< Back BUILDING THE FUTURE OF SAN FERNANDO By Fraulein Olavario PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. Neophyte councilor Brenz Gonzales seeks to build a concrete foundation for the City of San Fernando’s progress. From supervising the production of building designs and accurate implementation of such as a civil engineer, Aurelio Brenz Gonzales now looks to building the future of San Fernando. This comes as the 26-year-old won his bid to be a member of the sangguniang panlungsod or city council in the 2022 local polls, ranking first in his first foray into politics. “Sa mga Fernandino, I promise to do good. Talagang magtatrabaho ako at hindi ko sasayangin ‘yung 82,006 na mga botong ibinigay ninyo sa akin. And nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo sa tiwala na binigay ninyo sa akin, at syempre sa aking buong pamilya (To the Fernandinos, I promise to do good. I will work hard and I will not waste the 82,006 votes that you gave me. I am also grateful for your trust in me and my entire family),” Gonzales declares. ON HIS OWN TERMS The neophyte councilor is one of three members of the Gonzales political family who won local posts in the province. His father, Aurelio, was elected for a third and final term as Pampanga 3rd District representative, and his sister, Mica, entered the political scene for the first time as a provincial board member for the same legislative district. Though he inherited the desire to become a public servant from his father, Gonzales says his decision to run was his own. “Hindi ako pinilit ng father ko (My father didn’t coerce me [into joining politics]). I was not forced, but I can say that I was inspired by him because ever since I was a child, my dad was already involved in politics. He became a board member in 2004. And then, 2007, he was elected congressman,” says Gonzales. In his quest to serve, the civil engineer in him knows fully well the importance of building a solid foundation not anchored merely on his name, but on experience. “If you look at it, being a councilor is one of the lowest positions in the local government [structure]. So, for me, councilor muna para mas matutunan ko ‘yung process kung paano [maging mahusay na lingkodbayan] (I ran for councilor first so that I could learn [how to be an effective public servant]),” Brenz explains. Similarly, just as he was set to take over their family’s construction business after passing the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination in 2018 with a grade average of 84, he first gained on-the-ground experience as a site engineer for Megaworld Corporation’s luxury condominium project, Uptown Parksuites, in Taguig City. Afterward, he assumed the position of president and chief executive officer (CEO) of A.D. Gonzales Jr. Construction and Trading Co. Inc., which was built by his father. When Gonzales expressed his interest in running for city councilor in the 2019 elections, his father advised him to acquire exposure to government work first in order to get his feet wet. “Kinausap ako ng father ko, at sabi niya, ‘Brenz, kuha ka muna ng experience sa government para magka-idea ka kung paano ba ‘yung pagpapatakbo (My father talked to me, ‘Brenz, you should get some government experience first so that you’ll have an idea on how to run things),’” recalls Brenz, who then worked for his father as a political affairs officer at the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021. “[Every congressman has] a chief of staff, and a sort of second chief of staff. [I was my father’s second chief of staff.] I was the one handling the meetings. Whenever he was away, I would attend committee hearings [on his behalf]. I would inspect and attend the launch of my father’s projects. I would talk to barangay officials,” explains the De La Salle University (DLSU) alumnus. “I gained plenty of experience managing people, talking to the public and barangay officials, and talking to agency heads. I [also] learned about public relations,” he adds. He also notes how his familiarity with legislation has significantly equipped him in fulfilling his responsibilities as a city councilor, which include enacting ordinances and approving resolutions for an effective city government. PUTTING YOUTHFUL ZEAL TO GOOD USE In the same manner, his emergence as topnotcher in the race for city council seats did not come as a matter of course. Seeing that he placed last in the first few surveys, he took to heart his father’s advice: “Kailangan mong magsipag [para pumasok ka sa top 12]. Kailangan mong magpakilala (You need to work harder [to break into the top 12]. You need to introduce yourself to people).” “So, as a newbie, as a neophyte, talagang nagpakitang-gilas ako (I had to show the people what I’ve got),” Gonzales shares, recalling how his father helped him and his sister visit all 35 barangays in the City of San Fernando to conduct meetings and hold caucuses. “In a span of three weeks, we were able to finish all barangay visits. We introduced ourselves, our background, and why we want to run. This was before the filing of [certificates of] candidacy. Gonzales saw his hard work pay off, as his ranking gradually rose from the bottom to the top five. Asked about what worked to his advantage, Gonzales, who was the youngest among the candidates for city councilor, says that it was likely his youth: “In the 45 days that I went around the town to campaign, lagi nilang sinasabi gusto nila bago naman, bata naman. Kasi ‘pag bata ka, mas agresibo sa buhay, tapos mas magilas, at syempre mas (they would always say that they want something new, someone young. Because if you’re young, you are more aggressive, more agile, and of course, more) innovative.” “I always say when people ask me why people prefer young politicians: It’s because we age every day, right? The world is evolving. There are so many new innovations, even the government uses new technology. Perhaps this is our way [to keep up with the times]—by trying young public servants.” The young councilor intends to showcase his fiery zeal and the zest of youth in his plans to help improve the Fernandinos’ access to healthcare services—the advocacy he says is closest to his heart—such as providing free medical checkups for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs); offering medical financial assistance to indigent residents; conducting monthly medical missions, something he has been actively taking part in even before the elections; and with the help of new City of San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag, setting up a free dialysis program in the city to address the increasing number of patients needing treatment for kidney failure. “We increase the [ability] of our constituents if we give them free checkups, free dental [care], free medications, free dialysis. Magagamit nila ‘yung pera nila sa ibang mga bagay na necessary to live life—pagkain, tubig, pambayad ng kuryente—imbis na pambibili pa ng gamot (They’ll be able to use their money for other things that are necessary to live life—food, water, payment for electricity— instead of using the money to buy medicine),” Gonzales emphasizes. A civil engineer by training, Gonzales believes that infrastructure should serve the needs of the people. His priorities include adding roads and rehabilitating existing ones to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate the flow of goods and services. He also intends, along with the mayor, to improve the drainage system and reduce flooding in the city. Additionally, he also wants to build infrastructure that will improve access to basic services for his constituents. He will file a resolution—in fulfillment of a campaign promise—establishing an annex campus of the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) in San Fernando. He wants this campus to be located in the northern part of the city, where indigent residents are underserved by the existing city college, located in the southern part, due to difficulties in commuting. Believing that every Filipino deserves a decent home, Gonzales intends to file a resolution to rehabilitate Northville, a community of 11,000 beneficiaries of the National Housing Authority (NHA). He plans to work with the mayor and NHA to help improve the settlement, which has become cramped due to the number of people in the area. Finally, he wants his constituents to be able to talk to their representatives in the city council under better conditions. To resolve overcrowding at city hall, he plans to propose the construction of a legislative building to house the city’s councilors and the city council session hall, sparing both officials and constituents