< Back Investing in Education Congressman Greg Gasataya’s vision: every family in Bacolod should have a college graduate. INTERVIEW BY MARCO NICANOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY RICKY LADIA Coming from a humble family and bestowed with the opportunity of a proper education by the government, Congressman Greg Gasataya is out on a mission to pay it forward and envisions that every Filipino family should have a college graduate in their midst. He represents the lone district of Bacolod City, which garnered the top spot in Visayas with the highest competitive index among highly urbanized cities, and placed 8th overall in the country, besting even many other cities from the National Capital Region (NCR). Let’s get to know the honorable congressman up-close in this Q&A: 1 . How did you get into politics? I am a very simple and ordinary person. I came from a very small family in Bacolod. My father was a driver and my mother was a teacher, but she resigned from teaching and worked full-time at the church. We grew up on a hand-to-mouth way of life. I used to sell bottles, goodies, just to have additional income. We were renting a small place. Basically, galing sa mahirap na pamumuhay. Probably because of the opportunity given to me to study and get a degree, a lot of things happened to my life. Before politics, I worked as a broadcast journalist for eight years at a radio station in Bacolod. I used to handle the primetime programs. Come to think of it, we are not a family of politicians. It never entered even my wildest dreams that I would join politics. In 2001, I was given the opportunity to run as councilor. Out of 69, I landed number 10. I handled the committee on transportation as a tribute to the profession of my dad. In 2004 and 2007, I was already the number one councilor and I handled the committee on education. I took a break from politics in 2010, but I worked as director of Bacolod City Water District. In 2013, the Party asked me to run for Vice Mayor. I was very hesitant because I was away from politics for a couple of years, but by God’s grace, I was given another opportunity to serve. In 2015, the mayor was suspended, so I was the acting mayor for three months. And in the last elections, I ran and got elected as the congressman in the lone district of Bacolod. 2. What is your leadership style? Why do you think you are effective as a leader? Nakikinig ako (I listen). Every person that we meet has a story to tell, has opinions, and has inputs, so I like to listen and know what they have to say. I don’t like it to be too formal. You can just approach me anytime and anywhere. That is my style of leadership, probably because of my experiences from the grassroots; I prefer that people can easily talk to me. My advocacies and my policies come from these conversations. Click here to read full article for free

BACK Yes to free Higher Education CHED Chairman Popoy de Vera talks about the breakthroughs of the commission to achieve free education for the Filipino youth. BY MARIEL ABANES PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO A lot of Filipino students, especially those who are part of the poorest of families, rely on scholarships and financial assistance to be able to attend their graduation rites and accept their diploma. Education comes with a price. And with the growing demands of our society, daily survival alone is a big challenge. What more if you have one or a handful of children to send to school? That’s why for years, free education has been an ongoing call to the government. Previously, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) had rolled out several projects to address the situation. However, it only implemented the free education decree to state universities around the Philippines. While the number of beneficiaries from the said educational relief is steady, students enrolled in local universities and colleges (LUCs) remain dependent solely on their local government unit (LGU) or, worse, their own devices. Then came the Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in 2017. Providing free tuition and miscellaneous fees to students of state universities and colleges (SUCs), LUCs, and private institutions, more youth are granted access to quality education without the financial strain. YES TO CHANGE The implementation of the law is a big win especially for LUCs. Without the national government assistance in the past, it’s impossible for students not to shell out fees to be paid. This results in students dropping out due to lack of monetary capabilities. When CHED Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” de Vera entered the scene, he was determined to include everyone—even LUCs—to the list of grantees of the commission. Seeing that their students need help the most, it’s only a logical decision to pursue the cause. “I stood up in public and said ‘yes’ to free higher education. That’s a political promise of the President during the campaign. So I am obligated to fight it out,” he recalls. And the rest, as Chairman Popoy says, is history. After the law was passed, de Vera readily worked on things that needed fixing. Having served as vice president of the University of the Philippines (UP) and having sat on the boards of SUCs before, de Vera’s transition to the work as commissioner wasn’t much of a challenge. He already had a vision. Now, all he needs is to take action. In his first year in the position, the chairman created institutional reforms and resolved recurring policy concerns, which covered the exclusion of LUCs in CHED programs. He then gathered and arranged a meeting with the presidents of these campuses. “For the first time, the local universities and colleges became a part of the higher education family,” Chairman de Vera shares. “We established good relations with them, where before, the relations were really adversarial.” Another thing he promised was building a level-playing field among all institutions, whether state, local, or private. “We now require a certificate of program compliance for all degree programs. They must meet minimum requirements for the faculty who teach the course, the curriculum that is used, the facilities, and more,” he further explains. So no matter where a student chooses to pursue his studies, there’s an assurance of quality. INCREASING GRANTEES “In terms of free higher education, the good news is that the budget has been increasing every year,” the commissioner happily reports. “We are able to get the commitment of the legislature and, of course, the