MARTIN ROMUALDEZ TABLE OF CONTENTS BUY MAGAZINE NOW! FOR FREE! FEATURES MAYOR ALELI CONCEPCION BY NOVIE ROSE O. NUÑEZ From lawyer to public servant, the young mayor shares how she chose to widen her impact by serving the people of Balaoan, La Union. Read more FEATURES AMBASSADOR DR. TITANILLA TÓTH BY HELEN HERNANE The seasoned ambassador ensures that Hungary is a partner who will help push the country forward. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE REP. MARTIN ROMUALDEZ BY MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN While House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez grew up primed for the life of a politician, his heart is that of a public servant. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE USEC. GERALD BANTAG BY MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director-General ensures that the agency has been reformed for the benefit of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Read more REGULARS BARANGAY CONNECTION Local barangay officials are providing solutions with projects to uplift their communities. Read more REGULARS SPEAK YOUR MIND What is your message to the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz? Read more LEGAL OPINION COVID-19 VACCINATION IN THE PHILIPPINES IS IT A CHOICE or AN OBLIGATION? Read more

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BACK ‘ACTION, NOT WORDS’ Governor 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 A festive medley of Cebuano songs and dances welcomes Gwendolyn Garcia at the stakeholders meeting in Brgy. Bojo, Aloguinsan on a midweek morning in October. The first woman (and now the longest serving) governor of the province is clearly prepared for action—clad in jeans, rubber shoes, and a plain blue blouse. A portable air purifier dangles around her neck. With her at the event are some LGU officials— Aloguinsan Mayor Ignatius Moreno and Vice Mayor Raisa Moreno, two board members, Trade and Industry Asec. Asteria Caberte, and Tourism Regional Director Shalimar Tamano. Her 30-minute speech, almost entirely in Cebuano, is jovial and lighthearted, peppered with jokes in between. Her lively voice, energetic hand gestures, and animated facial expressions are enough to make even a non-Cebuano speaker chuckle. At that instant, we see the soft side of Cebu’s Iron Lady that perhaps is unknown to many. After the Bojo River Cruise, the governor visits three more locations within Aloguinsan— to inaugurate a cemented road and a constructed bridge. The heat is draining and most people are visibly tired but the seasoned Governor isn’t breaking a sweat. She smiles and talks to the people around her, repeatedly offering them snacks. Her energy and vigor are amazing. Later in the afternoon, the LEAGUE team meets with the governor again at her rest house in Pinamungajan. She speaks candidly, saying she prefers to shun media interviews. “Been there, done that,” she tells the team nonchalantly. “What I want you to highlight in your feature is Cebu.” She tells us that her trip to Aloguinsan earlier that day was intended to boost its tourism. “During my first term as governor, I realized tourism was focused mainly on Cebu City and Mactan Island,” she recalls. “And yet my having gone around the province proved that there are so many other beautiful sites. So I defined the direction of tourism, focusing on our culture and our heritage.” The lady chief points out the importance of cultural mapping in harnessing the full potential of the province— that is, identifying the heritage sites, relics, and structures that they have to develop, and organizing their festivals in accordance with the legend of their towns and their key products. The governor mentions the Cebu Provincial Government’s “Suruy-Suroy Sugbo” tourism program encapsulating this idea. “You stop at every town and, at every stop, you eat. You watch their festivals, you look at their handicrafts and their delicacies,” she says. But in order to succeed in this program, she knows the importance of focusing first on building their tourism infrastructure. That is why, during her initial nine-year term as governor, she asphalted the roads and converted all the wooden bridges to concrete. This is the reason, she says, she is well-loved by people in Bantayan and Camotes Islands. “I would personally visit these islands to check the developments,” she tells us. GOING BACK TO GOVERNORSHIP If Gov. Gwen can have her way, she would have wanted to continue her term at the House of Representatives, where she had an outstanding performance for two consecutive terms as congresswoman of the 3rd District of Cebu. She was also the very first woman to be elected Deputy Speaker for the Visayas. She had authored 28 bills and co-authored 64 bills and resolutions throughout her stint, addressing the improvement of the tourism industry and protection of the environment, poverty alleviation, improvement of transportation, sports and youth development, improvement of our criminal justice system, and economic development. The list of infrastructure problems she had completed during her term was nothing short of impressive: almost 1,000 classrooms built; over 30 kilometers of national roads concreted, 15 kilometers of farm-to-market roads concreted; 10 bridges retrofitted, six district hospitals upgraded, 37 health facilities built and 23 flood control projects constructed, 30 multi-purpose buildings constructed, and more. But the hardworking former congresswoman says she couldn’t ignore the people’s call for her to bring back the province of Cebu to its old glory. And by that, it’s not merely being on top of the “Richest Province” list in terms of assets, but really allowing the people even in the far-flung barangays to feel