< Back Shaping Tomorrow’s City Today BY GWEN LLANA-SERRANO DRAWING FROM HER ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERTISE, CONGRESSWOMAN FLORIDA “RIDA” ROBES HAS PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN SHAPING SAN JOSE DEL MONTE INTO ONE OF THE MOST PROGRESSIVE CITIES OUTSIDE METRO MANILA, WHILE ALSO LEADING LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES TO ENHANCE THE LIVES OF MANY FILIPINOS. Representative Florida “Rida” Robes, congresswoman of the Lone District of the City of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, is one of 86 female lawmakers among the 314 members of the House of Representatives. While often recognized as the wife of San Jose del Monte Mayor Arthur Robes, Rep. Robes has carved her own path as a competent legislator. A staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, she has demonstrated that women are more than deserving of leadership roles, authoring key bills and bringing her entrepreneurial acumen to public service. True enough, Robes' husband did not only find a better half in life but a steadfast ally in nurturing their beloved city. As a congresswoman, she has been instrumental in transforming San Jose del Monte into one of the most progressive cities outside Metro Manila, all while championing legislative efforts to improve countless Filipinos' lives. AWARD-WINNING LEGISLATOR A prolific member of Congress, Robes has a strong track record of authoring and coauthoring bills that address both local and national issues. Her dedication and excellence have earned her several prestigious accolades, including the Outstanding Congresswoman award in 2017 from Superbrands Marketing Inc. and the Outstanding Congresswoman and Public Servant award at the 30th Global Excellence Awards in Davao. Among Robes' most notable achievements is co-authoring Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act. This forward-thinking legislation integrates emerging technologies to modernize procurement processes, promoting greater transparency and accountability within the government. By streamlining operations, the law ensures that public resources are used more efficiently for the benefit of all Filipinos. Beyond procurement, Robes has championed measures like House Bill No. 1925, or the National Housing Authority (NHA) Amnesty and Acquisition Act of 2023, which offers financial relief to housing program beneficiaries facing eviction. The bill empowers the NHA to reacquire units and reallocate them to qualified Filipinos through government housing programs like the Build Better More infrastructure program. Her legislative efforts extend to local governance and national priorities, authoring bills such as the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, an Ecological Waste-to-Energy Management System, and policies supporting elderly employment and public disaster responders. With road safety in mind, she also introduced House Bill No. 1511 to address the rise in road rage incidents and ensure safer roads for all. Trusted by her peers, Robes now serves as Chairperson of the House Committee on Housing and Urban Development, where she continues to champion policies for affordable housing and sustainable urban growth. MOTHERLY CARE IN PUBLIC SERVICE As a devoted wife and nurturing mother, Robes channels her maternal instincts into her role as a family-oriented congresswoman. While balancing motherhood, family life, and her responsibilities in Congress, Robes treats her constituents’ needs as if they were her own family. It’s no surprise that she has received the Huwarang Ina Award as an "Outstanding Mother-Achiever" and was recognized as one of the "Outstanding Women of the Year 2017" by Women’s Journal. “When I got married to Mayor Arthur, I figured this is the life that he loves. So why would I not try it? Nung sinubukan ko, parang ako na ata ang ayaw bumitaw. It's so awesome. Masarap maglingkod. Maramdaman na magmahal. Masigasig na maglingkod sa kapwa at higit sa lahat, masarap magbigay, (When I tried it [serving our constituents], it’s like I didn’t want to let go of it. It’s so awesome. It feels good to serve; to feel the love; to serve the people enthusiastically; and, most importantly, it feels good to give)” she says. ANG TAO, KAHIT ANONG PANG HIRAP NG BUHAY, ALAM NILA MAY KAKAMPI SILA. DITO SA SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, KAMI YUN. AT HINDI AKO TATALIKOD DOON (THE PEOPLE, NO MATTER THEIR LIFE STATUS OR CIRCUMSTANCE, KNOW THAT THEY HAVE SOMEONE ON THEIR SIDE. HERE IN SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, THAT’S US. AND I WON’T TURN MY BACK ON THEM). From providing medical and burial assistance to offering food and educational support, she is committed to listening and responding to her constituents’ needs. “Ang tao, kahit ano pang hirap ng buhay, alam nila may kakampi sila. Dito sa San Jose del Monte, kami yun. At hindi ako tatalikod doon (The people, no matter their life status or circumstance, know that they have someone on their side. Here in San Jose del Monte, that’s us. And I won’t turn my back on them),” Robes adds. Among the most pressing issues she identifies is mental health. Robes authored House Bill 9980, which aims to establish the country’s first mental health clinic in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Funded and operated by the local government unit with assistance from the Department of Health, the clinic will offer counseling, therapy, intervention, medication, afterhours care, and other essential psychiatric services. LEVERAGING BUSINESS SKILLS FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE Before entering politics, Robes was a successful businesswoman, overseeing multiple ventures, including a popular Taiwanese pearl milk tea brand. She also served as president and chief marketing officer for several private companies and established herself as an accomplished events organizer, where she honed her leadership and communication skills. With a foundation in the hospitality industry, Rida earned her Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from St. Paul University Manila. Her expertise was further strengthened through various business training programs across Asia. These business skills became invaluable when Rida transitioned into politics. Despite her wealth of experience, she remained committed to personal growth, pursuing further education to equip herself for her evolving political responsibilities. She completed a Master's Degree in Public Administration, majoring in Public Personnel Management and Public Policy, at American University. She also attended an executive education program at Harvard University on "Women and Power for the New Millennium." Reflecting on how her entrepreneurial background has shaped her political career, Rida emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships with people—a skill she mastered during her time as a businesswoman. “Ang ginagawa ko ay pakikipag-usap, kagaya rin nung nag negosyo ako (I negotiate, just like how I did when I still focused on my businesses). My number one skill is public relations (PR), at the same time, negotiations. Even if the situation is difficult, I can handle it,” Robes shares. Putting her PR skills to good use, Robes amended Section 1 of Republic Act No. 9750 to incorporate the celebration of Tanglawan Festival. This legislation designates September 10 each year as a special nonworking holiday in the City of San Jose del Monte, in commemoration of its cityhood. It shall be known as the "Foundation Day of the City of San Jose del Monte" and celebrated annually through the Tanglawan Festival. “Through this festival, we empower our people. We brought together the whole City of San Jose del Monte,” she proudly shares. According to Robes, the festival attracts around 50,000 attendees, providing livelihood opportunities for many residents in Bulacan and significantly boosting local tourism. While San Jose Del Monte has certainly gone a long way, there is still much that its leaders aspire to achieve. “I would like to come up with a better city, a stronger city in terms of health, education, and, employment opportunities,” Robes shares. .As she sets her sights on serving the city as mayor, the determined congresswoman aims to further her impact on the city’s progress. Robes envisions continuing her brand of public service, with a focus on enhancing access to quality healthcare, improving educational systems, and creating more job opportunities for her constituents. She hopes to carry forward the momentum of San Jose del Monte’s growth, while addressing the evolving needs of its residents.

