< Back National Heroes Committee: Quest for the Country’s “National Heroes” Who decides if one should be considered a hero or a national hero? The concept of a “hero,” much more a “national hero,” is a contentious one in any country. Merriam–Webster Online Dictionary generally defines a hero as “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage.” Essentially, this general definition could actually refer to anybody, and even the simplest achievement and act of kindness could be considered a form of heroism. However, elevating heroism to an even grander scale and level, namely, by being considered a national hero, would naturally be the result of related distinguished actions and contributions of an even greater magnitude. But this situation begs the question: Who decides that one should be considered a hero or a national hero? NO “NATIONAL HERO” Contrary to what virtually every Filipino has “learned” in social studies class, the country does not have an official “national hero.” Yes, the great Dr. Jose Rizal is undoubtedly a Filipino hero, just like Andres Bonifacio, Gabriela Silang, Jose Abad Santos, Jesus Villamor, and countless other Filipinos who have sacrificed their time, energy, effort, and even their lives, for the country’s welfare. But No, Rizal is not officially recognized as “the national hero of the Philippines,” as tempting as it is to accept this idea. Nevertheless, the seemingly never-ending debate on who between Rizal and Bonifacio (and in a few other discussions, Emilio Aguinaldo) should be recognized as the country’s national hero is enough proof that Filipinos do care about this matter, and that there is general reverence for what and how they have contributed substantially to the country’s history. LEGISLATING HEROES, HEROISM? Historically, there had been numerous attempts and efforts exerted, specifically by the national government, to recognize Filipino heroes and the heroism of Filipinos to firmly symbolize the greatness of the people and the country. These endeavors were likewise the result of the need to further enhance the people’s sense of nationalism, strengthen the call for freedom and independence, and love of country and countrymen. However, such a recognition was primarily through legislation and proclamations, prompting historians and critics alike to question if heroism could, indeed, be .....

< Back Setting the Bar High BY HELEN HERNANE "SOMETIMES, CHANGE TAKES A LOT OF TIME BUT IN THE END, IT’S ALWAYS WORTH THE EFFORT." COPENHAGEN IS THE 2ND MOST LIVEABLE CITY IN THE WORLD THIS 2023, PAINTING A PICTURE OF PERFECTION THAT MOST CITIES ASPIRE TOWARD, WE ASK COPENHAGEN LORD MAYOR SOPHIE HÆSTORP ANDERSEN, WHAT’S NEXT? Known for the Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn Harbour with its colorful houses, and jazz clubs, Copenhagen, Denmark tops nearly every positive list imaginable. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Union of Architects (UIA) dubbed it the 2023 World Capital of Architecture. Additionally, it is home to some of the world’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants. Beyond the cultural scene, Copenhagen is also the poster city for cycling and happiness. It is the second highest city in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Global Liveability Index and is named by Forbes as the top city in the world for work-life balance. Copenhagen was also 3rd in the 2023 Global Destination Sustainability Index. No wonder its leader Lord Mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen (also the people and even tourists) sings the city praises. “There are so many reasons why I’m proud to call Copenhagen my home, and why I could never dream of living anywhere else. Social responsibility is close to my heart, and I’m proud of the fact that the city welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of gender, race, and sexuality,” Andersen shares. She adds that the city government is developing an even better future for the Copenhageners—one that is focused on climate change, cycling, and public transportation, while preserving the city’s unique architectural soul. On a personal level, the lord mayor confesses that she’s a huge fan of the city’s world-class gastronomy scene, theaters, and concert venues. However, no city is perfect and even the most prized artworks have their flaws. Which is why Andersen believes that their local government shouldn’t rest on their laurels, saying “Although I am proud that Copenhagen is recognized as one of the world’s best cities, I believe that we should also look forward and develop our city [further]. So that Copenhagen never stands still, but develops in an increasingly equal and greener direction.” But how did Copenhagen achieve this level of success? And what comes next for the city that has made sustainability the goal of every government in the world? Denmark is the 2nd highest country in the 2023 World Happiness Report. In the context of Copenhagen, what do you think are the factors behind this achievement? I think one of the reasons why Copenhagen or Denmark has been leading, or has been ranking high, for many years has to do with our welfare system. There’s a lot of safety nets in the Danish welfare system that we try to maintain [not just in Copenhagen]. That means that even though there are still people that we need to help, there are also a lot of people who, on a daily basis, feel safe in their neighborhood, their jobs. Or even when they lose their job, there is a safety net that takes care of them. This is something we strive for in Copenhagen, liveability where safety is not only about having low crime rates but also feeling safe in knowing that you can easily get a job or education and the government and people will take care of you. These are some of the things that make people happy and make their lives easier. What aspects of Danish (or Scandinavian) culture have cultivated a shared sense of responsibility among the people? I think it’s a mix of how our society is built and how we interact as Danes. Our high level of trust in each other, our unique welfare state and educational system, our culture, and our consciousness toward each other and the environment [have contributed to this]. [I believe] much of the credit for Denmark’s present position as a wealthy and safe country without major social tensions can be ascribed to a welldeveloped public sector. In Copenhagen, this also means that we can develop the city in a green direction and prioritize more metro, bicycle lanes, and green spaces which also contribute to making the city an even better place to live in. Speaking of security and culture, the spirit of hygge is also definitive of Denmark’s culture. It doesn’t have a singular meaning, but it revolves around making a person feel comfortable. As hygge is best experienced with people that you are close or familiar with, and given that 73 percent of the city’s population are of Danish origin, how does the local government ensure that immigrants to Copenhagen experience a sense of inclusion and hygge? Hygge is something that we take very seriously in Denmark and Copenhagen. For Danish people, it is a concept that we can create but sometimes it can maybe also exclude others. This is something that we discuss a lot also politically because in Copenhagen, we want to be open for business. We want to open our country to other people. A lot of people want to come and work in Copenhagen because Danish companies often have a very flat organizational PHOTO BY EHRHORN HUMMERSTON 28 LEAGUE culture wherein it’s very easy to get in touch with leadership or have a dialogue with them. This speaks to many people around the world, especially young people. But what we also see is that immigrants come to Denmark and it’s easy to get good colleagues. After work, however, a person could feel very alone and excluded from the hygge culture. This is something we discuss a lot; what can we do differently? As Danes, we need to be better in creating new friends. A lot of Danish people, including myself, made friends at a very early time [during their childhood] that they carry on throughout their life. Danish people take friendship very seriously because as parents, you make sure that your children are in a good place and you help your children get along with their friends. Some people are closer to their friends than their families. [It’s