this benefit. The total assets of the province, as of their last reappraisal, now stand at P202 billion. “But what will it mean to someone living in Brgy. Zaragoza or Rosario or Bojo, or Cantabugon?” she asks rhetorically. “When I was governor for the first nine years, I asphalted all of the roads there, because that’s all we could afford back then. Now, my target is to finish concreting all the 880km of provincial and barangay roads. So that’s about at 100km per year [if I get to complete my three terms as governor],” she says. The lady governor says there are also misplaced priorities she can’t ignore. She cites an example: “When you enter the capitol, may magandang heritage garden dyan. The previous administration wanted to put a P1.2 billion, 22-story building. Ilo-loan pa gyud. E magagamit ba ng taga Aloguinsan yan? Is it going to help people from here? I had to fight that. People were begging me to run. So I ran against [Agnes] Magpale, who was my vice governor before.” RUNNING A GOVERNMENT LIKE A CEO When Gov. Gwen first ran for governor in 2004, many expressed doubts in her capacity to lead because she had not held any government position prior. “Kahit man lang barangay kapitan,” the naysayers would opine. But she tells LEAGUE that she never doubted herself in that aspect because, at that time, she had 20 years of experience already running her own businesses, which ranged from construction, equipment rental, running a port, security services, and general services. “Running a government is like running a business,” she points out. “It demands efficiency, and efficiency translates to quality service, which will in turn benefit the people.” She continues, “Just like running a business, you have to know how to multitask and understand every facet of it—from human resources to budgeting. And your goal is to continually enhance your business. Similarly, that is also your end-goal in running a government, to improve the lives of the people.” Like a CEO, she would regularly meet the department heads and the latter would report their accomplishments to her. “They have to review their presentation multiple times because I am so OC (obsessive compulsive); I can see a mistake immediately,” she says, holding a smile. Also, her team can’t be sitting on their jobs, lest they’d be embarrassed not to have anything to report during the meeting. In government, budgeting is very important. Fortunately, she earned her training in that area when she served as a consultant under the administration of former Mayor of Ormoc, Eufrocino “Dodong” Codilla, who was her ex-father-in-law. “The budget officer there taught me everything—the budget, the continuing appropriation, the five-year-development plan, etc. I know all that,” she says. For three years, she also served as a consultant to her own father, Pablo “Pabling” Garcia, who previously served as governor of Cebu. “Kaya I never felt inadequate when I won as governor. That was the least of my worries because I knew what I could do. And I immediately defined the direction that we will take,” she shares. A WOMAN FOR THE JOB The limitations of the Cebuano language and culture have the propensity to shape people’s characterization of the sexes, says the lady governor. “In the English language, feistiness implies strength, and we usually use it to describe a woman. In Cebuano, the equivalent term we use for men is maldito—meaning, magaling. But if we use maldita for the women, it would have a negative connotation,” the governor points out. Cebuanos also have a maledominated culture as can be gleaned from the history of its government. “We have rajas and datus, and the queen would always be second,” she says. Even so, Gov. Gwen never had a dichotomized appreciation of gender while she was growing up. “I was never told that ‘If you are a female, you could only do this.’ My mom and dad would always tell me, ‘You can do this, Gwen!’” The eldest among eight children of former Gov. Pablo Garcia admits she initially didn’t have the inclination to run for public office. “I hated politics,” she admits to LEAGUE. She hated the fact that it was intruding their private time as a family. In his government stints, the older Garcia had served as vice-governor of Cebu from 1969 to 1971; as representative of District 3 of Cebu from 1987 to 1995, and District 2 of Cebu (2007- 2013): and as governor from 1995- 2004. Her dad used to accept a lot of visitors in their home. “I would wake up one day, and I would see a stranger at our breakfast table,” she recalls. Little did she know that she would one day plunge into politics as well. “During my dad’s third term, he asked me to serve as his consultant. At that time, I just finished my first year at UP Law,” she remembers. She knew it was because she had already served as a consultant to her ex-father-in-law, Mayor Codilla, during his term from 1992 to 1996. The eldest child eventually relented to the request of her dad. Her plan was to help him for a year, and then go back to pursuing her dream to become a lawyer. But that didn’t happen. Public service rubbed off on her. She fulfilled her functions—as consultant on financial affairs, assisting her father in expanding the province’s resources, and later on, instituting various reforms at the Cebu Provincial Capitol as a Consultant on Systems Promotion and Development. For her strong leadership, she earned the monikers “Super Gwen,” the “little governor,” and the “Iron Lady.” After serving as a consultant for her dad, she was asked to run as vice governor. She instead decided to take the higher road and run as governor. “I was fatalistic about it. Sabi ko, ‘Lord, I think you want me to run for governor. But if I read you wrong, it’s okay. If I lose, it’s okay.

