NATION BUILDERS MOSLIV BOOK Vol : simplebooklet.com

NATION BUILDERS & MOSLIV AWARDSBE EARTH-WISECOPYRIGHT @ 2024 SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS, INC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher.Published by SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS, INC. 146 Alfaro Place, LP. Leviste Street UG-39, Salcedo Village Makati City, 1227 PhilippinesPhone: (02) 8280 2965: (02) 8260.2539; 09688581982https://www.sustainability-standards.org CONTRIBUTORSDISCLAIMEREffort was exerted to reach out to the persons and organizations featured in this book. We appreciate the time that many allotted to respond on the submission of narrative and photos supplied by each organizations and awardees.MITZIE ANN GABRIELATTY. REINA SANTOSRICKY VELASCOALEJANDRO ROXAS ABESAMISCHONALYN URBANO MACARAEGAPET CRUZIMELDA BONGCAWILLAI BLANCAFLORJOAN MADARIETAPATRICK AGUILARJUAN M. CRUZ, IIIJULIET POLICARPIOENP NULFARID S. AMPATUAN, COE, MPA MARY JANE S. LABRADOR, MPAPAHMIA T. ABPI, LPT ATTY. CYRUS E. TORREÑA, MNSA ANNUARUDIN A. GANIMELISSA G. DALUMAY, ED. DJEREMY BARNIDOERIKA JAYE M. TEDIOBASH MIDTIMBANGDEAN TERRIBLEROCKY E. AUTORMADEE O. JAINARMARCIAL J. CUSTODIO, IIIKRISTA ANDRESJONA TIUMA. RIZZAH MONIQUE B. DAOANGRODEL ALEJADOSITTI BERKIS JAUHARI – HAJIRIFREDDIE CONCEPCIONJOAN FELIZ B. DIOSOANASTACIA M. REYESSHIELA MARIE PENULIERBEDA LACAMORAMERCY VALDEZENGR. DANIEL A. MANALO, JR.MARA MARIANOKACIE CRISOLOGODIMPY FERNANDEZWELLA RICAFRENTEROVIC ALCONHAZEL JOY M. GUSIBABY RODEL SABINO R. DAQUIOAGSHINA MAI PADIERNOSMARY LOUISE MOYANOATTY. PEARL RONULO-LIMCARLO ALMINEMAVIC PLATILLARENZ GONZALO REFEATTY. FRANCIS JAMES MEERMAIRA KRISSHA Q. PAGGABAOJOHN MICHAEL L. BABASATTY. JOSEPH MABAZZACATHERINE C. DELFINBASEM R. MANALAOCELESTINO B. SIGLOS, ED.D.NORHAN A. SALIHABRAHAM “ABE” MACOCOANDRO L. COLACIONHONEY LINDSAY O. QUIJADAMARIETA CASCOMYLENE PARASREX T. ARAOELMER ALCANARCARMEN JIMENEZANA MAGAANCLINTON RAVELOANNA MARIE TIUGLENDA BELARMINOELIZABETH SUMABATBETH ROSARO MARIE SADANGRHEA MARIGOMENJULIA IGNACIOASTRUD AGUINALDOGERALDINE GALVEZALVIN SORIANOMYLENE RAMIREZVENUS D. CAPISTRANOTHEA TEHMAJA BUENCONSEJOCATHERINE J. LARRACASALEXANDER T. ROSETE, PH. DJUZETTE DE GUZMANMARION IVYDAVE DAMALERIOKIM PUMIHIKNECY B. TEH-OP GLEEN MAYER D. BAGANIROSE DELA CRUZLORA REYESMICHAEL A. CRUZJEWEL RAÑETEEUGENE “TATA” DG CRUDOROBERT NEPOMUCENOGUIALIL JB ABAS ESMAEL®KARL STUART MCLEANChairman & PublisherKENNETH P. ROCETEPresident & CEOLANI F. ESTEBAN Managing Director RUTCHIE VIDAL MCLEANDirector for TreasuryROVER BATACAssistant Director, Events ManagementROGER E. DOMINGO, JR. Director for IT & General ServicesDANAYARA YEDDAH DELA CRUZAccount ManagerDONDON PESTAÑO Creative & Graphics ManagerDAVERICK JOHN T. ENCLUNARYAN MATTHEW Q. MONTEIROInformation TechnologyMA. ARNIE FE M. ALAYONDANIELLA R. CAPONPONAdministrationJOCELYN ANN S. PAURAAccountingATTY. CONNIE OJEDAATTY. DENNIS P. MANALOCorporate Legal

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ForewordWelcome to the 7th edition of the Nation Builders and MOSLIV Awards Book, which proudly embraces the theme “Forests for the Future: Guardians of Biodiversity.” This year, we have chosen to spotlight the critical role that forests play in sustaining and nurturing global biodiversity, an agenda that is both urgent and indispensable.Forests cover about 31% of our planet’s land area and are pivotal in supporting a vast array of life forms. They offer more than just habitat; they are the lifelines for the complex web of life that makes up our natural world. As the guardians of biodiversity, forests regulate ecosystems, maintain water cycles, and stabilize the climate. They are also an invaluable resource for many communities worldwide, providing sustenance and livelihoods.The current edition of our awards book highlights the stories of those who have dedicated themselves to preserving and enhancing these vital resources. Through their relentless efforts and innovative approaches, our awardees have demonstrated that it is possible to balance human needs with ecological stewardship.In these pages, you will ﬁnd a tapestry of inspiring tales—from the preservation of ancient woodlands to the rehabilitation of habitats that support wildlife. Each story is a testament to the power of dedicated individuals and communities to make a difference. The awardees featured here are truly the nation’s builders, laying the foundations for a sustainable future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony.It is our hope that this book not only educates and informs but also inspires you to act in your own communities. Protecting our forests is not just about conserving what we have, but actively restoring and expanding these crucial ecosystems. This is our shared responsibility—one that calls for urgency, passion, and resilience.Let us move forward with the collective commitment to foster a future where our forests continue to thrive, supporting a rich and diverse tapestry of life on Earth. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the achievements of this year’s awardees. Together, let us be the guardians of our planet’s biodiversity, today and for generations to come.

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I convey my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the awardees of the 2024 Nation Builders and Most Sustainable and Livable (MOSLIV) Community Awards.Our country is blessed with many God-given resources that we can harness to sustain our country’s growth and development. As such, even if we are at the cusp of modernization, we should act as responsible stewards and strive to transform our communities into smarter, sustainable, and greener spaces.I commend the Sustainability Standards, Inc. for organizing the Annual National Builders and MOSLIV Awards, which recognizes environmental champions in perpetuating eco-friendly practices. May this distinction inspire all of you to work with this administration as we transition to better climate practices in keeping with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the attainment of a Global Climate Neutral Society by 2050.Let us work together in carrying out our intergenerational responsibility to protect our environment and nurture our ecosystems. I believe that if we pursue a genuine environmental partnership with all sectors of our society, the fruit of our labor is a Bagong Pilipinas teeming with a greener future for everyone to enjoy.Again, congratulations to all, and may you have a meaningful event.FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.MANILA28 NOVEMBER 2024THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINESMESSAGEMALACAÑAN PALACEMANILA

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MESSAGE FROM THEMy heartfelt greetings to the officers and members of the MOSLIV Communities (Most Sustainable and Livable Communities) as it holds its Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards.I commend your organization for its outstanding contributions to our community, and I assure you that as a public servant, I am committed to upholding and promoting the welfare and future of our society. Together, let us work towards realizing all your goals through substantial legislation and collaborations.As you move forward, remember that your accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others and a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. The MOSLIV Awards are a reflection of your excellence and a symbol of the potential that lies within each of you.I am excited to see all the great things you will accomplish in the future, and I encourage you to continue striving for excellence in all that you do. Always remember that your talents, skills, and abilities can make a difference in the world, and that you have the power to create positive change.Once again, congratulations!OFFICE OF SENATOR WIN GATCHALIANSENATOR WIN GATCHALIANwww.WinGatchalian.comRepublic of the PhilippinesSENATE

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MESSAGE FROM THEI extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the honorees of this year’s Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards. Your tireless commitment to creating smarter, greener, and more sustainable communities stands as a beacon of hope and progress in our journey toward a better future.In a time when the urgency to address climate change has never been greater, your efforts align perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. You are not only shaping the present but laying the foundation for future generations to thrive. Through your leadership, innovation, and passion, you are demonstrating that a sustainable, prosperous future is within our grasp—one where economic growth, environmental preservation, and social equity are intertwined.The transition to climate neutrality is no longer a distant goal, but a pressing reality that requires collective action. Your contributions, whether in policy, technology, or community engagement, are instrumental in pushing us closer to this global ambition.May your success inspire others to follow in your footsteps, and may your journey continue to illuminate the path toward a resilient, climate-neutral, and livable world for all.Congratulations, once again, and thank you for being true nation builders and champions of sustainability.OFFICE OF ATTY. JOSE DOMINIC F. CLAVANO, IVATTY. JOSE DOMINIC F. CLAVANO, IVSpokespersonAssistant Secretary and Special Assistant to the Secretary Department of JusticeDEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OF THE PHILIPPINESwww.doj.gov.ph

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MESSAGE FROM THEDear Esteemed Readers and Environmental Stewards,It is with great pride that I present to you the 7th Edition of the Nation Builders and MOSLIV Awards Book, centered around the profound and pivotal theme, “Forests for the Future: Guardians of Biodiversity.” This edition is more than just a compilation of accolades; it is a clarion call to recognize and reinforce the indispensable role forests play in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.Our forests are not merely woodlands; they are vast ecosystems that are critical to sustaining life on Earth. They safeguard our biodiversity and provide crucial resources for humanity and countless other species. This year’s theme underscores the urgent need to protect these natural treasures, which are increasingly threatened by deforestation, climate change, and industrial exploitation.Through this publication, we aim to illuminate the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations who are at the forefront of conservation. Their groundbreaking work and unwavering commitment inspire all of us to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize our planet’s health over short-term gains.As we turn the pages of this book, let us commit to the cause of nurturing and expanding our global forest cover. Together, we can ensure that our future generations inherit a world that is as vibrant and thriving as the one we have today.Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared mission.EXECUTIVE DIRECTORKENNETH PRIETO ROCETEPresident and CEO Nation Builders and Mosliv Awardswww.sustainability-standards.org

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MESSAGE FROM THEThe world is finally getting serious regarding sustainability especially now that climate change seems to be taking a serious effect on our planet and our country. Storms and high tides are reaching havoc also causing flooding landslides and most of all many casualties. How do we stop this or how can we change what is happening to our country?Remember that a large part of our country lies below sea level so it does not take much to start flooding.We must look at strengthening our long-term defenses against such flooding and often look at moving complete areas to new higher ground to stop any effects like this to happen. The same thing is happening in Bangkok and other parts of the world. In particular we must stop agricultural land soil erosion and divert water that causes flooding to be redirected away from cities, built up areas as well as transportation routes.The Philippines will always be an agricultural country so we must protect and expand our agricultural territories.I am so glad that i started our nation builders and Mosliv awards company with my good friend Kenneth Rocete and we now have over 1000 attendees at our event. Not bad for a relatively new company.We lead by example and have brought in some of the best examples of sustainability into the Philippines with your help.I am now almost 70 years old, but i still have a lot of ideas and energy, and i have allowed my younger partner Kenneth to more or less run the event from a day-to-day basis.You will shortly see what new ideas and products we have in store for you to enhance sustainability in the Philippines.CHAIRMANwww.sustainability-standards.orgKARL S. MCLEAN, KSTChairman, Sustainability Standards Inc.

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AWARDS COMMITTEE COUNCILNICO LEIBENGUTH Nico, with his background as electrical engineer, is looking back into 35 years of experience in power generation, power transmission and renewable energy technologies. For 27 years, bridging European and US companies with the markets in Asia, he helped to build strong partnerships between innovative technology providers and local players in Asia, to boost the transformation from fossil fuels to renewable energy solutions. He covers the complete portfolio of traditional and new power generation technology and helps to identify the business potential in the Asian markets. Supporting several startups and helping very well-known brands to build up their business platforms in the Philippines in different segments of the fast-growing renewable energy sector in Asia. “Me and my team is excited to look into new technologies like airborne high altitude wind power generation, PV – Diesel Fuel Save management, new Energy Storage technology, High level off grid, micro and mini grid solutions. The journey just started, and we are proud to be a part of it, with complete new technologies and concepts in our portfolios.”SENIOR CONSULTANT, SOWI HYBRID INDUSTRIESMS. LOUE MANUEL BOZHILOVMS. JENNY LIN G. MAAÑO-NGAILoue Manuel Bozhilov, the reigning Mrs. Continental International for 2023, secured the prestigious title in Mumbai, India, last November, representing the Philippines. A dynamic force, Loue is a real estate entrepreneur, CEO of Cebu Grand Realty, and co-founder of X Ofﬁce Philippines. Her empowering journey includes visionary leadership, global adventures, and a commitment to education and empowering women. Recognized as the Most Empowered Woman of the Year 2023 by Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards, Loue embodies beauty with profound purpose, fostering Smarter, Sustainable, and Greener Community programs while seamlessly integrating family, community, and personal pursuits.She is well reputed in the renewable power industry’s decentralized energy market and smart green city developments on providing integrated, independent, inﬁnite decentralized and scalable i-Smart Solar Hybrid Mini Grids, i-Power Cube Micro-Utility Power Stations and Smart AIoT Solar Streetlighting Solutions necessary to bridge the gap between unceasing Energy Demand and Environmental ChallengesShe achieved the many ﬁrsts in the industry, including being the ﬁrst to introduce integrated solar power energy, being the ﬁrst and only Solar Hybrid readily integrated with smart Artiﬁcial Intelligence of Things(AIoT) features, and the very ﬁrst to viably prove in ASIA.MRS. CONTINENTAL INTERNATIONAL 2023FOUNDER, MANAGING DIRECTORCEBU GRAND REALTYCO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT SUNSMART SOLAR POWER TECHNOLOGY, INC.ARCH. FELINO “JUN” PALAFOX, JR.Architect-Urban Planner Felino “Jun” Palafox, Jr. has 52 years’ experience in architecture and 50 years in planning, educated at Christ the King Seminary, UST, UP, and Harvard. Founded Palafox Associates and Palafox Architecture, with 1,800+ projects pin 40 countries, recognized with 200+ awards including UAP Dubai Awards First Lifetime Achievement Award (2023). Palafox Associates, ﬁrst Filipino ﬁrm in the top 500, 300, 200, Top 100 Architecture Firms in the world.FOUNDER – PALAFOX ASSOCIATES AND PALAFOX ARCHIECTURE GROUP, INC.

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JORGE M. JUDANCAROLE ANN SOLIDUM SARTHOUUndersecretary, Commercial Counselor and Trade Diplomat in ASEAN, Japan & China; President/CEO and Vice-Chairman of the Philippine International Trading Corporation; Lead Investment, Business Transformation and Governmental Affairs Adviser for the Judan Law Ofﬁces. Led Agencies, Corporations, Enterprises and Foundations over the last 40 years extensively in the ASEAN, Indonesia, Japan, China and in the USA. Professional expertise in Investments Promotions, International Marketing, Import & Export, and Global Business Transformations. University of the Philippines-Diliman graduate with an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), and an Intercontinental MBA degree from the Loyola University Chicago as a member of Beta Gamma Sigma International Honors Society for Business Schools. Served as an AIM Adjunct Professor and in the SBEP of the University of Asia and the Paciﬁc. Also a Licensed Mentor of the GoNegosyo SME Academy.Carole is a seasoned Research Professional with around 40 years experience in Consumer and Media Research. She held Senior positions in Global Research Agencies and at Kraft Foods Philippines. Carole was the Market Research Manager at Kraft Foods Philippines for both local and regional research. She was Managing Director of AGB Philippines (Media Audience Measurement Services) and was Managing Director of Asia Market Intelligence - Synovate (now Ipsos) for 11 years, leading the integration of Synovate and Ipsos in the Philippines in 2011. Carole joined Nielsen Philippines as Executive Director for Media from 2013 to 2014. Carole has been a speaker on Market Research for Media Industry Events, TV and Radio Programs, and Academic Institutions. She was a Director of the Marketing & Opinion Research Society of the Philippines for more than 20 years and served as President in 1998 and 2001, and has served as the MORES liaison to the Ads Standards Council (ASC) for the past 8 years. At CONSUMERREPUBLIQ, Carole handles both Quantitative and Qualitative Research, and conducts Market Research Training for Clients.FORMER USEC, DEPARTMENT OF TRADE & INDUSTRYPRESIDENT & CEO, PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL TRADING CORPORATIONMANAGING PARTNER, CONSUMERREPUBLIQ INC.LANI F. ESTEBAN Lani F. Esteban is a graduate of AB Mass Communication from University of the Philippines, Diliman. Her broadcast media career began as a Writer/ Segment Producer for ABS-CBN programs such as Rated K, Umagang Kayganda, Pinoy Big Brother, and TV Patrol. In 2010, she was given an offer to direct | television programs for IBC 13 and Solar Entertainment. Before putting up her own Video Production/Marketing business, she held multiple marketing and branding positions for large companies overseeing and leading creative efforts in advertising, video content, social media marketing, branding and packaging. In 2017 she put up Director’s Chair Production, whose pursuit is to provide brand afﬁnity, awareness and sales for client brands. In working directly with clients, she aspires to develop partnerships to deliver strategic and emotionally-resonant creative that also successfully achieves brand goals.PRESIDENT & CEO, DIRECTORS CHAIR PRODUCTIONFR. ANTONIO “BENG” MOLAVIN, SDB Father “Beng” is the parish priest of Don Bosco, San Ildefenso, but doubles up as Head of Sustainability for Don Bosco around the Philippines. This includes their ﬂagship project with Plasticbank, where they take back old plastic and get it recycled. As he always says:“You raise me up”which is what he does to all the children at Don Bosco and to all his parishioners. “Don Bosco Tech (or DB TECH) is a member of Don Bosco Green Alliance (DBGA) which brings together in a common platform all the ecological initiatives of Don Bosco institutes worldwide. Fr. Antonio “Beng” Molavin SDB is the present Convener of DBGA”, and it is the desire and dream of Don Bosco to create a more sustainable life for all people around the world, starting with recycle, reuse and offset of plastics. This directive is also supported by Pope Francis.HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY, DON BOSCO GREEN ALLIANCE (DBGA)MARIA LINDSAY P. CORONELLindsay has been in the banking industry for almost 20 years. She has helped many companies grow their businesses by providing ﬁnancial and advisory services which allows them to grow faster and bigger. She is also an advocate of Financial Literacy, she wants to help people improve their lives through ﬁnancial education and to encourage them to become ﬁnancially secure and make a plan for their future.BRANCH MANAGER, SECURITY BANK

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ContentsATTY. AGNES VICENTA S. TORRES-DEVANADERAPresident & CEO, Clark Development Corporation ........................................................ DRA. BAE OKILE MANGONDATO SHARIEF, ALHADJAFounder/Chairwoman/President, Lanao Central College, Inc. – LCCI ............................. HON. MICHAEL L. ROMERO, Ph.D. Representative, Party List, 1-PACMAN ...........................................................................HON. REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TANRepresentative, 2nd District of Samar ............................................................................HON. JOSEPH SALVADOR TANRepresentative, 4th District of Isabela ............................................................................HON. BAI MARIAM SANGKI MANGUDADATU, Ph.D. (HC), MNSAGovernor, Province of Maguindanao del Sur .................................................................HON. DAKILA CARLO E. CUAULAP - National PresidentLPP - National ChairmanGovernor, Province of Quirino ........................................................................................HON. EMMYLOU “LALA” J. TALIÑO-MENDOZAGovernor, Province of Cotabato .....................................................................................ATTY. AURELIO “OYIE” MATIAS UMALIGovernor, Province of Nueva Ecija ..................................................................................HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTEGovernor, Province of Camarines Sur .............................................................................HON. FAUSTINO “BOJIE” G. DY, IIIVice Governor, Province of Isabela .................................................................................ATTY. SAUL PAULO A. LAZOSangguniang Panlalawigan Member - 1st District Province of Ilocos NorteNational Chairman, NMYL ..............................................................................................HON. ALLAN P. ANDAN Board Member, First District of Bulacan .........................................................................HON. BOBBY B. MIDTIMBANG Board Member, 2nd District of Maguindanao del Sur ..........................................HON. HANDY T. LAONational President, Philippine Councilors LeaguePresident, Philippine Councilors League - Ilocos Norte Councilor, City Government of Laoag ..................................................................................ABDULGHANI “GERRY” A. SALAPUDDIN, MPA, Ph.D.Administrator & Chief Executive Officer Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) .........................................................HON. BERNARD “NINONG” C. DELA CRUZVice Mayor, Malabon CityNational Chairman, Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines ..............................................AWARDED HONORARY PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR - EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE & STRONG INSTITUTIONSPUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR EXCELLENCE IN FOREIGN RELATIONS AND DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRSAWARDED HONORARY CONGRESSMAN OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY GOVERNOR OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY VICE GOVERNOR OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR - EXCELLENCEIN PEACE AND NATION BUILDING 1923273137414753576165698173857789

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ContentsGERALD GLENN F. PANGANIBAN, Ph.D.Director, Bureau of Plant Industry Program Director, National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, And High-Value Crops Development Program ................................HON. SULTAN JOHAIR S. MADAGBarangay Council, Former Barangay ChairmanBarangay Nenita J. Herrera, Cotabato City .........................................................................HON. MARIA KATRINA JESSICA GALLEGOS-DYLNB National President, LNB President Isabela ChapterLNB President, Echague, Isabela ..........................................................................................ATTY. AGATHA PAULA A. CRUZMayor, Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan ......................................................................... ENGR. CARLOS F. LOPEZ, JR.Mayor, Municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan ......................................................................HON. ERIC L. OLIVAREZMayor, City of Parañaque, NCR .........................................................................................HON. JOENIME B. KAPINA Mayor, Municipality of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat ...........................................................HON. KARL CHRISTIAN F. VEGA Mayor, Municipality of Mapandan, Pangasinan ................................................................HON. ALFREDO M. CORO, II Mayor, Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao Del Norte ...................................................HON. ANTONIO V. MARIANO Mayor, Municipality of Marcos Ilocos Norte ....................................................................HON. HAZEL CORDOVA TUANDA Mayor, Municipality of Jimalalud, Negros Oriental .........................................................ATTY. HENRY R. VILLARICA Mayor, City of Meycauayan, Bulacan ...............................................................................HON. HILARIO G. PAGAUITAN Mayor, Municipality of Santa Maria, Isabela ....................................................................HON. JEANNIE N. SANDOVAL Mayor, City of Malabon ...................................................................................................HON. MOHAMMAD ALI “BRUCE” C. MATABALAO Mayor, City of Cotabato, Maguindanao, Province ...........................................................HON. RICHARD A. DEGALA Mayor, Municipality of Vintar, Ilocos Norte .....................................................................HON. VENUS T. BAUTISTA Mayor, Municipality of Tumauini, Province of Isabela ......................................................HON. ALMEDZAR A. HAJIRINational Secretary General, VMLP, Regional Chairman, VMLP BARMM Vice Mayor, Municipality of Lugus, Sulu ..........................................................................ATTY. ALYSSA RENEE A. CRUZVice Mayor, City of Batangas, Batangas Province ...........................................................HON. HEIDEE L. GANIGAN-CHUAVice Mayor, Municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan ...........................................................HON. JOHN MARVIN “YUL SERVO” C. NIETOVice Mayor, City Government of Manila ..........................................................................HON. LEONCIO “BONG” ANGOLUAN DALIN, JR.Vice Mayor, Cauayan City, Isabela ..................................................................................HON. MICHAEL ABRAHAM G. PAGAUITANVice Mayor, Municipality of Santa Maria, Isabela ............................................................HON. RICKY P. HECHANOVAVice Mayor, Municipality of Compostela, Davao De Oro ................................................AWARDED HONORARY LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY VICE MAYOR OF THE YEAR9710110512914511513715516311113314912112514115916717318117718519318993

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ContentsDRA. DOROTHY A. DELARMENTEMajority Floor Leader Councilor, Government of Quezon City, NCR .................................................................HON. MARICEL B. FORONDACouncilor, Municipality of Vintar, Ilocos Norte ................................................................HON. REX CHERREGUINE DOCENACouncilor, Municipality of Taft, Eastern Samar Province .................................................HON. JEMELENE GO QUI, Ph.D.Chairwoman, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City ........................................................MS. MIKAELA L. ROMEROChairman, 1-PACMAN Partylist .......................................................................................MR. CHRISTIAN ANDREW J. CRUZRepresentative, PINOY AKO Organization .....................................................................MS. CEZARAH CRUZ-DISCAYAFounder, St. Gerrard Charity Foundation ........................................................................MS. MARICEL V. PESTAÑOPresident & CEO, Vicente Isabel Multispecialty Clinic and Diagnostic Center Inc. Founder, Louise Ellis Diagnostic Supplies .......................................................................MS. ROSE N. LINFounder & President, Rose Lin Foundation ......................................................................ENGR. RONNIE V. DEL ROSARIO President & CEO, La Jolla Hotel and Beach Resort Goldridge Construction and Development Corporation Cresta De Oro Philippines ..............................................................................................MS. CATHERINE FLORINE SOLLANO-CUSIChief Executive Officer, Aqua Technologies, Inc. ............................................................MR. EMMANUEL R. LEDESMA, JR.President & CEO, PhilHealth ...........................................................................................MR. ISMAEL REYES SANDIGPresident and CEO, Top Bank Philippines, Inc. ...............................................................MR. JAMES P. AMPAROFounder & CEO, Yovel East Research & Development, Inc. ...........................................MR. JOSE B. TOMAS, JR., J.D.Chief Executive Officer, Tam-An Banaue Multi-Purpose Cooperative .............................MS. JOY M. SORROSA, Ph.D.SUC President IIIDavao Del Norte State College .......................................................................................MS. CIELO AMOR D. CHAVEZCEO / PresidentRCREIGN Manpower Agency .......................................................................................... AWARDED HONORARY COUNCILOR OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY BARANGAY CAPTAIN OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY DISTINCTION FOR MODERN FILIPINAHEROISM OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY DISTINCTION FOR MODERN FILIPINOHEROISM OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY MOST DISTINGUISHED PHILANTHROPY AND SOCIAL IMPACT ADVOCATE OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE YEARAWARDED HONORARY MOST EMPOWERED WOMAN OF THE YEAR201213217223229241265253233245257237249261209205197

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ContentsHON. JOSEPH SALVADOR TANRepresentative, 4th District of Isabela ............................................................................HON. JEANNIE N. SANDOVALMayor, City of Malabon ...................................................................................................HON. ALFREDO M. CORO, IIMayor, Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao Del Norte ..................................................HON. HILARIO G. PAGAUITANMayor, Municipality of Santa Maria, Isabela ....................................................................HON. RICHARD A. DEGALAMayor, Municipality of Vintar, Ilocos Norte ......................................................................HON. VENUS T. BAUTISTAMayor, Municipality of Tumauini, Isabela ........................................................................HON. JEMELENE GO QUI, Ph.D.Chairwoman, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City ........................................................MS. JOY M. SORROSA, Ph.D.SUC President III, Davao Del Norte State College ...........................................................MS. MARIA CECILA T. BRAVOVP For Admin & Finance, Intele Builders and Development Corporation .......................................................................................PRIMEHOMES REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, INC. .........................................................MAPECON PHILIPPINES, INC. .........................................................................................HON. BAI MARIAM SANGKI MANGUDADATU, Ph.D. (HC), MNSAGovernor, Province of Maguindanao Del Sur ..................................................................HON. DAKILA CARLO E. CUA ULAP-National PresidentLPP-National ChairmanGovernor, Province of Quirino ........................................................................................HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTEGovernor, Province of Camarines Sur .............................................................................MOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE DISTRICT IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE CITY IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE MUNICIPALITY IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE BARANGAY IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE UNIVERSITY IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND RELIABLE PEST CONTROL COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINESMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE PROVINCE IN THE PHILIPPINES273295299319323327307303315311279285289269

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NATION BUILDERSDesned to be the “Woman of Many Firsts,” Ay. Agnes VST Devanadera has shattered ceilings and redefined possibilies for women in public service. From being the rst woman Mayor of Sampaloc to becoming the rst woman President and CEO of Clark Development Corporaon (CDC), her journey exemplies her unwavering dedicaon to good governance and public service. Her remarkable accomplishments highlight not only her personal excellence but also the extraordinary strides women can make in elds tradionally dominated by men.This reects growing condence in Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) as a premier investment desnaon. The number of investors also increased, from 1,096 in 2022 to 1,187 by December 2023, underscoring Clark’s appeal under her leadership. CDC’s gross revenues followed suit, rising from Php5.26 billion in 2022 to Php5.75 billion in 2023. This impressive growth in revenue was accompanied by a substanal increase in net prots, which soared from Php2.2 billion in 2022 to Php2.8 billion in 2023. The corporaon’s commitment to scal responsibility and its role as a vital contributor to the naonal economy were further underscored by its record-breaking remiances to the Naonal Government. In 2023, CDC remied Php1.20 billion covering the dividend year 2022, followed by an unprecedented Php1.80 billion in cash dividends in May 2023.Under Ay. Devanadera’s stewardship, CDC has witnessed unprecedented growth. In 2023, total commied investments in Clark surged to US$51.0 million, up from US$42.0 million in 2022. PIONEERING TRANSFORMATION IN CLARK THROUGH GOVERNANCE EXCELLENCESTEERING CDC TO NEW HEIGHTSAWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE & STRONG INSTITUTIONSATTY. AGNES VICENTA S. TORRES-DEVANADERAPRESIDENT & CEOCLARK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION19

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Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Governance & Strong Institutions20STEERING CDC TO NEW HEIGHTSAtty. Devanadera’s commitment to transparency led to the development of the Revenue Monitoring System, an innovative tool created by CDC’s Information Technology Department. This system revolutionized revenue tracking, enhancing transparency and efficiency. It contributed to an 87% increase in CDC’s revenues in 2023, addressing challenges like me-consuming tracking and potenal revenue leaks.Her dedicaon to empowering women is evident in the significant increase in female representation within CDC’s leadership. Under her leadership, over 50 percent of CDC’s leadership roles are now occupied by women, reecng a 10% increase from the previous administration. This achievement underscores her commitment to mentoring and promong qualied women to key posions. One of Ay. Devanadera’s landmark achievements is the signing of the Implemenng Rules and Regulaons (IRR) for the Joint Management Agreement (JMA) and the Land Use Plan, aer more than 16 years of deliberaon. This development is part of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protecon Plan, outlining priories for the ancestral land shared between the government and the Indigenous Peoples/Indigenous Cultural Communies (IPs/ICCs).

