< Back Changing Perceptions JOLO ON ITS WAY TO THE FUTURE Mayor Kerkhar Tan outlines what he sees is in store for the Municipality of Jolo, Sulu BY JOHN LEE CANDELARIA PHOTOS BY GABRIEL MALVAR Ask any tourist, local or international, if they ever plan of going to the Philippines’s southernmost islands, and pretty sure they will respond in the negative. The Sulu Islands, off the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, have gathered so much bad rep because of abductions, killings, kidnappings, terrorism, and more, to a point that it would be difficult to promote these as the next big island destination. Kerkhar Tan, mayor of Jolo, Sulu, is aware of all these. But he still thinks Jolo could be something greater in the future. JOLO "GOOD COMMUNITY" The name Jolo actually means something positive, since it comes from “ho lâng,” which means “good people” in Chinese. The Chinese traders of old had good relations with the people from this place, oftentimes leaving their wares in Jolo’s shore and finding these untouched when they return. Later on, ho lâng became ho ló, which meant “good community”. Jolo is part of the Sulu archipelago, a scenic group of islands that in the midst of Sulu and Celebes seas. Because of its history of conflicts, it s eems as if the islands and islets of the archipelago have been untouched by the evils of modernity. American documentary and travel photographer Jacob Maentz even pined for the Sulu sea, which he refers to as “one of the most beautiful seascapes on earth.”

Board Members Provincial Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco of the 6th District of Cebu and Lone District of Mandaue City PROVING HIS METTLE Soco's background and experience in business prove useful in his current capacity as a public servant. Laguna Board Member Danzel Fernandez Breathing Fresh Air into Local Politics Laguna Board Member Danzel Fernandez leads generational changing of the guards.

67593525-79c3-4b67-8d1f-1b9f9fae6abe BACK A FATED LEADER President James Lim shares how his genuine desire to move and inspire people to live better further pushed him to walk the talk and serve his duty. BY MARIEL ABANES PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO Liga ng mga Barangay, Marinduque Chapter, Provincial President, James Marty Lim calls his venture into the political arena as “God-given.” Beginning his career as a businessman thriving in the hospitality trade, it didn’t take long before he realized that serving the public is his calling. It surely runs in the blood—after all, his mom is Gasan, Marinduque Mayor Vicky Lim. But more than the passion from his genes, it’s the genuine desire to move and inspire people to live better that further pushed him to walk the talk and serve his duty—with top tier results, at that. “I just thought of trying it, hoping that I could make a difference in people’s lives,” the local figure opens up. “This opened up my horizon and gave me new connections and a better purpose and perspective of seeing the country for how it is.” A fruitful decade of service He was the youngest barangay captain during the time that he first entered public service, a local unit leader at 30 years old. And surprisingly on his part, it was unexpected that he’ll go all the way up and become then Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas’ (LBP) National President. “It’s the first time that a first termer won all the way up to the national,” James points out. Wasting no time in making the most out of his stint, the charismatic leader instantly worked on making the league better—from planning reforms to implementing several projects that will help barangays all over the Philippines. .... BUY MAGAZINE NOW TO READ FULL ARTICLE BACK

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< Back Importance of Patience Experts throughout the world are cautiously guarded in declaring that the pandemic will soon be over. BY FREDERICK N. CASTILLO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. The COVID-19 pandemic has been raging for two years now, and although we appear to be approaching the “new normal” as far as living with the virus is concerned, experts throughout the world are cautiously guarded in declaring that the pandemic will soon be over. Given the emergence of several COVID-19 variants since the original Wuhan strain, with each one seemingly more virulent than the previous ones, such a perspective of experts is understandable, particularly in light of the rapid spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. NAVIGATING FROM PANDEMIC TO “NEW NORMAL” In the Philippines, healthcare professionals (i.e., physicians, nurses, medical technologists, and other allied medical workers) remain at