< Back The Game Changer BY NEPHELINE LIM DACUNO FROM PURSUING HIS PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS TO TURNING THE TIDES OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN THE CITY, SAN JUAN CITY MAYOR FRANCISCO JAVIER “FRANCIS” M. ZAMORA EXEMPLIFIES HOW STRIVING FOR A GREATER PURPOSE CAN DRIVE HISTORY-MAKING CHANGES THAT POSITIVELY IMPACT THE LIVES OF OVER 100,000 RESIDENTS. From a young age, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. Public service wasn’t initially part of his plans, yet politics was always in the background, largely due to the influence of his father, Ronaldo Zamora, a long-time congressman of San Juan City. With his father’s impressive 44-year career dedicated to serving the city, it was almost inevitable that Francis would eventually follow in the seasoned politician’s footsteps. Despite his father's political legacy, Francis Zamora carved his own path in sports. He started playing basketball at La Salle Greenhills and later joined De La Salle University's men’s basketball team in 1995. For four years, he played for the De La Salle University Green Archers in the UAAP and he served as team captain during the 1998 and 1999 back-to-back championships. Despite his promising early success, Zamora’s basketball journey was far from the smooth ascent he had envisioned. With ambitions to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), he first made his mark in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL), which was then a feeder for the PBA. Even before graduating from university with a degree in Psychology, Zamora was already making his mark in the PBL and eventually secured two championships during his playing years in the league. In 1999, he played for BLU Detergent and became part of the back-to-back and 3-peat championship teams of Welcoat Paints in 1999 and 2000. In 2001, his persistence paid off when he was drafted by the PBA’s Sta. Lucia Realtors under the guidance of Coach Norman Black. Just before finalizing the deal, Zamora’s coach asked him to hold off, hinting at a potential trade with another player. Zamora agreed and continued his rigorous training for another month, only to discover that the trade would not push through. Instead, he returned to the PBL where he played for the Montaña Pawnshop under Coach Leo Isaac. “Coach Leo gave me the biggest break of my basketball career. By halftime, I would already achieve double digits in both points and rebounds because he gave me the confidence which paved the way for me to play the best basketball of my life,” Zamora shares. Within a month, Purefoods Head Coach Ryan Gregorio called Zamora and asked if he had an escape clause in his contract. “When I received that call, I told myself that this would be the culmination of all my hard work and that I would finally reach my PBA dream. But I also knew that without the big break Coach Leo gave me, Purefoods would have not called me. I thus decided to politely turn down the offer because I could not leave Coach Leo,” Zamora reflects. "In a sudden twist of fate, Coach Leo was replaced, new players joined, and I was removed from the rotation," Zamora recalls. "I reached out to Coach Ryan Gregorio to see if Purefoods' offer still stood, but they had already signed someone else. Looking back, I'd make the same choice; I guess the PBA wasn’t my destiny." Zamora went on to play one final conference with the ICTSI Archers, a team mostly composed of DLSU players, before retiring in 2002. NEW HOPES BEYOND THE HOOPS After setting aside his PBA aspirations, Zamora turned his attention to family and post-graduate education. Following his marriage and the birth of his first child, he pursued a business and entrepreneurship program at New York University in 2003. Three years later, in 2006, he earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the National College of Public Administration and Governance at the University of the Philippines Diliman. In 2015, he completed an Executive Education Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in Harvard University. Zamora’s master’s degree, business program, and Executive Education Program provided a strong foundation for a public service career that naturally followed in his father’s monumental footsteps. The senior Zamora was a magna cum laude graduate in both Political Science and Law from the University of the Philippines, earning these distinctions in 1965 and 1969, respectively, and then topped the bar exams. His rise was swift, serving as Chief of the Presidential Economic Staff under President Marcos Sr., and even writing Marcos’s First 100 Days speech while still in law school—a testament to his intellect. Named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in 1972, he went on to serve as assemblyman and later as congressman for San Juan and Mandaluyong, his political career spanning multiple terms from 1987 to 2022. His legacy set a high standard, one that his son would seek to uphold in his own path of public service. Throughout his extensive congressional tenure, Zamora’s father held key leadership roles, including House Majority and Minority Floor Leader, then chaired the Commission on Appointments from 2016 to 2022. He also served as Executive Secretary to the President from 1998-2001. “My father has been a congressman since 1978. In fact, my first taste of campaigning came in 1984 when I was just six years old,” Zamora recalls. “I was part of his campaigns again in 1987 and 1992, until I stepped away to focus on basketball and my studies.” In 2004, a year after coming back from studies in New York, Zamora immersed himself once again during the election campaign of his father that year, a pivotal moment that sparked his own desire for public service. “Helping him again in 2004 reignited something in me,” Zamora shares. “After years away, I felt a renewed passion to pursue something more meaningful than basketball. That experience made me realize I wanted to do more. It was then when I approached my father and told him that campaigning for him again had inspired me to run for city councilor.” Zamora’s father initially expressed reluctance, warning him about the political arena, describing it as rife with intrigue and mudslinging, and cautioning that he might not find it to his liking. Determined to prove his readiness for public service, Zamora, guided by values instilled by his mother, Rose, pursued a Master’s in Public Administration and headed his father’s congressional district office. There, he engaged with constituents, collaborated with barangay and city officials, and managed social services, including medical, hospital, burial, livelihood, and financial aid programs. This hands-on experience, combined with his academic background, underscored his commitment and prepared him for the demands of public service. Zamora officially launched his public service career in 2007 as City Councilor for San Juan City’s 2nd District, a move he pursued despite his father’s initial hesitation. Yet, his father quickly became his strongest supporter. “He was my biggest cheerleader during my basketball years and remained my staunchest ally in my campaigns,” Zamora recalls. “He still proudly shares that I was team captain of the 1998 and 1999 UAAP back-to-back championship teams and later became Mayor of San Juan City.” Zamora reflects on his father’s aspirations: “My father always wanted me to be a lawyer. From my basketball career to my time as city councilor, vice mayor, and mayor, he never missed a chance to remind me of that wish of his instead of that dream. Yet, despite not pursuing law, I know he takes pride in the public servant and leader I’ve become.” END OF AN ERA After serving as City Councilor of the 2nd District of San Juan, Zamora successfully ran for vice mayor in 2010, securing a second term when he ran unopposed in 2013. By 2016, he set his sights on the mayoral seat, challenging then-incumbent Mayor Guia Gomez. His candidacy marked a pivotal moment in San Juan’s political history, marking a call for change, laying the groundwork for what would become a reshaping of the city’s political landscape. Despite his tireless efforts to earn the trust of San Juan’s residents and establish himself as the city’s local chief executive, Zamora narrowly lost his first mayoral bid by just a little over 1,000 votes. He describes the defeat as both a setback and a testament to the strength of the campaign he had waged. “Kung mahina ang loob ko (If I were faint-hearted), I would have given up after that defeat. But I pushed myself to run again in 2019,” Zamora shares. While both elections saw him facing incumbent officials, a mayor and vice mayor respectively, he acknowledges that his second attempt was far more challenging. In 2019, no longer holding public office, he once again challenged the entrenched family that had produced a Philippine president, senators, and other high-ranking officials. Facing such a powerful dynasty for the second time meant Zamora had to elevate his campaign to an entirely new level. “It was the overwhelming desire to transform San Juan that drove me to push harder the second time around,” Zamora reflects. “After losing the first race in 2016, I made a promise to myself that I would come back stronger. When I saw that 49% of San Juan’s voters had placed their trust in me, I was inspired to keep fighting for change. That trust fueled my perseverance, determination, and resilience in fulfilling our dream for a Makabagong San Juan.” Running under the PDP-Laban, Zamora faced then-incumbent Vice Mayor Janella Ejercito-Estrada, daughter of Senate President Pro Tempore, Senator Jinggoy Estrada. With a decisive margin of 10,247 votes, Zamora secured the mayoralty, ending the Ejercito-Estrada clan’s 50-year reign over San Juan. This accomplishment placed him in a distinguished league of leaders who have successfully reshaped their city’s political landscape against formidable dynasties. AGAINST CHALLENGING TIDES Zamora’s 2019 victory was hailed