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.

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 BUCKET OF GOODNESS In a province dominated by the “Sutokil,” Bucket Shrimps stands out. I n Cebu, Sutokil is king—Sinugba (grilled), Tinola (soup), and Kinilaw (raw fish in vinegar). Sutokil has stood the test of time for a reason. But for Bucket Shrimps owner Chad Colmenares Regner, Cebu is craving for something new. Bucket Shrimps started in 2013, and now, seven years later, has four different locations in the province of Cebu: Capitol (original branch), Tisa, Mactan Wharf, and Seaview. There are a couple of other branches outside of metro, but Chad reveals they are franchises. “There’s one in Bohol and Batangas. Davao was supposed to open, but they got caught in the pandemic,” Chad shares. He says they’re just waiting for travel restrictions to ease up before flying to Davao to train the staff. Now that Cebu is already open for tourists, Chad has managed to pull off the impossible—open a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic. While most businesses had to close down their operations entirely, Bucket Shrimps opened its Mactan Wharf branch. From a small business in the garage of Chad’s grandmother to a nationwide chain of restaurants, it’s safe to say that Bucket Shrimps has made it. Chad confesses that he’s just as amazed, considering that Cebuanos are particular with their food. “What we’re offering is really simple,” he says. “Beach concept— no aircon, no utensils. You just use your hands.” The star of the menu is the Seafood Bucket, which is literally buckets of shrimp, crab, scallops, and more. But the secret (or not so secret) to their success, Chad reveals, is their sauce. “Nobody can follow my sauce. It’s not even a secret. My cajun is [imported] from the United States; I get a box every month. When it arrives, I tweak it and add a couple of things,” he says. Apart from the Cajun sauce, you can also try other sauces: garlic butter and bagoong curry. The restaurant also offers grilled liempo, chicken wings, sinigang, calamari, and pusit. Despite the odds, Bucket Shrimps has become one of the best restaurants in Cebu. In fact, it was named the 22nd best restaurant in the Philippines by the Big 7 Travel website, and it has been featured by numerous celebrities. “It’s been seven years since we’ve started. And it’s been a really good ride for me,” Chad ends.

BACK THE Philippine Diplomacy’s 123 M odern Philippine diplomacy was born in the crucible of revolution. On June 12, 1898, the First Philippine Republic was established in Kawit, Cavite, while Filipino revolutionaries pressed against the last Spanish holdout in the Far East, Intramuros, the Walled City. The Republic’s President, General Emilio Aguinaldo, would send a 39-year old lawyer, Felipe Agoncillo, on a daunting diplomatic mission to the United States and Europe to secure recognition for the fledgling Republic. THE FIRST FILIPINO DIPLOMAT Agoncillo was trained in the best of European legal traditions. It was no surprise that he could argue in the language of the international law of the time. But President William McKinley would only receive him in a private capacity at the White House. It confirmed Agoncillo’s early suspicions that the Americans, who had earlier declared support for the Filipino revolutionaries in their fight against Spain, were not to be trusted. By then, the Americans and the Spaniards had already reached a secret agreement to exclude Filipinos from negotiations for the colony’s future. Agoncillo would write a series of diplomatic notes addressed to the US Senate, the US State Department, and to the American and Spanish peace negotiators in Paris. These were all ignored by imperialist and racist imperatives unwilling to recognize the new Philippine Republic. THE Philippine Diplomacy’s 123 BY ATTY. ROMEL REGALADO BAGARES* 50 YEARS OF AMERICAN TUTELAGE On December 8, 1898, the American and Spanish governments signed the Treaty of Paris (TOP), in which the latter ceded the Philippines to the former for US$20 million. The next half century would see the Philippines under forced colonial tutelage. American rule gradually introduced Filipinos, in the words to McKinley’s Instructions, to “certain great principles of government” that were “essential to the rule of law and the maintenance of individual freedom.” The better part of such education would be spent by the Philippines as an unincorporated territory under an American flag severed from the American constitution. In 1934, the US Congress passed the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which declared that upon the planned grant of Philippine Independence in 1946, the Republic of the Philippines shall have jurisdiction, control, authority and sovereignty over “all territory….the boundaries of which are set forth in Article II of the Treaty of Paris of December 10, 1898, together with those islands embraced in the treaty between Spain and the [US], concluded at Washington on the 7th day of November, 1900.” Yet the following year, while drafting the 1935 Constitution under American tutelage, Filipino constitutionalists made sure to re-state into it the metes and bounds of the TOP regime as integral to national territory. Delegate Vicente Singson Encarnacion, the principal sponsor of the National Territory Provision (NTP), argued that it had become necessary to embody the International Treaty Limits (ITL) in the Constitution as well and transform it into a binding international instrument, because, according to him, the Americans cannot be trusted to honor their word; after all the world then only knew an international law founded on “la fuerza de los cañones.” Thus, a colonial document was transformed by the Philippine colony into an anti-imperialist tool. THE PHILIPPINES AT THE FOUNDING OF THE UN In late 1945, towards the closing stages of the World War II, a Filipino delegation led by Carlos P. Romulo, participated in the drafting of the United Nations (UN) Charter. Along with India, a colony of the British empire, the Philippines was allowed to take part in the founding of a