< 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.

< Back BY HELEN HERNANE

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MAYOR HERBERT BAUTISTA TABLE OF CONTENTS DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE! FEATURES ASEC. KRIS ABLAN Sending a Message READ MORE FEATURES COUNCILOR RAISSA LAUREL-SUBIJANO Life with No Limits READ MORE FEATURES THE HEROES OF MARAWI Courage at the Front Line READ MORE REGULARS ROUND UP READ MORE REGULARS BARANGAY FORUM READ MORE REGULARS SPOTLIGHT Food for the Holidays READ MORE REGULARS CALENDAR OF EVENTS READ MORE REGULARS SECOND IN COMMAND: Vice President Leni Robredo READ MORE REGULARS FINANCE & ECONOMY Decoding IRA READ MORE REGULARS SOLUTIONS & INNOVATION: Green Antz READ MORE REGULARS SOLUTIONS & INNVATION: Waste to Energy READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW COVER: VICE MAYOR JOY BELMONTE The Next Step READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW BRGY. BEL-AIR The Value of Progress READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW LAPU-LAPU, CEBU Historic Resort City READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW ANGONO, RIZAL Art & Soul READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW PAMPANGA The Spirit of Christmas READ MORE

BACK BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE O n April 14, 2021, Ana Patricia Non set up a kariton on Maginhawa St. in Quezon City (QC) and filled it with goods and vegetables. Above the bamboo cart was a sign— “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan (Give according to your ability, take according to your need).” Non posted the initiative online and soon enough, the social media post went viral. Within days, hundreds of community pantries were set up all over the country. And as of writing, there are 1,650 recognized pantries. Needless to say, the initiative is a massive success. But it’s not without its struggles. COLOR OF THE PANTRY Days after the first community pantry began, Non was shocked when she saw a post that tagged the movement as a project by the “communist party.” The post also stated that the organizers, especially Non, were members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Moreover, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) also claimed that the pantries were merely a “front for rebel recruitment.” I know there will be a point when people will experience donation fatigue. It’s a pandemic. But, ultimately, I dream that there will be a community pantry in every corner of the Philippines. Non shares that while there were policemen around the area of the pantry, she thought they were there in good faith. At some point, however, they asked for her cellphone number and what organization she belonged to. “By then, I still didn’t think they were profiling me. I guess I was in denial. But then I went home and saw the social media posts. So, we had to stop because I didn’t feel safe,” Non shared. “I was furious because they didn’t at least confirm or research if these allegations were true.” Among the vocal critics of the movement is Presidential Communications (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy Partosa. Non reveals that they belong to the same organization in the University of the Philippines—UP Mountaineers. “That organization is a very tight knit community and we can contact one another. We may not know each other directly, but she can verify with our org-mates,” she stresses. “A part of me wanted to just ignore the red-tagging. But, of course, you can’t do that because plenty of people have died because of [red-tagging]. I have to take [the allegations] seriously, but this doesn’t mean that I want to let go of the movement. I just have to realign and remember why I started this. We do this because there are people who need help, not because we want to please critics.” NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lt. General Antonio Parlade Jr. has also voiced his opinion regarding Non— “Alam mo, isang tao lang ‘yan, ‘di ba? Si Ana Patricia, di ba? Same with Satan. Si Satan, binigyan ng apple si Eve. Doon lang nagsimula ‘yun (You know, it’s only one person. Ana Patricia [Non], right? Same with Satan. Satan gave an apple to Eve and that’s where everything started).” On April 25, Parlade and Badoy were ordered to desist from making statements regarding community pantries. National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC vice chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said that the gag order was made “to emphasize that NTF-ELCAC or Gen. Parlade or Usec. Badoy were not against bayanihan or community pantries.” He also clarified that the anti-communist insurgency council will “support, observe, and assist CPs (community pantries), as does the whole of government.” Several senators also voiced their support. In a joint statement, senators Franklin Drilon, Sherwin Gatchalian, Ralph Recto, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Francis Pangilinan called for an end to the “harassment and intimidation” experienced by the organizers and volunteers of the movement. “The profiling of organizers must stop. It puts people’s lives in danger,” the statement said. “Hunger is the problem and these relief efforts by private citizens should be encouraged.” Non also thanked QC Mayor Joy Belmonte for her assurance that the organizers of the Maginhawa community pantry would be protected. While their situation in Maginhawa is relatively safer due, in part, to Belmonte’s statement, Non laments that other pantries still have safety concerns. “I’ve been trying to coordinate with the local government. But I’m frustrated because I shouldn’t have to be worried about this because it is the job of the local government to ensure that their citizens are safe. If we have to ask for assistance and security, then there’s something wrong,” she points out. Apart from red-tagging, Non reveals that she has also been receiving a lot of death threats. For now, she will focus on making sure that the pantry and the movement is running smoothly. “I’m not going to forget these threats and I’ll file a case someday. But for now, I don’t want to focus my energy on that because these people who line up every day are my priority.” MODERN BAYANIHAN The UP Fine Arts graduate is also eternally grateful for those who started their own community pantries, saying the movement would not be what it is if people had not responded to the call to help. “Because of all of you, the community is together again. Apart from food security, people are brought together,” she says. “This pandemic, we have been ‘social distancing.’ But because of the pantries, we are [physically] distancing, but with social solidarity.” She also notes how the pantry is changing the way people think of fellow Filipinos. “Filipinos often have this notion that we don’t have discipline and if it’s for free, then people will get it all. But now we’re changing the narrative. Delay the judgement and listen to the people. Don’t pull each other down. After all, the spirit of bayanihan is in all of us,” she urges. Community pantries are not a novel concept. Non shares that her sister Jenny, who is living in the United States and does mutual aid, suggested she start a food pantry with the goods that she had collected through ayudas and grocery shopping. While this Western program kickstarted the initiative, Non elaborates that generosity and unity are inherent in Filipinos. “In the province, neighbors often exchange crops and goods. The core is very much the same and it’s just something that we need to revive, especially now that many are struggling.” The movement, however, is far from perfect. In the Maginhawa pantry, hundreds used to line up every day to get food. Because of health and safety concerns, the team decided to decentralize the system. The original pantry in Maginhawa now acts as a drop-off point for donations and goods, which is then distributed to over 25 pantries. “This new system is much better because it brings the goods closer to the people. Through this solidarity network, we plan on opening more distribution hubs across the country,” Non shares. “For now, this is the plan. But in the long run, I know there will be a point when people will experience donation fatigue. It’s a pandemic and we understand because the motto is to ‘give according to your ability.’ But, ultimately, I dream that there will be a community pantry in every corner of the Philippines. It doesn’t have to be fancy or huge, but at least it’s a place where people can go if they need help.” While there is no community pantry on every street yet, it is undeniable that the movement is already a huge help to the Filipino people. Some pantry organizers have shared their stories and insights regarding their local community. COMING TOGETHER Zone 3 Rizal, Lapaz, Iloilo City “We hope to ease the hunger of the people within our community as food is a basic necessity. Knowing, for at least one day, that they will not be hungry this is already a huge help,” Iloilo Pride Team chairperson Irish Inocento shares. Inocento, like many community pantries organizers across the country, began the pantry because they were inspired by the one in Maginhawa. She says that the initiative, with its signature call-to-action phrase, also empowers the marginalized sector because it is not merely charity. “They realize that they also need to think of their fellowmen and not just focus on their own wellbeing,” she says. Like the one in Quezon City, Inocento reveals that they also experienced struggles. “We also weren’t spared from the red-tagging. Tarpaulins containing our faces and names were placed in public spaces, which caused severe mental and emotional anguish.” Fortunately, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas assured them that LEAGUE 23 community pantries don’t need permits to operate. “You do not need my permission to help your fellow Ilonggos,” Treñas said. With the encouragement of the local government, the Iloilo Pride Team continues their operations. But at times, the experience can be bittersweet. “One time, an old lady was in the queue. We asked her if there was another person in their family who could line up instead. She said that they were only two in the family and the other one is blind. The breadwinner was their nephew who worked in Dubai. But then he died last year,” Inocento shares. BEYOND CHARITY Mandaluyong City For Con Paminiano, the feeling of desperation, frustration, and anger of the people towards their predicament is “very palpable.” But, at the same time, there are individuals who help renew people’s faith in humanity. “One lolo simply took a single tomato and said ‘Sapat na ‘to (This is enough).’ He said there are more people in line and they may need the goods more [than he does],” the pantry organizer shares. “I saw him again after that and his mindset was very much the same. He was such a pure soul.” Unfortunately, their pantry was shut down by the local barangay because of crowd control issues. Currently, Paminiano is working on an “online community pantry” and is coordinating with independent riders and tricycle drivers to pull off the project. Roadblocks, barriers, and difficulties will always be there, she stresses. But what keeps her going are the people who rely on the aid. HOPE IN HUMANITY Angat, Bulacan In Bulacan, a community pantry was started by Hiraya ng Pag-asa or Vision of Hope, an organization formed by 26 volunteers. Its head organizers are Clarence Alba, Joaquinn Jader, Federico Baldoza, and Rafael Flores. Flores and Alba were the ones who started the organization because they were inspired by the original pantry in Quezon City. Their non-political, nonpartisan organization aims to prove that there is still “hope in humanity and to show that Filipinos still look out for their fellow Filipinos.” Their motto, “Mula sa masa, para sa masa (By the people, for the people),” stresses that their organization is merely an instrument of modern bayanihan, not a charitable group. Like other pantries, they also have their fair share of hardships and it is also difficult for them to hear the stories of the people. “But we know what we feel for them is just a fraction of their daily struggles, so we do our best to broaden our reach and try to help more,” Alba says.

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