President to not only maintain levels of funding, but increase the allotment as well.” In the beginning of 2017, when the house and the senate realigned the budget to CHED, the number of grantees for just free tuition totaled 800,000, spread across 112 state universities. When the Republic Act 10931 was finally passed, the numbers increased to 1,100,000. “From an initial free tuition, we now put free miscellaneous fees, too. Effectively, that doubled the amount of funds that was needed,” Chairman de Vera explains. In that year alone, the budget allocated for the higher education sector skyrocketed to P16 billion. Apart from this, the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is also being carried out. This extension project of the Free Tuition Law is an additional subsidy given in priority to poor students and students residing in cities and municipalities where there is no public university. It grants receivers P40,000 to P60,000. With an initial 200,000 beneficiaries in its first year, it’s now close to 500,000 students. Presently, recipients of free tuition have reached around 1,635,000. Add to that the number of grantees from TES, as well as the long-running CHED program Tulong Dunong. The current beneficiaries now estimates at around two million students. “Palaki siya ng palaki, ganun ‘yung progression niya. And I am happy na when we go to congress, we are able to get what we want because maganda naman ang implementation ng program. The sheer number has never been tried in any developing country in the world. Walang sumubok niyan, tayo lang,” he proudly states. WELCOMING LUCS The LUCs gained a big win in the passing of the free tuition law. Now that they’re part of the national government assistance, their students can now rest easy with the support being offered. But, of course, nothing comes without a price. As a condition and a way to ensure quality education, CHED mandated that these institutions pass certain institutional standards. In the initial phases of implementation, CHED required schools to either have one or the other of two things: to have institutional recognition or to subject the campus’ degree programs to the certificate of program compliance. While most institutions are able to comply with one; in two years, they have to acquire both qualifications. In due time, CHED, together with the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU), worked with the schools to achieve the promise. And now, out of 130 LUCs nationwide, 104 are already institutionally recognized. Apart from monetary assistance, CHED also allocated a budget to help schools become smart campuses. With the trend swaying towards greater digital agility, it’s important for academes to “I said ‘yes’ to free higher education. That’s a political promise of the President, so I am obligated to fight it out. ” keep up with the times. Thus, the existence of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. With a total budget of P3 billion to equip universities and colleges with technological advances, CHED is allocating gadgets and equipment such as laptops for faculty members. Connectivity is also on the priority list, as well as fiber optics, putting a system to interconnect the offices, adopting a learning management system, or developing source materials. However, the Act has only been applied to SUCs at the moment. But as ALCU president Dr. Ellen Presnedi says, they’re working hard with their members to qualify for the next Bayanihan program of CHED. With all these plans in place and leaders working hand-in-hand for education, the future is looking bright for the next generation of Filipinos.

< Back OVERCOMING COVID-19 Here, we shine a light on some of our government leaders’ laudable COVID-19 responses, so that we can further capacitate our health systems and future-proof our cities and provinces against all types of crises. BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA IN TIMES OF A PANDEMIC like COVID-19, effective communication strategies must be utilized to inform the community about the measures being implemented by its local government to curb the spread of the virus. The City of Manila, under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno, has been exemplary in this respect. Since Day 1 of his mayorship, the city chief has been using social media—particularly Facebook—as a tool to engage his constituents. On his page, the Mayor talks about his short- and long-term plans for the city, his opinions on issues affecting Manileños. He even takes his viewers with him on his nightly visits to different areas of Manila, when he personally checks the progress of the projects he has implemented. It has also become a habit for Manileños to watch his State of the City Address. So when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, the City of Manila had already established a strong relationship with its constituents. Manileños had a common space to virtually meet, get the latest updates on COVID-19, report the plight of their barangays, air sentiments, and send messages of appreciation and encouragement. When news of outbreak erupted, Mayor Isko immediately informed his city about the implementation of CODECOVID- 19 (Contain and Delay). His online presence helped ease people’s fears, knowing that their Mayor was on top of the situation. The mayor’s social media team also posted realtime video coverage of the mayor and vice mayor’s visits to different areas in Manila, press briefings, distribution of cash pensions, and other official engagements. On Mayor Isko’s Facebook page, they regularly remind citizens to wear a face mask, observe social distancing, and practice regular handwashing. Art cards providing clear and concise information about COVID-19 and empowering messages for frontliners were also posted regularly. There are daily updates on the city’s relief operations, clearly observing transparency in reporting donations received. Posts are accompanied by a photo or video of actual cash, checks, and goods received. People are also informed about the implementation of new ordinances and executive orders (e.g., the curfew imposed in keeping with the enhanced community quarantine, the closure of malls and similar establishments, and the 48-hour hard lockdown in Tondo), the schedule of Kadiwa Rolling Store’s delivery of fresh products and vegetables, and other relevant news. It is easy to reach the mayor for any COVID-related concerns. People are highly encouraged to participate in the Digital Health Survey, made available on Mayor Isko’s FB page, which is one way for the city to track its COVID-19 cases. Follow-ups with PUIs are done by the Manila Emergency Operation Center Hotline (MEOC). Click here to read full article for free

