BACK ‘Fundamentally Positioned for Resilience’ Benjamin Diokno and the Central Bank’s role share its radical plans to keep the economy afloat BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA “THE PHILIPPINES ENTERED THE CRISIS IN A POSITION OF STRENGTH. IN THE YEARS LEADING TO THE PANDEMIC, THE PHILIPPINES HAS BEEN WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS AMONG THE MOST RESILIENT ECONOMIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.” Be bold, swift, and decisive. These were what Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno asked of his team—and himself—when the COVID-19 first tore through the Philippines in 2020. “We had to revisit our processes, and challenge our conventions to adapt to the changes the pandemic had brought upon us,” he says. “These are essential in carrying out various measures to keep the economy afloat.” The unabated spread of the coronavirus continues to test the governance fundamentals of all states, particularly the capacity of public health systems, effectiveness of local government units, and the resilience of economies. The good news is that the Philippines was already pillared on a sound economy even before the pandemic. “The Philippines entered the crisis in a position of strength,” explains Diokno, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte last March 2019. “In the years leading to the pandemic, the Philippines has been widely recognized as among the most resilient economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Learning from the Asian Financial Crisis, structural reforms were pursued and implemented in the past 20 years to strengthen our economic foundation and expand growth potential.” The governor attributes the country’s sustained rapid growth to prudent macroeconomic policy management and implementation of structural reforms. These have enabled social gains, he says, such as reduced poverty incidence and unemployment rate. QUARANTINE MEASURES The country-wide lockdown to curb the spread of the virus forced the temporary closure of businesses and resulted in the loss of jobs for many. The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP or the total monetary value of finished goods and services within its borders within a specific time period) contracted to 9.6% in 2020. But this state is momentary, according to the BSP Chief, who served as Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from 2016 to 2019, also under President Duterte. “Credit rating agencies have opined that the impact of the pandemic on the Philippines is temporary (i.e., cyclical and not structural) in view of our strong fundamentals going into the crisis. The government has set a GDP growth target of 6.5% to 7.5% for 2021 and 8% to 10% for 2022.” Diokno had also led the DBM during the administration of President Joseph Estrada from 1998 to 2011, and previously also served as a Department Undersecretary for Budget Operations when President Corazon Aquino was in office from 1986 to 1991. Some of the major reforms he was involved with include the 1986 Tax Reform Program to simplify income tax collection and introduced the 1991 Local Government Code of the Philippines, as well as the value-added tax (VAT). Diokno knew early on that the current crisis was an “opportunity to think out of the box as they work to protect the interest of the people.” His perspective was key as he led the pivoting of the BSP in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The BSP immediately communicated to its stakeholders that the Central Bank continues to look after the welfare of its personnel, while providing the needs of the financial system and the broader economy,” Diokno shares. “For instance, the BSP assured the public that the banking industry shall continue providing essential services to clients. We explained that as part of global risk management standards, banks have in place and have activated business continuity plans that aim to ensure deposit taking, ATM withdrawals, check clearing, and other banking activities. In rendering said services, we urged all banking personnel, especially frontliners, to carry out necessary protocols against COVID-19. These initiatives are part of the BSP’s efforts to support [nationwide] initiatives against the pandemic.” The institution has also encouraged the use of e-banking and digital payment services to enable the public to carry out needed financial transactions safely amid the pandemic. These measures are aligned to Diokno’s other goal: having a cash-light economy through digitization. The BSP Governor, who has also served as professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman for over four decades, says the transition will bring substantial benefits to the country. It will result in “increased economic activities through faster and more efficient payment systems, expand the market through the inclusion of the unbanked and underserved, and enhance risk management with improved transparency and audit trails.” Aligned with its mandate to promote “price stability, financial stability, and safe and efficient payment and settlement systems,” is its goal to continue “to foster financial inclusion especially through digitization,” adds Diokno, who also served as fiscal adviser to the Philippine Senate. According to him, “the enactment of Republic Act No. 11211, which amends the BSP Charter [and sees to] the promotion of financial stability, in close coordination with the national government, is explicitly included in the BSP’s mandate. In addition, the BSP is expressly mandated to oversee the payments and settlement systems in the Philippines.” This latter function, alongside the provisions of The National Payment Systems Act (Republic Act No. 11127), allows the central bank to promote cashless payments, which is considered of utmost importance in the country’s fight against COVID-19, explains Diokno. “The new BSP Charter also provides the Central Bank with an enhanced legal and regulatory framework in providing a steadying hand to the financial system, including during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The BSP Charter allows the granting of provisional advances to assist the national government through up to 20% of its average annual income in the last three years. It was able to do so during the onset of the current public health crisis the country faces. Through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Republic Act No. 11494), the BSP is allowed to also to grant additional provisional advances to the national government in an amount not exceeding 10% of its average annual income for the years 2017 to 2019. The Charter also allowed the Bank to “purchase of government securities in the secondary market, which helped boost market liquidity in the early part of 2020,” avers Diokno, who also previously served as Chairman of the Local Water Utilities Administration and Chairman and CEO of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). To encourage lending to the public and provide more liquidity to the financial system during the pandemic, a series of reductions in deposit reserve requirements was also allowed through the Charter and was approved by the Monetary Board. As a result, policy rates were reduced, along with the credit risk weight of certain micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) assets. Further, loans to MSMEs were allowed to become alternative compliance with reserve requirements, and regulations were eased on qualified credits for BSP discounting. Regulatory reliefs were also granted among BSPSupervised Financial Institutions. “(We) deferred the implementation of the revised risk-based capital framework applicable to stand-alone thrift banks (TBs), rural banks and cooperative banks (RCBs), and reduced the minimum liquidity ratio of stand-alone TBs and RCBs from 20% to 16% until end-December 2021,” explains Diokno. “These actions are intended to help their operations during the pandemic that may ensure continuous effective financial services to the public. ”STRONG POINTS “The Philippines stood out in 2020,” the BSP governor declares, and proffers proof of this in “three major internal crediting agencies (CRAs) that affirmed their credit ratings on the country amid a sea of downgrades globally.” American CRA Standard & Poor (S&P) provided the Philippines a BBB+/Stable rating and outlook. A BBB+ rating is given to an obligor who has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments and whose capacity can be weakened to meet these due to adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances. Second is Moody’s Investors Service’s Baa2/Stable rating that is based on the country’s strong fiscal position in previous years and limited vulnerability to external shocks. Fitch assigned a BBB/ Stable rating and outlook for the country. Aside from good credit quality, this means “expectations of default risk are currently low,” and “the capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate,” according to the group’s website. The BSP governor enumerates three key contributors to the favorable assessments for the country: strong pre-crisis fundamentals, robust medium-term growth prospects, and the firm commitment of fiscal authorities to return to a fiscal consolidation path post-COVID 19. “While the full recovery of the economy largely depends