from the cramped confines under which they work presently. Beyond building schools, he also wants students to be able to study in those schools even when administrations change. To this end, he wants to institutionalize the city’s scholarship program, ensuring scholars retain their privileges for so long as they are qualified, even if there is a change in the political winds and a new administration is brought to power. “Para ‘yung mga bata, meron silang peace of mind during the campaign na hindi porke’t eleksyon, baka maalis na ‘yung scholarship program. Dapat hindi natin dinadamay ‘yung mga bata sa pulitika (So that the children will have peace of mind and not worry about losing their scholarship after the elections. We should insulate children from politics),” Gonzales explains. The neophyte city councilor admits he has yet to learn how to balance his responsibilities as a politician and a contractor, while at the same time, allowing himself to enjoy his personal and family time. “Sometimes I focus on politics too much. Sometimes my business is relegated to the sidelines. But in time, I would be able to juggle and balance everything. And of course, I also need to give myself some time to rest and to enjoy,” he shares. READY TO NAVIGATE THE LONG ROAD AHEAD Even with the challenges, Gonzales does not fall short on motivation. He draws inspiration from his father, who has guided him consistently en route to his first taste of public service, and his late mother Elizabeth, who was among the casualties in the Resorts World Manila attack in 2017, where a lone gunman set the casino tables—and later on, himself—on fire. Turning sentimental, Gonzales recalls how he struggled to finish his studies five years ago after his mother died of suffocation. “Growing up, I was close to my mother. That’s why I get emotional telling the story. Then, after 2017, talagang mahirap (it was really difficult). She died in 2017 when I was still in school. And then, there’s the thesis and board exams. Then, instead of mourning the whole day, I told myself that I would just use her memory as inspiration so that she’ll be proud of me,” he says, adding: “You don’t move on eh. You never forget what happened [to you]; you just use it to be better. I just always think that maybe she’s very proud of me now with all that I have achieved.” The young councilor wants to establish his mark in public service, which he describes as a “sincere type of leadership” for the Fernandinos. He makes it a point to make his constituents feel his genuineness in the activities he takes part in, from extending financial assistance to visiting bereaved families, instead of merely politicking. “I don’t go there just for exposure… It’s a little cliché, but I really want them to feel my sincerity and passion. I want them to feel the love of Councilor Brenz Gonzales,” he says, adding how he would keep this in mind when preparing his speeches. With the long political road ahead of him, the young public official does not discount the possibility of aiming for higher office in the future. However, he insists that such is far from his mind at the moment, as he is focusing on fulfilling the promises he made to the Fernandinos. “Sa aking three years na mandate, bibigyan ko sila ng tapat, ‘yung tunay at sincere brand of leadership, ‘yung tama at wastong pagpapatakbo sa gobyerno (In the three years mandated to me, I will give them a true and sincere brand of leadership, an honest and rightful governance),” he vows. For now, the engineer will keep laying the groundwork to be the “best public servant” he can be—that which he did not simply inherit, but earned. “I want to be successful in life. I want to be the best public servant [I could be], someone deserving [of the position],” he declares. “I know that the time will come when I’ll be able to prove my worth.” “I always say when people ask me why people prefer young politicians: It’s because we age ever y day, right? The world is evolving. There are so many new innovations, even the government uses new technology. Perhaps this is our way [to k eep up with the times]—by trying young public servants.” Buy magazine here

00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000002 BACK ADVOCATING CREDIBILITY AND HONEST IN LOCAL POLITICS Truthful and no-nonsense leadership—Mayor Vicky Lim’s brand of leadership has elevated Gasan, Marinduque. BY ROSY MINA PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO If there is one thing that Gasan, Marinduque Mayor Victoria “Vicky” Lao-Lim is known for after almost 18 years of public service, it is her brand of truthful and no-nonsense leadership despite all odds. "Well, I let other people say what they want to. My leadership style is so simple; I’m so honest and I’m a disciplinarian. I’m so frank. I call out people during meetings because I want them to be disciplined. I want to help my town have all well-disciplined constituents,” Lim tells LEAGUE Magazine. The municipal mayor first assumed office in 1995. She was elected again in 2001, and then served for three consecutive terms from 2007 to 2016. During the gaps between her mayoral terms, she lost in reelection bids while in 2016, she failed to clinch the gubernatorial post. Lim made a comeback as mayor in 2019, and looking back at her political career, she proudly declares her aversion to corruption. “Ako, hindi ako tumatanggap ni isang porsyento sa mga project kahit na daan-daang milyones ang dumadating na project sa town ko. Hindi ako nangongomisyon sa mga kontratista (I never accepted even just 1 percent commission even if hundreds of millions worth of projects enter my town. I don’t get commissions from contractors).” She continues, “Mga SOP (‘standard operating procedure’, alleged automatic commissions given by contractors to local officials in areas where they have projects), wala ‘yun. Sinasabi ko na lang na hindi ko kailangan ng SOP (SOPs are a no-no. I say that I don’t need SOPs), not because I have the money but because I want you to build good quality projects. ‘Yun ang gusto ko. At saka bawal ka ....... BUY MAGAZINE NOW TO READ FULL ARTICLE BACK

< Back Leading the Public Toward a More Resilient Philippines BY MC LAPPAY E very year, the Philippines faces a barrage of natural disasters, including typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, which threaten lives, properties, and livelihoods. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire and bearing the brunt of climate change, the nation has become exceptionally disaster-prone. For the second consecutive year, the World Risk Report 2023 has ranked the Philippines as the highest disaster risk country among 193 countries worldwide. As the country observed National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) last July, it is important to recognize the crucial role of leaders and public servants who work tirelessly behind the scenes to safeguard the lives and well-being of Filipinos during calamities, emergencies, and other hazardous events. They are the ones securing the future of the country by strengthening our preparedness today. Among the public servants determined to ensure the country’s resilience and continued development is Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Michael Cristopher R. Mathay. PUBLIC SERVICE IN HIS VEINS While many recognize him as the brother of actresses Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes, Mathay is also a dedicated leader, guiding his agency and the Filipino people toward greater resilience. Public service runs deep in Mathay's family. His grandfather, Mel Mathay, served as mayor of Quezon City from 1992 to 2001, and his father, Chuck Mathay, had a distinguished career as a congressman. Despite this legacy, Mathay carved his own path in a different city. Growing up in San Juan City, Mathay attended Xavier School in Greenhills. His community-oriented upbringing influenced his early career decision to serve as a director of the North Greenhills Homeowners Association, where he later became president and chairman. Inspired by his family's legacy in local politics, he transitioned into public service, successfully running for barangay kagawad (councilman) in Greenhills, San Juan. After one term as kagawad, he was elected city councilor. During his tenure, Mathay demonstrated his commitment to the city by authoring several impactful ordinances. He lobbied for the creation of designated bike lanes and the implementation of strict speed limits in the city. Additionally, his initiatives included mandates for establishments to provide first aid kits and breastfeeding stations, requirements for dog owners to tag their pets, and ensured