< Back A New Day for Barangay New Zaniga, Mandaluyong Located at the western side of Mandaluyong City, Barangay New Zaniga is proud to serve as a model barangay for the city. From its humble beginnings, today the barangay boasts of many accomplishments, owing to the joint efforts of the current Punong Barangay Liza Cruz, and her predecessor, Edwin E. Cruz. BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL SORIANO Barangay New Zaniga is one of the 27 barangays of the City of Mandaluyong. Historically, the area used to be a low-lying marshland known as Saniga. The concretization of roads led to the urbanization of the neighboring areas, which was dubbed New Zaniga, while the original was called Old Zaniga. Today, the barangay has a land area of about 1.95 hectares, and a population of about 11,000 includingchildren/youth. During the day, there are more people because of transient students and workers. They have one private school, the Good Shepherd Christian School. MR. AND MRS. CRUZ Punong Barangay (PB) Liza Cruz was elected to position in May 2018. She was previously elected as a Barangay Kagawad (Barangay Councilor) and was awarded one of the most Oustanding Kagawads of the City in 2014. She was also the first Barangay Nutrition Action Officer (BNAO) of Mandaluyong City, under the leadership of then CNAO (City Nutrition Action Officer) and now Mayor Carmelita Abalos. Through her involvement as a helpmate of then PB Edwin Cruz, she became known throughout the barangay. She is a graduate of Silliman University with a degree in Political Science, and of Jose Rizal University/ Philippine Law School with a degree in law. “[My husband] has the street smarts, I have the attitude,” she jokes. “Only because my husband entered public service did I join, but there was no guarantee [that I would win]. My passport would have been my credibility as a public servant.” Edwin Cruz, the previous PB, was elected into position in 2007, and has since served three full terms. He is currently the head of the Anti-Smoke Belching Unit of Mandaluyong City (ASBU), a position of trust and confidence. Much of the groundwork in New Zaniga was laid by former PB Edwin Cruz, commencing with the construction of the existing barangay hall. “We only had a small office in our residence, which served as the barangay hall,” says Liza Cruz. It was where council meetings, assemblies, medical missions, and other barangay activities were held. “It was my primary goal to have our own barangay hall and without it, I would not have accomplished anything,” Edwin Cruz says. Thus, he vowed that he would not cut his hair until their barangay would have its own seat of government. An endeavor two years in the making, the barangay hall of New Zaniga was inaugurated on July 18, 2010. Then-Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. came to the event to personally cut off the long ponytail of PB Edwin Cruz. The four-storey structure is deemed to be a towering achievement for New Zaniga, evidence of perseverance towards realizing one’s dream. FEATHER IN THEIR CAP New Zaniga is the cleanest barangay as recognized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The Barangay Power is an MMDA-sponsored competition for all the barangays in Metro Manila. New Zaniga beat out 1,565 barangays and became the grand champion. There are different criteria for the competition—based on size and budget of the barangay, solid waste management and recycling. “We are the gauge of the other barangays with regard to cleanliness,” Liza Cruz says. New Zaniga has its own street sweepers, aside from those hired by the city, who work until 10PM to maintain the cleanliness of the barangay. Click here to read full article for free

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) CEO & PRESIDENT Rossel “Shantal” Dimayuga FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO HELPING OTHERS Drawing from her own experiences, Shantal Dimayuga wishes to help others escape poverty through her foundation Yakap Foundation. Tzu Chi Foundation. Helping Filipinos, One Mission at a Time Learn about the foundation and its Eight Footprints and their impact on the Filipino community. Junior Chamber International JCI: BUILDING STRONG, EFFECTIVE LEADERS WORLDWIDE Leaders of JCI Philippines talk about investing in young people who are ready to make a difference. PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT MELVIN D. MIRANDA The Voice of Filipino Nurses This nurse-educator never wavers in amplifying the voice of Filipino nurses.

< Back Man of the People Mayor Isko Moreno on going up against two political giants, his journey to the mayorship, and his plans for the future of Manila BY GODFREY T. DANCEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO The story of Mayor Isko’s humble beginnings is an oft-repeated one. It is a story he never tires of telling, not only to prove that he has not forgotten his roots but more importantly, to inspire children who are facing circumstances he had been through, to work hard toward their goal. Born to a stevedore and a housewife who had no steady income, he had to face the harsh realities of an underprivileged life. “Kung mayroon mang mas mabigat sa salitang ‘salat,’ ako ang tinutukoy ‘nun (If there is a word which means worse than ‘destitute,’ it pertains to me),” he says. The young Isko—Scott as he was known then—had to rummage through garbage heaps to scavenge not only for things he could sell, but at times even for food. In his teenage years, he became a pedicab driver, conveying passengers through the streets of Tondo. These, he had to do even as he attended public schools in Tondo. Scott’s parents had a simple dream for him: to finish high school. After all, they didn’t have the means to send him to college. He, however, had a bigger dream for himself: to be captain of a ship. He then enrolled at a maritime school using money he had saved up the previous months. Fate, however, intervened. In 1993, he was given the chance to join the entertainment industry, via the then enormously popular youth-oriented television show “That’s Entertainment.” This, Mayor Isko says, “started everything. It changed my life.” Click here to read full article for free