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Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Governance & Strong Institutions21The JMA represents a signicant step in recognizing and promong the rights of the Ayta Indigenous Cultural communies, in accordance with Republic Act No. 8371, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997. Ay. Devanadera also led a rate rebasing exercise at CDC, the rst in nearly 17 years, using a performance-based framework. This exercise ensures a sustainable and reliable supply of water and wastewater treatment services throughout the Freeport, enabling prudent cost recovery while maintaining fairness and equity. It reinforces CDC’s partnership with Clark Water Corporaon in providing clean and reliable water.The An-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has lauded CDC’s ecient Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS), nong it as a model of eciency and eecveness. CDC is the only government-owned and controlled corporaon (GOCC) with such a system, which has set a new benchmark by simplifying, automang, and expeding business registraon processes.In addition to improving business processes, Atty. Devanadera has placed a strong emphasis on fostering business interdependence among Clark locators. She iniated the rst-ever Clark Business Interdependence (A CEO Forum), which serves as a plaorm for CEOs and industry leaders to collaborate and share insights on enhancing market access, supporng mass transportaon improvements, and encouraging trade and import substuon. This trailblazing iniave has strengthened the interconnectedness of businesses within Clark, driving innovaon, potenally generang new revenue streams among locators, and creang synergies that contribute to the overall compeveness of the Freeport.Ay. Devanadera’s career is disnguished by a series of “rsts,” a reecon of her unparalleled impact on governance and public service. Each milestone in her career has set new benchmarks and expanded the possibilies for women in leadership roles and set new standards for public service. Her trailblazing eorts have earned her the tle of “Woman of Many Firsts”:• First woman Mayor of Sampaloc, Quezon• First woman President of the Quezon Mayor’s League• First woman Naonal President of the League of Municipalies of the Philippines• First woman Lawyer from Quezon Province to be admied to the New York Bar• First woman Government Corporate Counsel• First woman Solicitor General• First woman to be a full-pledged Secretary of Jusce• First woman President and Chief Execuve Ocer of Clark Development CorporaonAnother notable achievement under Ay. Devanadera’s leadership is her advocacy for amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulaons (IRR) of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incenves for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. By represenng all Investment Promoon Agencies (IPAs) in various forums and legislave hearings, she played a crucial role in enhancing the implementaon of the CREATE Act, ensuring that it aligns with the needs of businesses and investors in Clark.PIONEERING ACHIEVEMENTS: A TRAILBLAZER IN GOVERNANCE

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Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Governance & Strong Institutions22In the Energy Regulatory Commission, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ay. Devanadera demonstrated her resilience and commitment to public service by implemenng a business connuity program and launching electronic transacons. As President of CDC, she took decisive acon against POGO/IGL-related crimes. She led the creaon of the Clark Advisory Security Council (CSAC) and engaged the member-mayors of the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) to address these issues. Her leadership has been pivotal in combang such crimes and enhancing security within Clark.Her eorts to enhance market access for Clark Freeport Zone locators, support mass transportaon improvements, and foster strategic partnerships for trade and import substuon reect her visionary approach. Upcoming iniaves, including the launch of the Clark Green Code and eorts to enhance arts, culture, and heritage in the region, further demonstrate her commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.Under Atty. Devanadera’s leadership, CDC has made significant strides in social responsibility and community development. Employment in Clark increased from 127,074 in 2022 to 138,364 in December 2023, reecng an 8.2% growth. By June 2024, the number of workers in Clark had reached 140,345, further demonstrang CDC’s role as a major driver of employment and economic opportunity in the region. The CDC chief’s commitment to social development is also evident in her leadership at the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC), a plaorm for consultaon, coordinaon, and informaon sharing among CDC and local mayors. This collaborave approach ensures that the benets of economic development in Clark extend to the surrounding local government units (LGUs), fostering parallel development and inclusive growth. Under her leadership, CDC also played a crucial role in the establishment of the Clark Mul-Specialty Medical Center (CMSMC). Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’s Execuve Order No. 19, which tasked CDC, various stakeholders, and government agencies with facilitang the compleon of CMSMC, this state-of-the-art facility is set to provide specialized healthcare services to the Filipino people, aligning with the vision for accessible and aordable healthcare.Under Ay. Devanadera’s leadership, CDC has garnered numerous prestigious awards, recognizing its outstanding performance and commitment to governance:• Top-Ranking Government-Owned and Controlled Corporaon (GOCC): Achieved an outstanding score of 99% in the 2022 Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS).• Outstanding GOCC Partner: Recognized by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).• Outstanding Accounng Oce Award: Presented to CDC’s Accounng Division by the Associaon of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP) Inc.She also received personal accolades from various organizaons:• Woman of the Year: Awarded at the Asia Leaders Awards 2023.• Gawad Oblaon Award: Honored by the University of thePhilippines (UP) in 2023.• Captains of Industries Award: Recognized for her exceponal leadership.Atty. Devanadera’s pioneering achievements and transformative impact have redefined what it means to be a woman in leadership. Her legacy of breaking barriers and seng new benchmarks connues to inspire and elevate the standards of governance and leadership excellence for generaons to come.ADVANCING COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTHONORING EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP

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NATION BUILDERSFrom a young age, Dr. Bae Okile Mangondato Sharief, D.Hum, PhD, Al Hadja, harbored a dream that was far larger than herself: to become a philanthropist and make a substanal dierence in the lives of others. Born into a lineage of disnguished leaders and educators, she was the youngest daughter of Hadji Ali Alimatar Sawasa Sharief and Dr. Norma Mangondato Sharief, PhD. Her heritage traced back to the First Sultan of Cabugatan sa Poona Masiu, and she was steeped in the rich tradions and responsibilies that came with her family’s royal blue-blooded descent. Growing up in an environment where educaon and service were highly valued, Dr. Bae Okile was inspired by her mother, the former Regional Chairman II and Managing Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Educaon of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the president, founder and CEO of the Philippine Muslim Teachers’ College (PMTC). This upbringing ignited her passion for helping others, as she witnessed rsthand the profound impact her mother had on their community through educaon and public service. Dr. Bae Okile’s childhood was lled with dreams of giving. She oen engaged in small acts of kindness, which she believed were steps towards her greater goal. She excelled academically, driven by her desire to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help her community on a larger scale. Her siblings also played a pivotal role in shaping her aspiraons. Each sibling, a successful professional, encouraged her to pursue her dreams with determinaon and faith. Her educaon journey was marked by excellence. She obtained several degrees from presgious colleges in the Philippines, always with the goal of returning to her roots to upli her people. Her dedicaon and hard work culminated in her role as the Regional Execuve Assistant of the Commission on Higher Educaon of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CHED-ARMM). DR. BAE OKILE MANGONDATO SHARIEF: FROM DREAMERTO RENOWNED PHILANTHROPISTEARLY YEARS: PLANTING THE SEEDS OF PHILANTHROPY AWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN FOREIGN RELATIONS AND FOREIGN AFFAIRSDRA. BAE OKILE MANGONDATO SHARIEF, ALHADJAFOUNDER/CHAIRWOMAN/PRESIDENT LANAO CENTRAL COLLEGE, INC. – LCCI23

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PHILANTHROPIC ENDEAVORS: TURNINGDREAMS INTO REALITYDr. Bae Okile’s philanthropic eorts extended beyond educaon. She launched numerous iniaves to assist those in need, reecng her unwavering commitment to humanitarian service. Her programs included: • Free Capital for small businesses to help families become self-sucient.• Free Ride services to ease transportaon challenges for students and workers. • Free Dialysis for paents baling chronic illnesses. • Free Ramadhan Iar providing meals during the holy month. • Free School Supplies for orphans to ensure they had the tools necessary for educaon. • Relief Operaons during natural and man-made disasters, such as the Marawi Siege and COVID-19 pandemic. • Peace Keeping Resoluon of familial conicts across various regions within the province of Lanao.• Free Tuion Fee Provided at no cost for around ten thousand students enrolled at Lanao Central College, as well as for students from various other colleges within the province of Lanao, across the Philippines, and even internaonally.Her dedicaon to her community earned her naonal and internaonal recognion. Awards such as the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award for Social Services and the Most Outstanding Social Acvist of the Year highlighted her reless eorts to promote peace and welfare. A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND SERVICEIMPACT AND RECOGNITION Dr. Bae Okile’s leadership extended into various roles, including Regional Head Director for BARMM by Global Academy for Human Excellence and PHILS. UNESC Director for Decent Work & Economic Growth. Her inuence as a peace advocate, community organizer, and educator was profound. She championed the Promoon and Development of Muslim Selements and the Support to Madrasah Educaon. Her commitment to promong Muslim culture and instuons was unwavering, ensuring that her community’s rich heritage was preserved and celebrated. Recently, she was appointed as the “World Peace Ambassador” by the Diplomatic Organization World Peace Commiee. In addion, she received the presgious award for “THE MOST REMARKABLE PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR 2024” from the Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph & Remarkable Achievers Awards. These recognions are well-suited to her aspiraons and dedicaon to establishing order and supporng humanity.Her unparalleled performance in community service and educaon earned her numerous accolades, including the Championing Academe Leadership Award and the World’s Best Teacher Award. These honors were a testament to her enduring impact on society. Despite her many achievements, Dr. Bae Okile remained humble and dedicated to her mission. Her life’s work was driven by a simple yet powerful belief: “Dream your dreams, never doubt. Never rest unl this dream is yours.” Alhamdulillah! Dr. Bae Okile’s story is a proof to the power of dreams, impact of dedicaon and faith in ALLAH SWT. Through her reless eorts, she has transformed countless lives, providing hope and opportunies where there were none. Her legacy connues to inspire future generaons to pursue their dreams and give back to their communies. Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year Excellence in Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs25

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LANAO CENTRAL COLLEGE, INC.: A HOME OF FREE TUITION FEESA COMMITMENT TO FREE EDUCATION EMBRACING MARANAO CULTURE AND VALUESA MODEL OF RESILIENCE AND HOPEEMPOWERING THE COMMUNITYBUILDING PEACE THROUGH EDUCATIONLanao Central College, Inc. (LCCI), established by Dr. Bae Okile Mangondato Sharief, D.Hum, PhD, Al Hadja, stands as an evidence to her vision of accessible and quality educaon for all. Since its incepon, LCCI has commied to providing free tuion fees, embodying the philosophy that educaon should not be a privilege but a right. Located in Marawi City, LCCI has become a pillar of hope and progress, especially for those who have faced adversies. The instuon oers a wide range of programs, including pioneer courses in Educaon, Criminology, and Shari’ah, and has expanded to include degrees in Social Work, Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and graduate studies in Educaon and Public Administraon.LCCI stands as a model of resilience and hope, parcularly in the aermath of the Marawi Siege. The instuon’s commitment to educaon and community service has helped rebuild lives and restore faith in the future. The people of Marawi, known for their indomitable spirit, now have an inspiraon of hope in LCCI. Through the vision and leadership of Dr. Bae Okile Mangondato Sharief, D.Hum, PhD, Al Hadja, LCCI has become more than just an educaonal instuon. It is an aestaon to the power of dreams, the impact of philanthropy, and the importance of giving back to the community. It embodies the Maranao people’s struggle, resilience, and yearning for inclusive progress. In conclusion, Dr. Bae Okile Mangondato Sharief’s journey from a young dreamer to a renowned philanthropist is a story of determinaon, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her community. Her success story inspires future generaons to dream big, work hard, and give back to society. One of the unique aspects of LCCI is its commitment to free tuion fees. This iniave ensures that even families with limited resources can provide their children with a quality educaon. Dr. Bae Okile believes that nancial constraints should never hinder a person’s right to learn and succeed. LCCI’s free tuion program is supported by various community outreach and nancial assistance iniaves. The instuon partners with local and internaonal organizaons to provide scholarships, grants, and other forms of support to its students. This comprehensive approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. LCCI is more than just an educaonal instuon; it is a cradle of Maranao culture and values. Located in the heart of the only Islamic City in the Philippines, LCCI weaves together educaon and cultural heritage. The instuon regularly engages students in cultural acvies and visits to the Aga Khan Museum, ensuring that they remain connected to their roots. The Maranao people have faced numerous challenges over the years, but their resilience and strength are reected in the spirit of LCCI. The instuon embodies the Maranao’s determinaon to rise above adversies and build a beer future for themselves and their community. LCCI’s impact extends beyond its students. The instuon acvely engages in community outreach programs, oering support to disadvantaged communies in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. These programs address social issues and provide assistance to those in need, promong peace and development.One notable iniave is the nancial assistance program for an orphanage, locally known as “toril.” This program gives underprivileged children another shot at life, providing them with educaon and strengthening their faith in ALLAH SWT. Such iniaves reect Dr. Bae Okile’s lifelong mission of philanthropy and community service. At the core of LCCI’s mission is the belief that educaon is a powerful tool for building peace. By providing free tuion and supporng students from all backgrounds, LCCI fosters a sense of community and mutual respect. The instuon’s Department of Social Work plays a crucial role in this mission, emphasizing the importance of social workers in addressing societal issues. LCCI’s eorts to promote inclusive progress and sustainable development have transformed the lives of many. The instuon’s outreach programs ensure that even the most marginalized communies receive the aenon and support they need. By listening to their concerns and addressing their needs, LCCI helps build a more peaceful and equitable society. Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year Excellence in Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs26

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NATION BUILDERS27In the face of adversity and complex socio-economic challenges, few leaders have demonstrated the unwavering commitment to public service and poverty alleviaon as Representave Michael “Mikee” Romero. Serving as the 1-PACMAN Partylist Representave since 2016, Romero’s legislave prowess and relentless advocacy for the marginalized have cemented his reputaon as a transformave gure in Philippine polics. Despite being honored mulple mes as Congressman of the Year, Representave Michael “Mikee” Romero connues to excel and enhance his legacy. His dedicaon to an-poverty iniaves and remarkable achievements, both within and outside the Congress, make him a compelling candidate for the MOSLIV Awards’ Congressman of the Year for 2024. As the Chairman of the Commiee on Poverty Alleviaon, Romero has spearheaded iniaves that have signicantly impacted the lives of countless Filipinos. One of his notable achievements is the reinstatement of over 700,000 delisted beneciaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). These families, once deprived of crucial nancial assistance, were not only reinstated but also compensated retroacvely. This acon underscores Romero’s dedicaon to social jusce and his ability to address systemic issues within government programs. Romero’s authorship of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act” (RA 11310) stands as a testament to his an-poverty crusade. This landmark legislaon instuonalized the 4Ps as a naonal poverty reducon strategy, providing condional cash transfers to impoverished households. By addressing immediate nancial needs and promong long-term human capital development, the 4Ps have had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Filipinos living in poverty. At the core of Romero’s legislave agenda lies a steadfast commitment to eradicang poverty.AWARDED HONORARYCONGRESSMANOF THE YEARHON. MICHAEL L. ROMERO, Ph.D.REPRESENTATIVE, PARTY LIST, 1-PACMANUNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO POVERTY ALLEVIATION

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In healthcare, Romero’s authorship of the “Universal Health Care Act” (RA 11223) has revoluonized the Philippine healthcare system. This legislaon ensures that all Filipinos are covered by the Naonal Health Insurance Program, providing equitable access to quality healthcare services. By addressing both prevenve and curave healthcare, this law represents a signicant step towards achieving universal health coverage in the Philippines. Romero has also championed the agricultural sector through the “Free Irrigaon Service Act” (RA 10969). This law exempts small farmers from paying irrigaon service fees, reducing their nancial burden and promong agricultural producvity. By supporng the backbone of the Philippine economy, Romero has shown his commitment to enhancing food security and rural development. The “PANDEMIC RESPONSE LAW: RA 11469 Bayanihan Act to Heal as One 1” is another testament to Romero’s legislave acumen. This law provided the government with the necessary tools and resources to respond eecvely to the COVID-19 pandemic. By facilitang swi and comprehensive acons, the Bayanihan Act played a crucial role in migang the pandemic’s impact on public health and the economy. Romero’s recent legislave achievement, the “Eddie Garcia Law” (RA 11996), underscores his commitment to the welfare of workers in the entertainment industry. This law ensures the safety and welfare of actors and producon crew, seng standards for working condions and providing protecons that were previously lacking. This iniave highlights Romero’s dedicaon to advocang for the rights and well-being of all Filipinos, regardless of their profession.Awarded Honorary Congressman of the Year29

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Awarded Honorary Congressman of the Year30LEADERSHIP BEYOND LEGISLATION His contribuons extend well beyond the legislave arena. As a dynamic businessman, Mikee Romero has generated tens of thousands of jobs across mulple industries, signicantly bolstering the Philippine economy. Romero’s family spearheads enterprises in diverse sectors: although no longer involved with Philippine AirAsia and Zest Airways, their presence in power distribuon remains robust through Crown Investments and the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperave IMC. Their power generaon ventures are consolidated under CapitalOne Energy Corp., encompassing Alterpower Digos Solar Inc. (40 MW), Fort Pilar Energy (100 MW baery storage), and Belgrove Power Corp. (650 MW Malaya thermal power plant), with ongoing expansions in solar power. Globalport Terminals, another family enterprise, operates across various locaons with major operaons in Visayas and Mindanao, playing a crucial role in port and terminal services. Addionally, their nancial investments are managed through Globalport 900 and Mikro-tech Capital. Romero’s transformave vision was evident in 2010 when he upgraded the once notorious Manila North Harbour into a world-class port facility with a modern passenger terminal accommodang up to 3 million passengers annually, seng a new standard for Philippine port operaons. Recently appointed as the chairman of the Associaon of Reservist and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines, Inc. (ARRAPI), Romero connues to expand his inuence in advocang for the welfare and rights of reservists. His leadership in this role underscores his dedicaon to strengthening naonal defense and supporng those who serve the country beyond tradional legislave iniaves. These honors reect not just his excellence in performance but also his steadfast dedicaon to his role as a principled congressman. As an educated family man, Romero embodies a blend of intellectual rigor and deep personal commitment. His leadership extends beyond tles and responsibilies; it is rooted in his genuine desire to upli the Filipino poor. Serving as the Most Senior Deputy Speaker and chairing the House Commiee on Poverty Alleviaon, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering resolve to address the most pressing challenges of poverty through his legislave iniaves and business ventures. In an era where poverty remains one of the greatest obstacles to social progress, leaders like Mikee Romero are indispensable. His reless advocacy for an-poverty measures, legislave brilliance, and transformave leadership stand as a testament to his role as a beacon of hope. Romero’s impact is not only evident in the tangible improvements in the lives of the marginalized but also in the way his eorts inspire others to pursue meaningful change. Being named Congressman of the Year for 2024 by the MOSLIV Awards would be a ng tribute to Romero’s profound achievements. This recognion not only honors his exceponal work but also serves as a powerful call to acon for others to emulate his dedicaon and connue the relentless pursuit of a brighter, more equitable future for all. Through his exemplary service, Romero reminds us that genuine progress is possible when we are guided by a deep-seated commitment to the welfare of our fellow cizens. Romero’s extraordinary contribuons have garnered widespread acknowledgment, arming his status as a disnguished and inuenal leader. Throughout his career, he has been celebrated with numerous accolades, including presgious recognions from Superbrands Philippines, the Asia Leaders Awards, the Naon Builders Award, and the Elite Leaders Awards. RECOGNITION AND CONTINUED DEDICATION

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NATION BUILDERS31Congressman Reynolds Michael T. Tan or Cong. Mike as he is fondly called, is one of the young public servants of Samar Province. He rst entered public service in 2019 when he won the vice-gubernatorial race. In November of the same year, he assumed oce as Governor with the unmely demise of then Gov. Milagrosa Tan. In the 2022 Naonal and Local Elecons, while he was eligible to run for the gubernatorial slate, the congressman decided to run as Samar 2nd Legislave District Representave.Road Connecvity - Recently, the congressman has been very passionate in lobbying for road repair in the naonal highway traversing Samar Province. While the Department of Public Works and Highways handles naonal roads, the people of Samar have clamored for its repairs from the Provincial Government. As a staunch advocate, he has bravely and unringly voiced the cry of the Samarnons on this sad predicament.Aside from the road repairs, Rep. Tan has iniated countless road projects connecng the hinterlands to the main roads. These projects involving road openings, road concreng, and creaon of circumferenal roads have helped the government reach far-ung communies. In turn, the populace gets an easier access in availing government services leading to a beer implementaon of programs and projects. Health - As health is one of the much-needed programs in Samar, Rep. Tan did not fail to priorize the enhancement of this sector. As the Local Chief Execuve during the COVID pandemic, while the threat of the virus was unprecedented, the province was able to successfully hurdle this challenge due to improved health care system, eecve collaboraon among stakeholders, and implementaon of ingenious precauonary measures that averted a much precarious situaon. AWARDED HONORARYCONGRESSMANOF THE YEARHON. REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TANREPRESENTATIVE, 2ND DISTRICT OF SAMARADVOCACIES

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NATION BUILDERS37BESPREN!” This aeconate monicker among friends was conferred by the constuents of the 4th District of the Province of Isabela on Joseph Salvador Tan, who they chose in 2022 to represent them in the House of Representaves. This sobriquet was not lightly bestowed nor the product of a campaign gimmick. Tan might be a newbie in the House of Representaves, but he is no stranger to public service. Tan served as the mayor of Sanago City in the 4th District of Isabela for nine straight years, serving the maximum three consecuve terms due to the demand of his constuents. During his me as the local chief execuve of Sanago City, he ensured that the economic progress his policies brought redounded to the benet of every cizen. His governance was recognized by many organizaons, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which saw it t to award the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to the city several mes, pung Tan in the Hall of Fame. It was then that Tan was dubbed BESPREN by his constuents.As the economic center of the 4th District, Tan’s achievements in his city were observed by the residents of the towns of Cordon, Dinapigue, Jones, and San Agusn, who shared the legislave district. Desiring to also experience the BESPREN brand of public service, they clamored for Tan to represent them in Congress. Tan ran, and received 75% of the votes cast, leaving no doubt of the enormous trust and condence his performance as mayor engendered in the district.The faith of his constuents in their best friend was not misplaced. Tan immediately got to work, delivering results in every facet of service a congressman is expected to work on. He is one of the key instrumental legislators in the current success of the 19th Congress, being the principal author of 189 bills and a co-author of 25 bills. He is also a Vice Chairman of the Commiee on Appropriaons, Games and Amusements, Local Government, Natural Resources, North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, Flagship Programs and Projects, and Youth and Sports Development.AWARDED HONORARYCONGRESSMANOF THE YEARHON. JOSEPH SALVADOR TANREPRESENTATIVE, ISABELA, 4TH DISTRICT

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As a member of the House, Tan serves as the primary interface between the naonal government and the cizens and local governments of his district. He brings their concerns to the aenon of the naonal government, while he ensures that the programs of the naonal government reach those who they seek to help in his bailiwick.Tan aims for equitable economic development, using government programs to bootstrap those in need and empowering the grassroots through the system of barangays, the lowest level of local government. He gives premium consideraon to shaping the future of communies and fostering sustainable growth. This philosophy is encapsulated in the BESPReN (Barangay Empowerment and Synergy for Poverty Reducon Network) Development Strategy. BESPReN is a whole-of-government approach consisng of 31 themac programs. As a civil engineer, one of his programs is the BESPREN sa Imprastraktura. Under the aegis of this program, he has built infrastructure for economic progress, including irrigaon systems, farm-to-market roads, school buildings, barangay halls, local roads, and amphitheaters, among others.However, BESPReN is not just about concrete and steel. Tan’s eorts have led to over 16,000 of his constuents receiving ₱191.61 million worth of medical assistance through the Medical Assistance to Financially Incapacitated Paents (MAIFIP) of the Department of Health. This program covers hospital, laboratory, and professional fees for paents whose nancial well-being were strained by the costs of healthcare.To assist those who, through no fault of their own, were unfortunately confronted with sudden crises, such as hospital bills not covered by MAIFIP, vicms of natural calamies, among others, Tan ensured that the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance in Crisis Situaon (AICS) is able to help his constuents. So far, his oce has been instrumental in delivering ₱201 million in nancial assistance to 51,000 of his constuents. Those whose income are below that of the minimum wage are entled to nancial assistance to DSWD’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). More than 5,000 of his constuents were able to receive ₱19 million due to his iniave. For those without work, the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ang Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, together with Tan, provided 12,347 individuals with work, enabling them to earn more than ₱55 million in total to help de them over during dicult mes.Awarded Honorary Congressman of the Year39

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Tan also idened 549 new graduates in his district for DOLE’s Government Internship Program (GIP), which enabled them to work as paid interns in government oces. This both gave them employment and opportunies to start a career in public service to help their fellow cizens. As valuable as these programs are, Tan understood that in the primarily agricultural district, assistance is more sustainable if they directly impact the beneciary’s livelihood. To this end, his BEPSReN sa Kabuhayan program delivered 60 portable solar dryers to deserving beneciaries in his district. His BESPReN sa Agrikultura program in turn provided 8,800 farmers with 15kg bags of hybrid seeds, ferlizer discount vouchers, and vegetable seedlings to help with producing food for the country and bringing much-needed income for their families.Tan has earned the tle “BESPReN ng Senior Cizens” through his Alagang BESPReN Pampering for the Elderly program. This iniave oers every senior cizen in Isabela’s 4th District the opportunity to enjoy well-deserved relaxaon, including free haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and eyeglasses. Beyond this, Representave Tan champions a healthy, vibrant community, parcularly focusing on the youth as key contributors to transformave naon-building. His “BESPReN sa Sports” program aligns with the State’s policy to promote sports as a means of fostering health and community development. He has sponsored numerous basketball leagues, volleyball and table tennis tournaments, and provided cash incenves to winners of the Cagayan Valley Regional Athlec Associaon (CAVRAA). Through these eorts, he ensures that every segment of society benets from government support.In addion, Tan brings his experse as a Civil Engineer to improve the infrastructure of his district. Under the “ BESPReN sa Imprastraktura” program, he has spearheaded the construcon of mul-purpose buildings, amphitheaters, roads, ood control projects, bridges, and schools, as well as irrigaon systems and farm-to-market roads. These projects serve as a tangible connecon between the government and the people, promong progress and development while fostering a more interconnected and comfortable community for his constuents. Representave Joseph Tan’s people-centric leadership and commitment to serving his fellow countrymen earned him the unwavering support and inspiraon of future generaons of leaders and legislators. His integrity, humility, and dedicaon set a high standard for public service in our country, demonstrang his commitment to improving the quality of life among his constuents, which will foster long-term change and progress. Tan is a man of acon that denes the real essence of leadership with integrity and prosperity, but more importantly, a true best friend of southern Isabela.Tan also idened 549 new graduates in his district for DOLE’s Government Internship Program (GIP), which enabled them to work as paid interns in government oces. This both gave them employment and opportunies to start a career in public service to help their fellow cizens. As valuable as these programs are, Tan understood that in the primarily agricultural district, assistance is more sustainable if they directly impact the beneciary’s livelihood. To this end, his BEPSReN sa Kabuhayan program delivered 60 portable solar dryers to deserving beneciaries in his district. His BESPReN sa Agrikultura program in turn provided 8,800 farmers with 15kg bags of hybrid seeds, ferlizer discount vouchers, and vegetable seedlings to help with producing food for the country and bringing much-needed income for their families.With a view to the future, Tan does not just advocate for quality educaon, but also acvely rewards poor but deserving students with the opportunity to improve their staon in life. He has, through a mix of naonal government programs such as the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) of the Technical Educaon and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and his own, such as BESPReN Academic Excellence Award, been able to give scholarships and incenves to academically achieving students worth over ₱61 million, with over 13,000 beneciaries.Awarded Honorary Congressman of the Year40

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NATION BUILDERSBai Mariam S. Mangudadatu, born in Sampaloc, Manila, on April 11, 1973, embodies the values of hard work, respect, and public service from her humble background. The second among the three ospring of Ali Balayman Sangki, a polician, and Tita Palawan Lim, a businesswoman, she was raised in the Poblacion Buluan, Maguindanao, embracing a life of faith and family values. In 1980, her academic journey began at Notre Dame of Tacurong College, where she completed her elementary educaon and acvely parcipated in various extracurricular acvies. It was during this me that she discovered her passion for songwring. She connued her educaon at the Philippine Women’s College in Davao City. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Davao Doctor’s College from 1990 to 1997. In her college years, she had the remarkable opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring glamour and grace of the Mutya ng Kadayawan pageant in 1996. This event was extraordinary as she was honored with the tle “Bya-neng Kadayawan” , a cherished recognion in the local language. The signicance of this tle has le a lasng impact on her life. It was in that very same year, on December 19, 1996, that she entered into the sacred bond of marriage with her beloved husband, Hon Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. AWARDED HONORARYGOVERNOROF THE YEARHON. BAI MARIAM SANGKI MANGUDADATU, Ph.D. (HC), MNSAGOVERNOR, PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR41

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Additionally, she embraced the profound journey of motherhood, signifying yet another poignant milestone in her life’s journey. Aer compleng her degree, they had ve sons: Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, Datu Suharto Al Wali Mangudadatu, Datu Abdulrahim Mangudadatu, Datu Muhaimin Mangudadatu, and Datu Yasin Mangudadatu. Then she focused on raising her children and taking care of the household. Her dedicaon to her family and her humble nature have been the foundaon of her life, guiding her personal growth. She nds great joy in her sons’ accomplishments and works relessly for their well-being. The incredible transformaon she underwent as her sons grew up was truly remarkable. She transioned from being a dedicated homemaker to emerging as a powerful and inuenal gure in the land of polics, marking the commencement of her impacul journey into the empire of polical power. During this transformave period, she discovered a profound sense of fulllment in serving and assisng marginalized individuals and recognized her calling to eect a meaningful dierence in their lives.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year42

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This tle aptly describes her deep connecon to the town and her reless eorts to propel it towards progress and prosperity. During her rst year as Mayor, she spearheaded the successful implementaon of a diverse array of projects aimed at fostering peace, promong unity, facilitang reconciliaon, empowering the community, improving health and education, creang sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing social services. These iniaves had a profound and posive impact on the town, laying the foundaon for a more prosperous and harmonious society. Over the course of seven years in her role, she achieved noteworthy success, earning numerous presgious awards at both the provincial and naonal levels. The municipality itself received widespread recognion, including the 2013 Present League of Municipalies of the Philippines award. In addion, she was honored as the recipient of the 2014 Regional Outstanding Lady Execuve (ROLE) award, and in 2016, she demonstrated exceponal competence by successfully passing the regional SGLG Core or Essenal Assessment Areas. Her contribuons were further acknowledged with the Provincial Award for Zero Defecaon (ZOD), the Galing GAD Provincial Award in 2017, and the 2017 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SGLG) award. Furthermore, in 2018, she connued to receive accolades, including the Galing GAD Provincial Award and recognion as one of the 2018 Ten Outstanding Stewards of the Environment at the regional level.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year44

