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.

Governors SURIGAO DEL NORTE GOVERNOR ROBERT LYNDON BARBERS For The Love of Surigao Del Norte With or without a position, Barbers is always there for the people of Surigao del Norte because public service is all about will, not political titles. GOVERNOR RAPHAELLE “RAFY” ORTEGA-DAVID Rising to the CHALLENGE Pressure is high for La Union Governor Raphaelle “Rafy” Ortega-David, but she is confidently stepping up to the plate and is ready to serve the Elyu-canos. Governor Albert Garcia Bataan, Standing Tall and Proud Governor Albert Garcia tells us how he is leading the historic province of Bataan towards unity and progress Governor Susan Yap All roads lead to Tarlac in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games. In this interview, Governor Susan Yap tells us how she’s preparing the Province of Tarlac for the big league and how she’s planning to address future challenges. Full Steam Ahead GOV. REBECCA 'NINI' YNARES THE RIGHT WAY The culture of excellence prevails over the province of Rizal, three-time winner of the National Competitiveness Council's Most Competitive Province Award Governor Eduardo Gadiano Occidental Mindoro’s chief rises to the challenge. “Kung kaya sa Sablayan, kaya sa buong lalawigan,” he says. RISING FROM THE DIRT GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA ACTION, NOT WORDS Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on taking the province of Cebu to higher ground by empowering the grassroots movement, building up tourism, and leading with no-nonsense politics. GOVERNOR FRANCIS “CHIZ” ESCUDERO Sorsogon’s Son Returns Governor Chiz Escudero talks about revitalizing agriculture through contract farming, tackling organizational inefficiencies, and preventing health epidemics

BACK AMBASSADOR DR. TITANILLA TOTH For Hungarian Ambassador Dr. Titanilla Tóth, the Philippines’ bond with Western countries, especially Hungary, is a great advantage that should be strengthened. Helen Hernane Photography by Manuel Generoso On September 28, 1973, diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Hungary were officially established. Nearly two decades later, the two countries inaugurated embassies in Manila and Budapest. But in 1995, the Hungarian Embassy’s activities in the Philippines were suspended. The reopening of their embassy in Manila in 2016 was a major milestone for both countries and saw the signing of an important agreement on economic cooperation. This led to the founding of a Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation. Beyond history and papers, however, Hungary has been true to their word and has helped our country in certain areas of cooperation—education, agriculture, science and technology (S&T), innovation, culture, and sports.

Vice Governors PANGASINAN VICE GOVERNOR MARK RONALD LAMBINO Always Ready and Able to Deliver The once reluctant candidate is proof that given a clear vision and an appropriate leadership style, even a late bloomer can bring about significant change. CAVITE VICE GOVERNOR ATHENA BRYANA TOLENTINO A Beautiful Game Knowing the importance of careful planning, this young leader prepares for her projects the way a professional chess player would approach a crucial game. Masbate Vice Governor Jo Kristine ‘Kaye’ Celera-Revil Making Masbate Competitive Masbate Vice Governor Jo Kristine ‘Kaye’ Celera-Revil is determined to stomp out poverty and violence and uphold peace, progress, and positivity VICE GOVERNOR MARK LEVISTE Through Trials & Triumph FROM BATANGAS’ TAAL ERUPTION LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR’S ONGOING PANDEMIC, BATANGAS STANDS STRONG THANKS TO VICE GOVERNOR MARK LEVISTE’S PASSIONATE LEADERSHIP.