Governors SURIGAO DEL NORTE GOVERNOR ROBERT LYNDON BARBERS For The Love of Surigao Del Norte With or without a position, Barbers is always there for the people of Surigao del Norte because public service is all about will, not political titles. GOVERNOR RAPHAELLE “RAFY” ORTEGA-DAVID Rising to the CHALLENGE Pressure is high for La Union Governor Raphaelle “Rafy” Ortega-David, but she is confidently stepping up to the plate and is ready to serve the Elyu-canos. Governor Albert Garcia Bataan, Standing Tall and Proud Governor Albert Garcia tells us how he is leading the historic province of Bataan towards unity and progress Governor Susan Yap All roads lead to Tarlac in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games. In this interview, Governor Susan Yap tells us how she’s preparing the Province of Tarlac for the big league and how she’s planning to address future challenges. Full Steam Ahead GOV. REBECCA 'NINI' YNARES THE RIGHT WAY The culture of excellence prevails over the province of Rizal, three-time winner of the National Competitiveness Council's Most Competitive Province Award Governor Eduardo Gadiano Occidental Mindoro’s chief rises to the challenge. “Kung kaya sa Sablayan, kaya sa buong lalawigan,” he says. RISING FROM THE DIRT GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA ACTION, NOT WORDS Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on taking the province of Cebu to higher ground by empowering the grassroots movement, building up tourism, and leading with no-nonsense politics. GOVERNOR FRANCIS “CHIZ” ESCUDERO Sorsogon’s Son Returns Governor Chiz Escudero talks about revitalizing agriculture through contract farming, tackling organizational inefficiencies, and preventing health epidemics

< Back Driven by PURPOSE, Powered by PROGRESS BY BIANCA MARAÑON I SAW THIS AS AN EMBODIMENT OF THEIR TRUST, LIKE TRUST IN A MEMBER OF THEIR OWN FAMILY. THEY RUN TO THEIR ATE TO ASK FOR HELP. THEY COME TO ME NOT ONLY AS A PUBLIC SERVANT, BUT ALSO AS AN ATE WHO IS WILLING TO HELP THEM. Among the many awards that Plaridel, Bulacan has received in 2024, one that best encapsulates the main thrust of its municipal government is the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) bestowed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This is given to local government units (LGUs) with outstanding performance in all ten governance areas ranging from “business-friendliness and competitiveness” to “environmental management.” The SGLG is also granted to LGUs that display excellence in leadership and public service. While attaining the SGLG even once is no small feat, Plaridel has received it eight times. It is for good reason that Plaridel Mayor Jocell R. Vistan was recognized as the National Outstanding Mayor of the Year at the 2024 Philippines Choice Awards. Vistan and her team have served Plaridel for many years, and have contributed to its steady growth over the past decade. At present, Vistan is on her third term as mayor, and she happily notes that some of Plaridel’s programs have served as the blueprint for those of other LGUs. A closer look at her years of service for the continued progress of Plaridel would reveal clear proof of this. After all, other LGUs may find practices that they can apply to their own settings, and the typical reader would likely be glad to know of the influence and effectiveness of Vistan’s programs. A DAY IN THE LIFE Vistan wears many hats: wife, mother, daughter, and of course, mayor. Hers is a full day. After a few moments to herself upon rising at 5:30 in the morning, she attends to the many constituents who seek her help and advice. They come to her home, the doors of which have always been open to them, some with appointments and about 30 to 40 others without. “Every day is a challenge,” she notes. She realized she has become different things for different people according to their needs: doctor, lawyer, psychologist, teacher. It is not for nothing that her constituents call her ate (big sister). Plarideleños began using this affectionate nickname sometime in 2019, during the years Vistan didn’t hold office. Wondering how to address her instead of “Mayor Vistan,” they settled on “Ate Jocell.” Vistan is quite happy with this title. “I saw this as an embodiment of their trust, like trust in a member of their own family. They run to their big sister to ask for help. They come to me not only as a public servant but also as an ate who is willing to help them.” The rest of Vistan’s day continues after a very late lunch. She goes around some of the municipality’s 19 barangays to check on ongoing projects, to attend wakes, to grab a bite at her favorite food stall, or to simply listen to Plarideleños’ concerns. This allows her to be close to her constituents and hone her listening skills, but it also serves as a way for her to unwind—she calls this her “driving force” and “antidote to tiredness.” At six in the evening, Vistan is a mom and a wife again. She draws inspiration from her children, who are part of the next generation of Plarideleños for whom she strives to build a better Plaridel. She finds support in her husband, who helps her “debrief” and offers her his perspective and advice. While her day tends to end there, she is Mayor Vistan around the clock. Her team is accustomed to receiving messages from her late at night or early in the morning, the more relaxed hours in which inspiration tends to strike. FULL TO THE BRIM Interestingly, Vistan’s programs mirror her typical day— streamlined, compact, and effective. Much like the different roles she plays tend to blur at times, it is difficult to categorize her programs since they cover multiple areas at once. A good example is “One Tree, One KID (Kabataang Iskolar ni Del Pilar): Puno ng Pag-asa.” Along with financial assistance, college students are given the task of planting and tending to a fruitbearing tree: santol, atis, caimito, chico, and the like. From 300 scholars during the first year of the program, One Tree, One KID is supporting 2,800 students for the 2024-2025 school year and stewards a total of 10,000 trees as of this writing. Once the trees bear fruit, scholars share them with students at the daycare centers. This way, both college and daycare students learn about Filipino fruit-bearing trees. Also, the fruits shared by the college students are tended to by the daycare students, who nurture them into the seedlings that will be in the care of future batches of scholars. This single project covers literacy, care for the environment, and love for Philippine flora all at once. Intertwined with One Tree, One KID is Bote Mo, Edukasyon Ko (Your Bottle, My Education). PET bottles