the forefront of battling COVID-19 and providing Filipinos with high-quality medical services, often at the risk of their own health and safety. As president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Ma. Encarnita “Maricar” B. Limpin, MD is leveraging her medical expertise, experience, and advocacy to preach patience, as we navigate the intricate path from pandemic to “new normal.” A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and currently affiliated with the Philippine Heart Center, Dr. Limpin reiterates that we should “take our time so that we can reach the finish line” of this pandemic. As of March 1, 2022, daily COVID-19 cases in the country have been continuously decreasing, with the positivity rate below five percent; all other metrics (e.g., average daily attack rate, hospitalization/ICU rates) generally indicate that the majority of the Philippines is now at low risk. However, Dr. Limpin’s primary concern is the haste by which the government would want to downgrade COVID-19 alert levels and eventually open the economy. “We hope that [the number of cases] will continue to go down. But para kasing medyo nagmamadali tayo sa pag-downgrade ng alert levels (It seems that we are in a bit of a hurry to downgrade alert levels). Our worry, for us healthcare professionals, is baka tumaas ulit (the numbers may go up again).” And as we have experienced in the last two years, once cases begin to go up, lockdowns become inevitable as the government’s most convenient measure to prevent the further spread of the virus. “I don’t think the Philippines can afford to have another lockdown. ‘Wag sana masyado magmadali na mag-loosen up (Better wait a bit longer before loosening up). Anyway we’re going there. Why can’t we wait a little bit longer?” PREPARATION IS KEY Apart from espousing patience, Dr. Limpin stresses the need to prepare better for the eventual relaxation of various restrictions to ensure the safety of workplaces and the people, particularly workers. “Otherwise, parehas lang (we’ll just repeat the past). We will just have a see-saw battle with COVID-19,” she explains. Foremost among the considerations is the provision of adequate transportation, in which the private sector is expected to play an important role, particularly by providing transport services to their employees. Public transportation systems are expected to be overcrowded, and Dr. Limpin is worried that overcrowding in jeepneys and buses will be sources of super spreaders. She also suggests that private companies stagger the schedule of employees to prevent overcrowding not only in offices but also in public transportation and public spaces. Dr. Limpin likewise has recommendations for public and private schools. “Siguraduhin nila na well ventilated ‘yung mga classroom (Make sure that the classrooms are well ventilated), particularly airconditioned rooms to prevent transmission of disease. We do not want anyone to get infected with the virus.” Dr. Limpin explains that these preparations for what will eventually be the “new normal” envisioned by doctors will definitely include wearing of masks for an extended period. “Kasi mukhang (Because it seems like) the virus will be with us, like the flu virus. Until such a time when we see that, similar to flu, nobody is really dying from COVID-19, then that’s the time when we will probably consider taking off the mask. For now, kailangan natin talaga magmask (masking up is a necessity).” VARIANTS, BOOSTERS, AND ADDRESSING VACCINE HESITANCY Health protocols aside, Dr. Limpin is convinced that we have a “moral obligation to get ourselves vaccinated to help control the pandemic and prevent the spread of the virus. That is our public health responsibility.” Given that the 70 percent target for herd immunity is yet to be achieved in the country, she reiterates all the more the importance of vaccination, especially to prevent the development of more mutations and variants. Evidently, the emergence of such variants as Delta and Omicron has wreaked havoc not only on the country’s healthcare system but also the economy, as the plan to finally open up had been delayed several times. “We have to take note that the majority of those mutations or variants developed in unvaccinated populations,” she stresses. Another area of concern that Dr. Limpin thinks should be addressed is the slow pace of administering booster shots. She attributes this to the inability or difficulty of those eligible to receive boosters, particularly senior citizens, to go to vaccination sites owing to the recent Omicron-driven surge. Others were infected, preventing them from immediately having the boosters, while there are still those who, for reasons relatively unknown to