VOL. 8 NO. 6 DOH UNDERSECRETARY MOLLY CHIONG Leading the Charge in Transforming Public Health Service Discover how DOH Undersecretary Emmie LizaPerez- Chiong is revolutionizing healthcare with her hands-on approach, strong advocacy for oral health, and dedication to improving services for all Filipinos. BARANGAY SAN NICOLAS PROJECT MARKS STEP TOWARD SAFER, FLOOD-FREE COMMUNITY In Barangay San Nicolas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga hope is literally paving its way forward as a long-awaited road improvement project finally breaks ground. For many residents of Sitio Bulusan,... Read More CEBU PUSHES BARANGAY INCENTIVES FOR BETTER WASTE MANAGEMENT Barangay incentives for trash management in Cebu City promote environmental accountability, while Barangay San Nicolas in Pampanga improves roads and drainage to reduce flooding and build climate resilience. Read More Seconds to Disaster: Are We Ready for The Big One? Discover hidden fault lines, warning indications, and life-saving methods for surviving The Big One. Read More A Seat at the Table: The Philippines’ Michelin Moment The Philippines is bracing for another moment of pride as the Michelin Guide makes its debut, casting a global spotlight on the heritage, heart, and artistry that define Filipino cuisine. Read More Grace, Grit, and Grand Slams: Redefining The Filipina Champion Meet Alexandra “Alex” Eala, the trailblazing Filipina tennis star whose grace, grit, and Grand Slam victories are redefining what it means to be a champion on the world stage. Read More JOKES AND A JINGLE: SEXISM AND MISOGYNY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL With some candidates resorting to sexism and misogyny on the midterm elections campaign trail, the people reacted with outrage and demands for accountability. Read More HOTEL 101 MADRID HITS TOPPING-OFF MILESTONE, EYES 2025 F1 OPENING Hotel101 Madrid, the first Filipino hotel in Europe, will open in December 2025, just in time for the F1 Grand Prix, highlighting Filipino entrepreneurship in global hospitality. Read More MAPÚA PRESIDENT AND CEO DR. DODJIE MAESTRECAMPO Led by Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, MAPÚA University drives innovation and societal progress, equipping students to lead change in a dynamic world. Read More GORGEOUS GLOW AND ROSENDA SHAPEWEAR CEO ROSENDA CASAJE Meet Rosenda Casaje, CEO of Gorgeous Glow and Rosenda Shapewear, a leader in beauty and fashion empowering women with inclusive, purpose-driven brands. Read More PLM PRESIDENT DOMINGO “SONNY” REYES, JR. PLM, a university serving Manila’s underserved communities, is led with fatherly love by President Sonny Reyes, Jr. Learn how he nurtures a community built on empathy, discipline, and a strong commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility. Read More GAB CHAIRMAN FRANCISCO J. RIVERA Get to know GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, the quiet yet determined protector of integrity in Philippine sports, working to keep the games free from illegal gambling and ensure fairness for all athletes. Read More DOH UNDERSECRETARY MOLLY CHIONG Discover how DOH Undersecretary Emmie LizaPerez- Chiong is revolutionizing healthcare with her hands-on approach, strong advocacy for oral health, and dedication to improving services for all Filipinos. Read More BCDA CHAIRMAN HILARIO PAREDES In order to help propel national progress, BCDA Chairman Hilario B. Paredes is reinventing leadership by fusing bold reforms with compassion for everyone. Read More SANTIAGO CITY MAYOR SHEENA TAN Discover Mayor Sheena Tan’s 4K framework, which focuses on livelihood, health, education, and peace to create a brighter future for Santiago City. Read More BARANGAY POBLACION, MAKATI CHAIRMAN JOSE MIKHAIL “MIKO” VILLENA Chairman Miko Villena is leading Barangay Poblacion, Makati into a new era of inclusive, tech-driven governance that values tradition while embracing progress. Read More

