More on what's inside the issue This is your Services Page. It's a great opportunity to provide information about the services you provide. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want to share with site visitors. Back TALKING POINTS RACE TO HERD IMMUNITY By Helen Hernane Herd immunity is achieved once a percentage of the population becomes immune to a disease, restricting the spread of the disease from person to person. The result is protection for the entire population, not just for those who are immune. How many of the world’s population of 7.9 billion people must be immune to achieve this goal? The threshold varies for every disease. Experts placed the threshold for COVID-19 at 60 to 70% or more than 5.5 billion. According to Johns Hopkins University as of writing, more than 3 billion people all over the world are vaccinated. A little over 30% of the global population is vaccinated, but only half are fully vaccinated. The data, unfortunately, is far from simple. Vaccines are unevenly distributed and low-income countries are suffering drastically. “Vaccine inequity is the world’s biggest obstacle to ending this pandemic and recovering from COVID-19,” World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Economically, epidemiologically and morally, it is in all countries’ best interest to use the latest available data to make life-saving vaccines available to all.” subscribe for more THOUGHT LEADER DE-ESCALATING ARMED CONFLICT IN MINDANAO By Herman Joseph S. Kraft It is part of Philippine political lore that PNoy, as President Aquino was more popularly known, ascended to the presidency on the strength of a wave of sympathy following the death of his mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, just prior to the 2010 Philippine national elections. His campaign messaging of “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” caught the imagination of the electorate. PNoy’s administration, however, was more than just his name and a catchy turn of phrase. He should be remembered for his attempt to strengthen the institutional elements of Philippine democracy. In an earlier piece I had written for this magazine (“Strong Institutions, Fragile Democracies,” Vol. 4 No. 2, February- March 2021), I mentioned the importance of institutions in the sustainability of democratic governance. That article also noted how much the nature of Philippine politics had undermined its democratic institutions, and in the process, made Philippine democracy very fragile indeed. In a document that was a first for the Philippines, the Aquino administration published the National Security Policy 2011–2016: Securing the Gains of Democracy. In this document, Philippine national security was very much linked to the fragility of its democracy. The need to strengthen institutions was effectively an underlying but nonetheless key element in safeguarding the country’s security. subscribe for more LEGAL OPINON COVID-19 VACCINATION IN THE PHILIPPINES IS IT A CHOICE OR AN OBLIGATION? By Atty. Herbert Hernane & Atty. Deo Hermo The Philippine government’s implementation of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program brings a plethora of legal considerations. Inevitably, not all Filipino citizens are onboard with the vaccination program due to fear of possible side effects, religious or personal beliefs, or other considerations. This becomes relevant as government restrictions are loosened, businesses begin to reopen, and the country begins acclimatizing toward the “new normal,” which largely depends on the success of the government’s vaccine program and the attainment of herd immunity among Filipino citizens. With these in mind, we shall discuss the current vaccination policy in the Philippines in relation to employment requirements. We shall also clarify if the failure or refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 could be a ground for arrest or criminal prosecution and if parents can refuse the vaccination of their minor children. subscribe for more ROUND UP PH ADMINISTERS 31M DOSES OF COVID-19 VACCINES Race to herd immunity Since the vaccination drive started on March 1, 2021, the total number of administered COVID-19 vaccines has reached nearly 31.5 million doses. Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announced the figure during the briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte in the last week of August. On average, around 430,000 jabs are administered per day. As of writing, over 13 million individuals have been fully vaccinated (with a second dose), while a little over 18 million have received their first dose. “[The 13 million individuals] represent 17.34% of our 70% targeted population and also, 12.13% of our total population,” Galvez said. subscribe for more

BACK AGRICULTURE SECRETARY WILLIAM DAR Helen Hernane Photography by Romeo Peralta Jr. Agriculture Secretary William Dar believes that the agricultural sector remains the strongest driving force of the Philippine economy, proving to be resilient and robust amid crisis. BUY MAGAZINE HERE! For the agriculture industry, a lot came into focus during the COVID-19 crisis. Months of lockdown revealed two pressing issues: food security and farmer-consumer relationship. While these were already present prior to the global health crisis, the pandemic magnified the problem As we experienced, the government had difficulty implementing the lockdown. While there was enough food supply, according to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar, several logistical problems arose when people started panicbuying basic goods. GROWTH OF THE GREEN SECTOR Logistically, the first weeks of lockdown were a nightmare. Trucks coming from outside of Metro Manila had to go through numerous checkpoints. While all sorts of travel passes were issued by local governments to facilitate an unhindered supply flow, clashing orders from different levels of government made the situation chaotic. Eventually, these problems were ironed out. In the succeeding months, public and private sector solutions emerged