Events EMPOWERING LOCAL LEADERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The LMP General Assembly prioritizes community needs and grassroots connections to aid LGUs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. 2nd EARTQUAKE PREPAREDNESS SUMMIT 2025 Over 200 professionals and volunteers from different national government agencies, local government units in Metro Manila and broader Luzon, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and the academe came together for the 2nd Annual Earthquake Preparedness Summit led by the Office of Civil Defense. With the impending threat of the “Big One,” the summit emphasized turning disaster plans into action, strengthening coordination, and investing in resilience. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.

GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA TABLE OF CONTENTS DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE! FEATURES AGRICULTURE SECRETARY WILLIAM DAR By Helen Hernane Agriculture Secretary William Dar believes that the agricultural sector remains the strongest driving force of the Philippine economy, proving to be resilient and robust amid crisis. Read more FEATURES THE CHALLENGES OF GOING GREEN By Helen Hernane United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Deputy Executive Secretary Kaveh Zahedi gives a sober assessment of the Asia-Pacific Region’s environmental progress. Read more FEATURES USEC. RICARDO B. JALAD By Mariel Abanes Usec. Jalad of OCD and NDRRMC believes in the power of building a culture of preparedness. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE KAP. RAYMOND LISING By Edwin Galvez Inclusive, innovative, and compassionate leadership takes root in Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City under Kap. Raymond Lising. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE TARLAC DISTRICT 1 REP. CHARLIE COJUANGCO Charlie Cojuangco may have been a hesitant candidate, but today, he is fully committed to serving the people. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE VICE PRESIDENT LENI LOBREDO With grit and grace, Vice President Leni Robredo is espousing a kind of leadership that many have been seeking from other public officials—leading with compassion, sensitivity, and a sense of urgency. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA By Rhia Grana with Helen Hernane Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on taking the province of Cebu to higher ground by empowering the grassroots movement, building up tourism, and leading with no-nonsense politics. Read more REGULARS ROUND UP Moving forward to 2021, many organizations ramp up their efforts. Read more REGULARS BARANGAY CONNECTION By Shimico Dianne Nakamura Barangay officials tell LEAGUE about their environmental initiatives. Read more REGULARS SPOTLIGHT Bucket Shrimps stands out in the province of “sutokil”. Read more REGULARS THOUGHT LEADER By Herman Joseph Kraft Climate Change Politics in the Philippines. Read more REGULARS IN RETROSPECT Numerous laws have been implemented, but what matters most is its implementation Read more

Councilors PARAÑAQUE 2ND DISTRICT COUNCILOR JOSE ENRICO “RICO” GOLEZ Continued Dedication to Public Service With almost three decades of public service experience, this councilor remains committed to bettering the lives of his constituents in Parañaque. SAN JUAN CITY COUNCILOR JAMES YAP San Juan City’s MVP BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR JAMES YAP IS DOING WELL AS A ROOKIE IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC SERVICE. COUNCILOR LORENZO FRANCISCO “FRANCO” TAÑADA-YAM Emerging From Crisis With A Mission San Juan City’s youngest councilor in history enteredpolitics after seeing how public servants helped people during the COVID-19 pandemic. COUNCILOR JOHN VINCENT “JV” VITUG III Creating Waves Of Good Governance Swimming has been Vitug’s entire life, but now he has his eyes on another kind of prize—a better life for his fellow Bulaceños. COUNCILOR MERWYN LENNON “WIN” ABEL Creating A Bigger Impact Abel has found himself in random places—entertainment and healthcare— only to discover peace and fulfillment in public service. COUNCILOR ROBERTO “BOBBY” ESPIRITU II Success in Perseverance MORE THAN TWO DECADES SINCE A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY WAS LAST IN PUBLIC OFFICE, MANILA’S 5TH DISTRICT WELCOMES ANOTHER ESPIRITU. MANILA 3RD DISTRICT COUNCILOR TOL ZARCAL BEING TRUE TO HIS NAME Being a “Tol” means being someone people can depend on, a brother or a friend, and this guides Zarcal in performing his duties as a district councilor. CEBU CITY COUNCILOR DONDON HONTIVEROS FROM HARDCOURT STAR TO CITY COUNCIL STALWART Cebu City Councilor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros is one city councilor who can lay claim to being a household name all over the country COUNCILOR JAMELA “JAM” MENDOZA All The Way For Bocaue There was no hesitation for Mendoza when she left behind her cushy job to serve her community. CITY OF SAN FERNANDO COUNCILOR BRENZ GONZALES BUILDING THE FUTURE OF SAN FERNANDO Neophyte councilor Brenz Gonzales seeks to build a concrete foundation for the City of San Fernando’s progress. COUNCILOR GRACE SANTOS Serving Against All Odds Hands-on Pasay City Councilor Grace Santos is eager to leave a lasting legacy.

