 injuries. In the eight to nine weeks following 9/11, increased attacks directed against Muslims or “those perceived to be Muslim” were reported. These were revealed in some studies such as “The Impact of the Terrorist Attacks of 9/11 on Anti Islamic Hate Crime” by Bryan Byers and James Jones and “Islamophobia in America?: September 11 and Islamophobic Hate Crime” by Jeffrey Kaplan. Kaplan’s study, in particular, which compared the post 9/11 hate crime spike to past incidents (treatment towards Japanese-Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Red Scare of the ‘50s) seemed to affirm a trend—spikes in hate crimes often follow major crises whose alleged or perceived perpetrators belong to minority groups. In 1941, around 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry lived in the United States at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. Two-thirds of this demographic group are full American citizens, born and raised in the US. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a rise in anti-Japanese fear, suspicion, and overall negative sentiment that led to the signing of Executive Order 9066 by then President Franklin Roosevelt. EO 9066 forced all Japanese Americans into internment camps, leaving behind their homes and properties. “National security” was cited as a justification for this controversial policy. Acute consequences of this policy include a total of US$400-million in property loss for camp residents. In 1948, the US Congress provided US$38 million in reparations. But until today, Japanese Americans still feel emotional repercussions especially every December 7—the day of the attack. While crises often motivate huge numbers of prejudice-driven crimes, another major factor is political influence. Former US President Donald Trump began his 2016 presidential campaign in June 2015. Between 2015 and 2016, Islamophobia and hate crimes targeting Muslims spiked according to a Pew Research Center study. The figure even surpassed post-September 11 records in 2001. Anti-Muslim hate crimes increased by 67% from 2014 (154 incidents) to 2015 (257 incidents). The following year, there were 307 reported incidents, an increase of 19%. Trump falsely alleged during his campaign rally in November 2015 that, as he watched the World Trade Center collapse in New Jersey, he saw thousands of people cheering. The following day, This Week host George Stephanopoulos asked if Trump misspoke during the rally, saying that while the rumors have circulated the internet, the police report that no such thing happened. “There were people that were cheering on the other side of New Jersey, where you have large Arab populations. They were cheering as the World Trade Center came down,” Trump insisted. When Trump became President, one of his first acts was signing Executive Order 13769 or the “Muslim Ban.” EO 13769 was entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” The 90-day visa ban targeted people coming from seven countries—Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Following the directive, experts claim that “the order’s unintended consequences will make the threat worse.” Terrorist attacks in the US following 9/11 were not carried out by anyone who emigrated from or whose parents emigrated from the seven target countries. ASIAN LIVES MATTER The COVID-19 pandemic once again pulls into focus the United States’ deep-seated racism issue. Data gathered by California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, which was shared in a Voice of America (VOA) news article, shows an almost 150% increase in antiAsian American hate crimes in 2020. Data reported was pooled from 16 of America’s most populous cities. Much like the growing Islamophobia following the beginning of Trump’s presidential campaign in 2015, many Asian American rights advocates believe the spike in racially-charged attacks targeting Asians are largely due to Trump’s rhetoric. The former US President has, in numerous instances, blamed China for the pandemic, saying that the virus could have been stopped at the source, in Wuhan, China, where the COVID-19 virus was first reported as a small outbreak. On many occasions, Trump also called the disease the “kung flu” and the “China virus,” adding fuel to an already volatile flame. “I think the political leadership under Trump really put a target on the backs of people perceived to be Chinese,” said Chris Kwok, an Asian American Bar Association of New York board member. “It’s Sinophobia.” Trump left the White House on January 20, 2021, following Joseph Biden’s win in the recent elections to be the 46th President of the United States. On March 17, 2021, White House Press Secretary Jennifer Psaki said in a press briefing that there is “no question” that the Trump administration’s “damaging rhetoric” has contributed to “inaccurate and unfair perceptions” about the Asian American community, thus escalating threats against the community. But Chinese Americans are not the only ones affected by attacks and racist sentiments. Stop AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Hate, a reporting center dedicated to tracking and responding to hate incidents directed towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, revealed that out of the attacks that occurred between March to December 2020, 7% of the victims were Filipinos. Almost half or 41% are Chinese, 15% are Koreans, Vietnamese account for 8%, while the remaining 29% are other ethnicities. One of the most recent Filipino victims of a hate crime was a 65-year-old Filipino immigrant in New York. Vilma Kari was on her way to church in Manhattan when a man kicked her in the stomach, unprovoked. She fell and he repeatedly kicked her in the head, yelling obscenities. He was also reported to say, “You don’t belong here.” The violent scene happened in broad daylight, yet no one tried to stop the attacker. Three men were watching from the lobby of a nearby apartment building. But instead of helping, the security guard closed the front door. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. tweeted his response to the incident, saying the incident “will influence Philippine foreign policy.” In a separate tweet, Locsin reacted to the video of the hate crime, “That’s not heartbreaking, that’s enraging. And what goes around and kicks a lot will come around and get kicked back a lot.” In a radio interview, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said that the government is “very concerned” about the rise in anti-Asian hate attacks. “I sent a note verbale to the [US] State Department and I wrote letters to some senators. I wrote to them calling their attention. Medyo matindi na ‘yung mga ginagawa dito sa mga Asian Americans dito sa America (the attacks on Asian Americans in America is quite disturbing),” he said. “We told them that Asian Americans may be attacked because the former government used to refer to COVID-19 as the ‘China virus’,” Romualdez said, referring to Trump. Prior to this incident, the Philippine Embassy in Washington urged Filipinos to “use extreme caution in view of these incidents.” Should they experience attacks, they are advised to immediately call 911 and report the crime. The Embassy further called on US authorities to act to further ensure the protection of Asians, including Filipinos. Early in February, a 61-year-old Filipino man was also attacked in New York. Noel Quintana was slashed in the face with a box cutter by a fellow subway passenger. He was on his way to work, when during the commute, the suspect repeatedly kicked his backpack. Quintana asked the man to stop and that was when the assault occurred. Apart from the Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Romualdez, Sen. Manuel Pacquiao also released a statement early April via social media. The boxer-cum-politician issued a challenge to the attackers—“#Stop Asian Hate Stop attacking Asians who can’t defend themselves! Fight me instead.” The photo, which was posted in multiple languages, featured the victims of anti-Asian hate crimes in the background. Pacquiao’s post was captioned—“We have one color in our Blood! Stop discriminating. LOVE AND PEACE TO EVERYONE!! #StopAsianHate” Reacting to Pacquiao’s challenge, Sen. Win Gatchalian tweeted that “‘Yan ang dapat panglaban natin sa mga Asian haters sa Amerika. Mga demonyo na ‘yon, mga racist sa Amerika (That’s who we should choose to fight Asian haters in America. Those racists in America are demons).” In a tweet, Senator Risa Hontiveros also expressed her concern for the Filipino Americans who are experiencing racial discrimination. “My heart goes out to {Asian Americans, especially Filipino Americans] who experience this horrific level of cruelty,” Hontiveros said. “Ang sakit sa puso. Sa mga kababayan natin sa Amerika, ingat kayo at mag-reach out kung kailangan niyo ng anumang tulong mula sa amin. (This is heart-wrenching. To our fellow Filipinos in America, stay safe and reach out to us if you need any kind of help.)” WHAT DO WE DO NOW? This is the biggest question. Is the final solution, to hide and be constantly wary of everyone? What else can Asian Americans do? Following the 9/11 attacks, a city-by-city analysis using the data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program reported that anti-Muslim hate crime was virtually non-existent in New York City and Washington D.C. “It is suggested that public calls for calm and tolerance and in-group/out-group dynamics may have impacted anti Islamic hate crime frequency, thus accounting for rises and reductions in this form of bias crime over time,” Byers and Jones’ study says. The height of the anti-Muslim hate crimes following 9/11 lasted for nine weeks. Afterwards, the number fell drastically. Much like the study of Byers and Jones, Kaplan explains that the abrupt end to the hate crimes were due to the following factors: “Leadership (effective intervention by the US President), decisive law enforcement intervention (federal and local), grassroots outreach to Muslims (religious, educational, and civic groups), and lastly, moral ambiguity in the rapid dissolution of American consensus over the War on Terror following the invasion of Iraq.” There is a lot that people can do to deter the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes. Celebrities are being vocal and people are taking to the streets to protest and condemn the violence. As mentioned, the voice of the nation’s leader can tremendously affect the people’s views. And on March 30, 2021, Biden released a statement that the US government promises additional actions to respond to the anti-Asian violence, xenophobia, and bias. “Too many Asian Americans have been walking up and down the streets and worrying, waking up each morning the past year feeling that their safety and the safety of their loved ones are at stake. They’ve been attacked, blamed, scapegoated, and harassed. They’ve been verbally assaulted, physically assaulted, killed,” Biden lamented. “We’re hearing all across the country that hate and violence often hide in plain sight. And it’s often met with silence. That’s been true throughout history, but that has to change—because our silence is complicity. We cannot be complicit. We have to speak out. We have to act.” If you or your Asian relatives in the United States experience a hate crime, report the incident to respective local and federal law enforcement agencies. You may also report hate incidents online at stopaapihate.org.