on the success of the vaccination rollout and the effective control of the spread of the virus, several measures have been implemented by the government to bring back jobs and income sources while continuing to manage the risks related to the virus,” says Diokno, who has also worked on advisory and consulting capacities for agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, the European Commission, and the United States Agency for Internal Development (USAID). Even before the vaccine rollout, the governor says “green shoots (had) begun to emerge in the second half of 2020. From a contraction of 16.9% in Q2 2020 at the height of the lockdown, the economy continued to improve in the third and fourth quarters. The rollout of the national vaccination plan is expected to accelerate the country’s return to pre-COVID economic growth levels. “The country’s macroeconomic fundamentals have remained broadly intact, even at the pandemic’s peak. These indicators include improving quarterly economic outturn, better business and consumer outlook, ample liquidity in the system, a sound and stable banking system, robust external payments position, and a manageable fiscal deficit,” he adds. He says that the 6.5% to 7.5% economic growth target for 2021 will be supported by spending for the implementation of recovery programs under Bayanihan 2, the 2021 national budget, and investments in shovel-ready projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program, such as health-related facilities, and digital infrastructure, among others. ON HIS WATCH Verily, it can be said that Diokno has witnessed the many shifts and challenges of the Philippine economy and its government through his years of public service. His interest in finance sparked early in life, and this was further bolstered when he took up Public Administration at UP Diliman and his master’s in both Public Administration and Economics from the same institution. “I think my early leanings to serve the people via this field of endeavor led me to the path of professorship in economics at the State University, and later on as a civil servant tasked to craft fiscal policy, and currently, monetary policy.” Diokno also holds a Master of Arts in Political Economy degree from the John Hopkins University in Maryland, United States and a doctorate in economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in Syracuse, New York. Diokno has taught various courses in the state university, including microeconomics, public sector economics, and development economics, along with an assortment of special topics on finance, public service reforms, and the like. His experience to date has armed him with holistic acumen and competence for his current role. “Serving from the fiscal side as Budget Secretary and from the monetary policy side as BSP Governor, there are indeed clear complementarities as both are aimed at enhancing the economic wellbeing of Filipinos,” he shares. “Working as a public servant in both capacities is especially helpful amid whole-of-nation efforts to address the adverse economic impact of the pandemic, as these require coordinated action between monetary policy and fiscal authorities.” When LEAGUE asked about his plans when his term ends in 2023 and if there was a possibility of him running for an elective post, he said the year “is still a bit far off” and that he has “never run for office or even applied for any position” throughout his career as a public servant. For now, Diokno reveals that he is focused on leading and building BSP to be a more agile institution. “Under our Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap 2020 to 2023, we are strengthening customer preference for digital payments by converting 50% of the total volume of retail payments into digital form and expanding the number of the financially included to 70% of Filipino adults. “These initiatives dovetail with the third, which is ‘Bringing the BSP Closer to People.’ It is important that BSP stakeholders understand what we are mandated to do. It is crucial that our stakeholders trust our integrity and our capability to carry out our mandate,” he ends.

LATEST ISSUE A MISSION FULFILLED DIPOLOG CITY MAYOR DAREL DEXTER UY By Camille F. Cabal 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. Read article here.. CONVERGE CONVERGE 1/1 Housing Summit Cover OSHDP Org QR Code Housing Summit Cover 1/7 BUY MAGAZINE NOW GOOD GOVERNANCE DAVAO ORIENTAL CONGRESSMAN CHEENO ALMARIO By James Steven Batucan Despite being a new member of the House of Representatives, Congressman Cheeno Miguel Almario takes satisfaction in the work he has been performing. Read article here.. GOOD GOVERNANCE MASANTOL, PAMPANGA MAYOR TON TON BUSTOS By RYAN LAO Masantol, Pampanga Mayor Ton Ton Bustos is paving the way for a new generation of public servants in his hometown. Read article here.. LATEST UPDATES LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH STO. NIÑO “JB” BERNOS BULAKAN, BULACAN MAYOR VERGEL MENESES LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION CHIEF VICENTE HOMER REVIL GUMACA, QUEZON MAYOR WEBSTER LETARGO Features League is the number one magazine publisher for all the news you seek. No matter what you want to read about, our team of dedicated and experienced writers are here to provide you with instant coverage on a wide range of topics. Check out our most recent pieces of the week below. GENERAL ANDRES CENTINO BY EDWIN P. GALVEZ 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. VIEW MORE BOARD MEMBER DANZEL FERNANDEZ BY ROBIN LUCAS Laguna Board Member Danzel Fernandez leads generational changing of the guards. VIEW MORE PANGASINAN FEATURES THE GAME CHANGER February - March 2018 View More DRIVER OF CHANGE December 2018 View More GAINING GROUND May - June 2019 View More PREVIOUS MAGAZINE ISSUES Get a glimpse of what's inside the issue! Read More CONTACT US Unit 303 One Corporate Centre, Julia Vargas Avenue, cor. Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605 info@league.ph

Driver of Change by Maielle Montayre Photos by Romeo Peralta, Jr. IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE After considering its limitations and building on its strengths as a convergence hub, Binalonan is transforming itself into a dynamic municipality, one that has built a niche economy as a university town under the leadership of Mayor Ramon V. Guico III. Marked as a crossroad for cultural and agricultural exchanges of Pangasinan, the Ilocos, and the Cordilleras, the town of Binalonan, a first-class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, has transformed from an uninhabited forested area to a lush agricultural community to a burgeoning rural town. Bordered by bustling municipalities and cities of eastern Pangasinan, Binalonan strives to make a name for itself. With growing infrastructures, developing services, and connecting roads and highways, the town is catching up to its vision of becoming a progressive university town. The current mayor of Binalonan, Ramon V. Guico III, answered the call to public service when he ran for Vice Mayor in 2007. He was elected later as Mayor in 2010, a position he holds until now. “It’s my hometown,” he simply says. “I wanted to give back to my roots and prove that when you have a clear vision of what you want to do, you can achieve it.” With a doctorate degree in Public Management from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), he set about the task of further improving his hometown. The current mayor of Binalonan, Ramon V. Guico III, answered the call to public service when he ran for Vice Mayor in 2007. He was elected later as Mayor in 2010, a position he holds until now. “It’s my hometown,” he simply says. “I wanted to give back to my roots and prove that when you have a clear vision of what you want to do, you can achieve it.” With a doctorate degree in Public Management from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), he set about the task of further improving his hometown. Founded in November 10, 1834, Binalonan consists of 24 barangays spread over its 8,400-hectare land area. Its name is derived from the Pangasinan term balon, in Tagalog baon, which means “packed lunch.” It is said that the workers of a Spanish land-owner would rest and have their lunch underneath the trees located at heart of the land where the municipality stands today. Binalonan is a term in Ilocano and Pangasinan signifying a place where people come to bring and eat their lunch. The town traces its roots to the Ilocano people who migrated due to the drastic effects of colonial policies involving taxes and to find greener pasture in the uncultivated lands of eastern Pangasinan. Since then, Binalonan has risen from a poor town to a promising agricultural municipality with rice crops as one of its main products. It continues to produce sugar cane, an ingredient used for basi (sugar cane wine), suka (vinegar), and muscovado (dark brown sugar), which are some of the town’s top products. It was in 1989 when the third-class municipality of Binalonan graduated into a first-class municipality, owing to its rising income and population. “But I told myself that we should not stop with just being a first-class municipality,” Mayor Guico says. 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

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.