Dr. Limpin, simply refused to get the booster shots. In terms of the main vaccination program (adults), she explains that hesitancy has been generally observed in provinces, specifically in far-flung areas. Add the start of vaccination for the 5–11 and 12–17 age groups and Dr. Limpin thinks that the focus of the government’s vaccination program is spread too thinly. “Palagay ko dapat medyo may plano talaga on how to implement the rollout. Hindi pwede ‘yung kalimutan mo ‘yung iba kasi nafo-focus ka sa isa. Kailangan sabay-sabay lahat sila (There should really be a plan on how to implement the rollout. We can’t focus on one group at the expense of others. It has to be simultaneous).” On the part of PCP, Dr. Limpin shares that they are preparing to launch a campaign that will target areas with low vaccination rates. She adds that this program is also aimed at healthcare workers’ training on how to answer the public’s vaccination-related questions. The PCP’s objective is to provide consistent and reliable information that they can disseminate to the public. THE “POLITICS” OF THE PANDEMIC Inevitably, discussions on the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination, and the state of the healthcare system and workers will lead to the “politics” plaguing the government’s pandemic response, prompting healthcare workers to speak up. “We speak up and be the voice for our fellow healthcare workers. Some really cannot speak out. So, we are the ones who are probably courageous enough to speak, kahit minsan napapagalitan kami (although at times we get reprimanded),” Dr. Limpin shares. And speaking up included a few instances of calling for a “medical time out,” presenting views on upgrading or downgrading alert levels, and even increases in salaries and allowances of healthcare workers. Indeed, there were instances when healthcare workers, including Dr. Limpin herself, were castigated and berated by government officials for voicing their concerns. However, she reiterates that more than criticizing, what the PCP and other health workers offer are possible solutions and suggestions to end the pandemic. “The solutions that we give out are based on science, on rigorous data. Not just data but rigorous data. The best evidence we can have.” Dr. Limpin adds that although government officials “hear us, sometimes they don’t listen” and reiterates that “when it comes to health, I think there is no other people to go to except for us.” She is quick to explain, though, that their “objective and motive is nothing else but to ensure that we will be able to survive and overcome the challenges of the pandemic. Hindi ‘yung personal, not for personal gain. In fact, I’ve been doing this without getting anything in return.” PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSIBILITY Despite the challenging situation, Dr. Limpin and the PCP remain steadfast in looking after the welfare of their members, given that all of them have been affected emotionally, mentally, and psychologically by the pandemic. She adds that an important aspect that should not be overlooked during the pandemic is mental health. “We’ve realized that it’s not just about COVID-19, but also the mental health status of our fellow healthcare workers. Lalo na noong start ng (especially at the start of the) pandemic, everybody was scared.” Dr. Limpin continuously serves as an example and guides her younger colleagues as they go through their duties. “So kailangan nandoon kami, na mga senior sa kanila (We, their seniors, have to be there) to show them that just like them, although we are scared, we have to face our responsibility. We cannot run away from our responsibility.” She underscores the importance of shared public health responsibility, given that “we still don’t know everything about the pandemic, particularly the first few months.” Dr. Limpin reiterates that doctors are still learning about COVID-19, from what the Chinese did (and apply it to Filipino patients), and the best methods to manage patients. A LITTLE MORE PATIENT Two years since the start of the pandemic, Dr. Limpin implores the public to be a “little more patient,” especially in terms of the difficult task of addressing personal needs. “We understand that each and every person has their own lives to live but we need to be able to live a dignified life. And a life that is free from diseases and wala kaming magagawa (we are helpless) without the help of the public.” Dr. Limpin explains the need for the public’s help and not to run away from our respective public health responsibilities, particularly taking responsibility for ourselves and our behavior. Lastly, she reminds us of the need to discern right from wrong and to always do the right thing.