new international organization that, it was hoped, would usher and shepherd nations under a new era of lasting peace. At the UN Charter discussions, Romulo and other Filipinos delegates fought for the recognition of the right to self-determination in the founding document. Just as well, because the very next year, on July 4, 1946, the Philippines would be granted independence by the US pursuant to the Tydings-McDuffie Act. In preparation for that, the US State Department organized the Philippine Foreign Affairs Training Program to formally train the first groups of Filipinos in post-independence diplomatic and consular work. The brainchild of Edward W. Mill, it selected the first 40 Filipinos to serve for the diplomatic corps of an independent Republic of the Philippines under a new Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This founding corps of post-independence Filipino diplomats would serve the DFA well. In 1950, Filipino diplomat and lawyer Jose Ingles argued in advisory opinion proceedings before the international Court of Justice in favor of UN supervision of South Africa’s trusteeship over South West Africa. The diminutive Romulo would cut a giant figure in the next decade in world diplomacy. He stood tall in the campaign for the drafting of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. He served the UN General Assembly as president from 1949 to 1950 and as chair of the UN Security Council in 1957. THE UDHR, BANDUNG, AND THE INTERNATIONAL BILL OF RIGHTS Any discussion of Romulo’s legacy would not be complete without a careful look at his role in the pathbreaking April 18-24, 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia. Bandung is recognized as an anti-colonialist gathering of decolonized or decolonizing states that paved the way for the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961. Bandung enshrined the power of the hitherto impossible— the “Spirit of Bandung” that challenged for the very first time the well-entrenched imperialism in the international legal order. Romulo, with Lebanese diplomat Charles Malik, appeared on the scene not only as an anti-colonialist, anti-imperialist advocate, but also as one of the loudest voices at Bandung for the universality of human rights. The two of them successfully fought, over vociferous Chinese objections, for the inclusion of firm language in the Conference’s Final Communique that substantively acknowledged the UDHR as a founding document for a new international legal order. The historical records show that at Bandung, Romulo sought a “dual negation” of the dominance of the First and the Second Worlds, and the condemnation of all forms of colonialism and deprivation of civil and political rights, whether in the East or in the West. This, despite Romulo’s creds as a true-blue American ally in the context of a deepening Cold War. In his own account of Bandung, he documented having tangled with China’s Zhou En Lai, who argued that there is only one colonialism that must be spurned by everyone—that of the West. In the end, as the Final Communique would put it, Bandung radically redefined colonialism, affirming that “alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constitutes a denial of human rights.” Around the same time, the Philippines also began articulating a vision of national territorial sovereignty ironically founded on the legacy of the Treaty of Paris’ ITL. Following the 1935 Constitution, the DFA would seek the international community’s recognition of the country as the world’s lone mid-ocean archipelago with its own unique set of maritime security needs. Indeed, for the next seven decades, this was one of the few non-negotiables of Philippine foreign policy, through such issues as Parity Rights, the long presence of US Military Bases and Philippine dependence on American military might for its external defense, and the rise of the Communist movement in Asia, among many others. FILIPINO DIPLOMATS AT THE HELM OF SELF DETERMINATION Our fine diplomats would struggle hard well into the 1980s for full recognition of the country’s sui generis view of the emerging Law of the Sea, even against the position taken by the former American colonizers. By the 1960s, the Philippines was one of the newly independent states that headlined a successful campaign to establish mechanisms to implement the promises of the UDHR. In fact, within three years of its drafting, the Philippine Supreme Court would rule in two landmark cases that its provisions were binding norms of customary international law. With colleagues from Jamaica, Liberia, Ghana, and Costa Rica, Filipino diplomats, especially Salvador S.P. Lopez, worked at the UN to establish mechanisms to implement an International Bill of Rights. They argued that protections already enjoyed by citizens of the West should likewise be granted to the citizens of the newly-decolonized states. These mechanisms—such as the UN Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—transcended state sovereignty and provided the foundations for the universal promotion of human rights. A noted literary writer and Romulo protégé, Lopez was instrumental in the creation of the ICCPR’s individual complaints mechanism. Through this mechanism, citizens can take their governments to task for failing to carry out their obligations under the covenant. Such a distinguished history is difficult to square with the present dispensation’s claims that human rights is being weaponized against the country’s right to self-determination. For the diplomats of the Philippine diplomacy’s golden era, such self-determination cannot be divorced from respect for the universality of human rights. As our part of the world turned inward and, in Leon Ma. Guerrero’s fine phrase, sought an “Asia for Asians,” Lopez, an old-school liberal, would also pave the way for a more cosmopolitan approach to Philippine foreign policy. He would eventually succeed Romulo as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and later follow his mentor to the University of the Philippines (UP), where he served as a short-lived but well-loved presidency as the state