opposite] the openness that we see in other societies where you invite more people, have more loose friendships, but have very close familial connections. In Copenhagen, we have “international houses” or places where we try to create bonds between immigrants and integrate them into Danish culture and vice versa. It’s an ongoing political discussion about what we can do more to make sure that people not only want to come to Copenhagen and work, but also to want to stay there. Denmark is among the highest consumers of antidepressants. How do you reconcile this contradiction given the happiness ranking? The mental health crisis, it’s all over the world. It affects every kind of neighborhood, regardless of social class, and was made worse by the global pandemic. Some of it has to do with the complexity that we face today—crisis regarding our environment, climate change, crisis in who is actually running the world. And I think one of the reasons why so many people in Denmark also use antidepressants is because they can afford it. We’re a rich country and we were among the first countries that invented antidepressants. I look at this statistic positively; for me, it means that it is easy to access good healthcare in Denmark. What are the initiatives of the Danish government regarding mental health, especially for the youth? Mainly, we are looking into our school system. We want to make sure that there is more room for creativity and play classes for the young. During the 1990s, we actually had a lot of discussions about testing and we wanted to improve the children’s skills in reading, writing, and math. We put a lot of focus on that and we were comparing ourselves to other countries, like China. Today, I feel that maybe we went a little bit too far in trying to enhance those skills instead of building some of the most innovative, creative children and making sure they have life skills. It’s essential to ensure not only math, writing, and reading skills, but also creating a democratic society—helping children believe that they can change things, oppose during discussions, and that they can have a dialogue with grown-ups instead of just being dictated to on what they should do. So this is what we’re trying to bring more to our schools, instead of focusing on the mere skill of testing and being ready to be tested. We’re trying to bring this to the national dialogue and enhance the school system as a more holistic approach that empowers the children growing up. Denmark also stands out as a country with one of the highest personal income tax rates in the world. Among the top 10 countries in the world with highest tax rates, only Denmark, Japan, and Austria have cities that also rank high in the Global Liveability Index. This includes Copenhagen. Could you elaborate on the possible factors that allow your city to maintain its remarkable liveability status despite the relatively high tax burden on its citizens? I think it’s exactly one of the reasons why we can maintain a high liveability ranking—because we pay high taxes. Trust is a very big issue when it comes to income taxes and we see, as citizens, what we get from complying. It is up to yourself to make sure that you have the right insurance systems—making sure that your children go to a good school until the point they need to go to a university, healthcare especially for the elderly, and more. In Denmark, you can say that our tax system is our collective insurance system. That brings a lot of safety and trust for everyone. Locally, we have good schools for our children that we already paid for because we pay our income taxes. My children, for instance, go to a local school just 300 meters away from our house. And in that school, I feel safe that they have good teachers, a high level of education, and that they can thrive without the need for me to pay for a private school. Then when they want to go to university or get further education afterwards, it is very easy to get because you don’t need to pay for it. These give people a lot of safety and trust in society—thus leading to the liveability of Copenhagen. I have American friends and some of them are envious of the system. It is very difficult for them to grasp a system that is based on so much trust in the local government and the local state initiatives. For the example of education and healthcare, these are some of the things that only you could enhance yourselves instead of relying on the government. A democratic politician named Elizabeth Warren said something about how we don’t succeed on our own as human beings. As somebody paid for that road you were driving on, somebody paid for that school you went to, and somebody made sure that we have educated people to take care of the elderly. In Denmark, we have chosen to make sure that paying our taxes is among the things we do collectively because it helps build a liveable and happy country. (Andersen is referencing US Senator Warren’s quote, “There is nobody in this country who got rich on his own— nobody.” Former US President Barack Obama also echoed this, saying, “If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help… Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive… The point is, [that] when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together.”) Moving towards climate action initiatives, Copenhagen initially had a target to be carbon neutral by 2025. With the ARC incinerator failing to meet the requirements for state funding, it’s clear that the city may not achieve this goal. In one article, however, you shared that you are optimistic in meeting this target in the upcoming years. Could you elaborate on the strategies you have in place to continue Copenhagen’s fight against climate change, building on the remarkable 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since 2010? In Copenhagen, we have a track record of being at the international forefront on various climate topics, and we strive to support healthy and meaningful lives for our citizens. I am confident that our liveability ranking is not despite of, but in many ways because of, our ambitious climate policies and To answer your question, we are working on several tracks to succeed with our goal, and carbon dioxide capture is still something we are working to realize. Other than that, we are investing massively in an integrated sustainable mobility system where a world-class biking system is combined with green and new metro, buses, and electrical “harbour buses.” We are placing an emphasis on circular economy and energy efficiency to support a sustainable building sector. Plus, I am to minimize single-use consumption and reduce rubbish in our streets by introducing deposit solutions for takeaway. Copenhagen has also implemented an extensive resource and waste management plan with the target of tripling all reuse in the city as well as recycling 70 percent of all household and light industry waste by 2025. I’m also proud to add that our children and elderly are provided with sustainable, healthy meals in kindergartens, schools, and nursing homes that are 90-percent organic. Lastly, we have invested 1.4 billion Danish krone in the implementation of a wide Cloudburst Management Plan, including 300 projects and with strong integration of urban nature and public green spaces for leisure. Copenhill, the waste-to-energy plant with an artificial ski slope on the roof, transformed the idea of sustainable infrastructure. What are your thoughts regarding this iconic energy plant? In Copenhagen, space is limited and we need to prioritize the creation of green spaces by being creative in our utilization of our square meters. This includes the city’s rooftops, which I advocate for being used more effectively—for example, rooftop gardens or installation of solar panels. Copenhill represents an impressive fusion of sustainability and innovation. The concept of integrating a waste-to-energy plant with a rooftop artificial ski slope is not only an architectural feat, but also a powerful symbol of how we can embrace sustainability in a creative way. It demonstrates that infrastructure doesn’t just need to be functional; it can also be beautiful and inspiring. It’s a positive step toward changing our perception of what is possible within sustainable development. On a personal level, you have 16 years of political experience. You were a member of the Folketing (parliament) and then became the regional council chairperson of the capital region. Could you tell us a moment that shaped your leadership? There are, of course, many highlights since the beginning of my political career. For example, I have always been very focused on treating people who are living with drug addiction. When I was elected the first time to parliament, it took time but I managed to convince my party that we should change the way we help people who have drug addiction. After 10 years, I succeeded in getting my proposal through parliament. Now that I’m the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, we continue to make sure that these parliamentarian results are concretely felt by the people, that they actually get out to affect those with drug addiction and those people who live on the streets. That’s been very memorable for me. Sometimes, change takes a lot of time but in the end, it’s always worth the effort. If the younger me knew how many years it would take me to make these changes, maybe I wouldn’t have [entered politics]. But today, I’m very glad that I stayed on message and sought more alliances in order for us to make massive institutional changes on this issue because it means a lot to people; these results save lives on a daily basis. What principles or values do you consider central to your leadership style? It’s all about authority, to be brave in making decisions even though we cannot always see the results immediately. We should look more into the future, on what’s good for Copenhagen not only five years from now but also 10, 30, sometimes 50 years from now, especially when it comes to climate change. Dialogue is also very important for me, to talk with the Copenhageners. Every month, I take one or two days off to talk to the people and be a part of the city, to make sure that the ideas that we are politically bringing forward are also something that we do together with the people. Especially since 80 percent of businesses in Copenhagen are very small with 20 to less than a hundred people. It’s important to be in close dialogue with those about how to develop our city, as well as the elderly and other minority sectors of society WALK THE TALK Success, of course, also comes with a price, and for Copenhagen, it is the immense responsibility to keep leading the charge when it comes to climate action. Recently this 2023, Andersen was elected as vice chair of the C40 Cities Steering Committee. It is “a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis.” Andersen said in her statement: “Cities are doers, not talkers. As new C40 vice chair, I will bring decades of green innovation and best practices from Copenhagen into the C40 network. I also aim to take a leading role in reducing consumption-based emissions at the city level while focusing on the balances and synergies between climate impact, green jobs, health, and liveability.” Despite taking the lead, Andersen also wants Copenhageners to do their part in this initiative as the world has high expectations. The lord mayor concludes the interview by stressing that their society has reached a place wherein people cannot say that it is the sole responsibility of the state or the local municipalities to make climate adaptations. “This is something we need to take upon ourselves, to take responsibility, and to have this dialogue with each other. We need to look more into how we can adjust our individual lives to create a world that is more fair, to take leadership in changing our ways when it comes to climate change.”

< Back MAASIN CITY, SOUTHERN LEYTE BY EDWIN ALLAN DIAZ Three hours away from Tacloban City, Maasin City is a religious haven with hidden natural wonders that are virtually untouched. Tucked deep within Southern Leyte is the City of Maasin, a place full of religious destinations worth a pilgrimage to and natural sites that are virtually untouched. Located three to four hours away via land travel from Tacloban City Airport, Maasin City’s captivating tourist spots are some of the lesser-known treasures of Eastern Visayas. MAASIN CATHEDRAL Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Maasin Cathedral is a concrete representation of the city's rich religious heritage that celebrates Baroque architecture. The cathedral is a captivating sight that pulls visitors in and encourages them to reflect and say a prayer. Not only is it a place of worship, but also a testament to the city's cultural identity and spiritual significance. Constructed in the 17th century, Maasin Cathedral was damaged by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. The roof, in particular, was heavily damaged. In order to raise funds for repairs, the church held a fundraising Christmas event. As of writing, rehabilitation efforts are still ongoing. In partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the church also underwent renovation from 2019 to 2020. From the church's retablo mayor to the stained glass windows, practically the entire church is restored. Even the bell is now electronic, but the original 1882 bell is still on display in their compound near the church's office. To celebrate 500 years since the first Easter mass in Limasawa, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched a tour package in 2021, which features the stone churches of Southern Leyte. Among the chosen churches was the Maasin Cathedral. Other churches included in the initiative were Baybay City's Immaculate Concepcion Church and Punta Chapel; Hilongos' Immaculate Concepcion Church; Malitbog's Sto. Niño Parish Church; Matalom's Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, and San Juan's St. John the Baptist Church. During the observance of Holy Week, pilgrims from all over the world flock to visit Maasin's church. The city's tourism office estimates around 10,000 people visit each year in their city alone considering their numerous religious destinations. MONTE CUEVA If you seek tranquility and breathtaking vistas, a visit to Monte Cueva is a must. Located in the tranquil village of Guadalupe, Monte Cueva is known for its stunning panoramic views and serene ambiance. It was donated by its previous owner to the Diocese of Maasin, which was made into the Precious Blood of Jesus Chapel. Three red "water droplets" hang from the center of the chapel, symbolizing Jesus' blood. Aside from the hilltop ascent of over 300 steps, what's notable about Monte Cueva is the miracle that happened over a decade ago. Its caretaker said Mama Mary's statue atop the chapel incarnated into a Franciscan sister during holy mass and helped distribute host during Holy Communion. This happened on September 8, 2010, which is also her birthday. Fair warning, however, that reaching the top of the hill is no mean feat, and visitors should prepare themselves for the uphill climb. On your way up, you will encounter the 14 stations of the cross depicted via statues. With small platforms in between flights of stairs, you could pause to pray at each station while catching your breath. Hundreds make the climb every Sunday, participating in the mass inside the cave. Benches are provided for the attendees and the temperature inside the cave is significantly cooler than outside. When the cave is full during mass, however, it could still get warm. CAGNITUAN FALLS This waterfall is tucked deep within a lush rainforest, reachable by walking on sprawling and muddy trails. A hidden gem awaiting discovery, it is located in Barangay Cagnituan, hence the name, offering visitors a literally refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. After the trek, visitors are greeted by crystal-clear pools that overflow from, the picturesque waterfall. Take a dip in the icy-cold waters and let the beauty of nature envelop every moment. If you visit early enough, you may also access the Guinsuhotan Cave. Given the pitch-dark interior of the cave, tourists are required to have a tour guide with them going inside. You will be given a set of safety gear- flashlight, life vest, and hard hat. Going through the cave to the other side, however, you will be rewarded with a stunning water basin you could swim in. Maasin City is a destination that offers a diverse range of attractions, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks. Whether you seek serene landscapes, historical sites, or thrilling adventures, this city has something to offer every traveler.