containing clean, empty sachets of toothpaste, shampoo, coffee, etc. are collected from the scholars and turned into eco-bricks with the assistance of Green Antz Builders. These eco-bricks can then be used to build the municipality’s daycare centers, one example being the Barangay Dampol Day Care Center. Parents can send their children to the daycare centers for free, on the condition that they too participate in the Bote Mo, Edukasyon Ko initiative. With one program, Plaridel can promote waste reduction, education, literacy, and community involvement at the same time. Scholarships, tree-planting programs, and recycling campaigns are typical projects of an LGU. Through constant innovation, Vistan and her team have added new dimensions to these initiatives and structured them in a sustainable manner. In the mayor's words, each project is “something that will not only have an impact on Plarideleños, but on the next generation.” Such programs are lasting not only because they are sustainable, but also because they cultivate positive attitudes and habits in citizens, involving all Plarideleños in Vistan’s effort to build an ever-better Plaridel. AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE One may reasonably assume that Vistan inherited her aptitude for public service from her parents, both former mayors of Plaridel. However, Vistan was working toward a career in the corporate world. Becoming a public servant was not within her horizons. A merit scholar at Ateneo de Manila University, she took up Management Engineering and started working for Colgate-Palmolive as a management trainee after graduation. Her father, the late Jaime J. Vistan, asked her to take over the family transport company because he intended to run for office. At first, she tried to dissuade her father from running, his rather quiet personality leading her to think that he may not be suited to a life in politics. In terms of his habits and dispositions, though, he seemed to be a good fit. “He acted on all the problems of the town and found solutions for them,” she says. In the end, Vistan agreed to oversee the business and her father was elected mayor. “He told me he just wanted to help his countrymen.” Witnessing her parents’ terms as mayor, however, had quite an unexpected effect on Vistan. “I told myself, this is not for me,” she recalls. She had other dreams, like starting a family, pursuing further studies, and taking up law. Initially, she was sure that the responsibilities of a mayor and the demands of the people were beyond her. Her mother’s words, however, made her reconsider. Former Mayor Anastacia R. Vistan, known to Plarideleños as Mayor Tessie, asked her daughter: “There is an opportunity for you to serve. Would you like to serve?” A career in public service was far from a matter of course for Vistan. She knew it would require a lot of sacrifice, and there would often be more to lose than to gain in such a position. As she pondered the matter, she realized that this was a chance for her to make all her ideas come to life. She could not only see changes but to be the changes she had always envisioned. “I realized that not everybody is given an opportunity to serve… I thought that if I serve others, there’s so much that I can do for the town,” she reveals. VISTAN’S PROGRAMS ARE LASTING NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE SUSTAINABLE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THEY CULTIVATE POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND HABITS IN CITIZENS, INVOLVING ALL PLARIDELEÑOS IN HER EFFORT TO BUILD AN EVERBETTER PLARIDEL. SIPAG, SINOP, SUWERTE Vistan grew up hearing this constant refrain from her parents: sipag, sinop, suwerte (hard work, frugality, luck). They taught these values to their children in the context of business, but Vistan would recall this reminder and embody it during her years as mayor of Plaridel. Firstly, sipag: “Hard work, persistence. Be an early riser. Do everything in time and at the right time,” the mayor stresses. One of Vistan’s first goals as mayor was to improve services through information technology, by computerizing and updating systems. This facilitated the work and extended the reach of the different offices of the LGU and ensured that the demands of constituents could be met efficiently. Vistan fostered this same spirit of hard work among Plarideleños as well. Previously mentioned projects like One Tree, One KID and Bote Mo, Edukasyon Ko have supported countless students throughout their education. In the area of entrepreneurship, Plarideleños are guaranteed much support as well. Budding business owners can take out small loans to help them start, and such aid is also accompanied by livelihood training by the Public Employment Services Office. Thanks to practices such as the above, Plaridel was recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry as one of the most competitive and most improved LGUs in 2019. That year, Plaridel also ranked first in the area of Economic Dynamism, one of the five pillars of competitiveness measured in the Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index. Second, sinop: “You shouldn’t just earn a lot of money, but you should spend it wisely, too,” Vistan emphasizes. Investing in land is not an easy task for a municipal government, but Vistan took on this challenge in order to make Plaridel’s infrastructure projects possible. After noticing that some students of Plaridel needed to cross a bridge and go to another town to go to high school, it became one of the mayor’s goals to put up a school. From 160 students in 10 classrooms borrowed from an elementary school, Banga High School now has 2,000 students and the most classrooms in Plaridel. Also worth noting is Plaridel’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response (DRRER) program. Plaridel is one of the first municipalities in its area to have an evacuation center, which was even used as an isolation facility during the pandemic. Most of the procurement for the barangays is directed to both hard and soft projects for disaster preparedness, like acquiring rescue vehicles, improving the emergency warning system, and the regular training and assessment of DRRER teams. Third, suwerte: “If there’s an opportunity, you grab it, and you make the most of it,” the mayor underscores. Plaridel is about a half-hour’s drive away from Metro Manila via the North Luzon Expressway. This, along with more space, less traffic, and lower tax brackets, has made the town appealing to investors. There is a growing