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Addionally, she received the 2018 Seal of Local Good Governance, further solidifying her reputaon as a dedicated and eecve leader. In 2019, the Municipality of DAS was lauded as a Drug-Cleared Municipality, showcasing a commitment to fostering a safe and drug-free community. These achievements inspired her to pursue the posion of governor of the then Province of Maguindanao. Through innovave leadership, she drove progress and posively shaped the future of the community. In 2019, she made history by shaering the glass ceiling and becoming the first female governor of Maguindanao. Her significant achievement earned her the tle “Agila ng Maguindanao,” symbolizing her role as a trailblazer and heralding a new era for the province. “During her rst term, she focused on upholding the welfare of the then people of Maguindanao by spearheading comprehensive reconstruction and local development, aiming to transform the province into a modern, thriving community.” Her re-elecon in 2022 showed how much the people supported her leadership. She promised to connue working hard for the then people of Maguindanao. With her experience, achievements, and dedicaon to her constuents, she aimed to keep making a posive dierence. During her remarkable leadership, she played a crucial role in the development of Maguindanao. One of her signicant achievements was the restructuring of Maguindanao into two separate provinces, Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. This strategic decision aimed to enhance governance eciency and ensure adequate representaon for all cizens. This pivotal move had a profound impact on the province’s future and the well-being of its people. The historic division of Maguindanao on September 18, 2022, marked a signicant milestone, leading to the establishment of Maguindanao del Sur. Subsequently, she was appointed as the governor of Maguindanao del Sur, showcasing her unwavering commitment to serving her community and charng new pathways for progress and prosperity. Her “10-Point Socio-Economic Agenda MAKABAGONG Maguindanao” has been consistent and eecve framework in promong and implemenng developmental plans and programs that focus on Masiglang kabuhayan, Agrikulturang masagana, Kalusugan at kaalamang Sapat Angkop na Imprastaktura Bayang malinis, alertong kumunidad, Gobyernong may Malasakit, Oportunidad para sa lahat, Nagbibigay ng Pantay na Karapatan at sapat na seguridad at Ginhawa at kapayapaang pangmatagalan as her priories in governance. Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year45

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This plaorm aims to provide basic services from the most industrialized cies to the most remote barangays and sios of the province. In 2023, the Province of Maguindanao del Sur, under the exceponal leadership of Hon. BAI MARIAM S. SANGKI, has consistently excelled and garnered numerous presgious awards and accolades. Notably, the province has been repeatedly honored with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award, a testament to its commitment. Addionally, the province acclaimed LoGFA Award, ADAC Performance Audit Award, POC Performance Audit Award, LCPC Funconality Award, LCAT - VAWC Funconality Award, PRIME HRM Bronze Award, Gawad Kalasag Award, and the Excellence Award - Best Implementer Award of BangUn, further showcasing its dedicaon to various aspects of governance and public welfare. One of the signicant achievements this year is the successful recruitment of 142 employees. Among them, 51 individual internal promoons, and 90 were newly recruited. Remarkably, there was a willingness to appoint individuals to administrave posions, irrespecve of their prior departmental aliaons. In the recent survey of Provincial Governors – BARMM “Boses ng Bayan” Survey conducted by RPMD, Hon. BAI MARIAM S. SANGKI “Disnguished as “Top Performing Governors In the Philippines” She achieved the highest rank among six governors, aaining an exceponal score of 82.6%, which is a testament to her unwavering leadership and dedicaon. Her recognion as also as Asia’s Golden Icon Awardee in 2024 underscores her signicant contribuons and impact. Furthermore, her recent compleon of a master’s degree in Naonal Security Administraon reects her connuous pursuit of knowledge and experse in serving the people of Maguindanao Del Sur. On July 7, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, she was conferred with an Honoris Causa Doctorate Award (Ph.D) in Public Administraon for her remarkable achievements and contribuons to the naon and society. Concurrently, the RPMD Foundaon Inc. conducted a rigorous, independent assessment of all Provincial Governors in the Philippines to evaluate their job performance and accomplishments across diverse regions. Notably, Governor Bai Mariam S. Mangudadatu of the Province of Maguindanao del Sur excelled with an impressive score of 82.6%, securing the sixth posion in the presgious “Top Performing Governors in the Philippines” rankings. These outstanding accomplishments underscore her unwavering commitment and eecveness as an exemplary leader.”Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year46

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NATION BUILDERSG overnor Dakila Carlo “Dax” E. Cua has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhance the quality of life for the people of Quirino, with focus on health, educaon, infrastructure, agriculture, environment and livelihood. His dedicaon to holisc development is evident through his acve eort on investment promoon and public-private partnership. A graduate of the University of the Philippines with Bachelor’s degree in Business Administraon, Governor Dax brings a wealth of experience from both the execuve and legislave branches of government, underpinned by a deep understanding of governance and development.Governor Dax’s polical career began remarkably early at the age of 23 when he was elected Vice Governor of Quirino in 2001, becoming the youngest vice governor in the Philippines at that me. His elecon, as Governor in 2004 rearmed the trust and condence his constuents placed in him. From 2010 to 2019, he served three consecuve terms as Congressman for the lone District of Quirino, during which he championed the enactment of landmark legislaons such as, the TRAIN Law, the rst package of a series of tax reforms. He also introduced agship programs designed to provide livelihood opportunies and foster youth development, equipping young people with the skills and resources necessary for sustainable livelihoods and contribung to the province’s economic growth.AWARDED HONORARYGOVERNOROF THE YEARHON. DAKILA CARLO E. CUAGOVERNOR, PROVINCE OF QUIRINO47

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Governor Dax’s visionary leadership has garnered naonal recognion. He is elected Naonal President of the Union of Local Authories of the Philippines (ULAP) and Naonal Chairman of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), presgious posions that underscore his inuence and dedicaon to public service on a naonal level. He is also elected as the President of the United Cies and Local Government Asia-Pacic (UCLG ASPAC). As a legislator, he made signicant contribuons to naonal policy. He was the principal author of the TRAIN Law, which generated substanal revenue for the government and played a crucial role in the passage of the Rice Taricaon Law, the Ease of Doing Business Act, and the Philippine Compeon Law—legislaon with far-reaching impacts on the naon’s economy and governance. His advocacy for educaon also led to the passage of R.A. No. 10230, which established the Quirino State University by integrang several local educaonal instuons in the province. In acknowledgement of his exemplary service, Governor Dax has received numerous presgious awards, including the Gawad KKK – Outstanding Youth of the Philippines Award, the Most Outstanding Vice Governor of the Philippines, and the Top Performing Governor of the Philippines. These accolades reect his unwavering commitment to public service and the substanal impact of his work on both his province and the naon.SEVEN-POINT AGENDAGovernor Dax’s vision for Quirino is encapsulated in his Seven-Point Agenda, a comprehensive strategy for governance and development aimed at transforming the province into a model of progress and sustainability.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year49

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1. REFORMS IN GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION2. IMPROVED ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICESGovernor Dax’s approach to governance is anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and eciency. He aims to increase revenue by updang and eciently implemenng provisions of the Provincial Tax Code, thereby increasing scal resources crucial for development. Addionally, he enhances eciency and capacity, ensuring seamless government operaons. To foster trust and maintain public condence, he promotes transparency and accountability through regular audits, accessible public records, and clear reporng procedures.Governor Dax recognizes that the foundaon of thriving community lies on the health and educaon of its people. His agenda includes ensuring easy access to healthcare and providing medical equipment making health services accessible to all. In tandem, he seeks to enhance the overall health and nutrion status of the populaon through targeted programs. In the eld of educaon, he is commied to improving quality, parcularly at the technical secondary and terary levels, to equip the youth with in-demand skills that align with the needs of the modern workforce.He also addresses social issues, such as teenage pregnancy, by implemenng programs and policies aimed at empowering the youth. Furthermore, he believes in strengthening family-based values through community iniaves and educaonal campaigns. His agenda also focuses on improving the delivery of social services, parcularly for vulnerable groups, ensuring that no one is le behind.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year50

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3. SUSTAINABLE, BROAD-BASED LIVELIHOODAND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT4. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENTEconomic development is a top priority for Governor Dax. He establishes integrated economic enterprises that add value to agricultural products, thereby increasing farmers’ incomes and promong sustainable livelihoods. Environmental sustainability is also a key focus, with iniaves aimed at promong eco-friendly economic acvies. Governor Dax recognizes the untapped potenal of Quirino’s natural beauty and is eager to expand farm tourism and nature tourism, including eco-tourism and adventure tourism, to diversify income sources. He also aims to enhance employment opportunies by fostering strong market linkages that support local businesses and ensure that economic growth benets the broader community. Addionally, he advocates for the development of family-based enterprises, providing them with the necessary support to thrive. Governor Dax’s agenda places great emphasis on sustainable natural resource management. He advocates for a collaborave approach to planning and managing these resources, recognizing that collecve eort is crucial for long-term success. To ensure conservaon of natural resources, he implements another program, the Quirino Protecon of Watershed Ecosystems and Rivers for Sustainability. Disaster management is another crical area, with Governor Dax committed to strengthening measures that protect communies and resources from natural calamies. His approach is proacve, focusing on disaster preparedness and control to migate the adverse eects of environmental threats.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year51

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5. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND FOOD SUFFICIENCY6. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTGovernor Dax understands the vital role of agriculture in Quirino’s economy and food security. His agenda includes iniaves to increase crop yields through improved farming pracces and technologies, ensuring that agriculture remains vibrant. In animal producon, he aims to enhance producvity to support both food security and economic growth using technology. Recognizing the importance of shery sector, he also seeks to boost shery producon, ensuring sustainable seafood resources for the province. A key component of his agricultural agenda is the FAITH (Food Always in the Home) iniave, which promotes food suciency at the household level. By encouraging families to grow their own food, like having their own vegetable garden, Governor Dax aims to reduce dependency on external food sources and improve food security for all residents. Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of Governor Dax’s agenda, as it is crucial for both economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. His plan includes rehabilitang and enhancing crical infrastructure such as bridges, farm-to-market roads (FMR), and irrigaon systems, to facilitate the ecient movement of goods and services. In the field of telecommunications and information technology, he is dedicated to developing and upgrading infrastructure to improve connecvity and services, ensuring that Quirino remains compeve in the digital age, thus, he embarks on a digital infrastructure program for the Province of Quirino. Addionally, he priorizes the construcon and upgrading of hospitals and public health facilities to enhance healthcare accessibility across the province, as Quirino is one of the early implemenng sites of the Universal Health Care. To further support economic growth, Governor Dax recognizes the importance of strengthening infrastructure that connects Quirino to external markets. By improving market linkages, he aims to expand the reach of local products and services, creang more opportunies for economic development.7. PEACE AND ORDERMaintaining peace and order is a top priority in Governor Dax’s agenda, as he understands that safety and security are vital for sustainable development. He advocates for enhanced collaboraon between the police and civilian authories to combat crime and drug-related issues, emphasizing the need for eecve and community-oriented law enforcement. Furthermore, he is commied to eecvely implement programs that address both unlawful acts against people and the environment. His approach is holisc, focusing on the root causes of crime and promong a culture of peace and environmental respect. Governor Dakila Carlo Cua envisions comprehensive development for Quirino, where good governance, economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability are harmoniously balanced. Through his Seven-Point Agenda, he aims to transform Quirino into a model province that thrives on good governance, robust economic acvity, and a high quality of life for all residents. His leadership and commitment to public service connue to inspire and drive progress, making him a pivotal gure in the ongoing development of Quirino and the broader Philippines.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year52

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NATION BUILDERSWith over three decades of dedicated public service, Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza, MNSA stands as a pillar of leadership. Her journey began at a young age in 1992 as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman in Poblacion, Carmen, Province of Cotabato. Her career path connued to ascend as she was elected Senior Board Member of the province in 1998, a duty that prepared her for broader legislave responsibilies. In 2001, she embarked on a disnguished tenure as Member of the House of Representaves serving in the 12th, 13th, and 14th Congress represenng the province’s First Legislave District. Addionally, she was a member of the Commission on Appointments during the 14th Congress. She was elected governor in 2010 which she held for three consecuve terms unl June 2019 earning accolades for her transformave policies and visionary leadership. Her elecon to public oce as Vice Governor in 2019, and subsequently her come back as Governor in 2022, underscores her enduring commitment to advancing the welfare of her province and its people. Beyond provincial governance, Governor Mendoza’s inuence extends regionally, having been elected Chairman of the Regional Development Council in SOCCSKSARGEN. This funcon not only highlights her strategic leadership in regional development but also posions her as a pivotal gure in shaping policies that drive socio-economic progress across Mindanao.AWARDED HONORARYGOVERNOROF THE YEARHON. EMMYLOU “LALA” J. TALIÑO-MENDOZAGOVERNOR, PROVINCE OF COTABATOA CONTINUING LEGACY OF UNWAVERING PUBLIC SERVICE53

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UNYIELDING LEADERSHIPPROTECTING ENVIRONMENT THRU GREENERAND HEALTHIER PROVINCEFLOURISHING AGRICULTURE FOR STRONG ECONOMYCOMMITMENT TO ENERGY CONSERVATION Governor Mendoza championed the “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy, demonstrang high-integrity governance by eecvely managing public funds. As of 2023, Cotabato became a debt-free province with a surplus of P751M from the General Fund (GF) and Special Educaon Fund (SEF). It obtained 107% increase or P4.2B in the total GF and SEF, compared to P3.9B target. On July 8, 2024, the PLGU received the following acknowledgements from the Bureau of Local Government Finance Regional Oce-12 during the “Awarding for the 2023 Fiscal Performance of SOCCSKSARGEN LGUs:” Plaques of Recognion as Top 1 on Local Sources Revenue Year-On-Year Growth and Highest Taxable Assessed Value; and Cercates of Recognion as 2nd Place for the Outstanding and Exemplary Local Treasury and Fiscal Performance, in Nominal Collecon, Lowest Naonal Tax Allocaon Dependency and Collecon Eciency, and 3rd Place on Year-on-year Growth Rate of Taxable and Exempt Real Property Units. The Oce of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) monitored water quality in classied rivers like the Saguing-M’lang Watershed, a key potable water source. Supported by Provincial Ordinance No. 699, Series of 2023, PLGU planted bamboo propagules, organized clean-up drives, and held environmental awareness campaigns in riverside communies to promote sustainable water management.Governor Mendoza’s 12-point agenda priorizes balancing tourism with environmental conservaon through eecve eco-tourism strategies. This involves protecng natural resources and biodiversity in ecotourism sites and enforcing regulaons in protected areas like watersheds and natural parks. Tree planng programs, like “Balik-Kinaiyahan” and “Sagip Kalikasan,” were iniated by the PLGU to restore forests and save natural resources from exploitaon. Energy Eciency Conservaon Program. PLGU-Cotabato received recognion from the Department of Energy (DOE) achieving 98% points with a 5-star and “A” rang for Best pracces in electricity and fuel conservaon. By CY2025, Cotabato will host the “Greenergy Project,” an 11.443MW solar power project in Kilada, Matalam which will boost power capacity, improve voltage reliability, create local jobs, and provide nancial benets to host communies per Energy Regulaons No. 1-94 (ER 1-94). Connecng farms to markets. To accelerate market delivery of farmers’ products, the PLGU concreted 108.764 km of farm-to-market roads in 151 barangays, allocang P1.47B from the 2022 and 2023 Economic Development Fund and Supplemental Budget. These roads will enhance safety, access to social services, agricultural producvity, reduce transport costs, and boost local economic growth. Governor Mendoza advocates for sustainable agriculture development. The PLGU allocated funds matching the amount given by MLGUs to the NFA, at a premium of P1.00-P2.50 per kilo above the NFA’s palay support price. Palay Markeng Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGU). Cotabato province is the rst LGU in Mindanao to support PALLGU by purchasing the local farmers’ rice produce at a higher price, surpassing middlemen and traders’ lower buying prices and the prevailing Naonal Food Authority (NFA) rate. PALLGU serves as price leverage in case palay prices drop to P18/kg. Cotabato Rubber Trading and Aucon Center (CRTAC) or “Bagsakan ng Rubber Cuplump.” This program provides venue for rubber farmers to sell cuplumps at compeve prices, instuonalized through Execuve Order No. 042 (October 2016) and Provincial Ordinance No. 594 (July 2017) and was launched in January 2017 at Tamped, Matalam. Mangoes: Harvest of Abundance. The Province is one of the major producers of mango, ranking No. 3 in the Philippines in volume of producon and No. 1 in Region XII in area planted (4,511 hectares) and producon volume (37,309MT). The “Search for Good Agricultural Pracces in Mango Producon” was done to recognize farmers who enhance producvity and quality of mango. As an oshoot of the Mango Harvest Fesval, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) allocated Php35M to establish the Mango Processing Plant in the province, with the capacity to process 600kg mangoes daily.BUILDING EXCELLENCE THRU QUALITYINFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS Other Infrastructures. The PLGU also implemented various infrastructure projects in dierent barangays. These include: 21 water systems, P44,400,223.52; 10 mul-purpose buildings, P46,637,163.92; 29 covered courts, P118,113,590.51; 7 Bridges/Box Culverts/Hanging Bridges, P43,356,063.44; rural electricaon, P11,878,398.98 allocaon; 8 school buildings, P20,214,415.69; 6 drying pavements, P3,214,408.68. It also alloed P90,648,330.91 for the construcon/repair of 8 buildings within the provincial capitol compound, and construcon of 5 various infra projects in 5 dierent barangays in the province. Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year55

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UNITY IN DIVERSITY: A COMMITMENT TO CULTURAL PRESERVATION, PEACE AND SAFETYSTRENGTHENING CAPACITY“A COTABATO THAT WE CAN ALL BE PROUD OF” In 2023, a Plaque of Commendaon was accorded to PPMC-Cotabato as the “Most Acve and Funconal Local PMC in SOCCSKSARGEN” by the Naonal Economic and Development Authority XII. PPMC conducted 279 monitoring and evaluaon acvies involving 183 projects amounng to P1.275B. Provincial Project Monitoring Committee (PPMC). Governor Mendoza created the PPMC composed of representatives from the DILG, and dierent civil society organizaons (CSOs) to ensure transparency, accountability, and ecient implementaon of infrastructure projects in the province. Disaster Preparedness, Response and Resilience. Cotabato Province received the 2022 Gawad Kalasag Seal Award (Fully Compliant) from the Naonal DRRM Council. This year, it allocated P7,864,480 for trainings, including: 15-Day Capacity Development for Volunteer Responders, Basic Incident Command System, Orientaon on Emergency Operaon Center, Humanitarian Supply Chain Management to reduce disaster impacts on individuals and communies. PLGU-CPPO Teamwork yields excellent performance. Cotabato Police Provincial Oce (CPPO) was recognized as “Top Police Provincial Oce in Region 12” and “2nd Best Police Provincial Oce in the Philippines,” an achievement earned from the strong and eecve collaboraon of the PLGU, CPPO and stakeholders. Kalivungan Fesval. Derived from Menuvo word meaning “gathering,” it is celebrated annually as vital part of Cotabateño’s culture and identity, uniting Moro, Lumad, and Christian communies. It highlights unity amid diversity while promong tourism and business in our province. Peace and order. Based on the latest report of the CPPO, Cotabato remains generally peaceful. Local terrorist groups, based mainly in nearby provinces were unsuccessful in their operaons and atrocies in Cotabato Province due to the recent Decisive Military Operaon (DMO) and the stringent security measures implemented. Cooperaves Development. With 486 cooperaves, Cotabato has the highest registered cooperaves in SOCCSKSARGEN, contribung to sector development and to local economy. Governor Mendoza supports this sector with capacity-building programs like Eskwela Kooperaba, enhancing skills in leadership, management, bookkeeping, and accounng. Governor Mendoza’s achievements are concrete proof of her steadfast dedicaon in achieving her vision of transforming the province into “A Cotabato that we can all be proud of”. Guided by the core values of her “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy, she upholds good governance through unwavering and sincere commitment to fulll promises with utmost integrity, transparency, and accountability. To promote peace and unity and inculcate respect of the diverse culture of the tri-people, Governor Mendoza launched three youth programs during her rst term as governor. With a total budget of P131M, the 10-year Summer Kids Peace Camp empowered 258,463 grade V students through basic life skills and peace-building topics and acvies to shape them into responsible and producve cizens. The Cotabato Young Peace-builders Camp nurtures 300 high schools yearly through lectures and acvies emphasizing leadership and strengthening community es to foster peaceful environment, while Cotabato Young Leaders Congress engages 100 college students to contribute in community development. MuseyoKutawato. A testament of Governor Mendoza’s peace advocacy, it was developed by a curatorial team under the theme, “Embracing Diversity, Cotabato Unity” to highlight historical and cultural foundaons for peaceful coexistence of diverse people in the province. “MuseyoKutawato” comes from the combined Filipinized rendion “museo” with the pre-colonial “Kutawato” from the Maguindanaoan word “kuta” meaning “fort” and “wato” meaning “stone”, signifying that peace is the building stone of this museum. It was opened to the public last April 2018. Schools of Living Tradion (SLT). This program, under the Preservaon and Development of Cultural Heritage, allows cultural masters to teach Moro and Lumad tradions to younger generaons. Trainings on relevant laws for IP Mandatory Representaves, and for tribal leaders to become licensed marriage facilitators were also provided.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year56

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NATION BUILDERSNueva Ecija, a province long known as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” has witnessed a profound transformaon under the leadership of Governor Aurelio “Oyie” Maas Umali. Since his first election in 2007, Umali’s vision has redened governance by priorizing malasakit, a Filipino term that encompasses compassion, care, and empathy for others. His tenure has le an indelible mark on the province, characterized by a harmonious blend of responsive relief eorts, enduring sustainable development, and an unyielding commitment to inclusivity and innovaon.Serving ve terms as governor, with his wife, Czarina, stepping in during his mandatory three-year hiatus, Umali has demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of the people he serves. This personal connecon with his constuents is the driving force behind his policies, which priorize the welfare of the province’s farmers, workers, and students—those most vulnerable to socio-economic challenges.His brand of leadership goes beyond tradional governance. His malasakit-centric approach ensures that policies are not only focused on providing immediate relief but also on long-term soluons that upli the community. This holisc philosophy has redened what it means to govern, establishing Umali as a game-changer whose eorts resonate deeply with Novo Ecijanos.Governor Umali’s political journey is not just one of leadership, but of building a governance legacy grounded in malasakit. AWARDED HONORARYGOVERNOROF THE YEARATTY. AURELIO “OYIE” MATIAS UMALIGOVERNOR, PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJATHE GAME-CHANGER IN MALASAKIT-CENTRIC GOVERNANCE AND RESILIENCY IN NUEVA ECIJAA POLITICAL LEGACY OF COMPASSION57

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INVESTING IN EDUCATION: BUILDING THE FUTURE GENERATIONSUSTAINING THE AGRICULTURAL BACKBONEInfrastructure development in Nueva Ecija under Umali’s leadership has not been limited to transportaon. The Umali Gym, now a xture in barangays across the province, has become a symbol of his administraon’s commitment to creang community spaces that cater to a range of needs—from sports, community events, to disaster response. The establishment of a provincial asphalt batching plant and the expansion of the government’s heavy equipment eet have allowed for faster, more ecient public works projects, ensuring the province’s sustained economic growth.Nueva Ecija’s agricultural sector, especially its rice producon, has long been the province’s lifeblood. Governor Umali’s administraon has worked relessly to safeguard this sector and ensure its sustainability. Central to his eorts is the creaon of the mulparte Provincial Food Council (PFC), which addresses the pressing need for food security and supports local farmers.The PFC’s Palay Price Support Program (PPSP) has been a crucial lifeline for rice farmers, parcularly in the wake of the Rice Taricaon Law, which saw a signicant drop in palay prices. By mobilizing provincial funds for the direct purchase of rice from farmers, Umali shielded them from market volality and ensured fair prices for their produce. This program has set a precedent in agricultural support, strengthening the resilience of the province’s agricultural economy.Moreover, Governor Umali’s malasakit for farmers extends to the innovave Malasakit Rice Distribuon Program. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, this iniave provided free rice to thousands of households, alleviang food insecurity during a me of unprecedented hardship. Even as the pandemic recedes, Umali connues to sustain this program in response to inaonary pressures, a testament to his commitment to ensuring that no Novo Ecijano goes hungry.For Governor Umali, educaon is the key to unlocking the full potenal of Nueva Ecija’s youth. His administraon’s robust educaonal policies reect a deep belief in the transformave power of learning. Under his leadership, the province’s school building program has resulted in the construcon of over 700 new classrooms, helping to alleviate overcrowding in public schools and ensuring that more students have access to quality educaon.But Governor Umali’s vision extends beyond physical infrastructure. His scholarship programs, such as the Educaonal Financial Assistance Program (EFAP), have provided qualied students with the resources they need to pursue higher educaon. The establishment of the Eduardo L. Joson Memorial College (ELJMC), a provincial community college, further emphasizes Umali’s commitment to making higher educaon accessible to all, parcularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In a rapidly evolving world, Governor Umali understands that modern education must also embrace technology. His iniave to introduce e-Libraries in public schools across Nueva Ecija has enhanced students’ access to digital resources, fostering a more dynamic and comprehensive learning environment. These educaonal advancements are crucial to preparing the province’s youth to meet the challenges of tomorrow, posioning Nueva Ecija as a hub of intellectual and professional growth.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year59

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MODERNIZING AGRICULTURE: A FORWARD-LOOKING APPROACHPREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE: DISASTERMANAGEMENT FOR THE FUTURESUSTAINING A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND PROGRESSGovernor Umali has spearheaded the modernizaon of agriculture in Nueva Ecija. His administraon’s Ani ng Masaganang Uhay (AMU) program has played a pivotal role in providing farmers with modern machinery and access to producon capital. These advancements have not only increased producvity but also made farming more sustainable and less labor-intensive.Key to this modernizaon eort is the establishment of post-harvest facilies, including the state-of-the-art Rice Mill Complex in Guimba, which supports the Palay Price Support Program. This facility allows farmers to process their rice locally, ensuring higher quality and beer control over their product. Cold storage facilies for onions, another vital crop in Nueva Ecija, have also been expanded, protecng farmers from the price volality caused by spoilage and supply chain disrupons.In a country frequently struck by natural disasters, Governor Umali’s leadership in disaster management has been a beacon of hope for Novo Ecijanos. His administraon’s proacve approach to disaster preparedness—ranging from preposioning relief supplies to orchestrang comprehensive rescue operaons—has greatly reduced the impact of natural calamies on the province’s communies.Umali’s disaster response eorts are part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the province’s resilience. Iniaves such as the PPSP and the Malasakit Rice Distribuon Program are designed not only to provide speedy relief but also to build long-term disaster resilience by reducing vulnerabilies. His leadership during mes of crisis underscores the deep bond he shares with his constuents, and his unwavering commitment to their safety and well-being.Governor Umali’s forward-thinking leadership extends to environmental sustainability, a key concern in an era of climate change. His collaboraon with ALCOM Philippines to establish Southeast Asia’s rst Biochar Plant in Palayan City represents a groundbreaking step toward making Nueva Ecija a leader in carbon-negave technology. The plant’s producon of biochar, a carbon-rich substance derived from agricultural waste, addresses both waste management and soil ferlity, posioning the province as a pioneer in sustainable agricultural pracces.This iniave reects Umali’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. By integrating modern technologies into tradional industries like agriculture, he has demonstrated that economic growth and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. His vision for a greener, more resilient Nueva Ecija serves as a model for other provinces looking to balance development with environmental protecon.Governor Aurelio Umali’s leadership is dened by more than just policy successes—it is rooted in a deep and abiding malasakit for the people of Nueva Ecija. His approach to governance has reshaped the province’s landscape, providing a model for compassionate, innovave, and resilient leadership. From infrastructure and educaon to agriculture and disaster preparedness, Umali has made signicant strides in every sector, leaving behind a legacy that will connue to benet Novo Ecijanos for generaons to come.As Nueva Ecija moves forward, it is clear that Governor Umali’s malasakit-centric governance will remain the guiding force, ensuring that the province connues to thrive as a model of inclusive growth and resiliency.INNOVATING FOR SUSTAINABILITY:ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIPAwarded Honorary Governor of the Year60

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NATION BUILDERSAn unsung hero during the COVID-19 pandemic, then Provincial Administrator Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte was rm in his resolve to serve the people of Camarines Sur. Despite the hardships and challenges he had to face to reach the most remote areas of the province at a me when the threat of a global pandemic was sll looming, he did not give up on bringing them much-needed assistance. Instead, he soon bravely took on the path of becoming an elected ocial. And so, in 2022, Governor Luigi stepped up to become one of the youngest governors that the Province of Camarines Sur has ever had.His dedicaon, commitment, and visionary governance have resulted in a plethora of achievements that not only put a spotlight on the province but, more importantly, upli the lives of his constuents. Most recently, Camarines Sur was hailed as the Top 12th Most Compeve Province in the Philippines based on the Cies and Municipalies Compeveness Index 2024 Rankings. Governor Luigi, himself, was also recognized as one of the Top Performing Governors for the rst quarter of 2024 based on the Boses ng Bayan Survey conducted by the RP-Mission and Development Foundaon, Inc. These recognions are testaments to the eecve programs that Governor Luigi has pioneered, expanded, and strengthened in Camarines Sur.AWARDED HONORARYGOVERNOROF THE YEARHON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTEPROVINCE OF CAMARINES SUR61

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The province also has Medical Diagnosc Vans, also called Health Center on Wheels, which are modernized vehicles with equipment for medical examinaons, including ultrasound, digital X-ray, ECG, random blood sugar test, OB-GYNE examinaons, and doctor’s clinic for free. A doctor also reads the results of these tests for free so that the paents will no longer need to avail of this service elsewhere.Several units of Hospital on Wheels also go around the province to give free 2D echo, full ultrasound, complete blood count, urinalysis, X-ray, and ECG. For those needing liver checks, kidney checks, and medical services to check for anemia, diabetes, cholesterol, and fats, the Laboratory Diagnosc Bus is there to serve them for free. A Dental Clinic on Wheels also provides free dental checkups, tooth lling, gum treatment, teeth restoraon, tooth extracon, toothbrush drills, and tooth cleaning or prophylaxis.Governor Luigi expanded this program by adding the rst-in-the-country Eye Clinic on Wheels, which provides free eye checkups and prescripon glasses to those needing them in just under 30 minutes. He also invested in Women’s Wellness on Wheels, which provides free X-ray, 4D ultrasound, ECG, blood sugar test, cholesterol test, uric acid test, CBC, and urinalysis especially tailored to promote women’s health. The medical equipment in this modern vehicle can also measure the internal organs of pregnant women and their infants. Best of all, it can show the gender of infants, making expectant mothers more excited to avail of its free services. In fact, the Women’s Wellness on Wheels is used for a program dedicated to pregnant women all over the province called Serbisyong Ka Fuerte Handog Kay Nanay. Aside from medical checkups, expectant mothers also receive supplements, vitamins, treatment medicines, if needed, oral health kits, and maternal milk under this program.Senior cizens all over the province are also taken good care of by Governor Luigi’s program that provides free monthly maintenance medicines just by showing their prescripons.Governor Luigi also strengthened the Ka Fuerte Medical Assistance Program, the priority wellness program of Camarines Sur, where constuents can avail of free medical services, medicines, and guarantee leers with the province’s partner hospitals, including the Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Naonal Kidney Transplant Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and many others. Soon, Camarines Sur will have its own Dialysis Centers with competent and procient nephrologists, radiologists, nurses, aendants, renal diecians, and medical technicians, who will cater to renal disease paents in the province.Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year63