National Government Agency NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL JONATHAN E. MALAYA Helping Promote Peace and National Development The National Security Council deals not only with security concerns but development issues as well. SECRETARY ERNESTO V. PEREZ OF THE ANTI-RED TAPE AUTHORITY Leading the Charge Against Red Tape BY GODFREY T. DANCEL The nemesis of red tape has vowed a streamlined bureaucracy that effectively and efficiently delivers services to the people. DILG SECRETARY BENJAMIN ABALOS, JR Putting Local Governance at the Forefront BY GODFREY T. DANCEL His solid background in local governance as well as local and national legislation makes this leader the perfect head of a very important executive department. PRC CHAIRPERSON CHARITO ZAMORA Ensuring Harmony in Public Service BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO This government agency head’s passion for harmony at the workplace is ultimately related to her passion for songwriting. DILG UNDERSECRETARY MARGARITA “MARGE” GUTIERREZ Bridging Vision and Public Service BY KAYDEE DELA BUENA Knowing that she was to take on a thankless and draining job did not stop this lawyer and model from joining public service. She now regards it as a privilege to help bring about meaningful change through the DILG. MTRCB CHAIRPERSON DIORELLA MARIA “LALA” SOTTO-ANTONIO Service Without Limits BY HELEN HERNANE-PALAPAG An experienced public servant, the MTRCB chairperson is undaunted as she faces the task of regulating the ever- changing digital media landscape. LTFRB CHAIRPERSON TEOFILO GUADIZ III For The Greatest Good BY EDWIN ALLAN C. DIAZ With the country moving towards modernizing public utility vehicles (PUV), it is now up to Guadiz to balance the needs of the public, PUV owners, and drivers. COMELEC CHAIRPERSON GEORGE M. GARCIA Helping Democracy Alive BY GODFREY T. DANCEL As we approach the anniversary of the 2022 elections, Garcia highlights the direction of the poll body and its importance in ensuring clean and honest elections. DPWH SEC. MARK VILLAR BY KRISTEL DACUMOS-LAGORZA DPWH Secretary Mark Villar ushers the nation into the Golden Age of Infrastructure DTI THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE Shifting From Neutral to Drive The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) greases up the gears of doing business with a recently enacted law and a lofty goal for 2020 DOT SEC BERNA PUYAT BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA RADICAL CHANGE With her impressive track record, Berna Romulo-Puyat is bringing back order and instilling a renewed sense of trust and confidence as Chief of the Department of Tourism ASEC. KRIS ABLAN BY MARCO NICANOR An inside look at the Presidential Communications Operations Office and their implementation of the historic FOI program PAGASA BY GREG HUBO Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano shares his views on how the agency gives hope to the Filipino people. LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) General Manager Jaime Medina hits hard at illegal fish pen operators, restoring the balance and reviving the country's largest freshwater lake, Laguna Lake. Reskilling the Filipino BY MARCO NICANOR As the agency marks its 25th anniversary, TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña talks about his leadership mandate and strategies for developing a world-class workforce. Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Anatomy of an Earthquake BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) sheds light regarding the ‘Big One’ and the importance of risk reduction and preparation in mitigating its impacts. DILG Culminates Orientation for Newly Elected Officials BY HELEN HERNANE DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año addressing the newly elected city mayors. AGRICULTURE SECRETARY WILLIAM DAR BY HELEN HERNANE Agriculture Secretary William Dar believes that the agricultural sector remains the strongest driving force of the Philippine economy, proving to be resilient and robust amid crisis. USEC. RICARDO B. JALAD BY Mariel Abanes Usec. Ricardo B. Jalad of OCD and NDRRMC believes in the power of preparing ahead—and cultivating the culture of disaster risk reduction in every single way IN MEMORIES BY THE LAW OFFICE OF FLORES & OFRIN On May 1, 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) promulgated the Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (“Interim Guidelines”) for the observance of businesses in their respective workplaces. EMPOWERING AND MOBILIZING THE YOUTH BY MARIDOL RANOA-BISMARK NYC Chair and CEO Ryan Enriquez bares his office’s plans to fulfill their herculean task of helping the country’s millions of youth. DEFENDER OF JUSTICE DBP EMMANUEL