presence of logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing companies, whose sales teams and operations centers are in Plaridel. Recognizing Bulacan’s, and especially Plaridel’s, potential as “the gateway to the north,” Ayala Land, Inc. announced the Crossroads project in 2022. It will be a commercial and lifestyle district, the first of its kind in Bulacan, and Vistan is excited about the opportunities it will open up. It will definitely be a reason for many Plarideleños to return to their town, incidentally the theme of the free concert held in December 2024: “Coming Home.” Rooted in the traditional Salubong Festival on December 29, Vistan invited Orange and Lemons, Leona, and other local artists to this year-end celebration. She hoped to inspire the youth to pursue music (as some members of the bands are from Plaridel as well), draw attention to the Salubong Festival, and encourage Plarideleños to come home to Plaridel. BUILDING THE PLARIDEL OF THE FUTURE Something Vistan learned from her father is to always look to the future: “You do not stop at Point A when you have reached Point A. You look forward to Point B,” she says. The local chief executive is always thinking about, working for, and looking forward to “what’s next.” This is clearly seen in her projects and programs, each one clearly designed to last, leaving behind a legacy that will outlast her term as mayor. Speaking of legacy, Vistan hopes she will be remembered for her efforts to bring people together and build community. She knows that all her dreams for Plaridel are possible, as long as all Plarideleños love their town and work as hard for it as she does. “Sama-sama po tayo: ako, ikaw, tayong lahat, para sa isang Plaridel na diretso sa progreso. (Let’s work together: me, you, all of us, for a Plaridel headed straight towards progress.) Be with me and come home to Plaridel,” she says. I REALIZED THAT NOT EVERYBODY IS GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE… I THOUGHT THAT IF I SERVE OTHERS, THERE’S SO MUCH THAT I CAN DO FOR THE TOWN.

< Back The Balancing Act of Philippines-China Relations HAS CHANGE COME TO OUR FOREIGN POLICY? BY HERMAN JOSEPH S. KRAFT President Duterte campaigned with the slogan of “Change is Coming!” and a key area where this has been prominently noticeable is in foreign policy. The “pivot to China” has been seen as a sea-change in how the Philippines approaches its foreign relationships. From a focus on being a key non-NATO ally of the United States to the new country coordinator for ASEAN-China bilateral relations seems to be a complete turn-around. In reality, Philippine relations with the US remain fundamentally the same. For all the criticism (to say the least) that President Duterte has heaped on the US, the institutionalized linkages that have made it the key strategic partner of the Philippines in its international relations remain unchanged. There is more than something, however, to the idea of change in Philippine-China relations with the turn-around happening in such a short time. Seen from a historical perspective, the relationship between the two countries has HAS CHANGE COME TO OUR FOREIGN POLICY?What can the Philippines expect in its relationship with China beyond the Duterte administration?PHILIPPINE-CHINA RELATIONS: been steadily improving since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China in 1975. The tendency to see the Duterte Administration’s “pivot to China” as a major shift in Philippine foreign policy is only in the context of conditions, albeit important and intense conditions, in the last 10 years regarding the West Philippine Sea. To be sure, developments regarding the disputing claims to land features (and even the waters themselves on the part of China) located there had spilled over into different aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. And there were even concerns over how this might blow into a conflict involving the two great powers in the region—the US and China. Given historic trends, however, it is probably more accurate to characterize the Duterte administration’s approach as a normalization of the bilateral relations rather than a “shift.” The most noticeable foreign policy priority of President Duterte upon his accession to power was the restoration of Philippine-China relations. The difficulty lay in the fact that this had significantly deteriorated during the Aquino administration. The confrontation over Scarborough Shoal in 2012, the challenge posed to China at the 2012 ASEAN Summit, and eventually the initiation of an arbitration case against China by issuing a Notification and Statement of Claim in accordance with the dispute settlement provisions of UNCLOS, particularly under Art. 287 and Annex VII have all contributed to a situation where almost all lines for dialogue had been cut off. China had indicated, as the case prospered, that any discussion to restore Philippine-China relations would have to await the emergence of a new presidential administration. This pretty much signaled that relations with the Philippines were dead in the water as long as Aquino was at the helm of the government. At the start of his presidency, Duterte worked hard to assure China of his good intentions. Buttressed by three visits to China within the first year of his administration, he was able to turn relations with China around. A major part of this turn-around was when the decision of the arbitration court came out within a month after the accession of Duterte to the presidency. The fundamental ruling went completely against China. Despite the “win,” President Duterte decided not to bring up the Arbitral Award in its pursuit of improving relations with China. This was the key ingredient of observations of a “shift” in Philippine foreign policy towards China. President Duterte claimed that this did not mean that the Philippines was giving up on its claim but that this will be raised before his administration ends at “an appropriate time.” He explained this position by claiming that he did not want to go to war with China – an event that could only be disastrous for the Philippines. In the meantime, the Philippines would instead seek to harvest economic benefits from an improvement in relations with China.In a number of visits to Beijing and meetings with Xi Jinping between 2016 and 2018, Duterte was able to secure Chinese goodwill and promises of investments and loans of up to US$24 billion. In late February 2018, President Duterte was quoted as explaining cooperation between the Philippines