free PhilHealth membership for indigent citizens of San Juan. “After my last term [as councilor], I couldn’t run for the same position so I decided to serve in the national government. The DSWD was my destiny. I never thought I would end up in DSWD [but] God has a purpose for all of us so here I am,” Mathay shares on his transition from electoral politics to holding an appointive position in a government agency. Mathay reveals that his family wholeheartedly supported his decision to pursue a new career path. Coming from a tightly knit family, he cherishes holidays and family occasions as opportunities for bonding and catching up. Despite his shift from being a councilor to a DSWD official, his family stood by him, offering invaluable advice and affirmations. He fondly shares how his sister, Ara, supported him throughout his campaigns, while he, in turn, assisted the vulnerable through her foundation. The unwavering support from his family has been a constant source of strength and motivation in his public service journey. “DISASTER GUY” As director of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau, Mathay spearheads the agency’s efforts in responding to the needs of families and communities affected by disasters across the country. He shares, “I sometimes joke that I am the “Disaster Guy” because anything related to disaster is my role in DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau—from natural disasters to manmade or humaninduced disasters like armed conflict and fire.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, they led the distribution of the famous ayuda packs to the public: food packs consisting of six kilos of rice, eight canned goods, four sachets of coffee, and four sachets of choco malt drink together with nonfood items such as hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and kitchen kits. In 2022, a shear line and the Northeast Monsoon triggered disaster response operations to affected families in Region X. Mathay personally led the distribution of financial assistance, food packs, and potable water to 1,000 families who were displaced by floods and heavy rainfall. He also shares that in an effort to provide a more dependable mode of communication during disasters, the agency recently introduced the Mobile Command Center. This initiative aims to address communication challenges during disaster or emergency operations by establishing a direct link from the disaster-stricken area to the Regional Operations Center (ROC), Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC), or the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC). SHIFTING FROM LOCAL TO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT Things weren’t always easy for Mathay. Reflecting on his initial months in office, he describes the experience as life-changing. Transitioning from local government, where the scale of service and scope of responsibility were more manageable, he found himself navigating a steeper terrain. The technicalities of his new role demanded that he quickly familiarize himself with new procedures and protocols. At one point, he even used up an entire ballpoint pen’s ink in a single day, taking down notes: a testament to the intensity and dedication required in his new position. Reflecting on his experience, Mathay remarks, “From experience, we don’t have a magic wand that you can just wave around to make things happen instantly. You have to consider the process of doing things; go through the process vigilantly,” he adds. Despite these initial hurdles, Mathay appreciates how his political background and knowledge helped him grasp departmental workings and navigate processes effectively, noting the familiarity with working in the city government but on a larger scale. He acknowledges that the career shift from local official to national government agency top brass changed his perspective on public service, thanks to the agency’s dedicated employees. “I think I’m a better person now. I am working and learning at the same time from the best social workers who have dedicated their lives to public service,” he remarks. Mathay has indeed evolved into a steadfast and determined official at the DSWD. In early 2024, he spearheaded the implementation of Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and Project BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), initiatives aimed at assisting farmers and fishermen affected by the El Niño phenomenon. These projects provide beneficiaries with extensive training in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and practical skills such as water harvesting, gardening, vermicomposting, and hydroponics. Simultaneously managing assistance for El Niño-affected provinces and preparing for La Niña, Mathay, alongside DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and other officials, coordinated the distribution of food packs and non food relief items to typhoon-prone areas and provinces expected to be heavily impacted by La Niña. In 2023, Mathay joined representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the local government of Midsayap, and the provincial government of Cotabato to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on disaster response. This agreement, formalized between DSWD Field Office-12 Director Loreto Cabaya Jr. and Midsayap Mayor Rolando Sacdalan, marked a significant step for DSWD’s initiative, "Building on Social Protection for Anticipatory Action and Response in Emergencies and Disasters" (B-SPARED). This pilot initiative aims to prepare communities ahead of floods through multipurpose cash assistance and livelihood protection for poor and vulnerable households. EMPOWERING FILIPINOS THROUGH DSWD Reflecting on his motivation to support disadvantaged families, Mathay shares a sentiment inspired by his father: "Ang para sa tao ay para sa tao." (What’s for the people is for the people). He emphasizes sustainable methods over mere handouts to improve the lives of impoverished Filipinos, stating, “One of my hobbies is fishing, and I truly believe in the saying ‘Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.’” The bureau director highlights DSWD's nationwide implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program, aimed at building capacities and providing livelihood support to identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities. The program includes technical-vocational and life skills training, providing seed capital, giving access to credit and savings facilities, and establishing physical assets for more efficient livelihoods. This comprehensive approach ensures that beneficiaries are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term self-sufficiency and economic stability. Asked about the future of social welfare services in the Philippines, Mathay expresses high hopes for the agency's digitalization. "Under the leadership of Secretary Gatchalian, DSWD is advancing to another level with state-of-the-art technology. We are transforming from a traditional DSWD into a more proactive, rather than just reactive, agency," he states. RESILIENCE AS A BRAND OF LEADERSHIP Mathay, embodying the qualities of a great leader, praises the competence, knowledge, experience, and training of the mend and women of his bureau, highlighting them as invaluable human resources. He emphasizes the effectiveness of the whole-of-government approach in enhancing service delivery for Filipinos, enabling national agencies to collaborate more efficiently. Additionally, he acknowledges the crucial support of international organizations such as the World Food Programme and the United Nations, recognizing them as essential partners in the Philippine government's mission to achieve a resilient and safe Philippines. More than anything else, however, Mathay is hopeful that while the agency continues to work on helping Filipinos, the government will also recognize its outstanding workers who make the programs and projects possible. “We always have to keep improving ourselves. I just hope that the government will take care of their employees more in terms of job security and benefits.” Mathay emerges as an inspiration to leaders and civil servants as he advocates tirelessly for a more proactive approach to social welfare amidst evolving challenges. Under his leadership, the DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau is forging ahead with renewed vigor, and his own story of resilience fuels his determination to improve the lives of Filipinos and bolster resilience nationwide. His vision for a more responsive and supportive government underscores his unwavering belief in a brighter, more secure future for all.