HERBOSA BY MARIDOL RANOA-BISMARK Department of Justice Undersecretary Em Aglipay-Villar talks about the agency’s fight to end human trafficking and to uplift the marginalized. DBP PCEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa tal ks about effective risk management and pandemic recovery plans. FDA DIRECTOR GENERAL DR. ERIC DOMINGO IPOPHL ATTY. ROWEL BARBA BY JAVIER P. FLORES BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Dr. Eric Domingo answers our most pressing questions about COVID-19 vaccines IPOPHL Director General Intellectual Property culture in the Philippines Fundamentally Positioned for Resilience Yes to free Higher Education BY MARIEL ABANES BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA Benjamin Diokno and the Central Bank’s role share its radical plans to keep the economy afloat CHED Chairman Popoy de Vera talks about the breakthroughs of the commission to achieve free education for the Filipino youth. A Smart Future BY MARIEL ABANES DHSUD SECRETARY EDUARDO DEL ROSARIO BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA ALCU vice president Dr. Ellen Presnedi shares the benefits of the partnership with CHED and their future plans for building smart campuses for LUCs. With him at the helm, DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario is confident that every Filipino’s right to decent and affordable housing will be realized. PNP CHIEF GENERAL GUILLERMO ELEAZAR BY HELEN HERNANE CPNP Gen. Guillermo Eleazar’s leadership is anchored on three major concepts—clean offices, clean ranks, and clean communities. POC PRESIDENT REP. ABRAHAM “BAMBOL” TOLENTINO BY EDWIN GALVEZ Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino shares the struggles and successes of being POC President after the Philippines nabbed four Olympic medals from the recent Tokyo Olympics 2020. FIGHTING FIRE BY GRACE BAUTISTA As the country observes Fire Prevention Month, BFP Chief Puracan shares important figures, updates, and tips. NURTURING BIÑAN BY ELAINE FELICITAS Public service is not a job; it’s a purpose. One can quit a job but not a purpose for the latter keeps one going. AFP Chief of Staff BY EDWIN P. GALVEZ LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY IN DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT By James Steven Batucan General Andres Centino became the AFP Chief of Staff on November 12, 2021, the 11th and last appointee in the six years of the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte. Under Villanueva’s vigilant leadership, PDEA posted impressive numbers in the war on drugs. LAGUNA PROVINCE BY JOHN LEE P. CANDELARIA The “Resort Province of the Philippines” moves to protect its natural resources through an Environment Code, ensuring sustainable growth for its ecotourism industry

BACK VICE PRESIDENT LENI ROBREDO GRIT & GRACE B ased on the recent Pulse Asia report, Vice President Leni Robredo and her office received a 57% rating for performance and 50% for trust. And, while surprising for her supporters, the VP is unperturbed and her camp says that these ratings will not deter them from continuing to serve the country—especially as the Philippines continues to fight a global pandemic, navigate one of the decade’s most serious economic crisis, and recover from debilitating back-toback calamities. Barry Gutierrez, the Office of the Vice President’s spokesperson, shares in an interview: “Hindi masyado concerned si Vice President Leni sa survey. Para sa kanya, hindi siya pumasok sa pulitika, sa pagsisilbi sa publiko para maging popular. (Vice President Leni is not too concerned with the survey. For her, she didn’t enter politics, public service to be popular.) “Inspirasyon ito na lalo pang pagbutihin pa ang mga trabahong kanyang ginagawa para mas madaming makaalam, mas madaming maabot ang Office of the Vice President at mas maraming makaalam sa kanyang magagawa. (This only further inspires us to do better and to share the good work of the OVP so that more people are aware, more can be served, and more can seek help through her office.)” While her relationship with President Rodrigo Duterte has soured over the past few years, with some even describing it as “contemptuous,” especially postTyphoon Rolly and Ulysses, Vice President Leni is standing firm, urging the camps to set aside pointless politicking and focus instead on the country’s recovery. With grit and grace, Vice President Leni is espousing a kind of leadership that many have been seeking from other public officials—leading with compassion, sensitivity, and a sense of urgency, while shunning petty and baseless criticism. Here she shares some of her office’s most significant efforts in addressing COVID-19, their current priority initiatives, and her honest thoughts on