For the Children BY HELEN HERNANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL SORIANO As an expectant mother, Congresswoman Cha Hernandez is focused on making sustainable, long-term improvements for the city—progress that would benefit current and future generations. At eight months pregnant, Congresswoman Charisse Anne “Cha” Hernandez-Alcantara of Calamba, Laguna understands that many expect her to rest and not strain herself too much with work. Hernandez also admits that she finds it somewhat difficult to juggle public service and carrying a child, especially during the third trimester. But she fervently believes that every child, including hers, is a blessing and also, a lucky charm, as many people have often told her. “During my campaign, I would go around every day and meet people face to face from morning to night,” she recalls. “And I think [me being pregnant] solidified my message that I am just like them. My situation reflects most women’s lives; I’m not the first woman working at eight months pregnant.” Not even a month after the elections, Hernandez is already out and about, connecting with one sector after another. LEAGUE trailed after the newly-elected congresswoman who spent the entire morning listening to farmers, who launched a seminar, and the fisherfolk, who held a boodle fight with her for lunch. Her arrival and presence in each meeting lacked the pomp and circumstance often associated with political bigwigs. On the contrary, her simple outfit, visible baby bump, and calm, caring voice (with a forceful undertone) made her appear less of a politician and more of an ordinary Filipino mother. CALAMBA’S FUTURE Pregnancy, the congresswoman shares, also gives her a different sense of focus that helps push her forward in striving for a better City of Calamba. Her internal motivation is to create a clean, thriving city for her son and for others of his generation to inherit. “Also, I want my children to be proud of me, that someday they could say that I did my best and worked hard even while pregnant. I want them to be proud of the city we helped build when they grow up, to have people tell my children that I did my best as a public servant. I think that’s one good motivation for me,” the neophyte congresswoman reveals. Hernandez, however, also had big plans for Calamba even prior to her winning the seat in Congress. As a councilor, her vision was mostly fixing the major issues that the city faced—traffic, environment, waste management, and more. While her current position enables her to improve the city.... BUY THE LATEST ISSUE HERE BACK CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

House Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez MAN OF THE HOUSE The congressman talks about how he was primed for public service and how he is navigating the intricacies of his legislative duties through the pandemic. BUY MAGAZINE NOW by Maan D'Asis Pamaran Photography by Jar Concengco L ike many children, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez grew up observing his father, Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez, at work. It just so happened that his father’s occupation came with the responsibility of leading the province of Leyte as governor, and eventually representing the country as ambassador to the U.S., China, and Saudi Arabia. “We were very much exposed at an early age, seeing my father, outside the house, in the field, either at the provincial capitol, or eventually, at the respective embassies where he served. So, we saw him with his constituents and with his colleagues in the embassies, so that definitely made us focus on a life of public service,” the proud son reminisces. By observing not only his father, but also his uncles, grand-uncles, and other relatives, Romualdez received his early education in public service and avers that, while their clan was perceived to be powerful, they were in touch with the masses. “We learned that the priority was just not to be inward-looking, but also outward-looking, aware of those around us and those who may need more than we do. “We’ve been blessed in many ways, and so we were always taught to look out for others, and to uplift the lives of others who are not similarly fortunate or as blessed. So that was something that was instilled in us.” Romualdez’s own exposure through joining the Kabataang Barangay, a precursor of today’s Sangguniang Kabataan, propped his vision to serve. “When this was founded in the mid-‘70s, it was definitely a popular movement that gave a sense of purpose and direction to a lot of the youth and there was a lot of value formation in the whole Kabataang Barangay institution. We were very blessed and happy to be part of that, and to lead, not just the Municipality of Tolosa, but the Provincial Federation of Leyte.” That experience introduced him to like-minded young leaders, he says, many of whom he now sees in the halls of Congress or in the local government unit (LGU) offices of their provinces. An advocacy from earlier days has led to what he calls one of his biggest accomplishments in Congress thus far, the bill on the amendment of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability (PWDs). “Here, we basically rationalized and made uniform the benefits and the privileges that persons with disability would have, similar to that of senior citizens. We felt that that went a long way in helping our PWDs.” He shares the reason why he made this his cause. “I’ve been exposed to a relative who also was afflicted with some disabilities and that led me to volunteering in East Providence, Rhode Island, near where I studied for my preparatory school in the United States. 