Man on a Mission Senator Sherwin “WIN” Gatchalian Man on a Mission “I REALLY BELIEVE THAT IF YOU KEEP ON COMPLAINING, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. YOU JUST HAVE TO DO YOUR SHARE, DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS.” BY GODFREY T. DANCEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAR CONCENGCO BUY MAGAZINE NOW ALWAYS PART OF THE SOLUTION T he LEAGUE team arrives at the Senate building on a cloudy midmorning in October. The place is uncharacteristically quiet. Conspicuously absent are senators and their staff hustling from their offices to the session hall, officials from the executive branch attending hearings, foreign dignitaries paying courtesy visits, reporters trying to get a scoop, and ordinary Filipinos seeking an audience with particular senators. In a conference room at the second floor, however, a bicameral conference committee meeting is going on. It’s a hybrid meeting, with most participants—congressmen and senators, supported by their staff— participating online from their homes. Such has been the practice since COVID-19 radically changed the way we live, including the way Congress works. One senator, however, is physically present: Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy. Swiftly ironed out during the meeting were some inconsistencies in the House and Senate versions of the Microgrid Systems Act, the Upper Chamber version of which was primarily authored by Senator Win himself. The act is expected to fill the legal and policy gaps that have hampered the government’s total electrification program. “He’s the only senator who still physically reports to the Senate to hold hearings and meetings [despite Metro Manila being placed under Alert Level 4],” one of Senator Win’s staff members says. “He wants to have instant access to information during hearings.” Ever mindful of the value of time, the senator wants to be able to look at documents and confirm matters with the secretariat whenever the need arises—something he could not do if he were working from home. Clearly, it’s a win-win situation: all stakeholders remain safe from COVID-19 (strict health protocols are also being implemented at the Senate building), and legislative work goes on as it should. This comes as no surprise for those who know the senator well. Senator Win is a known workaholic, and also wants solutions implemented as soon as possible. There, I worked with children with disabilities. Then, I came up with a coffee table book and that definitely helped in developing my interest in helping the less fortunate and marginalized.” Entering Public Service Senator Win’s two-decade career as public servant has been marked by his relentless pursuit of his vision for better governance. From his initial foray into politics at the age of 27, he has proven to be an effective public servant both at the local and national levels. “I went into public service because of many frustrations at that time in Valenzuela,” he says of his decision to run as Representative of the 1st District of Valenzuela in 2001. “I was then working in our family business, and I got to interact with the local government unit of Valenzuela. There were a lot of frustrations. It was a tedious task to secure a business permit you had to talk to fixers, the process was confusing.” Instead of just complaining, the young Win did what he thought was best. “Out of frustration, not only mine but that of everyone in Valenzuela, I presented myself as part of the solution. I was given the chance to serve one term as congressman and three terms as mayor, [and I used these opportunities] to provide solutions. Because I really believe that if you keep on complaining, nothing will happen. So you just have to do your share, do whatever you can to solve problems. Of course, you cannot solve everything all at once. But at least you’re there to lead the way.” He would later on return to the Lower House, serving for another three years. By then, he had become known for championing good governance and quality education, and fighting corruption. “After my stint in Valenzuela, I learned a lot… and I thought, maybe I can make a difference using that experience, this time on a nationwide scale. So I tried my luck. I ran as senator, despite the odds. Dahil yung surveys ko malayo. [Survey results had me trailing.] It was a blessing that I was given the opportunity to serve,” he recalls. Guiding Principles Senator Win describes his leadership style as “basic.” “I lead by example. I believe that every leader should be a good example. In the way you dress, the way you follow simple office rules, the way you come in early for work, that’s an important trait in a leader,” he shares. “At the same time, you have to shun corruption. If the leader is corrupt, everyone in the organization will be corrupt for sure. [Good governance] should start from the leader.” Senator Win also keeps in mind valuable pieces of advice from former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel. “Pag mapakinggan mo sya, marami kang matututunan,” he says. “I also watch a lot of videos of Barack Obama because everyone’s mesmerized with his eloquence. But at the same time, his policies as well as the way he handles crisis situations is admirable considering that the United States is a complex country. Then his way of analyzing and dissecting problems and executing solutions is also quite admirable.” The above, combined with his experience as top executive of a number of their familyowned businesses prior to 2001, have helped Senator Win remain true to his promise of being part of the solution to the nation’s problems. Prioritizing Education Education reforms have always been among Sen. Win’s advocacies. “In 2016, I campaigned under one advocacy: to remove tuition fees in state universities and colleges,” he recalls. “At that time, that was unheard of because people thought it’s financially and fiscally impossible.” Seven months into his term as member of the Upper House, Senator Win filed, together with Senators Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Sonny Angara, and Loren Legarda, Senate Bill 1304, which sought to provide full tuition subsidy to students enrolled in state universities and colleges (SUCs). After another seven months, the bill was signed into law as Republic Act 10931. With the law, almost 1.7 million students in SUCs, local universities and colleges; and state-run technical-vocational schools now enjoy full tuition subsidy. “Malaking bagay yan (That is significant) because college was viewed as being for people who have the financial capacity. But now college is viewed as being for those who are qualified and should be supported [to have a better future] through a college diploma,” he explains. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, Senator Win is also well aware of the problems in the field of basic education. For one, he has a very firm stand when it comes to errors in basic education textbooks. “[Such errors are] definitely unacceptable,” he asserts. “We need to improve the quality of our textbooks and reading materials. I have flagged the Department of Education many, many times, to ensure quality and to ensure that the books are reviewed many times before these are released to our learners.” Highlighting the Need for Energy Transition Another of the senator’s advocacies is clean energy. While describing the move to clean energy as an imperative, he also cautions against haphazard steps that may prove costly in the long run. He has highlighted the need for a comprehensive transition plan that takes into account our bureaucratic structure, consumer welfare, and the fight against climate change. “Going renewable is inevitable. The whole world is moving toward that direction. It’s really just a matter of how fast we can do it. We cannot do it fast. That’s why the buzzword now is energy transition. We have to do it in a just and economical manner. In other words, we cannot rush into shifting to solar and wind. That will take time to build and the cost is substantially high,” he explains. All things considered, the senator is pushing for a well-studied transition plan that has to be implemented as soon as possible. “So it’s a transition, and we need to start that transition already. Unfortunately, our country has not yet started significantly, meaning we have the laws, some mechanisms in place, but a formal transition has not yet commenced. So that’s what I’m pushing for right now. To jumpstart the Philippine-style energy transition,” he stresses. Senator Win points to consumers’ price sensitivity, limited technology, and a complex bureaucracy as among the things that the legislature, the Department of Energy (DOE), and energy experts must take into account as we set out with the transition. Looking Ahead With a little over half a year left before the elections, Senator Win remains hopeful that key bills will still be approved by Congress. One such proposed law is Senate Bill 726, which seeks to penalize nuisance political candidates. The importance of tackling this bill, which he refiled back in July 2019, became more obvious recently, as almost a hundred personalities filed their certificates of candidacy for president. “Hopefully, that would get approved,”he says of the bill which he originally filed in 2016. “Parati kong pinupush yung nuisance candidate bill. Nakakainis na kasi yung mga taong pupunta tapos nakacosplay costume (I’ve always pushed for the approval of the nuisance candidate bill. It’s annoying to see people coming in as if they were going to a cosplay event),” he stresses. More than the physical appearance, however, it’s the intent that bothers him. “It’s really annoying to see people mocking the elections, mocking the system, and mocking our country, to be honest about it. It’s sad, but it’s the reality. Like this time, 97 persons filed their candidacy for president. Alam naman natin maraming matatanggal dyan. Ilan lang yung matitira. [We know that majority of them will eventually be disqualified.] People are just mocking our elections.” Still on political reforms, Senator Win co-authored a bill banning substitution of candidates due to withdrawal. With him as Senate Bill 2439 co-authors are Senators Migz Zubiri, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Joel Villanueva. “I REALLY BELIEVE THAT IF YOU KEEP ON COMPLAINING, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. YOU JUST HAVE TO DO YOUR SHARE, DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS.” “Recently, substitution became some sort of a political strategy,” he says. And it doesn’t only create instability in the process because obviously you cannot print the ballots right away. But again, in the same manner [as nuisance candidates do, substitution due to withdrawal also] creates a mockery of the elections.” The senator wants to avoid a situation where unscrupulous individuals would not only make a mockery of the system but actually benefit financially from it. “There could come a time when placeholders (those who file their candidacies but have no actual intention of running), would put their slots up for sale. So before it becomes that bad, we’ll remove that feature in the law,” he explains. Man on a Mission Senator Win has come a long way since entering the field of public service in 2001. One thing, however, has remained constant: his silent yet effective and dedicated style of public service has consistently borne practical solutions to the nation’s many problems. Buoyed by this, he has pledged to continue with his mission of helping bring about a worldclass yet affordable educational system, a competitive and investor-friendly energy sector, and electoral reforms. In the end, every piece of legislation Senator Win is able to steer to enactment into law, every improved government policy he is able to contribute to, every problem he is able to offer a solution to, is not only a personal victory for him. It is also a check mark in the win column for every Filipino. CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

Small Medium Enterprise PURE LUXUS SKINCARE CEO CLARK ANDREWS The Value of DREAMS Know more about the 26-year-old businessman’s unwavering determination that inspires not only the youth but also budding entrepreneurs. Chef RV UNIQUELY BIÑAN His dishes and pastries are not only YouTube- worthy, but also worth the trip to Biñan, Laguna AKLAN’S PINA WEAVING INSCRIBED IN UNESCO LIST ‎ Aklan’s handwoven pina once again gains international fame. PAPA BOLO BREWPUB Tagaytay City’s architecturally stunning hangout spot brings “cool” to the chilly town with its suave interior and sweet menu.

