< Back SPOTLIGHT

< Back CAVITE 2ND DISTRICT CONGRESSWOMAN LANI MERCADO-REVILLA BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA CAVITE SECOND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE LANI MERCADO-REVILLA’S MATERNAL APPROACH TO POLITICS IS A REMINDER THAT GENUINE CARE AND EMPATHY CAN BE POWERFUL CATALYSTS FOR POSITIVE CHANGE. When Lani Mercado-Revilla, then a mayoralty candidate, experienced defeat in the 2001 elections in Bacoor, Cavite, it prompted her to reflect on whether public service was truly her calling. “I felt it’s for the male sector. It’s not for me,” she recalls to LEAGUE. Being the optimistic person that she is, the actress and mother of seven looked at her loss as a blessing in disguise, and instead focused on her showbiz career and family life. But then the call for public service knocked again towards the end of that decade when her brother-in-law, Strike Revilla, won as mayor of Bacoor in 2007. “It was one of the dreams of our constituents in Bacoor to transform the municipality into a city because it will bring progress,” Mercado-Revilla says. Mayor Strike and the barangay chairpersons convinced her to run as congresswoman of the district of Bacoor in the 2010 elections to push this agenda. So when Mercado-Revilla won the 2010 congressional race, she made the passage of House Bill No. (HB) 521, which sought to convert the Municipality of Bacoor into a city, as her top priority. Her husband, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., authored the Senate version of the bill, which was signed into law as Republic Act No. 10160. This act created the City of Bacoor and was ratified in a plebiscite on June 23, 2012. Those were exciting times for the neophyte lawmaker because while performing her duties as congresswoman, she also decided to go back to school and finish her college education through ETEEAP, or the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program. This alternative learning program is geared towards working professionals who have not enrolled for or completed their bachelor’s degree. “Hindi ko natapos ang college education ko (I wasn’t able to finish college). But it was my dream to finish college because it’s an unfinished business for me. It was the dream of my parents for me to graduate college, but then I got married early, entered show business,” she says. In 2016, she became the first lady mayor of the City of Bacoor, a post she held until 2022. BACK IN CONGRESS Today, Mercado-Revilla has returned to Congress, picking up where she left off, after her victory as congresswoman of the Second District of Cavite in the 2022 elections. “I know I have some unfinished business as mayor, and the former congressman, Strike Revilla, who’s now mayor, also has unfinished business in our district. So whatever his unfunded and as such, unfinished projects were, I am now pushing for,” she says. Mercado-Revilla cites the delivery of health services as one of her key priorities as a lawmaker. Which is why she, together with her sons Rep. Bryan Revilla and Rep. Jolo Revilla III, filed HB 02534, increasing the bed capacity of Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital in the City of Bacoor. It started out as a district hospital, where the land it was built on was donated by her late father-in-law, Ramon Revilla, Sr. Recently, Senator Revilla, together with the Department of Health (DOH), provided funding for the construction of another building, named after her fatherin-law. “This expansion aims to increase the hospital’s capacity by adding more beds. We are gradually expanding both the number of beds and the range of services offered because this facility serves not only the entire Region IV-A, but sometimes even patients from Manila. It is crucial to secure adequate funding for the continued development of the hospital, along with the enhancement of its workforce,” says Mercado-Revilla. She has also filed a bill aimed at establishing nutrition departments across the Philippines. She believes that malnutrition is a pressing issue that we must address. And while we have the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in place, she believes that further support is needed to effectively implement its projects at the grassroots level. “We need to focus on this effort, work hand in hand with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA),” she says. Education is also a paramount focus in her legislative agenda. A project that holds a special place in her heart is the establishment of the Bacoor National Science High School, a commitment she made when she first took office in 2010. “I’m delighted to share that we have already signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the piece of land that they own. “They will collaborate closely with Department of Education (DepEd)-Bacoor, and adjacent to it, there will be Cavite State University (CvSU) Bacoor, an extension of CvSU specializing in science and engineering subjects,” she adds. The lady legislator is happy to share that upon her return to Congress, her office pushed for the conversion of Bacoor National High School - Tabing Dagat into an independent high school, bearing the name Mariano Gomes National High School. She co-authored the said bill with Rep. Bryan, Rep. Romulo Roman, and Rep. Rizaldy Co. Establishing schools within the Bacoor district posed a huge challenge, given the number of prerequisites involved, including securing the deed of donation for the land, enacting local ordinances by the local government and local school board, and ensuring proper budget allocations. So she’s pleased that this goal has finally been realized. Years of experience in public service have taught Revilla-Mercado that being a public servant is “a very selfless profession” and popularity alone doesn’t secure election victories. “You have to immerse yourself in the everyday life of your district, of your constituents,” she says. “We have two residences—one in Alabang and one in Bacoor—and when I was mayor, I really stayed in Bacoor, so dama ko ang traffic, dama ko ang baha, dama ko lahat. So ‘pag may sunog nandiyan kaagad ako. Dapat talaga ramdam mo ang problema ng constituents mo (I know the traffic situation, I know the concerns regarding flooding, I know their experiences. So when there is a fire incident, I make it a point to show up. A public official should really know the concerns of her constituents).” From her late father-in-law, Revilla, Sr., she learned to “Never settle for good, always aim for the best.” This principle continues to drive her actions, pushing her to give her best in everything she does. Serving as a legislator and formerly as mayor of the city of Bacoor, MercadoRevilla realized that collaboration between the congressional representative and the local government is crucial. “It is a major factor that we are in one team—the mayor of the city of Bacoor, myself, together with extra help from the Senate through Senator Bong Revilla, we are able to work hand in hand in terms of development and progress in our district and not only in our district, but also the whole province,” she says.

< Back A Seat at the Table: The Philippines’ Michelin Moment BY NEPHELINE LIM DACUNO THE MICHELIN GUIDE’S DEBUT IN THE PHILIPPINES HAS EVERYONE WATCHING FOR WHICH RESTAURANTS WILL EARN A STAR. BUT THE TRUE IMPACT GOES BEYOND RANKINGS—IT’S A GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT ON FILIPINO CHEFS AND THEIR RESILIENT, CREATIVE, AND HEARTFELT CUISINE. For years, Filipino cuisine has quietly commanded respect, from humble home kitchens to global food capitals. Now, with the arrival of the Michelin Guide, the Philippines stands at the threshold of international culinary recognition. But this moment isn’t just about the accolades. It is about affirmation, the stories simmered into every dish, the generations of craft, and the communities behind the cuisine. The stars will shine, yes. But the real light is in what they illuminate: a food culture ready to take its place on the world stage, not for show, but for soul. At the Rolling Stone Philippines inaugural event on March 21, 2025, held at the Maybank Arts Theatre in Bonifacio City, Taguig, Global Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco called the milestone “a powerful endorsement of Filipino talent.” She added, “We foresee that the presence of this world-renowned guide in the country will support our restaurant industry by increasing quality, ensuring employment retention, creating more jobs, and upskilling chefs and industry workers.” But the Michelin Guide goes beyond fine dining. It has the power to uplift communities, from chefs and restaurateurs to farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners. Behind every beautifully plated dish is a network of hardworking individuals, and Michelin’s arrival is a long-overdue validation of their contributions. MICHELIN’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS When people hear “Michelin,” two things typically come to mind: tires and top-tier dining. While the Michelin Guide is now synonymous with culinary prestige, its roots lie more in road trips than in recipes. The story begins in 1889, in the quiet French town of Clermont Ferrand, where brothers André and Édouard Michelin founded their tire company. At the time, France had fewer than 3,000 cars on the road. Determined to ignite the country’s motoring spirit, and, in turn, boost tire sales, the brothers launched a clever marketing tool: a red guidebook for drivers. It featured maps, roadside assistance tips, and practical information like where to refuel or f ix a flat. It wasn’t until 20 years later that food entered the picture. Originally handed out for free, the guides took on a new life in 1920 after André noticed one being used to prop up a workbench. The guides were relaunched for seven francs, now including listings of hotels and restaurants, particularly in Paris. The revamped Michelin Guide gained popularity, prompting the brothers to go one step further: hiring anonymous restaurant inspectors. Their job? Dine in secret, judge fairly, and elevate the best dining experiences across France. And so, a culinary institution was born, not from a kitchen, but from a garage. STAR CRITERIA It would take six years before the now-iconic Michelin star made its debut, and even then, restaurants could only earn a single star. It wasn’t until five years later that the full three-tiered system we know today was introduced, along with a set of strict and highly confidential criteria that continue to command respect, and anxiety, in kitchens around the world. To this day, those criteria remain unchanged. Inspectors look for five core elements: the quality of ingredients, the harmony and balance of flavors, the chef’s personality as expressed through the cuisine, consistency across visits, and technical skill. A restaurant that doesn’t meet the mark simply doesn’t get a star. One star means the food is very good for its category. Two stars? Worth making a detour. And three stars, the highest honor, signifies exceptional cuisine that justifies planning an entire trip around the meal. Restaurants that deliver high-quality food at reasonable prices are awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction, a recognition for exceptional value in dining. But here’s the twist: none of this takes into account the ambience, the service, or the decor. The plate is the story, and everything else, no matter how Instagram-worthy or fancy, is just background. Still, for chefs and restaurateurs, the looming question remains: how do you even know if a Michelin inspector pays a visit? The truth is, you don’t. Restaurants never know they’ve been evaluated until the results are published. And that’s the point. Inspectors operate under a veil of secrecy, booking under false names, dining alone or with friends, never dropping hints, and even changing personal details or switching contact numbers to ensure that the restaurant doesn’t catch any hint. Their job is to experience a restaurant exactly the way any diner would: no special treatment, no heads up, and no pressure to perform. In fact, Michelin