how to lead as a woman in this time of great crises. How would you assess the country’s poverty situation over the last few years? How has the OVP helped the poor and disadvantaged? With pro-poor policies, like Conditional Cash Transfer, in place, we saw our poverty incidence drop from 23% in 2015 to 16% in 2018. We must ensure that adequate attention and support are given to household-beneficiaries that will be graduating from the program. Preparing them for this feat is a big component of the process, which unfortunately has not been given importance. More work is also needed to help a segment of society that has remained poor. We continue to push for policies such as the expansion of CCT, the enactment of the Coco Farmers’ Trust Fund Bill, and boosting support for the agriculture sector, which has the lowest share in our GDP. It is also imperative upon all government agencies handling anti-poverty programs to be more outcome-oriented—to set their metrics not on the mere number of individuals or families who joined their initiatives, but on how their endeavors are actually helping the beneficiaries. Since 2016, our office’s focus has primarily been on our antipoverty initiatives under Angat Buhay. Our program is framed with six key advocacies, which we believe will help uplift the lives of Filipinos in the margins—food security and nutrition, public education, universal healthcare, rural development, women empowerment, and housing and resettlement. A big part of our efforts involve supporting farmers, fisherfolk, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the like, through capacity building and linkages to institutional markets. Amid the pandemic, we continue to find ways to do this for the sectors we assist, as well as for the newly unemployed. The COVID-19 crisis has exposed these gaps anew, and if we do not move swiftly, these problems may be exacerbated. According to projections, poverty incidence may rise again to 23% if the government fails to provide support. This calls for immediate strategizing and actions. One of the moves we can make is to provide a cash grant of an average of P5,000 per family for two months, which can help lower the projected 23% to 19%. Economists from the University of the Philippines have said that a smaller percentage of people will slide back to poverty if this is done. The UP COVID-19 Pandemic Response Team also underscored that making the provision of benefits and assistance “universal” will not only fast-track the process, but, more importantly, “ensure that the poorest and most socially excluded will be reached.” Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, we feel that we have an opportunity to build back better by addressing matters like income inequality. In line with this, we have called for matching the wage of employees to their contributions to society, and ensuring that they receive sufficient benefits, resources, and other kinds of support, especially during this crisis. Society as a whole will benefit when there are more women in government, as they are able to lend a more holistic view to our policies and processes . What would be OVP’s key priorities for the allocation of the proposed P723.39 million budget? The substantial portion of our budget goes to subsidies or financial assistance. Through this, we are able to continue our Medical Assistance Program, and allocate more funds for livelihood assistance to communities, skills training programs, teacher training, support for agriculture, and, at the same time, provide support to local government units, other government agencies, and individuals, to help them cope with the effects of the pandemic. Though women have a growing presence in government, “machismo” remains to be a highlighted quality of many of the seated leaders. What words of empowerment can you share with other women to encourage them to participate more fully in the public sphere? Why do women deserve and need to be in the government? Society as a whole will benefit when there are more women in government, as they are able to lend a more holistic view to our policies and processes. Studies have also shown that women tend to be more inclusive and more effective, and are more dependable in various kinds of situations, with their natural wiring rooted on perseverance, initiative, empathy, and a drive for selfdevelopment. Women are typically better at finding ways to rise amid adversities, which is, ironically, a by-product of the cultural biases that continue to frame them as “weaker” leaders and individuals. As a woman in public office, I have gone through my fair share of criticisms and attacks, which are often unfounded and based on the fact that I am a woman. While I have not allowed these to get in