Co was once on her way to a medical career, but realized soon enough that her calling was not in becoming a doctor but rather someone who lobbies for health workers’ needs. < Back ENSURING THE WELFARE OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS Co was once on her way to a medical career, but realized soon enough that her calling was not in becoming a doctor but rather someone who lobbies for health workers’ needs. By Lawrence Fernandez PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO S. PERALTA, JR. Barangay Health and Wellness (BHW) Party-list Representative Angelica Natasha Co is blooming where she is planted. And although joining public service was not her intention until the sector she dearly represents asked for representation in the 18th Congress, she now comfortably wears the legislator’s hat. Co’s journey to serve started when barangay health workers (BHWs) in Bicol asked to be represented in Congress through the party-list system. She was in favor of the proposal, but none of the regional BHW presidents expressed interest in running, claiming that they were already too old and that entering politics was difficult. “There is anxiety getting into politics. Even if I did not want to, I was forced to run because they needed a representative in Congress. My private life had to stop, and then I joined politics,” Co recalls. 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 While Co was initially reluctant to join politics, there was no denying that her leadership skills had already been cultivated in her youth. Before she became engaged in ensuring the welfare of around 300,000 BHWs in the country, she had to ensure that every item in their family-owned business was accounted for. In her younger years, Co had a crash course in management when she was put in charge of their hardware store in Legazpi City, Albay, during weekends. While weekdays were reserved for school, she had to take care of their industrial and construction equipment business on Saturdays and Sundays. “During weekends, gigisingin ako ng papa ko nang maaga para ako ‘yung magbubukas ng hardware. Maglilinis ako, mag-iinventory ako ng mga pako, ‘yung ganun. At ang sweldo ko niyan, 50 pesos kada araw. ‘Yun ‘yung gagamitin ko pang-snack. So, kung may gusto akong bilhin, doon ko kukunin (My father would wake me up early to open our hardware store. I would clean up and do some inventory of nails. I received a salary of 50 pesos a day, and I would use this to buy snacks or some other things that I wanted),” shares Co. Yet, as if the script of her life was already being written, she started to get in touch with the BHWs at around the same time. Her father’s involvement in politics also became a factor in leading her to this role. “When I was younger, I was the regional president of the Philippine Society for Youth Science Clubs (PSYSC), and one of my activities was conducting medical missions. During that time, I was already [working] with the BHWs. So, I’m kind of close to them. We seldom saw each other when I went to college, until my dad became a politician,” Co explains. Her interest in science and health continued when she finished psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU). She later on entered medical school at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), but it became apparent that her calling was to improve the welfare of those who look after other people. The plight of BHWs prompted Co to file bills that support the frontliners of the healthcare system, especially in far-flung areas. The bills aim to honor the modernday heroism of these selfless individuals and provide necessary benefits that can help them meet their own needs. As BHW Party-list’s first nominee, Co had her first term in 2019 after the party-list group gained one seat in the Lower House. This served as assurance that BHWs would get enough help. Being in a position of power never gets into Co’s head as she keeps herself grounded. Being a steward of good governance, she says, can be done without fanfare. Indeed, public service may be a far cry from her days of counting nails, but humility remains cemented in her core. “If I’m needed here, I’ll do it. I am not the type to be blinded by power. I’m still the same person. I do my work. I don’t care if I don’t get noticed, but I would be thankful if they recognize what I do. What matters is that we are able to assist those in need. That’s my brand of leadership: simple, real. It is what it is,” Co says. Co’s drive to succeed led her to be elected as secretary-general of the Party-list Coalition during the 18th Congress. The coalition is composed of incumbent party-list representatives. 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐔𝐒 Though her responsibilities continue to mount, Co never forgets the group that trusts her the most. Her connections with BHWs for most of her life made it easy for Co to pinpoint their struggles as they fulfill their essential tasks. “Most of them started young, and they are now married. But up to now, they still have no fixed salaries yet. The barangay health workers are volunteers, and some of them get as low as 50 pesos a month. That’s not enough for their food, and more so for transportation especially that they do house-to-house tasks,” laments Co. This plight of BHWs prompted the lady solon to file bills that support the frontliners of the healthcare system, especially in far-flung areas. She filed House Bill (HB) 01670, or “An Act Declaring April 7 Every Year as Barangay Health Workers Day,” to honor the modern-day heroism of these selfless individuals. Co also introduced HB01547, or “An Act Providing for the Protection of Barangay Health Workers for Continued Health Services.” But the most critical piece of legislation she authored is HB01546, or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers,” which aims to ensure that they enjoy their fundamental rights. She is pushing for the passage of this magna carta so that BHWs can have health benefits, transportation and food allowances, and scholarships for their children. The proposed health benefits also include discounts on doctor ’s consultation fees and medicines. These incentives will be of great help, especially to BHWs who are not yet senior citizens. “With that, at least, they will have benefits [that can help them meet their needs] because they only get honoraria since they are just volunteers. It’s actually just the basics—food and transportation—so that they can move around because that’s their work. Then there are the health benefits because they are frontliners,” Co explains. Co will also continue to push for first aid training to improve the BHWs’ services, especially in areas where there are no doctors assigned to the barrios. If they are trained in first aid, Co explains, BHWs can respond to accidents or emergency cases that do not need hospital treatment and they will just report these to the Department of Health (DOH). Though programs for BHWs are already making some headway, Co admits that it will take more improvement to reach all BHWs in the Philippines. This means exerting more effort and partnering with more leaders and agencies to push for her other initiatives. BHWs will benefit immensely from infrastructure initiatives, especially since some have to walk long hours to reach places that are not accessible even by tricycle. Co claims that BHWs also require additional blood pressure measuring equipment, which is why they intend to allot funds to buy such. For each barangay, they want to distribute one blood pressure-measuring apparatus. The congresswoman takes pride whenever BHWs reach the farthest corners of the nation to bring much-needed materials. She cites an island in Rizal where the residents were devastated by a typhoon. Aside from some medical equipment, Co’s office also brought bicycles to ease the delivery of services by BHWs in each house. While reaching every BHW is arduous, Co and her staff make it a point to meet as many of them as possible, even if it entails long travel hours and riding public transportation. It’s a challenge that keeps her linked to her sworn duty. 𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍’𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 Well aware that her job is to craft laws not just for the sector she represents but for all Filipinos, Co has pledged to extend her work beyond addressing the needs of BHWs. She also wants to pursue initiatives to help Filipinos stay in shape. She wants BHWs to be present in schools so they can adequately observe students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. “Not all students can be monitored by the teacher. A barangay health worker can act as the assistant who knows how to read the temperature, determine whether it’s a cough or cold, and recognize nausea,” Co explains. She also wants to tax foods with sodium levels above what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends, as she did with high-sugar foods. This would discourage Filipinos from consuming more chips because Filipino food is already salty. Co believes that this would encourage Filipinos to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Co is also pushing for reproductive health education that starts at the barangay level because it is a powerful educational tool, especially for those who lack knowledge about issues related to pregnancy. This will also be a way to curb the country’s growing population. “Education is really powerful. If they know what will happen, what they are doing, and the consequences, they will prepare well before getting pregnant. So, reproductive health education is very badly needed in our country,” she stresses. 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 Co’s advocacy goes beyond physical and mental health, given that she also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. She is also passionate about maintaining the country’s heritage as a member of the House Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts. Co also helped set up the Council for the Creatives, along with Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher De Venecia. “We’re just like a group of friends who like the arts. Then someone opened up a topic about creating a committee, and then we did create a committee on that. Meanwhile, there were already bills passed to create that council, and hopefully, it will gain ground,” Co says with hope. Co has expressed concern that if next generations are unable to continue what she started, the culture she wants to uplift may perish. That’s why children’s health is also dear to her as chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children. A courtesy call with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is also in the works to hold seminars for proper child rearing and parenting. With so much on her plate, Co makes sure to fix her schedule and maximize the time she has. What’s certain, though, is that she will leave no stone unturned in doing what’s best for others. “Where I am needed, I will go,” she assures. Education is really powerful. If they know what will happen, what they are doing, and the consequences, they will prepare well before getting pregnant. So, reproductive health education is very badly needed in our country.