as a turning point for San Juan, signaling a new era for the city. Yet, behind the celebration, few were aware of the personal struggles he and his four children, Amanda, Rocco, Nicolas and Noah, quietly endured. In February 2019, just a month before the campaign began, his wife, Keri Lynn Neri Zamora, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the emotional toll, the couple chose to keep her diagnosis private, even from his line up of candidates, campaign team, and supporters. It wasn’t until the victory party that they finally revealed the battle his family had been facing in silence. “It was incredibly difficult,” Zamora reveals, “I was juggling campaigning while caring for my wife. During stretches of days and weeks, she underwent chemotherapy, and I was by her side for every session. Right after, I’d head straight to the campaign trail. At night, I’d return home, sit with her, sometimes cry for hours, then wake up the next day to do it all over again.” He continues, “Everyone around me was in full ‘election mode,’ but my wife didn’t want her illness to affect the campaign. Her decision to keep it private made things even harder for me. I had to maintain a strong front, smiling for the cameras and my team, all while carrying the weight of her diagnosis. It was one of the toughest parts— honoring her wish to keep it within the family until the race was over; she wanted to face her battle quietly, but people had already begun asking why she wasn't attending campaign events.” Months after Zamora’s election victory, his wife was declared cancerfree. The experience inspired the creation of The Caring Keri Foundation, which focuses on helping cancer patients and the general welfare of San Juaneño women and children. Founded and led by his wife, who serves as its president, the foundation embodies her enduring spirit and commitment to helping others. Beyond Zamora’s personal struggles, his first term as mayor began with an immediate and daunting challenge. On March 2, 2020, a security guard named Alchie Paray held 55 people hostage at the Greenhills shopping mall complex, thrusting Zamora into a high-stakes crisis that would test his leadership. Paray indicated that his primary motivation for the hostage-taking was related to internal disputes with his security agency. During tense negotiations, Zamora promised Paray safety in exchange for the hostages’ release and agreed to engage him face-to-face. Armed only with courage and a bulletproof vest, Zamora succeeded in securing the safe release of all hostages. The Philippine National Police (PNP) gave Zamora arrival honors at the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) in Camp Bagong Diwa and awarded him the PNP Heroism Medal for his efforts. NAVIGATING A HEALTH CRISIS The hostage crisis was just the beginning of the challenges Zamora would face in his initial months as mayor. On March 6, 2020, the Department of Health – National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) officials met privately with Zamora to deliver urgent, classified information: the Philippines had confirmed its first local COVID-19 transmission—a Filipino from outside Metro Manila who frequently visited Greenhills Mall in San Juan City. In response, Zamora swiftly ordered the immediate disinfection, sanitation, and closure of the mall to protect public health. On March 16, 2020, President Duterte declared a state of calamity, thrusting Zamora into the complexities of governing San Juan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the city became a model of effective governance, prioritizing transmission prevention, strengthening healthcare systems, and vaccination efforts. By June 2021, San Juan was the first local government unit in the Philippines to achieve herd immunity, leading the way for a quicker return to normalcy just over a year after the nation’s first local transmission. Zamora’s response went beyond vaccinations. San Juan also launched the country’s first public-private quarantine facility, the Kalinga Kontra Korona Center, converting the San Juan Science High School into a 100-bed isolation facility. Additionally, the city’s digital education program, which provided students with tablets, laptops, and internet access, earned San Juan the Galing Pook Foundation’s Best Pandemic Response Award in 2021. Despite a challenging start, Zamora led San Juan through one of the most difficult periods in recent history. NCR'S FIRST-EVER CITY WITH 100% OF ITS BARANGAYS DRUG-CLEARED One of Zamora’s most significant accomplishments as mayor was guiding San Juan City to become the first LGU in Metro Manila to have 100% of its barangays declared drug-cleared, a distinction awarded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in February 2023. This milestone meant all 21 barangays in San Juan were officially free from illegal drugs. As Chairman of both the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Zamora spearheaded efforts with city and barangay officials to rehabilitate and reintegrate persons who use drugs (PWUDs). This initiative included the establishment of the Balay Silangan, a dedicated drug rehabilitation center, emphasizing not only enforcement but also the long-term recovery and successful reintegration of affected individuals into the community. The mayor attributes the city’s remarkable success to his strong partnership with the PNP and PDEA. Zamora personally took part in drug raids and buy-bust operations, while also overseeing the distribution of livelihood packages to hundreds of PWUDs, including both current participants and graduates of the Balay Silangan rehabilitation program. “Our commitment to fighting drug use is reflected in the strong support from our residents,” says Zamora. “Being the only LGU in Metro Manila wherein 100% of our barangays have been declared drug-cleared, we now have the lowest crime volume in Metro Manila, rising property values, and increased investor confidence. People are happier and safer in our Makabagong San Juan—these are the true benefits of a drugfree community.” “AFTER LOSING THE FIRST RACE IN 2016, I MADE A PROMISE TO MYSELF THAT I WOULD COME BACK STRONGER. WHEN I SAW THAT 49% OF SAN JUAN’S VOTERS HAD PLACED THEIR TRUST IN ME, I WAS INSPIRED TO KEEP FIGHTING FOR CHANGE. THAT TRUST FUELED MY PERSEVERANCE, DETERMINATION, AND RESILIENCE IN FULFILLING OUR DREAM FOR A MAKABAGONG SAN JUAN.” “OUR COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING DRUG USE IS REFLECTED IN THE STRONG SUPPORT FROM OUR RESIDENTS,” SAYS ZAMORA. “WITH A DRUG-CLEARED CITY, WE NOW HAVE THE LOWEST CRIME VOLUME IN METRO MANILA, RISING PROPERTY VALUES, AND INCREASED INVESTOR CONFIDENCE. PEOPLE ARE HAPPIER AND SAFER IN OUR MAKABAGONG SAN JUAN—THESE ARE THE TRUE BENEFITS OF A DRUG-FREE COMMUNITY.” EASING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS Traffic congestion remains a significant challenge for San Juaneños and Metro Manila residents, worsened by illegal parking, frequent violations, and inconsistent enforcement. To ease congestion and improve traffic flow, Zamora eliminated street pay parking across the city just three weeks into his term. As President of the Metro Manila Council, Zamora introduced the Single Ticketing System (STS), a streamlined approach to handling the region's 20 most common traffic violations. With full backing from all Metro Manila mayors and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman, the STS standardized fines and eliminated license confiscation, thus simplifying enforcement. Drivers can now pay fines on the spot via digital payment channels. By implementing this system, Zamora improved traffic enforcement and eased congestion, contributing to smoother commutes and a more organized urban environment. To fully implement the Single Ticketing System (STS), Mayor Zamora had to make some strategic compromises. “To standardize the fines, I had to set a good example by lowering those in San Juan City,” he explained. “The system was eventually replicated in other cities as well. We utilized every available technology to bring the STS to life.” Zamora saw this as an opportunity to set a precedent for other Metro Manila mayors. “The STS had been in the works for 28 years, but it was challenging to roll out due to the differences in fines and penalties across cities. Finally, we found a way to make it happen,” he shares. NO STUDENT LEFT BEHIND Education has been a key priority in Zamora’s administration. Through their Digital Education Program, every public school student in San Juan received a device, transforming education delivery in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Originally launched before the pandemic, the program became vital when students and teachers shifted to distance learning. The city distributed tablets, laptops, and pocket Wi-Fi to over 13,000 K-12 students, ensuring that their education remains uninterrupted. San Juan’s initiative earned top honors from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for having the best digital education program during COVID-19. More recently, Zamora upgraded classrooms and homes of the public school students with fiber-optic internet and 55-inch smart TVs, while also launching initiatives to provide free school and P.E. uniforms and customized rubber shoes to ease families’ financial burdens. Zamora is confident that any parent or public school student in San Juan would speak positively about the city’s education initiatives. “I’m certain they would say they’re happy,” he remarks, reflecting on the widespread approval of the local government’s efforts. He hopes that these initiatives will inspire students to keep studying hard and doing their best in school. We empower our students because we believe that a good education paves the way for a bright future,” says Zamora. “Our public school teachers are fully supported as well as they all have laptops to use and regularly receive financial assistance. I take immense pride in our public education system.” BETTER HOUSING