to address food supply without compromising health and safety measures. LGUs launched mobile palengkes, supermarkets introduced their online platforms, existing food/ grocery delivery apps widened their product catalogue, and brands partnered with delivery service providers. The pandemic affected all industries, and very few thrived. The agriculture sector grew by 1.6% in the second quarter of 2020, while many industries reported a drastic drop in productivity. “Despite all these lockdowns and checkpoints, the agriculture industry thrived. This shows that [agriculture] is a resilient sector,” says Dar. “The same positive growth of 1.2% of the agriculture sector during the third week of 2020.” The Agriculture Secretary requested a P66-billion agriculture stimulus package during the virtual meeting of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food. This stimulus plan aims to cover P31 billion for Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra sa COVID-19, or more popularly known as the “Plant, Plant, Plant” initiative. The program includes expansion of farm areas, rice resiliency projects, a palay procurement fund for National Food Authority (NFA), an expanded SURE Aid and recovery program, social amelioration for farmers, an integrated livestock and corn resiliency project, a revitalized gulayan project and urban agriculture, a coconut-based diversification project, and a fishery resiliency project. Another P20 billion is set to fund food logistics, food markets, and other interventions, while the remaining P15 billion will fund the cash-for-work program in the agriculture sector. “I’m trying to characterize our socio-economic recovery and resiliency. Presently, we are in the survival stage. While we are here, how do we reboot Philippine agriculture? That’s why we are proposing the P66 billion stimulus package, on top of the regular budget,” the Secretary explains. However, the bigger picture beyond the pandemic illustrates another pressing crisis— environmental sustainability and climate change. According to World Development Indicators by the World Bank, 70% of the world’s freshwater is used for agriculture. By 2050, a 50% increase in food production will be necessary to feed the projected nine billion global population. This will necessitate a 15% increase in water usage. For Secretary Dar, it is all a balancing act—managing increasing productivity sustainably while building resilience against the impacts of climate change. Dar stresses the importance of working within the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG2) adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. The SDG2 is the goal to “end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.” This recognizes “the inter-linkages among supporting sustainable agriculture, empowering small farmers, promoting gender equality, ending rural poverty, ensuring healthy lifestyles, tackling climate change, and other issues addressed within the set of 17 [SDGs] in the Post-2015 Development Agenda.” FUTURE OF FOOD Let’s say we succeed in addressing the water consumption problem while balancing the food production against the growing population—is our food still secure then? Dar brings up another concern, “Who will feed the country when the aging farmers of today are averaging 60 years old?” This is according to the 2017 survey conducted by the DA. Dar says the reason why the younger generation seems disinterested in farming is because they have yet to realize the full income-generating potential in agri-business. “That’s the enticement. Agribusiness is the way forward.” To encourage more young people to enter the industry, the Department has established incentive systems: mentoring programs, business incubation initiatives, interest-free loans, and more. In January 2020, the DA launched Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA), a loan program under the management of the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). KAYA is open for those aged 18 to 30 years old. Applicants can borrow up to P500,000, payable in five years, with zero interest, and no collateral required. Interested individuals should present a business plan. Mentors will coach participants in achieving their business goals. Another is the AgriNegosyo Program (ANYO), available for those with existing agri-businesses. Those who apply can borrow from P300,000 up to P15 million, also payable in five years, interest-free, with no collateral necessary. The project requirements will determine the loan amount. Both KAYA and ANYO were given a P1 billion fund each by the DA. The Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agriculture (MAYA) Program is another initiative that gives fresh graduates a chance to participate in On-the-Job Trainings (OJT) for the Department’s projects nationwide. A P100-million budget has been allotted for this project, since participants are given a competitive allowance during the six-month program. “Afterwards, they have two choices: join the Department as part of the cadre of human capital, or go into agribusiness and we will give them loan support,” Dar explains. If they start their own business, the DA will provide a financial loan of up to P500,000, payable in five years with zero interest. DA’s “Plant, Plant, Plant” program is promoting urban agriculture to develop a sustainable food supply especially during the pandemic. Aside from making loans available, the Department distributed free seeds to interested individuals and LGUs nationwide. As of June 2020, the DA served 721,169 individuals/households out of the 966,956 targeted households. They also partnered with 19 provinces, 243 municipalities and cities, and 13 communities, barangays, and schools. MOVING FORWARD For the former Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) Executive Director, the way forward is Research for Development (R4D), empowering LGUs for agriculture and agribusiness. “There are definitely no shortcuts to making the country’s agricultural sector modern and industrialized, and we should not waste time to