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INVESTING IN THE YOUTH IS INVESTING IN THE FUTUREMAKING CAMSUR THE FOOD BASKET OF THE PHILIPPINESKnowing full well that invesng in the youth is invesng in the future of the province, Governor Luigi pioneered and strengthened the exisng programs that cater to the youth. Camarines Sur is recognized by the Commission on Higher Educaon for having the most local colleges established and operated by a local government unit, with six (6) operaonal community colleges and 10 more to be established soon. These Governor Mariano Villafuerte Community Colleges (GMVCCs), conveniently located in areas far from other colleges and universies, provide free terary educaon to students in the province. Four GMVCC campuses are also the rst in the Bicol Region to receive TESDA accreditaon, allowing them to oer TESDA-accredited 3-year Diploma Programs as well. Governor Luigi also bolstered the long-standing scholarship program of Camarines Sur, covering students in college, high school, and elementary, as well as post-graduate programs in various private schools all over the province. Aside from this, those most in need also receive educaonal assistance and graduaon fee assistance.To fully support their educaon, ensure that they get access to the latest updates on their elds of studies, and make Camarines Sur the rst fully Internet-connected province in the country, Governor Luigi iniated the CamSur Free Wi-Fi Program. In this program, providing free Internet connecon to public schools throughout the province has been the priority. This program is also in conjuncon with the Digital Literacy Program, wherein students as young as those in the elementary level are exposed to Informaon Communicaons Technology, such as coding in the form of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, through games and applications. Under the Sports Development Program, Governor Luigi provides scholarships including meal allowance, free dormitory, and training programs to student-athletes of the province enrolled in the Camarines Sur Sports Academy. Another facility that will be established within the CamSur Food Complex is the Fruits and Vegetable Processing Plant, where products like chilled or frozen peeled, sliced, diced, chopped fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and vegetables, canned products, dried, frozen halves, diced, and pureed mangoes, ube powder, onion powder, fruit concentrate, and freeze-dried fruits and vegetables will be processed and produced. Lastly, Governor Luigi plans to put up a CamSur Mega Food Terminal that will revoluonize the food distribuon network in the province and the Bicol Region. This food terminal, together with the Kadiwa sa Barangay mobile food distributors, will ensure that food in the province will smoothly be delivered from farm to fork. With this groundbreaking initiative, Governor Luigi is poising Camarines Sur to be the Food Basket of the Philippines, supplying the country with the freshest agricultural products while creang viable opportunies for the local farmers of the province and the naon.This program has produced champion athletes represenng the province and the Bicol Region in various national and internaonal compeons. Gied and talented students will benet from the CamSur School of the Arts and Culture, a premier instuon that Governor Luigi is planning to establish to foster arts and culture as a medium for progress. As the rst of its kind in the Bicol Region, this instuon will develop a steady stream of passionate top-notch arsts, helping promote and preserve Bicolano and Filipino culture and heritage.The province of Camarines Sur is blessed with rich agricultural lands that bear bounful crops, including coconuts, palay, corn, abaca, sugarcane, and many more. To harness its potenal to be the leading supplier of these crops and the products made out of them, Governor Luigi has envisioned the CamSur Food Complex. Within this complex is the Coconut Processing Plant, which aims to upli the lives of the coconut farmers and create job opportunies by maximizing the full potenal of the coconut fruit. In this already exisng facility, the coconut water will be processed into coco honey, coco syrup, and coco concentrate that will be used to produce energy drinks, carbonated drinks, coee, and single-strength coconut water. The coconut meat will be processed into coconut cream. Desiccated coconuts will also be produced to make virgin coconut oils and our for bakery and feeds use. And the coconut shell will be processed into fuel. Awarded Honorary Governor of the Year64

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NATION BUILDERSIn the heart of the ferle plains and rolling hills of Isabela, a beacon of transformave leadership has emerged, guiding the province toward a healthier and more prosperous future. Vice Governor Fausno G. Dy III embodies the essence of visionary leadership, illuminang a path forward for Isabela with a commitment that transcends mere governance. At the helm of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the highest local policy-making body in the province, Vice Governor Dy has steered Isabela through some of its most pressing health challenges with a rm and compassionate hand. His tenure is a testament to his belief that good governance is not just about creang policies, but about craing measures that resonate with the daily lives of the people.His leadership style is hands-on, involving himself deeply in every facet of legislave development, ensuring that local measures are craed with precision, inclusivity, and, above all, eecveness. By spearheading public consultaons and hearings, he has given every relevant sector and stakeholder a voice in shaping policies that touch upon the health and welfare of Isabeleños.This parcipatory approach has fostered trust and unity, strengthening the impact of these policies and ensuring they are not only well-intenoned but also transformave in their execuon.A VISIONARY LEADER AT THE HELM OF HEALTH ADVOCACYAWARDED HONORARYVICE GOVERNOROF THE YEARHON. FAUSTINO “BOJIE” G. DY, III PROVINCE OF ISABELA65

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RECONSTRUCTING THE FOUNDATIONSOF HEALTH SERVICESADVOCATING FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH: FROMNUTRITION TO INFRASTRUCTUREAmong Vice Governor Dy’s most remarkable achievements is his instrumental role in revoluonizing healthcare access across Isabela. He has tackled the province’s healthcare disparies head-on, parcularly in its most underserved regions. His vision is simple yet profound: no Isabeleño, no maer how remote their locaon, should be denied access to essenal medical services. In a province where the landscape makes it dicult to access healthcare, parcularly, in the craed and rural areas Vice Governor Dy’s leadership has helped break down the barriers of healthcare inequality. Through a combinaon of strategic iniaves and fruiul collaboraons, he has laid the groundwork for sustainable healthcare improvements, ensuring that the province’s most vulnerable populaons receive the care they need. His eorts go beyond addressing immediate concerns. By developing long-term soluons, Vice Governor Dy has taken decisive steps to eliminate disparies in healthcare services, guaranteeing that all residents—whether in bustling towns or quiet rural communies—receive the medical aenon they deserve. In his leadership, one sees not just the hand of a government ocial but the heart of a healer, working relessly to mend the wounds of inequality.He believes that legislave measures must not remain as theorecal constructs but must be grounded in the realies faced by the people. To achieve this, Vice Governor Dy has made public consultaons the bedrock of his governance style. He introduced his signature open-door policy in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan which transformed policymaking into a collaborave process, where he meets personally and closely work together with stakeholders—healthcare professionals, local government units, civil society, and ordinary cizens— to cra legislaons that are responsive to the needs of the people and is truly eecve in resolving their needs.His focus on empowerment doesn’t stop at policy creaon. Vice Governor Dy has placed signicant emphasis on strengthening the capacity of the Provincial Government of Isabela to turn legislave measures into acon. By ensuring that the implemenng departments are well-equipped and capable, he has created dynamic soluons that transform words on paper into tangible improvements in the health and welfare of his constuents. His forward-thinking leadership is underscored by a recognion that robust health services require more than just sound policies—they require an infrastructure that supports their full implementaon. This focus on both policy and execuon has been a key ingredient in Vice Governor Dy’s formula for success, ensuring that every Isabeleño can benet from the provincial government’s socioeconomic programs.Vice Governor Dy’s commitment to health is not conned to the walls of hospitals and clinics. He understands that true wellness is woven from a fabric of many threads— physical, emoonal, and nutrional. In partnership with Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III, Vice Governor Dy has been a leading force in pushing forward vital nutrional programs that cater to the dietary needs of every Isabeleño.Awarded Honorary Vice Governor of the Year67

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Their shared dedicaon to grassroots-level health advocacy is reected in iniaves led by the Regional Nutrion Commiee (RNC), programs designed to nourish both the body and the spirit of the people. One standout iniave is the Enhanced Nutribun program, a symbol of their collaborave leadership aimed at combating malnutrition. This simple yet powerful program delivers fored food to vulnerable groups, parcularly children, ensuring that Isabela’s future generaon grows up strong and healthy. The Nutribun iniave, like a seed sown in ferle soil, is already yielding fruit, improving health outcomes and fostering resilience among the province’s most at-risk populaons.Yet, Vice Governor Dy’s and Governor Albano’s work in healthcare extends far beyond nutrion. Their combined leadership has led to groundbreaking advancements in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in addressing the crical shortage of specialized medical services. Together, they have spurred the development of state-of-the-art Hemodialysis Centers in key district hospitals, including Cabagan, Roxas, and Echague. These facilies, oering comprehensive renal care, have transformed Isabela’s ability to provide life-saving treatments, ensuring that paents no longer have to journey far from home for their care.Through strategic alliances and resource pooling, Vice Governor Dy and Governor Albano have not only elevated healthcare standards but have also shown the power of collaboraon in building a more resilient healthcare system for Isabela’s future.The true measure of a leader oen emerges in mes of crisis, and Vice Governor Dy’s legacy is dened by his unwavering resolve in the face of public health emergencies. Like a sturdy tree weathering the storm, he has stood rm, guiding Isabela through some of its most challenging moments. During the African Swine Fever outbreak and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Vice Governor Dy’s leadership was crucial in mobilizing resources, establishing partnerships, and ensuring that the province’s response was both swi and eecve. His steady hand, coupled with his deep sense of duty, reassured the people of Isabela that they were not alone in these dicult mes.In addion to his focus on immediate crisis response, Vice Governor Dy has championed long-term mental health advocacy. Recognizing that wellness is not only about the body but also the mind, he has priorized mental health iniaves, ensuring that Isabela’s cizens have access to the support and care they need. His endorsement of the Naonal Youth Parliament - Region 02’s call to strengthen the Mental Health Act of 2018 is a testament to his forward-looking approach to healthcare. By advocang for mental health resources to be integrated into community services, he is ensuring that no one is le behind in Isabela’s journey toward health and wellness.Beyond his ocial dues, Vice Governor Faustino G. Dy III’s compassion for his people shines brightest in his personal initiatives, where his generosity and humanity take center stage. One of his deepest aspiraons is for every Isabeleño to be healthy and have access to quality medical care. This vision is brought to life every year on his birthday, a day he has transformed into a celebraon of giving. In a hearelt tradion, Vice Governor Dy spends his birthday distribung essenals—such as food packs and health kits—to paents in district hospitals across the province. This act of kindness has become more than just a gesture; it has become a hallmark of his leadership, a reminder that genuine care for the community is the foundaon of lasng progress. It is during this me of the year that Vice Governor Dy’s drive for healthcare access shines the brightest. His birthday serves as a powerful symbol of his empathy and commitment, reminding the people of Isabela that their well-being is always at the forefront of his mind, even in moments of personal celebraon. This annual tradion strengthens the bond between the Vice Governor and the people, rearming his role not just as a leader, but as a champion of the public’s health and welfare.As the province of Isabela connues its journey toward a brighter future, one truth remains undeniable: Vice Governor Fausno G. Dy III has set a new standard for what it means to be a public servant. His leadership is not merely a posion he holds—it is the lifeblood of his service, a driving force behind every policy, every iniave, and every act of kindness. Under his visionary leadership, the province has witnessed a revoluon in healthcare access, the promoon of holisc well-being, and the establishment of lasng partnerships that connue to enhance Isabela’s capacity to meet the evolving health needs of its people. His unwavering dedicaon ensures that the people of Isabela can look forward to a healthier, more prosperous future—one where no one is le behind, and where the bonds between leader and people grow ever stronger. Vice Governor Dy’s commitment to public service, grounded in compassion, vision, and acon, will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on future generaons. With every policy enacted, every healthcare facility built, and every life touched, he has paved the way for a healthier, more prosperous Isabela—one that stands as a beacon of hope and progress for all.A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTHGIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITYBUILDING A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR ISABELAAwarded Honorary Vice Governor of the Year68

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NATION BUILDERSWe honor the legacy of those who came before us by enlivening their memories, remaining resolute in our dedicaon, and demonstrang a commitment to upliing others. Ay. Saul Paulo A. Lazo, who bears the weight of his family’s disnguished legacy in public service, strives to uphold their principles of dignied, inclusive, and visionary leadership. He not only honors his predecessors by connuing to build Ilocos Norte into a beer home for Ilokano families, but he also sets a progressive path for future generaons. He is currently serving in his second year of his second term as a Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member of the Province of Ilocos Norte.His diligence in serving his province is evident through the creaon of landmark ordinances and resoluons. These legislave eorts champion quality educaon, uphold the welfare of the community, and ensure the ecient delivery of public services. Over the years, he has remarkably demonstrated his acve role in local governance and his ability to eect substanal changes in vital sectors that directly impact the lives of the Ilokano people. He is the h public servant in their four generaons of lawyers, legislators, and elected public ocials in the Province of Ilocos Norte. His great-grandfather, Congressman Ay. Vicente T. Lazo, and Provincial Governor Ay. Simeon Mandac, laid the groundwork for a legacy of service.AWARDED HONORARYBOARD MEMBEROF THE YEARATTY. SAUL PAULO A. LAZOSANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN MEMBER-1ST DISTRICTPROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTENATIONAL CHAIRMAN, NMYL69

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Connuing his studies at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Metro Manila, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Management in 2010 and a Bachelor of Laws in 2014. At UST, he was a student leader, ulmately becoming President of the Legal Management Society in the Faculty of Arts and Leers. His internships at the Senate of the Philippines and the Court of Appeals provided him with invaluable experience in legislave processes and legal pracce, further honing his capabilies as a future public servant. He was admied to the Philippine Bar as a full-edged lawyer in 2017. Ay. Lazo’s legal career includes tenure at esteemed law rms such as Lazo and Romero Law Oces, Luzano Law Oce, and Solis and Lacambra Law Oces.He was elected Junior Provincial Governor of Ilocos Norte under then-Governor Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He also held several notable posions, including Corps Commander of his school’s Cadet Corps, President of the Student Government Organizaon, and Vice-President of Private Schools Student Ocers in Laoag City. During his tenure, he diligently worked alongside fellow young leaders, extending assistance to those in need. These formave years were crucial in shaping his leadership skills and sense of responsibility, demonstrang that even from a young age, he was commied to public service and making signicant contribuons.Awarded Honorary Board Member of the Year71

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His pracce areas included civil cases, criminal cases, Intellectual Property Rights Law, and Corporate Law, serving clients naonwide. This diverse legal experience not only broadens his experse but also enhances his eecveness in legislave and public service roles. Since 2019, as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte, Ay. Lazo has chaired several crucial commiees, including the Commiee on Educaon and Culture, the Commiee on Landed Estates and Assessments, the Commiee on Good Government/Public Ethics and Accountability, and the Commiee on Dangerous Drugs. His iniaves include a commitment to championing educaon in Ilocos Norte. By providing nancial aid and school supplies to schools, he directly addresses the needs of students and educators, ensuring that educaonal resources are accessible and adequate. This support not only enhances the learning environment but also encourages academic success and equity among students. On the other hand, his “Serbisyo Para sa Lahat” program exemplies his hands-on approach to governance and community outreach. This program is parcularly focused on assisng residents, especially in remote areas. It includes the distribuon of essenal agricultural inputs such as seeds, ferlizers, and farming tools, which are crucial for the livelihoods of rural farmers. These eorts signicantly improve agricultural producvity and sustainability which allows residents to directly contribute to the development of their respecve communies.Through these iniaves, Ay. Lazo stresses his dedicaon to improving the quality of life for Ilokanos. His acons reect a deep commitment to addressing both educaonal and economic needs. Furthermore, his leadership in the Ilocos Norte Federated Epitome of Motorcyclists (IN-FEM) supports educaonal scholarships and literacy projects for Ilokano youth, emphasizing his mulfaceted approach to public service and community engagement. Ay. Lazo’s contribuons have been recognized through awards, namely the Honorary Board Member of the Year 2022 by Naon Builders and MOSLIV Awards, the Outstanding Ilocano for 2020 by The Ilocos Times, and the Naonal Movement of Young Legislators Young Leaders Awards for Exemplary Performance in COVID-19 Response. With a greater commitment to public service and a disnguished record of accomplishments.The training focused on coastal patrols and rescue operaons. This support underscores his dedicaon to enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness. His eorts reect not only his respect for the military’s role in public service, but also his strategic vision for integrang their skills for marime safety and security. Ay. Lazo’s organizaonal involvement includes serving as the Regional Vice Chairman of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines-Region I and Provincial Chairman of the Naonal Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL)-Ilocos Norte Chapter. Currently, he is serving as the Naonal Chairman of NMYL, a posion he was elected to in 2023. Under his leadership, the recent NMYL Golf Cup and other iniaves have signicantly impacted community development, including providing clean water to disadvantaged areas.He supported the conduct of the Special Execuve Legal Course for Young Legislators and the Study and Engagement Visit of young legislators abroad. This iniave equips young legislators with essenal legal knowledge and internaonal perspecves, enhancing their eecveness in governance and broadening their understanding of global legislave pracces.He also led the hosng of the 3rd Naonal Council Assembly of the Naonal Movement of Young Legislators in 2023 in Ilocos Norte. This event emphasized the importance of youth in polics, fostering dialogue, and collaboraon among young leaders to address current polical challenges and innovate future soluons. Meanwhile, his role as Assistant Public Relaons Ocer of the Union of Local Authories of the Philippines involves acvely forwarding topics such as literacy, educaon, youth development, climate change, and the reducon of single-use plascs.Ay. Lazo has also demonstrated a stronger vow to public service through his work with the Philippine Marine Corps. He played a crucial role in the cleanup of Bangsirit Creek in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte—a pioneering iniave that marked the rst me uniformed personnel were involved in transforming the area into a sh producon and Agro-Eco Tourism site. By engaging the Marines, Ay. Lazo eecvely ulized their experse to advance community development. In addion, Ay. Lazo organized and parcipated in important training sessions between the Marines and local search and rescue teams. Awarded Honorary Board Member of the Year72

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NATION BUILDERSStarng small is oen the best way to work towards achieving your dreams. It can be inmidang to think of the big picture, but you can slowly progress and work toward success by breaking down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps. Start small, work hard, and be persistent in your eorts. Remember that even the greatest of achievements start with a single step.ALLAN PERLAS ANDAN, from the City of Malolos, Bulacan, aended elementary school at Immaculata Academy and high school at Don Bosco Pampanga. He went on to earn a B.S. Management degree at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in 1993. He is a proud father of two sons currently enrolled in secondary school. Dedicaon and hard work are the cornerstones of success. They are the qualies that separate the mediocre from the great, and the average from the extraordinary. He has learned that “The price of success is hard work, dedicaon to the job at hand, and the determinaon that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” Hard work is not just about pung in the hours, but about pushing yourself to go the extra mile, to be beer than you were yesterday, and to learn from your mistakes. As a private cizen, he aended various seminars to enhance his knowledge in his profession, including the Basic Management Program at Asian Management Instute (AIM), Basic Skills and Management Course for Gas Staon, Advanced Lions Leadership Instute-Dedicaon to Leadership in Excellence, and to learn more on his rst term as Board Member he enrolled in Excellence at Center for Local and Regional Governance lexcell, and Introducon to Excellence in Local Legislaon at the University of the Philippines Department of Naonal College of Public Administraon and Governance (UP-NCPAG).AWARDED HONORARYBOARD MEMBEROF THE YEARHON. ALLAN P. ANDANBOARD MEMBER, FIRST DISTRICT OF BULACAN73

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With determinaon, hard work, and perseverance, he successfully established various businesses at a young age such as real properes, gas staons, memorial parks, warehouses, hotels, and more. For anyone seeking to lead a fullling life, holding onto one’s principles and moral values is essenal. These values provided him with a sense of purpose and guidance that helped him make decisions and take acons aligned with his beliefs and aspiraons. As a result, it is important to strive for harmony between one’s thoughts, words, and acons. And by doing so, he achieves a sense of happiness and fulllment for whatever he does.He has a long-standing commitment to public service, demonstrated through his involvement in various iniaves. He served as a Governor of LIONS DISTRICT 301-D1 from 2016-2017, which helped cizens in dierent areas through various projects. At the age of 26, he became a member of the Lions and one of the founders of the Malolos Lions Club, further demonstrang his dedicaon to service. Talking about leadership and public service, it is about something truly special. Leadership is not just about being in charge or making big decisions. It is about seng a posive example, inspiring others, and working hard for the common good. And public service, the very heart of making a dierence in our communies, is where this kind of leadership shines brightest. For him, true leadership is more than just a tle or posion. It is about how you live your life and the choices you make. Leaders are people who show others how to be their best selves. They are not dened by their power but by their commitment to improving the lives of others. They make decisions not for personal gain but for the benet of everyone around them. Every small act of service contributes to a larger impact. It could be a teacher staying aer school to help a student, a nurse comforng a paent, or a neighbor organizing a community event. These everyday acons add up to signicant change and show the true spirit of leadership and service. ALLAN PERLAS ANDAN is on his third and nal term as a Board Member or Bokal of the First District of Bulacan and has held the posion of Minority Floor Leader of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan since his rst term. He was previously responsible for the Commiee on Human Rights and the Commiee on Agrarian Reform. And up to this day, he is seang as the Chairman of the Commiee on Civil Service. He has served as one of the public’s voices and legislators.In line with this, he has authored 16 Provincial Resoluons, Co-authored 33 Provincial Resoluons, sponsored 67 Provincial Resoluons, co-authored 4 Ordinances, sponsored 344 Municipal Resoluons/Ordinances, and authored 5 Proposed Provincial Ordinances. Furthermore, some of his projects include giving Free Reading Glasses especially to the elders, Livelihood Programs in coordinaon with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), giving medical devices (wheelchair, blood pressure apparatus, walker, glucometer, and nancial assistance), and connuing the legacy of his father, the Angel Tennis Cup. He has been acvely parcipang also in dierent programs of the Provincial Government of Bulacan, especially Damayan sa Barangay Medical Mission and Tulong Pang Edukasyon for the youth in District 1 of Bulacan and “Tulong Pang Edukasyon” for the youth.For him, public service is where this kind of leadership truly maers. It is about people working in roles that help and support others. He is aware that public servants are the people who make sure that their communies run smoothly and fairly. They work in various roles, from teachers and healthcare workers to local ocials and community organizers.Awarded Honorary Board Member of the Year75

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Their eorts might not always be in the spotlight, but they are vital to our society. He has experienced that leadership and public service are not always easy but sll chooses to lead or serve even when faced with challenges, cricism, and heavy responsibilies. These things are set apart with resilience and commitment. He has to keep going not for recognion but because he believes in the mission and cares deeply about the people he helps. He also knows how important leadership and public service are and it can be found in every part of our lives. It is not limited to high-prole roles or professions. Anyone who decides to help others and make a posive impact is showing leadership and serving their community. Whether you are a business leader, a leader, or just someone who steps up to reach out, you are making a dierence.He has always thought that leadership and public service are connected. Good leaders inspire others to serve, and those who serve leadership in their acons. It is about dreaming of a beer future and working hard to make that dream come true. It is about caring for others, standing up for what is right, and working hard together for the common good.As he reects on these ideas, he remembers that the true impact of leadership and public service is not measured by awards or recognion. It is measured by the posive changes he makes in other people’s lives. He honors those who have come before him by embracing these values in his acons. That is why he strives to make a dierence, to lead with compassion, and to serve with purpose. By doing so, he is not only building a beer future for himself but also contribung to the legacy of a society built on the principles of leadership and public service.He wants to impart to the young leaders of tomorrow how to make a dierence through public service. Each one of them has the power to help their community, whether it is by lending a hand to someone in need or working on projects that make our neighborhoods beer. It is not just about big acons; even small eorts can add up to create a big impact. When you get involved, you learn about teamwork and empathy, and you also set a great example for others. He wants them to think about the changes they want to see in the world and how they can be a part of making them happen. Public service ia a way to turn their ideas into acons that benet everyone. By stepping up and geng involved, they may not only help others but also grow as leaders. He wants the youth to take that rst step today---whether it is volunteering at a local event or just helping a friend. Their involvement can inspire others and start a chain of posive change. And working all together can build a brighter future!Truly, ALLAN PERLAS ANDAN is a leader who epitomizes diligence, hard work, and commitment to his principles. He wants to be remembered not just for his posion, but for his dedicaon to important causes. He worked hard not for applause but to make a real dierence. He was driven by his passion and belief that providing service is not measured by wealth or talent. This is seen in humility, honesty, and enthusiasm to help others that leave a benecial impact on their lives. Again, for him, the call to lead and serve is a call to do something real --- not for personal glory but for a bigger purpose. It is about rising above everyday concerns and dedicang yourself to something larger. It is about leading with kindness, serving with commitment, and acng with integrity.From your pareCONGallan saying, magANDANg buhay po sa inyong lahat!Awarded Honorary Board Member of the Year76

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NATION BUILDERSBobby B. Midmbang was born and raised in Talayan, Maguindanao in the year 1973. Conict was common to his place yet, it did not stop him from dreaming for a beer world, if not for him, for the generaons yet to come. He nds it unacceptable to have lived in such conict-ridden locality thus he yearned for peace and prosperity. Adversity molded him to become adept and skilled conict resoluon and he championed it. He was instrumental in numerous and invaluable “rido” selement in his place and beyond. More than his being a peacemaker, he involved himself with societal concerns as health, sanitaon and development. He got his hands and mind also busy with aiding and advancing sectoral concerns as youth and women. He is what he is today as a seasoned man of the masses who connued to serve the people of the 2nd District of Maguindanao Del Sur Province with plaorm of governance focusing on health and sanitaon, clean water, and nancial stability of his constuents. As a member of the legislave body of Maguindanao Del Sur, he had authored and co-authored laudable and praccal ordinances such as but not limited to the creaon of health and sanitaon code, creaon of policies of conserving the rivers of Maguindanao Del Sur, creaon of mechanism for the applicaon of Philippine Environmental Code, the implementaon of Zero Open Defecaon Policy, and creaon of mechanism for the applicaon of smoke-free environment in public and enclosed spaces. AWARDED HONORARYBOARD MEMBEROF THE YEARHON. BOBBY B. MIDTIMBANGBOARD MEMBER, 2ND DISTRICT OF MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR77

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He also served as Regional Treasurer in 2019 and Naonal Vice Chairman on Muslim Aairs during 2022 of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines. Board Member Midmbang believes in the value of unity to render eecve and ecient government service. The dierences in polical roots, beliefs, and agenda had never been his concern, rather, he works for the promoon of cooperaon, collaboraon, and partnership. For him, working with limits yield restricted outputs compromising one’s potenal to be an agent of progress and growth. Board Member Midmbang is a polician of the people, by the people and for the people. He believes that it is the voice of the people shall be heard, of whom had placed him in the oce in order to be well represented. For him, working for the people is his ulmate goal. Driven with such passion, he had conquered several challenges to raise the ght for the benet of all and not of specic clans, groups, or individual. He never loosens up his guard to protect the right of his people by being available whenever they needed his help.SPEAKS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL AND NOT OF HIMSELFAwarded Honorary Board Member of the Year78

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Board Member Midmbang as a law maker shows highest accord to integrity and professionalism. He believes that public oce is a public trust, hence he is fullling his dues and responsibilies with utmost diligence and care. In his long years in an elecve oce, Board Member Midmbang had able to contribute to the progressive development of Maguindanao Del Sur Province today, in terms of creaon of ordinances necessary for the operaon of the province and the municipality under its supervision and jurisdicon. He never been blinded with the privileges he had relave to his oce. Board Member Midmbang shows his genuine care and love for children, believing that they will be the future hope of the province and the whole country in general. He further acknowledges the role of these children in naon building; hence he is keen to promote their educaon, inslling in them the values of patriosm, naonalism, independence, and integrity. Board Member Midmbang with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao Del Sur in cooperaon with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on 06 May 2024 had distributed relief assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were aected by rido-re ghts in Barangay Pimbalakan and Tukanalipao, all in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Del Sur. Board Member Midmbang recognizes the setbacks caused by long armed-conict in the province, not only in the peace and order situaon but also in the daily lives of its constuents. Although, there have been mechanisms adopted by the local and naonal government to resolve the conict, the same is sll the main cause of delayed progress in most areas of the province.AN IMPARTIAL LAW MAKER WHO AIMS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF MAGUINDANAO DEL SURABOUNDING LOVE FOR CHILDREN AS THE FUTURE LEADERS OF THE PROVINCEPROMOTES BAYANIHAN CULTURE AT ALL TIMESAwarded Honorary Board Member of the Year79

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BENEVOLENT IN SHARING HIS KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOMAs the current chairman of the Finance Commiee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Board Member Midmbang has been equipping his stas, the members of the Board and even the municipalies under its jurisdicon relave to the appropriaon of funds in accordance with the present guidelines provided by laws and of the Republic Act 7160 also known as the Local Government Code of the Philippines. He believes that with sucient knowledge in nancial maers, municipalies will be able to eecvely and eciently run their localies.OPENNESS FOR CHANGE FOR THE ADVANTAGE OF THE PROVINCEBeing dynamic is an advantage for polician, as they are being exposed to dierent issues that challenge their perspecve. Board Member Midmbang has acquired that dynamism in government service, where for the advantange of Maguindanao Del Sur Province - he is open for change. As he believes that change is constant, and if such change bring prosperity and developemnt to the province then it should be adopted for the benet of all.BOLD IN STANDING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND PROPERBoard Member Midmbang has been bold in dealing with his government aairs. He is not easily manipulated or controlled. He stands for what is right and proper, as he believes that a good governance brings contentment, suciency and fulllment. In his long running polical career, he has always been standing for what the laws and regulaons provide.BLISSFUL IN SHARING WHAT HE HAD TO THE UNDERPRIVILEGED Board Member Midmbang is a generous leader. He never ignored those who needed his help parcularly those who are underprivileged and in marginalized sectors of the society. In cooperaon, collaboraon and partnership with governmental agencies and private stakeholders, Board Midmbang had contributed in easing the hardships of his constuents.YIELDING FOR PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENTAs the Board Member who has been selected by the people in a public elecon, Board Member Midmbang makes sure that he will be their proper representaon in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan where their aspiraons for progressive development of the province be heard and acted upon. Hence, Board Member Midmbang always yields himself to mechanisms that shall help in the aainment of progressive Maguindanao Del Sur Province.BOARD MEMBER BOBBY MIDTIMBANG IS A LEADER WITH SELFLESS INTENTION, MOTIVES AND ASPIRATIONAwarded Honorary Board Member of the Year80

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NATION BUILDERSIn Ilocos Norte, Handy Lao is a name that holds immense respect and admiraon in the world of polics and public service. As a polical leader and public servant, he has dedicated his life to serving his constuents with commitment. Known for his eecve leadership skills and passion for public service, Handy Lao now holds a legacy that inspires his fellow Ilokanos to this day.At present, he leads the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) - llocos Norte. His strong leadership has taken him to a higher level aer having been elected as the Naonal President of PCL, an accolade that truly speaks volumes about his exceponal leadership and service.Holding the legacy of Handy Lao is no small feat, as he has set a remarkable example for other public ocials to follow. Throughout his tenure on the City Council, he has worked relentlessly to address the needs and concerns of his constuents, advocang for policies and iniaves that will improve their quality of life and promote the overall well-being of the community.As a City Councilor, his eorts and profound impact in Laoag City have led him to be recognized as a four-me Honorary Councilor of the Year by the Naon Builders and Mosliv Awards.HOLDING THE LEGACYAN OUTSTANDING COUNCILORAWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN PEACE AND NATION BUILDINGHON. HANDY T. LAONATIONAL PRESIDENT, PHILIPPINE COUNCILORS LEAGUEPRESIDENT, PHILIPPINE COUNCILORS LEAGUE - ILOCOS NORTE COUNCILOR, CITY GOVERNMENT OF LAOAG CITY 81

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Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building83PROGRAMS AND LEGAL INITIATIVESSOCIAL WELFAREOne of the noteworthy legal initiatives he supported includes amendments to City Ordinance 2022-027, which allows milestone awards to senior cizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 99 in the City of Laoag. He also introduced City Ordinance No. 2023-016, granng an annual cash incenve to centenarians aged 101 and above. To further provide nancial support to senior cizens and encouraging them to spend quality me with their families, the ages 70 to 79 years old have been included in the grant, through City Ordinance 2024-021. EDUCATIONAddionally, one of the remarkable programs iniated by Handy Lao is the Learning Acceleraon Operaons in the City of Laoag, which includes a feeding program and distribuon of Handy Learning Kits to Daycare pupils. This program aims to support the educaonal needs of young children and inspire them to pursue their dreams.AGRICULTUREHis inspiraonal leadership has given hope to his fellow Laoageños, evident in his sponsorship of City Ordinance No. 2021-032, which instuonalizes the Marunggay (Malunggay) Fesval. This ordinance mandates various acvies such as marunggay planng in every barangay, seminars on proper propagaon, producon, processing, and markeng, as well as informaon disseminaon and feeding programs. These eorts aim to enhance the overall well-being of the Ilokanos and boost agri-business in the city by supplemenng food supplies and capitalizing on the high nutrional value of marunggay, especially during health crises. He also acvely supports the city government’s iniaves like providing seeds, seedlings, organic ferlizers, agricultural machinery, and other inputs. Addionally, he is dedicated to strengthening agricultural programs such as urban gardening and edible landscaping and organic gulayan sa barangay, iniated by the City Government and various organizaons for sustainable food producon.INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRSHandy Lao has been acvely involved in fostering internaonal relaons and collaboraons, reecng his commitment to global engagement His parcipaon spans a variety of acvies aimed at enhancing the city’s internaonal presence and strengthening diplomac es. On November 23, 2023, he aended the exchange program with Maldives BAA Atoll Council and the Philippine Councilors League. He was also able to showcase Ilocos Norte’s innovave youth entrepreneurship iniaves during the 9th UCLG ASPAC Congress in Yiwu, China, on November 13-15, 2023.The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) led by Naonal President Handly Lao, also signed in at the Asian Council Forum (ACF) Constuon in Shinju-ku City, Tokyo, Japan on June 8, 2024. The ACF Constuon focuses on strengthening the es between local legislave councils and associaons in Asia and promotes unity and cooperaon amongst members.In addion to these engagements, Lao was also among the delegaon from the City of Laoag who visited the Honolulu City, Hawaii. The visit aimed to discuss potenal partnerships, informaon exchange, and collaborave programs, parcularly in areas of resiliency, emergency preparedness and management, tourism, and sustainable agriculture.PUBLIC SECTORLao also championed legislaon that seeks welfare for government employees. In 2023, he presented City Resoluon No. 2023-060 to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and Provincial Resolution No. 153-2023 to the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, endorsing to the Philippine Congress the review and to consider amendments to Republic Act No. 8291 and related laws, allowing voluntary contribuons of non-career government ocials and employees. This ordinance was later on recommended by the Naonal Philippine Councilors League to the 19th Congress as House Bill No. 10733, an act providing an opon for qualied members in the non-career service to pay voluntary contribuon to the government service insurance system, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 8291, otherwise known as “the Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997.” On August 28, 2024, the House of Representaves unanimously approved the House Bill on the third and nal reading.