FOR SAN JUANEÑOS Zamora’s vision for San Juan goes beyond improving infrastructure; it’s about providing quality, affordable housing for residents. In 2019, he partnered with his father, Congressman Ronny Zamora, to secure funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the city’s high-rise, in-city, socialized public housing project, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Building on this, he worked with the National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Joeben Tai to develop a second 23-storey public housing building. The third initiative, under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) with Secretary Jerry Acuzar, is part of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH). This involves constructing highrise buildings with thousands of units, offering a rent-to-own scheme with flexible 25 to 30-year payment terms. The same scheme applies to the DPWH and NHA projects. To maximize the impact of the 4PH Program, Zamora has committed to making all available LGU-owned lots suitable for public housing projects utilizable for development. This proactive approach ensures that the program benefits as many San Juaneños as possible. Zamora’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of his constituents is evident in his statement: “Based on testimonials, a vast number of San Juan residents rent their homes. They don’t own property in San Juan. My vision is to change that by giving San Juaneños decent housing. These said housing projects offer a more flexible path to ownership,” he added. LEADING THE WAY IN METRO MANILA As president of the Metro Manila Council and chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council, Zamora is dedicated to implementing and sharing best practices across the country. He credits the significant change in San Juan to building strong relationships with fellow mayors and continuously learning about effective governance. “I firmly believe that the lessons we learn and the recognition we receive should be shared,” he asserts. “If best practices are shared and adopted nationwide, our country will thrive.” He adds, “If these have been proven effective in San Juan, I have no doubt they will work in other LGUs as well.” Reflecting on his projects, awards, and challenges, Zamora acknowledges the significant transformation in San Juan's political landscape in the short time since he took office. Optimistic about the future, he asserts that San Juan is back on the map of the Philippines and he believes his vision of a "Makabagong San Juan" will continue to drive the city's growth and overcome any challenges ahead. “When I ran again in the 2022 elections, our slate won 15-0 from mayor, congresswoman, vice mayor, and all councilors. If my first term wasn’t a success, then why do the statistics suggest otherwise? This shows that the people have confidence in us and that we have done something right., both the first and second time around,” he asserts. “This shows how much our people trust and support our Makabagong San Juan administration and the projects we’re putting in place. We’re just getting started—there’s so much more we can and will achieve for the city. If the people of San Juan grant me another term, I’ll work tirelessly until June 30, 2028, to build a legacy of good governance and genuine public service for future generations to experience.” By 2028, Zamora is confident that San Juaneños will fully appreciate the impact of his nine-year tenure as mayor. He envisions this as the culmination of the "Makabagong San Juan Legacy," with all his flagship projects in place to make a lasting difference in the community. “I want the people of San Juan to look back and say, ‘I made the right choice!’ when they supported me, I have an ambitious checklist of goals to tackle during my nine years in office, and every day, I push myself to ensure we achieve all of these.” Zamora shares. “I don’t consider my being mayor a job. It is a passion that I truly love,” Zamora shares. “I want to finish my 9 years strong and be able to tell myself that I have no regrets because I was able to implement everything that I had envisioned for a Makabagong San Juan” he adds.

< Back VICE PRESIDENT LENI LOBREDO With grit and grace, Vice President Leni Robredo is espousing a kind of leadership that many have been seeking from other public officials—leading with compassion, sensitivity, and a sense of urgency.

< Back Incomparable Service BY CAMILLE F. CABAL Photography by Daniel Soriano BEHIND THE HUMBLE AND QUIET CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION, MANONG DONG’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS SPEAK THE LOUDEST. “Manong” (big brother) is what the kakabsat (brothers and sisters) of San Fernando, La Union call Mayor Hermenegildo “Dong” A. Gualberto. When asked why he prefers to be addressed as such, Gualberto shares that he wants to be the big brother who will do anything he could for the people and he is always willing to help those in need. At first glance, you wouldn’t even think Gualberto is the mayor because of his light aura and grounded interaction with the people. Following is the story of how the meek yet effective leader got to where he is now. THE ROAD TO PUBLIC SERVICE Like many public servants with interesting success stories, Gualberto—whose father was a lawyer and his mother, a public school educator—never dreamt of being involved in politics. However, a life-changing event involving his brother changed his attitude toward politics. “I never imagined entering the world of politics. Medyo magulo eh (it’s quite chaotic). And then my brother, Allen, who was elected councilor in 1988, died. He died at the age of 27, two years into his term,” Gualberto, who is known for leading a simple life, reveals. He likens his brother to a saint, describing him as the epitome of an ideal public servant. According to him, the people truly appreciated his brother’s brand of service which was to be respectful, empathetic, and someone who listens and assures. Allen’s death—and thus, inability to finish his term— made Gualberto feel indebted to the kakabsat. Gualberto candidly admits that the then-happy-go-lucky guy in him was initially reluctant to run, but he was prevailed upon by the people. Running for councilor in 1992 was largely his way of expressing gratitude to the people who trusted his brother. Gualberto decided to run for only one term to bring his late brother’s plans to fruition. “Two years nila akong inawitan (they tried to persuade me for two years). I told them ‘[politics] is not my cup of tea.’ Then eventually I said, ‘Let’s give it a try.’ I’ll try for one term, after which, nakabayad na rin siguro ‘yung kuya ko ng utang niya (my brother would have already paid for his unfulfilled obligations),” Gualberto shares. Alas, Gualberto found himself serving for three terms as a councilor and eventually deciding to serve for another nine years in a bigger capacity, this time as a La Union provincial board member. Eventually, he became the vice mayor of the City of San Fernando in 2013 after emerging triumphant in his first one- on-one political contest. Running as an independent candidate against a long-established politician, Gualberto won by a very slim margin of 100 votes. The religious mayor believes that this was a special message from above. “Memorable siya hindi lang dahil nanalo kami pero dahil doon sa margin, 100 [votes] kasi (It’s memorable not just because we won but also because of the winning margin, which was 100 [votes]). It signifies a perfect score. It was as if God had sent me a message, ‘Okay I’m giving you this chance so let me see your 100 percent in serving my people. I want you to be a perfect instrument in the field of public service,’” Gualberto says. Three years later, Gualberto finally decided to run as mayor, again as an independent candidate. And once again, he won against another member of the political family from which his 2013 opponent came. OVERCOMING THE DIFFICULTIES Gualberto’s name has been in the news both for positive and negative reasons. On April 29, 2019, the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) issued a 90-day preventive suspension order following allegations from 47 barangay chairpersons that he had connived with a contractor and allowed the disbursement of funds for the rehabilitation of the city plaza without authority of the city council. The dismissal was effective two weeks before the election, prompting many kakabsat to think that such was politically motivated. The mayor shares that while waiting for the truth to prevail, he looked at the positive side and enjoyed time with his family instead. He believes that what happened served as an eye-opener for him to appreciate the importance of family. “I think that was God’s way of opening my eyes, [as if to tell me] ‘I think you have neglected your family, naka-focus ka lang yata sa work mo (you seem to be spending all your time on your work).’” Gualberto admits that through the years, there were major family events that he missed because of his duties as a public servant. When his children were born, Gualberto was either trapped in a flood, busy campaigning, or attending an event as a speaker. However, his family, particularly his wife Connie, has always been supportive of him. Despite his suspension, Gualberto still emerged victorious in the May 2019 local elections. In January 2020, however, the OMB issued a dismissal order against him. Left without an official function during the first eight months of the pandemic, Gualberto spent his time learning about COVID-19 and how to deal with it as a local leader. He devoured online and print reading materials, attended webinars, and watched videos to have a better understanding of the novel disease. “Ang isang realization ko, para maging effective na leader ay dapat mag-aral ka, mag-aral at mag- aral (One of my realizations is, to be a good leader, you should never stop learning),” Gualberto says. He shares that although