VOL. 8 NO. 5 DEPUTY SPEAKER AND ILOCOS SUR 2ND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE KRISTINE SINGSON MEEHAN Service from the Heart Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson Meehan combines passion with policy to fuel improvement in Ilocos Sur’s 2nd District through education, healthcare, and agriculture to leave a lasting legacy of change for her constituents. Rice-Fish Culture: A Step Toward Food Security In a bold stride toward sustainable agriculture, Dapitan City has launched an experiment that could reshape rural livelihoods in Barangay Ma. Uray. Read More Cash for Mosquitoes in Barangay Addition Hills From cash-for-mosquitoes in Mandaluyong to rice fields teeming with tilapia in Dapitan, Filipino communities are turning creativity into action. Read More SAN NARCISO’S 11TH PAWIKAN FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY EFFORT Communities, schools, and conservationists came together at Zambales’ 11th Annual Pawikan Festival with the common goal of preserving breeding grounds for sea turtles and protecting endangered species. Read More NEW BANGSAMORO LEADERS SWORN IN, MACACUA TAKES OATH AS CHIEF MINISTER The Bangsamoro region’s leadership change is significant since it will determine the region’s autonomy and administration during the first parliamentary elections in October 2025. Read More UNEARTHING THE WONDERS OF BONGABONG A silent shrine and a living farm in the center of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, bring stories of faith and sustainability to life—where centuries-old spiritual wonder and organic ingenuity meet Read More WHERE COASTLINE, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY CONVERGE Learn how San Narciso, Zambales, offers a unique getaway where you can surf, fish, eat mangoes, and explore ceramics and legacy in one amazing experience. Read More SEGUNDO DISTRITO TI ILOCOS SUR: A TOTAL PACKAGE FOR EVERY TRAVELLER Ilocos Sur’s Segundo Distrito provides a diverse array of experiences that extend beyond the typical tourist routes, including sun-kissed coasts, cultural treasures, luxurious stays, and nature escapes. Read More TRAILS, TALES, AND THRILLS NEAR THE METRO No need to go far from Metro Manila Rodriguez, Rizal, formerly Montalban, offers misty mountains, historic landmarks, and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a perfect escape for adventure and exploration. Read More 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. Read More NPC CHAIRMAN JOHN HENRY D. NAGA Know what the efforts of the National Privacy Commission are in implementing policies and raising awareness to protect Filipinos’ data privacy amid the evolving digital landscape under the leadership of John Henry D. Naga. Read More BONGABONG, ORIENTAL MINDORO MAYOR ELEGIO “ELGIN” MALALUAN Get to know more of the neophyte Mayor Elegio “Elgin” Malaluan, who is reshaping Bongabong of Oriental Mindoro into a town with heart, determination, and deep commitment through his HEARTSPO agenda. Read More PLARIDEL, BULACAN MAYOR JOCELL VISTAN Know the woman behind Plaridel’s green revolution and learn how Mayor Jocell Vistan is redefining sustainability turning trash into projects, which is a step toward a smarter, greener future. Read More DOLORES, QUEZON MAYOR ORLAN A. CALAYAG Discover how Dolores Mayor Orlan Calayag’s leadership, founded on faith and steadfast commitment, is making his hometown a beacon of progress, faith, and resilience. Read More SAN NARCISO, ZAMBALES MAYOR LA RAINNE ABAD-SARMIENTO The first woman mayor of San Narciso in Zambales, La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento shares her journey of activism to governance, showing that true leadership is about service, action, and strong dedication to the people. Read More FORT BONIFACIO BARANGAY CHAIRMAN JORGE S. BOCOBO Meet Fort Bonifacio Barangay Chairman Jorge Bocobo, who advocates inclusive leadership and digital innovation while striking a balance between family, church, and governance in one of Metro Manila’s most vibrant districts. Read More OFW PARTYLIST REPRESENTATIVE MARISSA “DEL MAR” MAGSINO Uncover why a showbiz personality transforms into a dedicated champion for the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Read More RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL MAYOR RONNIE EVANGELISTA A seasoned military general turned municipal mayor, Ronnie Evangelista confronts the challenge of governance with the same discipline, approach, and resilience that characterized his decades long career in the Armed Forces in leading the town of Rodriguez in Rizal. Read More DEPUTY SPEAKER AND ILOCOS SUR 2ND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE KRISTINE SINGSON MEEHAN Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson Meehan combines passion with policy to fuel improvement in Ilocos Sur’s 2nd District through education, healthcare, and agriculture to leave a lasting legacy of change for her constituents. Read More