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< Back Championing Philippine Sports By: Ragie Mae Taño-Arellano IN THE FAST-PACED WORLD OF PHILIPPINE SPORTS, CHAIRMAN RICHARD S. CLARIN LEADS THE GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS BOARD (GAB) WITH A MISSION TO IMPROVE THE COUNTRY’S ATHLETIC SCENE. DISCOVER HIS MOTIVATIONS, OBSTACLES, AND INNOVATIVE PROJECTS THAT WILL IMPACT THE FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE SPORTS, ALL TO PUSH PLAYERS TO TAKE CENTER STAGE CHAMPIONING PUBLIC INTEREST After careful consideration, the selection committee ultimately chose Attorney Richard S. Clarin for the GAB chairmanship. While acknowledging the noteworthy qualifications of other candidates, Clarin humbly expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. Seeing his appointment as a rare opportunity to give back as an Iskolar ng Bayan, he sees it as a way to help his fellow citizens. He could have continued his private law practice, but he chose to take the job with a focus on “public service.” The GAB chairman claims that this is comparable to his work as a lawyer since it demonstrates his unwavering commitment to attending to clients’ needs and going above and beyond the bare minimum to safeguard their interests. He now channels his efforts to serve the public interest, carrying with him this commitment to hard work. “I focus on the word 'service.' As a private lawyer, I give 100% to addressing all of my clients’ concerns. This work ethic is what I bring to public service,” he declares. GROWING UP IN A HOUSEHOLD THAT VALUED LOYALTY AND RESPONSIBILITY, CLARIN CONSENTED TO TAKE ON THE ROLE OF GAB CHAIRMAN. HIS FATHER’S STEADFAST DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE SERVED AS A SOURCE OF IMMENSE INSPIRATION FOR HIM, INSTILLING IN HIM A STRONG SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND HONESTY. Clarin claims that his commitment to serve the people was greatly influenced by his father, who dedicated all his life to working in the Bureau of Customs (BOC). “It was my upbringing and the admirable example set by my father that motivated me to accept the position of chairman of the GAB.” Clarin saw how public service can change lives while growing up in a family with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment. “My father’s dedication to his role in the BOC left an indelible mark on me, instilling the values of integrity, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the importance of contributing to the betterment of our society.” In the hectic world of Philippine sports, today is a normal day for Clarin. As the chairman of GAB, he actively engages in the industry that his life revolves around. He meets at the chairman’s office to begin the day with a team briefing. He reviews the agenda for the day and any pressing issues that require his immediate attention. In addition, he confers with department heads, legal specialists, and other relevant parties. CRUSADE AGAINST GAMBLING GAB is crucial to Philippine professional sports management. It regulates a wide range of sports, from basketball and boxing to eSports and wrestling, ensuring honesty, fairness, and growth. The board ensures that all professional sports in the country are ethical. This includes ensuring fairness, integrity, and diversity in sports. GAB has protected professional sports and sportsmen for 72 years. Clarin acknowledges that organized gambling in professional sports threatens fair play and sports credibility. The board chairman says professional sports gambling includes game-fixing, point-shaving, insider knowledge, and unlawful betting. “These activities undermine the credibility of the games and erode the trust of fans and stakeholders in the sports industry. It jeopardizes the fundamental values that sports represent, tarnishing the spirit of healthy competition and jeopardizing the careers and livelihoods of professional athletes.” GAB also supervises horse racing and international cockfight derbies betting. Marcos, Jr., has ordered Clarin to inform Filipinos that “e-sabong”—online cockfighting where people can gamble on virtual or live-streamed fights—has no place in the country. Clarin recognizes e-sabong’s negative effects on locals and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). He is concerned about OFWs’ financial problems caused by e-sabong, which leads to debt instead of supporting their families. Clarin also worries about online cockfighting, especially since mobile phones make it easy for younger people to gamble 24/7. He says the president believes these changes undermine Filipino values and traditions. Executive Order No. 9, s. 2022, was issued as an interim approach to address these issues while Congress enacts a stronger e-sabong law. “This reflects the president’s commitment to curbing the adverse effects of e-sabong on families, values, and the overall welfare of the Filipino people,” he adds. Clarin, a lawyer, supports legalizing gambling where illegal operators are making big profits, citing the government’s potential benefits from regulation, tax collection, and betting on public integrity. The purpose is to help gamblers collect their winnings, underscoring the need for regulated and legal gaming. He believes that not all betting methods should be authorized, and he predicts that e-sabong will not succeed. Business, government, and civil society organizations work with GAB to enforce professional sports and entertainment regulations. This collaboration merges resources, knowledge, and networks to strengthen GAB’s regulatory operations and promote innovation and cooperation. The public, casino operators, government agencies, stakeholders, and community leaders should report suspicious behavior and help law enforcement officials eradicate illegal gambling in the Philippines. GAB works with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to combat unlawful gambling in professional sports and amusement games due to its limited resources and skills. Under a memorandum of agreement, the GAB-Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit (AIGU) receives committed PNP officers from across the nation. The PNP collaborates with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Anti-Cybercrime Group, and other investigative teams. These units collaborate with GAB-AIGU to monitor, investigate, and capture online illegal gaming operations. GAB now works with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Telocommunications Commission (NTC), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). PROMOTING, PROFESSIONALIZING, AND PROTECTING Clarin leads a pioneering GAB 3xPRO program that promotes, professionalizes, and protects Philippine sports. To promote Filipino professional sportsmen abroad, the board arranges for famous victors to visit the president and forms strategic connections. “I want to recognize and honor Filipino athletes for their passion and hard work in representing the colors of the Philippine flag on the world stage,” the chairman says. GAB uses strategic alliances, state visits, and partnerships with local government and tourism organizations to promote Philippine sports and celebrate players worldwide. As for professionalization, GAB raises standards, maintains transparency, and supports athletes to provide a fair and competitive environment for all. This comprises financial literacy seminars, livelihood programs, and industry-expert led education. Finally, for protection, GAB prioritizes athlete safety through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, emergency response teams, and government agencies. The board showed its commitment to athlete care by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This cooperative effort aims to provide comprehensive support to retired, wounded, or resting professional athletes. The agreement emphasizes the need for a cooperative approach to sports and entertainment workers’ wellbeing by offering emergency employment and player livelihood assistance. Future-focused GAB values digital innovation. The board’s Online Application for Licenses and Permits emphasizes efficiency and technology. This online platform streamlines administrative tasks for athletes, coaches, and stakeholders, boosting productivity. GAB also seeks worldwide sports regulators. The board collaborates with foreign