< Back The New Generation of Leaders THE 2030 PROJECT The next generation who’s changing and shaping the future Youth Leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.The 2030 Project is a non-profit, youth-led, and volunteer-based sustainable goals initiative in the Philippines, driven by youth leaders from all over the country. It aims to create a network of young leaders and organizations to further advocacies and projects aligned with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda. Its mission is to train the underserved and unserved Filipino youth by encouraging the creation of sustainable solutions in their own communities. Recently, during the Global Goals month, hundreds of youth leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered for the Leaders Unite event, which was organized by The 2030 Project. The Leaders Unit Summit featured 17 exceptional leaders from each major island of the Philippines, who are known as the SDG Youth Champions. They aim to create an impact in their communities through their advocacies, which are aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Aside from recognizing the 2018 SDG Youth Champions, the leaders also shared their experience through a series of panel discussions focused on ending poverty, tackling climate change, and fighting inequalities. At the event, Leaders Unite 2018 and the 2018 SDG Youth Champions were also recognized by major government agencies, including the Office of the President and Office of the Vice President. “I am delighted that The 2030 Project has spearheaded this event to create more awareness among our youth about the UN SDGs and to build a stronger network of youth leaders who will champion the interest of their communities. May this gathering further inspire the participants to become a pillar of support in our region and to pursue their respective advocacies in their localities. To this year’s SDG Youth Champions, I trust that you will continue to be agents of hope as you carry out endeavors that will redound to the benefit of our nation,” shared President Rodrigo Roa Dueterte. “To the 2018 Sustainable Development Goals Youth Champions, congratulations! This event is a testament to your devotion in creating transformative change in your communities, sacrificing time and effort to stay to your advocacies. I am confident that you will further this culture of excellence as you continue to serve the country,” added Vice President Leni Robredo. The 2030 Project is a great example of a youth organization that can pull off such a huge event with only collaboration and volunteerism. With regard to the next steps of the organization, Miguel Lopez, founder and president of The 2030 Project, shared: “The third successful installment of Leaders Unite shows that the youth today is committed to creating programs that have greater social value. This is just the beginning as we have programs dedicated to scale up the leadership capacity of the recently elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Through this program, we can ensure that the new generation of SK will be focused on ensuring transformative changes in their barangays.” The 2030 Project’s #OurGoals is a nationwide capacity training program, in partnership with local government units, which aim to train Filipino youth leaders, helping them to craft and execute sustainable programs for their communities. For more information, visit The 2030 Project on Facebook: @The2030Project. Click here to read full article for free

< Back "FILIPINOS WORLDWIDE MOURN FOR THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS" BY ATTY. PAULA ZAYCO ABERASTURI THE PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS ON APRIL 21, 2025, WAS MET WITH A DEEP SENSE OF GRIEF ACROSS THE GLOBE. AMONG THE MANY COMMUNITIES PROFOUNDLY AFFECTED WAS THE FILIPINO NATION, BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD. For Filipinos, Pope Francis was more than a pontiff, he was a spiritual father, an advocate for the poor, and a symbol of mercy and humility. His connection with the Philippines was unique and heartfelt, leaving a spiritual imprint that will long endure. A NATION IN MOURNING In the Philippines, the government quickly declared a period of national mourning, lasting until Pope Francis’ burial on April 26. Philippine flags were flown at half-mast across public buildings, while cathedrals and parishes organized special requiem Masses to honor the late pontiff. In Manila, Cardinal Jose Advincula led hundreds of faithful in prayer at the Manila Cathedral, where he referred to Pope Francis as “a true father to us,” echoing the collective grief felt by millions. The outpouring of condolences extended far beyond religious circles. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the tributes, calling Pope Francis a “beacon of hope and compassion.” Vice President Sara Duterte, labor groups, and even the Bangsamoro regional parliament expressed their sorrow and respect. The breadth of these tributes underscored the Pope’s ability to unite people across ideologies, faiths, and geographical regions. Pope Francis’s 2015 visit to the Philippines, where he met with survivors of Typhoon Haiyan and addressed issues of corruption and poverty, solidified his deep bond with Filipinos. His message of solidarity with the poor and his calls for compassion and justice resonated strongly in a country grappling with inequality. A STRONG FILIPINO PRESENCE IN THE VATICAN Filipino representation was significant during the funeral ceremonies held at St. Peter’s Square. President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the funeral, joining other global dignitaries in mourning the pontiff. It was a solemn but powerful display of the Philippines’ close ties to the Holy See. Cardinal Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila, participated in the subsequent papal conclave. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the Bishop of Kalookan and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, was likewise present at the funeral rites. Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato, attended as well. Their presence at the Vatican highlighted the strong leadership of the Filipino clergy within the global Catholic Church. The contributions of these leaders go beyond ceremony. Filipino cardinals and bishops have long played vital roles in Vatican councils and dicasteries, helping shape the Church’s response to contemporary global issues. Their participation in the mourning and transition following Pope Francis’s death underscored the Philippines’ growing influence in Catholic affairs. GLOBAL FILIPINO TRIBUTES Outside the Vatican and the Philippines, Filipinos around the world held memorial services and prayer gatherings in local churches, homes, and community centers. In European cities like Rome, Madrid, London, and Paris, Filipino communities organized vigils to honor Pope Francis’s life and teachings. Candles, flowers, and personal notes filled altars, while priests and laypeople alike offered prayers of thanks for a pontiff who had touched their lives. Overseas Filipino workers, many of whom serve as caregivers, nurses, and domestic workers in Europe, spoke of how Pope Francis’ words often gave them strength. His emphasis on the dignity of labor, his concern for migrants, and his call to welcome the stranger were messages that deeply resonated with the Filipino diaspora. Social media platforms became virtual sanctuaries of mourning and memory. Filipinos shared clips of the Pope’s 2015 visit, personal encounters, and favorite quotes. Messages of gratitude, sorrow, and hope poured in, creating a global digital tapestry of collective mourning. A LASTING LEGACY Pope Francis’ death marks the end of an era in the Catholic Church, but his legacy lives on, particularly among the Filipino people. His papacy emphasized mercy, simplicity, and a radical call to care for the marginalized. These values are closely aligned with the deeply ingrained Filipino virtues of “pakikiramay” (sympathy), “bayanihan” (community spirit), and “malasakit” (compassion). As the Church moves forward, the memory of Pope Francis will continue to guide and inspire. Filipino Catholics, through their vibrant faith and strong communal ties, are well-positioned to carry forward his vision of a more inclusive, compassionate, and just world. In his own words during his 2015 Mass in Manila, Pope Francis urged Filipinos: “You are called to be outstanding missionaries of the faith.” With his passing, that call becomes even more poignant. In mourning him, the Filipino people renew their commitment to live out the values he championed, ensuring that his spirit endures not just in memory, but in action. HOPES FOR THE FUTURE AND A FILIPINO POPE With three Filipino cardinals actively engaged in Vatican affairs and global Catholic leadership, some Filipinos quietly nurtured hope that Pope Francis’ successor would come from the Philippines. Such a development would have represented a monumental moment not only for the nation but for the entire Asian Church. The idea of a Filipino pope resonates strongly with many, especially given the country’s standing as the third largest Catholic nation in the world, after Brazil and Mexico. Catholicism continues to thrive in the Philippines, with over 80 million adherents and a youthful, vibrant Church known for its festive religious traditions, grassroots devotion, and missionary zeal. Many see the Filipino Church as a model for evangelization in the 21st century—dynamic, people-oriented, and deeply rooted in community values. As the Vatican moves into the next chapter of its history under a new leadership, the strong presence of Filipino clergy and the steadfastness of Filipino Catholicism serves as an inspiration for the future of the global Church.