VOL. 8 NO. 3 UNITED STATES PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP Making an Immediate Impact Donald Trump’s return to the White House with bold moves and policy changes is creating an impact that would either make one love him or hate him. Barangay connection Barangay Magnao in kalinga opens a new health center, while SK Council of Barangay in Ragay, Camarines Sur supports students with supplies and hygiene kits Read More NUCLEAR SCIENCE IN ACTION The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute reveals its cutting-edge facilities that are shaping the future of nuclear technology in the Philippines while paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future. Read More ILOCOS SUR: A TAPESTRY OF NATURAL AND MANMADE WONDERS Visiting Ilocos Sur is leads not just to an appreciation of beauty but realization of the Philippines’ rich tapestry of culture and history. Read More GOODBYE GOLDEN VISA, GOODBYE FILIPINO INVESTORS? Spain is phasing out its Golden Visa program—what will be its impact on Filipino investors who want to attain European residency? Read More WHAT’S AT STAKE: A LOOK AT THE 2025 MIDTERM ELECTIONS What are the most important things that we have to consider as we move closer to the midtern elections? Read More UNITED STATES PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP Donald Trump’s return to the White House with bold moves and policy changes is creating an impact that would either make one love him or hate him. Read More RETIRED ITALIAN AMBASSADOR MARCO CLEMENTE As he retires in the Philippines, the former Italian ambassador shares his efforts to bridge two cultures and how Filipinos have become a vital part of not only Italian society but also of him and his family. Read More TOURISM SECRETARY CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO Know how the former mayor of Cebu and the youngest Cabinet secretary is transforming the Philippine tourism industry into a powerhouse with her transformative programs and unshakable governance. Read More PNRI DIRECTOR CARLO A. ARCILLA Learn why this leader is making a bold push for nuclear energy in the Philippines and how the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute contributes to shaping the future of science toward sustainable national progress. Read More BIR COMMISSIONER ROMEO D. LUMAGUI JR. Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. is transforming the BIR through modernization, digitalization, and employee empowerment to promote transparency, efficiency, and Filipinos’ trust in the country’s tax system. Read More BACOOR MAYOR STRIKE B. REVILLA Mayor Strike Revilla shares his dreams and efforts to make Bacoor a model city for progress and how his unwavering commitment was shaped by his 30-year journey in public service. Read More MARIKINA 2ND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE STELLA LUZ QUIMBO Learn how educator-turned-lawmaker Congresswoman Stella Quimbo handles Marikina’s challenges, using her skills in listening, evaluating, and simplifying complex issues to shape impactful legislation. Read More LANAO DEL SUR FIRST DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG Discover how the Marawi Siege transformed Congressman Zia Alonto Adiong’s perspective about turning the crisis and loss into a powerful drive for legislative advocacy and lasting peace not only in Mindanao but beyond. Read More ILOCOS SUR GOVERNOR JERRY SINGSON Get to know how a barangay captain rose to become a visionary governor who has built a legacy founded on resilience and unity for the people of Ilocos Sur. Read More

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VOL. 8 NO. 1 Answering the Call of Duty SENATOR FRANCIS N. TOLENTINO Discover how Senator Francis Tolentino has remained committed to his duty of providing quality public service for nearly four decades amid various challenges. Driven by PURPOSE, Powered by PROGRESS MARKED BY INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY, PLARIDEL, BULACAN MAYOR JOCELL VISTAN’S UNIQUE PROJECTS ADDRESS A WIDE SCOPE OF HER CONSTITUENTS’ NEEDS AND SET THE FOUNDATION FOR LASTING CHANGE. Read More ENJOY JAKARTA AND STUNNING BANDUNG Jakarta and Bandung are must-visit destinations in Indonesia for those who want to immerse themselves in rich history, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, exciting shopping experiences, and beautiful natural scenery. Read More A PEEK INTO SAN JUAN’S RICH HISTORY In San Juan City, visitors can explore a rich history that honors revolutionary heroes and showcases colonial infrastructure that promotes recreation and cultural engagement. Read More UNVEILING THE