organizations to share knowledge and promote Filipino athletes abroad. CHALLENGING GAME Leading GAB toward fair rules and regulation in the complicated world of sports governance, Clarin is trying to show a great strategic skill in the face of many obstacles. Asked about the biggest problems he faced as a GAB Chairman, he names three: the idea that the GAB is prone to too much control, a lack of resources to help athletes, and the ongoing problem of illegal gambling. As a result, he set up focused communication plans, encouraged partnerships with private organizations to improve athlete support programs, and pushed for stronger laws to protect the GAB’s duties, showing a proactive and strong leadership style. In his demanding role as GAB chairman, Clarin relies on core values and beliefs that go beyond the law. As a lawyer, he follows Article 19 of the Philippine Civil Code, which states that everyone must act with justice, give everyone his due, and be honest and good-faith. As GAB chairman, he must ensure that every decision and action upholds fairness, equity, and the moral imperative of creating an environment where athletes, coaches, promoters, organizers, and the public are respected and considered. “My dedication to honesty and good faith is non-negotiable. I strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all facets of my role in GAB. By adhering to these values, I aim to inspire trust and confidence in the regulation and supervision of GAB,” he declares. DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT Clarin also tells LEAGUE that since he is too focused on his role and commitment to transform GAB, he does not involve himself for a while in any personal engagement in his favorite sports like running, basketball, and golf. This is because he is dedicated to helping professional athletes achieve their dreams. Clarin, a sports fan, wrote to professional Filipino athletes that sports can break down barriers and promote inclusivity. He reiterates GAB’s 3xPRO push to promote, professionalize, and protect Philippine sports. The GAB family will diligently promote athletes’ voices, stories, and accomplishments worldwide. “We understand the sacrifices you make, the hours of training, and the dedication that goes into your careers. Our mission is to provide a supportive environment where your talents can thrive and your rights are protected,” he assures. To Filipino fans of professional sports, the GAB chairman encourages unwavering support for Filipino athletes and the sports community. “Let us come together as a united sports-loving nation, recognizing that the power of sports goes beyond competition. It instills values, creates role models, and builds a stronger, more resilient Philippines. I look forward to a future where we can celebrate more victories and inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes," he says.

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. < Back VP Product Apply Now San Francisco, CA, USA Job Type Full Time About the Role This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Requirements This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. About the Company This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Apply Now

< Back Barangay Pampang Is Angeles City’s Cleanest and Safest Barangay Among 30 villages, Barangay Pampang headed by Chairperson Lydon De Luna bagged Angeles City’s “Gawad Parangal sa mga Pinakamalinis, Luntian, Ligtas at Kaaya-ayang Pamayanan — Pogi Ya Ing Barangay Ku” which was awarded in November 2023. As the grand winner, Barangay Pampang received a dump truck worth Php 4 million and a Php300,000 cash incentive. The barangay garnered an almost perfect score of 98.55% after being evaluated based on the following criteria: Urban Farm and Greening Program (35%); Solid Waste Management and General Cleanliness Program (35%); and Disaster Risk Reduction, Peace and Order, Health and Sanitation Program (30%). Each of the city’s barangays were personally visited by the judges, namely environmentalist and veteran broadcaster Cecile Yumul; Edna Marissa Simbre of Department of Environment and Natural Resources—EMB Region III; Ladislao Puno III of Department of the Interior and Local Government – Angeles City; and Lisa Juco of Office of Civil Defense Region III with the assistance and supervision of Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (ACEDIPO) Head Irish Bonus-Llego and Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel. Mayor Carmelo G. Lazatin Jr. congratulated all the participants and acknowledged their efforts in this project “to promote sustainable programs for participatory governance, environmental management, peace and order, and disaster risk reduction management.” “More than the contest, the essence of this is to build back better communities and encourage implementation of intensively and extensively proactive, participative, sound, and sustained programs, projects, and activities on socio-economic, environmental, and risk reduction management,” Lazatin said. Photos courtesy of Angeles City Information Office: https://www.facebook.com/angelescityinfo/p

< Back The Legal Implications of the Act Declaring Ghosting as an Emotional Offense On June 30, 2022, Congressman Arnolfo A. Teves, Jr. of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental introduced House Bill No. 611. BY ATTY. JOSE MARIA B. SANTOS & ATTY. DOMINIC UMANDAP On June 30, 2022, Congressman Arnolfo A. Teves, Jr. of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental introduced House Bill No. 611 (HB 611) titled “An Act Declaring Ghosting As An Emotional Offense.” The introduction of the bill garnered mixed reactions from the public. This article hopes to shed light on the legal implications of the aforementioned bill. WHAT IS “GHOSTING?" Ghosting in common parlance refers to the act of suddenly and/or unexpectedly ceasing communication and correspondence with another person without any explanation. The victim in ghosting is typically someone who might have been a potential dating or romantic partner, yet for reasons often unknown, had been cut off from all contact without explanation by the prospective partner. In Teves’ explanatory note for HB 611, he described ghosting as when “someone cuts off all forms of communication [which] can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting to the ghosted person.” Section 2 of HB 611 defines ghosting as “a form of emotional abuse and happens once a person is engaged in a dating relationship with the opposite sex which affects the mental state of the victim.” Section 3 of HB 611 defines a dating relationship as “a situation wherein the parties live as husband and wife without the benefit of marriage or are romantically involved over time and on a continuing basis during the course of the relationship. A casual acquaintance or ordinary socialization between two individuals in a business or social context is not a dating relationship. IS GHOSTING A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER PHILIPPINE LAWS? HB 611 seeks to declare ghosting as an emotional offense. However, the bill does not provide penalties in case of a violation. It also does not mention any other law to which its status as an emotional offense may be applied. Consequently, it could not be considered as a criminal statute if it were to pass in its current form. Assuming that HB 611’s objective is to penalize emotional abuse, it may be akin to Section 5(i) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9262, or the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Law of 2004.” This punishes the act of “causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to the woman or her child, including, but not limited to, repeated verbal and emotional abuse, and denial of financial support or custody of minor children of access to the woman’s child/children.” The Supreme Court held in Araza v. People (G.R. No. 247427, 08 September 2020) that the following elements must be proven to constitute a violation of Section 5(i) of RA 9262: 1. The offended party is a woman and/or her child or children; 2. The woman is either the wife or former wife of the offender, or is a woman with whom the offender has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or is a woman with whom such offender has a common child. As for the woman’s child or