he was technically a private citizen then, he still actively helped his constituents through donation drives. On November 4, 2020, Gualberto was reinstated as mayor after the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed the decision of the Ombudsman. The learnings he gained about COVID-19 from his personal efforts came in handy as he took on a bigger role in dealing with the pandemic. Until the end, Gualberto looked at the silver lining behind his dismissal. Looking back at what happened, he believes that the experience made him a stronger and more resilient leader. It taught him to be more careful with what he is doing as a local chief executive. “It’s memorable not just because we won but also because of the winning margin, which was 100 [votes]. It signifies a perfect score. It was as if God had sent me a message, ‘Okay I’m giving you this chance so let me see your 100 percent in serving my people. I want you to be a perfect instrument in the field of public service. “ INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP While city executives are expected to fulfill myriad tasks, the social services they provide will always be the people’s basis of appreciation. Of all his initiatives, Gualberto is very fond of the city’s Task Force UMISU or Umay Mangted Iti Sungbat (Here to Provide Solutions) which extends help to those in the marginalized sectors. Incidentally, umisu is an Iloko term which means “appropriate.” Task Force UMISU is one initiative of Gualberto which brings the appropriate social services being provided by the mayor’s office to the doorsteps of his constituents. He launched this initiative after he found out that there are people who are unaware of the services that the city government of San Fernando is ready to provide for them. Meanwhile, some are shy or intimidated to ask the office for help, or are too far to access the mayor’s office. Residents who live nearby may not have the financial capability to pay for their fare to the city hall while some may be physically challenged to get there. The primary services that the office provides under the project are medical services which include free checkups, free dental kits, and seeds for planting. This is done in every barangay with the help of the barangay health workers (BHWs). Gualberto adds that the expanded UMISU now includes the Bahay Buhay Project, through which they give houses to city residents who deserve these the most. Asked how they determine the recipients, Gualberto says that City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) personnel accompany city officials when visiting potential beneficiaries. They visit each beneficiary and assess if the residents are truly incapable of fixing their own house. Gualberto says that they do this to give their people a decent home and to give them hope that they can achieve their dreams one day. Also under Task Force UMISU is the reading program led by Gualberto’s wife Connie. The program started in 2013 when he was still the vice mayor. Every summer, they would go to communities to help the students learn or improve their ability to read. Right now, plans are afoot to enhance the project by doing it year-round. Gualberto has not forgotten to pay attention to environmental projects, too. To encourage their residents to keep their surroundings clean, the mayor came up with the Palit-Basura Program where they give out grocery items in exchange for old tires and bulbs. According to him, this will reduce the breeding ground of dengue-carrying mosquitoes and will improve waste management in the city. REVITALIZING THE ECONOMY In an effort to quickly but safely usher the city into the new normal, Gualberto emphasized the importance of inoculating the populace with the proper vaccines. During his State of the City Address (SOCA) last year, he reported that the city achieved herd immunity even before 2021 ended. He proudly shares that as of the interview, 50 percent of their population has already received their first booster shot and that the city is expected to achieve a 100 percent vaccination rate by the last quarter. Regarding his other plans for the city, Gualberto is very particular with prioritizing health, education, and the economy, the areas gravely affected by the pandemic. He mentions clear plans to improve the healthcare system by investing more in health programs and medicines and hiring more health personnel to improve the health service the city is providing to the kakabsat of San Fernando. The mayor also wants to work on job generation to help the employees who were displaced during the pandemic get back on their feet. He says that unemployment in the city increased after COVID-19 hit, a situation made more serious by the inability of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to return to their work abroad. Gualberto also plans to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) recover. He hopes that investors will flock to the city as a result of ongoing efforts to improve the business climate. If there’s one thing distinct about the story of Gualberto, it’s the trust and support of the kakabsat for his leadership. And for this, he is so grateful. “I’d like to thank the people of San Fernando for giving me another term, giving me another three years to serve them. I’d like to assure them that as long as I’m here, I will do everything to serve them, to give the best service to them. We will continue to build the San Fernando that we all dream of, a ‘People’s City’ that will leave no one behind,” Gualberto ends.

< Back CANLAON POTATO SYSTEMS, TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER: A HUB OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION BY TREISHA C. ROVERO Founded to uplift families lacking basic necessities and farming support in Canlaon City, the Potato Systems Research and Training Centre (PSRTC), spearheaded by Dr. Victoria Demonteverde, has provided quality planting materials and training since 2016. Dr. Demonteverde is a distinguished figure in rural development and horticulture. “Canlaon Potatoes and Flowers (CP&F) is ‘Agribusiness with a Heart’. The Demo Farm is the agribusiness and the Potato Systems Research and Training Center (PSRTC) is the heart that does the research and extension components,” Monteverde tells LEAGUE. The project can be traced back to the implementation of land reform laws in the Philippines, which led to the conversion of large haciendas into smaller plots of land owned by former tenants or farmworkers. Farmers in Canlaon City shifted from planting sugarcane to potatoes and vegetables but faced challenges like bacterial wilt, tuber moths, and a shortage of quality seeds. Despite this, they adopted innovative agricultural practices from PSRTC, such as rapid multiplication and greenhouse cultivation of potato clones via tissue culture, thus revolutionizing local farming. Since 2016, PSRTC has made significant strides, starting with the production of 15,000 potato cuttings for trial, followed by the cultivation of 18,000 sweet potato cuttings for germ plasm that same year. Production steadily increased in the subsequent years, resulting in the selection of five potato clones and four sweet potato clones, demonstrating PSRTC’s effective interventions. The collaborative efforts between Demonteverde and Dr. Peter VanderZaag, driven by their shared commitment to help farmers, have yielded remarkable results over the years. From the implementation of cloned environment-tolerant potato varieties in 1985 to the establishment of the PSRTC in the Canlaon Potatoes & Flowers farm, their partnership has been characterized by milestones of progress. The introduction of the Farmers Fund, known colloquially as the “Canadian” by locals, has further bolstered community empowerment efforts by providing farmers with access to much-needed capital. Since its founding, the initiative has enabled 140 farmers to join, offering non-collateral loans that lets the farmers procure essential inputs and enhance their financial resilience. ”Helping farming and disadvantaged communities is our mission from the start when we started with CP&F. We only saw the need to have an NGO (non-governmental organization) registered to achieve these goals as CP&F is a private profit entity. Hence, PSRTC was registered in 2018 after being operational since 2016.” Monterverde recalls. Asked about her decision to pursue CP&F, Monteverde says,“It provided opportunities to various sectors in terms of training, various kinds of support, linkages. It also promoted social and economic development in different communities including Barangay Pula. Personally, as a family, it is an answered prayer to be a channel of blessings to others.” The impact of the PSRTC extends beyond agricultural productivity, embodying a holistic approach to community development. PSRTC also fosters sustainable livelihoods and knowledge transfer through potato and sweet potato cultivation initiatives and educational programs on vegetable farming for school children and persons with disabilities, in partnership with universities and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Partnerships with local associations and universities ensure the program’s continuity and scalability, cementing its long-term impact. The PSRTC’s successful revitalization of potato production and community empowerment initiatives highlight its potential to explore more agricultural practices. By leveraging cloning techniques, fostering community engagement, and promoting inclusive development, PSRTC paves the way for sustainable agricultural solutions. From small communities in Canlaon City and nearby towns, to being acknowledged by local government units, PSRTC has come a long way. Moving forward, PSRTC seeks investments in research, capacity- building, and community support through partnerships with government and non-government institutions, academia, and farmers’ groups to ensure the longevity and prosperity of agricultural communities across the Philippines.