and China on jointly sharing in the resources of waters surrounding the disputed features in the South China Sea as similar to “co-ownership.” While his spokesperson explained this away as a simplification of a more complex notion of joint development, it raised the hackles of critics of the President’s policies regarding the South China Sea. The statement, however, illustrates the attitude of President Duterte and the policies that guided his approach to the issue. At the same time, China’s own policies moved towards favoring the Philippines. In February 2018, the two leaders agreed to set up a joint panel to draft a framework agreement on exploring oil and gas in the South China Sea. At the turn-over ceremonies of ASEAN in Singapore last November 2018, the Philippines was given the mantle of being the country coordinator for ASEAN-China bilateral relations. This is not a role that is driven by a rotational assignment, and would not have happened without the explicit agreement of the Chinese government. This shows how far China was willing to demonstrate its acceptance of the new relationship with the Philippines. It is, however, in the economic side that the Duterte administration has bet more fully on Philippine-China relations. The promise of the pledges of huge amounts of Chinese capital that would be invested in the Philippines is the key driver of the Duterte foreign policy of pivoting to China. With the “Build, Build, Build” economic thrust, capital is something that the Duterte administration will be needing a lot of. An initial estimate of US$180 billion is going to be needed for the highly ambitious infrastructure-driven economic strategy. Granted that this is something that needs to be done (in fact should have been done a long time ago), it is a huge undertaking, one that is certainly not going to be completed in the course of one presidential term. But it must be done, and has to be started. If it is correct to assume that the pivot to China is largely economically-driven, what has this led to? A number of changes facilitated by improvements in the Philippines’ relations with China has become evident in the last few years. Overall the trend has been modest, but steadily rising across most indicators. According to information provided by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, there has already been an uptick in foreign direct investments from China to the Philippines. The increase seems to be cautiously restrained but the rate has been steadily going upwards. It reached nearly US $30 million at the end of 2017 from just above US $10 million in the beginning of 2016. Tourist arrivals have also been going up since 2016. The Department of Tourism has reported that the volume of tourist arrivals from China in 2018 increased by 42%. In fact, the number of Chinese tourists to the Philippines had passed tourist arrivals from the US. This leap in numbers is attributed to the improved ties between the Philippines and China, the addition of air routes, and the Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) option for Chinese nationals. Others, however, point to the increase in the number of Chinese nationals that have been given permission to work in the Philippines – an issue raised by Senator Franklin Drilon, among others.Likewise, there has been a mild increase in trade relations between the two countries. Between April 2017 and April 2018, there was a 34% increase in the volume of trade between China and the Philippines. A significant part of this, however, was accounted for by a huge surge in imports to the Philippines from China. Over the same period of time, the trade imbalance between the two countries has been growing significantly in China’s favor. Overall, the fulfillment of the expectations of China’s involvement in the economic programs of the Philippines has been less than impressive. Japan and Korea retain a much larger share of investments to the Philippines compared to China. China has surged in ranking as a trade partner of the Philippines, but this overwhelmingly favors China. There is something to be said about Duterte’s pursuit of better relations with China as the crowning consideration of his foreign policy. For all the fawning that has been done, however, the numbers are quite underwhelming. In the case of trade, it would even seem that the Philippines is becoming a dumping ground for surplus Chinese products. Perhaps it is too much to expect dramatic changes given that it has only been less than three years since President Duterte came to power, and the turn-around in relations with China. Beyond questions of numbers, we still have the unresolved issue of the Arbitral Decision and other issues related to the South China Sea. With the current good relations so connected to the personality and preferences of President Duterte, what can the Philippines expect in its relationship with China beyond the Duterte administration? Click here to read full article for free

< Back WHAT’S AT STAKE: A LOOK AT THE 2025 MIDTERM ELECTIONS BY ATTY. LOREN A. MARTINEZ The Christmas festivities may be over, but the streets are filled with posters, banners, and the familiar faces and names of politicians. This, as we gear up for the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, another event sure to be a defining moment in the nation’s history. Millions of Filipinos are preparing to choose leaders who will steer the country through pressing challenges and opportunities. The question is: Whom should we vote for? On May 12, 2025, voters will elect senators, congressional representatives, governors, mayors, and other officials, including members of the Bangsamoro Parliament. This election will not only shape the immediate political landscape but also determine the country’s direction amid economic recovery, environmental concerns, and rapid technological advancements. Moreover, participating in this political process is expected to strengthen the checks and balances essential to safeguarding our democracy. Recognizing the significance of this event, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued resolutions aimed at fostering transparency, fairness, and sustainability while addressing the growing influence of digital platforms on modern elections. With young voters expected to play a pivotal role, the 2025 elections carry the hopes and aspirations of a new generation eager for positive change. Here is what you need to know about the 2025 Philippine midterm elections. WHAT ARE THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS? Midterm