children, they may be legitimate or illegitimate, or living within or without the family abode; 3. The offender causes on the woman and/or child mental or emotional anguish; and 4. The anguish is caused through acts of public ridicule or humiliation, repeated verbal and emotional abuse, denial of financial support or custody of minor children or access to the children or similar acts or omissions. Applying the foregoing, ghosting, as defined in HB 611, may be punishable under existing law if it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that: (a) the offender and the offended parties are those mentioned under RA 9262; (b) the act of ghosting amounts to mental or emotional anguish; and (c) the anguish is caused through “public ridicule or humiliation, repeated verbal and emotional abuse, denial of financial support or custody of minor children or access to the children or similar acts or omissions.” This requires the presentation of the offended party as a witness to prove that the offender caused psychological or emotional violence. Note that RA 9262 is only applicable to women and/or her child or children. In addition, Section 3 of HB 611, which defines “dating relationship,” is a reiteration of Section 3(e) of RA 9262. Hence, ghosting under RA 9262 would only apply for women who have been engaged in a prolonged romantic relationship. THE SUPREME COURT’S INTERPRETATION OF “GHOSTING” Interestingly, the Supreme Court has decided a case which involved ghosting-like behavior. In Wassmer v. Velez (G.R. No. L-20089, 26 December 1964), Francisco X. Velez and Beatriz P. Wassmer were set to marry on September 04, 1954. However, Velez left a letter for Wassmer informing her that the wedding will have to be postponed. The next day, Velez sent a telegram to Beatriz stating that nothing has changed and that he is returning very soon. Unfortunately, Velez did not return and the wedding was cancelled. Wassmer sued Velez. The Supreme Court then decided against Velez and awarded Wassmer moral damages. The Supreme Court explained that there was nothing wrong in Velez’s cancellation of the wedding. However, it noted that Wassmer and her family had undertaken preparations for the wedding. The wedding had been formally set, a great deal of money had been spent, and the bride and the groom’s friends and relatives had been invited to celebrate the occasion. Consequently, the circumstances surrounding Velez’s cancellation justified the award of damages. Note that the above was a civil case for damages against Velez. CAN MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY BE GHOSTED UNDER THE BILL? HB 611 only covers persons in a dating relationship "with the opposite sex.” It thus excludes same-sex relationships. However, there have been developments towards the inclusion and protection of persons in same-sex relationships. On September 19, 2019, Rep. Fidel F. Nograles introduced HB 4888, which sought to amend RA 9262 to expand its coverage to also protect men and members of the LGBTQ community. Dubbed the Anti-Violence Against Partners and their Children Act, or the Anti-VAPC Law, it specifically provides that “the term ‘partner’ includes intimate relationships of heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, intersex, cisgender, and transgender partners.” Senator Robinhood Padilla also introduced Senate Bill (SB) 449 seeking to institutionalize civil unions between same-sex couples. The bill intends to create a union between same-sex couples akin to marriage, binding them to the obligations and responsibilities as well as to the protection and benefits afforded by the act. FINAL THOUGHTS It remains to be seen whether HB 611 will be passed into law. It may nevertheless still have a place in the Philippine legal system if it provides consequences for its violation and after further deliberations on how it could be interpreted and enforced with existing laws.

< Back We Built This City A city built intentionally serves a greater purpose—to fulfill all the needs and desires of all who live within its fold. Filinvest City in the Metro South proudly shows how it can be done. In recent years, Filinvest City has become the epicenter of economic activity in the Metro South, bringing to light a grand vision of mixed developments such as residential communities and condominiums, malls and commercial centers, hotel chains, and business hubs. Today, Filinvest City has become a thriving central business district, or CBD, at par with other business capitals in the metro such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Ortigas, and the Manila Bay area. But this was not the case some two decades ago. In 1995, it was simply an empty expanse of land—244 hectares of underutilized stock farm that the late Chairman Emeritus of Filinvest Development Corporation Andrew Gotianun Sr., realized as having great potential. He, together with his team of engineers, developers, and other experts, recognized the opportunity to build a city from the ground up, as they saw fit — one that was master-planned and which would become a true model of modern urban development. 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 One of the greatest ills of Metro Manila, as many agree, is the lack of master-planning and smart urban design. Each CBD governs its own progress. And while they flourish, they also grow separately and disjointed from each other, making the flow of business and movement from city to city, CBD to CBD, very inconvenient and constricted. While the growth and progress of these CBDs are to be lauded, traffic and transportation, among other things, have become unbearable. There’s also an imbalance of infrastructure and open spaces, with concrete buildings creeping into what should be open public space. Filinvest City identified these issues from the very beginning and determined what it would take to correct them. Thus, when developing the Metro South, they designed Filinvest City based on a well- planned blueprint that brought order and structure, as well as balance, that could support the different lifestyles of the people and communities. Don Ubaldo, Filinvest Alabang Inc.’s Senior Assistant Vice President for Townships, shares, “We have always believed that urban planning is not just about creating structures. More than determining relationships between structures and edifices, urban planning is about designing how people move around these structures, and ultimately, designing a way of life. That is what we consider when doing masterplans of communities.” Filinvest City was then envisioned to include more open spaces, public parks, bike lanes, and green architecture. According to Ubaldo, it was to be a city that nurtured a live-work- play environment, and where everything is within easy reach. When it came to planning the CBD, Filinvest City developers drew inspiration from the country’s sister cities in Southeast Asia. “We took note of the best practices in other cities like Singapore where greens are integrated into the CBD. In addition, we divided the city into zones and districts, with each area playing a vital role in the dynamism of the city,” Ubaldo explains. In the Metro South CBD, these districts are the City Centre where Festival Alabang, the biggest lifestyle mall in the Metro South, is located; the Northgate District, which is also the IT hub of Filinvest City; the Spectrum District, the designated center of commerce with high-rise offices; South Station, and the transport hub, among others. Each zone is distinct and serves a specific purpose, yet all are woven together into a seamless community, accessible via a complex transportation network comprised of electric jeepneys, shuttle services, and buses, among others. This allows great freedom and ease of movement for residents and corporate professionals, and makes working in the Southern CBD incredibly attractive. “As a general rule, all the zones/districts must be mixed- use, ensuring that each would be self-sustaining,” says Ubaldo. “There still has to be a dominant character or use.” In Northgate, for instance, the dominant locator there is Northgate Cyberzone, the premier IT hub. But residential buildings, hotels and serviced apartments, and other retail hubs are also found there.” 