achieve that as poverty remains entrenched in rural areas,” Dar wrote in the introduction of his 2019 book, The Way Forward: Level Up Philippine Agriculture. In the book, Dar cites the country’s GERD (Gross Expenditure for Research and Development) in 2013, which was only 0.14% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). However, he also notes that the agriculture sector is getting the bulk of Research and Development (R&D) funding. But more than funds, another setback when it comes to R&D is our country’s researcher/ scientist ratio per million people. UNESCO recommends that there should be 380 researchers or scientists per million population. The Philippines currently has 189 per million, which means that at least 19,000 more are needed to keep up with global standards. Dar recommends putting investments and funds in R&D, while also keeping in mind that “R&D and its extensions should have impact as the end game, with capacity development as the legacy. In short, research should lead to productivity gain (391,982 MT, P8.65 billion), fresh mango (13,562 MT, P990.942 million), centrifugal sugar (62,541 MT, P1.63 billion), and Virginia tobacco (7,468 MT, P1.37 billion). Dar enumerated the steps to make a unified ARD in the Philippines. It should be demand driven and addresses the need to increase crop production; it is value-adding and helps create more agri-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); builds stronger linkages between various R&D institutions (including state colleges and universities); will lead to a unified but decentralized system to transfer and commercialize R&D outputs (especially to smallholders); and generate more funding for ARD. Further, he also recommended institutionalizing R&D for major crops; looking at the long-term view in ARD; considering issues like climate change, population explosion, and degradation of water and land resources; and tapping into the potential of precision agriculture. There is much to be done, says Dar. But he insists that the investment is worth it, citing a and poverty reduction.” In line with this thought, Dar says R&D should be changed to “Research for Development (R4D),” stressing that research efforts should be impactful and relevant. He emphasized this during his time as the Director-General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) from 2000 to 2014. The R4D paradigm refocused the institute’s efforts towards a mission to “reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics.” Their motto, put in place in 2000, is “Science with a Human Face.” One hopeful result of fixing the country’s Agriculture Research and Development (ARD) system is changing the Philippines’ status from a net food importer, importing USD$13.5 billion agrifood products in 2018, to an export powerhouse. According to the PSA Agricultural Indicators System Report 2019, the biggest exports included the following produce: fresh banana (3.13 million MT, P72.78 billion), fresh pineapple (391,982 MT, P8.65 billion), fresh mango (13,562 MT, P990.942 million), centrifugal sugar (62,541 MT, P1.63 billion), and Virginia tobacco (7,468 MT, P1.37 billion). Dar enumerated the steps to make a unified ARD in the Philippines. It should be demanddriven and addresses the need to increase crop production; it is value-adding and helps create more agri-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); builds stronger linkages between various R&D institutions (including state colleges and universities); will lead to a unified but decentralized system to transfer and commercialize R&D outputs (especially to smallholders); and generate more funding for ARD. Further, he also recommended institutionalizing R&D for major crops; looking at the long-term view in ARD; considering issues like climate change, population explosion, and degradation of water and land resources; and tapping into the potential of precision agriculture. There is much to be done, says Dar. But he insists that the investment is worth it, citing a finding of the International Food Policy Research Institute that the social return for research can reach up to 48%. He believes this can result in a “substantial reduction in poverty.” For Dar, it is the ultimate paradox of Philippine agriculture, which drives him to push for people-centric innovations. “Most smallholder farmers and fishers still live in poverty and can not afford enough food for themselves and their family,” he points. As someone whose parents were both farmers who grew up in the farmlands, Dar knows first-hand how difficult it is to be a farmer in the Philippines. This became his motivation when his uncle sent him to college to study BS Agricultural Education (1969) and MS Agronomy (1976) at the Mountain State Agricultural College (now known as Benguet State University). His second point is empowering Local Government Units (LGUs) for agriculture. Dar notes the “silent debate” around whether or not the devolution of the delivery of agriculture extension services to LGUs under RA 7160 (Local Government Act of 1991) was the right thing to do. For Dar, it was and is the correct decision. “There are actually more advantages in letting LGUs take the frontlines in delivering or even co-delivering agriculture extension services to farmers and fisherfolk. Local governments have a better understanding of the social and economic conditions of localities, and are more familiar with the various local and grassroots organizations they can partner with in uplifting the lives of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk, and even women and the youth,” Dar said in his book. Dar stresses, however, that while LGUs have dropped the ball when it comes to delivering effective agricultural extension services (since RA 7160 was enacted in 1991), the blame should not be put solely on them. He notes that the extension system remains flawed. Smallholders are hardly involved in R&D, which results in output with little to no real-world application, and LGUs were never prepared to take on the devolved functions when it comes to