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BACK The Laws On Nature Numerous laws have been enacted, but what matters more is implementation and enforcement. BY GRACE BAUTISTA Decades after the release of numerous environmental documentaries, the predictions are coming true—untimely typhoons, catastrophic wildfires, melting glaciers, and a wildlife extinction list that is growing every year. Climate change has become a pressing issue, and President Rodrigo Duterte agrees wholeheartedly. The President, for the first time, spoke before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, appealing to the parties of the Paris Agreement to comply with the terms. “Climate change has worsened the ravages of the pandemic. People in developing countries, like the Philippines, suffer the most. We cannot afford to suffer more,” President Duterte said. “The Philippines joined the Paris Agreement to fight climate change. We call on all parties, especially those who have not made good their commitment to fight climate change, to honor the same.” President Duterte signed the Paris Agreement in 2017, in effect making the Philippines one of 125 participating parties. “We call on all parties to strengthen communities and peoples for preparedness and resilience. We are talking about mankind and Earth, our one and only home,” the President added. Early September, the Duterte Administration proposed a budget of P181.9 billion for projects and departments to address climate change. Around P26.5 billion will go to the Environment Department (Forest Protection Program, National Greening Program, and the Protected Areas Development and Management Program), P2.1 billion is allocated for the Energy Department (Total Electrification Project, and exploration and development of renewable energy sources and technologies), and P128 million is allocated to the National Water Resources Board for water security programs. While there is an allocation in the national budget to address environmental concerns, many are concerned with the strength of laws and legislation to execute key initiatives. With regard to available legislation that protects the environment, “The Philippine government has enacted approximately 118 environment related laws. It would seem that there is sufficient, if not superfluous, environmental law in both substance and form in the Philippines,” says environmental lawyer Antonio A. Oposa Jr. in his article, “Legal Marketing of Environmental Law,” in the Duke Journal of Comparative and International Law. “To repeat, the Philippine environmental law is thorough and complete. The level of implementation, however, suffers in the sickbed of non-compliance.” Here are some of the policies that protect our country’s biodiversity and address global climate: Philippine Environmental Policy (Presidential Decree 1151) Everyone has the right to a safe, clean, and healthy environment. This much is recognized by the Philippine Environmental Policy. In the decree, President Ferdinand Marcos noted the population growth, increasing urbanization, industrial expansion, and rapid natural resources utilization, which “resulted in a piecemeal-approach concept of environmental protection.” This “tunnel-vision concept,” he lamented, was not conducive to attaining an ideal environment where Filipino people can thrive alongside nature. To pursue this cause, government agencies, GOCCs, and private corporations, among others are required to submit an Environmental Impact Statement to assess how every action /project will affect the environment. Philippine Environment Code (Presidential Decree 1152) On June 6, 1977, the Philippine Environment Code was signed, following the Philippine Environmental Policy. As the state of the environment had become a “matter of vital concern to the government,” the Code issued standards, regulation and enforcement, and monitoring and protection measures concerning the quality of air, water, and land. The Code also placed importance on Natural Resource Management and Conservation, which enumerated policies on the following: fisheries and aquatic resources, wildlife, forestry and soil, flood control and natural calamities, energy development, surface and ground waters, and mineral resources. Other sections of the Code focused on waste management and miscellaneous provisions. Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 (Republic Act 6969) The policy regulates, restricts, and prohibits the importation, manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use, and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk or injury to health or environment. It also covers the entry (even in transit), keeping, storage, and disposal of hazardous and nuclear wastes in the Philippines. As the implementing agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is tasked with keeping an updated inventory of chemicals presently manufactured or used in the country, testing chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk to health or environment, and evaluating chemical characteristics to determine their toxicity and effects to health and environment, among others. Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act 8749) This law aims to achieve and maintain clean air in the entire country by ensuring to meet the National Air Quality guideline values for criteria pollutants, while minimizing possible economic impact. Under the Act, the state, through the DENR, shall formulate a holistic national program of air pollution management, encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries, focus on pollution prevention (rather than control), provide a comprehensive management program for air pollution, promote public information and education, and formulate and enforce a system of accountability for violators. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003) RA 9003 Aims to adopt a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program by ensuring the proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of solid waste. The Act also promotes the use of ecowaste product Local Government Units (LGUs) are primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Act within their respective jurisdictions. Segregation and collection of solid waste is conducted at the barangay-level for biodegradable, compostable, and reusable wastes. However, the municipality or city is responsible for the collection of non-recyclable materials and special wastes. Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act 9275) RA 9275 Aims to protect the Philippines’ water bodies (fresh, brackish, and marine waters) from pollution coming from land-based sources (industries, commercial establishments, agriculture, and community/household activities). Among its policies are to formulate a holistic national program for water quality management, formulate an integrated water quality management framework, promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environmentally-friendly and energyefficient, and to promote public information and education. Climate Change Act of 2009 (Republic Act 9729) The Act established the Climate Change Commission (CCC) under the Office of the President as the principal climate policymaking authority. It is tasked to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the programs and action plans of the government related to climate change. In 2012, the Act was amended by Republic Act 10174. This established the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), which provides long-term climate financing for climate adaptation initiatives by LGUs and people’s organizations. KYOTO PROTOCOL AND DOHA AMENDMENT As one of the signatory parties to the Kyoto Protocol, the Philippines is committed to limiting and reducing our country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with the agreed individual objectives. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change asks the countries involved to adopt the agreed policies and mitigation measures and report periodically. Currently there are 192 parties in the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted on Dec. 11, 1997 and entered into force on Feb. 16, 2005. The first commitment period (2008- 2012) established a target emission reduction of 5%; while the second commitment period (2013-2020) established in Doha, Qatar, on Dec. 8, 2012, set a target of at least 18%. PARIS AGREEMENT On April 22, 2016 (Earth Day), at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Paris Agreement was opened for signatures and reached a total of 125 parties by 2017. The agreement recognized the need for an effective and progressive response to climate change, while also recognizing the special circumstances of developing country parties since these countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The Agreement aims to maintain a global average temperature increase to well below 2° above pre-industrial levels, and limit temperature increase to 1.5° above pre-industrial levels. It also seeks to adapt to climate change impacts, foster climate resilience, and reduce GHG emissions without threatening food production. All parties are required to “put forward their best efforts through Nationally-Determined Contributions (NDCs) and strengthen these efforts in the years ahead.” This includes a regular report on the country’s emissions and implementation efforts and a global stocktake every five years to assess the collective progress. PHILIPPINE GREEN JOBS ACT OF 2016 (REPUBLIC ACT 10771) To foster low-carbon, resilient, sustainable growth and decent job creation, businesses that generate “green jobs” are provided incentives through this law. Green jobs are defined as those which help “protect ecosystems and biodiversity; reduce energy, materials, and water consumption through high-efficiency strategies; decarbonize the economy; and minimize or eliminate the generation of all forms of waste and pollution.” Through this act, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is mandated to formulate a National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan, which jumpstarts the transition of the country into a green economy.