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Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building84TOURISMFor the tourism sector, Councilor Handy Lao has disnguished himself through a series of innovave legislave iniaves aimed at bolstering the city’s tourism sector. His work focuses on enhancing the city’s appeal as a premier travel desnaon while promong sustainable and community-centered tourism pracces.One of Lao’s recent initiatives includes the Draft City Ordinance No. SP-2024-065, an ordinance requiring the submission of tourist arrivals and other tourism-related data of accommodaon and tourism-related establishments in the City of Laoag.OTHERSAddionally, as a Chief Pey Ocer of the Naval Reserve Command, Lao collaborated with various organizaons, including the Laoag City Search and Rescue Team, the Philippine Navy, the 113th Naval Combat Service Support Reserve, barangay ocials, and volunteer groups. Together, they worked to preserve and protect the city, parcularly its coastal communies, through activities such as coastal clean-ups, tree planting, ocular inspecons, and bay watch dues. Areas served included the coastal regions of Brgys. Caaoacan and Calayab, as well as the sand dunes in La Paz, Laoag City. Lao is dedicated to exploring the potenal of new tourist aracons in Laoag City, long recognized as the commercial and business hub of llocos Norte.VERTEXT CARES PROGRAMAlso, a renowned entrepreneur, Lao established the Vertext Care Programs that iniate various assistance programs to his constuents. During crises, he introduces the “Libreng Tawag” (Free Calls) and Charging Staons iniave at various evacuaon sites, alongside relief outreach programs, feeding iniaves, distribuon of school supplies, and provision of academic and sports scholarships to children and students.As one of the Board Directors of the Philippine Red Cross - llocos Norte Chapter who recognizes the importance of accessible blood transfusions, Lao also established a blood bank at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center following his bale with dengue fever. Lao’s “Vertext Handyphones” is more than just a business venture; it’s a means of giving young Ilokano people opportunies. He has made his business available for internships to students enrolled in computer and cellphone technician courses, as well as television installer programs. ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDSLao’s exemplary contribuons have earned him recognion as an Outstanding Member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of llocos Norte - City Category. He was also honored as the 1st runner-up for the Regional Panday Mambabatas Award in the Component Cies Category.Lao’s accomplishments garnered further aenon when he received numerous awards and accolades. Within his rst three years in oce, he was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding llocanos of 2016 by the llocos Times. In 2017, he was named one of the Philippines’ Most Empowered Men and Women of 2017 by Best Magazine. The following year, he was celebrated as one of the Faces of Success by the same organizaon. In 2019, Superbrands Markeng Internaonal, Inc. acknowledged him as one of the Outstanding Local Legislators for his governance excellence across the country.In the preceding year, the llocos Times once again honored him as one of the Most Outstanding llocanos for 2021. Furthermore, the City Government of Laoag recognized him as one of the “55 Inspiring Heroes: Rays of Sunshine in the Time of Pandemic” for his signicant contribuons to society through acts of kindness, seless service, volunteerism, and exceponal compassion. Through his outstanding legal iniaves, he was awarded as Honorary Councilor of the Year in 2022 and an awardee of the Vietnam Internaonal Achievers Awards in 2023.In the end, his desirable traits such as his ability to connect with his constuents on a personal level is what make him loved by people. He takes the me to listen to their concerns, understand their needs, and work to address them. He is always at the forefront of eorts to improve the lives of those he serves. Moreover, his leadership style is characterized by transparency, honesty, and integrity. He believes in leading by example and holds himself to the highest standards of ethics and accountability. His delity to serving the public good has earned him the trust and respect of his constuents, who know that he always has their best interests at heart. As Handy Lao connues to hold the legacy of eecve leadership and public service, he serves as a shining example for others to follow. Through his hard work, Handy Lao has proven himself to be a true champion of the people, and his legacy will connue to inspire generaons to come.

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NATION BUILDERSNot even a single pigment of anyone’s imaginaon that a former ‘Mujahid’ or a revoluonary who became Vice-Chairperson for Military Aairs and Military Commander of the Moro Naonal Liberaon Front (MNLF) in Basilan Province where his armed confrontaons in both land and sea against the government forces almost took his precious life in the 1980s, would become Provincial Governor of Basilan for a decade (1988-1998); Representave in the Lone District of Basilan (1998-2007); Deputy Speaker of the House of Representaves in the 12th and 13th Congress (2002-2007) of the Republic of the Philippines, and Consultant of the Oce of the Presidenal Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) for two years, and most recently, the lucky 13th Administrator and Chief Execuve Ocer of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporaon (GOCC) that helps promote peace and economic development in Mindanao through the various business ventures in the island. HON. ABDULGHANI ‘Gerry’ AJUL SALAPUDDIN saw the fragmentaon of the then turbulent MNLF into dierent facons before, and this prompted him to accept the peace negoaon that was iniated by the then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who sent his Senior Military Adviser for Mindanao Col. Eduardo R. Ermita in 1984.AWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN PEACE AND NATION BUILDINGABDULGHANI “GERRY” A. SALAPUDDIN, MPA, Ph. D.ADMINISTRATOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERSOUTHERN PHILIPPINES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SPDA)85

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While in Congress, HON. ABDULGHANI ‘GERRY’ AJUL SALAPUDDIN was the principal author of R.A. 9054: The Expanded ARMM Law; original author of the Naonal Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF); the birth of the two Cies of Isabela and Lamitan in Basilan Province, and the other laws of naonal and local applicaons. During the me of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., Commander Gerry Salapuddin requested for the establishment of Basilan State College soon-to-be University and Scholarship for his people. To date, there are around 6000 plus who beneted from the said programs and mostly currently connected in the dierent agencies of government.He was appointed Administrator and Chief Executive Ocer of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) on February 2, 2018 by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and assumed stewardship of the Authority on February 6, 2018. His term of oce under the Duterte Administraon had ended on June 30, 2022, coterminous with the Mindanaoan President, however, on July 15, 2022, he retained his post at SPDA following his reappointment made by President Ferdinand ‘BongBong’ Romualdez Marcos, Jr. and took his oath of oce at Malacañan Palace, Manila. The birth of SPDA in 1975 as a government-owned and controlled corporaon under the Oce of the President, saw a very promising gateway towards the long- sought peace and economic advancement among the marginalized sectors of society in Southern Philippines as the Authority is primarily mandated to undertake large scale peace and development projects in the enre island of Mindanao specially in places aected by the civil strife between the Philippine Government and the Muslim dissidents. The Authority is gearing towards fostering and accelerang the balanced growth of the Southern Philippines for naonal economic, social and polical stability. SPDA is a government agency aached to the Oce of the President of the Republic of the Philippines and was created pursuant to Presidenal Decree No. 690, as amended by Presidenal Decree 1703. However, on March 30, 2003, the Authority was deacvated by virtue of Execuve Order No. 149 dated November 18, 2002, signed by then Execuve Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, accordingly, to streamline governance and resource allocaon in the region. Believing that SPDA has the capacity to promote peace and a balanced economic growth in Southern Philippines, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reacvated SPDA by issuing Execuve Order No. 560 dated August 29, 2006. HON. ABDULGHANI ‘GERRY’ AJUL SALAPUDDIN, the 13th Administrator and Chief Execuve Ocer of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) had assumed stewardship of the Authority on February 6, 2018 following his appointment by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on February 2, 2018. Salapuddin’s predecessor was Sultan Yahya Jerry M. Tomawis.Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building87

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Duterte was the country’s rst Mindanaoan and local Chief Execuve to get elected straight to the Oce of the President. He was inaugurated as the sixteenth President of the Philippines on June 30, 2016, succeeding Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III. SPDA Administrator Gerry Salapuddin’s snt at the Authority wasn’t launched with a silver platter in place considering that the agency was on the verge of exncon because of the seeming diminishing support from the naonal government. This could easily be gleaned from the approved meager annual budget of the Authority since Salapuddin assumed oce as head of SPDA. The organizaon lacked the needed human resources in order to eecvely carry out the mandates of SPDA and worsened by a displaced main oce located at the juncon of Ma-a and Mana roads in Davao City. The Authority merely rented an oce space at a whopping Php 291,000.00 every month despite it having an expansive Catalunan Pequeño compound which was taken over by the Regional Oce of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) following SPDA’s deacvaon in 2003. Amid all these management challenges at hand, Administrator Salapuddin was unperturbed and bravely faced his ‘nemeses’ and pursued to revive the once promising government agency with megabucks of funds coming from the naonal government.Under Salapuddin’s tight watch, SPDA had struggled to revive its once upon a me blooming government agency, owing to the new organizaon’s resilience, drasc reforms, and determinaon to recover from the bondage of corrupon and inulity. Few years under Salapuddin’s watch, SPDA has increased its permanent workforce in Mindanao, erected a Php 43-million-peso Business Center in Zamboanga City and established a Regional Oce in Region 9. Another promising and notable accomplishment of the Authority is the Php 24 million peso modern and state-of-the-art poultry house project at Purok 6, Barangay Labon, Sulop, Davao del Sur. SPDA shall partner with San Miguel Foods, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest food and packaging companies that develop poultry products for domesc and export markets. Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building88

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NATION BUILDERSA true-blooded son of Malabon coming from a non-polical family with a strong religious upbringing, Bernard “Ninong” Dela Cruz earned that monicker ngly because of his generosity even as a regular cizen. Since he lives where a former councilor lived, people got accustomed to going in his home to ask for “aguinaldo”. Too embarrassed to decline, he embraced this wholeheartedly, thus the monicker “Ninong.” His family not belonging to the known polical clans, he lost three consecuve mes before he nally landed a spot as a city councilor in 2013 and the rest is history. Vice Mayor Ninong served as city councilor for two (2) terms (2013-2016, 2016-2019), both as the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Malabon Chapter President and an ocer of the Metro Manila Councilors League (MMCL).Through his leadership, he pushed the Malabon City Council in strengthening its capacies in legislaon through various seminars within and outside the country. This prompted him to aspire for a higher posion and thus, provided him a beer grasp of naonal issues. He became an ocer for the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP) as its Naonal Execuve Chairman (2022-2025) and Union of Local Authories of the Philippines’ (ULAP) VP for Mindanao. ULAP is the umbrella organizaon for all the Leagues in the country in which all the local ocials all over the country converge to strengthen and capacitate every LGU towards good governance. Together with ULAP Naonal President Governor Dax Cua and the other members, they head the League in making decisions that improve the legislave outputs in every city and municipality in the country.AWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN PEACE AND NATION BUILDINGHON. BERNARD “NINONG” C. DELA CRUZVICE MAYOR, MALABON CITY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, VICE MAYORS’ LEAGUE OF THE PHILIPPINES89

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“Vice Mayor Ninong dela Cruz of Malabon City is widely recognized as a compassionate and dedicated leader in public service. His visionary leadership has been pivotal in empowering vice mayors across the Philippines”“DO GOOD DEEDS DO NO HARM”- Vice Mayor Ninong dela CruzAs part of his quest in improving himself, he is constantly learning through study missions abroad with other ULAP members. The Naon Builders and Mosliv Awards (MosLiv), which recognizes exemplary individuals in dierent elds including government ocials, awarded Vice Mayor Ninong Dela Cruz the “Vice Mayor of the Year Award” in 2021, 2023 and this 2024. This recognion is just another testament to his excellence and dedicaon in the fulllment of his mandate. As the head of the Legislave, the City Council, it is his responsibility as Council head to make sure that it is doing its part in the mely passage of resoluons and ordinances that correspond to the needs of the people of Malabon. The once ordinary cizen of Malabon who only dreamed of becoming a public servant is living his best life doing what he does best—serving the people. NINONG DELA CRUZ NINONG DELA CRUZOCVMSOCIALS@GMAIL.COMAwarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building90

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24/7 ALWAYS ON DUTYMALABON CITY JAIL INCIDENTA mantra the Vice Mayor lives by is to always be present. During mes of disasters and other emergencies, he always shows up. A living testament to his dedicaon to volunteerism is his membership to the Malabon Filipino-Chinese Fire Volunteers Association where he is an Associaon Director. One of his biggest contribuons was when he donated a mini-tanker to the Associaon which is used in re incidences. In almost every re incident in the City, Vice Mayor Ninong come to the rescue and at the same me call the aenon of other responders in nearby areas to provide addional support. As seen in his live posts on social media whenever emergencies such as res, accidents and the like are happening, he’s always one of the rst ones present whether to call out for help or inform the public through his live posts on his social media page. Something special and unforgeable happened during the famous Malabon City Jail incident in Brgy. Catmon, Malabon City which occurred last June 24, 2023. Vice Mayor Ninong’s leadership and decisiveness were on display on naonal TV when he mediated between the police and the inmates live, and pacied both sides through his eecve mediaon and management of the situaon. It was very intense and emoons were high. Broken windows, a noise barrage and possible violence were transpiring inside the correconal facility. The inmates’ families were waing outside, alarmed by the chaos and worried for their loved ones’ safety within the cornered walls of the jail. The inmates or the PDL’s (Persons Deprived of Liberty) may be considered as persons who commied crimes but it does not mean they deserve any inhumane or unjust treatment while serving their sentences. They are sll part of the society and are sll entled to their rights. Using his calm demeanor and negoaon skills, the Vice Mayor was able to take control of the situaon. During that me, he was the only high-ranking ocial from the City Government who was immediately present and executed necessary acon. He gave the commitment to the inmates that their request to be heard would be granted and their grievances will be considered. He also pledged 1000 food packs on-the-spot. This incident opened the discussion on the well-being of our detainees. Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building91

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Long before it was called Meals on Wheels, Vice Mayor Ninong has been distribung warm food packs daily. As someone who also experienced financial struggles, he knows how challenging it is to put food on the table for low-income families. He has made it his mission to alleviate the food scarcity in the poorest communies. Rain or shine, Vice Mayor Ninong braves the most oppressed and poverty-stricken families to deliver the meals. He knows that his presence during Meals on Wheels not only brings joy to the constuents but also gives him a chance to personally know their condion rsthand.Since his early days in service, Vice Mayor Ninong has been doing the medical missions (free eye check-ups) per barangay. The program has been running for almost 10 years since it started in 2015. To date, more than 4000 senior eye paents have beneed by receiving free eye surgeries for cataract, and sll counng, as this is an ongoing program. He uses personal funds for the project since there is no budget specically allocated for its conduct especially when this program started way back when he was a city councilor. Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines statement on Vice Mayor Ninong’s valuable contribuon as the rst ever Chairman of the League:“Vice Mayor Ninong dela Cruz of Malabon City is widely recognized as a compassionate and dedicated leader in public service. His visionary leadership has been pivotal in empowering vice mayors across the Philippines. One of his remarkable achievements was securing Vehicle Service Grandia units for VMLP-NCR and Mindanao staons, which signicantly improved the mobility and eciency of vice mayors in carrying out their dues. Vice Mayor Ninong has also been instrumental in providing essenal training and seminars for vice mayors in partnership with the University of the Philippines Center for Local and Regional Governance, ensuring that they are well-equipped for their roles in local governance. Moreover, his eorts in enabling vice mayors to become members of the Social Security System (SSS) have allowed them to serve their constuents beer and implement iniaves like the SSS Alkansya Project. In his commitment to connuous learning and innovaon, Vice Mayor Ninong has represented the VMLP in internaonal missions, engaging in Smart City Iniaves in Washington, USA, and exploring strategies for local economic development at the Hague Academy for Local Governance in the Netherlands. Furthermore, Vice Mayor Ninong has priorized providing mely assistance to VMLP members during calamies and in mes of medical and burial needs, demonstrang his unwavering dedicaon to supporng his colleagues. Vice Mayor Ninong’s leadership and dedicaon have signicantly strengthened the VMLP and its mission of supporng 1634 vice mayors across the Philippines.” Vice Mayor Ninong is seng the bar high for the succeeding chairperson in terms of pushing boundaries in learning and innovaon, an indicaon of his commitment to the League’s vision for the future.MEALS ON WHEELSMORE THAN MEETS THE EYETHE BEST IS YET TO COMEVMLP CHAIRMANSHIP 2022-2025His narrative is a story of fortitude, strong will and determinaon. His past failures did not dene him; instead, built his character. More than the awards and recognions, he nds fulllment and happiness seeing he has made a dierence to the lives of the people he encounters. He will connue to ght for the oppressed and vicms of social injusces and be the voice of the voiceless. Only me can tell as to how far he will go as he breaks polical stereotypes and prove that he is more than worthy of the trust we have bestowed on him since he rst set foot as a public ocial. As he leads the Malabon City Council and the VMLP, VM Ninong is set to pursue the path towards a naon wherein peace and order prevails, health and wellness programs are in place, and the ones who have less in life are given more opportunies to improve their life condions. If he can achieve that, he believes that there lies true success and the naon’s progress is within our reach, one step at a me. Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building92

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NATION BUILDERSLeading the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), the Naonal Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (DA-NUPAP), and the High-Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban has set benchmarks in Philippine agriculture. With a career grounded in academic excellence and hands-on experience, he embodies a blend of experse, dedicaon, and forward-thinking that reects a resolve to addressing the mulfaceted challenges of modern agriculture. Director Panganiban’s passion for agriculture, ignited by early experiences and academic pursuits, shaped his career path. Building upon his Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management from UPLB, Panganiban advanced his studies with a Master’s degree in Public Management from Ateneo de Manila University and a PhD in Public Administraon from Korea University. This solid educaonal foundaon equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural systems and good governance, preparing him for a career in public service. His career trajectory is marked by signicant milestones that reect his dedicaon to agricultural development. AWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN PEACE AND NATION BUILDINGGERALD GLENN F. PANGANIBAN, Ph.D.DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY PROGRAM, NATIONAL URBAN AND PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE PROGRAM, AND HIGH-VALUE CROPS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM93

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Under his leadership, the Bureau has made remarkable strides in enhancing the producvity and sustainability of Philippine agriculture. Director Panganiban’s approach is anchored to modernizaon, research and development, and the integraon of innovave technologies. He has been instrumental in advancing the DA-BPI’s mandate to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds, promote plant health, and safeguard the country’s plant resources. One of the key iniaves under his leadership has been the introducon of modern agricultural technologies. Acknowledging the importance of technology in enhancing producvity, he has advocated for the adopon of smart farming soluons that ulize data and technology to opmize agricultural producon. These innovaons aim to improve eciency, reduce costs, and increase yields for farmers. The Bureau has provided hydroponics systems and indoor culvaon systems (ICS) in urban areas and its research centers to demonstrate its capacity to modernize the agricultural sector. In response to the growing demand for food safety, the country’s rst Mobile Plant Food Safety Laboratory was launched on April 11, 2024. This mobile laboratory exemplies DA-BPI’s responsibility to advancing food safety tesng and management. It allows the Bureau to bring essenal food safety services directly to consumers and stakeholders. To boost farmers’ incomes, he spearheaded the opening of the Kadiwa Center at the Bureau. The proven success of the Kadiwa Center prompted the DA to select the Bureau as a pilot site for its P29 project, oering aordable, high-quality rice to the public. The P29 program was designed to support vulnerable groups in the community by selling rice at 29 pesos per kilo for targeted beneciaries, including senior cizens, single parents, persons with disabilies (PWD), and beneciaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). DRIVING PROGRESS THROUGHCOLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE A cornerstone of Director Panganiban’s leadership style is his commitment to collaborave governance. He rmly believes that the complexies of modern agriculture cannot be addressed in isolaon. Instead, they require the collecve eort of various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, non-governmental organizaons, and the community at large. This inclusive approach not only enhances the eecveness of agricultural programs but also culvates a sense of shared responsibility and ownership among all parcipants. He also recognizes the importance of internaonal collaboraon in enhancing the Philippines’ agricultural capabilies. He acvely seeks opportunies for the DA-BPI to engage with global counterparts through parcipaon in internaonal conferences, workshops, and exchange programs. These interacons facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best pracces, enabling the Philippines to stay abreast of the latest developments in agricultural science and technology. Director Panganiban’s emphasis on collaboraon is evident in the numerous partnerships that the DA-BPI has forged under his guidance. These partnerships leverage the resources, experse, and networks of the private sector to complement the eorts of the government. One of the most signicant aspects of these partnerships is the range and diversity of organizaons involved. The DA-BPI has entered into numerous collaboraons with private companies to develop and implement innovave agricultural soluons. Some of the key partnerships include the Korea Partnership for Innovaon of Agriculture (KOPIA), the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperaon Iniave (AFACI), the World Vegetable Center, and the Australian Centre for Internaonal Agricultural Research (ACIAR). These collaboraons have led to the implementaon of advanced agricultural technologies, the development of high-yield crop variees, and the promoon of sustainable farming pracces. Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building95

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Director Panganiban is renowned for his passionate advocacy of urban and peri-urban agriculture. Recognizing the challenges posed by rapid urbanizaon and the increasing demand for food in metropolitan areas, he spearheaded the urban agriculture program. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of global food supply chains and the importance of local food producon. To answer the impending problem of food security, the DA-NUPAP was elevated to a naonal banner program of the DA, serving as an implementaon arm in making food abundant in urban and peri-urban areas by supporng the establishment of community gardens and farms. Director Panganiban’s vision for urban agriculture is rooted in the belief that cies can be self-sustaining enes capable of producing a substanal poron of their food requirements. Despite its inial lack of funding, Director Panganiban was instrumental in leading the DA-NUPAP and making it into a promising iniave. As a result of its potenal impact, the program has since received a larger allocaon of funds to support its operaons. With this, the program has accomplished the establishment of numerous urban farms, rooop gardens, and community gardens, providing fresh produce to urban residents and creang green spaces in cies. His work in this area connues to inspire iniaves that integrate novel agricultural pracces into urban planning and development. Staying true to his advocacy of collaborave governance, Director Panganiban sought partnerships with various stakeholders such as the Livelihood Educaon Rehabilitaon Center and the Bureau of Correcons, rendering agricultural support towards food security to Persons with Disabilies (PWDs) and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) respecvely. Through these partnerships, vulnerable populaons are acvely engaged in the pursuit of food security and provided with opportunies to benet from urban agriculture. The DA-NUPAP has also partnered with well-known enes such as SM Supermalls, Laer-Day Saints Charies, and the Philippine Army. These collaboraons have expanded the reach and eecveness of the program, integrang urban agriculture into diverse sengs and involving a wide range of parcipants. Through these partnerships, urban agriculture has been promoted not only as a means of food producon but also as a tool for community engagement, educaon, and social inclusion. In addion to his contribuons to urban agriculture, Director Panganiban has made strides in advancing the progress of the high-value crops program. The DA-HVCDP has focused on diversifying the agricultural porolio of the Philippines by promong the culvaon of crops with high market demand and economic value. This is evident in the thriving producon of crops like mangoes and cacao, which have gained recognion both locally and internaonally. Through strategic markeng iniaves and export promoon, farmers were able to access lucrave markets on the global stage. In 2023, the DA through the DA-BPI and DA- HVCDP successfully expanded bilateral relaons, gaining access to both local and internaonal markets. This expansion included achievements such as exporng metric tons of Philippine fresh durian to China and shipping fresh Hass avocados to Korea. Addionally, fresh mangoes from Davao were sent to Australia, and Philippine pili nuts (both in shell and without) were exported to Germany. These accomplishments signicantly contribute to the ongoing eorts to secure bilateral and mullateral trade agreements with other countries. As Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban Ph.D. connues to lead with passion and purpose, his pledge to serve the Filipino people is both profound and enduring. His transformave leadership has propelled DA-BPI, DA-NUPAP, and DA-HVCDP to new heights while catalyzing collaborave governance and groundbreaking agricultural soluons. He champions sustainable and resilient agriculture as the standard pracce. His dedicaon and vision serve as an inspiraon for ongoing eorts to ensure a future-proofed ensuring that the next generaons benet from a legacy of progress and innovaon.CHAMPIONING URBAN AND PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building96

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NATION BUILDERSToday, we nd ourselves at a pivotal moment where history and the future intersect, where the spirit of resilience aligns with the call to serve the Bangsamoro people. I am deeply honored to share a journey that exemplies courage, dedicaon, and an unwavering commitment to peace, jusce, and naon-building—the journey of a Mujahid transforming into a public servant in the Bangsamoro region. Barangay Kagawad Sultan Johair Suraik Madag, aeconately known as ‘Joe’ to his friends and fellow public servants, and recently recognized as the ‘Kapitan ng Masa’ by his constuents, was born on November 18, 1975, in Langkong, Matanog, Maguindanao, now Maguindanao Del Norte. Son of Mukhanifa Suraik Madag and Mamadra Abdul Madag, who are of Iranun and Maguindanaon origin.His father served as the rst Barangay Chairman of Barangay Langkong, Matanog, Maguindanao during the administraon of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. He completed his elementary educaon at Langkong Elementary School, Matanog, Maguindanao in the school year 1989-1990. He then graduated from high school at Shari Kabunsuan College in the school year 1994-1995. He nished his college educaon at Mindanao Islamic Computer College in Marawi City in the school year 2022-2023, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS). He was also enthroned by the Royal Sultanate of Iranun as Sultan Ma’amor of Iranun on December 29, 2017, a posion he holds to this date, at the Matanog Gymnasium.AWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN PEACE AND NATION BUILDINGHON. SULTAN JOHAIR S. MADAGBARANGAY COUNCIL, FORMER BARANGAY CHAIRMAN, BARANGAY NENITA J. HERRERA, COTABATO CITY97

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Joe dedicated himself as a valiant member and S4 ocer of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) - Mujahid. As a Mujahid, he has long been a symbol of resistance and bravery, ghng against oppression and injusce. His bales, alongside his fellow Mujahideen, were not just physical but also moral, standing up for what is right and just. Today, we celebrate a new chapter in his legacy—a chapter where the same values that guided him on the baleeld now guide him in serving our community. His transion from a warrior to a public servant exemplies the enduring spirit of resilience and dedicaon. His commitment to jusce and peace connues to inspire those around him. As he takes on new challenges in public service, he remains steadfast in his mission to upli and protect his community. This new chapter is not just a connuaon of his journey but a testament to the power of transformaon and the impact one individual can have in fostering a beer, more just society.From this perspecve and movaon, the young and proacve ‘Joe’ Madag engaged in public service, starng with: 1. Elected as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson from 1996 to 2001.2. Became a Barangay Kagawad from 2007 to 2010.3. Elected as Punong Barangay from 2010 to 2013 and unopposed for two consecuve terms, serving from 2013 to 2023 in the same posion. 4. In October 2023, he was elected as a member of the Sangguniang Barangay Council of Barangay Nenita J. Herrera (Poblacion 2), Cotabato City.During his rst term as Punong Barangay in 2010, he commied to being on duty 24/7. He assigned Barangay Ocials and Barangay Tanods to posts every night to maintain peace and order. Despite the challenges, he successfully implemented these measures, and over me, his area of responsibility became controlled and manageable, Alhamdu Lillah. His involvement in local governance has been characterized by his eorts to address community needs, to connue in promong peace and unity, and ensure the equitable distribuon of resources. His dedicaon to public service and his vision for a beer future for Cotabato City have earned him respect and admiraon in the city.The transion from a Mujahid to a public servant is a testament to the enduring values and principles he holds dear:• Courage: The bravery to face challenges head-on, whether on the baleeld or in the halls of government, demonstrang unwavering resolve in the pursuit of jusce.• Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all acons, ensuring that trust and transparency are at the forefront of his service.• Service: A deep commitment to serving the people, priorizing their needs and rights, and working relessly to improve their lives and communies.• Unity: Bringing people together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, and bridging divides to create a harmonious society.• Jusce: Advocang for fairness and equality, ensuring that everyone is treated justly under the law, and standing up against oppression and injusce.• Resilience: Demonstrang the strength to persevere through adversity, adapng to new roles and challenges while maintaining a steadfast dedicaon to his principles.• Compassion: Showing empathy and understanding towards others, addressing their concerns with kindness and care, and striving to make a posive impact on their lives.TRANSITION: VALUES AND PRINCIPLESPUBLIC SERVICE AND LOCAL GOVERNANCEThese values and principles not only guided him as a Mujahid but connue to inspire his work as a public servant, driving his eorts to build a just, peaceful, and prosperous society for all.• Transparency: Ensuring that all acons and decisions are open and clear to the public, building trust and accountability.• Accountability: Taking responsibility for one’s acons and decisions, and being answerable to the people.• Inclusivity: Making sure that all voices are heard, and that policies and decisions reect the diversity of the community.• Sustainability: Making decisions that not only address current needs but also consider the long-term impact on future generaons.• Eciency: Ulizing resources wisely to achieve the best outcomes for the community.Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building99

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Awarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building100Johair S. Madag is known for his humility and shyness in front of the limelight. However, it is high me to note and recognize his notable public service and polical career, parcularly in local governance. Here are the highlights:1. Early Leadership: Johair was elected as the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson from 1996 to 2001, showcasing his early dedicaon to youth leadership and community service. Notably, on his very rst term, he played a crucial role in peacefully mediang conicts between Muslim and Chrisan youth, parcularly in the area where the new Barangay Hall now stands.During this period, he also served as the Auditor of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federaon.2. LIGA-Cotabato: Member of the board of the directors during his term as Barangay Chairman.In this term, the Barangay Idencaon Card System was introduced and iniated in Barangay Poblacion 2.3. Strategic Alliances: Strategic Alliances: He was a key gure in the BIG-5 of Cotabato City strategic alliance, contribung signicantly to the racaon of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2019.4. An-Drug Campaign: As chairman of the Barangay An-Drugs Abuse Council (BADAC), he implemented eecve strategies to combat illegal drugs, ensuring a safer community.5. Infrastructure Development: He focused on concreng roads and drainages, signicantly improving the barangay’s infrastructure and addressing ooding issues.6. Support for Educaon: He rehabilitated two Day Care Centers and consistently distributed school supplies, demonstrang his commitment to educaon.7. Health Services: He ensured the ecient delivery of health services, parcularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, by implemenng necessary protocols and providing aid to affected families. During the pandemic, he personally distributed goods (ayuda) and extended his help to other barangays, showcasing his compassion and dedication to community welfare. And even extended assistance to neighboring barangays.8. Advocacy for Peace and Unity: He promoted peace, unity, and reconciliaon among the lumad, muslim& Chrisans such rido.9. Disaster Response: He extended his services beyond the barangay, providing aid to those aected by Typhoon Paeng in Kusyong, Datu Odin Sinsuat.TIMELY RECOGNITION IN CONCLUSIONLet us come together to support this excellent transion, recognizing the strength and dedicaon that Hon. Sultan Johair S. Madag represents. Let us work together with the same advocacy as ‘Joe’ to connue building a society where the values of courage, integrity, service, peace, and unity are not just ideals but realies. We will ght for our rights and work relessly for the well-being and peaceful development of our Cotabato City.As we move forward, let us remember that our collecve eorts can make a signicant impact. By working hand in hand, we can foster an environment where peace and unity prevail, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, and where our shared vision of a beer future becomes a reality. Let us honor Joe’s legacy by connuing his work with the same passion and determinaon, ensuring that the values he championed are upheld and celebrated in every aspect of our lives.Together, we can achieve great things and create a legacy of posive change for generaons to come. Let us commit to this journey with the same spirit of resilience and hope that has guided Joe, to make our community and city a beacon of progress and harmony. Insha Allah!