university was plunged into the great societal upheavals of the 1970s. But Martial Law under the late strongman former President Ferdinand E. Marcos would sever his old ties with Romulo; his mentor, almost to the very end, served Marcos without hesitation, even despite undeniable violations of gross human rights committed under his administration. MANILA DECLARATION’S ENDURING LEGACY Perhaps, one of Romulo’s enduring legacies cemented late in his foreign affairs career was his role in the drafting of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes. The Declaration was pushed by member-states of the Non-Alignment Movement, namely Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Romania, Sierra Leone, Tunisia, and the Philippines. Its initial draft, at Romulo’s instance, was crafted by the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization which met in Manila. The final form was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly by consensus on November 15, 1982 through resolution A/RES/37/10 or the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes. “For the first time,” writes an international legal scholar of the Manila Declaration, “a normative text develops a comprehensive plan and a consolidation of the legal framework of peaceful settlement of international disputes.” The Philippines’ resolve to follow the Manila Declaration’s principles would be tested soon enough. Following the ouster of Marcos from power in 1986, as well as the termination of the US-Philippine Military Bases Agreement in 1991, the Philippines would be confronted with the rise of a neighbor—the People’s Republic of China—as a New Great Power. China began to flex its military muscle, powered by unprecedented economic progress. Pursuing its nine-dash line claim, it would encroach on much of the South China Sea, including maritime territories held or claimed by the Philippines. In 2012, a standoff between the Philippines and China over the Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborogh Shoal), a rocky outcrop about 124 nautical miles west of the coast of Zambales, led the Philippines to pursue an arbitral case under the compulsory dispute settlement mechanism of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In July 2016, the UNCLOS Tribunal handed down an Award that essentially won for the Philippines all of the points it had raised against China, which had opted for a strategy of non-participation in the proceedings. It held that China’s nine dash-line claim to the living and non-living resources in the South China Sea actually consists of “a constellation of historic rights short of title” that is “incompatible with the Convention to the extent that it exceeds the limits of China’s maritime zones as provided for by the Convention.” Such a victory, however, entailed the abandonment by the Philippines of its long-held constitutional position that the expanse of its maritime territories are governed by the Treaty of Paris regime. Its reverberations continue to be felt today. Atty. Romel Regalado Bagares has Communication and Law degrees from the University of the Philippines and a master’s degree from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He teaches International Law in two Manila law schools.

BACK A Silent Worker A Silent Worker Even though the Cojuangcos are a household name, Tarlac Representative Carlos “Charlie” Cojuangco lets his work and people shine brighter than himself. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the back-to-back calamities battering key communities across the country, Tarlac First District Rep. Carlos “Charlie” Cojuangco is stepping up and doing all that he can to bring services and much-needed relief to his constituents. Tarlac is now home to the 36th Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office, located at Paniqui, Tarlac. In his speech, Cojuangco said that he was grateful for the support of the DFA in bringing its services closer to the residents, especially the OFWs, of Tarlac and nearby provinces. Through the initiative of Rep. Cojuangco, water pumps for irrigation were distributed to the farmer organizations of the district. Present during the awarding ceremony at Brgy. Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac was Regional Manager Engr. Josephine B. Salazar. Those entering through the main entrance of the Paniqui General Hospital will now pass through the Disinfection Triage to ensure everyone’s safety during this pandemic. Paniqui Mayor Max Roxas has expressed his gratitude to Rep. Cojuangco for his continuous support. Some residents of Brgy. Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac underwent training under the Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II program provided by TESDA. Currently, TESDA still accepts applicants for programs under Special Training for Employment (STEP) and Training for Work Scolarship Program (TWSP). Interested applicants may visit the office of Rep. Cojuangco for more details. Residents needing medical treatment and medicine for chronic kidney disease were given free rides to Jose B. Lingad Regional Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga. Rep. Cojuangco assures residents of Tarlac that they will be given safe access to treatments and medicines, despite transportation limitations brought about by the COVID-19. Rep. Cojuangco understands that when it comes to health and medical emergencies, time is of the essence. His office donated an ambulance to the Enrique Henry M. Cojuangco Memorial District Hospital in Moncada, Tarlac. For Rep. Cojuangco, the health and safety of every Filipino family is topmost priority. He distributed face masks, alcohol, and PPEs to different municipalities in District 1 of Tarlac. The Philippines, as a tropical country, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Rep. Cojuangco laments the deforestation, urban development, and destruction of our natural treasures. With this in mind, he initiated the “Garden of Native Trees” project in the Municipality of Camiling, where a collection of Narra, Banaba, Kamagong, Kalumpang, and Malabulak trees can be found.