agriculture extension. He likens the LGUs to soldiers who were given guns, but were hardly trained and subsequently forced to go into war. Lastly, Dar wants the focus to be on agri-business or agripreneurship. For enhanced agripreneurship, he enumerated the “six Ms,” which stand for Mindset, Mentoring, Money, Market, Mastery, and Machine. Mindset can be developed through training and formal education, while Mentoring can be done through business incubation and coaching programs. Both of these can be found in current programs of the DA mentioned earlier. As for Money, Dar wishes to focus on financial literacy, loans, and micro-franchising. In the Agri-Tayo webinar, he mentioned helping farmers through increasing trade posts and eliminating the middlemen so that farmers are able to directly bring their produce to the consumers. Dar explains that the current system ends in farmers and fishermen being held by the neck by middlemen who provide loans and who eventually, come harvest season, dictate prices. “[Eliminating the middlemen] will be a big help to the farmers and consuming public. They haggle and offer low prices to farmers, then increase the price exorbitantly for consumers,” Dar explains, personally ensuring that the DA program of “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” will succeed in helping both farmers and consumers. “We can help farmers by offering affordable credit and link them to the market. Collectivize them so that they have leveraging power.” For Market, he emphasizes the need for stronger market linkages in the supply chains, both local and export markets. He also notes creating value-adding agri-produce, ascertaining the market before starting an agricultural enterprise, and e-commerce opportunities. While for Mastery and Machines, aspiring entrepreneurs must be taught the basics in agripreneurship centers (which can be established by government agencies and state colleges and universities) and leveling up their production through technology. Seems simple, but his master plan is the result of decades of experience. In 1987, Dar was named the first director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research under the reorganized DA. He also served as the DA Acting Secretary (1998-1999) and ICRISAT Director-General (2000 to 2014). It is no wonder that Dar has received a number of awards for his contributions to the Agriculture Industry: Pamana ng Pilipino Award (2014) and The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) in 2016. IN NEED OF BIGGER BUDGET All of these plans will not be realized if the budget allotted is not inadequate. Dar laments the lack of budget of the agriculture sector in the Philippines and argues that the sector has been long neglected for the last four decades. “If you want to catch up again, you have to significantly increase the budget coming from the government. But, at the same time, you have to nurture the investment environment so that the private sector will want to come in and invest heavily,” Dar says. He cites the contribution of the agricultural sector to the economy: agriculture contributes 9%, while agri-business contributes 25%. Dar is confident that given more resources and funds, the total contribution of the sector will be much more than its current 34%. The DA has been pushing for a rather ambitious but necessary budget of P280 billion for 2021— which is four times its current budget—to “reboot and reform Philippine agriculture.” And yet despite the positive performance of the agriculture sector during the pandemic, the DA is poised to receive only a meager P67 billion budget for 2021. But Dar shares with LEAGUE that the DA is hoping to receive at least P128 billion, as budget deliberations are still ongoing. While many sectors are vying for a bigger chunk of next year’s national budget, any argument for the DA’s budget increase can easily be justified in five words, says Dar: “We are an agricultural country.”

Multinational Companies Filinvest City : A Blueprint for Balanced Living We Built This City Filinvest City : A Blueprint for Balanced Living A city built intentionally serves a greater purpose—to fulfill all the needs and desires of all who live within its fold. Filinvest City in the Metro South proudly shows how it can be done. President and CEO Joey Concepcion GO NEGOSYO: Embracing the Entrepreneurial Culture Money, Market, Mentorship BUSINESSMAN KONO SALINAS From Neighborhood Toughie to Businessman This former tough guy-turned entrepreneur is proof that success can come to those who resolve to change for the better. GMA VICE PRESIDENT JOEY ABACAN One of the Quiet Visionaries Behind GMA Network Innovations This visionary in Philippine television challenges the industry to enhance its offerings, envisioning a future where the country’s dramas become sought after by foreign markets. CONVERGE CEO DENNIS UYO CONVERGING ON THE FUTURE Stronger networks, faster and smoother digital connectivity, and more responsive customer service—this is what Converge CEO Dennis Uy promises. UNIONBANK CTO HENRY AGUDA The Advocate for Digital Inclusion UnionBank of the Philippines’ Henry Aguda believes in the power of technology—and sets the trend in digital banking to help MSMEs bounce back from a crippling economic crisis World Vision Development Foundation National Director Rommel V. Fuerte Building a Better Future MARIE LOISE TICMAN-CANSON Purpose-Driven Politics. Business. Corporate Social Responsibility. Marie Loise Ticman-Canson has ventured into all these and more. World Vision Development Foundation National Director Rommel V. Fuerte talks about the importance of education and LGU linkages for community progress. SERGIO ORTIZ-LUIS Expert in Export With such an illustrious career, PHILEXPORT President Sergio Ortiz-Luis has made a name for himself as an export advocate and an instrumental figure in advancements of the Philippines. MYC COMMODORE MARCO TRONQUED ENSURING SMOOTH SAILING FOR MYC Marco Tronqued leads the Manila Yacht Club as a young commodore dedicated to growing the Philippine boating industry.