< Back MUCH ADO ABOUT THE FILIPINO HOOPSTER EXODUS By Edwin Diaz Read the reasons why the transfer of Filipino basketball players to professional leagues in other Asian countries has become such a huge issue. Why has the transfer of Filipino basketball players to professional leagues in other Asian countries become a big issue, and what is being done to bring back harmony within the Philippine basketball community? For the past two years, marquee Filipino hoopsters have inked deals with professional basketball leagues in Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. What started as individual signings has become an exodus, and a major concern for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). In 2020, Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout and presumptive PBA draft top pick Thirdy Ravena signed with the Japanese B.League team San-en NeoPhoenix, becoming the first Filipino to join the league through its Asian Player Quota System. This system allows B.League teams to hire Asian basukettobōru (basketball) players as imports in addition to imports from outside Asia. Since then, other Filipino collegiate and PBA players have signed up with B.League teams, as well as teams in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) and Taiwan’s T1 League and P.League+. DOING A THIRDY PBA players soon followed suit, accepting offers from various B.League clubs. These include Thirdy’s older brother Kiefer (Shiga Lakes), Greg Slaughter (Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka), Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Roosevelt Adams (Kagawa Five Arrows), Matthew Wright (Kyoto Hannaryz), Jay Washington (Ryukyu Golden Kings), and Greg Slaughter (Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka). With Thirdy’s success, other UAAP standouts also decided to take their act to Japan. Kobe Paras (Niigata Albirex BB), Dwight Ramos (Toyama Grouses), and brothers Juan (Earthfriends Tokyo Z) and Javi Gomez de Liaño or GDL (Ibaraki Robots) either forewent their UAAP playing eligibility or skipped the PBA draft to play in the Land of the Rising Sun. The KBL has also had its share of recruits from different Philippine basketball leagues. Notable among these are UAAP stars Rhon Jay “RJ” Abarrientos (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus) and Samjosef “SJ” Belangel (Daegu KOGAS Pegasus), who both opted to forego their remaining playing years for their respective schools. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) standout Rhenz Abando (Anyang KGC) soon followed suit. Taiwan’s T1 League and P. League+ teams have also strengthened their rosters with Jason Brickman (Kaohsiung Aquas) and Ricci Rivero (Taoyuan Pilots). Brickman last played in the Asian Basketball League, while Rivero previously strutted his wares at the UAAP. THE CRUX OF THE MATTER While the hiring of Filipino basketball players by teams in other countries is nothing new, the matter became a full-blown issue in 2022. The Will Navarro case particularly created the biggest buzz. Navarro had inked a deal with the Seoul Samsung Thunders months before the start of FIBA 2022. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) didn’t allow him to transfer because he is “contractually obligated” with Gilas Pilipinas and the PBA’s NorthPort Batang Pier. The issue generated contrasting reactions from many stakeholders. Some players expressed dismay over the SBP decision, considering it detrimental to the welfare of Filipino basketball players. Kai Sotto of the Australian National Basketball League’s (NBL) Adelaide 36ers, tweeted: “I’m sorry but this is crazy. THIS HAS TO STOP. You got players who’ve been working hard and dreaming to play basketball at the highest level they can reach and we got our own people stopping us from achieving greatness.” Sotto is presently regarded as the Philippines’ best bet for having a full-blooded Filipino player in the NBA. Slaughter also weighed in on the issue. “TOTAL BS and crab mentality at its highest. @pbaconnect slammed the door on me and my family DAYS BEFORE my daughter was born. I played seven years and publicly made myself available to the NT. Respect the true ethics of the game of basketball and FAIR COMPETITION,” he tweeted. SBP and PBA officials, on the other hand, maintained their position that the player exodus is detrimental to their respective leagues, even as UAAP officials see the situation in a completely different light. SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios bared that the player exodus has become a major concern for the organization. Given that the players who have transferred to the B.League and KBL have either been or are being eyed to be part of Gilas, Barrios views their being based overseas as a hindrance to forming a competitive national team. PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas also reiterated the value of respect when it comes to foreign leagues recruiting Filipino players. “If we continue this way of engaging Philippine players without prior clearance from our league, it may sadly blemish our friendship,” he said. He lamented the lack of coordination with regard to player negotiations as well as the involvement of unlicensed agents in what has been described as “player poaching.” Meanwhile, UAAP top brass see the circumstance as “an opportunity to grow.” UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag noted that the B.League and other foreign leagues are just additional options for players to choose from should they wish to turn professional. He stressed that the league has actually been losing players to other collegiate leagues (players with playing years left) as well as the PBA (players at or near the end of their playing eligibility). To allow UAAP players to move to foreign leagues, Saguisag asserted, is to give them the opportunity to succeed in the field and to give their families a more comfortable life. As for those players left in the country, such should serve as motivation to step up and fill the void left by players who have chosen to play overseas. For his part, UAAP President Fr. Aldrin Suan pointed out that even if some players take their act abroad, there will still be enough players to sustain the various leagues in the country. He pointed out two things related to the opportunity to play professional basketball in the country: first, it is very limited while the supply of basketball players is overwhelming, and second, offers coming from outside the country should be viewed as opportunities worth grabbing. In the face of the poaching issue, B.League Chairman Shinji Shimada emphasized that Japan abides by international rules when sourcing out Filipino cagers. MAKING THE MOST OF OVERSEAS OPPORTUNITIES “There’s really nothing wrong if you dream big,” says Javi Gomez de Liaño (GDL). With one more playing year with the UP Maroons and teams expressing interest to select him in the 2021 PBA Draft, Javi GDL’s basketball career in the local pro league looked promising. Instead, he joined the Ibaraki Robots in the B.League for an “opportunity of a lifetime.” Ibaraki signed Javi 12 days after his brother, Juan GDL, turned pro in Japan by joining Earthfriends Tokyo Z. Like his elder brother, Juan GDL was also considered a blue chip recruit by PBA teams eyeing to draft him. Earthfriends didn’t renew Juan GDL’s contract, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his passion. He moved on to the Thai Superleague, as part of an all-Filipino team, then returned to the Philippines to play in the PBA D-League. After that, he went to Europe to play for Lithuania’s BC Wolves in the Lietuvos Krepšinio Lyga, becoming the first male Filipino athlete to play in the league. Juan GDL loves playing in the Philippines because his family and friends are here, but he considers playing abroad as a good experience. “Being on your own, you grow more,” he says. As for his overseas stints, he hopes that such will serve to “inspire and pave the way” for other Filipino basketball players who want to play professionally overseas. Earthfriends didn’t renew Juan GDL’s contract, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his passion. He moved on to the Thai Superleague, as part of an all-Filipino team, then returned to the Philippines to play in the PBA D-League. After that, he went to Europe to play for Lithuania’s BC Wolves in the Lietuvos Krepšinio Lyga, becoming the first male Filipino athlete to play in the league. Juan GDL loves playing in the Philippines because his family and friends are here, but he considers playing abroad as a good experience. “Being on your own, you grow more,” he says. As for his overseas stints, he hopes that such will serve to “inspire and pave the way” for other Filipino basketball players who want to play professionally overseas. Aside from the monetary gains, Filipino hoopsters playing abroad also receive international-level coaching, get the chance to travel overseas, and experience different cultures, too. For younger ones, playing in Asian leagues also gives them a chance to showcase their talent, hoping to open further opportunities to play in bigger leagues in Europe and the United States. Coupled with the above, the lack of local opportunities for Filipino basketball players pushes them to accept or seek offers from abroad. THE PBA CHOOSES TO ADAPT Even as Marcial sought closer coordination among the PBA, B.League, KBL, and other leagues, the PBA honcho also spearheaded the review of existing PBA policies. The PBA later on announced changes to its contracts as well as rules regarding rookie eligibility and salary cap for the top three drafted players. The changes, Marcial said, are meant for the PBA—Asia’s oldest professional basketball league—to “keep up with the changes happening around the world.” For his part, PBA Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro said that by adapting, the PBA becomes the employer of choice for Filipino cagers “even if the leagues in our neighboring Asian countries are growing.” PBA and B.League officials also found time to formally discuss the issues surrounding the two leagues, keeping hopes of closer cooperation alive. In one such meeting, Vargas and Marcial presented to their Japanese counterparts a six-point document revolving around respecting players’ existing contracts with teams and the commitment of players to suit up for the Philippine national team. “As good neighbors, the path of cooperation is always the best way to settle our differences,” Vargas said. The PBA, B.League, KBL, and P.League’s participation in the East Asian Super League has also opened more doors for cooperation among Asian basketball stakeholders. As Filipino hoopsters are expected to continue trying their luck in other Asian countries, stakeholders see greater cooperation among professional leagues across the region as clearly important. Bilateral talks and participation in multi-league tournaments are expected to bode well, not just for Philippine basketball but for Asian basketball in general. Buy magazine here

