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.

Gaining Ground BAYAMBANG, PANGASINAN MAYOR CEZARA T. QUIAMBAO ON REVOLUTIONIZING AGRICULTURE AS A GATEWAY TO PROGRESS We reached Bayambang, Pangasinan at daybreak and saw a figure towering over what otherwise were the unadorned horizons of the town, sparking curiosity and awe. Its height was difficult to miss. As we moved closer, we learned that the figure was the statue of St. Vincent Ferrer, the patron saint of builders, which, at 50.23 meters, is as tall as a 15-story building, taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York or the Crist the Redeemer Statue in Brazil. It only seemed fitting that the statue was completed this year in time for the 405th founding anniversary of Bayambang and the quadricentennial (400th anniversary) of the town's St. Vincent Parish by Javier Flores Photos by Manuel Generoso There was however another reason for the town to celebrate. The statue had vied for the Guinness Record for the World’s Tallest Supported Bamboo Sculpture, an all-new category. On April 5, 2019, Guinness Official Adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar declared that the statue had complied with all the requirements to be declared the holder of the Guinness Record, ensuring that it is not only a relevant religious attraction but also a significant tourism destination. The declaration was just in time for the 600th death anniversary of St. Vincent de Ferrer who died on the same day in the year 1419. Not too long ago, nothing stood on the site of the St. Vincent Ferrer statue. It took the term of incumbent Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao to conceptualize and execute the feat in a short span of time without spending any funds of the local government. Local Boy Who Did Good Mayor Quiambao is a true son of Bayambang, having been born there in 1948 to small-scale business folk Simplicio Quiambao of Pampanga and Veronica Terrado of Bayambang. Upon finishing high school at Bayambang National High School (BNHS), he went to Manila to take up Business Administration at the University of the East (UE), supporting himself by working as a messenger and a jeepney driver. He tried his fortune in Indonesia as an overseas Filipino worker and worked hard until he slowly ascended the corporate ladder to become the executive vice president of PT Green Timber Jaya, a leading timber company. Every year, he would come home to reunions with his classmates, who never failed to remind him of the sad state of Bayambang, how the town he left was still virtually the same, as if time had passed it by. SUBSCRIBE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.. BACK BUY MAGAZINE NOW FINAL SALE GET 30% OFF EVERYTHING. CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

Tourism A PEEK INTO SAN JUAN’S RICH HISTORY In San Juan City, visitors can explore a rich history that honors revolutionary heroes and showcases colonial infrastructure that promotes recreation and cultural engagement. THE PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS Known as a mystical island, Dinagat captivates every visitor with its rich history, cultural treasures, and unique culinary experiences, offering more than just stunning beaches. PANGASINAN PROVINCE Pangasinan is the third largest province in the Philippines. One common bit of knowledge about it is that it got its name from salt (asin in Filipino). But if you look at the provincial logo, it tells a different story. MUNTINLUPA CITY To many, the first thing that comes to mind about Muntinlupa is Bilibid or the National Penitentiary. VIGAN CITY, ILOCOS SUR BY ATTY. JAVIER FLORES WITH MIO DELA CRUZ Vigan’s vision is to create a productive, investment-friendly, and safe heritage province that promotes industrial peace, green economy, employment generation, and poverty reduction Rising from the Ruins BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE BLOSSOMING AMIDST THE RUBBLE How Baguio City’s story of recovery is symbolized by the colorful Panagbenga Festival CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS KAPAMPANGAN WAY BY LESLIE ANNE MAHUSAY WITH MICHELLE DELA CRUZ Many have tried—but failed!—to take the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” title away from Pampanga. Its uniquely Pinoy grandeur and joyous spirit continue to inspire those who have witnessed and experienced it DIPOLOG: A COASTAL GEM By Novie Rose Nunez If you find yourself in the Zamboanga Peninsula, make sure not to pass up the chance to visit Dipolog City’s historical sites and eco-tourism spots. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS BY JOHN LEE CANDELARIA A delicate balance between modernity and culture gives Lapu-Lapu a unique advantage as the country’s “Historic Resort City”