elections in the Philippines are held three years after a presidential election and are so named because they occur halfway through the incumbent president’s six-year term. During the 2025 elections, Filipinos will vote for: • 12 senators (half of the Senate) • All members of the House of Representatives, including party-list representatives • Local government officials CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS The Comelec has reiterated the importance of financial transparency. Candidates must submit Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) within 30 days after the election, detailing all campaign finances. Spending limits remain at Php3 per voter for candidates with a political party, Php5 per voter for independent candidates, and Php5 per voter for partylist groups. In a bid to modernize campaigns while protecting the environment, Comelec has mandated that all campaign materials be recyclable and eco-friendly. Printed paraphernalia must carry the label: “This material should be recycled or disposed of responsibly.” Additionally, candidates must adhere to local government regulations on plastic use and proper waste disposal, reflecting the nation’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability. ELECTION PROPAGANDA AND MEDIA REGULATIONS Strict rules govern the production and display of campaign materials. Posters are limited to two feet by three feet, while rally streamers may not exceed three feet by eight feet and must be removed within 24 hours after the event. Flyers and stickers must be within 8.5 by 14 inches. These materials may only be posted in designated public spaces or on private property with explicit consent. Airtime limits for advertisements ensure a level playing field. National candidates may air 120 minutes of TV ads and 180 minutes of radio ads per station, while local candidates are allotted 60 minutes of TV and 90 minutes of radio airtime per station. Online campaigns, including social media posts and e-rallies, are also permitted but must comply with disclosure and content guidelines to ensure transparency. CAMPAIGN PERIOD AND PROHIBITIONS The campaign period for national candidates begins on February 11, 2025, while local candidates may start capaigning on March 28, 2025. Campaigning is strictly prohibited on Maundy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18), the eve of election day (May 11), and election day (May 12). These measures are in place to preserve the sanctity of the elections and ensure focus on the voting process during crucial days. While the proliferation of online and offline materials featuring aspirants for various offices before the start of the campaign period has been hit by some groups, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia has admitted that these aspirants have not violated any law. This is because there is no more such thing as premature campaigning in the country. This is based on the Supreme Court decision in the Penera vs Comelec case, wherein the High Court ruled that those who have filed their certificates of candidacy only become candidates at the start of the official campaign period. THE ELECTIONS IN THE HANDS OF THE DIGITAL NATIVES The nature of elections has evolved in recent years because of the advent of digital technologies, particularly the emergence of social media platforms and their effects on election campaigns, information transmission, and opinion formation. Thus, it is crucial for the voting populace to be educated and aware of how they can safeguard their votes without silencing their digital presence. As we enter this election season, which is firmly anchored in the digital age, Comelec has acknowledged the critical need for updated safeguards and has released Resolution No. 11064, which includes critical new policies and guidelines. These modifications are expressly meant to improve openness, accessibility, and security in an era where digital innovations have a substantial impact on the election process. With an increasing reliance on technology, preserving the integrity of the automated election system and safeguarding voter data has never been more critical. Key updates include the following: • Registration of Online Platforms: Candidates must register their official social media accounts, websites, blogs, and other online campaign platforms with Comelec by December 13, 2024. • Disclosure of AI Usage: Campaign materials using artificial intelligence must be properly disclosed. • Prohibition of Digital Manipulation: Fake accounts, bots, astroturfing, and the creation of deepfakes or false information are strictly prohibited. 2025 ELECTIONS: A PIVOTAL MOMENT The 2025 elections come at a time of great transition for the Philippines, as the nation tackles critical issues such as economic recovery, climate change, and geopolitical challenges. Filipinos are looking for leaders with fresh ideas, decisive leadership, and a commitment to inclusive governance. Young voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, are expected to play a vital role in shaping the outcome. Their energy and priorities are set to bring new momentum to the political discourse. Comelec has also established task forces across cities and municipalities to monitor compliance with election rules. These teams are empowered to remove unlawful campaign materials and penalize violations. Offenders face strict penalties under the Omnibus Election Code and other relevant laws. SHAPING THE NATION’S FUTURE: WHY SHOULD WE VOTE? The 2025 elections are more than a political exercise—they reflect the nation’s democratic strength and the collective aspirations of its people. These elections come at a time when the Philippines faces critical decisions that will shape its path in addressing economic inequality, climate resilience, and the digital transformation of society. Comelec has set the stage for a fair, transparent, and sustainable election, but the responsibility ultimately lies with every Filipino. By staying informed, making thoughtful choices and participating in the democratic process, voters hold the power to drive meaningful change. Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of our country. As we approach the midterm polls, we are expected to exercise our rights responsibly, elect leaders who reflect our values, and strengthen our democracy. On May 12, 2025, let us stand united as a nation, using the power of the ballot to create a better, more inclusive, and progressive Philippines. The future is in our hands—vote wisely.