MAGIC OF HIDDEN PARADISE Known as a mystical island, Dinagat captivates every visitor with its rich history, cultural treasures, and unique culinary experiences, offering more than just stunning beaches. Read More DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF YOUR NEXT GETAWAY Explore Magallanes—a perfect retreat in Cavite—where a range of attractions and activities await those who want to create great memories. Read More INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR H.E. AGUS WIDJOJO Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, a former military general, is instrumental in promoting ASEAN cooperation, economic growth, and peaceful resolution of regional disputes. Read More PNP CHIEF GENERAL ROMMEL FRANCISCO MARBIL Get to know the highest leader of the Philippine National Police as a dedicated family man and a visionary leader whose efforts are focused on modernizing the PNP’s approach to protecting Filipinos through the use of advanced technologies. Read More PHILIPPINE SPORTS COMMISSION CHAIRMAN RICHARD BACHMANN Meet the man behind the Philippine Sports Commission and discover his game-changing approach to transforming Philippine sports and nurturing future Olympians. Read More CHEF EDWARD MATEO Discover the recipe for success of kakanin maker and pastry chef Edward Mateo, whose passion for Filipino cuisine and resilience have shaped his culinary journey. Read More JULITA, LEYTE COUNCILOR JUDE ROMUALDEZ This young councilor facilitates projects that encourage citizen participation in order to better their lives. Read More SAN JOSE DEL MONTE BULACAN MAYOR ARTHUR B. ROBES Mayor Arthur Robes shares his transformative vision in leading San Jose Del Monte to progress and prosperity through his strong political will. Read More BICOL SARO CONGRESSMAN BRIAN RAYMUND YAMSUAN Know more about Congressman Brian Raymund Yamsuan—a kingmaker turned lawmaker dedicated to community empowerment and political change. Read More SENATOR FRANCIS N. TOLENTINO Discover how Senator Francis Tolentino has remained committed to his duty of providing quality public service for nearly four decades amid various challenges. Read More SAN JUAN CITY MAYOR FRANCIS ZAMORA From the basketball court to city hall, see how Mayor Francis Zamora skillfully dribbles through challenges to implement his game plan for local governance, creating a lasting impact in the lives of San Juaneños. Read More DINAGAT ISLANDS GOVERNOR NILO P. DEMEREY, JR. Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. tells his inspiring journey in transforming the Province of Dinagat Islands and his vision of making it a more progressive island. Read More SAN JOSE DEL MONTE BULACAN CONGRESSWOMAN FLORIDA “RIDA” ROBES Know how Congresswoman Florida “Rida” Robes leverages her entrepreneurial expertise to transform San Jose del Monte into a progressive city while advocating for legislation that enhances the lives of Filipinos. Read More MAGALLANES, CAVITE MAYOR ANGELLI MALIGAYA-BAUTISTA Discover the magic behind the S.M.I.L.E. of Mayor Jasmin Angelli Maligaya-Bautista, with which she is inspiring change in Magallanes. Read More

DONYA TESORO TABLE OF CONTENTS GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW AGENCY OF CHANGE Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Anatomy of an Earthquake Read More PROFILES BRGY. CAPT. JORGE BOCOBO Bridging the Gap Read More PROFILES CONG. FIDEL NOGRALES Courage to Change Read More GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW FOSTERING UNITY AND COOPERATION Marinduque Gov. Velasco Elected New League of Provinces President Read More GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW GOCC NATION BCDA New Clark City The New Frontier Read More FEATURES GOV. SUSAN YAP Full Steam Ahead Read More GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW MAYOR DONYA TESORO LEADING CHANGE Read More FEATURES MAYOR MENCHIE ABALOS Mother Leads Best Read More GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW MAYOR TOBY TIANGCO NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP Read More GOVERNANCE IN REVIEW STEP UP DILG Culminates Orientation for Newly Elected Officials Read More