inspectors expect to be treated like regular diners. They want to see the restaurant in its natural state, on a regular night, during regular service,with the usual rush and the usual flaws, because that is where the truth lies. The stars, ultimately, are earned not through spectacle but through quiet, relentless excellence. For chefs dreaming of stars, it is a long game. And for diners, it is a reminder that behind every star is a team showing up day after day, not for the spotlight but for the plate. SOUTHEAST ASIA’S CULINARY RISE When Vietnam received its first Michelin Guide on June 6, 2023, it marked more than just another entry in the iconic red book. For many, it was a celebration of national pride and a clear signal that Vietnamese cuisine had stepped confidently onto the global culinary stage. Vietnam became the fourth Southeast Asian country to be featured, joining Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia in the ever growing Michelin map of the region. The Guide’s Southeast Asian journey began in Singapore in 2016, a fitting launchpad given the city-state’s unique ability to bridge street food traditions and fine dining excellence. Two years later, inspectors made their way to Thailand, focusing first on Bangkok before expanding coverage to culinary hubs like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. Today, Thailand’s Michelin selection includes 29 one-star restaurants, more than 180 Bib Gourmand picks, and over 200 total recommendations, each reflecting the depth and diversity of Thai cuisine. Malaysia is home to seven Michelin starred restaurants, including one that proudly holds two stars. Now, all eyes are on the Philippines. And this time, the anticipation feels different. With Manila and Cebu next in line in the country’s 2026 debut, the Philippines stands at the edge of a major culinary breakthrough. Filipino food, long praised by chefs and food lovers across the globe for its complexity, boldness, and heart, is finally on the verge of achieving one of the most prestigious honors in the dining world. Now that Michelin is coming, the Philippines stands ready, not to impress, but to share. Its cuisine speaks in quiet poetry, rich with history, soul, and the warmth of home. Ask any Filipino about the best dish they’ve ever had, and chances are, they’ll describe the one they grew up with at home. That’s the essence of Filipino cuisine: a love letter to culture and family. It’s a heartfelt hope that new diners (and inspectors) can taste that deep connection in every spoonful. WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS The Michelin Guide is more than a list. It’s a cultural endorsement. While the economic impact of Michelin’s presence in Southeast Asia remains difficult to quantify, the influence is undeniable. The Guide brings heightened visibility that often translates into significant boosts for tourism, hospitality, and local economies. Michelin’s endorsement could position the Philippines as a top culinary destination, attracting international food lovers and tourists eager to explore its diverse flavors. In turn, local businesses and industries will likely see a surge in demand, strengthening the country’s tourism infrastructure. Michelin does more than list restaurants. It shapes the global perception of what a country has to offer, both culinarily and culturally. For chefs and restaurateurs, earning a place in the Guide can be transformative. For cities and regions, it’s a powerful tool for branding, investment, and tourism. For a country like the Philippines, with its deep regional diversity, vibrant street food culture, and a growing number of f ine-dining pioneers, the potential is enormous. But why did it take so long? The answer lies in the careful process Michelin uses to select countries for their prestigious guide. They don’t just pick a spot on the map; they look for places with a rich and diverse food culture. A country’s food scene is assessed not only on its regional variety but also on how well local products perform both at home and internationally. Fine dining plays a key role, too, with Michelin looking at how it contributes to the overall economic growth of a country. They also consider the accessibility of local produce for restaurants and how seasonality influences menus. The Philippines’ inclusion in the Michelin Guide is no coincidence. It is the result of years of growing recognition of the country’s culinary identity, bolstered by the support from national agencies like the Department of Tourism. Michelin’s inspectors are thorough in their selection process, evaluating the restaurant scene, the quality of local ingredients, and the distinctiveness of the cuisine. This is why Michelin’s upcoming launch in the Philippines feels like a milestone. A SEAT AT THE TABLE It’s also worth noting that the Michelin Guide hasn’t been blind to the Filipino palate. In fact, Chicago-based restaurant Kasama, led by chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores, made history by becoming the first Filipino restaurant to be awarded a Michelin Star. This accomplishment highlights the growing global recognition of Filipino flavors and culinary techniques, showcasing the unique contributions of Filipino chefs to the international fine dining scene. The inclusion of the Philippines in the Michelin Guide is a testament to the country’s rising prominence as a global culinary destination. With Michelin inspectors coming to taste what the Philippines has to offer, it confirms that the country’s food scene is not just gaining attention but that it’s ready to claim its place among the world’s culinary elite. As the Philippines waits in the wings, there is a rare kind of energy in the air—one that comes not just from the hope of a star, but from the thrill of finally being seen. The Guide is about to discover something many already know: the most unforgettable flavors are often those that have been quietly simmering for generations.

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< Back WOMAN UP! Mayor Fe “Bubut” Brondial scales new heights as the lady chief of the Municipality of Socorro, Oriental Mindoro and as National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA PHOTOS BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR.HAIR & MAKEUP BY JESSE LLOYD HABLA RAMOS It takes a certain kind of person to lead other leaders. Some would probably wonder why a lady from a humble countryside in Mindoro was elected to become National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP). Perhaps it’s because of her long, impressive record as a public servant. Or perhaps because of her strong alliance with the president. It turns out, both are true. “Proud ako kasi pinagkatiwalaan ako ng mga mayors. (I’m proud because the mayors have given me their trust),” says Socorro, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Maria Fe “Bubut” Villar Brondial, who was sworn in last October 2016. She was elected unopposed by 66 out of the country’s 82 LMP Chapter Presidents, who were present at the event. According to Felix Catarata, the LMP Secretariat, “The mayors believe that a National President must be able to speak to the President of the Republic in order to articulate the concerns of the mayors.” President Rodrigo Duterte has also expressed his wishes for Mayor Bubut to lead LMP. “The LMP, although independent and not a government agency, almost always abides by the wishes of the President. It has been the tradition, and Mayor Bubut’s case was no exemption,” says Catarata. In addition, Mayor Bubut “is a consultative and consensual leader. Her ability to get the consensus of the mayors on issues, and her capacity to listen to their concerns are qualities that endear her to the mayors,” Catarata explains. LMP TAKES THE LEAD According to its vision statement, LMP was created “to provide the municipalities, through the mayors, with relevant and adaptive best practices, linkages with pertinent international and local organizations, capacity development, research, and advocacy services.” On the occasion of Socorro’s 55th founding anniversary, Mayor Bubut had the opportunity to share with her constituents what’s keeping her busy. “Bilang LMP National President, tayo ang siyang nangunguna upang mabigyan ng pansin ng ating presidente, President Rodrigo Duterte, ng Senado, at maging ng Kamara, ang mga hinaing ng mga alkalde ng iba’t ibang munisipyo ng ating bansa. (As LMP’s National President, I take the lead in raising the concerns of the mayors of the different municipalities, making sure that these are known to our president, the Senate, and the Congress).” She also shared with the Socorreños some of their past activities in LMP. These include holding general assemblies and cluster conferences, where issues like federalism, agriculture, climate change, Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), and peace and order were tackled; providing assistance to the bakwits of Marawi; facilitating a dialogue with the policemen and mayors of Cagayan de Oro to discuss the safety and security of other mayors; and forging partnerships with the Chinese General Hospital and Philippine College of Surgeons in order to provide medical services for the different municipalities. In a meeting with President Duterte, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, brought up two pressing issues: security and safety of the mayors, and federalism. “LMP believes genuine autonomy can only be had if the country adopts a federal system of government,” Catarata points out. FROM MUSE TO MAYOR Mayor Bubut may come across as unassuming but she is no stranger to the field of politics. For one, she comes from a family of politicians—the current governor and congressman, Alfonso Umali Jr. and Reynaldo V. Umali of Mindoro Oriental, are her first cousins. “Siguro nasa dugo na namin ang pulitika. Ang pangarap ko lang sana ay magmuse sa barangay e, pero pinalad na maging mayor (Politics runs in our blood. I only wanted to become a barangay muse, but I got lucky and was voted to become mayor),” she jokes, her proud Batangueño accent evident. At 28, she became mayor of Socorro, the first government seat she has decided to take on. “My brother was then barangay captain. So it was easy for me to say yes [to run as mayor]. I didn’t realize I could win,” she quips. She has served three consecutive terms as mayor of Socorro (1998-2007), and was again re-elected in 2016, proving that she is well loved by the people. Larcy Villar, who has been her private secretary and close aide for many years now, attests to her endearing qualities. “Napakabait niya at down-to-earth. Hindi sya humihindi sa lahat ng nahingi ng tulong sa kanya. Kung wala siya sa kanyang opisina at ako ang naiiwan, ang bilin niya sa akin: ’Wag mong pauuwiin ang mga tao’ng luhaan, kahit paano bibigyan mo’ (She’s kind-hearted and down to earth. She doesn’t turn down those who ask for her help. If she’s not in her office, she would tell me to still give and to not let them go home brokenhearted.)” Mayor Bubut, who was born and raised in Mindoro, is a woman of the people. We have witnessed it ourselves when we visited Socorro during the town’s Pakapya Agtike Festival—she was personally entertaining the guests and talking to the townsfolk. “Malapit siya sa mga tao. Maski mga Mangyan hinahalikan niya. Lahat kinakausap. (She is close to the Socorreños. She would kiss even the Mangyans. She talks to everyone),” says Villar, who is also her first cousin. But then again, beneath her gentle and charming personality is a driven and strong leader, says Villar. She’s the type who would never let the day go by without resolving a problem. Vice Mayor Roy de Claro affirms, “She’s not strict, she’s understanding and considerate like a mother. But when she needs to be strict, she can make people follow her orders.” MORE PLANS AHEAD On her fourth term as mayor, Mayor Bubut wants to continue her projects and make way for a beautifully progressive and touristfriendly municipality. “I want to provide the people of Socorro with all that they need—clean water, farm-to-market roads to get their produce to the markets faster, and sources of livelihood,” she says. She is looking forward to building a boardwalk in Naujan Lake, to help boost tourism and provide jobs for the people of Socorro. In support of the farmers, the local government provides seeds and fertilizer. “Like Davao, we have durian, rambutan, lanzones. We’ve got the best bananas here!” she says with pride. Vice Mayor de Claro says they are now focusing on infrastructure development and beautification. “We’d like to develop our own Singapore here in Oriental Mindoro. We’re planning to put solar lamps and ornamental plants along the national highway,” he shares. The municipality is currently building four regional evacuation centers, and will soon erect a two-story building that will become Socorro Community College. “Our goal is for the school to operate by SY 2019-2020,” she says. In the health department, we were told that Socorro now has two doctors to the barrio. The local government has also increased its allotment for free medicines. “We have a birthing clinic and an ambulance,” adds the vice mayor. The indigenous people are not left behind, as Mayor Bubut has provided them with trainings on food processing and the like. She likewise helps by promoting their products (tribal weaves) outside Mindoro. The 2017 Seal of Good Governance Award bestowed by the DILG on Socorro symbolizes the municipality’s journey towards good local governance. Thus, it is Mayor Bubut’s earnest goal to uphold the standards of transparency, integrity, and service delivery.