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.” CALMNESS AMIDST CALAMITY His biggest challenge was facing the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda in his province back in 2013. He shares, “When [Typhoon] Yolanda struck us, everyone felt hopeless, almost in despair. There was like an exodus.” A lot of people wanted to leave because there seemed to be nothing left, not just in Tacloban, but in the better part of the region of the Eastern Visayan area, where the typhoon struck. “Everyone just wanted to leave. There was no power, no utilities, and no signal. Basic services were all crippled.” Somehow, somewhere, he says, he found faith in God and found solace in the fact that this too will come to pass. “I just had to remain hopeful through all the sadness and trauma.” What bolstered his faith was the outpouring of help, which he describes as an immediate, spontaneous inflow of support from the nearby provinces. “That definitely boosted the morale of the Leyteños and the Samareños who were initially the hardest hit by [Typhoon] “ INSTEAD OF BEING DESPONDENT, LOSING HOPE, AND BEING IN DESPAIR—JUST LIKE DURING YOLANDA, WE HAVE TO SEE HOW WE CAN CONVERT THIS MOMENT INTO AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO GOOD FOR OTHERS.” Yolanda. That, coupled with the international aid that was flowing in. That basically inspired us and uplifted us. It really rallied us to keep the faith and remain hopeful.” The experience led him to support the formation of a Department of Disaster Resilience, which he explains as something akin to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the U.S. “After Yolanda, we were told about these best practices and protocols that other countries have. So this is not just a council that coordinates the existing Cabinet portfolios as with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), but a dedicated agency or department with its respective budget for the immediate response to any disaster, and the preparation and the preemptive measures that can be undertaken. We need someone who’s there on a dedicated basis because, as you know, the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world in terms of very difficult typhoons, earthquakes, and more recently, volcanic activities that wreak havoc on the communities.” THE VOICE OF THE MAJORITY Now, as majority floor leader of the House of Representatives, Romualdez also has the task of prioritizing measures to help Filipinos through the pandemic, particularly through the budget hearings that are crucial to ensuring funds for the country’s recovery. He is especially focused on how Filipinos can overcome these challenges, as he himself tested positive for the Coronavirus in March 2021. Of the experience, he says, “I saw how difficult it was to be isolated, especially when you’re diagnosed with COVID-19. You don’t have as much interaction, and it aggravates your situation because your morale goes down. You derive a lot of strength and inspiration from having your wife and your children around you all the time. This becomes limited because of quarantine protocols. Malaking sakripisyo, that’s why we’re hoping that humupa na itong pandemya. Talagang agrabyado lahat dito, hindi lang yung kalusugan ng tao, pati ang ekonomiya ng bayan (It’s a huge sacrifice, that’s why we’re hoping that this pandemic will end soon. Everything and everyone is aggrieved, not just people’s health, but also the country’s economy).” He says that while the position of majority floor leader was not something he sought out, he accepted the challenge, grateful for the trust and honor that was given to him by his peers in Congress. “The work that it entails is actually beyond your scope of focus or concern as a district congressman. You’re usually focused on your respective district, in your province, and you try to just limit yourself to that. So, all of a sudden, from focusing on your district, you have to be attuned to the concerns of the other congressmen’s areas of responsibility—their districts, their jurisdictions, and their advocacies, as well. You have to be ready to accept and embrace all of that.” In his capacity, he helps to direct the discussions on the floor, and he says it is no easy task. “Here you’ve got to be a little bit more knowledgeable of everything, because that seems to be the order of the day. You set the agenda, you set the flow, and you prioritize. You manage the floor in terms of what do you take up first, which measure is going to be sponsored, which one will be interpellated, and which one will be prioritized.” Despite the limitations brought about by the pandemic, Romualdez happily reports that things are on track. “We’ve used technology and we’ve made it as efficient as possible. We are actually achieving record measures. The House of Representatives has actually generated more legislation than the previous Congress.” Online meetings have helped to move things along. “We’ve become very, very efficient, and thorough, nonetheless, because the ability for us to even meet more often via Zoom facilitates fast-tracking decision-making. We still miss the personal interaction among our fellow legislators and with the stakeholders. But nonetheless, under the circumstances, and the limitation of the protocols from these quarantines that we have, we’ve been able to manage and we’ve been able to do the job well.” One thing he is mindful of as part of the majority is the minority’s voice, and he gives an idea of how they fit into the grand scheme of things. “I start every Rules Committee meeting with the statement, ‘In this Congress, the minority is the priority,’ because while they might comprise about only 10% of the House, their presence—by tradition—is always required. We always wait for them, and they actually help us to ‘fiscalize’ the House.” He reveals that the minority voices are actually the most dominant and get about 90% of the “airtime” during budget deliberations. Perhaps due to his track record, Romualdez was touted as a possible vice presidential candidate by President Rodrigo Duterte. “It came to me as a great surprise—a pleasant one at that. I’m 30 LEAGUE very grateful, as well as honored and humbled at the same time. Similar to the majority leader position, it was something that I wasn’t really thinking of.” “For the President to believe that I have the capability or the capacity to actually fill that position is definitely a great honor and definitely a big challenge. To be honest, it’s still something that I have to deliberate over… I will consult the constituency, the party, and the other leaders whom I respect before I throw my hat into the elections.” With only a few more months before the start of the campaign period, Romualdez is focused on his family, which is always his top priority. “Without them, the inspiration to serve the constituency and the country may not be as readily apparent.” His wife, Yedda, is also in Congress, representing the party-list group Tingog Sinirangan. “And it’s great to have her there, because she has a deeper understanding of the work that I initially got into. Now that she’s more involved, she knows what’s going on, so we understand one another. We discuss, but never heatedly, at home. I learn a lot from her, in her own advocacies.” The couple also make sure that their children are given as much time as possible, particularly now that they’re able to spend a lot of time at home, working out of the house. “We get to see the children, maybe more so than they want to see us,” he grins. As