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Tuguegarao Mayor Jefferson Soriano FORGING AHEAD Mayor Jefferson Soriano has emerged from each challenge wiser and with more grit, showing others how in the world of politics, you need more than just a tough shell to survive. BY KAYDEE DELA BUENA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL SORIANO T uguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano has had his share of controversies and challenges. But he has emerged from each wiser and with more grit, showing others how in the world of politics, you need more than just a tough shell to survive. Keeping in Line Soriano has been a man of the badge since he was 16 years old, having been accepted into the scholarship program of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), belonging to Magilas Class of 1976. “My family nor relatives did not come from the armed service or government service, so I was the first. I decided to join the PMA because since I was young, I have always wanted to help others,” reveals Soriano. He took the exam, and when he passed, he knew he could use the service as a vehicle to help his fellowmen. Apart from being in the service, Soriano had dreams of becoming a lawyer, too. After graduating from the PMA, he took up law at Xavier University (now Ateneo de Cagayan), and then passed the 1983 Bar Exam. “Becoming a lawyer was necessary for me because I knew that it would help me in my career in law enforcement.” Years after, he took up his Master in Public Administration and Master in Business Administration degrees at Saint Paul University of the Philippines. He also took up Master in Management at Philippine Christian University. He also finished his PhD in Peace and Security Administration (United Nations sponsored program) at Bicol University. Throughout this time, he sacrificed a lot for his dream—which also entailed him not seeing his family for long periods of time due to the distance of his home. “The hardest thing [about my work] was being away from my wife and kids. I am blessed that as a family, we support each other in our life goals,” he added. BACK BUY MAGAZINE NOW TO READ FULL ARTICLE FINAL SALE GET 30% OFF EVERYTHING. CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

< Back Pangasinan's Untold Story BY CAMILLE F. CABAL Discover the other things Pangasinan has to offer aside from salt, bangus, and puto. Dig deeper into its rich history and enduring culture. THE PROVINCE Pangasinan is the third largest province in the Philippines. One common bit of knowledge about it is that it got its name from salt (asin in Filipino). But if you look at the provincial logo, it tells a different story. They say that the logo’s shield shape draws inspiration from the story of Princess Urduja, a legendary warrior princess of Kingdom Tawalisi. Many people, including Dr. Jose Rizal, mentioned Princess Urduja in one of his writings and believed that the kingdom was real and located in the northern part of Luzon. Meanwhile, Austin Craig, an American historian, also asserted the same and stated that the kingdom is located in Pangasinan. The shield that represents the unbeatable princess is also a symbol of protection for the Pangasinenses (locals of Pangasinan). Pangasinan also has an Urduja House, which is equivalent to the Malacañang Palace; this serves as the official residence of the governor and is located near the capitol building. THE CAPITOL BUILDING The capitol building, also found in the logo, is located in the heart and capital of Pangasinan, Lingayen. It resembles the national museum, which is not a coincidence because both structures have the same architect. The current architecture of the building is the same as its original look in the 19th century. It was only renovated after being damaged during World War II. The spacious, bright, and cozy interior of the capitol building earned an acknowledgment as the most beautiful capitol in the Philippines. It is also recognised as one of the architectural treasures of the country, the only one that is located outside the National Capital Region (NCR). DAGUPAN’S BANGUS If you are visiting Pangasinan anytime soon or just planning to pass by, make sure to bring an ice chest with you so you can take home Pangasinan’s freshest catch straight from the waters. One more thing the province is famous for is bangus (milkfish). Ever wondered why Dagupan’s bangus are the best? Bangus can actually live both in fresh and salt water, and there is a place in Bonuan, Dagupan, where the salt and fresh water meet, a perfect living environment for bangus. Here’s a tip from the locals when buying bangus from the market: You can be sure that the bangus is a Dagupan variant if its tailfins are not of the same length. This is because the seaweed that the bangus loves to eat is found underneath the river. They would swim deep to catch the seaweed causing the water pressure to scratch their tails. PANGASINAN’S AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES As most people know, Pangasinan is named as such because it is one of the largest