Being a “Tol” means being someone people can depend on, a brother or a friend, and this guides Zarcal in performing his duties as a district councilor. < Back BEING TRUE TO HIS NAME Being a “Tol” means being someone people can depend on, a brother or a friend, and this guides Zarcal in performing his duties as a district councilor. By Ragie Mae Tano-Arellano PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO S. PERALTA, JR. “Tol” is a contraction of the Tagalog word “utol,”which is in turn derived from “kaputol.” It is a colloquial term that refers to a brother or sister. That is what Councilor Timothy Oliver “Tol” Zarcal wants his constituents in Manila’s 3rd District to remember him as. TRUE TO BEING A “TOL” “Sadya talaga ng magulang ko na ‘Tol’ ang pangalan ko eh. Timothy then ‘Ol’ from Oliver. Naisip na nila ‘yun months before ako pinanganak. Gusto talaga nila ‘Tol’ kasi sa Filipino context, it’s kapatid, kaibigan, tropa (They really decided on that name a few months before I was born because “tol” in the Filipino context means sibling, friend, or a peer). So I’m trying to exude my name,” Zarcal explains. Given that his father is former eight-term councilor Manuel “Letlet” Zarcal, his name may have been a preparation for his future in politics. Even though Zarcal was quite reserved as a child, his early exposure to the world of politics influenced his desire to serve as he was enlightened about life’s realities. “I was not a wallflower, though. I was willing to try different things. Up until high school, I saw and felt that I could do more for my friends and my family. My passion has always been to make sure that everything and everyone around me is okay,” says Zarcal. Given that his father is former eight-term councilor Manuel “Letlet” Zarcal, his name may have been a preparation for his future in politics. Even though Zarcal was quite reserved as a child, his early exposure to the world of politics influenced his desire to serve as he was enlightened about life’s realities. “I was not a wallflower, though. I was willing to try different things. Up until high school, I saw and felt that I could do more for my friends and my family. My passion has always been to make sure that everything and everyone around me is okay,” says Zarcal. PREPARATION FOR POLITICS When he realized that he could do something for the people, he began to engage in extracurricular activities sports like basketball, baseball, and football. He later transitioned to hip-hop dancing. His participation in these various activities broadened his understanding of how, despite their differences, people share similarities, particularly in their problems. Additionally, how he is not alone, as he shares the same problem as the rest, particularly with his peers. Zarcal explains that he is comfortable with public service because he can always find a connection between himself and the people he meets. SERVICE WITHOUT RESTRAINT In the past, politicians were thought to be very intimidating and strict, but Zarcal wants to change that perception. “I try to veer away from the intimidation factor,” he says, so he wants people to feel like the officials they voted into office are approachable. Even though he is eager to serve his constituents, he admits that meeting different types of people can be overwhelming. But he is constantly reminded by his mother to always show compassion and care. While it is not as simple as it seems, as his father would put it, he knows that in time, he can be like his father, who he looks up to. One advice the elder Zarcal would always tell him is that in times of stress, calm down. “I think that’s sound advice for any politician or public servant. We do as much as we can, and I said this in one of my talks, but the world that we live in is very toxic, tiring, and frustrating. Our job as public servants is to at least lessen that,” he says, referring to his father’s advice. NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS While Zarcal always had the inkling that his destiny is in politics, he never anticipated that he would be a part of it so soon. He saw himself running in his 30s or 40s; but he is currently 26 years old. Due to the stressful nature of the political environment, he stated that one must be very wellprepared. Initially, he would have desired a more active role with a government agency, so he could observe the various aspects or industries in the communities he wants to serve. However, former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso encouraged him to run for office, and he grabbed the opportunity because he remembered that Domagoso also began his career at a young age. Zarcal says, “[Domagoso] may have seen something in me that I did not.” “I think [keeping calm in times of stress] is sound advice for any politician or public servant. We do as much as we can... but the world that we live in is very toxic, tiring, and frustrating. But our job as public servants is to at least lessen that.” Now that he is involved in politics, he realizes that his generation is indeed needed to promote change. 2019 may already be the turning point for change, according to Zarcal, because so many politicians his age entered politics that year, and he believes that they, too, can bring about change. According to him, even though the new bloods are emerging, they should still heed the counsel of senior politicians. Zarcal is adamant that young politicians’ desire to serve the public should be bolstered because no matter how passionate they are, they will experience frustration. He believes that once in office, you have no opportunity to relax. One must always be on his toes and plan for the people’s immediate, medium-term, and long-term needs. He believes that politicians must have a strong will and an open mind because the public looks up to them. “Our smile, greeting, or sympathy to the people when we go out may not be much, but it is a big deal to them. And we are even more motivated to serve well if we see them happy with what we are doing,” says Zarcal. “Seeing small wins is what keeps me motivated as a public servant. If I get to see that I was able to help in small ways and that I made someone happy on that day, that is already a big push for me. It keeps me going. The stamina and adrenaline of those in government service, the politicians, are extraordinary,” shares Zarcal. UNITY CAN MULTIPLY THE EFFORTS He takes great pride in claiming that Manila City Council members are all on the same page. Even in helping and providing medical, financial, and burial assistance, they collaborate on the governance model. By working together to assist their constituents, the effort is multiplied exponentially, especially since the vice mayor and mayor are also often involved. Additionally, they keep up the feeding program, particularly in and around low-income areas like Parola, Quiapo, and the border between Binondo and Tondo. Regardless of who is in charge, the Manila City government has continued to work on this program to fight malnutrition. Although it can be difficult for them to provide funding for some projects that are carried out because their budget is insufficient to meet the Manileños’ needs, they are still able to continue these essential programs by working in partnership with private organizations. REMINDER OF HISTORICAL ROOTS The first-term councilor wants to concentrate on environmental concerns in Manila. He intends to propagate nilad plants throughout Manila to honor the city’s history. “Manila” is derived from the phrase “May nilad diyan” because nilad plants once flourished in the city. Zarcal claims that preserving this plant would also involve reliving the history of Manila. “It is very important to give importance to history because people tend to forget. It would be good if people knew where ‘Manila’ came from. We may not be the largest business hub, the largest in land area, or the most populous compared to other cities, but I can probably say that Manila has the richest history of all the cities in the capital region,” Zarcal says proudly. According to him, the city council has passed resolutions and pieces of legislation commemorating and promoting more of Manila’s historical landmarks, and giving greater weight to historical figures and events. Zarcal believes that people are more concerned with their economics than environmental issues. But he does not seek recognition for his efforts or initiatives to clean the air in Manila; his aim is for the people to feel that they are breathing clean air and to see that blighted areas have been transformed into something environmentally beneficial. He desires for his constituents to see that urbanization and environmentalism can coexist. “What is most important to me is that they see how beautiful Manila is reflected in the walls. I believe that when people see a beautiful place, they will refrain from changing it because they will feel guilty. People will have the impression that if you take care of your surroundings, you are also taking care of them,” says Zarcal. BEING YOUNG IS A CHALLENGE Zarcal is doing his best to perform and implement significant projects that will have a positive impact because he believes that no matter how extensive the work that you did, people will forget your name. This is especially since he is still struggling to demonstrate that he, as a young government official, can effect change, contrary to the popular belief that millennials are idle and apathetic. He wants people to know that new leaders like him can make a difference. That is why he wishes to be known as “Tol”—as a son, friend, and brother—because this encapsulates the essence of public service, and without these qualities, his efforts will be futile. While he believes that knowing the laws, properly governing government systems, and effectively utilizing government funds on projects are necessary for him to become effective, he also believes that these will not make him a true government official if he is not a brother to his constituents. “Minsan, aakalain ng mga tao siguro na nagpapakamartir tayo, pero talagang may passion lang tayo na makatulong sa iba. ‘Yun ang pinakaimportanteng aspect siguro. (Others may perceive this as being a martyr, but having the passion to help is an important aspect [of leadership]),” Zarcal says of being a public servant. “Seeing small wins is what keeps me motivated as a public servant. If I get to see that I was able to help in small ways and that I made someone happy on that day, that is already a big push for me. It keeps me going. The stamina and adrenaline of those in government service, the politicians, are extraordinary.”