< Back GAINING GROUND Bayambang, Pangasinan Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao on revolutionizing agriculture as a gateway to progress BY JAVIER FLORES PHOTOS BY MANUEL GENEROSO We reached Bayambang, Pangasinan at daybreak and saw a figure towering over what otherwise were the unadorned horizons of the town, sparking curiosity and awe. Its height was difficult to miss. As we moved closer, we learned that the figure was the statue of St. Vincent Ferrer, the patron saint of builders, which, at 50.23 meters, is as tall as a 15-story building, taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York or the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil. It only seemed fitting that the statue was completed this year in time for the 405th founding anniversary of Bayambang and the quadricentennial (400th anniversary) of the town’s St. Vincent Parish. There was however another reason for the town to celebrate. The statue had vied for the Guinness Record for the World’s Tallest Supported Bamboo Sculpture, an all-new category. On April 5, 2019, Guinness Official Adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar declared that the statue had complied with all the requirements to be declared the holder of the Guinness Record, ensuring that it is not only a relevant religious attraction but also a significant tourism destination. The declaration was just in time for the 600th death anniversary of St. Vincent de Ferrer who died on the same day in the year 1419. Not too long ago, nothing stood on the site of the St. Vincent Ferrer statue. It took the term of incumbent Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao to conceptualize and execute the feat in a short span of time without spending any funds of the local government. LOCAL BOY WHO DID GOOD Mayor Quiambao is a true son of Bayambang, having been born there in 1948 to small-scale business folk Simplicio Quiambao of Pampanga and Veronica Terrado of Bayambang. Upon finishing high school at Bayambang National High School (BNHS), he went to Manila to take up Business Administration at the University of the East (UE), supporting himself by working as a messenger and a jeepney driver. He tried his fortune in Indonesia as an overseas Filipino worker and worked hard until he slowly ascended the corporate ladder to become the executive vice president of PT Green Timber Jaya, a leading timber company. Every year, he would come home to reunions with his classmates, who never failed to remind him of the sad state of Bayambang, how the town he left was still virtually the same, as if time had passed it by. The latest project that Mayor Quiambao is conceptualizing is an agricultural economic zone, totaling 67 hectares. The Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park is part of that zone. In 1994, he returned to Manila for good and met good fortune engaging in significant projects such as land titling computerization program through his Land Registration Systems, Inc. (LARES). He also ushered the Land Transportation Office’s license system into the digital age through his company Stradcom Corporation. He was at the forefront of building the Metro Manila Skyway Phase 1 and the STAR Tollway. He also had several successful ventures abroad such as the Guam Regional Medical City, the Vivekananda Bridge Tollway in India, and road projects in Vietnam. He never failed to be thankful for all his blessings. He organized a program with his fellow alumni of BNHS called “Baley Ko, Pawilen Ko, Aroen Ko, tan Tulungan Ko” (My hometown, I will return to you, I will love and help). He undertook to build roads, clean up the public plaza, and establish the College of Information Technology in Pangasinan State University-Bayambang in 2000. Through the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, the recipient of CSR funds from his many corporations, he provided TESDAaccredited trainings and seminars. He even put up the Royal Mall, and transferred the address of his corporations from Manila to Bayambang ensuring a boost in local revenue. Having no desire to seek a post in government, he supported the bid of local politicians. Through time however he noticed that those who promised change failed to deliver; worse, they only wanted to preserve their power once elected. This caused frustration on Quiambao’s part. Wanting to put Bayambang on the world map, Quiambao sponsored a campaign for the Guinness Record title of The Longest Barbecue in 2014. He spent close to Php20 million of his own funds for Kalutan ed Dalan (Barbecue along the Road), complete with the reenactment of the entry of General Emilio Aguinaldo into the town and proclaiming it as the 5th capital of the Revolutionary Philippine Republic. With the people setting up an 8,000-meter long grill, Bayambang wrested the Guinness Record from erstwhile holder Turkey. Click here to read full article for free

< Back PERSONA NON GRATA By Atty. Jose Maria Santos, Atty. Joey Ramos, and Sophia Muñoz During the campaign period earlier this year, a viral video of Filipino comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas portraying a character, Ligaya Delmonte, was the subject of heavy scrutiny. During the campaign period earlier this year, a viral video of Filipino comedienne character, Ligaya Delmonte, was the subject of heavy scrutiny. The short video, produced by renowned (some say infamous) content creator Darryl Yap, appeared to be a parody of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. However, the alleged parody of Belmonte was not the focus of the controversy. Instead, the apparent defacement of Quezon City's official seal which was edited to include the words "BBM" "SARA," and "KYUSI" and the drawings of a tiger and an eagle, known symbols of the BBM-Sara tandem, therein is what drew the ire of most netizens and eventually the Quezon City government. For the alleged malicious defacement and ridicule of the official seal of the city, delas Alas and Yap were both declared as personae non grata by the Quezon City Council.' This declaration was met with strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Yet, despite the colorful commentary, several misconceptions have arisen regarding the declaration of persona non grata. WHAT IS PERSONA NON GRATA? Persona non grata is a Latin term which literally means "an unwelcome person." The term has a similar definition from a legal standpoint as it is defined as "a person not acceptable to the court or government." Having its legal origins in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), the concept of persona non grata is commonly observed in the context of international law. Article 9 of the VCDR grants the receiving state the power to declare any member of the diplomatic staff as unwelcome, after which the sending state must either recall the member or terminate his functions. This provision is invoked by the receiving state as a protection from diplomatic agents who violate or refuse to respect its laws or act or behave contrary to its interests. In the Philippine setting, however, the circumstances resulting in the declaration of such status are not as formal. For one, its application also covers non-diplomats like celebrities and ordinary civilians as the case with Yap and delas Alas. Second, the declaration is largely, if not wholly, discretionary on a governmental authority when it finds that a person has issued a statement or committed an act which it sees as derogatory. One of the most prominent cases involving this kind of declaration happened back in 1998 involving American actress Claire Danes. Danes issued offensive remarks against the City of Manila when she said that it "smelled of cockroaches, with rats all over, [had] no sewerage system, and [that] the people [did] not have anything-no arms, no legs, no eyes."" When Danes' remarks went public, the City Council of Manila declared her persona non grata. Another prominent incident happened in 2019 involving news anchor Erwin Tulfo when he was declared persona non grata by the Dapitan City Council following his demeaning comments against the city. Tulfo pointed out in a press conference that the sight of their police station almost made him cry as it harked back to the Guardia Civil from the Spanish occupation.' Just this year, the Davao City Council passed a resolution declaring vice presidential candidate Walden Bello persona non grata for describing the city as a "trading hub of illegal drugs." IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECLARATION: BINDING OR NON-BINDING? What does the declaration of persona non grata entail for its subjects? As previously pointed out, there are stark differences between how persona non grata is used internationally and here in the Philippines. Under international law, the sending state has an obligation to take action as provided under