< Back THE SERVANT LEADER BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. What drove Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte to public service was a burning aspiration to reform government and improve its performance. A progressive leader who chooses a path away from traditional politics—that’s how Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte wants to be known. She insists that she entered politics not for wealth, power, or prestige, and what drove her was a burning aspiration to reform government and improve its performance. “I have been described as forward-thinking,” she tells LEAGUE Magazine. “I am a crusader and a change-maker, and in this regard, I can say I am an idealist in a world of pragmatists. My vision is to strengthen institutions and standardize internal processes, protocols, and procedure for the purpose of maximizing the city’s resources in the delivery of basic services to our people, as well as to ease out corruption.” Belmonte has been serving Quezon City for 12 years now. She was previously the city’s vice mayor for three consecutive terms before vying for its highest office in 2019. On top of her agenda then were women’s rights, gender equality, enhancing social services particularly for the marginalized and migrating all government transactions online to eliminate face-to-face interaction that can lead to anomalous behavior. Belmonte says this ensures proper and honest collection of taxes. She also focused on decentralizing governance through the establishment of satellite action offices in all districts to enable her government to attend to the essential needs of their constituents efficiently, responsively and more conveniently. Belmonte also included the renovation and modernization of Quezon City’s health centers to ensure the digitalization of medical records, that medicine supply is immediately replenished and that each location will have one doctor. The city’s 11th mayor also imposed zero tolerance for corruption in the city by “ensuring that every peso is well-spent on projects that are meaningful, sustainable, and effective.” This resulted to the local government earning an “unqualified opinion” from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its annual audit report for 2020—a first in Quezon City’s history. It is the highest audit opinion that COA can render to a government agency, including a local government unit (LGU). Belmonte considers the audit opinion as a testament to the realization of her vision for good governance that has been internalized by the city’s leaders. “This is the most important recognition that a local government unit like us can get,” she avers. “This is the validation of our efforts for good governance in Quezon City, and this is also a welcome surprise since we received this in our first term.” Belmonte has been serving Quezon City for 12 years now. She was previously the city’s vice mayor for three consecutive terms before vying for its highest office in 2019. Introducing and sustaining reforms in government is one of the many challenges the mayor has had to hurdle. She continues to believe that many things detrimental to progress and development have been institutionalized, such as corruption and a culture of mediocrity. “There is a need to restore the people’s faith, trust, and confidence in government,” she maintains. “People are cynical and many view government very negatively, and there can be no real ‘good governance’ if the people and government do not enhance their working relationship through a more mature participatory environment, which promotes real transparency, and better accountability.” This is one reason Belmonte believes she was elected to office. “A wise man once told me that we all must strive to live a life of meaning, and I believe that a commitment to good governance as the means through which we can ensure better service delivery to our people is the reason. I have been entrusted this role,” she continues. FURTHERING PURPOSE Maria Josefina Tanya “Joy” Go Belmonte is the youngest child and only daughter of former Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. and journalist Betty Go-Belmonte. Her father also served as the Speaker of the House under the Aquino presidency, while her late mother is one of the founders of The Philippine Daily Inquirer and The Philippine Star. She says her parents are two of the many people who inspired her to become a public servant. “My mother was especially influential to me because she embodied all the traits of a great woman leader,” Belmonte maintains. “She was fearless but compassionate. She was an activist until her last breath; she always wanted to make the world a better place for others and worked hard to do so even if the effort seemed futile, and she did so for the most part through the power of the pen. The status quo was never good enough. She was idealistic, God-fearing, engaged, extremely principled, selfless, and a moral compass to all who knew her.” After obtaining her social sciences degree from the Ateneo de Manila University, Belmonte joined the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines and became a high school teacher in Kadingilan, Bukidnon. “It was my experience as a volunteer teacher in a farflung and underdeveloped community that opened my eyes to the sad reality of life in the Philippines, most especially to the flawed socio-economic and political structures in our society that are designed to concentrate power, status, and wealth in the hands of a few, and make it almost impossible for those born in uncomfortable circumstances to rise above these conditions,” she recalls. She then worked at Caritas Manila’s Communications Department for six months and joined the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) after. “My stint here prepared me for eventual postgraduate studies abroad,” says the mayor. Belmonte then moved to the United Kingdom to train to become an archaeologist. She has two master’s degrees, one in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester and one in Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. She specialized in Southeast Asian archaeology and travelled extensively in the region. Belmonte continued her humanitarian work and sat on the boards of several non-government and non-profit organizations, while lecturing at the University of the Philippines (UP) Archaeological Studies Program and joining expeditions to archaeological sites. “I believe our biggest concern is the imminent need to raise the standard of living of every QCitizen by providing them with a more dignified life. This means focusing our attention on providing our people with safety and security in terms of housing, improving the standard of education to include not just improvements in competencies, but also an emphasis on developing critical thinking.” “It was while I was working on an archaeological site in Manila that I first entertained the idea of running for public office,” she recalls. “I had an appointment at city hall to meet the mayor so I could explain our work to him, and how it could benefit his city in terms of tourism. After waiting for several hours, I found out he had already left. I then told myself, if I really wanted to draw attention to an advocacy I truly believed in, it would be best if I were to hold a decision-making position myself.” When her father’s third term as mayor ended, she decided to give politics a shot. She became vice mayor in 2010 and considers three projects as among her biggest achievements: the physical transfer of the Quezon Heritage House from Gilmore to the Quezon Memorial Circle (thus saving it from demolition); the establishment of the Quezon City Experience Museum (QCX), and the founding of QCinema or the Quezon City International Film Festival—which is already on its 10th year. It was during one of her terms as vice mayor when she “trended on social media as the most hated person in the Philippines.” As acting mayor, Belmonte “refused to suspend school over a forecast of ‘light to moderate rains with occasional thunderstorms.’” She and Makati Mayor Abby Binay were the only city heads who decided to do so. “I got bashed overwhelmingly. And I trended very negatively.” Belmonte issued an apology and took ownership. In a social media post, she said “I welcome all the hate and vileness of your messages. I truly deserve it.” She went on to explain that her team relied on the weather forecast, adding that “sometimes we in government depend too much on data and statistics and not enough on gut feel.” She acknowledged her shortcomings in the situation and added that it was “time to step up” for her constituents. FUTURE FORWARD Belmonte, who is running for reelection this year, says that she still has a lot to do in Quezon City. “I believe our biggest concern is the imminent need to raise the standard of living of every QCitizen by providing them with a more dignified life,” she explains. “This means focusing our attention on providing our people with safety and security in terms of housing, improving the standard of education to include not just improvements in competencies, but also an emphasis on developing critical thinking. “This is over and above the