A self-described “outsider” and neophyte, Lopez won Madridanons over by focusing on uplifting the town and not letting politics surpass merit. < Back Winning the Hearts of MADRIDANONS A self-described “outsider” and neophyte, Lopez won Madridanons over by focusing on uplifting the town and not letting politics surpass merit. By Miguel Sirios PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. While many young businessmen would rather stay in their comfort zone, Madrid, Surigao del Sur Mayor Juan Paolo Lopez chose to lend his leadership capabilities for the betterment of the people in his new hometown. His decision has proven to be a good one, as he has successfully started to unlock the town’s and the townspeople’s potentials. Lopez was born and raised in Mexico, Pampanga, to parents who both made a career in the field of business. In his younger years, politics was an idea that never crossed his mind, let alone running for office in a distant town in the southern part of the country. “My parents are businessmen, so the way I was trained growing up was really in a business setting,” says Lopez. Just like his parents, he was focused on entrepreneurship, graduating with a degree in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). Following a business opportunity that came in 2017, Lopez traveled across the country and opened a construction company in Surigao del Sur, where he later decided to relocate permanently. He recalls that one of his first memorable experiences in Madrid was during a fiesta celebration that embodied the warm and accommodating nature of Madridanons. “Nagulat ako noong nandoon ako, 2017. Nagsabi sa‘kin ‘yung driver, ‘Sir, gusto mong mamiesta? Kasi fiesta yung dinadaanan namin eh.’ ‘Mag-lunch tayo, ‘pwede ba?’ sabi ko. Hininto niya ‘yung sasakyan tapos kumain kami sa isang bahay. Kahit ‘di kami kilala nung tao, pinapasok kami at pinakain kami. Basta bawal lang ang take-out (I was surprised when I was there in 2017. My driver asked me, ‘Sir, do you want to join the fiesta?’ to which I replied, ‘Can we partake of the food?’ He pulled over and we ate in a stranger’s home. They didn’t know us but they welcomed and fed us. The only rule was no take-outs).” STEPPING UP FOR MADRID Despite being an “outsider” to the town and a newcomer in the field of politics, Lopez was eager to fight for the development of his new hometown. This made him decide to run against the thenincumbent mayor, who was gunning for a third consecutive term. “Challenger kasi ako eh, incumbent ‘yung kalaban ko (I was a challenger, I ran against the incumbent),” Lopez recalls the disadvantaged position he was in. Despite being an “outsider” to the town and a newcomer in the field of politics, Lopez was eager to fight for the development of his new hometown. “My opponents tried to dissuade people from voting for me, sabi nila: ‘Si Paolo, hindi Lumad. Hindi pinanganak dito.’ Pero sa mga tao na sumusuporta sa’kin, kahit isang beses di ko naramdaman na ‘outsider’ ako (they said: ‘Paolo isn’t a Lumad. He is not a local born here.’ But not once did I feel like an outsider because of the people who support me). I felt like I belonged because of the love of the Madridanons,” Lopez shares. He adds that his opponents would often speak in Tagalog, while he communicated with the people in Bisaya, a skill he learned even prior to entering politics: “Most of the people I interacted with in my construction business spoke in Bisaya. A language barrier would make things difficult for everyone so I took the challenge and learned the language.” But the people clamored for a new breed of leaders. Upon the encouragement of his brother-in-law, who was a congressman, and his sister, who was also a mayor of Cantilan, he was inspired to file his certificate of candidacy for the May 2022 elections. No campaign is smooth-sailing but Lopez found that the key to politics is to remain natural and true to one’s self. While politics may be a game also determined by charm and wit, the mayor stresses that ‘putting on a face’ is unnecessary. “If you have to ‘adjust’ your personality, then that means you are not fully comfortable. There was no adjustment for me; I just had to be myself. The people will really appreciate it if you’re sincere and they can tell if you’re genuine,” he says. Following his victory, Lopez thought that the next obstacle he had to face would be how to have a good working relationship with the municipal staff who served under the previous mayor. He believed that the municipal staff were loyal to the mayor he defeated since she served for six years. But when he assumed office, the neophyte mayor realized that it wasn’t difficult to win the municipal staff’s hearts. Lopez emphasized that as long as they cooperate and work for the best interest of the Madridanons, then they can all coexist and work harmoniously. He ended up retaining them based on their own merit, much to the relief of those who feared losing their jobs for not supporting him during the election. FRUITFUL FIRST 100 DAYS Beyond winning the hearts of the municipal employees, Lopez has won the hearts of Madridanons for his projects and overall vision for the town. As leader of a municipality with thousands of hectares of farmlands, Lopez wants to put a premium on agriculture and the farmers. He compares the situation of the local farmers with their counterparts in other countries. “Sa America, ang mga magsasaka, ‘yan ‘yung mayayaman (In America, the farmers are the rich ones),” he shares. In his first 100 days in office, one of the young mayor’s achievements was forging a partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Land Bank of the Philippines to acquire the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). The fund helped a group of Madridanon farmers to loan money for only 2 percent interest, bolstering their buying power and allowing them to buy their own palay (unhusked rice). Lopez explains that this protects the farmers who are often at the mercy of cartels that determine unfair prices: “Our farmers often have no choice and are forced to sell to cartels according to their determined rate. With RCEF, they now have the capability to buy their own palay and they end up earning more. They were also able to buy farm inputs— fertilizers, pesticides—in bulk and sell to their members for a much lower rate than they normally get.” Lopez is proud to share that their town is the first in the Caraga Region to access this fund and that the local government is currently working on accessing more funds with the help of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in order to help more farmers in the near future. By partnering with the national government agencies and institutions, the mayor aims to provide sustainable support to the three farmer clusters in their town and provide livelihood to more Madridanons. He shares that with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office, they were able to launch Sustainable Livelihood Programs (SLP) worth Php2 million. Each barangay enrolled in the program is given Php350,000 to start their own negosyo (micro-enterprise). In addition, he reveals that another Php2 million is in the works to expand the reach of the program. Lopez adds that he is also grateful for the assistance provided by our country’s leaders, citing the likes of Senator Koko Pimentel, Speaker of the House of Representatives Congressman Ferdinand Romualdez, Senator Bong Go, and LAKAS-CMD Secretary General Representative Prospero Butch Pichay who each gave funds that were allocated towards Madridanons’ financial assistance requests, such as for burial and medical needs. STRENGTHENING TOURISM & CHILDREN OF MADRID Although Madrid has its fair share of tourism sites, Lopez has a challenge for himself and their local tourism office: “Bakit ka babalik sa (Why would you go back to) Madrid?” This simple question is driving the team as they are in “R&D (Research & Development).” Lopez reveals that they aim to create a product or event that will put Madrid on the national (even global) map. For starters, the town is about to celebrate the Magdadaro Festival this coming May, a fiesta dedicated to farmers. While the festival has been celebrated since 2016 (only halted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the recent years), the mayor wishes to make it a bigger event that rivals that of Cebu’s Sinulog, Baguio’s Panagbenga, or Bacolod’s MassKara. Lopez shares that they are launching the Madrid Loop during the fiesta which will kick-off on May 11. The Madrid Loop invites motorcycle riders from all over the country to ride around the towns of Surigao and Agusan. It starts and ends in their town, thus the name of the event. H e shares that they expect up to a thousand riders participating in the event. Another festival event is the Badlit Street Party, named after the ancient writing system but is colloquially known for painting on someone, which will be conducted near the plaza. Lopez also aims to recognize Madridanons who have brought prestige to the town through the Balik Madrid event. Lastly, they will also have a “Halang-halang” cooking contest. The term literally means spicy, but it is also a cooking style much like ginataan (cooked with coconut milk). He shares that one preferred version is the Chicken Halang-Halang that he hopes would put their town in people’s radar, to parallel Vigan’s longganisa or Bicol’s laing. Aside from the festival, Lopez shares that they are developing an agri-tourism zone in Barangay Union which features fish ponds. Prior to his election, these fish ponds were illegal as they were in the location of an existing tourist site. He, however, turne