the VCDR once it receives a notification that one of the former's diplomatic representatives has been declared persona non grata. More importantly, the declaration of persona non grata is binding on the subject and, as a result, he/she is barred from entering the territory of the receiving state. On the other hand, being labeled a persona non grata through a resolution issued by an LGU has no real, actual, or legal consequences. In 2020, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) explained through a legal opinion' the implications of a resolution declaring someone a persona non grata. In its opinion, the DILG cited Municipality of Parañaque v. V.M. Realty Corp." wherein the difference between an ordinance and a resolution was explained. While an ordinance is a law, a resolution is merely a declaration of sentiment or opinion of a lawmaking body on a specific matter. Thus, while an LGU acts within its power and authority in issuing a resolution declaring someone as persona non grata, it has no tangible effect on the actual subject. Rather, the declaration is simply the LGU's way of expressing its sentiment or opinion against a certain individual which carries with it no repercussions. All in all, contrary to popular belief, the person declared as persona non grata is not actually restrained from entering the territory of the LGU which meted out the status. As it has no binding effect, the resolution cannot prevent the affected person from exercising the rights accorded by our constitution. To permit this restriction in movement would be to impair the constitutional right to travel as enshrined in our Bill of Rights. CAN THE DECLARATION BE LIFTED? In 2021, the local government of Barangay Bigte in Norzagaray, Bulacan lifted the persona non grata declaration on an Australian national after the authorities admitted that the passing of the resolution lacked basis and suffered from several procedural issues.' While an LGU acts within its power and authority in issuing a resolution declaring someone as persona non grata tangible effect on the subject. In the case of delas Alas and Yap, Quezon City’s 4th District Councilor Ivy Lagman said that a sincere public apology from the two could cause the lifting of the declaration of personae non grata. As of writing, there is no precedent as to the lifting of the declaration based on concrete grounds. It appears that the decision is likewise discretionary on the body that imposed the order. SOCIAL PRESSURE AND PUBLIC SHAME While an LGU resolution does not exact any punishment or penalty and does not produce any legal consequences whatsoever, a declaration of persona non grata places unwanted negative attention and heavy scrutiny on the subject. After all, what is being publicized is the subject is unwelcome, albeit not literally, in a particular jurisdiction. 1. See QC council declares Ai-Ai delas Alas, Darryl Yap ‘personae non gratae’, CNN Philippines, June 8, 2022, at https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/6/8/Ai-ai-Delas- Alas-Darryl-Yap-persona-non-grata-Quezon-City.html. 2. See Black’s Law Dictionary, 4th Ed., p. 1300. 3. See Manila is mad at Claire Danes, CBS News, Oct. 1, 1998, at https://www.cbsnews . com/news/manila-is-mad-at-claire-danes/. 4. See Bert Laput, News anchor Erwin Tulfo declared persona non grata in Dapitan, Rappler, May 8, 2019, at https://www.rappler.com/nation/229926-erwin-tulfo-declared- persona-non-grata-dapitan-comments-tourist-destination/ 5. See Grace Cantal-Albasin, Davao City declares Walden Bello persona non grata, Rappler, Mar. 22, 2022, at https://www.rappler.com/nation/davao-city-declares-walden-bello- persona-non-grata/ 6. DILG Opinion No. 30, s. 2020. February 7, 2020. 7. G.R. No. 127820, July 20, 1998. 8. See Eloi Samonte, ‘Persona non grata’ vs. Australian national lifted, FrontpagePH, May 13, 2021, at https://frontpageph.com/persona-non-grata-vs-australian-national-lifted/ . 9. See Christia Marie Ramos, QC’s Lagman: ‘Sincere public apology’ from Ai-Ai, Yap may lift ‘persona non grata’ status, Phil. Daily Inquirer, Jun. 8, 2022, at https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1608121/qcs-lagman-sincere-public-apology-from-ai-ai-yap may-lift-persona-non-grata-status Atty. Jose A. Ramos, Jr. Ramos graduated in 1996 from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in A.B. Philosophy, earning his Juris Doctor degree from the same university in 2000. He was then admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2001. Currently, Ramos is the co- Managing Partner of the GSE Law Firm. He heads the Litigation Practice Group and is a member of the Executive Committee. Atty. Jose Maria B. Santos Santos graduated in 2013 from the De Lasalle University with a degree in B.S. Legal Management. He then earned his Juris Doctor degree (with honors) from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2017 and was admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2018. Santos joined GSE Law Firm’s Litigation, Labor, and Immigration Practice Groups in June 2019. Ms. Sophia P. Munoz Munoz is a legal intern in GSE Law Firm. She is an incoming fourth year law student in the University of the Philippines. Munoz graduated in 2015 from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in B.S. Legal Management.

BACK DHSUD SECRETARY EDUARDO DEL ROSARIO Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario is confident that the newest department in the bureaucracy will be able to help realize every Filipino’s dream—and right—to decent yet affordable housing By Joyce Reyes-Aguila PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO I t was a simple Philippine Military Academy (PMA) shirt that ultimately started to inspire Eduardo “Ed” Drueco Del Rosario to try his luck at entering the country’s most prestigious school for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aspirants. Del Rosario’s brother-in-law had traveled with his sister to Baguio City and gifted him with it when he was in fifth or sixth grade. That gesture lit a fire in Del Rosario. “Because of that, joining the military organization became a dream,” the now-retired major general tells LEAGUE. “I was enticed to think that if ever I’d join a military organization and experience the hardships of training, I would rather go straight to the Philippine Military Academy.” FRIEND OF THE LUMADS After graduation, Del Rosario served in the military for 37 years. His career began as a member of the Special Forces Regiment in his hometown of Nueva Ecija where he served from 1981 to 1989. In 1990, he was appointed battery commander of the 8th Field Artillery Battery of the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan City, Samar. He held other positions prior to his appointment as Battalion Commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry PUBLIC SERVICE IN UNIFORM AND OUT OF IT Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario is confident that the newest department in the bureaucracy will be able to help realize every Filipino’s dream—and right—to decent yet affordable housing. Division in Davao City in the early 2000s. In 2004, Del Rosario became commander of Task Force Davao and led the revival of the counter-insurgency program Alsa Lumad that mobilized the members of the indigenous community against the New People’s Army (NPA). Del Rosario describes this period in Davao City’s history as the “hottest in as far as the presence of the NPA rebels is concerned.” He shares, “During my first two, three months, I felt that we would never be successful in our campaign against [them] if the mass base or Lumads who live in the countryside—about 24 percent of the [city’s] population—would not support the campaign of the armed forces.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave livelihood aid amounting to Php1 million to the United Negros Transport Cooperative (UNETCO), a Bacolod-based transport cooperative. < Back DOLE, DOTR GRANT P1-M LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE TO BACOLOD TRANSPORT COOPERATIVE The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave livelihood aid amounting to Php1 million to the United Negros Transport Cooperative (UNETCO), a Bacolod-based transport cooperative. The assistance given through the EnTsuperneur Program will be used for a rice retailing business to provide an alternative income source to drivers and operators who will be most affected by the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). DOLE-Negros Occidental Head Carmela Abellar, together with Undersecretary Ramon Lee Cualoping III, director general of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Assistant Secretary Katherine Chloe de Castro, deputy director general and concurrent officer in charge of PIA 6 (Western Visayas), granted the amount to Romelie Soliguen, chairperson of UNETCO, on March 22, 2023. This coincided with PIA’s pilot conduct of “Hinun-anon (to talk about or exchange views on a subject matter),” an information campaign event of the agency that provides an avenue for the government and stakeholders to discuss government programs. “This will help our displaced drivers, conductors, and operators. They are those whose livelihood have been affected,” Soliguen stated. Within UNETCO are three major transport federations in Bacolod—United Negros Drivers and Operators Center, Federation of Bacolod Drivers Association, and Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros Occidental. According to Soliguen, they have awarded a total of 293 units of modern jeepneys to six out of the 24 routes in the city. The first batch to ply the city streets is composed of 97 units approved under a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines; 23 units of those are still yet to be delivered in the following week. EnTsuperneur Program is a joint project of DOTr and DOLE that aims to provide those affected by PUVMP with financial security outside the transportation industry.