BACK COMMUNITY pantries Pro or against? Concerned citizens weigh in and speak their minds. “Pro, because it helps many Filipinos. It makes people smile and brings hope to others [who] find everyday-living so depressing.” Shanna Marbella “I’M PRO, FOR IT. PERO MAS MAGANDA KUNG IBAHAY-BAHAY NALANG NILA. IWAS COVID KASI WALANG PILA.” Domskie Avila Mangente “Pro. Walang masama sa pagtulong sa kapwa. Inggit lang ang mga pumupuna kasi nasasapawan sila.” Felipe Junior Callueng “Pro, of course. It came at a time when people were desperately seeking help from a system that displaced them from their livelihood and which is now useless in answering their needs.” Andrei Nicolai “Pro. Walang masama sa pagtulong sa kapwa. Inggit lang ang mga pumupuna kasi nasasapawan sila.” Felipe Junior Callueng “Pro. However, we still have to hold the government officials accountable for their duties and responsibilities as servants for the people. ‘Yung mga inutang, naipamahagi at nagagamit sana efficiently. Naibibigay sana consistently ang basic needs ng taumbayan. Hindi ‘yung kuntento nalang tayo sa donasyon ng iba.” Lechong Patatas “It brings out the kindness inside us and the willingness to help in any small way we can. But we also need to follow protocols as per government guidelines.” Fleur de Lhiz “Against, kasi maraming tao ang nauubliga pumila at maglakad kahit sa katirikan ng araw at nagiging cause ng mass gathering.” Emily Gadores Ortua “CHARITABLE WORKS NEED NO PARTISAN GROUP. BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE AROUND US [HELP] SILENTLY WITHOUT CAMERAS IN FRONT OF THEM. THAT’S GOD’S WORK!” Cecilia Cacapit “BAKIT KAILANGAN PA MAGTANONG NANG GANYAN? DAPAT PAGBIBIGAYAN LANG AT DAMAYAN. WALANG DAPAT PAGTALUNAN SA KUNG ANO ANG MAGANDANG IDINUDULOT NG PANTRY. HINDI DAPAT HALUAN YAN NG PULITIKA.” Nestor Angeles Hermogenes “Mabuti naman ito. Basta sundin lang po ang mga government health safety protocols.” Hermito Viernes

Vice Mayors TIAONG VICE MAYOR RODERICK UMALI Redeemed Being in a position of power transforms a person, Umali admits, and now his mission is to share the lesson which almost came at a huge price. VICE MAYOR ANGELO “GEL” ALONTE Carrying The Ball For Biñan There is no better lesson than firsthand experience which inspired Alonte’s program which helps cancer patients. MALABON CITY VICE MAYOR NINONG DELA CRUZ SERVING WITH LOVE AND EMPATHY Serving with Love and Empathy Malabon City Vice Mayor Bernard “Ninong” dela Cruz talks about serving others with generosity and honesty. VICE MAYOR KARINA TEH Progressive, Loving Leadership There is no better lesson than firsthand experience which inspired Alonte’s program which helps cancer patients. VICE MAYOR JOY BELMONTE JOY OF SERVICE While we should seek leaders who are passionate and inspired, and who have great ideas, it’s also important to find those who more than simply having a vision also have a road map. Cavite Vice Mayor Aidel Belamide The Millennial Leader Silang, Cavite Vice Mayor Aidel Belamide talks about jumpstarting the next generation for strong governance and how he's helping to shape a brighter future for their town.

ABOUT US LEAGUE takes you into the heart of local governance in the Philippines, showcasing the best of the country - its people and leaders - where they are, how they thrive, how they lead, and how they succeed. History of LEAGUE Since 2017, LEAGUE Magazine has strived to become a trusted, non-partisan publication that shares the best practices of local government units and national government agencies through relevant and informative features. Over the past years, we have scoured the country, seeking exceptional leaders and outstanding communities and organizations that have captured the potential we wish to achieve as a nation. Through their stories and by their examples, we’ve been inspired and uplifted. We thank you, our readers and partners, who have been with us from the very beginning. We hope to build and nurture even stronger ties with other public servants and organizations who share in our vision for a better Philippines. With every issue, we hope to further encourage and engage all to take part in greater nation-building. Pilipinas, #AngatLahat! Who Are We LEAGUE Magazine is the country’s leading publication dedicated to featuring stories of inspiring Filipino leadership, innovation, progress, and best practices in local governance. We share the best practices and bridge the archipelago. What We Do League covers the latest stories about art, culture, sports, food tourism and more. Our team of skilled content creators are experienced and passionate about what they do, and are here to provide you with insightful stories about the topics that interest you the most. We’re an independent and reliable voice in the Online Magazine world. Contact us today MISSION To be the trusted and non-partisan publication on best practices of national and local governance by delivering relevant information and valuable insights. VISION To encourage and inspire leaders to share best practices in nation-building. LEAGUE

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Middle East ISRAELI AMBASSADOR ILAN FLUSS GRASSROOTS APPROACH TO GLOBAL INNOVATION Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss highlights innovation as the key to developing each country, while further strengthening bilateral ties. INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR H.E. AGUS WIDJOJO A Visionary on a Mission Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, a former military general, is instrumental in promoting ASEAN cooperation, economic growth, and peaceful resolution of regional disputes.