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 Today, the CBD is thriving and has successfully positioned itself as a strong, competitive city. Filinvest is now home to thousands of residents, and its population fluctuates throughout the day due to employees at the BPO central. Meeting the growing demand for more offices in the area, Filinvest City is fast-tracking the building of over 450,000 sqm of office space. To date, a total of 50 buildings— dedicated to BPOs and other organizations—have been completed or have commenced construction over the past five years. As a testament to the city’s progressive planning, Filinvest Alabang Inc. (FAI), a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation, was awarded by BCI ASIA as one of the top 10 developers in the Philippines. In addition, it was conferred with the most prestigious honor by the Asia Pacific Property Awards Development as the “Best mixed-used development in the Philippines” in 2017. 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 While it has become a burgeoning business capital, Filinvest City has never sacrificed its open spaces and gardens to make way for more buildings. In fact, it has invested immensely in making the city greener and more inviting for its residents, fitting it with gardens, trails, and bike paths to encourage a life outside of the office and home. Even before pedestrian mobility became a trend in urban planning, Filinvest City was ahead of the game by 20 years. Every Sunday, a portion of Filinvest City’s major roads— namely Commerce, Corporate, Parkway, and Filinvest Avenues —are closed off to traffic from 5am to 10am. so that the active community can walk, jog, bike, and simply enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the city built the Filinvest Bike Trails, an approximately 9-km stretch dedicated to mountain biking enthusiasts, the Spectrum Midway Linear Park, and expansive Events Grounds. The CBD also has its own sewage treatment plant and water recycling facility. Ubaldo proudly shares, “The construction of additional green parks is underway, as well as the construction of more bike lanes in the secondary roads.” As part of its green initiative, the CBD has rolled out three major developments in the pipeline, which include the Central Park along Promenade, the Greenbelt system along Spectrum Midway, and the Creekside Park development that stretches from Palms Pointe Village, all the way to the River Park in Festival Alabang, which brings nature closer to the people. Thanks to these efforts, Filinvest City is now also proudly known as the “Garden City of Metro Manila.” “We are proud to say that ever since the conception of Filinvest City in the mid- ’90s, wide medians and pavements and tree-lined roads have always been there. Meaning, we have always encouraged this lifestyle of balance and that we’re truly committed to our vision,” he says. “Through this development we hope to inspire other cities and developments to consider a ‘greener’ point of view,” he continues. “We believe that it only takes dedication and will to make something successful.” As a real estate developer, Filinvest is very much willing to partner with the government in building cities and transforming people’s lives. In fact, aside from Filinvest City, Filinvest is also in Cebu with its mixed-use township, City Di Mare, as well as Filinvest Mimosa+ in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. “These townships would definitely bring in more jobs to their neighboring locales and would offer the same complete live work-play lifestyle with lush nature as the background,” adds Ubaldo. 𝐆𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐋 Hoping to add another feather on its cap, Filinvest City is making its bid for the prestigious Gold Certification from LEED for Neighborhood Development, the US-based nonprofit organization that recognizes designs and developments that are environmentally responsible from construction to maintenance. Only two cities in the world have received this award – one in Italy and another in Japan – and soon (hopefully) Filinvest City will be the world’s third. “The vision for Filinvest City has always been to transform people’s lives, not just those who live here, but also the transients who work here from the neighboring locales of CALABARZON and beyond. “We want to give these people an option to a full life, an environment conducive for employees to get better at their jobs, and a home where residents can enjoy the great outdoors sans the pollution. In our community, we nurture a live-work-play balance. This is what we believe makes a model CBD here in the Philippines, and hopefully others will realize and follow suit, too,” Ubaldo ends. As a testament to the city’s progressive planning, Filinvest Alabang Inc. (FAI), a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation, was awarded by BCI ASIA as one of the top 10 developers in the Philippines. In addition, it was conferred with the most prestigious honor by the Asia Pacific Property Awards Development as the “Best mixed-used development in the Philippines” in 2017. Click here to read full article for free

< Back MAYOR RICHARD GOMEZ From gracing the silverscreen to commanding city hall, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez is finding his place in the limelight and pulling the sleepy city out from economic slumber. BY GODFREY T. DANCEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENJIE TOLENTINO There was a time, not too long ago, when the name Richard Icasiano Gomez was synonymous to good acting and excellence in sports. In the past five years, the name is now often mentioned in the same breath as good local governance. Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez still exudes the aura of a celebrity and still has the heart of an athlete. But talking to him makes one realize that the erstwhile matinee idol and national athlete has fully transformed into a true public servant. INITIAL SETBACKS Gomez had his first taste of public service in 1998 when he was appointed by President Joseph Estrada as Presidential Adviser on Youth and Sports Development. “I saw that if you really wanted to help people, it would be best to have a government position because then you have all the resources at hand for your programs,” begins the passionate public servant. One of his first i nitiatives was launching the Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD), which became an effective and successful anti-drugs program for the youth. Acknowledging the greater potential to help more people, Gomez jumped right into the thick of the Congressional election in 2001 and ran under the partylist system as a nominee of Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD) Partylist. “We were number one. However, we were not allowed to take a seat because, at that time, it was contested that we did not belong to the marginalized sector. We said that when it comes to drugs, there is no such thing as marginalized, there’s no rich or poor. Everybody is affected by the problem of drugs. We were disqualified by the Supreme Court, only to find out later that, true enough, you don’t need to be a marginalized sector to be in a party-list system,” Gomez explains. Despite these initial setbacks, Gomez’s spirits were not dampened. In fact, these hurdles only made him more committed to pursue his calling in local governance. “I felt bad because of what happened. Sabi ko I should pursue my dream of helping people, of doing programs for them. So sabi ko baka pwede nang political capital ‘yong pagiging artista ko. So, I ran for the Senate but sadly, I landed at number 24,” says Gomez, who ran as an independent candidate. TURNING POINT The year 2010 proved to be a turning point for Gomez and wife Lucy TorresGomez. Still optimistic despite the initial setback, Gomez again tried to land a Congressional seat, this time as representative of Ormoc. By then, the couple already had a clear vision for the city. “Well, this is the hometown of Lucy and we know for a fact that one day, when we both grow old, we will be moving back to Ormoc. Nakita namin ‘yong political situation at that time. Walang nangyayari (Nothing was happening)...it’s just a drug-laden city. The crime rate was high and the programs were not organized. So that was where the vision began. If in our own capacity we did not do anything, nothing will happen to Ormoc.” The stagnation needed to be reversed, Gomez insists. And