the situation around and not only legitimized their existence, but also maximized them by allowing tourists to picnic and fish in the area. “It’s a win-win. People get to keep their livelihood and people get to enjoy the agri-tourist spot,” he explains simply. It is this inclusive approach that helps the town be noticed by national government agencies. In March, Lopez went to Manila because their town was the recepient of a grant by the Department of Health (DOH) and DSWD, in partnership with UNICEF and the World Bank, which focuses on combatting malnutrition and stunting among children. Lopez says, “Malnutrition and stunting is a nationwide problem that we have to address as early as possible because these children, as people often say, are our future. Their first 1,000 days are crucial.” TOWARD A LEGACY OF SUSTAINABILITY Lopez acknowledges that under his term, Madrid can only be given so much help. He believes that the government cannot keep doling out things to its people without training them, and he considers the programs from national government agencies as mere stepping stones for farmers to learn from. In his efforts to make agriculture a more sustainable livelihood for farmers, the Municipality of Madrid was able to establish cooperatives, eliminating the need for middlemen and giving cooperatives the power to buy from their members. Through this, markets are able to set better prices without depriving farmers of a fair profit. Lopez is sure that sustainability, not just in the field of agriculture, is possible because of the different programs and initiatives he has started. With this, when asked how he visualizes Madrid three years from now, he humbly utters, “successful.” Still, Lopez wants to repay his constituents even more. Beyond working hard to ensure their economic and social welfare, he also wants to leave them with a secure leadership when the time comes for him to step aside. “I want to [guide promising Madridanons into becoming the] same type of leader [as I am] who can also lead the people, so that when I’m gone, they can stand on their own,” Lopez shares.

< Back DAILY COMMUTE TO ANXIETY BY JERICHO ZAFRA THE PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLE MODERNIZATION PROGRAM, TOUTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS A MAJOR STEP TOWARD SOLVING THE COUNTRY'S PUBLIC TRANSPORT WOES, IS SEEN BY VARIOUS GROUPS AS YET ANOTHER STOP-GAP MEASURE THAT PUTS UNDUE STRESS ON JEEPNEY DRIVERS AND OPERATORS, AS WELL AS COMMUTERS. It has become part of the daily routine of residents of Metro Manila and environs to get up early every time they have a scheduled appointment in another part of the metropolis. People who are to travel the metro and are coming from neighboring provinces to attend a specific commitment in Metro Manila usually provide a two- to three-hour leeway from the scheduled meetup to not be late. They have to consider the traffic situation awaiting them once they reach Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and other main thoroughfares connecting one city to another. The practice of providing pataan (leeway) in the Philippine transport system has been fully normalized, and it is now ingrained among travellers specially in metropilitan areas. It is basically the practice of making provision for extra time, or flexibility built into a schedule to account for possible delays. It provides travellers peace of mind that they will arrive at their destination on time. For example, if someone from Cubao, Quezon City wants to arrive at Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. in Makati City at exactly 10:00 a.m. on a weekday, traversing the 11-kilometer distance between the two points would take about an hour and a half using a private car. So leaving Cubao at 8:30 a.m. of on a good day is acceptable enough to reach Gil Puyat Ave. on time. However, with pataan , travellers would leave Cubao at 8 a.m., just to be sure. The above is not the case for individuals who have no choice but to use public transportation. For them, leaving Quezon City at 8:00 a.m. for a 10 a.m. meeting in Makati is a crime. For most, an hour of pataan apart from the one hour and a half travel time would be safe enough to arrive on time as they tend to switch means of transportation. With this, commuters within and even outside the metro, requires a considerable amount of time and effort in order to deal with traffic and an inefficient mass transport system. With pataan , commuters can arrive on time, but the net effect is that they have less time to rest and waste more time. NEW KINGS OF THE ROAD As a way of coping with travel woes, commuters resort to using motorcycle ride-hailing services to avoid getting trapped in the jam-packed roads in the city. Motorcycles availed of through ride-hailing services are now tagged as the new Kings of the Road, replacing the traditional jeepneys, as the latter are often left stuck in traffic jams during rush hour. Unlike jeepneys, motorcycles can weave through tight spaces during gridlocks to shorten travel time. A December 2023 survey released by private research and intelligence company Capstone-Intel Corporation showed that 37 percent of Filipinos use motorcycles as their preferred means of transportation; this was closely followed by jeepneys at 34 percent and tricycles at 32 percent. The survey was conducted at the height of the holiday rush, when standstill traffic was reported along major Metro Manila roads and commuters flocked to social media to vent their ire on the abhorrent traffic situation. In a recent traffic index published by transportation data provider TomTom Traffic, every Filipino who had to cope with rush hour every working day wasted an estimated 117 hours, or nearly five days, per year due to traffic congestion in Metro Manila in 2023 as a result of the worsening traffic situation. Unlike Singapore, which only reported 16 minutes and 50 seconds of travel time for 10 kilometers, Metro Manila has the ninth-slowest average travel time among the 387 metro areas examined in the survey, taking vehicles an average of 25 minutes and 20 seconds to go 10 kilometers. GOVERNMENT RESPONSE Upon the release of the traffic index, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was quick to cast doubt on the TomTom data, citing questions on the company’s methodology. Referring to the traffic bureau data, acting chairperson Romando Artes noted that in 2021, there were a total of 3.2 million to 3.6 million vehicles that travelled around Metro Manila daily. Artes added that there is vehicle congestion in the metropolis. Nearly 400,000 vehicles use EDSA every day, despite its limited capacity of 300,000 vehicles. And the government’s answer? Modernization of old jeepneys. Instead of addressing the roots of the woes that come with the inefficient transport system, particularly the dreadful transportation infrastructure of the country, authorities have focused on replacing traditional jeepneys with modernized and electric-powered ones that financially burden ordinary drivers and operators who barely make ends meet. THE COST OF MODERNIZING JEEPNEYS The jeepney modernization program stipulates that antiquated jeepneys be replaced with more contemporary, sustainable vehicles that adhere to safety and performance guidelines established by the Bureau of Philippine Standards and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Operators are required by law to consolidate into cooperatives that each run at least 15 jeepneys. The cost of a modern jeepney can range from Php1.6 million to Php3 million for a fully electrified vehicle and operators must also have a terminal or a parking area of their own. Accordingly, in order to purchase a unit, a jeepney driver or operator would need to earn between Php6,000 and Php7,000 each day. A policy brief by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies revealed that an ordinary jeepney operator, on average, earns Php2,000 to Php3,000 daily gross income. However, the expenses, including fuel and maintenance, eat up most of that income. In some reports, transport group members in Metro Manila decried taking home only Php300 to Php400 daily income to their families—far from the family living wage of around Php1,100 for a family of five. The brief likewise stated that the cost of a modern jeepney is “well beyond” the price of a traditional jeepney, which ranges from Php200,000 to Php600,000. That said, getting a unit of a modernized jeepney exceeds the financial capacity of jeepney drivers and operators. Despite offering financial aid to those who will be affected by the modernization program, drivers and operators who refused to consolidate protested the said requirement and instead called for a “progressive public mass transport system.” According to transport group PISTON (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide), the government’s frantic efforts to offer livelihood programs to impacted transport workers simply serves to highlight its awareness of the significant job losses the jeepney modernization program is expected to cause. The PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) was launched in 2017, with the DOTr as lead agency. The program seeks to provide commuters a safe, convenient, and reliable public transport system. Department Order No. 2017-011, or the Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance, spelled out the core policy of the program. It was former President Rodrigo Duterte who brought the proposed PUV modernization out of the pipeline, but the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III had already greenlit billions worth of projects aimed