with his experience with natural disasters and other health crises, he sees the current situation with a glimmer of hope. “There’s a Chinese saying that sheds light on how to turn crisis into opportunity. So definitely, we are all in this crisis and we have to take advantage of it. Instead of being despondent, losing hope and being in despair—just like during [Typhoon] Yolanda, we have to see how we can convert this moment into an opportunity to do good for others. I think our collective and personal experiences of this COVID-19 pandemic has made us want to strive to become better people, despite the challenges.” The way Filipinos come together in difficult circumstances is a point of pride, he underscores. “When [Typhoon] Yolanda struck, I was very proud that our countrymen jumped in to help us recover. All the Filipinos from different regions came over to help us, completely spontaneous. The spirit of altruism, compassion, and malasakit, was so evident. It inspired us all.” Now faced with another crisis, the country is tested once again. “What makes this time different is that it is not just nationwide, but it’s global,” he adds. “What we Filipinos need now is more patience and more unity. We need more inspiration to carry on, to band as one country, as a people, and to uplift the spirits of those who have been afflicted and affected by COVID-19.” Romualdez indeed aims to inspire hope. “We just have to realize and have faith in God that we will overcome and that we will succeed. We will bounce back stronger than ever before!” In his capacity, he helps to direct the discussions on the floor, and he says it is no easy task. “Here you’ve got to be a little bit more knowledgeable of everything, because that seems to be the order of the day. You set the agenda, you set the flow, and you prioritize. You manage the floor in terms of what do you take up first, which measure is going to be sponsored, which one will be interpellated, and which one will be prioritized.” Despite the limitations brought about by the pandemic, Romualdez happily reports that things are on track. “We’ve used technology and we’ve made it as efficient as possible. We are actually achieving record measures. The House of Representatives has actually generated more legislation than the previous Congress.” Online meetings have helped to move things along. “We’ve become very, very efficient, and thorough, nonetheless, because the ability for us to even meet more often via Zoom facilitates fast-tracking decision-making. We still miss the personal interaction among our fellow legislators and with the stakeholders. But nonetheless, under the circumstances, and the limitation of the protocols from these quarantines that we have, we’ve been able to manage and we’ve been able to do the job well.” One thing he is mindful of as part of the majority is the minority’s voice, and he gives an idea of how they fit into the grand scheme of things. “I start every Rules Committee meeting with the statement, ‘In this Congress, the minority is the priority,’ because while they might comprise about only 10% of the House, their presence—by tradition—is always required. We always wait for them, and they actually help us to ‘fiscalize’ the House.” He reveals that the minority voices are actually the most dominant and get about 90% of the “airtime” during budget deliberations. Perhaps due to his track record, Romualdez was touted as a possible vice presidential candidate by President Rodrigo Duterte. “It came to me as a great surprise—a pleasant one at that. I’m LEAGUE Magazine Sept 2021 INSIDE.indd 30 09/09/2021 12:28:22 pm very grateful, as well as honored and humbled at the same time. Similar to the majority leader position, it was something that I wasn’t really thinking of.” “For the President to believe that I have the capability or the capacity to actually fill that position is definitely a great honor and definitely a big challenge. To be honest, it’s still something that I have to deliberate over… I will consult the constituency, the party, and the other leaders whom I respect before I throw my hat into the elections.” With only a few more months before the start of the campaign period, Romualdez is focused on his family, which is always his top priority. “Without them, the inspiration to serve the constituency and the country may not be as readily apparent.” His wife, Yedda, is also in Congress, representing the party-list group Tingog Sinirangan. “And it’s great to have her there, because she has a deeper understanding of the work that I initially got into. Now that she’s more involved, she knows what’s going on, so we understand one another. We discuss, but never heatedly, at home. I learn a lot from her, in her own advocacies.” The couple also make sure that their children are given as much time as possible, particularly now that they’re able to spend a lot of time at home, working out of the house. “We get to see the children, maybe more so than they want to see us,” he grins. As with his experience with natural disasters and other health crises, he sees the current situation with a glimmer of hope. “There’s a Chinese saying that sheds light on how to turn crisis into opportunity. So definitely, we are all in this crisis and we have to take advantage of it. Instead of being despondent, losing hope and being in despair—just like during [Typhoon] Yolanda, we have to see how we can convert this moment into an opportunity to do good for others. I think our collective and personal experiences of this COVID-19 pandemic has made us want to strive to become better people, despite the challenges.” The way Filipinos come together in difficult circumstances is a point of pride, he underscores. “When [Typhoon] Yolanda struck, I was very proud that our countrymen jumped in to help us recover. All the Filipinos from different regions came over to help us, completely spontaneous. The spirit of altruism, compassion, and malasakit, was so evident. It inspired us all.” Now faced with another crisis, the country is tested once again. “What makes this time different is that it is not just nationwide, but it’s global,” he adds. “What we Filipinos need now is more patience and more unity. We need more inspiration to carry on, to band as one country, as a people, and to uplift the spirits of those who have been afflicted and affected by COVID-19.” Romualdez indeed aims to inspire hope. “We just have to realize and have faith in God that we will overcome and that we will succeed. We will bounce back stronger than ever before!” CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547