physical and infrastructural needs of our learners such as facilities, gadgets, and connectivity. We also need to provide more opportunities for employment and livelihood for all those who desire to earn an income, whatever their status and circumstances in life are. Finally, access to healthcare remains an area of concern, as well as improvements in health-seeking behavior. All these require additional infrastructure, manpower and improved operational systems.” She also includes climate change, environmental protection, public order and safety, as well as enhancing investor confidence in her priority list. “The people must be convinced that we are here to protect them and promote their welfare above all,” she stresses. “I believe that the foundation of effective, efficient and responsive service delivery still lies in the proper management of the city’s resources, shifting paradigms from whimsical decision-making to datadriven decision-making, motivating our personnel to adopt a framework of excellence and merit, and most of all, enhancing the trust and confidence of the people in government, so together we can actively participate in the work of city-building.” Belmonte considers some accomplishments as the closest to her heart. These include the Quezon City Protection Center for Victim-Survivors of Gender- Based Violence and Abuse and the Bahay Kanlungan temporary shelter—a one-stop-shop for women, children, and members of the LGCBTQIA+ who need medical, legal, protective, and social services. With Grow QC, Belmonte introduced urban farming to promote food security, encourage healthy diet, and enhance livelihood. “I am proud of this project because during the pandemic, our urban farms were instrumental in providing nutritious meals to thousands of our neediest constituents,” she says. With No Woman Left Behind, Belmonte provides holistic support to Women Deprived of Liberty (WDL) at the Camp Karingal correctional facility. They are given health services, livelihood opportunities, and a chance to finish secondary and tertiary education through partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Quezon City University. The Kabahagi Center for Children with Disabilities provides free services for indigent Children with Disabilities (CWD), including diagnostic services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy, among others, in partnership with specialists from various universities and organizations. It also provides training on how to care for these children and provides livelihood opportunities to the parents of CWDs. Belmonte also established the “Made in QC” program to assist and support micro and small business owners from Quezon City who make unique and high-quality artisanal products. These products are featured in a five-volume book collection that is given away to corporations, the diplomatic corps, and the political elite, among others, to provide them with options for gifts, especially during the holiday season. Other notable accomplishments for the mayor include the Cash to Trashback program that makes “caring for the environment economically rewarding” for people who trade in recyclable wastes for points that can be used to pay for groceries and pay their electric bills through a memorandum of agreement with Meralco; the Animal Welfare and Adoption Center that rehabilitates rescued dogs for adoption, and trains these to become emotional support companions for mental health patients or to assist in police work; and the QCity Bus, a free bus service modeled after those in the cities of Boston and Seattle in the United States. “While it started as part of our pandemic response to help frontliners get around, we have decided to retain it as a permanent feature of our city to help our workers and employees save on public transport fares. The route doesn’t overlap with any route of the LTFRB so as not to negatively affect the earnings of franchised transport. Belmonte says that the 14-point agenda she introduced in 2019 when she first ran for mayor will continue to guide her plans for Quezon City. The agenda focuses on human and social services, economic development, environment, and climate change, building a livable, green, and sustainable city, infrastructure, and institutional development. She has some big-ticket projects identified, including the rehabilitation of the Amoranto Sports Complex into an international standard sports facility, rehabilitation of the Quezon Memorial Circle after the MRT 7 construction, and establishment of three additional campuses of the Quezon City University, among others. “You will continue to feel your taxes working productively for you, this time in a non-pandemic situation,” Belmonte insists. “I ask our constituents to trust in their government, cooperate with us in exposing all irregularities and anomalies, and help us to build the epitome of clean and honest public service in our beloved Quezon City.” She has no plans to run for higher office and describes her role as “the kind of job that you either love or you hate,” adding, “I love the feeling I get when I’ve made a positive difference in the life of a person or a community. I hate the dirt that comes with politics. Fortunately, the psychological rewards of genuine public service far outweigh my disdain for the gutter politics I need to swallow when running for office. The most difficult aspect of being a public servant is having to put my family second or even third in the hierarchy of priorities.” “I also consider myself a servant leader,” she shares, and adds that author Simon Sinek describes her leadership style in these words from his book Leaders Eat Last: “The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own. Great leaders truly care about those they are privileged to lead and understand that the true cost of the leadership privilege comes at the expense of selfinterest.” Belmonte is driven to be a leader whose actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, she says. “In other words, for me, leadership must be empowering and transformative.” DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE

baa8cf81-25dd-41c5-865e-d51cba3f2b69 <Back MAYOR ALJUN DIAMANTE Challenging life experiences polished one of Cebu’s most brilliant leaders. LEAGUE traveled all the way to the boondocks of Tuburan, Cebu to meet Mayor Democrito ‘Aljun’ Diamante and find out what his plans are after his nine-year term BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL GOTIONG Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante refers to himself as a politician driven by circumstances. He didn’t come from a political family, nor did it cross his mind that he would become a public servant someday. Like the 10 million Filipinos today, Mayor Aljun’s family was also challenged by poverty. He was the eldest in a brood of eight, so he took it upon himself to help his father provide for their family’s needs. “Noon, ang ambisyon ko lang ay magkaroon ng hanapbuhay, makatulong sa magulang at mga kapatid ko. Kung magkaroon man ako ng pamilya, ang pangarap ko lang ay mapakain, mapaaral, mapabahay, mapadamit sila, ganun lang. Hindi ako nangangarap ng masyadong malaki (Back then, my ambition in life was to have a job, help my parents and siblings. If I ever get to have my own family, I’d like to be able to provide them with food, education, shelter, clothing—that’s it),” he says. After finishing high school, the native Tuburanon went to the city to work. He took a variety of odd jobs, before landing a position in a logistics company. He worked his way up the career ladder—from being a driver, clerk, and processor, to becoming a supervisor, manager for sales, and manager for operations. After 10 years of working for that company, he decided to resign and build his own company. “Nakatulong ako sa kompanyang pinagtrabahuhan ko, napalaki ko… sabi ko sa sarili ko, kung magtatayo siguro ako ng sarili kong kompanya, baka sakaling lumaki din (I was able to help the company I worked for, I helped it grow, so I told myself, if I build my own company, I could probably grow it as well),” he remembers. True enough, his diligence and hard work paid off. The logistics company he built flourished. These life experiences—the ups and downs— ignited his desire to help better the lives of others. “Galing kasi ako sa wala. Kaya noong nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon at ng grasya, binigyan ako ng pagkakataong makapagserbisyo sa mga mahihirap, bumalik ako sa amin at tumakbong mayor (I came from zero. That is why when I was given the opportunity and grace to serve the poor, I went back to our town and ran for mayor),” he declares. CALL TO SERVE Mayor Aljun tells LEAGUE that he used to walk six kilometers during his elementary days and 14 kilometers during his high school days to get to school. So when he won the mayoralty race in 2011, his main priority was education. “Noong maging mayor ako, nagtayo agad ako ng tatlong high schools sa bundok (When I became mayor, I immediately built three high schools in the mountains),” he quips. One is 15 kilometers from the town proper and located at the boundary of Catmon and Tuburan; one in Kabangkalan, which is at the center of Tuburan; and one in Kansi, which is at the boundary of Asturias. For the first two schools, it was Mayor Aljun who bought the lot (one-hectare for each) with his own money. He and DepEd agreed that he will build the high schools and shoulder the salary of the teachers during the first year. Then on the following year, DepEd will allot budget for it. Click here to read full article for free