at improving the ailing transport infrastructure of the country during his term. The Duterte-led program has since been backed by various transport groups, with the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas saying the modernization plan of the national government is the “solution to the heavy traffic” in the country. Years have already passed, and yet the situation of the public remains the same: rushing the streets to catch the last trip and crowding the trains or jeepneys during peak hours as riding taxis or cars available through ride-hailing apps is too expensive for minimum-wage employees. ARE FILIPINOS SUPPORTING THE CALL? Commuters slam the program as the modern jeepneys’ only difference from the traditional jeepneys is that these are air-conditioned and there remains the primary concern on prolonged travel time due to poor traffic management. According to Rep. Bonifacio Bosita of 1-Rider Partylist, a modern jeepney may require a minimum charge of Php30 to Php40 for each passenger in order for a cooperative to repay its vehicle loan. This reveals a knock-on effect of the program on the commuters: improved commuter experience once modern jeepneys are fully operational would mean at least a trebling of their expenses for their daily fare. Additionally, a commuter group also warned of a Php50 fare hike for modern jeepneys once the program is fully implemented. The DOTr belied this, saying the price of fuel is the main factor taken into account when adjusting public transportation fares. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) likewise assured the public that modern jeepney fares won’t spike at Php50 per ride. Presently, the minimum fare is Php13 for traditional jeepneys and Php15 for modern jeepneys. Not withstanding the looming economic implications of the modernization program both on the end of the commuters and drivers and operators, over 7 out of 10 Filipinos, according to Capstone-Intel Corporation, have expressed their support for allowed unconsolidated jeepneys to operate until January 31, 2024, after which they could no longer traverse the streets. UV Express units and jeepneys were expected to cease operations on over 500 routes in the National Capital Region, resulting in a “public transport disaster” for the metropolis. Approximately 140,000 drivers and 60,000 small operators stood to lose their jobs as a result of the PUV modernization program, according to estimates. This prompted various opposition groups, particularly the April 30 to give more time for drivers and operators to consolidate. According to authorities, the government would help anyone who will lose their jobs as a result of the modernization program. Those opposed to the PUVMP are saying that the government is just making the emotional strain on the average driver unbearable by moving the program’s deadline now and modernizing PUVs. However, enlightened information dissemination needs to be done in order to ensure that it would indeed enhance the faltering transportation system since 24 percent of the respondents remain neutral. But this was not the case on social media and on the streets. Despite the robust support, several calls to halt the modernization program have muffled authorities, causing a spate of extensions of the program’s implementation. LOSS OF JOBS Originally, the last deadline for jeepney drivers and operators to consolidate was set for December 31, 2023. But officials transport union PISTON, to hold a string of protests to call on the national government to terminate its PUV modernization program, adding that there are far more important issues concerning the economy and human rights, among others, that need to be resolved, rather than pulling out the historic jeepneys from the country’s streets. With less than a week leading to the January 31 deadline, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended the deadline to again. To them, this is simply a stopgap measure, not enough to address the flawed public transportation system that is affecting ordinary citizens. The numerous deadline extensions, they say, is another pataan game officials are playing. The practice of pataan has been seen as proof of the Filipinos’ resilience and ability to adjust to difficult sistuations, such as the public transportation system that has burdened themfor decades. This is also a weapon used by the national government to prolong the anxiety of commuters on one side and drivers and operators on the other, groups that are most likely to be affected by the modernization program. PH LAGGING BEHIND HONG KONG If only lawmakers took the same means of transportation ordinary commuters take every day, they would know how lagging the Philippines is compared to neighboring countries and territories, particularly Hong Kong, in terms of transportation. For years, several think tanks and pollsters have reported that Hong Kong is consistently one of the world’s top cities for public transport. In addition to being reasonably priced, Hong Kong’s transportation system is commended for having a high station density and strong railroad infrastructure. Unlike the Philippines, where Filipinos have to haggle for fare rates with habal-habal (hired motorcycle) drivers just to get home when ride-hailing apps become flooded with booking requests during rush hour, Hong Kong’s rail lines have been regarded as so “reliable” that most commuters use them daily. According to AHK Hong Kong, 90 percent of passenger movements occur on Hong Kong’s public transportation every day since residents are highly encouraged to use public transport following the increasing number of private cars alongside declining parking spots in the area. Currently, the estimated average price of a private parking space in Hong Kong is HK$2 million or approximately Php14.3 million– leaving the residents to maximize its public transport system. The latest data released by AHK Hong Kong shows that the most frequent public transportation options are railways (3.58 million daily trips), buses (3.04 million), mini-busses (1.29 million), taxis (660,000), and ferries (86,000). In terms of daily passengers carried, the MTR Corporation, a state-owned public transport operator and property developer in Hong Kong, is the largest public transport operator (3.47 million), preceding Kowloon Motor Bus (2.12 million) and the Green Minibus fleet (1.11 million). INVESTING IN SMART TRANSPORTATION TO MANAGE TRAFFIC Even with the increasing number of commuters across Hong Kong, the public transportation system has been able to cope. Over 95 percent of Hong Kong commuters use “Octopus cards” for seamless travel across different transport options. While the Philippines has an electronic card similar to that of Hong Kong, the use of Metro Manila’s beep card remains limited to trains and some buses in select locations — making it hard for Filipino commuters who have to switch means of transportation to get to their destination. The Hong Kong Transportation Department underscored the significance of continuously expanding its smart transportation system and integrating cross-modal public transport services for swift traffic management. The Innovation and Technology Bureau released an updated Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong 2.0 in December 2020 which aims to create a globally recognized “Smart Hong Kong” distinguished by a robust economy and excellent standard of living. The blueprint includes more than 130 projects and strategies. One of the six pillars of said blueprint is smart mobility, with the main objective of rolling out an automated transportation and traffic management framework leveraging technology and smart data. The AHK Hong Kong data report says that among the planned projects slated under the blueprint were free-flow tolling at all government-owned tunnels by 2024; real-time adaptive traffic signal systems for cars and pedestrians; an arrival information system for green minibuses by 2022; and the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles in multiple city locations. It added that the HK$1 billion Smart Traffic Fund, which was initially proposed in the 2019 Policy Address and inaugurated in the fiscal year 2020–2021, is one of the new features of the updated blueprint. The fund is managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council and is aimed at supporting research and technology applications to improve traffic efficiency and safety in Hong Kong. “The Blueprint 2.0 also envisions the development of a Traffic Data Analytics System to enhance traffic management capabilities, reduce road congestion, and better protect road users. However, a timeline for implementation has not yet been confirmed,” the report noted. WHAT NOW, PH? The public’s confidence in the country’s transport system has to be religiously studied, along with the increasing competition between a number of ride-hailing services and less accessible means of public transportation. By now, the authorities must be aware of why several commuters tend to take the dangerous roads by riding motorcycles or for those who have the means, using private cars rather than taking public transport. The anxiety of waking up early just to travel for hours, waiting for an accessible means of transportation because rush hours peaked, and once again being anxious if you will make it home safely at the end of the day add up to the decreasing collective faith in the efficiency of the PUV modernization program. *Jericho Zafra is Chief Content Specialist at Capstone-Intel Corporation. He is currently pursuing his specialization in News Journalism at The London School of Journalism in the United Kingdom.