salt producers in the country. But did you know that Pangasinan was formerly known as Caboloan? It is derived from bolo or bamboo because Pangasinan was surrounded by small bamboos. When the Malayo-Polynesians came, they introduced saltmaking as a means of livelihood to the people in the province. Aside from salt, Pangasinan has also been recognized for its capacity to produce rice. In fact, during the time of Governor Don Manuel Maramba, he was commended by President Emilio Aguinaldo for the province’s contribution to rice production amidst the crisis in the country. Meanwhile, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, is known as the brick town. The municipality produces high-quality bricks using their special mixture that is prepared with the help of carabaos. According to the history of the province, the bricks used in building the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) were produced by the municipality of Sta. Barbara. VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK The Veterans Memorial Park is located behind the provincial capitol of Pangasinan and adjacent to Lingayen Gulf, where General Douglas McArthur and his forces landed to fulfill his famous promise, “I shall return.” It was built exactly 50 years after Pangasinan declared its freedom from the Japanese troops. The memorial park was enshrined to honor the men and women whose bravery contributed to the freedom of the province. Here, visitors can look at the actual planes and tanks used by the Japanese army in World War II. Two of the tanks are anti-aircraft tanks, which are believed to be among the seven such tanks in the world that are still existing today. The park also exhibits photos during the landing of General McArthur and his forces, the encounter between the American and Japanese forces, the casualties of the war, as well as the inauguration of the provincial capitol and its original look in 1919. BELLA’S CALASIAO PUTO Aside from bangus, you cannot leave Pangasinan without taking puto (rice cake) Calasiao with you. Bella’s Puto (rice cake) is one of the oldest producers and sellers of the delicacy in the province. The store is named after the eldest child of Rudy and Leonora Dela Cruz, who started making puto in the 1970s. Before venturing into this kind of business, Tatay (father) Rudy used to only sell bitso-bitso (fried rice coated with muscovado sugar) until he met his wife and had children. During that time, Tatay Rudy realized that the income was not enough to sustain his growing family, so they started making puto. From the simple dream of being able to afford quality education for their children, Tatay Rudy shares how grateful he is to receive more than that through their business. Bella’s produces 6,000 pieces of puto everyday which they distribute to four branches within the province—two in Calasiao, one in Bayambang Lingayen, and one in San Carlos. What makes Bella’s puto distinct is the kind of rice grain they use. According to Tatay Rudy, they carefully assess the rice grains before accepting them from the supplier for processing. He also emphasized that they deliver freshlysteamed puto everyday. Whenever there are leftovers for the day, they no longer sell them. Not just that, Tatay Rudy also makes sure that the water they use in making puto is safe because he had it checked by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Puto Calasiao is available plain, with cheese, buko pandan, and more. Special flavors, however, are available for preorder for a minimum of three kilograms.

< Back The Man Dedicated to Transform a City BY AYNA GONZALES A ROBUST POLITICAL WILL, AN EMPOWERING ADMINISTRATION, AND A STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE FORM THE FOUNDATION OF MAYOR ARTHUR B. ROBES’ VISION FOR TRANSFORMING HIS CHERISHED CITY INTO A VIBRANT METROPOLITAN HUB. UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, THE CITY IS NOT ONLY ATTRACTING TOURISTS BUT ALSO BOASTING WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES AND EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL ITS RESIDENTS. To shape the city into a model of progress and pride—one that will inspire and flourish for the next century.” This, in a nutshell, is what City of San Jose del Monte Mayor Arthur B. Robes wanted to achieve when he first assumed office in 2016. The limited time he had did not dampen his desire to transform the city. After all, he had a vision that extended beyond nine years. BUILT ON A SOLID FOUNDATION Mayor Art, as Robes is fondly known among his peers and constituents, built his political career from the ground up, mastering the intricacies of governance at every level. From serving as a councilor and vice mayor to earning a seat in Congress in 2007, his journey reflects a deep understanding of public service. Now, as city mayor, he continues to reimagine the city’s future, transforming it into a vibrant destination for visitors from across the nation. The mayor traces his heart for public service to his family's long involvement in serving their fellow San Joseños. “Our family is really