BACK BARANGAY CONNECTION GOING GREEN Sound environmental decisions go a long way in helping to achieve a cleaner, greener community. Brgy. 153 has a mission to safeguard the interest of the community by protecting the environment. We conduct a clean-up drive every Saturday with the help of barangay officials and personnel. We’ve established a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for the proper segregation of waste. We always remind Brgy. 153 constituents the importance of the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We also regularly conduct the cleaning and maintenance of drainage and canals around the barangay. Brgy. 153, Zone 13, District 1, Caloocan City PUNONG BRGY. ERVIN LAMBOJO Brgy. 153 has a mission to safeguard the interest of the community by protecting the environment. We conduct a clean-up drive every Saturday with the help of barangay officials and personnel. We’ve established a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for the proper segregation of waste. We always remind Brgy. 153 constituents the importance of the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We also regularly conduct the cleaning and maintenance of drainage and canals around the barangay. Brgy. Ampid Uno, San Mateo, Rizal PUNONG BRGY. HECTOR P. REYES Brgy. Ampid Uno has been focused on waste management and environmental solutions. One of our initiatives is ensuring waste reduction by reusing and recycling waste products. Through this, we are able to lower the amount of garbage in our barangay. We also have established our Material Recovery Facility (MRF) to recover recyclable materials from solid waste. The Sangguniang Barangay of Ampid Uno also launched a waste segregation program that aims to spread awareness among our constituents [by emphasizing the] importance of waste segregation. Brgy. San Isidro, Sucat, Parañaque City PUNONG BRGY. NOEL A. JAPLOS In response to the government’s campaign on comprehensive environmental solid waste management, Brgy. San Isidro has made efforts to create and maintain existing projects such as the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), composting, Faith Gardens, “Trash to Treasure” programs (wherein trash is converted into eco-bricks), solar-powered hydroponic and aquaponic gardening, clean-up drive, and clearing of waterways. Collected wastes from the community are segregated. Kitchen waste is also turned into rich compost that’s used for growing fruits and vegetables at the five FAITH (Food Always in the Home) Gardens. In addition, PET bottles and soft plastics are used in the making of eco-bricks, which are, in turn, used in building garden fences. Households are also encouraged to make ecobricks and trade them for rice in the “Trash for Treasure” project. As one of our green initiatives, solar-powered hydroponic and aquaponic gardening is being maintained to motivate constituents to grow their own plants and vegetables even without soil. Brgy. 899, Zone 100, District 6, Manila City PUNONG BRGY. ANGELO JOSEPH A. ABANES Brgy. 899 of Zone 100, District 6, Manila has its ongoing projects and efforts to manage waste and protect the environment. We have our weekly clean-up drive led by our barangay officials and volunteer residents. In addition to this, we have our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which allows us to collect recyclables. Aside from the aforementioned activities, we conduct planting of vegetation next to the Pasig River. We have also strengthened our coordination with the City of Manila with regards to the collection of wastes in our barangay. This helps us achieve a waste-free and environment-friendly community. WWF CONTINUES THE FIGHT AGAINST PLASTIC POLLUTION Based on a 2015 modelling study, the Philippines is considered one of the top 10 countries contributing to plastic pollution. Building on its No Plastics in Nature initiative, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines recently released a report titled, “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme Assessment for Plastic Packaging Waste in the Philippines.” Undertaken with cyclos GmbH and AMH Philippines, Inc., the report highlights EPR as a critical and effective policy tool in reducing plastic pollution. EPR holds manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life impacts of their plastic products and packaging. Through this scheme, manufacturers are encouraged to adopt a holistic eco friendly design. “Addressing plastic pollution requires both upstream (production/pre-consumption) and downstream (consumption and post-consumption) measures. Working on the entirety of the plastic life cycle, stakeholder collaboration is important in both reducing the production and the consumption of unnecessary plastic, and also in managing plastic products and packaging, ensuring that materials are used as long as possible in our society,” WWF Philippines Executive Director Joel Palma explained. The study is part of the No Plastic in Nature Initiative, WWF’s global initiative to stop the flow of plastics entering nature by 2030 through the elimination of unnecessary plastics; doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery; and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly. TALLEST VERTICAL FARM PROJECT LAUNCHED IN NAVOTAS Good Greens & Co. (GGC) , In partnership with the Navotas City Council–Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and the City Government of Navotas, unveiled the country’s tallest fullyfunctioning aeroponic vertical farm. The 300-sqm vertical farm, located in Navotas City’s resettlement community, began operating in 2020. “The aim is to produce highvolume harvests that are centrally located in the community,” Good Greens & Co. president Simon Villalon shared. “This makes healthy produce more accessible and affordable to Filipinos.” Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, vegetable yield in the Navotas vertical farm is increased by a factor of 100. Target harvest per year is eight tons of leafy vegetables. “We are pleased to be a part of this meaningful project with Good Greens & Co. We look forward to the harvest for our local communities’ consumption,” said Navotas City Rep. John Reynald Tiangco. Founded in 2018, GGC launched its first vertical farm in Taguig and has more farms located in San Fernando, Pampanga; Bacolod; and Parañaque. UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES AMONG THE TOP 500 BEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD Among 1,527 research-intensive universities assessed worldwide, the University of the Philippines (UP) retains its spot in the 401-500 bracket. According to the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THE-WUR), UP ranks fifth among notable universities in Southeast Asia, which include the University of Malaya (Malaysia), University of Brunei Darussalam (Brunei), and two universities located in Singapore—National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University. Performance indicators for the ranking include teaching, research, international outlook, industry income, and global research influence. The last category is where UP garnered its highest score. It is calculated by defining the average number of times a published work of the university is cited by scholars worldwide. Bibliometric data supplier Elsevier examined 86 million citations (2015-2020) across 13.6 million journal articles, article reviews, books, book chapters, and conference proceedings published from 2015 to 2019. According to the Times Higher Education, citations “help to show us how much each university is contributing to the sum of human knowledge.” The University of the Philippines (UP) is the first university in the Philippines to land a spot in the THE-WUR, and is the only Philippine university in the Top 500.