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NATION BUILDERSWith a foundation in education and volunteerism, Hon. Maria Katrina Jessica Gallegos Dy has become a beacon of hope and posive change in the province of Isabela. Starng her career as a teacher and later branching into entrepreneurship, her steadfast commitment to improving lives has led to numerous iniaves that connue to support women, children, and the environment. Jessica Dy’s journey began in the classroom, where she taught pre-elementary students. Her desire to broaden her impact took her beyond educaon and into business. Yet, it was her deep-rooted dedicaon to community service that truly ignited a wave of transformave projects with far-reaching eects.In 2022, Jessica Dy took decisive acon to address the challenges faced by women and children in her community. Her inspiraon for the Mengal Women Center grew from her experience working with local daycare centers, where she observed that many women—especially those in more remote areas—lacked the support necessary to break free from abusive situaons. As both a mother and educator, this issue resonated deeply with her. Her journey began in San Fabian, where she saw the possibility of creang a space that provided both immediate reliefs to abuse vicms and long-term tools for rebuilding their lives. CHAMPIONING PROGRESS AND EMPOWERMENT: THE REMARKABLE JOURNEY OF BM JESSICA DYTHE FOUNDING OF THE MENGAL WOMEN CENTER: A STORY OF COMPASSION AND CHANGEAWARDED HONORARYPUBLIC SERVANTOF THE YEAREXCELLENCE IN PEACE AND NATION BUILDINGHON. MARIA KATRINA JESSICA GALLEGOS-DYLNB NATIONAL PRESIDENTLNB PRESIDENT, ISABELA CHAPTERLNB PRESIDENT, ECHAGUE, ISABELA101

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Driven by her passion, she reached out to local leaders, shared her vision, and gradually built a network of supporters commied to the cause. By October 2022, the Mengal Women Center was ocially founded. Inially a facility oering basic services, it quickly evolved into a comprehensive support hub, providing shelter, mental health counseling, legal assistance, and vocaonal training for survivors of violence. Jessica’s eorts turned the Center into a haven for those seeking safety and a path to independence.Through her interacons with women from all walks of life, Jessica recognized that nancial dependence was a key barrier prevenng many from escaping abusive environments. To address this, she launched various livelihood programs at the Center, working closely with agencies like DTI, DOST, DA, and DOLE to provide women with valuable skills and job opportunies. Addionally, she partnered with the Philippine Naonal Police to help raise awareness of women’s rights, giving them the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. These iniaves have empowered numerous women to regain their independence and reshape their futures.A disnguishing feature of the Mengal Women Center is its community-driven approach. Jessica personally traveled across barangays, raising awareness and recruing women in distant areas. To encourage a sense of ownership and seriousness among parcipants, she implemented a modest membership fee. This fee not only sustained the organizaon’s services but also ensured that women were genuinely invested in the Center’s success.In just its rst year, the Center grew exponenally, aracng thousands of members and now boasng over 12,000 acve women parcipants. Its rapid expansion stands as a testament to Jessica’s ability to inspire and mobilize women throughout the region. Today, the Mengal Women Center serves not just as a refuge, but as a thriving community that equips women with the tools to stand on their own and create brighter futures for themselves and their children.Jessica’s unwavering dedicaon to service led her to pursue a role in public oce, where she was elected Barangay Captain of San Fabian, Echague, Isabela. Her elecon marked the beginning of a groundbreaking career in local governance, as she quickly gained the trust and admiraon of her constuents through her commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.During her rst term as Barangay Captain, Jessica was elected President of the Liga ng Mga Barangay - Isabela Chapter. This posion not only allowed her to amplify her advocacy eorts within the province but also earned her a seat in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Isabela’s highest local policy-making body. In this role, she acvely contributed to shaping provincial policies that address the needs of marginalized groups, including women and children. Her leadership and advocacy within Isabela led to her elecon as the Liga ng Mga Barangay Naonal President, where she expanded her iniaves to the naonal stage. Through this plaorm, she connues to champion causes that protect vulnerable sectors, further elevang her inuence across the country.Under her leadership, San Fabian embraced a movement for sustainable growth. Programs such as the Ayoko ng Plasc campaign demonstrated BM Jessica’s capacity to lead environmental change. Beginning in 2019 with her family’s eorts to reduce their reliance on single-use plascs, the campaign soon expanded into a barangay-wide iniave. By promong reusable bags and organizing community clean-ups, BM Jessica is culvang a culture of environmental responsibility that is being embraced by other communies naonwide.FROM EDUCATOR TO PUBLIC SERVANT: LEADING FROM THE GROUND UPAwarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building103

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Understanding the specic needs of vulnerable infants and new mothers, BM Jessica founded the Mengal Pumping Center in 2021. The center oers free breast milk donaons to families who are unable to provide it, ensuring that newborns, parcularly those in NICUs, receive vital nutrion. This iniave has saved many lives, especially among the most fragile infants across Isabela. The Center is a reecon of BM Jessica’s broader vision for community-based care. The Mengal Pumping Center operates on the principle of paying it forward. Many of the mothers who donate were once recipients themselves, creang a cycle of compassion and community support. The center stands not only as a building but as a symbol of solidarity, where small acts of generosity ripple outward into life-saving eorts.As the Liga ng Mga Barangay National President, BM Jessica has expanded her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights to the naonal level. Her leadership has driven the Liga’s focus on combang VAWC and the growing threat of online child exploitaon. She is commied to equipping barangays with the resources needed to protect the most vulnerable and ensure that no community is le behind.BM Jessica envisions a future where every barangay is empowered to combat violence, raise awareness, and protect children. Through naonal campaigns and a connued focus on educaon, she is laying the groundwork for a society where children thrive and women are empowered to lead.BM Jessica’s dedicaon to sustainability also extends to disaster resilience and climate acon. Her swi responses to calamies, including Typhoon Carina, have demonstrated her ability to swily mobilize aid and support for aected communies. Her leadership in raising funds and providing relief eorts has earned her respect well beyond her local community.As she looks to the future, BM Jessica remains commied to renewable energy, parcularly advocang for the use of solar power in local communies. Her dream of turning Barangay San Fabian into a model of sustainability is already inspiring others to follow suit.BM Jessica’s commitment to educaon is another dening aspect of her leadership. Through the Building Tomorrow Project, she tackled the urgent need for safer and more sustainable educaonal facilies in rural areas. Nocing the poor condions of many daycare centers, she spearheaded the construcon of classrooms made from plasc boles, turning waste materials into durable, eco-friendly structures. This project addressed both environmental and educaonal needs, creang safer learning spaces for children in underprivileged areas.The iniave brought together local women, volunteers, and even internaonal parcipants, exemplifying BM Jessica’s ability to unite diverse groups around a common goal. The Building Tomorrow Project is a testament to her vision, merging environmental consciousness with social progress.A CHAMPION FOR INFANTS AND NEW MOTHERSBUILDING TOMORROW: EDUCATION ANDENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONLIGA NG MGA BARANGAY: ADVANCING NATIONAL ADVOCACYLOOKING AHEAD: A VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCEAwarded Honorary Public Servant of the Year - Excellence in Peace and Nation Building104

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NATION BUILDERSDressed in a meless red Filipiniana top, paired with pencilpants and sneakers that combine classic style with easy going, laidback comfort, she exudes sartorial condence that infuses culture, professionalism and warmth in one look. Her hair neatly styled in a sleek bun, accentuang her signature full bangs, while her makeup is polished without being overdone — reecng a glow that underscores her natural poise and charm. Her presence in front of hundreds of student leaders from Bulacan State University (BulSU) truly inspired confidence, courage, reliability, and trust, as she delivered her speech on the importance of transformaonal leadership so one can thrive amid changes and challenges. Ay. Agatha Paula Aguilar Cruz, a visionary leader, has emerged as a powerful advocate for good governance in Guiguinto, Bulacan. Her unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership has transformed thelandscape of governance and inspired countless individuals. Mayor Agay joined polics in 2022 with a clear vision, bringing a breath of fresh air to Guiguinto with a promise to reshape the municipality with innovave ideas and a commitment to her inclusive governance. She has demonstrated exceponal leadership qualies throughout her career. Her ability to idenfypressing societal issues and develop innovave soluons to address them has earned her respect and admiraon not just from Guiguinto but also from the enre province. She has consistently championed policies that promote economic growth, social services, and environmental sustainability guided by her pillars of Mabung Pamamahala: Kaagapay sa Patuloy na Kaunlaran, Kaagapay sa Mapagkalingang Serbisyong Panlipunan, Kaagapay sa Ligtas na Pamayanan, Kaagapay sa Mabilis at Epekbong Serbisyo ng Barangay at Pamahalaang Bayan.AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARATTY. AGATHA PAULA A. CRUZMAYOR, GOVERNMENT OF GUIGUINTO, BULACANBREAKING THE MOLD, ONE TRANSFORMATION AT A TIMEMayor Agay Cruz’s Fresh Approach to Good Governance105

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BREAKING NEW GROUND SEAL OF GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE:SIXTH TIME’S A CHARMAs the rst female mayor of Guiguinto, Mayor Agay’s ascent to power has been both historic and emblemac of a broader shi toward inclusive leadership. From day one, Mayor Agay has made it clear that her administraon will be dened by its commitment to people empowerment through her programs that foster parcipatory democracy. Her leadership has introduced new plaorms for civic engagement, and has encouraged dialogue between government ocials and private constuents, allowing for a more inclusive policy-making process.One of the standout examples of her parcipatory approach was the development of the “Nakikinig, Tumutugon, Ramdam, at Abot-Kamay” brand of governance that empowers local communies to propose grassroots projects. This iniave has already led to signicant improvements in areas such as educaon, public health, environmental sustainability, social services, infrastructure – all driven by the needs of local residents.Because of her outstanding performance in the eld of governance and public service, the League of the Municipalies of the Philippines - Bulacan Chapter trusted her to become the organizaon’s business manager.The Municipality of Guiguinto was conferred the honor of receiving the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for six consecuve years. The SGLG award is given to local governments for their eort in pursuing the general welfare of their constuency in the areas of nancial administraon, disaster preparedness, social protecon, health, sustainable educaon, business-friendliness and compeveness, safety, peace and order, environmental management, tourism, and youth development.Through an assessment of outcome-based performances, the Municipality of Guiguinto has been rewarded with monetary incenves to further fund their local projects. Started in 2023, Municipality of Guiguinto’s Project LUMINA aims to improve the security and reduce vehicular accidents in the locality, as this will benet both cizens and motorists traversing local roads in Guiguinto. The local government already installed almost 200 solar streetlights along C. Mercado Street. A powerful testament of Mayor Agay’s resilience and ability to stay true to her principles, her willingness to engage with people, address public concerns directly, and adapt policies based on feedback has also earned her respect and credibility.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year106

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COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITMENT: ENSURING EQUITABLE, ACCESSIBLE, AND QUALITY CARE FOR ALLMayor Agay’s leadership has been marked by an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of her constuents. The rst-term mayor has become a model seeking to priorize public health in governance. She has spearheaded several innovave programs that reect this comprehensive outlook. One of her most notable achievements is “Guiguinto’s Healthy Steps,” a mulfaceted program designed to tackle various aspects of public health. The iniave includes the “Door-to-Door Delivery of Maintenance Medicines for Senior Cizens” as 3,300 senior cizens are enrolled in the free maintenance program, “Provision of Hospital Materials and Facilies” aimed at maintaining and improving health, and recently the conduct of “Pistang Buns: Guiguinto’s Buns Congress” that ensures pregnant women to have access to comprehensive health services crucial for their and their babies’ health and well-being.“Tamang Lapat, Sapat na Gatas Katapat” is an exclusive breaseeding advocacy that helps the Local Government Unit of Guiguinto in increasing the awareness of the lactang mothers on the benets of proper and exclusive breaseeding. This move of the LGU aims to promote the Nutrion By-Laws on breaseeding namely; Senate Bill-2026, Execuve Order no. 51 tled “Naonal Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Supplements and Related Products” and “Republic Act-10028 Expanded Breast-Feeding Promoon Act of 2009.” Mayor Agay’s dream for Guiguinto to be the “happiest place for a child to live in” is a manifestaon of her desire to create a happy environment for a child by giving access to high-quality services, safety, and overall quality of life.Eco-Savers Program that encourages public elementary pupils and high school students to shred plasc waste from their home or in school, and bring it to their respecve Eco Savers Market to trade with school supplies and basic commodies. Through this iniave, 10,570.84kg of accumulated plasc waste were collected from all public schools in Guiguinto; “Natatanging Lunang Tahanan” to award households in Guiguinto that excel in the eld of solid waste management and greening acvies. Indicators include segregated waste, organic composting iniaves, household gardening, and recycling pracces. The Municipality of Guiguinto also joined forces with the Municipality of Balagtas in rehabilitang the Ugong Creek by conducng a daily clean-up of said creek through the eort of Estero Rangers and River Patrollers. Through this eort, a total of 113 tons of vegetaon are collected.LGU Guiguinto also continues its “Lakbay Aral para sa Kalikasan” that teaches constuents on how to produce “Bokashi” Balls, or “Mabuhay Balls” made from enzymes, organic wastes, and garden soil. One of its advantages is the prevenon of algae trapping the sunlight and eventually leading to the death of aquac animals. It also helps improve the quality of water. In 2024, LGU Guiguinto through its Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Oce launched “Bawat Mag-Aaral sa Guiguinto, May Bokashi” to encourage all students to take part in the collecve acons for the environment. Now on its sixth year, Rell Revoluon and Recyclables Collecon (E-Waste) has been a huge success. Annually, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources conducts the event to collect hazardous and electronic wastes coming from households, companies, and instuons. Simultaneously, the rell revoluon is being conducted to rell basic commodies to reduce plasc wastes coming from available products from the market. 10,303.95kg of sachet was not used on the day of the event.Mayor Agay recognizes the critical importance of environmental sustainability by spearheading initiatives to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future. She understands that environmental sustainability is essenal for preserving our natural resources, maintaining biodiversity, and combang climate change. Recently, the local government has made signicant investments through its “Clean and Green Guiguinto,” a comprehensive approach towards a sustainable municipality. Some of its remarkable programs are GuiguintoENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY:PIONEERING POLICIES FOR A GREENER FUTUREAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year107

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Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year108Though considered a “neophyte” in polics, Mayor Agay has a vast experience in public service. She is making waves with her progressive approach to educaonal governance. Her leadership thrives with a renewed focus on innovaon and community engagement.Elected to oce two years ago, Mayor Agay quickly idened educaon as a cornerstone of her administraon’s agenda. Her vision is simple: “Every child deserves access to quality educaon.” Her approach goes beyond tradional policies. It encompasses a strategy that integrates community involvement, innovaon, and a strong emphasis on accountability.During her rst year as municipal mayor, she iniated the “Guiguinto Educaon Summit” to idenfy gaps and opportunies in the local educaon system and recognize the importance of community involvement. It has been a game changer, as it also promoted accountability from dierent educaon stakeholders from addressing concerns, proposing soluons, and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Because of her innovave perspecves and passionate enthusiasm, she was elected as chairperson of “LearningMayor Agay believes in parcipatory leadership in the government that involves various stakeholders in decision-making processes. She creates people engagement, shaping policies, implemenng programs, and evaluang outcomes. She aims to promote more inclusive, transparent, and responsive governance systems. She empowers individuals and communies by giving them a role in shaping policies and soluons.Through her Kaagapay sa Buhay Movement, a multi-sectoral organizaon that champions dierent advocacies in the communies, LGU Guiguinto encourages collaboraon between government ocials, community leaders, civic organizaon, and the general public as it also values collecve wisdom and experse of dierent stakeholders to address complex issues.Volunteers are oen more engaged in their communies and more likely to parcipate in other civic acvies.Accessible in Rebuilding the Naon” or LEARN Council, one of the six Regional Educaon Councils or RECs established by Synergeia Foundaon that aims to transform and enable children, families, and communies to lead beer lives through quality educaon. This is also the main objecve of Synergeia Foundaon, Inc., a non-government organizaon that works with local governments, the Department of Educaon and socio-civic groups, to implement programs that will improve the systems and structures of learning and teaching in public schools in the Philippines.LGU Guiguinto recently launched “Bahay ni Ate Agay,” an avenue to address the reading gaps of elementary pupils in Guiguinto through reading intervenons facilitated by teacher volunteers, who are also part of a roster of scholars from the municipality. This year, the group of young volunteers also introduced “Project TUGON: Mga Kwentong Aral,” which focuses on historical appreciaon, reading, and values formaon.In just Mayor Agay’s two years in the oce, almost 1,500 scholars already received educaonal assistance every semester.ADVANCING EDUCATION EXCELLENCE: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FOR EFFECTIVE EDUCATION GOVERNANCESTRENGTHENING PUBLIC SERVICE: THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERISMIN GOVERNMENT

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Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year109Mayor Agay is just getting started. With her focus on good governance, she’s able to accomplish greater heights.● Businesses thrived with a combined gross receipt of 31.83 billion pesos in 2023, marking an increase of nearly 34 percent.● Support packages valued at 2 million pesos were distributed to 134 individuals to support their livelihood.● Key drivers of local economic growth, such as the Innovave Tissue Culture Laboratory Garden Showcase, and Public Market, are nearing compleon.● Emergency employment was provided to 2,163 informal sector workers, with assignments focused on clearing waterways to migate ooding.● The Guiguinto Drainage Masterplan, a comprehensive plan designed to manage and enhance the town’s drainage system, has been completed to prevent ooding and ensure sustainable development. ● Peace and order iniaves led to 10 out of 14 barangays being declared drug-cleared and a reducon in the average monthly crime rate.● Invested 41.42 million to install 935 solar streetlights, illuminang various roads● The 1.5-kilometer Ugong Creek was cleared and dredged for ood control and improve water quality● The LGU provided counterpart funding for 240 senior cizens, complemenng the 860 beneciaries supported by naonal funds under the local social pension program● Approximately 3,300 senior cizens are enrolled in the Healthy Steps Program, which provides free maintenance medicines delivered directly to their homes every quarter● A total of 270 child development learners were immersed in local businesses as on-the-job trainees● The immunizaon coverage reached 11.34% for measles and rubella, and 106.5% for oral polio, the highest in the Province of Bulacan and 4th in Central Luzon● Malnutrion remains below the level of public health signicance (wasted 0.05%, stunted 0.17%, underweight 0.16%, overweight 0.35%)● In 2023, livelihood enhancement packages totaling to Php1,000,000.00 were awarded to 66 Dagdag Puhunan beneciaries● In 2024, 68 small business owners/micro-entrepreneurs received livelihood package goods amounng to more or less Php15,000.00 for a total of Php1,000,000.00 grant from DOLETRANSFORMATIVE GOVERNMENTPROGRAMS: A LOOK AT INITIATIVES WITH SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

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AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS A MODEL FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS● 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance Awardee● Rank 1 - Remarkable Achievement of Aaining the Chiking Ligtas 2023 Target (Measles - Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunizaon)● LGU with Best EMB Funded Implementor● Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance Audit (Highest in Bulacan)● Fully Compliant 23rd Gawad Kalasag Seal of Local DRRM Councils and Oces● High Funconality Audit Result for Local Commiee on An-Tracking and VAWC (Highest in Bulacan)● Gawad Edukampyon for Early Childhood Care and Development● 2023 Crown Award - Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrion● Crown Award Naonal Contender● High Funconality Audit Result for Local Council on the Protecon of Children● Best Performing Local Government Unit - Supplementary Feeding Program 12th Cycle● CY 2023 Good Financial Housekeeping Passer● High Compliance for Regional Inter-Agency Commiee● Ideal Funconality for the Project Monitoring Commiee● 2023 Naonal Assessment External Quality Assessment Scheme for Serology● Rank 4 in Bulacan and Rank 22 among 511 1st to 2nd Class Municipalies in the Philippines for Compeve Index● 100% Child Development Center Accreditaon● 100% Service Delivery and Eecve Distribuon Targets Under RCEF Program● Outstanding Pracce in the Implementaon of the Philippine Populaon and Development Plan of Acon 2023 - 2028 in Central Luzon for 2023● CY 2022 Good Financial Housekeeping Passer● Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award, 2022 Gitnang Luzon Gawad Parangal sa Nutrisyon● 2022 Natatanging Bayan sa Nutrisyon, 40th Nutrion Month Celebraon● Grand Champion (Hall of Famer), 2019, 2022 & 2023 Singkaban Fesval● 4th Best Fesval in the Philippines, Aliwan Fiesta 2023 Indakan sa Kalye● Best Fesval Float, Aliwan Fiesta 2023 ● Outstanding Partner in Civil Registraon – PSA Stakeholders Appreciaon Ceremony● 2023 Most Innovave Local Civil Registry Oce● Best Ecological Waste Management Pracces of Material Recovery Facility Operaon● Award of Recognion for the Implementaon of ICT Literacy and Competency Development Programs● 2023 Philippine Choice Award for Naonal Outstanding Humanitarian and Leadership Service (Nominee)● Local Chief Execuve of the Year, Naon Builders & Mosliv Awards● Naonal Outstanding Mayor of the Year, 2023 Saludo Excellence Award● 2nd Placer Municipal Category, Gawad Timpukan 2022, Manila Bayani Awards & Incenves for 2021Mayor Agay’s approach to governance is not just about addressing immediate needs but also about seng a precedent for future generaons. Guided by her moo, “Kaagapay sa Buhay, Agaysensong Pamumuhay,” her story is a powerful testament to the potenal for rst-term leaders to eect meaningful change. Her dedicaon to good governance, marked by transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, serves as a model for future leaders.As her transformaonal leadership connues to unfold, the whole community watches with ancipaon, hopeful that her innovave approach will inspire a new era of polical leadership characterized by integrity and a genuine commitment to the common good. Mayor Agay Cruz stands as a reminder that true leadership goes beyond rhetoric—it requires acon, courage, and an unwavering dedicaon to the principles of good governance.During BulSU’s leadership forum tled, “Buklod: Pagtugon, Pagpapabay, Pagsulong” where Mayor Agay Cruz was invited as a guest speaker, a student leader asked “What does it take to become a transformaonal leader?”To which Mayor Agay answered rmly, “it requires a balance of visionary thinking, effective communication, and a deep commitment to empowering and inspiring others.”Her reputation as a beacon of good governance and trailblazer in both the government and social sectors precedes her. With a career marked by innovave thinking and impacul change, Mayor Agay has become a symbol of transformaonal leadership. Her speech at the Student Leaders Forum was a powerful call to acon, urging young people to harness their potenal and drive meaningful change in their communies and beyond.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year110

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NATION BUILDERSThe municipality of Asingan, known for its vibrant cultural past and close-knit community, has tradionally been linked with resiliency and rich heritage. At the helm of this town’s remarkable journey of transformaon is none other than the municipal mayor, Engr. Carlos F. Lopez, Jr., aeconately known as “Mayor Luis,”. His steadfast dedicaon, innovave approach, and compassionate leadership have earned recognion from various sectors of society. Thus, he was awarded as Honorary Local Chief Execuve of the Year, Excellent Filipino Award for Naonal Outstanding Mayor of the Year and bagged as one of the top-performing mayors in Pangasinan early this year. From a modest upbringing, Mayor Luis was taught the importance of diligence, morality, and public service at a young age. He began his polical career in 2004 as municipal councilor and later elected to the vice mayorship in 2013 unl he became local chief execuve in 2019. Having personally experienced the challenges the people faced, he made sure that every Asinganian had beer access to opportunies and resources. This experience has stoked his enthusiasm for doing good deeds and his desire to leave a lasng impression on his most beloved hometown.AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. CARLOS F. LOPEZ, JR.MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF ASINGAN, PANGASINAN111

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Mayor Lopez outlined a bold plan of acon since he became municipal mayor, with the goal of making Asingan a thriving municipality. His administraon’s guiding principle was simple yet profound: “Arya Asenso Asingan,” ensuring that the dreams, hopes, and aspiraons of all Asinganians to achieve a beer life are fullled. Leading important and forward-thinking social programs, Mayor Lopez has connuously shown a deep commitment to the well-being of Asinganians. His long history of serving the public has been crucial in promong sustainable development and making sure that the town’s growth is resilient and inclusive.Under his watch, the municipality of Asingan has experienced gradual economic growth, signicant reforms in healthcare, agriculture, educaon, and increased eorts in infrastructure, environmental conservaon, disaster preparedness and peace and order. His unrelenng quest for excellence and creave soluons has raised the bar for local governance in Pangasinan. The core of Mayor Lopez’s vision for Asingan is agriculture. Seeing how important agriculture is to the community’s sustainability and means of subsistence, he has made it one of the thrusts of his socio-economic agenda. Through innovave programs and dedicated support from various stakeholders, he has built Farm-to-Market roads in a number of barangays to ensure quality access to resources and a fast network of goods and services. In June this year, the Municipal Agricultural Oce distributed 3,500 bags of inbred seeds from the Rice Compeveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to all barangays in Asingan. There were also 2,500 local farmers who registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. The primary goal of this program is to support farmers in achieving a 10% increase in their harvest and lower producon costs. His administraon has also placed a lot of emphasis on infrastructure development. He has priorized iniaves that will improve the lives of Asinganians and is driven by a strong commitment to progress. His eorts are now paying o, as the new Asingan Public Market will soon be constructed and serve as a hub of opportunity and commerce. The groundbreaking ceremony for the modern-style housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program was conducted in 2023 between the Department of Human Selements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Local Government Unit of Asingan. Last year, the municipality, under Lopez administraon, has accomplished the following infrastructure projects:• Smulaon and Therapeuc Acvity Center (STAC)• Installaon of Installaon of Solar Lights in dierent barangays• Installaon of Grid Solar Power Source• Construcon of Perimeter Fence of Satellite Market• Concreng of Pavement of Farm-to-Market Roads Moreover, the renovaon of the Children’s Park and Public Auditorium is also underway, promising vibrant spaces for recreaon and community events. These projects reect Mayor Lopez’s dedicaon to creang a thriving, modern Asingan, where infrastructure paves the way for a progressive town. The Lopez administraon is adamant that educaon is the great equalizer. Iniaves that improve development and learning are given top priority. Under his administraon, the municipal government conducts monthly meengs with the Local School Board to address educaonal needs and foster collaboraon with prospecve stakeholders. Recently, a successful feeding program was held before the end of School Year 2023-2024 across dierent schools, ensuring that young learners are nourished and ready to excel. This also aimed to address malnutrion which could break the intergeneraonal cycle of poverty and hunger that impacts weaker child populaon. With this, the school feeding program helps families maintain their food security while supporng their child’s learning development. Mayor Lopez’s commitment to educaon underscores his dedicaon to building a more promising future for the children.THE VISIONARY AGENDAEDUCATIONAGRICULTUREINFRASTRUCTUREAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year113

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Environmental sustainability is very important to Mayor Lopez. Acvies such as Arbor Day are enthusiascally observed and involve the community. On Arbor Day, there are many trees planted as a symbol of development and a dedicaon to a more environmentally-friendly future. He believes that protecng the environment is crucial to the welfare of the present and coming generaons. Every tree planted and every green area restored demonstrates his dedicaon to environmental stewardship, promong a healthier and greener Asingan for all residents.Furthermore, a recent search for a Model Bio-Intensive Garden Gearing to Enhance and Sustain Transformaon in various barangays was conducted by the municipality to all barangays. Through this search, the LGU encouraged residents to implement bio-intensive gardening methods, which increase output while reducing environmental impact. In addion to showcasing cung-edge gardening techniques, it promotes a sense of community and responsibility for environmental care. The Municipality of Asingan was ocially declared drug-cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on August 22, 2023, marking a momentous milestone in the municipality’s pursuit of peace and order. The PDEA Regional Oversight Commiee for Barangay Drug Clearing Program formalized this laudable status through Resoluon No. 03, series of 2023. It is a testament to the unwavering eorts and cooperaon among local authories, law enforcement agencies and the community as a whole. In order to provide a safer and healthier environment for its cizens, the local government has successfully implemented extensive an-drug campaigns, awareness programs, and rehabilitaon iniaves. This accomplishment does more than just demonstrate the municipality’s dedicaon to curbing drug use.• Excellent Filipino Award for Naonal Outstanding Mayor of the Year (2024) • Philippine Carabao Center - Luzon Cluster Awardee (2024) • 2nd Place, CY 2023 SubayBayani Awards (Municipal LGU Category-Pangasinan for DILG and LGUs in Region 1) • Best LGU Implementer in Nutrion Program through MELLPI PRO (2023)• “Drug-Cleared” Municipality (2023)• DILG Regional An-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award (2023)• Awarded Honorary Local Chief Execuve, MOSLIV Awards (2022) • Most Outstanding Mayor Award (2021) • Seal of Good Local Governance Awardee (2016, 2017, 2019 and 2023) • An-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Awards (2020) • Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (2019) • Most Outstanding Municipal Councilor in Pangasinan • Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan Member (2009) The Mayor Francisco A. Sapigao, Sr. Memorial Sports and Cultural Center, which is situated in the town proper, has been designated as the main evacuaon center, is an important part of Mayor Lopez’s strategy on disaster preparedness. In addion to being prepared to assist residents, the municipal government has purchased tents to provide shelter and other basic essenals, ensuring a well-coordinated and ecient response to natural calamies. This program demonstrates the LGU’s commitment to creang a community that is fully prepared and responsive. A number of barangays received service vehicles from the local government unit. With increased eecveness and eciency, barangay operaons should be able to respond to constuent needs more quickly and provide beer services. These will further demonstrate the LGU’s dedicaon to empowering barangays and culvang a more interconnected and well-served populace by supporng a range of acvies, such as emergency response, community outreach, and local governance obligaons. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIPPEACE AND ORDERAWARDS:DISASTER PREPAREDNESSDISTRIBUTION OF BARANGAY SERVICE VEHICLES In an eort to improve public safety and well-being, the LGU Asingan has taken major acon to strengthen disaster preparedness. Strategies to guarantee that people are prepared for emergencies have been implemented during his administraon.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year114

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NATION BUILDERSIn the past year, the City Government of Parañaque, under the helm of Mayor Eric L. Olivarez, has implemented various groundbreaking iniaves and transformave projects that aim to upli every sector of the city, guided by the unwavering principles of the government plaorm: SERVICE, which stands for● S for SUSTAINED BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AND GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH● E for EDUCATION FOR ALL● R for REFORMATION OF YOUTH THROUGH SPORTS AND CULTURE● V for VITAL SOCIAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND GOD-CENTERED LEADERSHIP● I for IMPROVEMENT OF LIVES THROUGH LIVELIHOOD, HEALTH PROMOTION, AND HOUSING● C for CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE ENVIRONMENT● E for ENSURING PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC FACILITIESAWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. ERIC L. OLIVAREZMAYOR, CITY OF PARAÑAQUE115SUSTAINED BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT AND GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTHTo create and promote an enabling environment for investors to be aracted to invest in the City of Parañaque, the City Government established an Electronic Business One Stop Shop (e-BOSS) or known as Project Express Lane Operaon (Project ELO), where business applicaon, online assessment, and payment can be done.