the way of the work I do, the reality that women are more vulnerable to such treatment is something that we must all strive to correct. We must begin with resisting the shackles of stereotypes: Women in leadership positions now must uphold more actively the significant role they play. Allow themselves to grow in confidence, to take up spaces and lead conversations, while staying committed to excellence and compassionate resolve. Women must not be afraid to be “soft”— to show empathy, especially in situations that need it most. Pave the way for others by pushing for policies that provide avenues for women to thrive, such as programs for economic empowerment. This is something that I have worked hard for as a lawyer, a member of Congress, and now as Vice President. In the long run, the goal is not only to remove the insecurities that make women buy into cultural biases. We must change these everyday notions by setting aside outdated standards, and giving women the opportunity to chart their own paths. This is a tall order for us, and a lot of work definitely needs to be done. In politics, public service, advocacy work, and other industries, I find hope as I see more women leaders, especially younger ones who take up space— or even create their own. Such courage is inspiring, and I keep faith that if we remain steadfast, we will be able to steer our society towards a fairer, more inclusive, and more respectful society. As a leader addressing the numerous problems that occur every day and which need immediate attention, how do you assess and decide which ones to address first? Is it possible to tackle everything at the same time? In crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a long list of things that need to be taken care of—all at the same time. Since we consistently engage with people on the ground, and listen to many different voices, we have developed the instinct of knowing which needs to be prioritized or addressed urgently. This requires us to be agile. Proper scheduling and prioritizing are essential. Micromanaging becomes a plus in such a situation, because you get to make sure that all the moving parts are working harmoniously towards a common objective. I think it helps a lot that I actually find joy in keeping things organized. This is something that I personally work on with the staff, to ensure that the system is in order. Politics can be polarizing. How can Filipinos be taught or encouraged to become more open to dialogue and discourse especially when it comes to politics and governance? Do you think there’s a need to hold more public debates, offer more opportunities for leaders to define and share their plans, do more continuous voter’s education, or even incorporate voter’s education into the school curriculum in a more substantial way? All these initiatives are worthwhile—whether it’s voter education or efforts to promote issue-based elections. But in my experience, the best way to encourage our citizens to participate more responsibly in political processes is to actually create venues and platforms for participation in governance. If Filipinos can see that their elected officials are open to engaging them on a variety of issues, if they trust that there are mechanisms in place to ensure accountability on the part of officials, both in the local and national levels, if they feel that their voices are actually being heard and that their contributions are appreciated, then they will realize that their vote matters, and they will take participation in elections more seriously. Part of it will be educating voters, yes, but a larger part of it will be creating a political culture that values transparency, accountability, and people’s participation. How do you remain graceful under pressure? What has been the most effective strategy for you? I choose to rise above pressure because of two things. First, because there is a lot of work that remains to be done for the communities and sectors that we support—and we are in a race against time to do as much as we can. I keep in mind that I do not have the luxury of caving into pressure, because a lot of people count on us for help. This is also a frequent reminder that I give to our staff: that we cannot afford to be distracted by those, because the work we are doing is much bigger than that. Second, I think I am able to get past the pressure, and often its accompanying criticisms, because I know myself, and I know the truth. Over the past four years, I have been the subject of many unfounded claims and ridicule, but as any public official should, I take them in stride, and even look at them as opportunities to improve on myself. My tolerance, however, stops when it comes to disinformation—if it’s a blatant lie, I call