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

BACK MAN OF THE GOLDEN’ HOUR GENEROSOPHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT AND CAVITE 8TH DISTRICTREPRESENTATIVE ABRAHAM “BAMBOL” TOLENTINO BY EDWIN P. GALVEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL GENEROSOPHILIPPINE T he country’s massive celebration of Team Philippines’ four-medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Games—topped by its first-ever gold medal win after a long 97-year drought— still lingers in the air, and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President and Cavite Representative Abraham “Bambol” Ng Tolentino has barely taken a rest. The 57-year-old incumbent representative of the 8th District of Cavite—which encompasses his hometown of Tagaytay City and seven other municipalities south of Manila—immediately buckled down to set the strategies for what promises to be a bigger medal haul for the Philippines in the next Summer Olympics. “More than one gold is the target,” says Tolentino when asked about the number of golds the country can capture during the quadrennial games in Paris, France in 2024. Before two-time Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz’s gold medal finish in the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at Tokyo 2020, the Philippines had only won three silver and seven bronze medals since joining in 1924 at the Paris Games. “Noong tinanong ako d’yan for Tokyo Olympics, sinabi ko (When I was asked about that in relation to the Tokyo Olympics, I said) one is enough and more than one is a blessing,” Tolentino tells LEAGUE at his district office at Tagaytay City Hall. “When Hidilyn said, ‘Kaya pala natin’ (We can do it, after all), this woke up many ‘sleeping’ athletes as it brought them a new wave of inspiration. With that, yes, more medals are forthcoming,” he says. Tolentino’s optimism shines more brightly for the Paris-bound delegation as he sees sending more than 20 athletes—which may even reach up to 30—so long as those who competed in Tokyo do not decide to retire. Ensuring Funds Called “Bambol” by friends, family and supporters, Tolentino comes off as affable, funny, and lighthearted, which easily make him a very engaging leader. But his ferocious grit and passion have also made the POC the winningest Olympic committee today in its 110-year history. BACK BUY MAGAZINE NOW TO READ FULL ARTICLE

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) CEO & PRESIDENT Rossel “Shantal” Dimayuga FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO HELPING OTHERS Drawing from her own experiences, Shantal Dimayuga wishes to help others escape poverty through her foundation Yakap Foundation. Tzu Chi Foundation. Helping Filipinos, One Mission at a Time Learn about the foundation and its Eight Footprints and their impact on the Filipino community. Junior Chamber International JCI: BUILDING STRONG, EFFECTIVE LEADERS WORLDWIDE Leaders of JCI Philippines talk about investing in young people who are ready to make a difference. PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT MELVIN D. MIRANDA The Voice of Filipino Nurses This nurse-educator never wavers in amplifying the voice of Filipino nurses.