< Back CALISTA MEETS FANS IN A SERIES OF MALL TOURS CALISTA MERLION EVENTS PRODUCTION INC. Read up about the series of mall shows of the P-pop girl group Calista and Tera’s launching. Calista, an all-girl P-pop group made up of Olive, Laiza, Anne, Denise, Elle, and Dain, thrilled fans and introduced themselves to a new audience during their first-ever series of mall tours in October 2022. Calista kicked off the weekend at Eastwood City Central Plaza, Citywalk last October 14, with live song and dance performances of their original singles. The next weekend, October 22, at Venice Grand Canal, they performed a dazzling show that fit in well with the mall’s enchanted atmosphere. Calista greeted their fans with lovely smiles as they rowed down the Grand Canal in a gondola. They made the most of spending early Christmas in such a beautiful place by eating traditional Christmas treats like puto bumbong (purple rice cake) and bibingka (baked rice cake). Meanwhile, Halloween celebration in Lucky Chinatown was enhanced by Calista’s performance on October 30. The delighted fans watched Calista in awe as the group performed “Race Car” and their newly released singles “Don’t Have Time” and “Christmas Rush.” The audience sang along while waving their Calista posters, fans, stickers, and light sticks. The fans ultimately had the chance to meet their favorite Calista members and snap a picture with them. Also on stage were Tera, John Arcenas, Jimsen Jison, and Carren Eistrup, who also came up with powerful performances. “CHRISTMAS RUSH” IS PERFECT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Less than a month before Christmas, P-pop girl group Calista released their brand-new single, “Christmas Rush,” just in time for the festive season. Calista proves in their most recent song that their vocals aren’t just for powerful, upbeat music. Their lovely and delicate voice range is both versatile and energetic, making it perfect for bringing joy throughout the holidays. A unique Taglish (Tagalog and English) song with a contemporary twist to complement your holiday playlist. The catchy lyrics were written by Filipino singer-songwriter Tera and depict typical Christmas images in the Philippines, including festively decorated shops, family reunions, children’s excitement, and other traditions. Marcus Davis added a playful touch to the lyrics by combining burlesque and jazz sounds with appealing pop voices in his music. “Christmas Rush” was released on November 3 and is now accessible for public streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. The official “Christmas Rush” lyric video can be found on Calista’s YouTube channel at Calista PH. Buy magazine here

While January is the country’s National Zero Waste Month, helping reduce waste should be an all-year round habit. < Back WAYS TO ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE While January is the country’s National Zero Waste Month, helping reduce waste should be an all-year round habit. Since the world’s first fully synthetic plastic was invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, the material has taken over day-today living. Achieving a zero-waste life feels like an impossible mission especially when the usage of plastics skyrocketed post-World War II. At this point, the use of plastic has been the biggest game-changer in terms of convenience. Plastic bags are more versatile and durable than their paper, glass, and ceramic counterparts. However, every action has its limitations and consequences; and it took a threatening reminder for us to realize that sobering fact. In a solid waste management assessment done by Tetra Tech in July 2020, the Philippines was identified as the third-highest country in terms of plastic waste contribution to the ocean. About 1.9 million metric tons of plastics from our islands end up in the ocean every year. Every January, the country celebrates National Zero Waste Month. This is in compliance with Republic Act (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Said law mandates local government units to reduce waste to at least 25 percent through integrated solid waste management, with the help of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). Zero Waste International Alliance defines ‘zero waste’ as “The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE AT HOME THIS 2023 SEGREGATE Segregation is the start of proper waste management. When done right, it becomes easy to identify which ones are ready to be thrown away and which ones can be recycled. Prepare a clean container and separate the dry and wet wastes. The dry wastes can be separated into categories such as plastics, paper, and glass. BRING ECOBAGS/REUSABLE CONTAINERS WHEN BUYING GROCERIES Certain department stores and groceries encourage the use of reusable bags by no longer providing plastic bags and as an alternative, they can provide ecobags. By bringing your own, you can save yourself the hassle of bringing multiple plastic bags while also saving your money by not purchasing more ecobags than needed. BUY IN BULK There are numerous advantages to buying products in bulk. One obvious reason is bulk orders use significantly less packaging. Besides, bottles of bigger variants are usually reusable or refillable. Contrary to popular belief, buying products in bigger sizes actually saves you money. DONATE YOUR PRELOVED POSSESSIONS Old and preloved possessions do not necessarily have to go straight to landfills. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A good way to start zeroing your waste is to gather all the things that you haven’t used in a long while or no longer find useful that are still functional, wearable, or clean. After sorting them or washing them, you could donate them to charities or even earn some money by selling them online. GO PAPERLESS As we learned in introductory science class, trees reduce flooding because the roots absorb the water. And paper production is just one of the biggest reasons humans have to cut down trees. We use paper for school, work, and personal hygiene every day. As much as we can, use more sustainable and reusable alternatives—choose handkerchiefs over facial tissues, go paperless with your sketches and to-do lists at work, or email instead of sending a physical letter. REPURPOSE YOUR CLOTHES Like plastics, clothes take a lifetime to dissolve. For clothes that have some minor damage, have them repaired by a dressmaker. If a piece of clothing can no longer be used, repurpose it as a hand dryer or a kitchen rag. Denim jeans can be turned into a cute coin purse, a book sleeve or a laptop bag. WHERE TO SEND YOUR WASTES THE PLASTIC FLAMINGO The Plastic Flamingo (Plaf) is a social enterprise that collects plastic wastes from microwavable containers, shampoo bottles, and disposable utensils, to online shopping bags. Plaf converts these plastics into recycled and recyclable construction materials and furniture. It partnered with numerous malls and brands nationwide where you can drop off your plastic waste— Jollibee (Fairview, Quezon City, and North Caloocan branches), Decathlon (Masinag, Alabang, and Pasig branches), and Bench (SM Megamall, Trinoma, and Robinsons Place Manila). Some brand partners also give gift certificates as a reward for dropping off your plastics. Check out www.theplaf.com to see more drop-off places or message them on their Facebook page. GREEN SPACE Green Space is a food waste composting company that allows people to compost their food waste with the use of a bucket. All you have to do is collect your food waste and schedule a pickup. Food wastes are used as a fertilizer to produce healthier soil for planting. Check out their affordable offers on their composting services posted on shop.greenspace.ph. GREEN ANTZ BUILDERS, INC. Green Antz also collects PET bottles and high-density polyethylene such as milk jugs, toothpaste tubes, and cooking oil containers. They transform solid wastes into construction and infrastructure supplies and agricultural solutions. The good thing about Green Antz is they also accept plastics from online shops and eco-bottles, made by filling plastic bottles with single-use plastic bags. You can meet their collecting team at the entrances of Ayala Malls Vertis and Feliz, Salcedo Market, and Bonifacio High Street every Saturday. ENVIROTECH WASTE RECYCLING, INC. Envirotech offers complete plastic waste management services, from collection to recycling. They collect plastics and transform such into classroom chairs, benches, tiles, planks, garbage bins, and more. They also partner with big companies in reducing waste that end up in landfills and make useful materials out of total waste. Envirotech has a site in Cainta, Rizal where you can drop off your cleaned plastic waste. According to Envirotech President and CEO Winchester O. Lemen: • 30 kilograms of plastic = 1 chair • 300 pieces of 500 ml bottle = 1 chair • 2,181 pieces of sando bag = 1 chair • 10,000 pieces of candy wrapper= 1 chair