BACK Our Father This Father’s Day, we ask Batangas Vice-Governor Marc Leviste how he manages to be a father of 3 children, and of 3-million constituents. BY HELEN HERNANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO P arenting, they say, is not for the faint of heart. It is, at its core, a lifetime commitment reaffirmed by love and duty. For Batangas Vice Governor Marc Leviste, they were excited to know that their firstborn would be a boy. “Before Ronin, my brother already had two daughters. On our side of the family, [my son] was the first male. Everyone, especially my father, wanted a grandson. My entire family was excited for the birth of Ronin,” he shares. Leviste remembers waiting in the delivery room with his mother, brimming with excitement. When the baby arrived, she immediately told him to check their baby’s hands and feet. “Akala ko nagbibiro, so binilang ko (I thought she was just kidding, so I counted). Ronin was born with 11 fingers and 12 toes. I thought I was hallucinating!” From then on, that was the very first thing the excited dady would do dupon seeing my newborns. “My only daughter, Arielle, who came after Ronin was normal and uber-big, while my youngest, C2, had an extra finger as well. So there you go! I vividly and happily remember those precious moments at the hospital.” Arielle is a millennium baby who was born in 2000, the year of the golden dragon. “At that time, everyone wanted to have a millennium baby. They say that those born that year are lucky, hardworking, and will be affluent or prominent,” he reveals. “My initial reaction when she was born was cuteness overload! She was so adorable.” Lastly, Conrado (or C2, as they call him) is the “victory” who was born during an election year. “Right after his birth in February, I won in the May elections. That was my first vice gubernatorial election and it was one of my tightest, most controversial elections. I was 29 [years old] at that time,” he reminisces. “I consider C2 as a good luck charm.” But what the seasoned politician does know is that he takes fatherhood “very personally.” As a single parent, Marc takes great pride in taking care of the children. “So the biggest challenge is trying to do everything. Not only do I try to be the best father to my children, but I also exert the effort to fulfill other roles—as mother, brother, friend, ‘frenemy,’ adviser, leader, inspiration. Another is balancing my responsibilities to the province,” he shares. “I want to give quality time to everyone. Sometimes, even if I’m exhausted from work, pipigain ko pa (I exert whatever leftover energy I have) to enjoy quality time with my family.” Ronin points out that while they do share their time with the province of Batangas, he and his siblings completely understand. “My dad is most fulfilled when he is with the communities of Batangas. We know that’s where he is happy. On our end, I guess, it sometimes comes at the cost of our time with him. Despite everything, he would always find the time and make sure to be present in the most important events of our lives.” NUMBER ONE SUPPORTER Apart from time with his children, Leviste also stresses the importance of setting aside time for yourself. Self-love, he points out, is also important. “I’m still a young parent at 43 [years old]. I also want to enjoy my life and I want to enjoy my lifestyle with them,” he points out. The family enjoys travelling together and Leviste often encourages his kids to try out local cuisine. Another passion of his is golfing, which he is glad to share with his eldest son. He and his youngest son, C2, bond over basketball. While his only daughter is always game for experiences. “I think both of us are very adventurous,” she reveals. “We got tattoos together and we like riding roller coasters, skydiving, bungee jumping, just exploring new things.” “We have a saying in Batangas, ‘Ibigay ang hilig nang walang ligalig (Give them what they want without fuss).’ Allow them to do what they want and express themselves,” he says, which he applies to Parenting, they say, is not for the faint of heart. It is, at its core, a lifetime commitment reaffirmed by love and duty. For Batangas Vice Governor Marc Leviste, they were excited to know that their firstborn would be a boy. “Before Ronin, my brother already had two daughters. On our side of the family, [my son] was the first male. Everyone, especially my father, wanted a grandson. My entire family was excited for the birth of Ronin,” he shares. Leviste remembers waiting in the delivery room with his mother, brimming with excitement. When the baby arrived, she immediately told him to check their baby’s hands and feet. “Akala ko nagbibiro, so binilang ko (I thought she was just kidding, so I counted). Ronin was born with 11 fingers and 12 toes. I thought I was hallucinating!” Our Father BY HELEN HERNANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO This Father’s Day, we ask Batangas Vice-Governor Marc Leviste how he manages to be a father of 3 children, and of 3-million constituents. 32 LEAGUE alive, spend time together),” he stresses. If there’s one thing he’d like to debunk about fatherhood and fathers is that men can be just as loving and nurturing as mothers. “Fathers can be emotional and sentimental, too. Traditionally, dads are known to be ‘providers.’ It is not expected that (we) be fully-present and support the emotional life of our children. However, I am very expressive towards my kids. Cheesy or corny as it may seem, I find joy in showing my affection for them.” But like every parent, one thought scares the father of three—and that’s becoming an empty-nester and being alone. “As a single parent, I still cannot imagine being alone and away from my children when they start having a family of their own since they lived with me all their lives. Good thing my kids are still young, so I think I’ll just cross the bridge when I get there,” he chuckles. He ends the interview with wise advice to his children: “Trust, Honor, and Loyalty are key; you can’t go wrong with these. It’s what my dad taught me, it’s what I live by, and it should help my children in the future,” he ends. “I think it’s a good idea to also show compassion to your constituents. That way, mararamdaman nila na galing sa puso ang iyong ginagawa. his parenting approach. “It’s not my style to force anything [onto] them. I encourage them to try something at least once. But whatever it is that they want, I support them 101%. And if I can, I will even join them.” A prime example is when he supported his daughter’s dream to study abroad. Arielle is currently studying at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. The vice governor admits the decision had to be thought through since it posed certain challenges as they all reside in the Philippines. But he understood why she felt she needed to study abroad. It was probably her way to make a name for herself outside the family and be independent. “Usually, with only girls, parents are very protective. You don’t want them to get hurt. But I allowed her to explore and be independent, and try it out there in the world,” he shares. Describing his parenting style, Leviste shares, “I walk it like I talk it. I don’t really dictate how my kids should live. I simply do what I have to do, and let them watch me do it. As a father, I want to give my children a good chance at everything that they aspire for.” Fortunately for Leviste, his children always keep his advice in mind. C2 shares that one particular lesson his father taught him is to always have confidence in himself. “[My dad said that] I need to manifest self-confidence so that when I grow up, I won’t struggle with making choices in my life,” he reveals. To the three children, their dad is the textbook definition of support and compassion. These two qualities seem to color the politician’s way of living, not only as a father to his three children but also as the father of the province of Batangas. “I learned that becoming a father and Vice Governor means you have to be a role model for your children and your constituents, and be someone they can look up to. So I guess the Spiderman principle is true: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’,”Leviste