BACK THE CHALLENGES OF GOING GREEN United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Deputy Executive Secretary Kaveh Zahedi gives a sober assessment of the Asia Pacific Region’s environmental progress Helen Hernane 10 QUESTIONS BUY MAGAZINE HERE! McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, released a report on climate risk and response in Asia. With millions living in coastal areas, Asia is severely affected by climate change. The report indicated that by 2050, some parts of Asia may experience an increase in average temperatures, fatal heat waves, unpredictable precipitations, water supply changes, and other calamities, such as hurricanes and drought. The urgent question now is: What do we do? Is what we’re doing enough? Are we near to fulfilling our goals? LEAGUE finds out the answers to these questions and more. 1. How does the environment affect the socio-economic progress of a country, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, and vice-versa? Our experience from the Asia-Pacific region has shown that a singular focus on economic growth will not deliver inclusive, resilient, or sustainable development. Environmental contamination and destruction will undermine development, as has been demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will more often than not disproportionately impact the most vulnerable socio-economic sectors. Take air pollution, for example. If countries tackle the widespread air pollution crisis, some 7% of the GDP from welfare loss will be saved, while preventing the increase in premature deaths from air pollution. In the same thread, without ending poverty, curbing inequality, and addressing social needs, people will remain vulnerable to disasters and shocks. In Asia-Pacific, low levels of social protection mean that 60% of the region’s population has no protection if they become sick, develop a disability, or become unemployed, pregnant, or old. This is a vulnerability that was exposed clearly as a result of COVID-19. With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world has moved away from the false separations in development. Sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience are intertwined and are necessary for successful economic progress in the long run. 2. In the Asia-Pacific region, which countries are making significant progress in terms of environment and sustainable development? What makes them successful? Each year ESCAP assesses the progress of implementation of the 17 SDGs. From that assessment, it is clear that Asia-Pacific as a whole is behind on its environment-related goals and targets. While the region has made strong progress on some SDGs, such as poverty reduction (Goal 1) and achieving quality education (Goal 4), it has regressed in promoting responsible consumption and production (Goal 12) and climate action (Goal 13)—both of which are environment-related goals. We can see that the Pacific countries have shown leadership on stronger action to tackle climate change. The recent announcement from the President of China regarding peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 is also a source of real hope. The Republic of Korea’s Green New Deal also points to the possibility of building back better. The indispensable ingredient for success is political will and leadership. 3. According to the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2020, the region reports poor performance on most of the measurable environmental targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. What are the reasons behind the region’s poor performance? It is correct to say that the region is not yet on track in terms of environmental stewardship. If we dig deeper into the data, a few patterns emerge. For example, under climate action (Goal 13), the region’s continued dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing share of renewable energy in the energy mix play a major role in the increasing greenhouse gas emissions (GGEs). The overall share of renewables decreased between 1990 and 2017, from 17% to 12%, while the share of fossil fuels in the energy mix increased from 80% to 85%. At the same time, the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters linked to climate change are undermining development and hard-won development gains. Each year, the region incurs an average loss of US$675 billion, 2.4% of total regional GDP, to climate-induced disasters. Our analysis identified the Philippines as one of the 10 countries in the region incurring the largest annual loss to climate-induced disasters, with 75.8% of population living in high multi-hazard-risk areas. Under responsible consumption and production (Goal 12), the region is still investing in the brown economy of the past rather than the green economy. Fossil fuel subsidies still outweigh investments in renewable energy by nearly US$100 billion in a year. In addition, domestic material consumption and carbon emissions grew at a faster pace than GDP expansion between 2000 and 2019. Improving energy and efficiency of material resources of only 1% in Asia Pacific could generate approximately US$275 billion worth of savings in terms of resource costs, an amount equal to 51% of the FDI (Foreign Direct investment) inflows to the region in 2017. 4. What can the Asia-Pacific countries do to improve their performance and meet environmental targets? Aligning finance and investments with the ambitions of the SDG is a critical step. Our analysis estimates that developing economies in the region will need an annual additional investment of $1.5 trillion, equivalent to 5% of the region’s GDP in 2018, to achieve the 17 SDGs by 2030. Within this investment, $590 billion per year will be needed to invest in clean energy, climate change, and environmental protection. This ambition will be affordable with sound tax policy, efficient public spending, and private sector engagement. Ending fossil fuel subsidies will provide the fiscal space for green investments and increased social protection. Ending all investments in coal will safeguard not just the commitments under the Paris Agreement, but also mitigate countries being left with stranded assets and debt they can ill afford. Addressing air pollution and transforming our cities with clean, energy-efficient, and climate-neutral infrastructure and transport will bring immeasurable health and welfare benefits and create millions of jobs. 5. What can ordinary citizens do to help? The bulk of the responsibility to achieve the SDGs and to make the investments needed to move economies towards sustainability must come from governments and businesses with the right green policies and investments. So, our first lever for change is to ensure governments and businesses share our concerns about climate change, air pollution, environmental degradation, and sustainable development. Each of us can also be part of the solution in other practical ways. Our daily choices make a difference. These include using public transport and not cars, buying from local shops and local food to reduce the carbon footprint of our shopping, and driving behavior change in our communities. At ESCAP, for example, we have banned all single-use plastics from our headquarters building in Bangkok two years ago and are now working to reduce our waste. If this was replicated in every office building, school, and shopping centre, can you imagine the impact?