BACK CLIMATE CHANGE POLITICS IN THE PHILIPPINES BY HERMAN JOSEPH S. KRAFT I n a speech he delivered via a video message at the United Nations (UN) on September 23, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte called on world leaders to strengthen their commitment to the Paris Agreement to fight the continuing crisis caused by climate change with the same urgency as their approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the ravages of this problem have “worsened existing inequalities and vulnerabilities within and between nations.” While it is a more than welcome call, his message was criticized by environmental groups in the Philippines as hypocritical. As one group noted, Duterte needed to “walk the talk.” The knock on the Duterte Administration is the seeming lack of consistency between its supposed support for global norms promoting the protection of the environment, and the absence of action that follows it. President Duterte signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on March 1, 2017. Prior to this, however, President Duterte had been very vocal about his misgivings regarding participating in such a global project. He pointed out that unless the larger, more advanced countries signed on to it and took their commitments under the Agreement seriously, it would only lead to smaller, less developed countries being disadvantaged in the long run. ACTION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE The Paris Agreement is a component part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It deals with measures on the mitigation and adaptation of greenhouse gas emissions, and the commitments to finance such measures. The 196 members of the UNFCCC had signed the Paris Agreement in February 2020. The principal objective of the Agreement is to keep the increase in the global average temperature to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Signatories to the Paris Agreement have committed themselves to undertake measures to try to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius as this would significantly reduce the risks and impact of climate change. There is, however, little time to waste. Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have to be adopted as soon as possible, as well as to increase the ability of signatories to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. Recognizing the obvious climate changes taking place as indicated by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events experienced by the Philippines, the country’s delegation had been very active in working to have the 1.5 degree climate goal adopted. The warning issued by President Duterte is definitely not without basis. In 2017, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. This was in keeping with his populist politics that caters to a base that is strongly inclined to disbelieve anthropogenic climate change, or human-activity influenced climate change. Under the terms of the Agreement, the earliest effective date when the US can withdraw from it is November 2020, a few months before the end of President Trump’s first term. Whether or not he gets a second term, however, the Trump Administration has already taken steps that have instituted and put into place changes in the policies of the United States that are contrary to the Paris Agreement. The grudging way that President Duterte had seemingly acceded to the recommendations of his Cabinet and close advisers seemed to point to how much priority this issue would be given. It also illustrates how much climate change politics in the Philippines, and even more broadly the politics of the environment in the Philippines, is largely dependent on how much attention is given to it by the President. Not even his Administration, but by the President. It fully reflects how much politics in the country is a matter of the personalities involved, with the President being the biggest personality of them all. In countries where climate change and environmental issues have gained traction, there is a strong institutional base that made sure that these issues were mainstreamed and kept in the mainstream of local and national politics. THE GREEN AGENDA The Green Movement in Europe had given way to the emergence of the Green Party across the different countries of Europe. An inchoate social movement (which could trace its origins to the anti-nuclear weapons movement of the ’80s) had become more institutionalized, and now had an organizational base from which to keep environmental issues part of the public political discourse. And climate change had given them a common platform that cut across regional and national divides, as well as the variety of issues that had their roots in the environment. The importance of a political party that contested political power on the basis of a “Save the Environment” message ensured that local and national politics could not ignore these issues, and that the party cannot be underestimated. In the Philippines, there is a vocal environmental movement with even internationally recognized champions. Sen. Loren Legarda, for instance, is a UN Global Champion for Resilience. The groups associated with this movement have been the ones who have called out President Duterte on his lack of action on the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. One area where the Administration has been criticized is the false sense of achievement it has promoted about its policies on the environment. Duterte’s 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the principal mention about the environment revolved around the Boracay clean-up that was conducted in 2018, and the slow opening up to tourism it entailed. While arguably necessary for the health of the island, its economy, and its people, this hardly counts as a credible poster-project of the Administration’s touted prioritization of the environment. On the other hand, the Administration was censured for its lack of action on the implementation of the Clean Air Act and other laws that promote the use of renewable energy. In particular, the Administration’s continued emphasis on the