< Back MODERNIZING FILIPINO SKILLS BY CAMILLE CABAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA JR. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Isidro “Sid” S. Lapeña believes that improving the country’s system of training and capacitybuilding is essential to meet and surpass global standards. When President Rodrigo Roa Duterte appointed his Cabinet members, some expressed their concern about his proclivity for appointing retired generals and military veterans. Age aside, they were also questioned about their qualifications for the role. Prior to his appointment as TESDA director general in 2018, Secretary Isidro “Sid” S. Lapeña had already proven his mettle in government work—from being the chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in 2016 to spearheading the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in 2017. PROVIDING TRAININGS AND JOBS DURING THE PANDEMIC Unemployment has always been one of the biggest problems plaguing the Philippines. From 2.26 million jobless Filipinos in 2019, the number surged to 4.5 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions were displaced from their jobs, especially in services and agriculture. As the agency that is helping the country’s workforce gain more skills and technical knowledge, it was also a challenging journey for TESDA. However, TESDA did not leave the Filipinos disappointed through their continuous assistance in reskilling workers, leading them to other opportunities or to return to their former jobs. Since TESDA has been providing onsite training, many of their classes were put to a halt by the lockdown. From over two million enrollees in 2019, the enrollees of TESDA technical-vocational (tech-voc) programs dropped to around 700,000 in 2020. On the other hand, the decrease in tech-voc enrollees gave way for the increase of enrollees and graduates of TESDA Online Program (TOP). TESDA was surprised with the distinct increase in the number of registrations in courses that can be done at home like housekeeping—gaining an 816 percent increase in registration and 925 percent increase in enrollment in 2020. The agency continued to add more programs to benefit the Filipino people while staying at home. From 68 online courses, the agency now has 141 online courses, including “Harnessing Social Media to Expand your Business,” and “Getting

00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000003 < BACK SENATOR WIN GATCHALIAN Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian’s two-decade career as a public servant has been marked by his relentless pursuit of his vision for better governance. BY GODFREY T. DANCEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO The LEAGUE team arrives at the Senate building on a cloudy midmorning in October. The place is uncharacteristically quiet. Conspicuously absent are senators and their staff hustling from their offices to the session hall, officials from the executive branch attending hearings, foreign dignitaries paying courtesy visits, reporters trying to get a scoop, and ordinary Filipinos seeking an audience with particular senators. In a conference room at the second floor, however, a bicameral conference committee meeting is going on. It’s a hybrid meeting, with most participants—congressmen and senators, supported by their staff— participating online from their homes. Such has been the practice since COVID-19 radically changed the way we live, including the way Congress works. One senator, however, is physically present: Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy. Swiftly ironed out during the meeting were some inconsistencies in the House and Senate versions of the Microgrid Systems Act, the Upper Chamber version of which was primarily authored by Senator Win himself. The act is expected to fill the legal and policy gaps that have hampered the government’s total electrification program. “He’s the only senator who still physically reports to the Senate to hold hearings and meetings [despite Metro Manila being placed under Alert Level 4],” one of Senator Win’s staff members says. “He wants to have instant access to information during hearings.” Ever mindful of the value of time, the senator wants to be able to look at documents and confirm matters with the secretariat whenever the need arises—something he could not do if he were working from home. Clearly, it’s a win-win situation: all stakeholders remain safe from COVID-19 (strict health protocols are also being implemented at the Senate building), and legislative work goes on as it should. This comes as no surprise for those who know the senator well. Senator Win is a known workaholic, and also wants solutions implemented as soon as possible. Entering Public Service Senator Win’s two-decade career as public servant has been marked by his relentless pursuit of his vision for better governance. From his initial foray into politics at the age of 27, he has proven to be an effective public servant both at the local and national levels. “I went into public service because of many frustrations at that time in Valenzuela,” he says of his decision to run as Representative of the 1st District of Valenzuela in 2001. “I was then working in our family business, and I got to interact with the local government unit of Valenzuela. There were a lot of frustrations. It was a tedious task to secure a business permit, you had to talk to fixers, the process was confusing. Instead of just complaining, the young Win did what he thought was best. “Out of frustration, not only mine but that of everyone in Valenzuela, I presented myself as part of the solution. I was given the chance to serve one term as congressman and three terms as mayor, [and I used these opportunities] to provide solutions. Because I really believe that if you keep on complaining, nothing will happen. So you just have to do your share, do whatever you can to solve problems. Of course, you cannot solve everything all at once. But at least you’re there to lead the way.” He would later on return to the Lower House, serving for another three years. By then, he had become known for championing good governance and quality education, and fighting corruption. “After my stint in Valenzuela, I learned a lot… and I thought, maybe I can make a difference using that experience, this time on a nationwide scale. So I tried my luck. I ran as senator, despite the odds. Dahil yung surveys ko malayo. [Survey results had me trailing.] It was a blessing that I was given the opportunity to serve,” he recalls. Guiding Principles Senator Win describes his leadership style as “basic.” “I lead by example. I believe that every leader should be a good example. In the way you dress, the way you follow simple office rules, the way you come in early for work, that’s an important trait in a leader,” he shares. “At the same time, you have to shun corruption. If the leader is corrupt, everyone in the organization will be corrupt for sure. [Good governance] should start from the leader.” Senator Win also keeps in mind valuable pieces of advice from former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel. “Pag mapakinggan mo sya, marami kang matututunan,” he says. “I also watch a lot of videos of Barack Obama because everyone’s mesmerized with his eloquence. But at the same time, his policies as well as the way he handles crisis situations is admirable considering that the United States is a complex country. Then his way of analyzing and dissecting problems and executing solutions is also quite admirable.” The above, combined with his experience as top executive of a number of their familyowned businesses prior to 2001, have helped Senator Win remain true to his promise of being part of the solution to the nation’s problems. Prioritizing Education Education reforms have always been among Sen. Win’s advocacies. “In 2016, I campaigned under one advocacy: to remove tuition fees in state universities and colleges,” he recalls. “At that time, that was unheard of because people thought it’s financially and fiscally impossible.” Seven months into his term as member of the Upper House, Senator Win filed, together with Senators Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Sonny Angara, and Loren Legarda, Senate Bill 1304, which sought to provide full tuition subsidy to students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs). After another seven months, the bill was signed into law as Republic Act 10931. With the law, almost 1.7 million students in SUCs, local universities and colleges; and state-run technical-vocational schools now enjoy full tuition subsidy. “Malaking bagay yan (That is significant) because college was viewed as being for people who have the financial capacity. But now college is viewed as being for those who are qualified and should be supported [to have a better future] through a college diploma,” he explains. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, Senator Win is also well aware of the problems in the field of basic education. For one, he has a very firm stand when it comes to errors in basic education textbooks. “[Such errors are] definitely unacceptable,” he asserts. “We need to improve the quality of our textbooks and reading materials. I have flagged the Department of Education many, many times, to ensure quality and to ensure that the books are reviewed many times before these are released to our learners.” Highlighting the Need for Energy Transition Another of the senator’s advocacies is clean energy. While describing the move to clean energy as an imperative, he also cautions against haphazard steps that may prove costly in the long run. He has highlighted the need for a comprehensive transition plan that takes into account our bureaucratic structure, consumer welfare, and the fight against climate change. “Going renewable is inevitable. The whole world is moving toward that direction. It’s really just a matter of how fast we can do it. We cannot do it fast. That’s why the buzzword now is energy transition. We have to do it in a just and economical manner. In other words, we cannot rush into shifting to solar and wind. That will take time to build and the cost is substantially high,” he explains. All things considered, the senator is pushing for a well-studied transition plan that has to be implemented as soon as possible. “So it’s a transition, and we need to start that transition already. Unfortunately, our country has not yet started significantly, meaning we have the laws, some mechanisms in place, but a formal transition has not yet commenced. So that’s what I’m pushing for right now. To jumpstart the Philippine-style energy transition,” he stresses. Senator Win points to consumers’ price sensitivity, limited technology, and a complex bureaucracy as among the things that the legislature, the Department of Energy (DOE), and energy experts must take into account as we set out with the transition. Looking Ahead With a little over half a year left before the elections, Senator Win remains hopeful that key bills will still be approved by Congress. One such proposed law is Senate Bill 726, which seeks to penalize nuisance political candidates. The importance of tackling this bill, which he refiled back in July 2019, became more obvious recently, as almost a hundred personalities filed their certificates of candidacy for president. “Hopefully, that would get approved,”he says of the bill which he originally filed in 2016. “Parati kong pinupush yung nuisance candidate bill. Nakakainis na kasi yung mga taong pupunta tapos nakacosplay costume (I’ve always pushed for the approval of the nuisance candidate bill. It’s annoying to see people coming in as if they were going to a cosplay event),” he stresses. More than the physical appearance, however, it’s the intent that bothers him. “It’s really annoying to see people mocking the elections, mocking the system, and mocking our country, to be honest about it. It’s sad, but it’s the reality. Like this time, 97 persons filed their candidacy for president. Alam naman natin maraming matatanggal dyan. Ilan lang yung matitira. [We know that majority of them will eventually be disqualified.] People are just mocking our elections.” Still on political reforms, Senator Win co-authored a bill banning substitution of candidates due to withdrawal. With him as Senate Bill 2439 co-authors are Senators Migz Zubiri, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Joel Villanueva. “Recently, substitution became some sort of a political strategy,” he says. And it doesn’t only create instability in the process because obviously you cannot print the ballots right away. But again, in the same manner [as nuisance candidates do, substitution due to withdrawal also] creates a mockery of the elections.” The senator wants to avoid a situation where unscrupulous individuals would not only make a mockery of the system but actually benefit financially from it. “There could come a time when placeholders (those who file their candidacies but have no actual intention of running), would put their slots up for sale. So before it becomes that bad, we’ll remove that feature in the law,” he explains. Man on a Mission Senator Win has come a long way since entering the field of public service in 2001. One thing, however, has remained constant: his silent yet effective and dedicated style of public service has consistently borne practical solutions to the nation’s many problems. Buoyed by this, he has pledged to continue with his mission of helping bring about a worldclass yet affordable educational system, a competitive and investor-friendly energy sector, and electoral reforms. In the end, every piece of legislation Senator Win is able to steer to enactment into law, every improved government policy he is able to contribute to, every problem he is able to offer a solution to, is not only a personal victory for him. It is also a check mark in the win column for every Filipino.

Mayors GUMACA, QUEZON MAYOR WEBSTER LETARGO LEADERSHIP FORGED IN CRISIS Mayor Letargo details the challenges that proved his mettle as a leader. BULAKAN, BULACAN MAYOR VERGEL MENESES Shooting for Change A PBA legend is now building a name for himself in public service, using his basketball experience to serve others. LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH STO. NIÑO “JB” BERNOS Being of Service to More Filipinos Mayor JB Bernos of La Paz, Abra, dreams of a better future not only for Abra but the whole country. SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA MAYOR VILMA CALUAG A Beacon of Compassionate Service By not taking her modest upbringing for granted, this trailblazing city mayor is able to give compassionate service to her constituents. SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA MAYOR ART MERCADO A Striving Pioneer in Public Service and Governance After ending the decades-old reign of two political families, a relative newcomer has effectively reshaped the political scene in San Pedro, Laguna CALASIAO, PANGASINAN MAYOR KEVIN MACANLALAY Serving His Best for Calasiao The mayor of the home of the famous puto Calasiao emphasizes the importance of harmony, cooperation, and the fulfillment of the people’s needs. Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Junaflor “Sweet” Cerilles Dumalinao’s Continuing Journey to Progress A lady mayor in a tranquil town in Western Mindanao is cementing her legacy by ensuring women’s empowerment and leading initiatives for children, fishermen, farmers, and other sectors. LIPA CITY MAYOR ERIC AFRICA A Vision-driven Leader for Bagong Lipa The mayor of the home of the famous puto Calasiao emphasizes the importance of harmony, cooperation, and the fulfillment of the people’s needs. BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES MAYOR JUN OMAR EBDANE The Competitive Drive This young local chief executive took on a leadership role in Botolan not only to continue his family’s legacy in public service but to make a difference in local governance. MUNTINLUPA CITY MAYOR ROZZANO RUFINO “RUFFY” BIAZON People First Having transitioned from lawmaker to local chief executive, the new Muntinlupa mayor is focused on implementing a no-nonsense approach to transform the city into a place where there is a synergy between development and a healthy lifestyle. SAN FERNAN5D4O MAYOR 76 HERMENEGILDO “DONG” GUALBERTO When his brother died in the middle of serving his 2nd term, Gualberto stepped up in his honor as he was ‘the epitome of an ideal public servant.’ STO. TOMAS MAYOR ARTH MARASIGAN Marasigan believes that healthy citizens are the core of a thriving economy which will in turn boost their town. DIPOLOG CITY MAYOR DAREL DEXTER UY A MISSION FULFILLED Uy believes that the government’s role in ending poverty is to provide an environment that allows people to break the cycle themselves—to be self-reliant, not governmentdependent. BALIWAG MAYOR FERDIE ESTRELLA Estrella, who’s about to end his third term, is leaving with his head high—having transformed their municipality into a city. MADRID, SURIGAO DEL SUR MAYOR JUAN PAOLO LOPEZ WINNING THE HEARTS OF MADRIDANONS A self-described “outsider” and neophyte, Lopez won Madridanons over by focusing on uplifting the town and not letting politics surpass merit. TACLOBAN CITY MAYOR ALFRED ROMUALDEZ The man who weathered the storm, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez was the last man to leave the city during the height of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. MASANTOL, PAMPANGA MAYOR TON TON BUSTOS Masantol, Pampanga Mayor Ton Ton Bustos is paving the way for a new generation of public servants in his hometown. LAPU-LAPU CITY MAYOR AHONG CHAN Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ahong Chan is no perfect leader. But he is no ordinary politician either. Discover why he is considered by many as the perfect leader for the city. BOCAUE MAYOR JJV VILLANUEVA He never eyed being a public servant, but Bocaue, Bulacan Mayor Eduardo “JJV” Villanueva, Jr. is surpassing expectations. ALAMINOS CITY MAYOR ARTH BRYAN CELESTE Meeting halfway and working collaboratively is the way to go for Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste as he leads the city toward significant changes. MAYOR MARCELINO “MARCY” TEODORO Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro reveals his simple yet effective approach to governance. MAYOR JOY BELMONTE What drove Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte to public service was a burning aspiration to reform government and improve its performance. MAYOR JUDY AMANTE Public service was beyond her wildest dreams. But Cabadbaran City Mayor Judy Amante is going above and beyond to ensure that their family’s legacy will continue during her leadership. GUIGUINTO MAYOR AMBROSIO “BOY” CRUZ The three-term mayor’s crowning glory is the Hall of Fame award for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). TUGUEGARAO MAYOR JEFFERSON SORIANO 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.