< Back AMAZING FILIPINAS: THE NEW TOAST OF THE PHILIPPINE SPORTS WORLD BY GEODFREY T. DANCEL Amazing.” This word aptly describes the 20-month period from January 2022 to August 2023, as the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) completed its transformation from a struggling team to new sports heroines. A string of victories leading to the team’s maiden appearance at football’s biggest stage made the period something that will forever be etched in Filipino football fans’ memory. The 2022 Women’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup in January of last year proved to be a golden start for the Philippine team, known as Filipinas. They not only pulled off a number of upsets, but reached the semifinals en route to the country’s first-ever qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. FIFA, or Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the world’s governing body for football, and is responsible for staging major tournaments, the biggest of which is the World Cup. Come August 2023, Filipinas entered the World Cup shrouded in mystery, not just because this was the team’s World Cup debut, but because none of the team members comes from major European or North American clubs. In the end however, the team clearly proved that they could compete with the best of the world, as they recorded the country’s first goal and first win in the quadrennial sports spectacle. PREPARATION The biggest victory in Philippine women’s football history— for former Filipinas head coach Alen Stajcic, the biggest Philippine team sports victory—did not come overnight. Aside from the AFC Cup, Filipinas took part in regional competitions, with each victory further cementing the teams’ place in the world football map. Raring to prove that their AFC Cup victory was no fluke, the Filipina footballers set their eyes on ending a 36-year medal drought at the 36th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in May 2022. The team snagged the bronze, finishing behind Thailand and repeat champion Vietnam. Two months later, Filipinas captured the country’s maiden ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship title. The team barrelled through the 11-team field, beating defending champion Vietnam in the semifinals before blanking world 43rd-ranked Thailand in the finals. A number of friendlies with higher-ranked teams further prepared the Filipinas for the teams’ biggest test. Friendlies are exhibition matches arranged between teams for instance as part of their preparation for competitions. These serve as opportunities for teams to be exposed to various styles of play and to gauge their ability as a team. Filipinas shared the football pitch with world number 27 Ireland in June, before 37th-ranked Costa Rica hosted them in October. A couple of friendlies with the 38th-ranked Chilean national team in November 2022 as part of an 11-day training camp held in cooperation with the Football Federation of Chile came next. The team capped off 2022 with a training camp in Australia wherein they faced off with then-reigning Oceania Confederation Women’s Nations Cup champion and world number 50 Papua New Guinea. An initially undisclosed friendly with the top-ranked United States (US) team also took place before the World Cup competition. The team ended 2022 with a FIFA ranking of No. 53, by then their highest-ever. CLEAR GOAL Team Captain Tahnai Annis aptly verbalized the clear view that the team members had about their participation in the World Cup. While recognizing the fact that qualifying for the World Cup is in itself already a historic feat for the Philippines and the national team, she pointed out that it would not do the team and Filipinos in general for them to “just show up and play.” They had to “do well and compete,” said the four-year national team veteran, in order to bring more awareness and help sustain the growth of football in the country. That the team was able to keep its focus despite a number of hurdles is a testament to their determination. Team members had to deal with strict COVID-19 health protocols during their preparation for the AFC Cup. They had to make sure that no one got sick even as they had to improve their performance as a team. A major issue team members had to face was criticisms saying they are “not Filipino enough.” Eighteen out of the 23 team members were born in the United States, and have physical features quite different from that of the “typical” Filipino woman. The issue, however, did not affect the team a bit. US-born Annis stressed that it does not matter whether they grew up in the Philippines or elsewhere, as long as they were one in their goal of playing for the country. BLAZING A TRAIL Central to Filipinas’ success was Stajccic, who took the PWFNT to heights never before reached by the team. With him at the helm, the team bagged its first AFF Women’s Championship title, made its best SEA Games finish in 37 years by bagging a bronze medal, and reached the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semifinals, in the process qualifying for the Women’s World Cup. Of course, the highlight was the Filipinas’ first World Cup appearance, where they also recorded the country’s first goal and first win. The Filipina booters did not just show up; their group stage victory over host New Zealand placed them within one win away from the knockout rounds. The knockout stage features the top two teams from each of the eight groups in the group stage. A team must tally a W in four consecutive win-or-lose matches spanning the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals matches in order to win the tournament. They eventually finished at 24th place among 32 participating teams. Filipinas’ group stage win brought their winning tally under Stajcic to 25 out of 42 matches. Fresh from their historic World Cup win, Stajcic, together with assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte, chose not to renew his contract as he wanted to “explore other options.” He summarized his almost two-year stint with the Filipinas as a journey from being “outsiders” in the Southeast Asian football scene to achieveing a historic one-match victory at the World Cup. He eventually found himself coaching Perth Glory Football Club in the A-League Men, Australia’s top-tier football league. Still, Filipinas members remain grateful to Stajcic for his contributions to the team’s growth. Chandler McDaniel pointed out that his program gave the team a strong foundation that will outlast his stint as coach. Katrina Guillou meanwhile said that Stajcic made Filipinas members believe in themselves, and brought out the best in them. Clearly, having a competent coach with a clear plan for continued training and exposure to world-class opponents, as well as getting the needed support from the Philippine Football Federation—the country’s governing body for football—made a world of difference for Filipinas. Stajcic’s departure, however, has not dampened the spirits of the team members. Quinley Quezada described Stajcic as a “huge part” of the team but chose to look at the bright side, saying “we still have our own entire team…and our core values.” NEW COACH, CONTINUED HOPE Taking Stajcic’s place is his compatriot Mark Torcaso, the reigning A-League Women’s Coach of the Year. The accomplished coach will retain his head coaching job with Melbourne-based team Western United, even as he tries to build on the momentum of Filipinas’ recent success. Looking forward to his first international coaching coaching job, Torcaso defined his appointment as “a dream come true.” He expressed excitement to work with the team, and more so to “bring more success to this nation.” Named as Torcaso’s assistants were South Melbourne Football Club technical director Sinisa Cohadzic and A-League legend and Western United assistant coach Andrew Durante. Philippine football stakeholders led by Philippine Football Federation President Mariano Araneta expressed optimism with the new development. “We are confident that [the new coaching staff] will continue raising the standards of the Philippine Women’s National Team…and take the team to greater heights,” he said.

< Back For The Greatest Good BY EDWIN ALLAN C. DIAZ LTFRB CHAIRPERSON TEOFILO GUADIZ III IS NOT STEPPING ON THE BRAKES UNTIL ALL FILIPINOS ENJOY WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. M etro Manila placed 58th out of 60 cities around the world with the worst public transport system in the 2022 Urban Mobility Readiness Index. The metropolis’ nearlast ranking was due to its poor quality of roads and limited regional connectivity, says the study’s authors from the Oliver Wyman Forum in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). According to the report, a low level of car ownership would solve this problem. Manila also has huge potential to improve once it increases commute speed, lessens wait times, adds public utility vehicle stations, and makes public transportation more affordable.Furthermore, the index determines a city’s “preparedness for mobility’s next chapter.” In the Philippines, it’s the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Issued in 2017 under Department Order (D.O.) No. 2017- 011, the PUVMP, also known as the “Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance or the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG),” implements certain standards to modernize the Philippine jeepney. These include equipping jeeps with a global positioning system (GPS), automated fare collection system, and a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV). They should also run on at least Euro-4 fuel and comply with Philippine National Standards (PNS). They can also be powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, or a hybrid system. Under the PUVMP, jeepneys that are more than 15 years old can no longer operate or be registered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Its chairperson, Teofilo “Jojo” Guadiz III, tells LEAGUE that LTFRB has to “cater to the needs of the times.” He admits the government’s program has nothing but good intentions for the country, which unfortunately may not be ready for this transition. However, Guadiz has been preparing to drive the Philippines’ public transport sector to new heights. DISTINGUISHED Guadiz has encountered the word ‘distinguish’ all his life. His mother nicknamed him “Jojo”; “Your father is already ‘Junior’, so how do I distinguish you from your dad or your grandfather?” she asked Guadiz. Then while he was taking up law, his father told him, “Ang daming abogado sa mundong ito (The world has plenty of lawyers). If you’re just a regular lawyer, you may not be sellable. Why don’t you take a specialized course?” Guadiz followed his father’s advice. After practicing law for two years in his hometown of Pangasinan, the San Beda University (SBU) Manila College of Law alumnus took up a Master of Law in International Law and Legal Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Specializing in banking law, Guadiz was hired by Premiere Development Bank (acquired by Security Bank in 2011) before transferring to Planters Development Bank (merged with China Bank Savings, Inc. in 2016). Little did he know that his efforts of distinguishing himself would allow him to better identify the problems surrounding public transportation. “At Planters Bank, I remember that I used to evaluate the loan applications of bus companies. Alam ko kaagad kung ilang taon return on investment (ROI) niyan kapag ni-release na namin ‘yung loan (I would immediately know how many years it would take to ROI after disbursing the loan),” Guadiz says. He adds, “Will this lead to the benefit of the greatest number?” I envision a time like in first-world countries na ‘paglabas