< Back BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES MAYOR JUN OMAR EBDANE BY EDWIN ALLAN DIAZ For Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane of Botolan, a first-class municipality in Zambales, being competitive is in his nature, Ebdane is a certified Global Underwater Explorer (GUE) Tech 1, with a record dive of 75 meters and at least 100 experienced dives. He is also a reservist chief petty officer in the Philippine Navy (PN). Aside from scuba diving, Ebdane also plays basketball, participates in triathlons, and joins Spartan Race, the most popular obstacle course race in the world. Being physically fit for the job, literally, fuels Ebdane to serve his constituents better and give Botolan the quality government services it deserves. They are his priority, especially as a first-time mayor. However, Botolan is not Ebdane’s first rodeo. DIRECT INFLUENCES Ebdane entered public service in 2010 as provincial administrator under his father, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Edejer Ebdane, Jr., whom he considers as his greatest inspiration for entering public service. “Hangga’t nakaupo ka o hangga’t may pwesto ka, may panahon ka para makatulong. Mas maganda ‘yung tumulong ka sa maraming tao hangga’t kayang-kaya mo (As long as you still occupy an elective position, you still have time to help. It’s better to help a lot of people whenever you can),” Ebdane shares his father’s advice. But it was never Ebdane’s goal to become a politician. He was supposed to enroll in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1991, but he had to pull out his papers due to a series of coups. After graduating from Mapua, he was supposed to enroll in medicine but lack of funds prevented him from continuing. So he established a computer shop and a networking business instead. “That was the time I was trying to find myself. I joined athletic clubs, glee clubs, art clubs, just to find out what was for me,” Ebdane says. These setbacks did not stop Ebdane from fulfilling his ultimate goal through the tagline, “Serbisyo at Kalinga Para sa Pamilyang Botoleño (Service and Care for Botoleño Families).” “Actually, it’s like a rehash of the ‘Hatid Serbisyo’ (Deliver Service) program of Gov. Ebdane, Jr. The reason why we chose that tagline is that we liked Botolan, together with the club I’m part of. We really want to uplift Botolan as well as its people,” Ebdane says. Such mindset runs in the family. Governor Ebdane, Jr. was the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and the national security adviser of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He then became secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “Except for the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources)—he didn’t think about joining that department,” Ebdane jokingly shares with LEAGUE. Jun Rundstedt Ebdane, Ebdane’s brother, is one of two provincial board members of the Second District of Zambales. Prior to being elected to this position, he was the 23rd mayor of Iba, another first-class municipality in Zambales, and was a provincial administrator as well. Even though people criticize their family for being a non-political bloodline, Ebdane saw that his father only cared about one thing: public service. “Nakita ko na kahit anuman mangyari (I saw that no matter what happens), even when they throw negative stones at him, deretso pa rin ‘yung tulong. Talagang hindi tumitigil (he continues to serve. Service never ends), it’s being relentless in public service,” he says. CHALLENGES ACCEPTED When LEAGUE asked Ebdane about his first challenge in their local government unit (LGU)—infrastructure—he called it his favorite. Botolan has allocated Php55.36 million for the implementation of its infrastructure projects. Ebdane highlights a farm-to-market road for the organic produce of Botolan’s indigenous peoples. This is under the 20 percent development fund under the annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF). “I told [the municipal council] that we will be making a farm-to-market road from the highway all the way up to the last eastern barangay. The products of the indigenous peoples, their bananas, large root crops, they’re all organic,” Ebdane reveals. Aside from preventing food poisoning caused by insecticides and artificial fertilizers, the road also ensures Mt. Pinatubo will be safer to climb. Locals manage the road up the dormant volcano, which Ebdane is familiar with, having climbed yearly since 2009. “Malomboy River, the first river you need to cross, all the cars there will be washed away by its current exacerbated by heavy rain,” Ebdane says. Having experienced Pinatubo for so long is also one of the reasons why he fell in love with Botolan, doing anything he can to preserve its natural beauty. The LGU is already planning on giving alternative livelihoods to charcoal makers in the hopes of restoring the mountain. So that we can remove charcoal-making and burning [activities], at the same time our forests and mountains will become thick again,” he says. This includes slash-and-burn agriculture used to catch baboy damo (wild boar) and deer. While Botolan is not financially ready to modernize its public transportation, it remains focused on improving the quality of life of its indigenous peoples. By providing new designs for spears and bows and arrows and encouraging them to go to college, they get to preserve and improve their culture. “We’re trying to teach them management so that they could manage their area because of the ancestral domain law,” Ebdane says. He agrees that the indigenous peoples have the right under the ancestral domain as declared by DILG. Ebdane is happy to report that cellular reception in Botolan is fluid, with multiple telecommunications companies offering their services. Just like in his administration, where he implemented a major change in their workflow. “I gave them the authority to decide for their departments, which was actually lacking for the past 18 years. Since they started making their decisions for their departments and they only answer to me, so now, we’re able to accomplish a lot.” DEVOTED Even with the shift in leadership, Ebdane did not hesitate to admit the greatest challenge to his position. “How to convince most of the people to just stop with the negativities and just roll with us. We know what we’re doing, so they might as well roll with us.” As a Marian devotee, Ebdane is hoping his constituents will become better, not just for themselves but also for the people around them. He shares his prayer for Botolan: “Everyone should grow up and make their generation evolve. The next generation should always be better than the previous one.” To help realize this, the Botolan LGU, with input from Ebdane, shares motivational posts on Facebook. The mayor believes that they go a long way for Botoleños, helping them get through the day. “Hopefully it helps. Hindi mo naman malalaman kung hindi mo susubukan (You will never know unless you try.) Those motivational posts we post are for them to read. If something happens to them along the way, a thought will pop into their head. If this is what happened, this is what you should do. It’s like you are studying.” Some examples include “Staying positive doesn’t mean you have to be happy all the time. It means that even on hard days you know that there are better ones coming;” “You don’t always have to tell your side of the story. Time will;” “Always remember that your present situation is not your final destination. The best is yet to come.” Although Ebdane has yet to hear anyone approach them for their posts, it’s still their projects that get the most appreciation and attention. Whether it’s a hospital or social services, Botoleños are thankful. Using their “Ground Zero” approach in Zambales, they slowly build structures (e.g. schools), one story at a time. Once they have the budget for the second story, they will proceed. But there is no rush. “It’s like the same thing when I was in Congress and I said that if we will create schools, it should be ready for three stories. Even if they are not yet needed, build the first story, with the second and third stories already on standby,” Ebdane says. SLOW BUT STEADY Ebdane attended the League of Municipalities (LMP) General Assembly 2023 and learned that leaders should maximize all available resources and opportunities. “No matter how low your tax allocation or funding may be, make do with what you have,” he says. While Ebdane was not able to convince the PN to establish its Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command in Botolan—his dream project—he is still excited about what’s to come to their municipality. But, being a first-time mayor, he tells LEAGUE to stay tuned, as most of his projects are still for implementation in the fourth quarter of 2023. Majority of these include building various public facilities; repairing and constructing roads; procuring emergency equipment, supplies, and vehicles; and installing flood-control and slope-protection structures. Asked what motivates him to serve further, Ebdane simply replies, “It’s the competitive drive.”