says. “Naturally, I have a deep emotional attachment to my family. But I think it’s a good idea to also show compassion to your constituents. That way, mararamdaman nila na galing sa puso ang iyong ginagawa (they really feel that what you are doing is genuinely from the heart).” Sincerity, he points out, is something everyone wants to see in their leaders. “I think ang isang panghuhugutan [ng compassion] ay ‘yung kung anong ginagawa mo, anong pangarap mo sa iyong sariling pamilya, sa sarili mong anak ay mararamdaman mo rin para sa extended family mo (one source of compassion would be to think that what you do or what you dream for your family and children is also what you want for your extended family). In my case, my constituents.” CARPE DIEM With his energetic personality and wide smile, it is no wonder that his mantra is the famous quote—“Seize the day!” For Leviste, the bottom line is learning to think long-term while also making the most out of every day. The pandemic especially solidified this approach to life. “Today, you can be healthy. Tomorrow, only God knows what will happen to you and your family. Hangga’t malusog ka at buhay ka, gawin niyo na (As long as you are healthy and LEAGUE 33 alive, spend time together),” he stresses. If there’s one thing he’d like to debunk about fatherhood and fathers is that men can be just as loving and nurturing as mothers. “Fathers can be emotional and sentimental, too. Traditionally, dads are known to be ‘providers.’ It is not expected that (we) be fully-present and support the emotional life of our children. However, I am very expressive towards my kids. Cheesy or corny as it may seem, I find joy in showing my affection for them.” But like every parent, one thought scares the father of three—and that’s becoming an empty-nester and being alone. “As a single parent, I still cannot imagine being alone and away from my children when they start having a family of their own since they lived with me all their lives. Good thing my kids are still young, so I think I’ll just cross the bridge when I get there,” he chuckles. He ends the interview with wise advice to his children: “Trust, Honor, and Loyalty are key; you can’t go wrong with these. It’s what my dad taught me, it’s what I live by, and it should help my children in the

BACK Through Trials & Triumph FROM BATANGAS’ TAAL ERUPTION LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR’S ONGOING PANDEMIC, BATANGAS STANDS STRONG THANKS TO VICE GOVERNOR MARK LEVISTE’S PASSIONATE LEADERSHIP. BY MARANE A. PLAZA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSO BORN TO BE A LEADER His grandfather, the late governor Feliciano “Mamay Sanoy” Leviste, was known as the “Father of the Masses” and the “Champion in Community Development,” because of his work and community development. These became best practice, not only in Batangas, but in the whole country. “Tinularan ito ng mga lalawigan at ng iba’t-ibang LGU sa buong Pilipinas (These practices were emulated by different provinces and LGUs all over the Philippines). He passed away in 1976 before I was even born. Kaya ang sabi ng mga nakatatanda, ang kamatayan ni Sanoy ay ang pagkabuhay ni Marc Leviste (The elders say that the death of Sanoy gave life to) Marc Leviste,” he said. Even with his years of public service experience, Marc acknowledges that he still has a lot to accomplish and more so to learn. “I am humble enough to admit that malayo pa ako sa naabot ni Mamay Sanoy. Ika nga e, marami pa akong kakainin para mapantayan man lang, kung hindi malampasan ang kanyang gawain. Subalit, iyon ang aking inspirasyon para gumawa ng kabutihan sa ating mga kababayan at sa ating lalawigan (I’m still far from reaching what Mamay Sanoy did. As they say, I still have a lot to prove to even match, if not exceed, what he did. However, this is my inspiration to do more good for the people and province of Batangas). At the very least, I don’t want to ruin the legacy of my ancestors, mainly my grandfather, and I want to preserve the good name of my family.” As a teen, Leviste was briefly based in Makati, Metro Manila to study where he also first officially pursued his passion and career in politics. He became one of the council members of Sangguniang Kabataan in Barangay Bel-Air in Makati. “That time, it was just logical for me to join Sangguniang Kabataan in Makati because I was based there, and it was practical and accessible for me to monitor the day-to-day activities. Imagine, if I took the opportunity to be in Sangguniang Kabataan of Lipa, my barangay in Batangas, I would be an absentee leader and that would be unfair. And I did not like that idea,” he said. The vice governor shared his experience serving the two different localities. Makati and Batangas, Lipa in particular, had different cultures and political atmospheres, he says. In Makati, his boss then was former SK president and former Makati Mayor Junjun Binay. In Lipa, his boss was Vilma Santos, who was serving her third term as mayor of Batangas City, and Sen. Ralph Recto. “So from the little league to the big league!” he shared. “Other than my father and my mom, I have a few whom i consider mentors: Sen. Ralph Recto was my first political guardian. For a good 12 years, I learned from the ‘Ralph Recto School of Government.’ I equally admire Congresswoman Vilma Santos, because of her heart to serve and skills in communication. Currently, I am taking up my ‘master’s LEAGUE 27 degree’ in the ‘Mandanas Institute of Politics.’ The leadership of Governor Dodo Mandanas inspires me a lot. Long story short, my immediate superiors serve as my mentors, and I allow their greatness to mold me into a better leader. That’s the kind of follower and team player I am.” The young Leviste went back to his hometown in Lipa, Batangas in 2003. “The People, the Batangueño Spirit; I love our people. They are the heart and soul of the province. Batangueños are recognized for their bravery (katapangan), wisdom (katalinuhan), beauty (kagandahan), industry (kasipagan), and bobility (kagitingan). And, of course, the fun part: the breathtaking sites and attractions, its rich culture and heritage, and the accessibility [of Batangas] from Metro Manila and the rest of South Luzon. Everything about my hometown is to love—or to die for!” Of course, the young Leviste, coming from a proud lineage, is aware of the pressure; he had big shoes to fill. “There were huge expectations, kasi apo ni Sanoy, pamangkin ni José Antonio ‘Tony’ C. Leviste, at marami pang Leviste na naglingkod sa Batangas and ito nga ako, bata pa. Alam mo may kasabihan kami sa Batangas, ‘Maganda pa nga’t bata para maraming magawa’ (because I was Sanoy’s grandson, Jose Antonio ‘Tony’ Leviste’s nephew, and many more Leviste’s that have served Batangas and here I am, so young. We have a saying in Batangas, ‘It’s good to be young because you can still do plenty of things),” Leviste quipped. The then 25-year-old Leviste started campaigning in 2003. Then, in 2004, he focused his efforts on cultural tourism. In time, his work in building a more dynamic tourism culture in the region transformed Batangas into an even more popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, cultural and religious sites, and foodie hotspots. TAAL ERUPTION 2020 At a time when the tourism industry in Batangas seemed robust, they found themselves in a standstill when the region was overwhelmed by the Taal Eruption in 2020. Leviste was faced with heartbreaking scenes, with his people losing their properties and livelihood since their work and businesses were greatly affected by the calamity. “Prior to the eruption and COVID-19, I considered Taal Lake and Volcano as the heart of Batangas. Geographically, it’s right in the middle of our province,” Leviste said. “Since time immemorial, Taal Volcano provided for the people of Batangas and the Philippines. Sabi ng Mamay at Nanay namin, our ancestors, kaya malusog, mataba, at maganda ang lupain lalo higit pang agrikultura sa aming probinsya ay dahil sa mga pagputok ng bulkan (Our grandmother and mother, our ancestors, used to say that the reason why our land is fertile, rich, and good for agriculture is because of the volcano’s eruptions). It gave us the land and soil, which