VOL. 7 NO. 7 List A Mother’s Triumph Over Adversity CABADBARAN CITY MAYOR JUDY CHIN-AMANTE Learn about the inspiring journey of Cabadbaran City’s mayor, Judy Chin-Amante, as she explores new passions, overcomes obstacles, and drives the city forward by being resilient and determined in her roles as a strong leader and a single mother. Spotlight ESCAPE THE ORDINARY WITH CABADBARAN CITY’S MOST STUNNING BACKDROPS Discover Cabadbaran City, where the refreshing embrace of nature, a glimpse into its rich historical past, and the unique tastes of local cuisine come together to offer an unforgettable experience. Read More Spotlight DISCOVER CAVITE CITY Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Regada Water Festival, the Philippines’ largest water festival, while exploring Cavite City’s dynamic culinary scene, budget-friendly hotels, and historic Corregidor Island. Read More Barangay Connection 7 BARANGAY CONNECTION Discover how Barangay Sauyo, Quezon City promotes inclusivity through Project Tahan’ay, and learn about the Marine Research Center on Sarangani Island, which will showcase key local projects for disability empowerment and marine conservation. Read More Feature WCC PRESIDENT RAYMOND PATRICK V. GUICO Step into the visionary world of of an HEI president who advocates internationalization in Philippine education while raising standards to global levels. Read More Legal opinion ASIN - LITTLE GRAINS, MAJOR IMPACT: AN INFORMATIVE JOURNAL Get a clear view of how a salient law can revitalize the local salt industry and help push the national economy forward. Read More Global ties COMMERCIAL VICE CONSUL OF DTI-PTIC IN HONG KONG ATTY. ROBERTO B. MABALOT Discover how the leader of a small but committed team at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong has helped deepen trade connections and uncover investment prospects, making 2023 a watershed year for bilateral economic engagement. Read More Business MAYNILAD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RAMONCITO “MON” S. FERNANDEZ Gain insights from how Maynilad CEO Ramoncito Fernandez tackles the challenges of providing clean water while leading the company through a disciplined and logical approach. Read More Good Governance MANGALDAN, PANGASINAN COUNCILOR LOVELY LIAN CLAVA-MARAMBA Councilor Lovely Lian Clava-Maramba has shown that female leaders can exemplify strength and purpose serving the community and making a difference. Read More Good Governance KIDAPAWAN MAYOR JOSE PAOLO M. EVANGELISTA Learn about how Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paolo M. Evangelista is rebuilding his city through a vision of sustainability, inclusivity, and positive transformation, turning obstacles into opportunities for progress and community empowerment. Read More Good Governance RIZAL 2ND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE EMIGDIO “DINO” P. TANJUATCO III Guided by the principles he learned from his father, the congressman of Rizal’s 2nd District is confident that he will be able to bring progress to his province despite various challenges. Read More Good Governance CAGAYAN VICE GOVERNOR MELVIN “BOY” VARGAS AND LTFRB SPOKESPERSON PIRCELYN “CELINE” PIALAGO Find out how a couple from different fields of government work together, bringing their own talents and commitment to public service, to achieve a shared goal of transforming the province of Cagayan. Read More Good Governance CAVITE CITY MAYOR DENVER CHUA Discover how Mayor Denver Chua’s dynamic leadership has revitalized Cavite City, making it debt-free and steering the city towards a future of economic and cultural renaissance. Read More Good Governance RIZAL, NUEVA ECIJA MAYOR HANNA KATRINA “TRINA” ANDRES Mayor Hanna Katrina Andres of Rizal, Nueva Ecija, believes that purpose may be found in unexpected places as shown by her successful transition from corporate life to public service. Read More Good Governance DSWD DIRECTOR MICHAEL CRISTOPHER “CRIS” R. MATHAY Discover how social work and preparedness for disasters are being combined by former city councilor and current director of the DSWD Michael Cristopher “Cris” R. Mathay to improve resilience and national has shown that female leaders can exemplify strength and purpose Read More Good Governance CABADBARAN CITY MAYOR JUDY CHIN-AMANTE Learn about the inspiring journey of Cabadbaran City’s mayor, Judy Chin-Amante, as she explores new passions, overcomes obstacles, and drives the city forward by being resilient and determined in her roles as a strong leader and a single mother. Read More Good Governance ILOCOS NORTE 2ND DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE EUGENIO ANGELO MARCOS BARBA Know how a legislator from a prominent political family in Ilocos Norte has forged his own path in leadership and service, blending tradition and creativity throughout his lengthy career in public service. Read More