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

Our Team. GENER DUNGO Chairman / COO Atty. JAVIER FLORES President / CEO Marketing KEN IMABAYASHI Assistant Manager DANA CADA Marketing Executive TRISHA JADE CABRAL Marketing Executive HAN ZALDY QUIMSON Marketing Executive Editorial GODFREY DANCEL Editor-in-Chief RAGIE MAE ARELLANO Managing Editor NEPHELINE DACUNO Associate Editor TREISHA ROVERO Copy Editor PATRICIA NICOLE SALIMBANGON Editorial Assistant Digital RALLION ABELEDO Digital Marketing Supervisor Zoe Resullar Graphic Designer Graphics PETER TAN Graphic Designer Isabelle Rivera Graphic Artist Associate Production ROMEO PERALTA JR Director of Photography AL NIKKO HAGUIMIT Web Developer Support Group MELANIE PERANG Finance Manager GRACE ANNE LACSON Human Resources Manager Atty. LOREN MARTINEZ Legal Department Manager RACHELL RAFAEL Logistics Manager

Innovation PBBM UNVEILS MAYNILAD’S POBLACION WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR WATER SECURITY Learn about a revolutionary water treatment plan that will revolutionize sustainable water distribution in the country. A BRIGHT, ELECTRIC FUTURE Renewable and solar energy are increasingly becoming more accessible to the public, as shown in the Future Energy Show & Solar Show. SUNG THOUGHT LEADER: ENG. ROBERT RITO JR. Architect Felino Palafox Jr. BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE BY ENGR. ROBERTO RITO JR. How do you solve a problem like Metro Manila traffic? “In areas prone to flooding, let houses be built to float or built on stilts, elevate the electrical system, and interconnect the buildings with elevated walkways and elevated monorails.” Coming Clean BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is set to fully implement the master plan on the improvement of sewerage in Metro Manila, and appeals to everyone to also do their share in the quest tosave the Manila Bay

BACK Yes to free Higher Education CHED Chairman Popoy de Vera talks about the breakthroughs of the commission to achieve free education for the Filipino youth. BY MARIEL ABANES PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO A lot of Filipino students, especially those who are part of the poorest of families, rely on scholarships and financial assistance to be able to attend their graduation rites and accept their diploma. Education comes with a price. And with the growing demands of our society, daily survival alone is a big challenge. What more if you have one or a handful of children to send to school? That’s why for years, free education has been an ongoing call to the government. Previously, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) had rolled out several projects to address the situation. However, it only implemented the free education decree to state universities around the Philippines. While the number of beneficiaries from the said educational relief is steady, students enrolled in local universities and colleges (LUCs) remain dependent solely on their local government unit (LGU) or, worse, their own devices. Then came the Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act in 2017. Providing free tuition and miscellaneous fees to students of state universities and colleges (SUCs), LUCs, and private institutions, more youth are granted access to quality education without the financial strain. YES TO CHANGE The implementation of the law is a big win especially for LUCs. Without the national government assistance in the past, it’s impossible for students not to shell out fees to be paid. This results in students dropping out due to lack of monetary capabilities. When CHED Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” de Vera entered the scene, he was determined to include everyone—even LUCs—to the list of grantees of the commission. Seeing that their students need help the most, it’s only a logical decision to pursue the cause. “I stood up in public and said ‘yes’ to free higher education. That’s a political promise of the President during the campaign. So I am obligated to fight it out,” he recalls. And the rest, as Chairman Popoy says, is history. After the law was passed, de Vera readily worked on things that needed fixing. Having served as vice president of the University of the Philippines (UP) and having sat on the boards of SUCs before, de Vera’s transition to the work as commissioner wasn’t much of a challenge. He already had a vision. Now, all he needs is to take action. In his first year in the position, the chairman created institutional reforms and resolved recurring policy concerns, which covered the exclusion of LUCs in CHED programs. He then gathered and arranged a meeting with the presidents of these campuses. “For the first time, the local universities and colleges became a part of the higher education family,” Chairman de Vera shares. “We established good relations with them, where before, the relations were really adversarial.” Another thing he promised was building a level-playing field among all institutions, whether state, local, or private. “We now require a certificate of program compliance for all degree programs. They must meet minimum requirements for the faculty who teach the course, the curriculum that is used, the facilities, and more,” he further explains. So no matter where a student chooses to pursue