it out. It is actually one of my biggest regrets that during my first few years in office, I did not pay as much attention as I should have to all the fake news, thinking that by not dignifying them, they would die a natural death. I was wrong. Since early last year, we have taken a more active approach to call attention on purveyors of fake news. Aside from voting, how can citizens make their demands be heard? How do Filipinos make their leaders accountable? What specific steps must be taken to help leaders be constructive? The first, all-important step is showing up. We have to encourage citizens to be active, and to take full advantage of existing venues to keep themselves informed. We must also push for the creation and strengthening of mechanisms that will allow for meaningful participation. In my experience, if you create venues where citizens can participate, they will come. But we have to take the task of building these venues seriously. It cannot be simply on a cosmetic level. There have to be meaningful opportunities for citizens to participate. Secondly, on the issue of accountability: we have to make sure that the mechanisms for accountability actually function. If citizens will see that pursuing actions against abusive officials will actually lead to tangible results, they will not get frustrated in them. But if they see that despite their efforts, abusive officials can simply delay justice, or get away with minor reprimands, then they will lose faith in the mechanisms for accountability, and it will be our loss as a whole. Is there a silver lining amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? The past seven months have painted an unfortunate picture: the pandemic has further exposed the inequalities in our society, and I continue to believe that the government must catch up to avoid more damage. Amid the many gaps, we have found sparks of hope in our people. I often say that Filipinos respond to the worst of times with the best of themselves. This faith has been affirmed over and over by the bayanihan we have been seeing in the past seven months. Many groups and individuals have stepped up: from businesses that share their resources and services, even amid the effects of the pandemic on their operations, to ordinary citizens who have pitched in, whether through donation drives, volunteerism, or even just helping neighbors and checking on members of the community. My team and I have witnessed this in our own COVID-19 response operations— which, in itself, is fueled by the spirit of bayanihan. It would be wise of us to invest in the talents, perseverance, and innate generosity of our people—not to make excuses for complacency, but to strengthen our collective action, especially against an invisible enemy like COVID-19. Filipinos show up when it matters most, and more than just a silver lining, that should be our driving force as we rise from this crisis and march towards a better normal. Any message to our LGUs and to the Filipinos in general? During the past seven months, I have developed an even deeper appreciation for our LGUs. From the very start of this crisis, the burden has been placed on local governments. It has given us a sense of relief to see LGUs introduce and pursue some of the most creative and effective solutions these past months, and to watch our local leaders share ideas on how to address common concerns in their respective areas. The COVID-19 crisis has shaken our lives in a short amount of time. The challenge for the government, especially LGUs, is to build back better. Technology should play a big role in this regard. Policy-making must be driven by data, and metrics for programs must focus on results and actual benefits. We must explore how to best use technology in improving our processes, and how it can be a tool for empowering our people as we face the new normal. I am confident that our local leaders can rise to this challenge, as long as they are open to innovative ideas and are guided by integrity and a genuine desire to serve. Because we rely most on our LGUs, I believe they must be empowered with adequate attention and support. Our office is also committed to help in whatever way we can. I would also like to thank our fellow Filipinos for their generosity and cooperation amid the challenges of our time. Laban po ito hindi lang ng pamahalaan, pambansa man o lokal, kundi ng buong sambayanan. The threat of the virus is still upon us. Mag-iingat pa rin po tayong lahat, at sumunod sa health protocols. We must continue to play our role in keeping each other safe. At higit sa lahat, piliin po nating akayin ang isa’t isa sa gitna ng mga pagsubok na ating hinaharap. I keep faith that we will win against COVID-19, and it starts in each of us.