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Further, the City Government also launched Online Miscellaneous Revenue Collecon System (OMRCS) in accordance to MMDA’s Single Tickeng System and adapted Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s (BSP) QRPh to strengthen online payment services. The City Government also collaborated with Ayala Malls Manila Bay to establish a service center where constuents can avail dierent services, including applicaon for health permit, building permit, Mayor’s permit to work, marriage cercate, death cercate, and payment of real property taxes, among others.In terms of nancial management, the City Government of Parañaque has received notable achievements and recognion due to its eecve management and safeguarding the city’s revenues and collecons. Among the awards received by the LGU are the following:● Unmodied Opinion from the Commission on Audit● Top 10 in 2023 Good Financial Housekeeping● Outstanding Local Government Accountant in PhALGA Excellence Award● 2022 AGAP Outstanding Accounng Oce Award● Ranked 6th place in terms highest locally sourced revenues in all LGUs in the PhilippinesAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year116

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EDUCATION FOR ALLEducaon is one of the City Government’s priories as Mayor Olivarez believed that it is the key in improving every constuent’s quality of life. Focusing on the educaon of children, the City Government provided free bags, worktext books, raincoats, and other school supplies to each preschooler. Students in kindergarten up to senior high school level were provided a monthly allowance worth Php500.00, while SPED students and Parañaque Science High School students received Php1,000.00 worth of monthly allowance.Meanwhile, public school teachers also received their Cost of Living Allowance worth Php4,000.00. On the other hand, the City Government connued to enhance and improve facilies in every public school, as well as construcng addional school buildings to cater more students.REFORMATION OF YOUTH THROUGH SPORTS AND CULTUREVITAL SOCIAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND GOD-CENTERED LEADERSHIPAside from educaon, the City Government also shapes the youth by involving them in various sports and promong the rich culture of the city. In the eld of sports, the LGU implements numerous programs and projects, such as conducng sports clinics, sports tournaments, and compeons like interdepartmental compeons in basketball, volleyball, badminton, bowling, and chess.In terms of promong the city’s rich culture, the City Government promotes it through conducng Senakulo, Komedya, Sunduan, and Sayaw ng Pagba, among others.In vital social services eorts of the City Government, it connued to provide care and assistance to its cizens who are marginalized, experiencing crises, or vicms of disasters or calamies. Among the iniaves taken by the City Government were:● Provided relief assistance and construcon materials to 2,284 families or 7,614 individuals aected by re;● Provided nancial assistance worth Php2,000 to Php5,000 to families who experienced crises under the City Social Amelioraon Program;● Provided various services to distressed individuals in the city’s four shelters; and● Established a Funconal Local Advisory Council related to the implementaon of the 4Ps or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.Because of these programs, Parañaque City has been recognized by the DSWD and DILG in the recent 2023 Local Commiee on An-Tracking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) and Local Council for the Protecon of Children (LCPC) for achieving a 90% rang on said funconality audits. Further, the City Government also distributed noche buena packs and SODEXO gi cercates as part of its Pamaskong Handog program. The City Government also organized free Kasalang Bayan and Binyagang Bayan under its God-centered leadership program.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year117

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IMPROVEMENT OF LIVES THROUGH LIVELIHOOD,HEALTH PROMOTION, AND HOUSINGOne of the signicant milestones in terms of the City Government’s eorts to provide employment opportunies to its constuents is the establishment of the Special Employment Program for Disadvantaged Parañaqueños or SEP-DIP, a localized version of the DOLE’s TUPAD where 1,174 residents have been provided with employment opportunies. Further, the LGU had provided livelihood packages to 257 direct beneciaries under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program or DILP. Because of this, Parañaque City was recognized by the DOLE as the Best Local Government Unit in DILP Implementaon.The City Government also connued supporng all 92 registered cooperaves with 54,243 cooperave members and due to this, the city of Parañaque was recognized by the Cooperave Development Authority as one of the most cooperave-compliant in the Naonal Capital Region, achieving the second rank with a rang of 87%. The health sector, on the other hand, is one of the focal points of the City Government to improve the quality of life for our residents. In relaon to this, one of the iniaves taken by the LGU is the launching of the PhilHealth KonSulTa: Alagang Parañaque for UHC, a one-stop-shop caravan that oers essenal PhilHealth services. The City Government is also the rst LGU to launch the Universal Health Care Card that can be used by the residents to access their medical records and to avail medicines in the city’s Boka ng Parañaque.In terms of nutrion programs, the City Government connued to monitor Severe Acute Malnourished and Moderate Acute Malnourished Children under the Infant and Young Child Feeding Program where beneciaries are being given ready-to-use therapeuc food and food packs. Because of this, Parañaque City was awarded with the 2nd Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award in 2023 by the Naonal Nutrion Council.The City Government also provided housing programs by implemenng housing projects for our residents, and each year, the number of homeowners who are Parañaque residents is increasing. Among the signicant milestones under this program are the following:● Granted Transfer Cercates of Title to 36 families as proof of ownership of the lands on which their houses are built;● Nine homeowners were issued Cercates of Full Payment; and● The LGU bought the 5.3 hectares lot in Sampaloc Site II Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year118

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ENSURING PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETYAND EFFICIENT PUBLIC FACILITIESUnder the City Government of Parañaque’s OSCA Cares Program, 57,402 senior cizens received their Birthday and Christmas cash gis, as well as the Christmas Gi Packs. Furthermore, they also enjoy the following services/benets:● Free parking in business establishments in the city and movie screenings which they can avail every Monday and Tuesday;● Complimentary diagnosc laboratory tests at public hospitals;● Cash assistance under the Pre-Centenarian/Centenarian Program; and● Burial assistance to the families of senior cizens who passed away.In terms of the LGU’s environmental eorts, the City Government regularly conducts vector clogging, mopping, garbage hauling, clearing, and ushing in various areas in the City, as well as coastal cleanups along the coast, especially at the Las Piñas Parañaque Wetland Park, and acvely involving and parcipang in the Manila Bay Cleanup, Rehabilitaon, and Preservaon Program. Due to this, the City of Parañaque was recognized as the Champion in Liquid Waste Management and ranked 3rd in the Search for the Most Improved Estero in Metro Manila or Gawad Taga-Ilog 2023. The City was also recognized by the Metro Manila Development Authority as one of the LGU with outstanding Solid Waste Management Iniaves.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year119

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NATION BUILDERSMayor Joenime B. Kapina’s road to mayoralty is paved with a lifeme of dedicaon to public service, a journey marked by a relentless commitment to serving others. He started o his mayoralty under the ng banner of “Serbisyong may Malasakit sa Kapwa at sa Bayan”. This pertains to his core belief that in order to eecvely lead, one must truly care, ensuring that people’s needs are met. He visits barangays, listens and takes prompt acons relave to their concerns and promotes unity and cooperaon, creang a strong sense and support among his people. A true-born Palimbangeño, Mayor Kapina was born on June 9, 1973 in Brgy. Colube, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat to his father, Hadji G. Usop Kapina and mother, Hadja Guinon L Badrudin. He lives with his common-law partner Ms. Myrna Casas and their only daughter, Princess Jomyrah C. Kapina. In his inaugural speech in June 30, 2019, Mayor Kapina promised to expedite progress and usher in a massive infrastructure development. True to his word, most projects were completed within a remarkable 100 days. His polical journey began in 1992 as Sangguniang Kabataan Chaiperson of Barangay Colube, eventually having been elected as Palimbang’s SK Federaon President. He connued to pursue a career in public service serving thrice as Sangguniang Bayan and culminang in him having been elected as Municipal Mayor in the year 2019. Since then, his “Aksyon Agad” leadership ushered in a new era of progress for Palimbang.PALIMBANG’S MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. JOENIME B. KAPINAMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF PALIMBANG, SULTAN KUDARAT121

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Connuing into 2020 and 2021, Mayor Kapina’s vision for Palimbang’s growth persisted, with notable projects like the connuing establishment and construcon of mulple Farm to Market Roads, Construcon of Mul-Purpose Buildings in barangays that need it most, Installaon of Street Lights along the Naonal Highway for a safer commute, Acquision of Brand New Heavy Equipments (Hydraulic Excavator, Backhoe Loader, Wheel Loader, Self-loading Truck with Trailer, 3 unit 10-Wheel Dump Truck) to expedite infrastructure projects, Construcon of Sanitary Land Fill and Residual Containment Area for an improved Solid Waste Management, an Agriculture Warehouse for the benet of the town’s farmers, Rehabilitaon of San Roque Wharf in support of the municipality’s shing sector, provision of Level II Potable Water System in barangays, gender-sensive comfort rooms to advance gender equality among many others that further solidies the town’s emergence as a progressive hub. Mayor Kapina earned the nickname “Aksyon Agad Mayor” or “Acon Man” for his dynamic and proacve leadership in Palimbang. He swily implements infrastructure projects, responds to emergencies and embodies his commitment to acon through the moo “Magandang Buhay sa Malayang Bayan”, promong a beauful life in a peaceful society. Here are some programs, projects and achievements, highlighng Mayor Kapina’s “Aksyon Agad” leadership, a commitment to high public service standard, to wit -• Fiscal Transparency and Accountability- Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping awardee for the years 2019 to 2023- Consistent issuance of an Unmodied Opinion in its Financial Statements by the COA for the years 2021-2023 reecve of its diligent use of public funds.• Disaster Resiliency & Readiness - GAWAD KALASAG Awardee by the NDRRMC – (2021, 2022 & 2023)- 1st provincial-wide to procure a Hydrological and Meteorological Staon in 2021 - Established a weather staon to enhance its capability for environmental protecon and disaster prevenon and response.- From a single old ragged ambulance in 2019, Palimbang’s LDDRMO now boast a eet of 4 Ambulances, 3 4x4 Rescue Pick-up, 1 Mul-Purpose Rescue vehicle, 2 Buses and 1 Rescue Speed Boat.• Social Welfare and Development- Awardee in the eld of Promong Women’s Welfare - GAD SEAL Award 2023, Ideal Level of Funconality in LCAT- VAWC – 2022 - Seal of a Child Friendly Municipality Awardee (Rank 2) provincial-wide- Construcon of PDAO Building - Awarded Recognion for the Level 1 – Beer Service Delivery by the DSWD- Construcon of a Drop-in Center or Walay Talusan to cater the Children-In-Conict with the Law and Children-At-Risk Mayor Kapina eecvely managed the COVID-19 crisis in Palimbang by mobilizing resources, forming a task force and ensuring frontline workers are well-prepared. A public awareness campaign and mulple vaccinaon sites led to the successful administraon of 8,123 vaccine doses in just three (3) days. His strategic management in distribung aid showcased his commitment to supporng the community in need, highlighng his compassionate leadership during challenging mes. The Kapina Administraon takes pride in its slogan “Manisan Ka Palimbang!” which is a Maguinandanaon phrase translated loosely in English as “Beauful Palimbang!” symbolic of its desire for a local government that fosters excellence and community well-being. A hundred days (100) days into his second term of oce in 2022, Mayor Kapina unveils a new state-of-the-art municipal hall, appropriately named in Maguindanaoan term “Municipio na Palimbang”, the new government center boasts essenal amenies like a re staon, a tourism oce, municipal plaza and a covered gymnasium highlighng the administraon’s commitment to holisc development and the well-being of the community. RISING ABOVE THE PANDEMICMANISAN KA PALIMBANG! – PALIMBANG’S ARCHITECTURAL RENNAISSANCETHE “AKSYON AGAD” MAYOR - TRANSLATING WORDS INTO ACTIONAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year123

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HALAL GOVERNANCE – STRENGTHENINGPUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCEENSURING SUSTAINABILITY IN GOOD GOVERNANCE• Peace and Order- Establishment of Kukum Kalilintad – a conict resoluon council led by the Mayor himself, composed of prominent datus, ulamas and ustadzes in Palimbang, contribung to the signicant decrease of peace and order issues in the municipality.- 2021 Naonal An-Drug Abuse Council Awardee- Full support to NTF-ELCAC • BOSS – Ease of Doing Business in Acon- Instuonalizaon of the BOSS (Business One-Stop Shop) Program - 181.42% increased in registered businesses from 2019 to 2024. • Environmental Sustainability- Approved 10 Year Solid Waste Management Plan (2018-2027) by the Naonal Solid Waste Management • Tourism Iniaves- Establishment of a Tourism Oce.- Municipal-wide tourism site mapping and capability building• Quality and Accessible Healthcare - SuperHealth Center construcon for an enhanced medical services.- Philhealth Accreditaon of LGU’s Health Services.- Procurement of new medical equipments- Provision of essenal medicines and expanded health services.- Zero-Open defecaon policy in all barangays with LGU support• Educaon and the Youth- Funding assistance to Deped and Sultan Kudarat State University- Support to Youth-related projects and programs of the municipality and its 40 Barangay Youth Council (SK).• Enhancing Human Resource Capability- Creaon of new posions for an enhanced public service delivery.• Leaving No One Behind – Local Civil Registraon Feats- No.1 in the Philippines - BRAP (Birth Registraon Assistance Program) - 20,000 new birth registraon with PSA copy for FREE in 2023.- Registered 99% of its total constuency.- 75% constuency registraon in the Naonal ID Registry as of 2024.• Agricultural Sustainability- Construcon of Agricultural Warehouse - Procurement of Elf-Truck for the Oce of the Municipal Agriculture- Establishment of a Municipal Nursery- Supports, assists and implements various naonal agriculture-related endeavors Formulated by the Mayor himself, the HALAL Governance Program was launched in March 7, 2024, aended by thousands of Palimbangeños. Halal Governance embodies the principles of acceptability and transparency, inspired by the naonal moo “Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa.” Rooted in his desire to reinvigorate ethics and moral standards in government service, Halal Governance priorizes integrity, honesty and community service. In alignment with the principles of Halal Governance, Palimbang has recently been conrmed as an awardee of the presgious Seal of Good Local Governance by the DILG. This achievement not only validates his commitment but also strengthens the municipality’s collecve eort towards transparency, accountability and excellence in governance. Guided by the mantra “Serbisyong may Malasakit sa Kapwa at sa Bayan”, Mayor Kapina sustains an indelible mark on Palimbang through his administraon’s connuing work towards progress and development. As Mayor Kapina himself stated, “Hindi natutulog ang serbisyo publiko”, teses to his unwavering dedicaon to public service. His proacve iniaves fostered a conducive environment for small and medium enterprises to thrive. As a result, the increased business acvity led to a surge in employment opportunies, boosng the local economy and enhancing livelihoods. By pioneering Halal Governance, Mayor Kapina sets a standard for ethical governance and inclusivity. While honored by the achievements of his administraon, he remains in his determinaon to realize his vision for a beer, progressive Palimbang. For Mayor Joenime B. Kapina, the pursuit of progress remains steadfast and unyielding.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year124

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NATION BUILDERSIn the heart of Pangasinan lies the municipality of Mapandan, a hidden gem seemingly unaected by the cluer of rapid progress sweeping through neighboring towns and cies. Once a quaint and rusc town, it was characterized for decades by its old-fashioned charm and slow pace of life. The townsfolk of the past were primarily engaged in farming, busying themselves with planng rice and corn. For decades, the establishments lining the town’s poblacion were small and modest enterprises that catered to the local community. Mapandan once had a ‘transit-only’ nature, with motorists merely passing through to neighboring towns. Today, Mapandan has become a beacon of progress and sustainability as it pulsates with economic acvies while shaping a beauful landscape. The man who ushered in the town’s metamorphosis is none other than Mayor Karl Chrisan F. Vega, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who worked in a nancial instuon in Dubai for seven years. In 2012, he returned to Mapandan to start a real estate and construcon business, and then later, he found himself immersed in civic work unl he became the number one councilor of Mapandan in 2019. His competence as a public servant became so evident that the people wanted him to lead their town. In the 2022 elecons, aer only one term as municipal councilor, he was catapulted to being the municipal chief execuve. Upon his assumpon of oce, Mayor Vega brought along with him his wealth of experiences acquired from both his corporate and government service.AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. KARL CHRISTIAN F. VEGAMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF MAPANDAN, PANGASINAN125

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The town initiated an efficient waste management program to tackle environmental challenges. A comprehensive garbage collecon and waste segregaon system was introduced, including educang residents on the importance of sorng waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories. Material Recovery Facilies (MRF) have been established, where the waste collected is further segregated for recycling, resale, or composng. To aain a sustainable environment, the mayor rallied all of its 15 barangays to parcipate in a “Clean and Green” program along with several ‘Clean-Up Drives’ and ‘Tree Planng Acvies’.BHEA: A FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTBASURAWASTE MANAGEMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTHEALTHGOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR ALL AGESEDUCATIONQUALITY, ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE LEARNINGEMPLOYMENTRESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAININGThe Vega administraon wants to transcend beyond the usual delivery of health services through a locally operated 911 Command Center and numerous ambulances and paent transport vehicles operang on a 24/7 basis. The municipality will partner with diagnosc centers in Mapandan to oer ultrasound, X-ray, ECG, and blood tests at an aordable cost, unburdening residents from the hassle of traveling to bigger health facilies in nearby cies. Under the Vega leadership, Mapandan has also constructed a Smulaon and Therapeuc Acvity Center (STAC) for its less fortunate residents with disabilies through the Cizens’ Bale Against Corrupon (CIBAC) Party-List for the construcon and the Philippine Honorary Consul to Queensland, Australia, for the needed facilies.The Vega administraon serves as a bridge between the educaon and employment sectors through career guidance counseling programs provided for graduang students who will embark on the labor market. Various capacity development programs have likewise been conducted in collaboraon with dierent government agencies to enhance the skills of the people. Ulmately, the provision of employment opportunies that match the capacies of its cizens will serve as one of its most reliable arsenals for baling poverty in all its manifestaons. Recently, Mayor Vega has allocated funds for capacity development (CapDev) programs such as those offered by Technical Vocational Initiatives (TVIs) through the Technical Educaon and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These CapDev iniaves have allowed the municipal government to support the townspeople, especially women, in sustaining the start-up livelihood projects oered by naonal agencies.ENTERPRISEEMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS WITH AN EQUAL OR GREATER OPPORTUNITY In collaboraon with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Region I, the municipal government of Mapandan has successfully constructed a new building that houses the town’s Negosyo Center and Pasalubong Center, where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can market and sell their Pandan-based cras and local delicacies. Furthermore, LGU-Mapandan has strengthened its partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as well as with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for various livelihood programs ranging from rice, street/frozen foods, meat processing, and dishwashing liquid-making. Several projects are also underway involving the provision of equipment, such as sewing machines, for the Mapandan Solo Parents Associaon.As the town ourishes, an increasing number of investors are eager to establish their businesses in Mapandan. Recently, the municipality welcomed the establishment of a prominent grocery store and several convenience stores, as well as a world-class shopping arcade: the Mapandan Town Center. With the emergence of new businesses in Mapandan, the Producers’ Bank has nally opened its 278th branch in the said town. The bank’s presence and services are expected to signicantly boost economic acvity in the municipality.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year127

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AGRICULTUREFOOD SECURITY THROUGH MODERN AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURECOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTINFRASTRUCTURE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS“INARON MAPANDAN AND MAY K ANG MAPANDAN” Agriculture remains the lifeblood of Mapandan. Mayor Vega has been helping local farmers enhance and modernize their farming techniques, thereby increasing their crop producon and income. Currently, the municipal government provides farmers with assistance ranging from solar-powered irrigaon systems to a consistent supply of essenal farm inputs such as corn and palay seeds, ferlizer subsidies, and machinery, including mechanical transplanters, tractors, and combined harvesters. To further support farmers, the local government unit is fast-tracking the construcon of farm-to-market roads needed to facilitate the transport of farm produce. Meanwhile, veterinary missions are regularly conducted to provide support to animal raisers.The integraon of sustainable pracces across various sectors has not only improved the quality of life for its residents but has also set a benchmark for other towns in Pangasinan. The principles of sustainable and greener living are at the core of Mapandan’s development strategy. With the development framework in motion, Mayor Vega is optimistic that his beloved town will connue to innovate and grow in the years ahead. He believes his administraon has planted even beer seeds encapsulated in his battle cries: “Inaron Mapandan,” the vernacular for “I Love Mapandan,” as well as “May K ang Mapandan,” where K can mean ‘Karapatan’ and other posive qualies such as ‘Kalinisan’, ‘Katatagan,’ and ‘Kasipagan’, spurring condence and inculcang the much-needed values in the hearts of Mapandanians. And, with his steadfast commitment and support from the people, Mayor Karl Vega believes Mapandan can sustain a balance between progress and preservaon, ensuring a prosperous future for generaons to come.Community engagement is also a crucial aspect of Mayor Vega’s eecve governance. He is commied to fostering an open line of communicaon between his administraon and the townspeople, thereby strengthening the social fabric of Mapandan. Through his public Facebook page, Mapandan for Every Juan (MFEJ), he keeps residents informed about relevant news and public advisories. Aer more than two years of running the aairs of the town, Vega’s leadership connues to be hands-on, inclusive, and dedicated to serving his constuents with unwavering commitment.Under his watch, Vega also improved the public market, complementing its physical transformation with policies to maintain its cleanliness and funconality while ensuring the health and convenience of both traders and buyers. Believing in the power of transformave reinforcement, Mayor Vega gave incenves and rewards to vendors for their compliance with maintaining cleanliness in their assigned market stalls. The reconstrucon and embellishments of the town plaza represent another signicant infrastructure development. It features an open-air auditorium, a tennis court, a children’s playground, and meticulously maintained landscaping, all designed to enhance residents’ and visitors’ enjoyment. What sets it apart from other public spaces is its Pandan-inspired design. Adorned with a spectrum of fesve colors, the tall Love Towers and Dancing Fountain come alive at night, delighng promenaders from dierent walks of life. During the Christmas season, the plaza transforms into the Kabaleyan Christmas Village, where people can feel the warmth and excitement of the Yulede season.The slope protecon of the Angalacan River bolstered the river system while ensuring the safety of the residents from ooding and soil erosion. Alongside this iniave are plans to construct the Angalacan River Park, which is envisioned to have a food park and shopping arcade along the riverbank, strengthening the tourism industry of the town. Also, through consultave meengs, Mayor Vega sought expert advice from renowned urban planner Archt. Felino A. Falafox, Jr., of Palafox Associates, as well as Dr. Nicolo Del Casllo, an architect, researcher, and head of the Environmental Architecture Studio Laboratory at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, for the construcon of edices that reect the town’s commitment to sustainable development without sacricing the cultural heritage. One of the inial undertakings of Mayor Vega was the reconstrucon of its new Welcome Arch. This imposing structure showcases the rich cultural heritage of Mapandanians, using the image of Pandan leaves as its central gure. Complemented by a large direconal sign, the arch seemingly beckons visitors and passersby to enter Mapandan and see its transformaon. At night, this edice glows with numerous arsc uplights. Aer reconstrucng the Welcome Arch, Mayor Vega’s administraon embarked on signicant strides in infrastructure development. He improved and illuminated roads, riverbanks, walkways near schools, and public facilies, ulmately ensuring the safety of commuters and enhancing the quality of life in general.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year128

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NATION BUILDERSMayor Alfredo M Coro II rst assumed oce on July 01, 2010, as a young Local Chief Execuve of the Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, with a vision for sustainable development, environmental conservaon, and community empowerment. SALAMAT GAJUD KARAJAW! Mayor JR as he is fondly called, transformed the Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte as a town that was onced recognized as “barrio” for its backward development to a cover of various transformave leadership online stories and magazines.AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. ALFREDO M. CORO, IIMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF DEL CARMEN, SURIGAO DEL NORTE129Mayor Coro priorized environmental protecon of key ecosystems to ensure sustainable development and equitable growth of the Del Carmen and Del Carmenons.Siargao It Up! The Del Carmen Mangrove Management Program: The program is aimed at promong environmental awareness and responsible management of the largest conguous Mangrove Forest in the Philippines. The program was recognized as one of the best pracces by the Galing Pook Awards Foundaon and became a model for community-led conservaon in the Philippines and in the World. LGU Del Carmen received local and internaonal awards such Masagana at Malinis na Karagatan (MMK) from BFAR, Best Mangrove Awards from the Zoological Society of London, INREM from the University of the Philippines, among others. The highlight of the transformaon was for the Del Carmen Mangrove Forest Reserve being recognized by the DENR as a Wetland of Internaonal Importance under the UN Ramsar Convenon.ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

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Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year130PUBLIC HEALTH GOVERNANCESeal of Health Governance Program: The Public Health Governance program of LGU Del Carmen which was conceptualized and instuonalized by Mayor Coro was a recipient of the Galing Pook Award. This iniave allowed for the barangay health leadership to implement innovave programs that will safeguard localized public health and promote the well-being of the constuents. The Last Mile Iniave of Mayor Coro is now focused on addressing adolescent health, persons with disabilies, HIV prevenon among LGBTQ, and senior cizens health. Social Innovaon for Health Iniave Awardee. Mayor Coro recognized the importance of a robust health governance system, especially in a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area like the Municipality of Del Carmen. Under his leadership, the municipality improved access to primary health care services by upgrading local health facilies, enhancing medical supplies, and expanding the services of rural health units. These social innovaons for public health was recognized by WHO, SIHI, ZFF and DOH with the Social Innovaon for Health Award and Health Leadership Awards.

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Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year131PUBLIC EDUCATION SERVICES DELIVERY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND CLIMATE RESILIENCEPEACE AND ORDER, DRUG FREE MUNICIPALITYAND COASTAL PROTECTIONEducaon Quality Improvement Program was the agship educaon iniave of Mayor Coro to complement DEPED covering formal educaon from Day Care to Senior High School of the Del Carmenons. The program focuses on facilies improvement, teacher development, access to learning materials and making educaon fun. These eorts lead to the successful annual Summer Reading Program, the Municipal Reading Libraries and Youth Led Sports Development. Surigao Del Norte State University – Del Carmen Campus. Mayor Coro directed LGU Del Carmen to support the transformaon of SNSU from a state college to a state university being the host of this presgious instuon. Under the collaborave partnership with Mayor Coro, SNSU established the Agriculture and Fisheries Program, Remote Impact Sourcing, Scholarship and Research Iniaves, and Infrastructure Improvement. ESPOIR School of Life. Mayor Coro reached out to potenal partners to establish an NGO led school covering K to 12 educaon that can introduce innovave learning pedagogies for DEPED replicaon. This program was awarded the Galing Pook Cizenship Awards in recognion for its contribuon beyond Del Carmen.Mayor Coro introduced disaster risk reducon (DRR) programs and the Incident Command System model that prepared the municipality for natural calamies, health pandemics and man-made disasters. Gawag Kalasag Awardee. Del Carmen is consistently recognized by the OCD and DND for its eorts in ensuring readiness and pro-acveness in addressing potenal risk from natural and man-made disasters. Led by Mayor Coro, the municipality had minimal casuales and recovered quickly from the COVID Pandemic and Super Typhoon Odee.Mayor Coro’s administraon invested heavily in peace and order programs, focusing on crime prevenon, coastal protecon, acon against illegal drugs and collaboraon with law enforcement agencies. Drug Freed Barangays and Municipality. Mayor Coro led the municipality and barangays in eorts to address reducon and eliminaon of illegal drug acvies that led to the recognion of PDEA with the An- Drug Council Award and Drug Freed Barangays / Municipality. Bantay Dagat, Bantay Gubat. Mayor Coro established community-based complimentary enforcement ocers to support monitoring of the crical marine ecosystems and the watershed forest of Del Carmen. These frontliners allowed the sustainability of the protecon of the key biodiversity areas leading to eco-tourism opportunies and food security.People’s Survival Fund Champion. Mayor Coro led the securing of funds from the Department of Finance and Climate Change Commission through People Survival Fund (PSF) under Republic Act No. 10174. Under PSF, Siargao Climate Field School for Fisherfolks and Farmers were constructed to help improve the capacity of local governments and communies to withstand the adverse impacts of climate change.Fish Forever Social Protecon Program. Mayor Coro’s administraon focused on improving social protecon of the people by improving access to social protecon programs of the naonal government: DSWD – AICS / 4Ps / Cash for Work, DOH – PhilHealth / Medical Assistance / Medicine, DOLE – TUPAD / SPES / TESDA Scholarships, Insurance – SSS, Pag-ibig, PCIC, Red Cross. Local Innovaons includes the Community Savings Groups for access to Cash and Community Farms for access to food.