< Back Continued Dedication to Public Service BY NOVIE ROSE NUÑEZ You can learn something from anyone. I learned from fishball and taho (silken tofu with syrup and sago pearls) vendors. I learned from successful businessmen,” Parañaque 2nd District Councilor Jose Enrico “Rico” Golez emphasizes, highlighting his deep respect for every individual in his community, regardless of their social standing. His remarkable path to public service has been greatly shaped by a wide range of people. He finds inspiration from people from all walks of life, from ordinary street vendors to entrepreneurs who have found their niche. However, it is not just the vendors’ or businessmen’s entrepreneurial spirit that has had a lasting impact on Golez. He believes that a significant part of his success comes from the simple yet deep principles he has learned from these interactions. “Hard work is what they give emphasis to,” he shares, highlighting how this relates to his unwavering dedication to serving his constituents diligently. Similarly important is his philosophy in life, which goes, “There’s no easy thing in life. There’s always the correct thing in life.” This guiding principle ensures that Golez makes decisions based on a moral compass, always striving for what is right rather than what is convenient. Furthermore, he is highly aware of the ever-changing dynamics of the world. He advises, “Be flexible with time because the world changes. But even if the world is changing, there are certain things that you still try as hard as you can to hold deeply.” FROM BACKGROUND TO FOREFRONT In 2004, Golez began a journey that would define his purpose in life. He was elected as a councilor and went on to serve for three terms, something which proved to be a remarkable experience. During this time, he gained valuable firsthand knowledge about the realm of public service, facing both challenges and rewards that come with being a public servant. He shares, “When my father served as a congressman for nine years from 1992 to 2000, I was just in the background. I would help just to facilitate things. But now, it is I who’s in that position. So, because I am already in public service, I have access to the city hall, and you try to bring the services available to the people closer to them.” The shift from being a supportive figure to a public servant exposed Golez to intricate local issues. Attending to matters concerning public health, environment, and various other concerns became his daily responsibility. Golez openly acknowledges that he was quite unaware of the above issues before entering public service. He says, “When I was not yet in public service, not yet in the city council, there were many local issues that I didn’t even know about like [those concerning] public health, environment, and others. But once I was there, that’s when I realized that it’s not that easy. It’s not that easy [for anyone], especially if you try to enact laws.” He realized that it demanded careful focus, a thorough understanding of the matters at hand and a strong desire to bring about laws beneficial to his constituents. “But, if you are dedicated to your work, you can make thing easier,” he adds. A LEGACY OF POSITIVE CHANGE One of the young leader’s most recent and proudest achievements is the implementation of the city’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP). During his stint as vice mayor from 2013 to 2022, he observed that people in his community were facing difficulties paying for their medical bills, particularly for procedures such as dialysis and chemotherapy. Recognizing the necessity of providing assistance, he introduced SAP. He notes, “In our own little way, the city government is able to provide some financial assistance, ranging from Php3,000 to Php5,000, depending on how much the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel allocate.” Golez also stresses the significance of collaboration in the legislative process. He understands that, as a councilor, it is vital to work alongside other council members in order to successfully enact important ordinances. For instance, although he introduced the SAP, it was only made possible with the help and cooperation of his fellow councilors. “That’s part of the job, to collaborate. You have to learn how to collaborate with certain people in order to make things work,” he states. The councilor reflects on his previous terms as part of the Parañaque City Council and highlights key ordinances that have made a lasting impact. He says that the Local Housing Development Office has greatly improved the organization of housing and land use in the city. “Before, the city did not have a clear direction with regard to housing. With the establishment of the office, housing efforts are now clearly laid out,” he says. Golez spearheaded the passage of the ordinance in the mid2000s, with the aim of providing guidance for land development in the city. He is delighted to see this initiative mirrored at the national level, with the filing of a Senate bill mandating all cities and municipalities to establish local housing development offices. He places high value on being one of those who pioneered this effort for the City of Parañaque and hopes that the bill will be enacted into law. Meanwhile, the city’s Disaster Risk Management Office, according to Golez, plays a vital role in addressing various calamities and ensuring the safety of residents during times of catastrophe. He states, “When there’s a storm, flood, earthquake, or any tragedy in the city, there’s one office that will take charge.” Golez states that the Parañaque I’M HERE TO STAY, AND I’M STILL AS MOTIVATED AS I WAS IN 2004. I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT I CAN SERVE THE CITY BETTER BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCE THAT I’VE GAINED THROUGH THE YEARS. Cooperative Development Office (PCDO) has helped foster the growth and development of cooperatives. He is proud to see the cooperative movement flourish in the city. He shares, “Since there are many cooperative offices here in Paranaque City, when I introduced that measure, various cooperatives in the city were strengthened because they had seminars and exchanged ideas.” He points to the companionship and collaboration that exist among the city’s public servants, understanding the value of working together to address the pressing issues in their community. This collaboration has paved the way for collective effort to bring about positive change within the city. DEDICATION TO CONTINUED SERVICE Golez is deeply committed to acting on local issues and focusing on initiatives that he wishes to continue working on. First, he intends to support solo parents and advocate for simplified and more efficient processes for them to be able to avail of the benefits they are entitled to. Second, Golez is aware of the education gap that has widened due to the pandemic. To address this issue, he introduced an ordinance to allocate funds for remedial classes for non-readers, or those students whose reading proficiency is below their grade level. He shares, “Together with the Department of Education (DepEd), I filed an ordinance to appropriate a certain amount for us to fund a project. There are remedial classes for non-readers, so it seems like we need to fund that to be more effective.” Additionally, Golez has taken steps to enhance the transition from daycare to DepEd-supervised schools, addressing the challenges faced by students during this transition. He filed a resolution to establish an advocacy committee that will facilitate collaboration between the DepEd and the daycare sector, with the aim of improving the curriculum and making the transition smoother for daycare students. Subsequently, these will scrutinize particular concerns at hand in order to enhance the correlation between the daycare curriculum and that of the DepEd. Furthermore, this will iron out kinks in daycare students’ transition to DepEd-supervised schools. Golez is also exploring ways to apply the Magna Carta for Daycare Workers locally, once it is enacted into law by Congress. He is studying the provisions of the proposed national law to ensure its successful implementation within the Parañaque community. He clarifies that although he contributes to higher education as chairman of the Committee on Education and a member of the school board, his true passion lies in establishing a solid educational foundation. Golez proudly mentions his 19-year-old program, which involves distributing workbooks to daycare students annually but was temporarily stopped due to the pandemic. He is extremely satisfied and determined in doing so. “I really prefer to give books because I am pleased that in some way, I am able to contribute in improving their ability to read and write. I take pride in that, I have made a contribution to the early development of the children,” he emphasizes. COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS Asked about his most significant or proudest moments as a public servant, Golez shares a reflection on a period that had a lasting impact on his public service journey. He talks about the COVID-19 pandemic, where he had to continue serving the people of Parañaque despite the many risks involved. He sees it as a testament to his dedication and commitment to his role, where he played a part in helping his community navigate through the darkest times. “I am happy that we were able to overcome the crisis. It’s perhaps the biggest crisis in the Philippines since World War II, disrupting the lives of all Filipinos. I take pride in how I was there to help the city government of Parañaque and our constituents [get through the pandemic],” he proudly shares. Golez believes that his journey is a testament to the enduring power of public service and the positive impact one dedicated individual can have on a community. He also highlights continuity, progress, and unwavering dedication to his constituents. As he looks ahead, he remains steadfast in his dedication to the welfare of his constituents and the betterment of Parañaque City. He is confident of having more happy moments, seeing how his pet projects and initiatives are being put into action and bearing fruit. “I’m here to stay, and I’m still as motivated as I was in 2004. I honestly believe that I can serve the city better because of the experience that I’ve gained through the years,” he concludes.