is conducive for agriculture. So talagang, marami ang nakinabang kaya’t itinuturing na buhay ang Taal Volcano, kaya nga puso ng Batangas (Really, plenty of people benefit from it. That’s why many consider the Taal Volcano their life, the heart of Batangas).” For both foreign and local tourists alike, Taal and its surrounding vicinity have become well-loved destination. You can explore the lake, and when you get to the volcano island, you can go trekking or ride a horse going to the summit of the volcano. If you want a different type of experience, you can go directly to Crater Lake through San Nicolas. Leviste recalls the early hours just after the eruption. “I was in the main office and headquarters of DOST PHIVOLCS in Quezon City, closely monitoring the post-eruption activities of Taal Volcano. From there, I was able to coordinate with other government agencies and officials that were leading the recovery and relief operations. Naghati kami ng trabaho ni Gov. Dodo Mandanas para mas marami kaming matapos, magawa, at ma-cover, at matulungan na mga kababayan (Gov. Dodo Mandanas and I split duties so that we could cover, do, and accomplish more and help our constituents),” he said. Leviste explained that although The Taal tragedy last year caused them so much anguish, in a way, it also prepared them for the pandemic, which would prove to be a more challenging crisis.“Anxiety and uncertainty were very much in the air, but it did not take long to overcome these because of the extraordinary and unprecedented show of support and compassion from our very own kababayans in Batangas and fellow Filipinos worldwide. Nakita at ramdam na ramdam ang pagmamalasakit at bayanihan spirit ng bawat isa (We saw and felt the compassion and bayanihan spirit from each person). This overwhelming response further inspired us [in government] to develop ways and means to reinstate and rejuvenate the economy as quickly as possible, and to do everything we can, in our capacity, to help each other stay healthy and safe.” “I believe that these experiences with the eruption of the Taal Volcano, and now the pandemic, prepared us to be more ‘barako’ in a good way; naging mas magiting at mas matatag ang mga Batangueño (Batangueños became braver and stronger). We learned from the past, and we remember that this, too, shall pass.” The good news is that the region is already finding different ways and means to bounce back and restart the tourism activities in and around Taal Lake. “Today we are working towards the upgrading of our healthcare system and economic recovery for businesses. These are priorities at this time. We need to develop health-related programs that are more attuned to the demands of the ‘new normal,’ and, at the same time, sustainable in the long-run. On the other hand, we need to help businesses and industries rebound faster in order to generate more jobs for our citizens.” A two-time COVID-19 survivor, Leviste understands the needs of the public. “During my ordeal, I have understood more the meaning and value of ‘quality of life’—what really makes life worth living. I was deeply humbled by the experience of having gone full circle, from being a frontliner to a two-time survivor (experienced both asymptomatic and symptomatic). And this is something that I do not wish for anyone to go through, so I am committed to do the work to help protect others by urging everyone to trust the process!” He assures his people that all of the government’s resources and services are in place and made available to especially provide “convenience, comfort, and cure to everyone. I should know; I’ve been there and done that.” The citizens can be assured of full protection. The Provincial Government of Batangas is fully committed to provide free vaccine to all. In addition to the vaccine roll out, “In the future, I will look into the expanding the development, and maximizing the utilization of the International Port of Batangas and Taal Lake. And last but not least, I will consider the idea of reapportioning or redistricting the current First and Third Congressional Districts of Batangas, which will help increase the provision of resources from the national government.” With Batangas also fulfilling an important role in the agriculture industry, the local government is seeking the balance to protect tradition and culture with industrialization. “Sustainability is the key. We must support our farmers with infrastructure and equipment, regulate importation, and encourage the youth to get into agriculture like farming, fishing or otherwise. Our plans must be ‘futureproof’ for the generations to come,” he adds. PASSION AND DUTY If there’s one thing that has kept Marc Leviste going, it is his passion to lead and serve. “For me, passion is the key to success; do everything with passion, or not at all! Love what you do and do what you love, then commit to it! Also, be humble. Humility plays a big role, and is actually the mother of all virtues. It is in being humble that our love and service becomes real, sincere and passionate.” It is this very passion that has him committed and driven to help his fellow Batangueños. It’s possible for leaders to stumble, he says, but what is important is that they learn from their mistakes and try to become better. “As they say, you can only prepare so much but you cannot prepare for everything,” he said. But every crisis becomes a learning experience, and the more lessons you embrace, the greater the wisdom you gain. And learning is something that Leviste bravely embraces. “I have learned that being a father and Vice Governor means that I have to be a worthy role model; be someone that my children and my constituents can look up to. I guess the Spiderman principle is true: ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ Secondly, that the public eye doesn’t blink; and this is more true with the emergence of social media, so I constantly adopt an unrelenting focus on the quality of service that I provide. Lastly, that the trust and loyalty of the people may be hard earned, but easily lost—so I stay committed to being a true and Godfearing public servant. “In this pandemic, it became evident that the most energetic, active, and effective are the young leaders. You see the likes of Mayor Isko Moreno, Mayor Vico Sotto, and Mayor Francis Zamora not just in our country but also in other parts of the world. It’s really the younger generation’s time; it’s really our time to shine,” he says. “Though I don’t consider myself very young anymore, I am still very much influenced by the energy and mindset of the youth.” Tested by time and crises, Leviste has proven that he is fitting to be called a “true son” of the fathers of Batangas. From the rise and fall of tourism in Batangas, to its reawakening, Leviste remains steadfast in serving his people— and he hopes to continue to serve them in a second term. “God-willing, I will run for reelection [as vice governor].” The vice governor has one message for his people in Batangas: “Sa aking mga kababayan, keep the faith at manatiling magiting (To my fellow Batangueños, keep the faith and remain courageous)

VICE GOVERNOR JOSE "ANTONIO" MARK LEVISTE II TABLE OF CONTENTS BUY MAGAZINE NOW! FEATURES BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS BENJAMIN DIOKNO BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA READ MORE FEATURES CHED CHAIRMAN PROSPERO DE VERA Life with No Limits READ MORE FEATURES ALCU VICE PRESIDENT DR. ELLEN PRESNEDI BY MARIEL ABANES READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW BATANGAS VICE GOVERNOR MARC LEVISTE BY MARANE PLAZA READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW BAGUIO CITY MAYOR BENJAMIN MAGALONG BY ANGELICA MONTORO READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL BY HELEN HERNANE READ MORE REGULARS BARANGAY CONNECTION BY ANGELICA MONTORO READ MORE REGULARS PROMOTING SHARED PROSPERITY BY GRACE BAUTISTA READ MORE REGULARS HATE IS A VIRUS BY HELEN HERNANE READ MORE REGULARS SPEAK YOUR MIND READ MORE REGULARS SPOTLIGHT BY ANGELICA MONTORO READ MORE REGULARS PHILIPPINE DIPLOMACY’S 123 YEARS BY ROMEL REGALADO BAGARES READ MORE REGULARS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BY HELEN HERNANE READ MORE