use of coal-fired power plants was emphasized by Duterte’s critics from the environmental movement. Instead of taking steps to at least reduce dependence on coal-fired power plants and institute changes that would promote the use of renewable energy, the building of more of these coal-fired power plants is in the pipeline. There were expectations of announcements of divestment from coal in the SONA, which unfortunately did not happen. NATIONAL PRIORITIES During the pandemic, as rare as they were, there was an unforeseen positive impact of the lockdown in the reduction of carbon emissions due to the ban on travel. Metro Manila saw a clearing up of its skies and an improvement in its air quality. Very little was done, however, to take advantage of this situation and adopt policy that would build on this unlooked for benefit of the community quarantine. As the Metro opens up, so too does its carbon emission indicators go up. It could be argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has distracted the Administration from its political programs. The implication being that if not for the pandemic, the country would have seen the Duterte Administration implementing more measures to strengthen environmental protection. This is belied by other areas where the environment has taken second-place in choices made by the Duterte Administration. The reversal of policies on restricting mining in favor of using it as one of the platforms for economic recovery illustrates the continuing impediments to the advancement of policies that favor environmental protection. The zero-sum calculation presented in the dichotomy between economic interests and the protection of the environment will always favor those who argue in favor of populist (jobs) and commercial interests. Yet again, these choices show how important the country’s commitments to the Paris Agreement are to the Duterte Administration. Poor oversight in the implementation of these policies has also had more unintended consequences. In the aftermath of Typhoon Goni’s passage through Albay in November 2020, soil and rocks loosened by quarrying along the slopes of Mayon had become the material for the lahar mudslide that rendered a number of barangays along its path uninhabitable. Over the long term, mining and quarrying operations, which have been allowed to go on despite opposition from environmental groups, contributes to the country’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change. This has resulted in soil erosion, land and water contamination, flooding caused by deforestation, and reduction of biodiversity. Again the issue here is not the Duterte Administration alone. It is the lack of sustained involvement in the public discourse of environmental issues, particularly of climate change. Perhaps the lesson to be taken from the experience of Europe is the need for environmental groups in the Philippines to organize themselves into a political party willing to contest political office. There are political parties that have included the environment as one of their platforms. This becomes problematic, however, when faced with stark choices and wherein choices in favor of the environment come out second best. There are political parties such as the Makakalikasan Party, a political party not registered with the Commission on Elections, but which has for its platform a 15-point Green Agenda. It might be time for environment advocates to dive into the murky depths of Philippine politics to ensure that their agenda gets mainstreamed and becomes part of the public’s discourse on the common good. Again the issue here is not the Duterte Administration alone. It is the lack of sustained involvement in the public discourse of environmental issues, particularly of climate change. Herman Joseph S. Kraft is a Professor of Political Science and currently the Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Again the issue here is not the Duterte Administration alone. It is the lack of sustained involvement in the public discourse of environmental issues, particularly of climate change.

BACK The Heart of a Commander Baguio City Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong. The Heart of a Commander BY ELI MONTORO PHIOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO Whether as PNP general or local chief of the summer capital, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong leads with integrity and calm command, helping the city navigate through the challenges of the pandemic and life in the ‘new normal.’ B aguio—the highland city and the country’s summer capital—welcomes you with the scent of pine and a trailing cold breeze, which follows you as you make your way through the winding roads that lead you past the iconic Lion Head along Kennon Road. A key tourist attraction, the monument signifies strength, integrity, courage, and fidelity—the very same values that the people of Baguio wish to see embodied in their leaders. And fortunately, for their local chief and leader, they have retired Philppine National Police (PNP) general, Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “AS A LEADER, YOU HAVE TO MAKE A LOT OF UNPOPULAR DECISIONS. AND MOST OF THE TIME, UNPOPULAR DECISIONS ARE THE RIGHT DECISIONS. KUNG LAGI MO NALANG INIISIP ‘YUNG POLITICAL CAREER OR YOUR AMBITION, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN.” DESTINED FOR LEADERSHIP Mayor Magalong is a well-respected military officer with a sterling track record, who is well loved by his people for his strong principles. Though he has met many controversies in the past, he has never shied away from the media when asked to share his side of the truth. “Unchartered waters” is what this military man calls politics. And it was, indeed, unfamiliar territory in the beginning. While his military career was dedicated to protecting the republic, serving on the other side as a politician in local governance was new and it had never crossed Magalong’s mind until a group of townspeople urged him to run for office. Senator Ping Lacson and Rep. Ronnie Acob also had a hand in convincing him to pursue a position in his locality.