his studies, there’s an assurance of quality. INCREASING GRANTEES “In terms of free higher education, the good news is that the budget has been increasing every year,” the commissioner happily reports. “We are able to get the commitment of the legislature and, of course, the President to not only maintain levels of funding, but increase the allotment as well.” In the beginning of 2017, when the house and the senate realigned the budget to CHED, the number of grantees for just free tuition totaled 800,000, spread across 112 state universities. When the Republic Act 10931 was finally passed, the numbers increased to 1,100,000. “From an initial free tuition, we now put free miscellaneous fees, too. Effectively, that doubled the amount of funds that was needed,” Chairman de Vera explains. In that year alone, the budget allocated for the higher education sector skyrocketed to P16 billion. Apart from this, the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is also being carried out. This extension project of the Free Tuition Law is an additional subsidy given in priority to poor students and students residing in cities and municipalities where there is no public university. It grants receivers P40,000 to P60,000. With an initial 200,000 beneficiaries in its first year, it’s now close to 500,000 students. Presently, recipients of free tuition have reached around 1,635,000. Add to that the number of grantees from TES, as well as the long-running CHED program Tulong Dunong. The current beneficiaries now estimates at around two million students. “Palaki siya ng palaki, ganun ‘yung progression niya. And I am happy na when we go to congress, we are able to get what we want because maganda naman ang implementation ng program. The sheer number has never been tried in any developing country in the world. Walang sumubok niyan, tayo lang,” he proudly states. WELCOMING LUCS The LUCs gained a big win in the passing of the free tuition law. Now that they’re part of the national government assistance, their students can now rest easy with the support being offered. But, of course, nothing comes without a price. As a condition and a way to ensure quality education, CHED mandated that these institutions pass certain institutional standards. In the initial phases of implementation, CHED required schools to either have one or the other of two things: to have institutional recognition or to subject the campus’ degree programs to the certificate of program compliance. While most institutions are able to comply with one; in two years, they have to acquire both qualifications. In due time, CHED, together with the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU), worked with the schools to achieve the promise. And now, out of 130 LUCs nationwide, 104 are already institutionally recognized. Apart from monetary assistance, CHED also allocated a budget to help schools become smart campuses. With the trend swaying towards greater digital agility, it’s important for academes to “I said ‘yes’ to free higher education. That’s a political promise of the President, so I am obligated to fight it out. ” keep up with the times. Thus, the existence of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. With a total budget of P3 billion to equip universities and colleges with technological advances, CHED is allocating gadgets and equipment such as laptops for faculty members. Connectivity is also on the priority list, as well as fiber optics, putting a system to interconnect the offices, adopting a learning management system, or developing source materials. However, the Act has only been applied to SUCs at the moment. But as ALCU president Dr. Ellen Presnedi says, they’re working hard with their members to qualify for the next Bayanihan program of CHED. With all these plans in place and leaders working hand-in-hand for education, the future is looking bright for the next generation of Filipinos.

Innovation NCAA SEASON 99 - SAN BEDA RED LIONS: NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS THE SAN BEDA RED LIONS ROARED TO VICTORY IN THE NCAA SEASON 99 MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, DRIBBLING OBSTACLES AND DUNKING THEIR WAY PAST MAPUA'S CARDINALS. MAN WITH MANNY TALENTS Pacquiao holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Boxing World Titles in Different Weight Divisions.” He is the only octuple world champion who has won the following titles: International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight; International Boxing Organization (IBO) Light Welterweight; The Ring Featherweight and Light Welterweight; and World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight, Lightweight, Super Featherweight, and Super Welterweight. FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 2023 Gilas goes back to the proverbial drawing board as tournament winners bask in triumph. Alyssa Valdez Youth volleyball Camp: Helping Young Aspiring Athletes Star volleyball player Alyssa Valdez launches a training camp to inspire young SPIKERS. AMAZING FILIPINAS: THE NEW TOAST OF THE PHILIPPINE SPORTS WORLD Amazing.” This word aptly describes the 20-month period from January 2022 to August 2023, as the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) completed its transformation from a struggling team to new sports heroines.