mo, tatawag ka, may available na sasakyan kaagad sa murang halaga. FAIR FARE In 2020, the Philippines had a total population of 109 million with an annual growth rate of 1.63 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Based on the annual growth rate, the country’s total population rate would reach 114 million this 2023. In his 2018 paper “Public Transport Rationalization as a Means to Sustainability,” Dr. Cresencio Montalbo, Jr. says that 8.9 million Filipinos ride jeepneys while 1.87 million take the bus. This is 9.7 percent of the total population—the people Guadiz swears to protect the most. “Your role here is more on being like a father to the road sector. You attend to their needs and see to it that they are competitive. You cannot rule LTFRB with an iron hand. Ang masasaktan ‘yung mga mananakay mismo (The riding public will truly suffer). You have to attend to what they really want, their goals,” says Guadiz. To ensure public transportation is competitive, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allocated Php1.3 billion to the LTFRB for the “Libreng Sakay” program, which Guadiz says is a far cry from the originally proposed amount. Guadiz says, “Initially, [DBM] had Php8 billion and we made EDSA [Bus Carousel] as our showcase. Libreng sakay ‘yan, ikot nang ikot ‘yung bus, mayroon man sakay o wala, bayad ‘yan eh (The buses would continuously ply the EDSA route, whether they have passengers or not, because their services have already been paid).” He adds, “Now they gave us only Php1.3 billion, and the jeepneys and owners of shuttle buses are also requesting a piece of the cake, saying ’Bakit, EDSA buses lang ba ang may karapatan (Are the operators of buses using Epifanio de los Santos Avenue [EDSA] the only ones entitled to assistance from the government)? We’re also taxpayers.’” To appease everyone, LTFRB decided to implement a discount system. “We will foot the difference of Php9 and Php12, but not in all instances,” Guadiz says. It will only cover jeeps registered with the LTFRB and their local government unit (LGU), with 158,000 traditional jeepneys still plying the road. “So how do you do this? For now, a discount system because the government’s money is not enough. But even in small ways, the effects can still be felt. ‘Yung pa-kaunti-kaunting (The small but frequent) discounts every day that a minimum wage earner gets, if you add it all up, malaking bagay din ‘yan (that is huge for them),” he adds. Guadiz is worried about how they would be able to produce the Php1.3 billion, having come out of the pandemic. So they just have to be skillful enough in making the most out of it, he says. “They have associations, so not all will receive because we want to prevent accidentally giving colorum vehicles subsidy.” He estimates the budget would last for nine months before running out, having released Php1,000 worth of fuel subsidies for tricycle drivers last December. Initially, he thought he would still clash with local jeepney leaders, with whom he had differences when he was still the chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). But that was not the case as it proved to be his most heartwarming moment in public service. “When I came here, I thought it was the same thing that we would fight, but they said, ‘Thank you for your brand of leadership. We will support you all the way,’” tells Guadiz. He is also confident that he has the support of the entire Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary Jaime Bautista. “The good thing there is, there are always solutions that he tries to offer, and would always find the time to listen to his department heads,” he says. Even if there are no problems, he would drop by the transportation secretary’s office once a week to share updates about LTFRB. He cites an example of gasoline prices increasing by Php2 per liter. “[Secretary Bautista] immediately calls DBM and asks, ‘When is the release of funds for the fuel subsidy?,’” shares Guadiz, adding that the money was disbursed the week after. TOUGH ROAD AS HEAD “Libreng Sakay” is not the only concern of the LTFRB. The LTFRB has been apprehending drivers of two illegal Russian ride-hailing apps in the Philippines: InDrive and Maxim. Posing as passengers, LTFRB staff would book a ride through their apps and then arrest them with the help of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG). They have also sought the assistance of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ban the apps in the Philippines. Both InDrive and Maxim do not have offices in the country, nor are they registered/affiliated with any local government agency. “Unlike legitimate transport network vehicle service (TNVS) companies, there is no fixed price. The driver and the passenger will haggle over fare prices. There’s no assurance because you don’t know the driver, it’s not registered in the LTFRB. [Baka] kung saan-saan ka dalhin ng driver, wala kaming control (The driver might bring you somewhere else, we have no control over this),” Guadiz says. LTFRB follows its mandate of “ensuring safe, comfortable, and reliable transportation to Filipinos through the implementation of its rules and regulations and the conduct of transparent and accountable service to the public.” With only three percent, or 5,300 jeepneys, nationwide equipped with air conditioning and CCTVs, PUVMP—and the LTFRB—still have a long way to go. But this does not stop LTFRB from pushing for an electric future, for which Guadiz is all in. “We give priority to electric buses. In fact, if you have an electric bus, you are assured of a franchise, it is our way to entice them to get on with the program,” Guadiz says, claiming they also give a 30-percent tax deduction for electric buses. They are slowly phasing out traditional jeepneys in favor of Euro-4- and electric-powered PUVs because they have less to zero carbon emissions, which is a win for the environment. This is Guadiz’s biggest challenge in LTFRB. “On the one hand, it’s good for the environment and it’s also convenient for the riding public. But on the other hand, not everybody can afford a modernized jeepney, which costs about Php2 million. This has displaced so many drivers,” Guadiz says. To modernize the process of giving franchises, Guadiz is inviting information technology (IT) companies to bid with the LTFRB. This will speed up awarding and eliminate red tape. “Sometimes, it takes two years before you’re given a franchise. Sometimes, it’s even plagued with allegations of impropriety, that some are charging beyond what’s prescribed by law. If we shorten the application process to one month and make it online, the processing will be faster. There will be less corruption. Why? No human intervention, everything’s on the internet only.” Guadiz says upon his appointment in December, he discovered that everything in LTFRB has a price. “When people apply, sometimes there’s extra-legal payment because there is human intervention. Processing, you pay ‘extra.’ When you ask for a franchise, another ‘extra,’” he laments, adding that the people suffer because of corruption, which will become nonexistent when everything is online. NO JUAN LEFT BEHIND With drivers only taking home Php300 to Php 400 per day, says Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) National President Mody Floranda, it would be difficult to prioritize modernizing their jeepney. He says they were earning Php400 to Php500 per day before the series of oil price hikes in January due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A family of five needs a daily wage of Php1,160 or Php25,226 monthly to live a decent life in Metro Manila, says Ibon Foundation. “For me, it’s not enough that you have modern jeepneys. It’s also necessary that the displaced drivers should be given alternative livelihoods. Everyone should live a decent life, not just the [owners of] modern buses,” Guadiz stresses. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), DOTr, and LTFRB launched the “enTSUPERneur” program in 2022 (a portmanteau of tsuper or driver, and entrepreneur) in Quezon City. It aims to provide alternative sources of income to drivers affected by COVID-19 and the PUVMP. They gave livelihood projects, such as food carts and cellphone loading businesses, to 178 displaced drivers and operators. Another 252 drivers and operators received 24 sacks of rice last December 2022 in Marikina City. Also under enTSUPERneur, LTFRB partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide alternative livelihoods to displaced drivers. In Pangasinan, LTFRB is offering TESDA skills training, with livelihood assistance from DOLE of up to Php30,000. DOTr is also looking for ways to improve passenger access to the EDSA Bus Carousel. To access its stations, pedestrians must use the existing footbridges along EDSA from the curb to the inner busway. With its own lane, it becomes a more convenient and safer option for passengers to ride public transportation in the metro. However, the carousel is not convenient for all. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) may not be able to climb footbridges. Sometimes the elevators are not in order, making it nearly impossible to access the carousel, which Guadiz acknowledges. “The DOTr is looking into ways of improving it. The problem is the connectivity from the buses to Metro Rail Transit (MRT)/Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations. For now, the government is still finding ways to address that issue,” says Guadiz. MOVING FORWARD Guadiz did not waste any time upon his appointment as LTFRB’s new chairperson, with nothing but high hopes for the future of Philippine public transportation. “The bigger ambition here is to address the transport breakdown. There may be times when public transportation is not available. [So] what do you do? You’ll resort to colorum [vehicles], walk, or wait for a long period of time,” Guadiz says. The chairperson is already working on it. Guadiz tells LEAGUE during the interview that he is scheduled to meet with a major transit company that operates primarily in the Visayas and Mindanao afterward. “Right now, I have Vallacar Transit, Inc. coming over. This is the biggest transport [company] in the Philippines. They have 4,000 buses, and it’s my first time meeting them to discuss the issues affecting the industry.” Monday is his most hectic day of the week. He reviews LTFRB’s existing policies, browses current, non-appealed cases, and receives visitors. Then he stays in the office until 10 pm, saying the only time he can “ponder on the issues, to write the memos, would be afternoon until the evening.” This is when he can evaluate all the issues and write down policies. All of the work Guadiz is putting in is to make his vision of seamless public transportation in the Philippines a reality. “I envision a time like in first-world countries that after you go out, you’ll call for public transportation, and a vehicle would be immediately available at a low price,” he says. Guadiz cites the duty of the State: to provide continuous public transport at a cheap price, just like the recommendation of the 2022 Urban Mobility Index. This is a must “in the suburbs where there is commerce,” he adds, confident that LTFRB can achieve such a feat in Metro Manila. By creating programs that benefit every Filipino, Guadiz says LTFRB is engendered closer to the people. “What are the things that affect passengers? Affordable fares. For drivers, cheap fuel and subsidies. To those displaced because they can’t drive their jeepney: alternative livelihoods.” You cannot rule LTFRB with an iron hand. Ang masasaktan ‘yung mga mananakay mismo. “You should consider always the greatest benefit that the people will get using the transport sector of the country,” Guadiz says.