BACK A Smart Future ALCU vice president Dr. Ellen Presnedi shares the benefits of the partnership with CHED and their future plans for building smart campuses for LUCs. BY MARIEL ABANES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO T his free education, what a relief!” Dr. Ellen Presnedi, vice president of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU), comments about Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Better known as the Free Tuition Law in the Philippines, its implementation served as a huge help for underprivileged students not just in major state universities, but also in locally run schools nationwide. The inclusion of local universities and colleges (LUCs) in the picture—a first in the history of the country—is a big step towards bridging the gap in the education sector. “The standard of our public schools now, even with our local universities and colleges, has adapted the standards of SUCs and even private schools… I believe we are more competitive now than before. THE AID As chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Prospero “Popoy” de Vera himself recalls, the ties between the commission and ALCU were severed for decades—until 2017 came and there was a turnover of events. The Free Tuition Law paved the way for LUCs to gain access to grants that weren’t available before. What used to be dependence on local government alone bore into something larger, which further capacitated institutions as well as their students. “Because of that, we are now well-supported,” Dr. Presnedi says. “Now, it’s both. We have the national government’s support, as well as subsidy from the local government.” The better part of the deal? Students don’t need to pay their fees anymore. Before, HETs/LUCs had so many collectibles from their students. The students usually belong to the socio-economic status of Class C (around 10%), Class D (60%), and Class E (30%), the ALCU vice president further explains. “So you can just imagine, they’re really struggling.” At present, the aid carries a total of 1,332,691 beneficiaries around the country, with around 53,000 coming from LUCs. Despite education being given practically for free, this isn’t to say that the quality of education LUCs would offer their students would be lacking. Apart from this benefit, ALCU is also closely working with CHED to provide services for LUCs to enhance and upgrade their programs and facilities. “CHED has a continuing monitoring and evaluation program that they ask us to comply with on a periodic basis. So I believe that’s one way to ensure that we comply with the standards and policies required,” she shares. ALCU also encourages and assists their member schools to apply for accreditation run by the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (ALCUCOA). With a total of 111 member institutions, only six among them are not yet recognized. However, they continue to work hard to provide support and service to reach the required status. They currently have the biggest membership in Region V with 18 member schools, followed by Region IV-A (CALABARZON) with 16, Region III, X, and XII with 13, and the National Capital Region (NCR) with 12. Through this initiative, Dr. Presnedi is happy to report that the number of enrollees have significantly increased over the years. Instead of opting for a private university, students are assured of quality education in public institutions. “We are proud to say that the standard of public schools now, even with our local universities and colleges, has adapted the standards of SUCs (state universities and colleges) and even private schools. We can compete now. I believe we are more competitive now than before,” the vice president affirms. Dr. Presnedi calls this aid a true “blessing.” Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the economy, the budget for education is steadily maintained to assist the youth. The timing, she says, is very good. A SMART FUTURE As the opportunity opened for ALCU to participate in CHED-run programs, they intend to make the most out of it. The help didn’t just come in the form of scholarships—the organization is looking further into turning LUCs into smart campuses. While LUCs weren’t included in the recent release of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) education subsidy, the association is eyeing an appeal when the third installment of the project rolls out the following year. “Our plan is to make sure that we will gain our share from Bayanihan. We will make a lot of representation,” Dr. Presnedi asserts. “We want to be part of that also, so we are working on it. We expect that in Bayanihan 3, with their allocation of about P30 billion, we’ll hopefully take our part from that.” Once they accomplish their goal, ALCU will equip their member schools with more advanced technology. The vice president is in full confidence that the way to the future is through technology, and she doesn’t intend to go off the rail tracks and instead ride on it full-speed ahead. With both the students’ and their faculty’s digital reliance, ALCU is working hard to make what they call “Project Connectivity” happen. “The coping mechanism of LCUs largely depends on their internet connectivity. As for NCR, we are more privileged because we have stronger connectivity than in the provinces. So they have more challenging issues as far as connectivity is concerned, and even their equipment or gadgets,” she points out. “Ang kailangan natin dito is ma-change ‘yung mindset natin, na magkaroon ng paradigm shift. I believe that technology is really the key. So on our part, we want to establish smart universities and campuses,” she reveals. While ALCU waits for 2022, they have already started laying down the foundations of their ambition, which they visualize coming to life in two years’ time. First, flexible learning methodologies mandated by CHED are being used by their member institutions. They have synchronous online and offline mandates—where students make use of platforms like Google Meet, Google Classroom, Zoom, Facebook, and email. The students also learn through the use of printed modules that are distributed to them at the same time. They also have put up the e-library, which contains educational materials that students can easily access wherever they are. These, and other ideas included in their strategy, are aimed to benefit everyone under their wing. Gearing up for the future with the free higher education law as well as other calls for action, ALCU stands proud that they have come this far. “The LUCs have finally found our niche in the academe sector,” Dr. Presnedi muses. “Dati, people would say, ‘public lang ‘yan.’ Kapag state kasi, may pangalan ‘yan. But this time, we take pride especially with the new implemented law. Parang nagkaroon ng leveling up kasi same standards naman na ang pinasusunod.” So now, be rest assured that Filipino students, whether studying in SUCs, LUCs, or even private schools, can afford education that’s at par with excellence.

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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