politically inclined. My grandfather served as mayor of San Jose while my uncle and father were also elected as barangay captain and councilor,” he reveals. “As a child, I was my dad’s favorite. Whenever there was a meeting or an errand he had to attend to, I was always by his side. The desire to serve the public probably started to grow from there,” he shares. Seeing how helping the people had become part of their family's way of life, Robes embraced it as his own, too. Today, Robes continues to serve his constituents alongside his wife, Congresswoman Florida Perez Robes. Herself also a seasoned public servant, the lady solon stands as both the mayor's partner in governance and a steadfast source of support. Their shared dedication to public service forms the bedrock of his vision for San Jose del Monte, with Congresswoman Robes providing not only political insight but also unwavering confidence in his mission to advance the city’s growth and development. "When I was a congressman, she was my chief of staff so she really knew how things are done in Congress," Robes shares. "After I finished my congressional term and I decided to run for mayor, I said to myself that I needed my successor to continue what I had started. So that’s the time I asked her ‘Mommy, will you be my congresswoman? So that in the event we both win, we’ll be able to maximize our performance.'" “That’s where our partnership as elected public servants really started,” Robes explains. “She knew what I planned on doing, and she aligned her efforts to such. So with me as local chief executive and her as district representative, we thought of the best ways to help and provide services to our constituents.” The two leaders' coordinated efforts including working on the national and local budget and making sure that projects are properly implemented boosted efforts to improve the City of San Jose del Monte. EARNING THE SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE With Robes at the helm, the City of San Jose del Monte has been awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance five times, the last being in 2023. This award is given to provincial, city, and municipal governments that promote integrity and good performance that contribute to the pursuit of meaningful local autonomy and development. Asked about his view on receiving the award multiple times, Robes credits his employees as the main reason for receiving such recognition. “The award is a recognition of the efforts not only of me as the local chief executive but of all the employees of the city government who are really working hard for our city administration to get that trophy. That is why since then, we have been receiving the award. And I am very thankful of course to the Lord and to our employees for being very supportive of our goal to be an awardee every year.” He stresses that the award gives credibility to him and his team for the hard work and dedication to serving the people and the city. “Awards like this from the national government give you a feeling of fulfilment as a leader because you are recognized as a performer who is able to render excellent service; you are given recognition for achievements,” he says. At the same time, the award is also a challenge for them to continue rendering quality public service. Though the criteria for the award becomes more challenging each year, Robes is confident in his administration’s ability to rise up to the challenge. “The SGLG requirements get harder and harder. More and more criteria and requirements to earn that award are added. But so far, so good,” he proclaims. BUILDING A TOURIST-FRIENDLY CITY As part of his long-term plans for the city, Robes envisions it as the country's next major tourist destination.” What used to be a relocation site for Metro Manila residents uprooted from their communities is now slowly transforming into an urban sightseeing spot for local tourists. “I put an end to the acceptance of relocatees and we started transforming San Jose del Monte. And we tagged San Jose del Monte as the next rising city—from relocation site to new destination,” he proudly declares. “So we studied everything. We improved the roads, we added more sidewalks because we want the city to be walkable. We also changed the streetlights and our facilities. And since my wife is the congresswoman, we also able to tap funds from the national government.” Some of the planned infrastructure include a river esplanade, road networks connecting to local resorts and popular churches, and new museums showcasing the city's history. “Of course we’ve preparing for the future. First of all, we’re developing a 7.9 kilometer-long river esplanade that will become a commercial area with parks and a playground for the public,” Robes explains. “And at the same time, we also have our churches. One of these is the Grotto Church which is similar to the Lourdes Church in France that people from around the world flock to. In time, San Jose del Monte will be tagged as a “Pilgrimage City,” Robes proclaims. Within the city are other famous sites such as the