JOY BELMONTE TABLE OF CONTENTS DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE! FEATURES ASEC. KRIS ABLAN Sending a Message READ MORE FEATURES COUNCILOR RAISSA LAUREL-SUBIJANO Life with No Limits READ MORE FEATURES THE HEROES OF MARAWI Courage at the Front Line READ MORE REGULARS ROUND UP READ MORE REGULARS BARANGAY FORUM READ MORE REGULARS SPOTLIGHT Food for the Holidays READ MORE REGULARS CALENDAR OF EVENTS READ MORE REGULARS SECOND IN COMMAND: Vice President Leni Robredo READ MORE REGULARS FINANCE & ECONOMY Decoding IRA READ MORE REGULARS SOLUTIONS & INNOVATION: Green Antz READ MORE REGULARS SOLUTIONS & INNVATION: Waste to Energy READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW COVER: VICE MAYOR JOY BELMONTE The Next Step READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW BRGY. BEL-AIR The Value of Progress READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW LAPU-LAPU, CEBU Historic Resort City READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW ANGONO, RIZAL Art & Soul READ MORE GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW PAMPANGA The Spirit of Christmas READ MORE

BACK 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

Europe OVERSEAS VOTING 2025: COMELEC’S PUSH FOR REFORM AND INCLUSION COMELEC implements changes in the 2025 midterm elections to encourage overseas Filipino voters to take part in the upcoming polls to see that their vote has a significant impact in determining the country’s future. UKRAINE CHARGE D’AFFAIRES DENYS MYKHAILIUK Iron Will The lady mayor expounds on the reasons behind Copenhagen’s ranking as the world’s second-most livable city in 2023. DANISH AMBASSADOR FRANZ MICHAEL MELLBIN Focusing on The Future His Excellency explains how the Philippine Denmark partnership on wind energy could lead to more affordable electricity rates and a cleaner energy mix. HUNGARIAN AMBASSADORDR. TITANILLA TÓTH Celebrating Half a Century of Friendship While our countries are almost 10,000 kilometers apart, Her Excellency reveals that we have a lot in common. These, she adds, will keep our diplomatic relations strong in the years to come. COPENHAGEN LORD MAYOR SOPHIE HÆSTORP ANDERSEN Setting the Bar High The lady mayor expounds on the reasons behind Copenhagen’s ranking as the world’s second-most livable city in 2023. AMBASSADOR JANA ŠEDIVÁ Helping Bring About Change, One Community at a Time Her Excellency Jana Šedivá shares the Embassy of the Czech Republic’s efforts to uplift the lives of Filipinos and strengthen Czech-Philippine relations.

LEAGUE Magazine takes you into the heart of local governance in the Philippines, showcasing the best of the country - its people and leaders - where they are, how they thrive, how they lead, and how they succeed. VOL. 7 NO. 4 PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON CHARITO ZAMORA The PRC chief’s passion for harmony in the workplace is ultimately related to her passion for songwriting. RESURRECTING THE PHILIPPINE RAILWAY SYSTEM PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS CHAIRMAN MICHAEL TED R. MACAPAGAL HAS PROVEN HIMSELF TO BE THE RIGHT PERSON WHO COULD ENSURE THE FULL AND PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANS TO RESURRECT THE COUNTY’S RAILWAY SYSTEM. LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATOR VICENTE HOMER ROUND UP AKLAN PIÑA WEAVING SPORTS NCAA SEASON 99 SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIONS PBBM UNVEILS MAYNI- LAD’S POBLACION WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR WATER SECURITY LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH STO. NIÑO “JB” BERNOS Apr 15, 2024 BULAKAN, BULACAN MAYOR VERGEL MENESES Apr 12, 2024 LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION CHIEF VICENTE HOMER REVIL Apr 5, 2024 The LWUA Administrator explains plans to ensure a safe and affordable water supply for the country. BULAKAN, BULACAN MAYOR VERGEL MENESES A PBA legend is now building a name for himself in public service, using his basketball experience to serve others. LATEST ISSUE ENSURING THE WELFARE OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS DIPOLOG: A COASTAL GEM Co was once on her way to a medical career, but realized soon enough that her calling was not in becoming a doctor but rather someone who lobbies for health workers’ needs. If you find yourself in the Zamboanga Peninsula, make sure not to pass up the chance to visit Dipolog City’s historical sites and eco-tourism spots. WAYS TO ACHIEVE ZERO WASTE While January is the country’s National Zero Waste Month, helping reduce waste should be an all-year round habit. ARCHIVES Being of Service to More Filipinos Mayor JB Bernos of La Paz, Abra, dreams of a better future not only for Abra but the whole country. View More Promoting Great Leadership Through ‘Serbisyong May Malasakit’ Estrella, who’s about to end his third term, is leaving with his head high—having transformed their municipality into a city. View More A Mission Fulfilled Uy believes that the government’s role in ending poverty is to provide an environment that allows people to break the cycle themselves—to be self-reliant, not governmentdependent. View More THE CAPTAIN AND HIS SHIP The man who weathered the storm, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez was the last man to leave the city during the height of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. View More THE SERVANT LEADER What drove Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte to public service was a burning aspiration to reform government and improve its performance. View More THE VICO EFFECT The “Vico Effect” can be felt all over Pasig City as the mayor implements major changes in his first 100 days in office. View More Tourism PANGASINAN PROVINCE Pangasinan is the third largest province in the Philippines. One common bit of knowledge about it is that it got its name from salt (asin in Filipino). But if you look at the provincial logo, it tells a different story. InterContinental Danang builds bridges for the conservation of critically-endangered red-shanked douc langurs Three new “monkey bridges” completed, which allow native primates to travel around the resort and access their favourite feeding grounds in complete peace and safety, without coming into contact with the ground DIPOLOG: A COASTAL GEM If you find yourself in the Zamboanga Peninsula, make sure not to pass up the chance to visit Dipolog City’s historical sites and eco-tourism spots. Sports NCAA SEASON 99 - SAN BEDA RED LIONS: NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS 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. 