< Back Putting Local Governance at the Forefront BY GODFREY T. DANCEL INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARY BENJAMIN ABALOS, JR. STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING THE PEOPLE, FEEL THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS READY AND ABLE TO RESPOND TO THEIR NEEDS. To say that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is in good hands would be an understatement. With his background in the fields of law, local governance, as well as local and national legislation, Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. was among the first Cabinet members that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. named as part of his official family. Abalos readily accepted the challenge of leading one of the most important executive departments, even as he noted the DILG’s important role in promoting peace and order and bringing together local government units (LGUs) with the goal of ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of basic services to every Filipino. And with the first year and a half of the Marcos administration having gone by, he wants to make the most of the remaining four and a half. “What I do right now are things that I only dreamt of doing when I was a mayor, but I cannot do because of the limits of my office then. Now it’s an opportunity for me to do things that I know will make a bigger difference,” he says. “So for each day that is given to me right now, knowing that the next years will go by very fast, I try to give it my best. No time is wasted.” Favorable public opinion as reflected in surveys such as the one by RP Mission and Development Foundation earlier this year only serve to fuel the secretary’s will to serve. “Lo and behold, I was surprised with the rating [because] all that I did was just do my job. You know, it’s as simple as that,” he says. In said survey, Abalos had the highest trust and performance rating among Cabinet members. His marks were virtually same as those of the president and vice president. SOLID BACKGROUND IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE Abalos’ sterling performance comes as no surprise. After all, he has been in public service for almost three decades. He first made his mark as a member of the Mandaluyong City Council, being elected to the body in 1995. Three years after, he became the city’s chief executive, eventually cementing his place in Mandaluyong’s history by transforming it into the “Tiger City of the Philippines.” He built on the gains from the foundations laid by his father Benjamin Abalos, Sr., who had served as mayor from 1986 to 1998 (with a brief break in 1987). By 2002, during the younger Abalos’ second term as mayor, Mandaluyong had become a boom city, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center’s Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP). With Abalos at the helm, Mandaluyong became a leading business and industrial center in the country, with its annual income rising from Php41 million in 1986 to Php1.2 billion in 2001. After a three-year gap during which he served as the city’s congressman, Abalos returned to city hall in 2007 for the first of three consecutive terms. Recognizing the mayor’s leadership, his peers from all over the country elected him as president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP). He concurrently headed an even bigger organization, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), composed of over a million elected and appointed local officials, including provincial governors, mayors, and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. Abalos’ term as representative of the Lone District of Mandaluyong was marked by the same brand of competent leadership he showed as mayor. One of his major contributions was Republic Act No. (RA) 9397, which made it easier for the government to dispose of parcels of land to beneficiaries of government’s housing programs. In January 2021, Abalos was named chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). He adopted “MMDA at Your Service” as the agency’s slogan and endeavored to provide quality, efficient and prompt services in order to bring about a safe, livable, and workable Metro Manila for everyone. Abalos also successfully led the unified efforts to combat COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR). Following his appointment as DILG secretary, Abalos echoed the call for national unity. His is the unenviable task of assisting the president in exercising general supervision over local governments as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire (BFP) Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). “WE GOT THREE THINGS GOING. NUMBER ONE, WE VALUE FAMILY AS AN INSTITUTION. NUMBER TWO, WHATEVER RELIGION WE HAVE, ALL OF US ARE VERY, VERY RELIGIOUS. AND NUMBER THREE, THE SPIRIT OF BAYANIHAN, OF HELPING EACH OTHER. THESE THREE THINGS WILL CARRY US THROUGH IN THE WAR ON DRUGS.” GOING NATIONAL The Ateneo de Manila School of Law alumnus identifies three issues he wants to focus on at the national level, knowing how clear strategies that have been applied in Metro Manila could work not just in other regions but in the whole country. “Number one is having a uniform policy on solid waste management,” Abalos shares. “During my time at the MMDA, I had the chance to work on something like this.” The secretary notes two important things about solid waste management: that it is hard when LGUs have their own policy that is not attuned to those of others, and that using the landfill system comes with various challenges. “The problem with landfills is that once they get filled up, you will have a very big problem,” he says, recalling how he had to act proactively in order to avoid the possibility of a garbage crisis in Metro Manila when he was still at the helm of MMDA. “But what if you’ve got this waste-to-energy program? Meaning in each landfill site, we will convert the energy from trash into electricity.” Abalos recalls how he talked to the operators of the three biggest dumpsites where Metro Manila trash goes, and told them he does not want any garbage crisis, and the way to do this is through a trash-toenergy system. “But it should be self-sustaining,” he adds. “If you have a waste-to-energy project, [you will be able to address your garbage problem]. At the same time, you produce electricity, which could even be given for free to the whole city.” A uniform traffic system akin to the one in Metro Manila is another Abalos priority. “With the help of Atty. Romano Artes of MMDA and all of the mayors, Metro Manila has adapted the unified single ticketing system. The dream: for this single system to be applied to the whole of Metro Manila [after the pilot run] because the 17 LGUs have very porous borders. They’re very close to each other. That was the secret in the war against COVID-19: having a single policy. If you could replicate this approach with regard to other issues like traffic, that will really help a lot.” “The goal here is for people not to be inconvenienced. Just imagine how convenient it would be for people. You are issued a traffic violation ticket in one LGU and that ticket will be recognized all over. It’s always for public convenience mostly.” It is this kind of convenience that Abalos wants motorists all over the country to also experience. “The war on drugs is also very important for me,” Abalos continues. “Now we have this Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) Program, which means that we focus not only on supply reduction. The focus is no longer just the apprehension of drug pushers, et cetera by the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Equally important is supply reduction, addressing the issues about drugs on the ground and how to keep the number of those already using drugs from rising.” The BIDA Program, as described in the DILG website, is the department’s response to the need for “an intensified and more holistic campaign against illegal drugs to reduce drug demand in the communities.” It underscores various law enforcement agencies’ “continued intensity in the war against drugs within the framework of the law, with respect for human rights, and complemented by rehabilitation and socioeconomic development.” It should not only be to penalize, but to correct and rehabilitate, Abalos says of the criminal justice system’s approach to drug offenders. “They must be penalized for what they did. That’s the price they have to pay. But at the same time, their behavior should be corrected.