Padre Pio Mountain of Healing, the Saint Joseph the Worker Parish (one of the oldest in Bulacan), and it is also home to Rev. Father Fidel Laura, the famous healing priest. Robes hopes to turn the city into a pilgrimage site for devotees like himself. No longer will citizens have to travel far to achieve spiritual connection. People from Metro Manila and other surrounding areas are also expected to gather once the infrastructure projects are completed and promotional activities for the new “Pilgrimage City” go full blast. ENSURING IMPROVED SERVICES San Jose del Monte's newly built city hall has made possible various improvements in providing public services to the people. The four-month old building has become a onestop shop for the public. “This city hall has only been open for a few months but people are already coming because they can see how beautiful and convenient it is,” says Robes. “This will be the center of transactions for the government of the City of San Jose del Monte. As a one-stop shop, it provides real convenience for the people. We’re also going to build a financial center building that the townspeople can go to.” Aside from aesthetics and convenience, Robes puts a premium on the quality of infrastructure being built in the city, as he wants to make sure that the city's new buildings, roads, and other structures last for the next few decades. CONNECTING SAN JOSE DEL MONTE TO METRO MANILA VIA THE MRT-7 Along with new commercial buildings and tourist attractions, Robes is also investing in developing the city’s transportation system. Road widening, expansion, and connection plans are ongoing as a way to make travel easier on the public. The biggest development related to this is the new MRT-7. “We welcome San Miguel Corporation and we’re very thankful to San Miguel Corporation for coming up with this MRT7,” says Robes. Part of the MRT-7 plan is to have its end station in San Jose del Monte. “During our last meeting with San Miguel, we came up with the area for the end station. We just haven’t publicized it because we’re still negotiating with the property owners. We’ve already approved the options presented to us so now it’s up to San Miguel to negotiate with the property owners.” The proposed train station will connect Bulacan to Metro Manila via elevated railway, cutting down the travel time significantly. “The San Jose del Monte City government is fully supportive of the project and we are working hand in hand with San Miguel to optimize the construction of the end station for MRT-7,” he declares. BALANCING ACT AND FUTURE POLITICAL PLANS With so many plans for his city, balancing time for his family and private affairs can be challenging for Robes. His dedication to public service and good governance often takes center stage in his life but somehow, he still carves out time for his family. “Sunday is usually for the family. I don’t usually accept invitations on Sunday because it’s for my children and wife. Even Saturdays are normally reserved for dinner with my kids, my nieces and nephews, my wife’s sister, and our friends. Sunday really is our family day,” he explains. Spending time with his family on weekends, scheduling occasional out-of-town trips, and tending to his farm and business ventures keep the mayor balanced and grounded amidst the demands of public service. “I also go to the farm. We have a small farm that I inherited from my father. I enjoy farming—it’s my outlet and hobby. I have cows, chickens, sheep, and goats,” he fondly explains. Having inherited his love of public service from his father, one might expect Robes to want his children to join politics someday. Surprisingly, he wishes the opposite for them. “As much as possible I don’t want my children entering politics because it’s such a hard career. There are times you won’t have time for yourself, for your family,” he explains. “I would rather they have a simple and quiet life outside the political spotlight. But you can never tell. Even though I started with no ambitions in the public arena, I ended up having a long career in politics. So deep down I know at least one of my children will also become a public servant. That’s what they see and that’s what they’ve grown up with.” Robes cites his transformation of the City of San Jose del Monte from a relocation site to a progressive urban city as his lasting legacy as three-term mayor. “We’re very proud that people say we have really transformed San Jose del Monte. And you can see that it’s now one of the most progressive cities in the country, especially in the province of Bulacan. And we’re very proud of that," he exclaims. Speaking of the future, Robes is confident that with his track record and vision, he will be given a chance to continuing serving his constituents, this time as their district representative in Congress. WE’RE HAPPY THAT PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT DURING OUR ADMINISTRATION WE CHANGED A LOT FOR THE BETTER. WE WON’T BE HERE FOREVER SO WE WANTED TO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT AND POSITIVE CHANGE DURING OUR TERM.