he believed that he was the only one who could lead and get Ormoc moving again. Gomez’s political opponents, however, succeeded in having him disqualified for non-residency this time around. With the turn of events, Richard’s spouse, Lucy, was thrust into the political limelight as his substitute candidate. Not one to sulk because of his foiled congressional bid, Gomez played an important role in his wife’s first stint as congresswoman, serving as her chief of staff. In this capacity, he gained first-hand experience that prepared him for local governance. “I saw the challenges that local governments faced. This experience molded me to become an effective mayor.” CITY HALL REBOOTED The dream of the erstwhile showbiz couple working together as a public service power duo was finally realized in 2016, with Gomez clinching the mayoralty and Torres-Gomez winning a fresh congressional term. “When I became mayor, para naming ni-reboot ‘yong buong system ng city hall. Actually malakas ‘yong resistance noong nakita nila ‘yong manner ng pagtatrabaho ko (we were met with resistance when they saw how I worked), ” the mayor reveals. “Pinupuntahan ko sila, pinupukpok ko sila. (I went to them and made sure that they’re doing their jobs.) Sabi ko, ‘You know, working with the government is a choice. Pinili mong magtrabaho sa gobyerno (You chose to work in the government). Therefore, you have to serve the people.’ So every time I talk after the flag ceremony, I always encourage them. I always say, ‘Serve our people well.’ I regularly remind them that we are doing this not just for ourselves but for the people,” he says emphatically. Gomez urges his people to be proactive as he is a firm believer in participative governance. “I work with different people, groups, organizations. I call on them to help me in running the city. It’s always nice to work with different people so that you’ll have new ideas, especially the new generation’s ideas,” he says. He also points out that program implementation has never been smoother, and programs are more effective in general if one is able to understand the situations and take command of the responses. The mayor’s being approachable belies his strictness in implementing rules. “I always lead by example.” Even the minor infringements, he does not dare cross. “For example, when it comes to traffic, kapag sinabi na, ‘One Way, No Entry,’ kahit mayor ako, kahit nagmamadali ako, one way talaga ‘yan. Hindi pwedeng pumasok (If it says ‘One Way, No Entry,’ even if I’m the mayor and I’m rushing, it’s a one-way street. No one can enter). This, everyone in the city knows by heart,” he says matter-of-factly. Gomez also has a very good working relationship with the city council. He has inspired them to go beyond their legislative duties to help him in executive matters. “Whatever committee they’re in, they’re active. They understand that whatever resolution or ordinance they implement, all the problems will still go through them. So this helps them make sure that the job is done well right off the bat. I tell them, ‘You have to help me.’ Kaya ngayon, when it comes to health, sports, culture, even traffic management, they’re very active,” the mayor says. This approach of collaboration and accountability has proven vital in Gomez’s effective leadership. He explains, “It lessens the burden on the mayor. The mayor doesn’t need to carry the weight of solving all the problems. We can work together and find solutions. Tulong-tulong kami dito (We help each other out).” HOLISTIC APPROACH Just as Gomez has implemented political and administrative reforms, so has he given attention to culture, sports, education, and economics. When he became the city’s top leader in 2016, Gomez turned the old city hall—a post-World War II building that had fallen to neglect—into a museum, showcasing the city’s history and culture. One section features World War II artifacts and an audio-visual corner that features documentaries about the city’s history. Another section is dedicated to the works of contemporary Ormocanon artists. The city government also conducted cultural mapping so that, as the mayor says, “Ormocanons will understand our own culture, our heritage, where we come from, and why we are like this as a people.” Important additions to the education curriculum, the Ormoc hymn, and various cultural programs are among the important products that have resulted from this cultural mapping initiative. With his background as an athlete, Gomez knew that sports was a good way to get Ormocanons, especially the young ones, involved in the city government’s activities. Putting his wide network to good use, he was able to get the services of national coaches—among them former Olympians—to train young athletes. “When I first implemented that sports program, coming from zero in the regional games, we came in second place. Then, we won twice as overall champion. We were able to produce national players and won two gold medals at the modern pentathlon in the recent Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).” The mayor, who also puts a premium on education, recently earned a doctorate in Public Administration from the Cebu Technological University. “I work closely with the DepEd, and they seem happy with our current programs,” he reveals. “I told them, ‘You really have to push and promote your program because the city has a budget they can utilize.’ All the people who ask for support for their programs—whether education-related or not—I hardly refuse. It’s important to support these initiatives because if you see that they’re excited, you know that they’re very motivated and will deliver good results.” With regards to business, the city government has taken advantage of modern technology to speed up business permit processing as well as to automate payments and other transactions. Currently, Ormoc is in the process of earning a citation from the Office of the Ombudsman for being a business-friendly city. With this, the city is setting itself up to become an ideal place for major investments. The entry of various businesses has meant improved employment opportunities for Ormocanons. The strategy is quite simple: in exchange for hassle-free business transactions, investors are encouraged to source at least 70% of their workforce from Ormoc. “We make business easy for them, while providing opportunities for our people,” Gomez says. BEYOND ORMOC Gomez’s involvement in local government matters is not limited to Ormoc. His election as League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) Public Relations Officer has given him the chance to learn from other city mayors and to share Ormoc City government’s best practices. “The nice thing about the LCP is that it encourages LGUs to benchmark, to share their best practices to the other LGUs. You see, local government officials have to attend to so many things and it really helps to have access to information about other LGUs’ effective programs that you can replicate. You adapt and just tweak certain aspects depending on your situation. And everything becomes easy.” Numerous local government officials have gone to Ormoc for benchmarking activities. Of particular interest to them is the city’s financial and disaster risk reduction and management programs. With Gomez’s successful programs, other Eastern Visayas leaders have also taken notice, nominating him to head the regional development council and the regional peace and order council. Ever practical, the mayor has begged off, preferring to concentrate on running the city instead for a simple reason: “I am more productive here,” he says. Gomez’s proactive leadership was also highlighted last year during the early months of the pandemic. Ormoc remained COVID-19 free considerably longer than other areas, thanks to the early implementation of a lockdown and strict health protocols. The mayor also remained vigilant even when the national government relaxed restrictions, knowing that keeping their guard down could put his constituents at risk. MOVING AHEAD Just half a decade after Gomez was given the chance to serve the people of Ormoc as mayor, his transformation from an outsider who married an Ormocanon to a true Ormocanon-atheart, and from a celebrity to a public servant, is clearly complete. Ormoc City has also been transformed from a sleepy suburb to a modern model city.