“ Such an approach, he says, will also solve the problem of jail congestion. He reveals that 70 percent of those presently incarcerated have drug-related cases. With repeat offenders at almost 30 percent, Abalos says government must still be present in the ex-convicts’ lives so that they do not end up in jail again. The answer, he says, is to create halfway houses. These will serve as temporary homes for ex-convicts as part of their reintegration to society. Skills they learned in jail, such as baking and handicraft-making, will come in handy as they prepare to have gainful employment. WHOLE-OF-NATION APPROACH Abalos subscribes to the idea that it takes more than one sector of society to solve serious problems. The BIDA program is one showcase of such. While the DILG takes the lead in the areas of policy formulation and overall program implementation, LGUs are in charge of mobilizing stakeholders and operationalizing program components on the ground. “Each and every sector of society, each and every group [in the community], has a role to play here,” Abalos states. This includes individual families, schools, private companies, even religious groups. Abalos is confident that BIDA’s unified approach to the drug problem will bring positive results, especially as it is in sync with the Filipino culture. “We got three things going. Number one, we value family as an institution,” Abalos states. “Number two, whatever religion we have, all of us are very, very religious. And number three, the spirit of bayanihan, of helping each other. These three things will carry us through in the war on drugs,” he stresses, while also underscoring that the program includes anti-drug abuse education being part of national government projects, LGU events, and school activities. Among the national government agencies that have expressed support for the multipronged anti-drug program are the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Local government leagues, like ULAP, LCP, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), and Liga ng mga Barangay have also pledged support. Religious entities such as the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, Imam Council of the Philippines, and Iglesia ni Cristo, as well as professional organizations, like the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and Junior Chamber International (JCI) have likewise assured the DILG of their support. BRINGING GOVERNMENT TO THE GRASSROOTS With his vast experience in local governance, Abalos believes that it is best for government officials to go down to the grassroots and bring essential services to the people. He looks back at his successful Pamahalaan sa Pamayanan program when he was still Mandaluyong City mayor. “Every Saturday, I would gather city hall employees, from those dealing with health, to legal, to business, and bring them to one barangay. There, we provide government services because weekends are when people are in their houses,” he recalls. “So you will see children getting vaccinated or free haircuts and the elderly having medical and dental checkups and receiving eyeglasses. You even see pets getting vaccinated or neutered for free. Even the legal and business-related services are free. And then you get a dialogue with the mayor. So we bring the government to the grassroots.” “That’s what I’ve been doing here in the DILG, bringing institutional changes,” he says. “Yes, bringing government to the grassroots, but now it’s much broader. Broad, so you could always see me Dahil nagawa mo ito, doon papasok ang pagkakaisa (It is important that the people, especially those in need, feel the presence of government. Once this happens, you can say that you have succeeded. You have brought services to them, and made them aware of their rights. With this, unity couldn’t be far behind).” With a competent and experienced leader like Abalos at the DILG’s helm, local governance will surely be given the attention it needs. And with this, Filipinos, even in the remotest of communities, will be given the kind of genuine public service that they deserve. going around. You see, the concept is so simple. Just have people feel government, and that in itself is no small victory.” Abalos reveals going to remote places, islands-provinces, even the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan province, to interact with the people. “Importanteng maramdaman nila ang presensya ng gobyerno. Lalo sa mga nangangailangan. Kapag maramdaman nila ito, doon mo makikita na talagang naging matagumpay ka. Dahil ibig sabihin, naibaba mo ang serbisyo at naipaunawa mo sa kanila ang mga karapatan nila. Dahil nagawa mo ito, doon papasok ang pagkakaisa (It is important that the people, especially those in need, feel the presence of government. Once this happens, you can say that you have succeeded. You have brought services to them, and made them aware of their rights. With this, unity couldn’t be far behind).” With a competent and experienced leader like Abalos at the DILG’s helm, local governance will surely be given the attention it needs. And with this, Filipinos, even in the remotest of communities, will be given the kind of genuine public service that they deserve.

00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001 BACK ONE WITH THE PEOPLE Manila 2nd District Congressman Rolando Valeriano is no stranger to tough times, which is why he believes good old-fashioned hard work and persistence is the key to success. BY MARIDOL RANOA BISMARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMEO PERALTA, JR. Manila 2nd District Congressman Rolando “Rolan” Valeriano looks, speaks, and acts like a Tondo boy. His green t-shirt even proclaims his roots the way a flag at full mast announces the country it represents. “I don’t want to venture far from here,” he says while seated behind his massive work desk at the second floor of the building he built from the earnings of his brokerage firm before he entered politics. “I hold almost all my meetings here. I have to see the people.” Among those people—his people—are friends he made way back when he was a teenager who would walk from the shanty in flood-prone Barangay 157 where his family lived to Rizal Elementary School and Lakandula High School where he had his early education. These are the same people who lived next door in the squatter area which Valeriano’s family called home before bulldozers leveled everything to the ground. Fellow Tondo boy and long-time friend, presidential bet and current Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno would joke, “Pag-aari ni Congressman Valeriano ang pinakamalaking swimming pool dito [referring to the big floods in the area]. Ako ang may-ari ng pinakamalaking lupain sa Maynila, bulubundukin at umuusok pa (Congressman Valeriano owns the biggest swimming pool here. I own the biggest tract of land in Manila—mountainous and smoky).” ..... BUY MAGAZINE NOW TO READ FULL ARTICLE BACK

< Back BARANGAY STO.NIÑO, QUEZON CITY FIGHTS PLASTIC POLLUTION BY TREISHA ROVERO In the ongoing fight against plastic waste, Quezon City’s Barangay Sto. Niño has become a shining example of environmental awareness and ingenuity. In the ongoing fight against plastic waste, Quezon City’s Barangay Sto. Niño has become a shining example of environmental awareness and ingenuity. By launching a program that gives fresh fish as incentive to residents in exchange for plastic waste, they not only tackled the issue of plastic pollution but also addressed the lack of food in their community. Community leaders also plan to start including rice as additional incentive with the help of donations supported by the local government. This initiative showcases the power of finding creative solutions to tackle complex problems. It is a reminder that even in the face of formidable environmental challenges, there’s always room for ingenuity and collaboration. Barangay Bagong Silangan’s creative approach conveys that communities can innovate and be involved in the fight for a cleaner, greener future.