Recent statements from United States’ representatives spark increasing tension in the South East Asian region. With the Philippines right at the center of the issue, what can we expect moving forward? < Back THOUGHT LEADER Recent statements from United States’ representatives spark increasing tension in the South East Asian region. With the Philippines right at the center of the issue, what can we expect moving forward? By Prof. Herman Joseph S. Kraft The discussions going on regarding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States (US) is the latest episode in a growing drama involving great power relations in the geopolitical arena known as the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines has over the past few years become a star player in that drama, being the target of competing attention from the US and China. The foreign policy of former President Rodrigo Duterte pivoting the Philippines to China effectively sent a signal to the US that it could no longer take the friendship and loyalty of the Philippines for granted, and that the Philippines was “open for business” to whomever was interested in dealing with it on a fair basis. The signal was received loud and clear and the US pulled all stops to try to recover lost ground in its relations with the Philippines. In the aftermath of presidential elections in the Philippines where Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. emerged the winner, a number of high ranking officials came to the Philippines to reassure the Philippines of US support and assistance. The other side of the story is the question of the Philippines’ own willingness to commit more fully to this alliance. The US full-court press (as they say in basketball) was highlighted by the visit of Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines on November 21-22, 2022, which accentuated persistent regional issues that directly impact Philippine foreign policy considerations and choices that require the attention of the Marcos administration. During her visit, Harris met with Marcos and other administration officials to discuss the bilateral economic relationship between the two countries. She also discussed human rights and support for democratic institutions with civil society groups. It was clear, however, that her visit had more of a regional security flavor to it. Harris reiterated US commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines. Her visit reemphasized US support for the Hague Decision on the case laid before it by the Philippines in 2016, what this implied for Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippines Sea (WPS), and clear criticism of Chinese activities and presence therein. More broadly, it is illustrative of the consolidation of US intentions and efforts to maintain a “rules-based” liberal order and keep its hegemonic position therein—a position that is steadily being challenged globally by a coalition of forces led by Russia and China. In the Indo-Pacific, this has laid the foundation of a relationship between the US and China that has progressively intensified in its competitive nature. The Biden administration has identified China as a strategic competitor of the US. While China has denied that it sees the US in similar terms, it has constantly worked to weaken the US position of dominance in the region. In this context, the Harris visit is part of the process of shoring up the regional position of the US, and ensuring the Philippine’s place in its strategy. The visit of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in February 2023 further deepened the position of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific strategy of the US. It finalized the implementation of the EDCA, and even expanded original negotiations to include four new sites that could be used by the US military for its rotational deployment in the Philippines. The question, however, is to what extent is the Philippines accepting of that place in the strategic calculus of the Indo-Pacific? Is it consistent with the Philippines’ own appreciation of its position in the shifting balance of power in the region? THE “PIVOT TO CHINA” The Duterte administration had sought to bring the Philippines closer to the Chinese orbit—a policy that had been referred to by a number of analysts as a “pivot to China.” It came to the point where there seemed to be a threat to the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the US as Duterte threatened to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the US and the Philippines. Such an act would have made the alliance largely toothless as the VFA provided the legal basis for joint exercises and American military presence (no matter how temporary) in the Philippines. Eventually, the process of abrogation was discontinued as the Duterte administration acknowledged the key role played by the US in providing vaccines against COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic. Behind the scenes, however, two factors militated against any action weakening the military alliance. First was the strongly institutionalized relationship of the Indo-Pacific Command of the US and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Second was the lack of popular support for Duterte’s preference for a policy of closer ties with China especially in the face of China’s activities in the WPS. Eventually, Marcos seemed to right the imbalance in the traditional relationship between the Philippines and the US by his reassurance of strengthening ties between the two countries, and his statements regarding the need to strengthen the defense of Philippine sovereign rights and claims in the WPS—statements that were directed at more aggressive Chinese activities in the disputed waters. This is not to say that there was no support for the “pivot to China.” The prospect of a renewed American military and naval presence in the Philippines has revived commentaries and criticisms from nationalist groups and from some business groups about the possibility of the Philippines being dragged into great power politics. This is particularly telling in relation to growing tensions over Taiwan. Unusual comparisons were even made with the provocation to China represented by the visit to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Although China had reassured the Philippines that it considered these visits of American high officials as a matter between the US and the Philippines and not something that they felt they had a say on, there were references to how the EDCA arrangements placed the Philippines in a vulnerable position in the intensifying rivalry between China and the US. There are growing calls for the Philippines to keep itself neutral in these intramurals. And yet, these intramurals are at the very doorstep of the Philippines. The WPS issue remains a concern of the Philippines as reports of increased Chinese Coast Guard presence getting closer to Philippine coastlines (and more aggressively asserting their right to be present) increase. The initiative on the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness has assisted in providing the Philippines with information on what is going on in the WPS instead of getting caught by surprise as it did over Mischief Reef in 1995. The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) has already given instructions for the AFP to increase its presence in the disputed areas as reports of potential Chinese “reclamation” activities have come out. The Chinese Embassy to the Philippines has denied this, but this move by the AFP is in keeping with the promise of the Marcos administration to defend the country’s territory. More importantly, the comparison with the Pelosi visit to Taiwan actually highlights a potentially explosive situation that the Philippines will have to make contingencies for. Taiwan arguably is already the hotspot, with the potential to directly spark a conflagration between the US and China. Chinese President Xi Jinping has already vowed that reunification (if necessary, with the use of force) with Taiwan is a goal of China under his leadership. To a large extent, he has staked the legitimacy of his rule and that of the Communist Party of China on this outcome. Consequently, the Chinese government has been critical of the US promise to provide for the defense of Taiwan as a provocation. Reported Chinese incursions over the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) of Taiwan have increased in both the number of planes involved and the frequency of their occurrence. The issue for the Philippines is that Taiwan is just next door. Any escalation in military activities and confrontation in and around the island would have a spillover potential on Philippine territory. Already, there are reports that some of the additional sites being considered under EDCA will be located in Northern Luzon—fronting the Bashi Channel across from Taiwan. This seems to affirm nationalist concerns over the alliance with the US dragging the Philippines to be directly involved in US conflicts—an issue raised by local officials in the provinces where these new sites might be located. Yet, other pieces in the geopolitical chessboard are also moving. Japan has announced an increase in its defense spending that would make it the country with the second highest defense budget in the world (next only to the US). It has its own escalating territorial beef with China over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, and with Russia over the Kuriles. Yet this action on the part of Japan has generated its own response, with North Korea promising action against Japan’s “unjust and excessive ambition. OPTIONS FOR THE PHILIPPINES Amidst all these developments, the Philippines might find its window for independent action closing. It is too close geographically to the scene of the action to just ignore it. The country cannot just claim that its alliance with the US has become too inconvenient and renege on its obligations without besmirching its national honor—especially after all the decades of sounding off on the unsatisfactory guarantees of support and protection from the US. Nor does it have the topography or the resources to do what Switzerland did in the First and Second World Wars, i.e. armed neutrality in the middle of a massive war. Its best option at the moment is to work with other Indo-Pacific countries to lower the temperature in the region. Perhaps working with its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners might be a way of trying to cool down the heat. Unfortunately, the regional grouping lacks leadership and unity in acting on strategic issues. Being in the middle of all these developments, the Philippines has a particular interest in cooling down the situation. It is an ally of the US and that is its trump card in its troubles with China over the South China Sea. It must, however, try to leverage this relationship with the US to mitigate rising tensions with China. Perhaps Marcos can display the leadership qualities his communications office claimed he had shown at the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia on November 2022, and at the European Union (EU)-ASEAN Summit to act as a regional statesman. It is leadership at this level that needs to be shown—and this is the challenge facing the Philippines, and particularly the Marcos administration.