The Philippine Prison System Breaks Free of Stereotypes with New Leadership THE MANAGEMENT STYLE OF BUCOR DIRECTOR GENERAL GERALD Q. BANTAG IS THE KEY TO LASTING CHANGE. Often the setting for many a harrowing narrative in the movies about prison life, the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), under the management of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Undersecretary Director General Gerald Bantag, breaks free of its former image. Through the leadership of Gen. Bantag, the mandate of reforming lives is being enacted through programs that will benefit persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), the community, and the nation as a whole. by Maan D'Asis Pamaran Photography by Daniel Soriano The classic action films and the documentaries shot by foreign filmmakers did nothing to prepare the LEAGUE team as they arrived at the Muntinlupa facility that was built to resemble a fortress. After security checks were made and the team was escorted inside the building, we noticed that it looks a lot like any other cavernous government office with nondescript walls and varnished wooden stairs. It was only after we saw the gated entrance of the Maximum Security Compound that we were reminded which government office this is. A balcony on one side of the structure overlooks the buildings of the penitentiary, which house those who have been sentenced to 30 years or more. This is maximum security, where the residents are supposedly the most dangerous members of society. There they were, on that sunny morning, minding their own business, milling around in their orange attires, while being careful not to congregate. Even there, they were mindful of catching COVID-19. To the left, there are new buildings being built to decongest the jail cells. On the right, a hospital facility is under construction. This revitalized version of the Bilibid, by a lean team—selected from the BJMP and trusted friends of Gen Bantag from the Philippine Marines and the PNPA Kaagapay Class of 1996. BUY MAGAZINE NOW FINAL SALE GET 30% OFF EVERYTHING. CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

LATEST ISSUE A MISSION FULFILLED DIPOLOG CITY MAYOR DAREL DEXTER UY By Camille F. Cabal Uy believes that the government’s role in ending poverty is to provide an environment that allows people to break the cycle themselves—to be self-reliant, not governmentdependent. Read article here.. CONVERGE CONVERGE 1/1 Housing Summit Cover OSHDP Org QR Code Housing Summit Cover 1/7 BUY MAGAZINE NOW GOOD GOVERNANCE DAVAO ORIENTAL CONGRESSMAN CHEENO ALMARIO By James Steven Batucan Despite being a new member of the House of Representatives, Congressman Cheeno Miguel Almario takes satisfaction in the work he has been performing. Read article here.. GOOD GOVERNANCE MASANTOL, PAMPANGA MAYOR TON TON BUSTOS By RYAN LAO Masantol, Pampanga Mayor Ton Ton Bustos is paving the way for a new generation of public servants in his hometown. Read article here.. LATEST UPDATES LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH STO. NIÑO “JB” BERNOS BULAKAN, BULACAN MAYOR VERGEL MENESES LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION CHIEF VICENTE HOMER REVIL GUMACA, QUEZON MAYOR WEBSTER LETARGO Features League is the number one magazine publisher for all the news you seek. No matter what you want to read about, our team of dedicated and experienced writers are here to provide you with instant coverage on a wide range of topics. Check out our most recent pieces of the week below. GENERAL ANDRES CENTINO BY EDWIN P. GALVEZ General Andres Centino became the AFP Chief of Staff on November 12, 2021, the 11th and last appointee in the six years of the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte. VIEW MORE BOARD MEMBER DANZEL FERNANDEZ BY ROBIN LUCAS Laguna Board Member Danzel Fernandez leads generational changing of the guards. VIEW MORE PANGASINAN FEATURES THE GAME CHANGER February - March 2018 View More DRIVER OF CHANGE December 2018 View More GAINING GROUND May - June 2019 View More PREVIOUS MAGAZINE ISSUES Get a glimpse of what's inside the issue! Read More CONTACT US Unit 303 One Corporate Centre, Julia Vargas Avenue, cor. Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605 info@league.ph