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. MAN WITH MANNY TALENTS Pacquiao holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Boxing World Titles in Different Weight Divisions.” PREVIOUS MAGAZINE ISSUES Get a glimpse of what's inside the issue! Read More CONTACT US Unit 506, GEMPC Building, Timog Avenue, Brg. Sacred Heart, Quezon City 1103 Inquiries: inquiry@league.ph HOME Executive National Government Agency GOCC LGU Congress of the Philippines Senate of the Philippines House of Representatives Local Government Units Governors Vice Governors Board Members Mayors Vice Mayors Councilors Barangays Global Ties Asia Europe Business Multinational Companies Small Medium Enterprise Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Tourism Innovation Sports Events Archives Sponsors About us Our Team News & Events CONTACT US

BACK New Projects and Reformations from and for Barangays to Its townspeople As we move forward to the end of this pandemic, LGUs and barangays find sustainable ways to continue helping their people in this pandemic. INTERVIEWS BY ANGELICA MONTORO DILG Gives Detailed Guidelines for Community Pantries As the number of community pantries rise, guidelines were set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to prevent damage amd harm to individuals who take part in this movement, including the safety of every individual participating in the cause. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año announced in President Duterte’s briefing last April 28 that Local Government Units (LGUs) should determine if a pantry is in a district, sitio, or barangay to help identify the people living within the area. Permits are not necessarily needed as long as there is proper coordination with the LGU of the certain community pantry, since they will be the one assigning safety protocol officers that can help them facilitate the crowds. Solicitation of fees are also prohibited, along with distribution of cigarettes, liquors, and other illegal items. While this Bayanihan spirit is still growing, people from all over the Philippines are finding their own ways to donate and even start their own pantry. As of writing, there is an estimated total of 80 community pantries in Metro Manila and more than 300 across the country. Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of San Agustin will be able to effectively help and move forward this 2021. Home Vaccination Service for Barangays in Taguig This COVID-19 pandemic is an on-going battle. As one of the highly urbanized cities of the Philippines, the Taguig local government is finding more ways to effectively vaccinate those in need of urgent care. The local government of Taguig encourages its 28 barangays to register on its Home Service Vaccination Program that rolled out on April 19, Monday. This program aims to safely inoculate high-risk patients such as bedridden persons, senior citizens, and those who have underlying medical conditions. To those who would like to register for the home service vaccination, you may proceed to register at trace.taguig. gov.ph., and get a QR code. Afterwards, get a medical clearance from your doctor, and then call or text the Home Vaccination Hotline at 09617044291, or contact the designated telephone numbers of Taguig Telemedicine in the 31 barangay health centers and the city’s COVID-19 Hotline; Telephone: 8-789-3200, Mobile: 0966-419-4510. A confirmation message will be sent to you along with the confirmation of your home vaccination schedule. To know more about this program, visit www.taguig.gov.ph . Barangay Pharmacy of Barangay Ermitaño, San Juan City Barangay Ermitaño of San Juan City continues to serve its people through the thoughtful projects they have been conducting in the recent years. In July 2019, they opened their Botika ng Barangay Ermitaño: “Gamot na Mabisa, Libre para sa Masa.” This pharmacy specifically gives out free vitamins, emergency or maintenance medicines, and medical supplies to the residents of the barangay. All you have to do to in order to receive these benefits is to present your Botika ng Barangay Card, along with the prescription of your doctor. For those who lost or do not have their ID, you can easily apply at Barangay Ermitano’s Health Center. Bring a valid ID, (San Juan Health Card, Senior Citizens ID, PWD ID, Voter’s ID ,or Barangay ID); a 2x2 ID picture; and the latest prescription from your doctor. As stated in their Facebook page, they will only give out medicines to those who have valid medical prescription to avoid self-treatment. All of the available medicines and vitamins are posted on their Facebook page at Barangay Ermitaño Official. In addition to this, they also launched the Ermitaño free store (EFS) on March 26, 2021. The store will cater to marginalized families living in the barangay. Though it is not entirely free to everyone, they allow the people to render community service such as street sweeping, cleaning up yards, attending village meetings, and participating in other village activities, in exchange for free grocery items. This allows the townspeople to get involved with their LGU, as well as give back to their community.