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Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year132LIVELIHOOD AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTEFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE GOOD GOVERNANCEMUNICIPAL AND BARANGAYINFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT Compeve Municipality and Cies Index Awardee. The development of the business readiness and compeveness of the LGU Del Carmen lead to an annual recognion among the various tracks of the DTI led CMCI Awards. Del Carmen’s industries include Farming, Fishing, Tourism, Trading, Construcon and Creaves. Eco-Tourism Development: #delcarmenembracingnaturecreangadventures.Anchoring on the popularity of Siargao Islands, Mayor Coro led the conceptualizaon and implementaon of Community- Based Eco-Tourism Program for Mangrove Tours and Sugba Lagoon. The printed story of Del Carmen’s Tourism Programs was recognized by ATOP Pearl Awards for 2nd Best Tourism Event (Siargao It Up: Siargao Internaonal Marathon) and 2nd Best Tourism Magazine (Del Carmen Centennial Magazine). 1st Philippine Digital Nomad Summit. Led by Mayor Coro, the small town of Del Carmen and DICT organized the 1st Philippine Digital Nomad Summit in 2023 to lead the discussion of Digital Nomad Industry, Visa Issuance and new opportunies in the Creave Spaces.Mayor Coro took bold steps to reform the municipality’s nancial management system by invesng in human resources, digital transformaon and process development. Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping. Mayor Coro’s administraon from 2011 unl present is a consistent recipient good nancial review from Department of Interior and Local Government and Commission on Audit. Seal of Good Local Governance. Mayor Coro led the municipality’s focus on good governance and became a consistent Naonal Qualier leading to the SGLG recognion from 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022. CSC Dangal ng Bayan Awardee. Mayor Coro’s administraon adopted best pracces in local governance, ensuring that the municipality adhered to principles of transparency, accountability, and cizen parcipaon. His eorts were recognized by the Civil Service Commission with a Regional Dangal ng Bayan Award in 2023.LOCAL ACTION. GLOBAL IMPACT. The mantra of Mayor JR Coro has indeed exceeded its expectaons. Mayor Coro is a sought aer speaker in local and internaonal conferences to share the story of Del Carmen marking his leadership imprint in transformave and innovave local governance. Among his global impact as a global leader includes:• Speaking at various UN Conferences • Member of the Execuve Commiee of ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability• Champion of the Coastal500, a nalist of the EarthShot Prize Awards• Most Impacul Island Innovaon Ambassador, Island Innovaon Awards and Clinton Foundaon• One of 50 Faces of Exchange thru the Internaonal Visitor Leadership Program of the US State Department, US Embassy in the PhilippinesBRIDGING LEADERSHIP. The bridging leadership journey of Mayor Coro connues to inspire other local and global leaders, as Del Carmen remains a testament to the power of good governance and ethical - eecve – empowering public service. Mayor Jr remains a strong devotee to our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Father and Husband, and an advocate for Fairness / Equity in the Philippines.Ang Tanan Para Sa Tanan. Mayor Coro led the markeng and fund sourcing to support the massive infrastructure investment improving major road networks, Del Carmen Sea Ports and the Siargao Airport allowing access beer access to our communies. Municipal Infrastructure led to the improvements of public facilies for the new Municipal Complex, government oces, and improvement of tourism experiences with parks development.Community Driven Development Model. Focusing on the Barangay Public Facilies, Mayor Coro led LGU Del Carmen to complete the Barangay Halls, Covered Courts, Health Staon, Day Care Centers, Barangay Roads, Streetlights, Access to Electricity, Access to Portable Water and Elementary School Classrooms. These improvements were aimed at boosng the quality of life for the people of Del Carmen equitably in the 20 barangays of the Municipality with support from KC NCDDP Program of DSWD, DPWH, DOH and DILG.TAMBAYAYONG (Coming Together). The partnership and collaboraon approach established by Mayor Coro led to NGOs extending support to various barangays of Del Carmen for capacity building and infrastructure innovaon. Partners like MPIC, MPIF, Rare, SIKAT, USAID, EU, GIZ, FNF, WWF, United Naons Organizaons, AUSAID, CMB, Equity Iniave, etc allowed our programs to be replicated and scaled.

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NATION BUILDERSMayor Antonio V. Mariano serves as the Municipal Mayor of Marcos, Ilocos Norte, a posion that reects his dedicaon to public service and his commitment to the development of his community. Known for his dedicaon to public service, Mayor Mariano has been instrumental in driving various development iniaves aimed at improving public services, fostering growth, and enhancing the quality of life for his constuents. In 2019, Antonio V. Mariano was elected as the Mayor of Marcos, Ilocos Norte. “Let’s walk together, work together, and pray together towards a beer Marcos Town,” is his daily mantra. It encapsulates his approach to leadership, emphasizing unity, collaboraon, and faith as core values in serving the community. During his tenure, mulple awards across naonal level were given to the Local Government Unit of Marcos as well as the Mayor himself.The following are the awards given to the municipality: Year 2023- Seal of Good Local Governance Awardee- An-drug Abuse Council Funconality Award – Regional Level- Peace and Order Funconality Award – Regional Level- Subaybayani Awardee Regional Level – 5th place- Best Implemented 4P’s Program – Provincial Level- Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence Awardee- Most Compliant Slaughter – Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality Year 2022- Child Friendly Local Governments Audit- Special Awards on Malnutrion Reducon Program – Regional LevelAWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. ANTONIO V. MARIANOMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF MARCOS, ILOCOS NORTE133

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CLEAN WATER AND SANITATIONDECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: LIVELIHOODMayor Antonio V. Mariano doesn’t only foster good governance but he also provided a more conducive and appealing environment for the municipal employees. He also gave importance to their overall well-being in the placement of “Opmum Health 2021,” Ordinance No. 11-2021-043, for all municipal employees and ocials of the LGU Marcos in compliance to Secon 15, Arcle II of the 1987 Philippine Constuon. Through this, it boosted and improved the overall quality of work and service to the community leading to the qualicaon for the Seal of Good Governance in the year 2022, 2023, and a potenal passer again in 2024. Mayor Antonio V. Mariano’s approach to leadership is rooted in transparency, accountability, and acve engagement with the people of Marcos ensuring that projects and iniaves are eecvely implemented to address the needs and for the beerment of the community. In the year 2023, the construcon of level II potable water system at Brgy. Cacafean, Marcos, Ilocos Norte. This project involves the installaon of a Level II potable water system to provide clean and safe drinking water to local communities. It includes the construction of water supply infrastructure, such as distribuon pipelines, storage tanks, and a treatment facility. The system aims to improve access to reliable and high-quality water, enhancing public health and well-being in the far-ung area of Marcos. Addionally, immediate revival and reconstuon of the Marcos Water District to address the inadequate supply of water in the población area which was observed during the El Nino was a signicant step by Mayor Antonio to meet the essenal needs of the community, ensuring a reliable water supply for the well-being of the residents and the overall development of the municipality.In 2023, the Engineered Sanitary Landll was implemented. This project involves building a sanitary landll designed to safely manage and dispose of municipal waste. The landll will feature lined cells and leachate collecon systems infrastructure to prevent environmental contaminaon. The facility will help improve waste management in the area, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for the community.Mayor Antonio V. Mariano has been proacve in creang job opportunies and fostering economic growth in Marcos, Ilocos Norte. Recognizing the challenges of a fourth-class municipality, he has implemented several iniaves aimed at boosng local employment and smulang the economy.One of his key strategies is to encourage local entrepreneurship by supporting small businesses and local industries. He has facilitated access to micronancing and provided training programs to equip residents with the skills needed to start and sustain their own businesses. Through collaborave eorts with Technical Educaon and Skills Development Authority, these iniaves have led to the growth of local enterprises, creang more jobs within the community. Mayor Antonio V. Mariano iniated the provision of agricultural machineries and equipment to modernize farming pracces in Marcos, Ilocos Norte. This iniave aims to enhance agricultural producvity by providing farmers with advanced tools that make harvesng more ecient and less labor-intensive. By introducing modern farming equipment, Mayor Mariano supports local farmers in improving their yield and protability, contribung to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the municipality. He also appropriated support to tobacco farmers, tobacco ferlizers were procured under RA 7171 funds.In addion, Mayor Mariano has been working on aracng investments to Marcos by improving infrastructure and creang a business-friendly environment. His administraon has streamlined processes and oered incenves to potenal investors, making the municipality an aracve desnaon for business ventures. Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year135

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TOURISM PROLIFERATIONGENDER EQUALITY AND GAD INITIATIVESPEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONSCOMPREHENSIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMThroughout his administration, he has been actively working to boost tourism in Marcos, Ilocos Norte. His iniaves focus on promong local aracons, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. By enhancing infrastructure, organizing cultural events, and collaborang with local businesses, Mayor Mariano aims to make the municipality a more appealing desnaon for tourists. His eorts are designed to generate economic growth, create jobs, and upli the community while preserving the town’s unique identy.By invesng in educaon, Mayor Mariano seeks to empower the youth, improve literacy rates, and contribute to the long-term development of the community. His scholarship programs are designed to help students achieve their academic goals and prepare them for future opportunies.In 2019, Mayor Antonio V. Mariano successfully sustained a drug-free community during his tenure. This achievement reects his strong commitment to public safety and his proacve approach to addressing the drug problem in Marcos, Ilocos Norte. Mayor Mariano implemented various an-drug iniaves, including community-based rehabilitaon programs – Balay Silangan, increased law enforcement eorts, and awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of drug use. His leadership in this area has contributed to a safer and more secure environment for the residents of Marcos.These iniaves have contributed to a more vibrant local economy and have helped improve the quality of life for the people of Marcos.Mayor Antonio V. Mariano has shown a strong commitment to promoting gender equality in Marcos, Ilocos Norte. Understanding the importance of inclusivity, he has implemented several iniaves aimed at empowering women and ensuring equal opportunies for all, regardless of gender.One of his notable eorts is the establishment of gender-responsive programs within the municipal government. These programs are designed to address the unique needs of women in the community, providing them with access to resources, educaon, and employment opportunies. Mayor Mariano has also supported iniaves that oer skills training for women, enabling them to parcipate more fully in the local economy and enhancing their economic independence.In addion, Mayor Mariano has acvely promoted the inclusion of women in leadership roles within the local government. He has encouraged the parcipaon of women in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard and that policies reect the diverse perspecves of the community.Furthermore, under his administraon, the municipality has been vigilant in enforcing laws and regulaons that protect women from discriminaon and violence. The local government, under his leadership, has strengthened support systems for survivors of gender-based violence, providing them with the necessary resources and assistance.These iniaves reect Mayor Mariano’s dedicaon to fostering a community where gender equality is not just an ideal but a reality, contribung to a more just and equitable society in Marcos.Not only Mayor Antonio focuses on developing the municipality, he has also iniated educaonal programs focused on providing scholarships to deserving students in Marcos, Ilocos Norte. These scholarships aim to support students from various backgrounds, ensuring they have access to quality educaon regardless of their nancial situaon. Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year136

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NATION BUILDERSIn the heart of Negros Oriental lies the vibrant “Big Lile Town” of Jimalalud, where the inspiring leadership of Mayor Hazel C. Tuanda, RN, shines brightly. Aeconately known as the “mother of the town,” Mayor Tuanda’s journey is a testament to her enduring dedicaon to her community and her unwavering commitment to public service. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but also a powerful narrave of transformave leadership that has brought hope and progress to the people of Jimalalud. Born on March 11, 1976, in Dumaguete City, Hazel was profoundly inuenced by her father, Reynaldo V. Tuanda, the longest-serving mayor and public ocial in acve service in Jimalalud and Negros Oriental, respecvely. Hazel’s academic pursuits laid a solid foundaon for her future endeavors in public service. She studied at the presgious Silliman University in Dumaguete City, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. This educaonal background equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to address community development and welfare eecvely. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in polical involvement and community engagement, Hazel witnessed her father’s steadfast commitment to public service, which inslled in her a deep sense of civic duty and passion for community improvement. From a young age, she understood the transformave power of dedicated leadership and the posive impact it could have on people’s lives.EARLY LIFE AND INFLUENCESACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL JOURNEYAWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. HAZEL CORDOVA TUANDA MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF JIMALALUD, NEGROS ORIENTAL137

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In 2010, she was elected as a Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member of Jimalalud, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in local governance. During her term from 2010 to 2013, Hazel worked relessly to address the needs and concerns of her constuents. She advocated for iniaves to improve healthcare, educaon, and infrastructure in the municipality, demonstrang her deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the people of Jimalalud. Building on her success as an SB Member, Hazel’s leadership qualies and dedicaon to public service propelled her to the posion of Mayor of Jimalalud in 2013. Her tenure from 2013 to 2016 was marked by signicant achievements that brought about transformave changes in the municipality. One of her most notable accomplishments was the successful implementaon of the “Salintubig Water System,” a groundbreaking iniave aimed at providing clean and reliable water to every household in Jimalalud. This ambious project revoluonized daily life in the municipality, ensuring residents had access to clean and safe drinking water. The posive impact on public health and economic producvity was profound, as families could now focus on their livelihoods and educaon, fostering a thriving and vibrant community. Following her term as Mayor, Hazel connued to serve her community as the Vice-Mayor of Jimalalud from 2016 to 2019. In this role, she collaborated with local government ocials and stakeholders to address pressing issues and promote sustainable development in the municipality. In 2022, Hazel once again answered the call to lead her hometown as she was re-elected as Mayor of Jimalalud. Her current term has been characterized by a renewed focus on fostering economic growth, promong social welfare, and enhancing governance in the municipality. Hazel’s visionary leadership has connued to drive posive change, and her eorts have been instrumental in posioning Jimalalud as a model of progress and development. Between 2019 to 2022, Hazel played a crucial role in supporng legislave iniaves and programs aimed at improving the welfare of constuents across the district. Her ability to navigate the complexies of governance and her deep understanding of community needs made her an invaluable asset in this capacity. Her commitment to community welfare remained unwavering, and she played a pivotal role in advancing iniaves that beneted the people of Jimalalud. In 2019, Hazel’s experse and dedicaon to public service were recognized when she was appointed as a consultant in the Oce of Congresswoman Jocelyn S. Limkaichong, represenng the 1st District of Negros Oriental.RISE TO MAYORSHIP AND SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTSCONTINUING SERVICE AND COMMUNITY IMPACTRE-ELECTION AND VISIONARY LEADERSHIP One of Hazel’s most signicant ongoing projects is the Mega Project Jimalalud Port, an ambious iniave aimed at unlocking new opportunies for economic growth and development. This forward-thinking project reects her dedicaon to posioning Jimalalud as a key player in the region’s marime industry. The Jimalalud Port project promises to bring about substanal economic benets, creang jobs and boosng the municipality’s economic resilience.ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT AND COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE In addion to her roles in local government, Hazel has been acvely involved in various organizaons and councils, demonstrang her commitment to collaborave governance and regional development.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year139

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She has been a member of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), League of Municipalies of Negros Oriental, Vice Mayors League of the Philippines, and the Regional Development Council. Through her acve parcipaon in these organizaons from 2010 to the present, Hazel has consistently advocated for the interests of Jimalalud and worked collaboravely with other municipalies to address common challenges and opportunies. As an acve member of the League of Municipalies of the Philippines, Hazel played a vital role in advocang for the interests of Jimalalud and collaborang with other municipalies to address common challenges and opportunies. Similarly, her involvement in the Provincial Development Council enabled her to contribute to the formulaon of policies and programs that promoted sustainable development and inclusive growth in Negros Oriental. Throughout her career, Hazel has been the recipient of several awards and recognions for her exemplary leadership and dedicaon to public service. In 2013, she was honored with the Seal of Good Housekeeping - DILG Award in Manila, recognizing her commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. Addionally, she has been recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for her municipality’s good nancial housekeeping, receiving the Good Financial Housekeeping Passer award in 2022 and 2023. In addion to her numerous accolades, Hazel’s tenure as a public servant in Jimalalud has been characterized by a series of signicant achievements that have propelled the municipality forward. One of her notable iniaves is the establishment of high schools in remote barangays, ensuring that every child, regardless of their geographic locaon, has access to quality educaon. This commitment to providing equitable access to educaon has empowered Jimalalud baranggays and laid the foundaon for future generaons’ success. Moreover, Hazel’s focus on infrastructure development has brought about tangible improvements in the lives of Jimalalud’s residents. Through her eorts to improve and cement roads in remote and mountainous areas, she has not only enhanced connecvity but also facilitated easier access to essenal services and economic opportunies. These infrastructure projects have not only improved residents’ quality of life but have also bolstered the municipality’s economic resilience and growth potenal. Most signicantly, Hazel’s leadership has been instrumental in elevang Jimalalud’s municipal classicaon from a 4th to a 3rd class municipality. This transion reects the municipality’s sustained progress, economic stability, and improved living standards under her visionary governance. It serves as a testament to Hazel’s strategic leadership, prudent scal management, and unwavering dedicaon to advancing the municipality’s prosperity and well-being. Mayor Hazel C. Tuanda’s story is not just a narrave of personal achievement but a testament to the transformave power of leadership and service. In her, the people of Jimalalud nd not just a leader but a compassionate advocate and a steadfast ally in their pursuit of a brighter future. Her legacy connues to shape the landscape of Negros Oriental, making her an enduring symbol of hope, progress, and community empowerment. As we honor Mayor Hazel C. Tuanda, RN, as the Chief Execuve of the Year, we celebrate her remarkable contribuons to public service and her unwavering commitment to the people of Jimalalud. Her journey of leadership and service serves as an inspiraon to all, reminding us of the profound impact that honest, dedicated and compassionate leadership can have on a community. Through her visionary governance, Hazel has not only transformed Jimalalud but has also set a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a posive dierence in the lives of her Jimalalud constuents and the world.STRATEGIC VISION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTA LASTING LEGACY OF HOPE AND PROGRESSRECOGNITIONS AND ACCOLADESTRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES AND LEGACYAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year140

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NATION BUILDERSThe Aorney was Legislator of the 18th Congress from 2019-2021 and then stepped back into his role as City Mayor of Meycauayan tucking under his belt for his second term in oce a long-awaited legislaon, R.A. 11878, the establishment of the DOH OSPITAL NG MEYCAUAYAN. Henry was the eldest in a family of three born to a Chinese migrant, Quirino Villarica, and a tubong-Marileña, Pacencia Resurreccion. He became the rst lawyer in his family and the rst topnotcher from Meycauayan with a grade of 92.4% in the bar examinaons of 1971. The cum laude with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines married Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity’s muse and Phi Delta Alphan sis, Linabelle Ruth Ramos. Together they raised a family of four and prospered the family business, Villarica Pawnshop from its single branch since 1954 to over 600 branches naonwide. Ay. Henry Ressureccion Villarica was President and Chief Execuve Ocer of the Villarica Group of Companies from 1980 - 2016. While Linabelle was the rst to run for public oce in the Congressional race in 2010, Ay. Henry was soon sought to reverse the two-decade stagnaon of his home city. He secured an overwhelming mandate in his rst electoral race as “Atorni Henry” for City Mayor in 2016. It was a sharp turnaround for the city as on his rst year of service, the city government bagged the 2017 Good Financial Housekeeping and ranked #3 in Central Luzon Cies. “May magandang buhay sa Meycauayan!” is beer quality of life ever since a Villarica took its helm in 2016. Mayor Henry was voted to represent the 4th District of Bulacan in the 18th Congress for 2019 - 2021 while his wife, its former three-term Representave, in turn, became Mayor of Meycauayan. She forged through the pandemic years with her own roster of historic rsts for the city. Indeed, the presgious recognion from the Department of Interior and Local Government is evenly split between their periods of governance. In its rst Seal of Good Local Governance recognion for 2019, the city government had Ay. Henry as a Mayor for the rst half of the year while incoming Mayor Linabelle’s term began on its next half. Similarly, for the 2022 SGLG recognion, they had that reverse-switch when she served out her term as Mayor for the rst half of the year while Ay. Henry took over as a Mayor once again from the second half of the same year as Rep. Linabelle was voted to her fourth term, unopposed, as 4th Congressional District Representave of Bulacan.AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARATTY. HENRY R. VILLARICAMAYOR, CITY OF MEYCAUAYAN, BULACAN141

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Other school buildings expanded include those of Ubihan High School and Saluysoy Integrated School. The 3-storey, 6-classroom in Ubihan was completed in October 12, 2023 while the 4-storey 8-classroom in Saluysoy was completed in December 1, 2023. In Mayor Henry’s zeal, a slew of 12 school buildings rise, expand and upgrade within a three-year span for Meycauayan’s learning community. Other facilies launched include the P1.9 Million Dormitory for the BJMP-Meycauayan that was launched in November 29, 2023 with DILG USec Seran Barreo, Jr. as guest of honor for the benet of Persons Deprived of Liberty. Meanwhile upgrades to the 2.35 ha. Sports Complex built in 2019 with a rubberized oval track was completed with bleacher seats and a tennis court in December 18, 2023. The complex in Brgy. Banga includes the City Evacuaon Center which also doubles as an indoor gym in fair weather. Even the city’s rst public crematorium and mul-level niche columbarium in Brgy. Calvario, launched to address aordable interment demands by Mayor Henry in January 15, 2019, connues to be improved. A Social Protecon Program for Adolescent Mothers and their Children (SPPAMC) which began in 2022 as a pilot program for Central Luzon by the Populaon Commission & Development is now fully funded by the city government. Teen moms receive allowances for a period of six months and are also linked with the services of naonal agencies and the LGU for benets such as pre-natal check-up, alternave learning, livelihood programs, sexual health and reproducve educaon and others. The goal is to migate intergeneraonal poverty. Breakthroughs came about as the accreditaon of concerned civil society organizaons led to meaningful sectoral parcipaon in the LGU’s development councils. This has led to the funconal and highly funconal rangs of the councils for Peace & Order and the Barangay An-Drug Abuse, for instance. In no me at all, the LGU began to apply its learnings from DILG’s SGLG program to its barangays. In June 2023, the Manila Times Cies and Towns Awards recognized the Meycauayan Connect program of the DepEd Meycauayan, which was facilitated through the P100M city government Special Educaon Fund. It was iniated in 2020 under then Mayor Linabelle when public school educaon migrated to the onlineplaorm with the global health crisis. The IT Infrastructure connected all 30 public schools to the DepEd-Meycauayan central hub connues to be maintained under Mayor Henry as climate change impacts learning schedules. In August 24, 2023, Mayor Henry and Rep. Linabelle led the opening ceremonies for the PCCM’s Extension Campus in Brgy. Camalig, where the City Hall Annex is also located.On his second term, Mayor Henry connues iniaves by then Mayor Linabelle like the Teacher’s Professionalizaon Program that provides scholarships for teachers from DepEd-Meycauayan and its local college, the Polytechnic College of the City of Meycauayan (PCCM). Now on its 4th Year, scholars take up Master’s Degrees in Educaon in partnership with Meycauayan College which graduated the rst batch in August 12, 2024.Meycauayan’s SGLG-based annual Huwarang Barangay - Gintong Kawayan Awards with 2023 Winner of P500K, Brgy. Pandayan is honored by Mayor Henry Villarica (7th standing from right) by asking its outgoing and incoming Punong Brgys. Rolando Bulan (9th from right standing with Rep. Linabelle Villarica on his right) and Arsenio Lunaria (8th standing from right), respecvely to share the spotlight.Mayor Henry Villarica and Rep. Linabelle Villarica (10th & 11th) at the Kariktan ng Meycauayan Eco-Park with Department of Agriculture and local ocials launching the city’s Urban Agriculture Program.The Meycauayan Connect Program is awarded with the Educaon Hub in the 2023 Manila Times Cies and Towns Awards.Teacher-Scholars of the Meycauayan LGU for Master’s Degree in Educaon press on under Mayor Henry’s leadership.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year143

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Thus the Huwarang Barangay-Gintong Kawayan Awards was launched, paerned aer the SGLG criteria in December 20, 2022. Now on its 3rd year, the top barangay gets a P500,000 incenve while 2nd and 3rd place winners get P300,000 and P200,000 respecvely, to use for their barangay’s proposed development programs. Incenves of P50,000 go to barangays for the following performance areas: Peace & Order, Financial Administraon, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protecon, Business Friendliness & Compeveness, Environmental Management, and Tourism Heritage Development. Only those who accumulate an average of 80% qualify for the major prizes. The Local Governance Reform Project is another program that Mayor Henry Villarica entered into with his peer, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. Meycauayan became a pilot for Central Luzon in the Department of Finance program with an incenve from the Asian Development Bank in March 2023. The LGU qualied as it was fully tax mapped and updated with its Schedule of Market Value of Real Property. Among the outputs from the program is an electronic payment and collecon system as well as training for local valuaon sta. A consistent passer since 2017, the city government was cited for the 5th year in a row for the Good Financial Housekeeping in 2023 by the Bureau of Local Government Supervision and the DILG. It is a measure of nancial transparency which instutes the public reporng of budget and expenditure of local governments. Under the helm of Mayor Henry Villarica, the city government passed the rigorous reporng guidelines of the Commission of Audit.In his characterisc serbisyong walang pad, many other rsts were delivered in Meycauayan: the new city hall, a 5-storey building with helipad in a 6,000 sqm. area in the commercial heart of the city was launched to much fanfare in May 20, 2022. A shared vision, paved by Mayor Henry in his rst term in 2016, it was personally overseen by Mayor Linabelle to its compleon. Celebraons in December 10, 2024 also open the 5-hectare Kariktan ng Meycauayan Eco-Park to the public, the Operaons Center for Disaster Preparedness, as well as Meycauayan’s second Pabahay Project of 72 units for 72 former informal seler families. Meycauayan is commied to its vision of a highly-urbanized green city and the Jewellery Center of the Philippines, the benchmark of exemplary governance with inclusive social services where cizens are responsible, communies are safe and resilient and the economy is prosperous.In a nod to this direcon, the city government lands its third SGLG in a two-year consecuve win for the city, automacally qualifying it for naonal validaon in the next round of the annual recognion. It speaks well of the instuonalizaon of good governance in the city and the solid nish for Atorni Henry as he gears up for a third term as Mayor of the City of Meycauayan.Thus a steady phasing in under the DOH began with the launching of the Dialysis Center in November 18, 2022, followed by the Diagnosc Center that oered free laboratory services to indigent community members in August 14, 2024. Finally, on Meycauayan’s 18th Cityhood, Mayor Henry ocially opens the doors of the Ospital ng Meycauayan or “OsMeyc” to a cheerful throng of Meycaueños as a caring community of medical health professionals welcome them.Though momentarily enjoyed for only 45 days by the outgoing Cong. Linabelle, her building the Tanghalang Meycaueño and Heritage Museum elevated the cityhall to a cultural touchstone much appreciated not only by the returning Mayor Henry but by generaons of Meycaueños.Today, all eyes are on the adjacent 8,000 sqm. area by the city hall in MacArthur highway. The rising Naonal Government Center (NGC) broke ground in February 15, 2024. When completed by May 2025, it is expected to house naonal government agencies such as the NBI and GSIS, among others, for greater ease of access by Meycaueños. Commercial establishments and a jewelry center co-managed by Meycauayan jewelers shall boost tourism spending and make the NGC a self-liquidang enterprise.Clearly, the good Mayor has his sights on the future but he knows well enough the expression para kang dumadaan sa butas ng karayom when building a public hospital. Unlike other facilies, it is a 24/7 operaon that must adhere to the strictest standards of public health safety.City of Meycauayan Dialysis and Diagnoscs Centers in Ospital ng MeycauayanMeycauayan’s 2nd Pabahay, a 72 unit Project benets Informal Seler families.Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Mayor Henry Villarica (center) in MOA for the Local Governance Reform Project, March 2023.Mayor Henry supports local arsts’ annual exhibit in the Cityhall’s Heritage Museum.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year144

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NATION BUILDERSA Man of Public Service, Dignity and Integrity. Born on November 3, 1956, in Calamagui North, Santa Maria, Isabela, Mayor Hilario G. Pagauitan is a disnguished businessman, a dedicated public servant at heart, and a God-fearing leader whose words and deeds reect his deep commitment to the people. Raised in a modest family, he was profoundly shaped by the values inslled in him by his parents, Apolonio D. Pagauitan and Antonia M. Gabriel. The most important lesson they imparted was that there is no higher calling than public service, which holds the power to change lives and make the world a beer place. Mayor Pagauitan’s academic journey began at Cagayan Valley Instute of Technology, where he graduated as the class salutatorian in 1973. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Adamson University in 1979. Throughout his life, his commitment to educaon and personal growth reected his desire to contribute to society in meaningful ways.He is married to the Hon. Soa G. Pagauitan, who is also dedicated to public service as the elected Barangay Chairwoman of Calamagui North, Santa Maria, Isabela, and President of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB). Together, they are blessed with ve children—three daughters and two sons. His sons have followed in their father’s footsteps, serving the municipality of Santa Maria, while his daughters are esteemed members of the Board of Directors in their family’s mining companies. Mayor Pagauitan’s career ourished in the business world, but his civic and religious involvement helped him recognize his true calling. Proudly idenfying as a full-blooded Ybanag, he saw rsthand the needs of his hometown. Feeling the call for honest and seless public service, he stepped back from his thriving business career to dedicate himself to improving the lives of the people in Santa Maria.AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. HILARIO G. PAGAUITANMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA MARIA, ISABELA145

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In line with his commitment to progress, Mayor Pagauitan is spearheading the construcon of a modern four-story municipal building that will serve as a symbol of the town’s development and aspiraons. Infrastructure improvements, such as the construcon of farm-to-market roads and the beaucaon of public parks, will enhance the town’s connecvity, funconality, and overall appeal.Mayor Pagauitan’s ambious plans also include posioning Santa Maria as a spiritual and cultural center, with the establishment of the Saint Joseph Retreat House—the rst of its kind in Asia. This retreat house will not only oer spiritual solace but also aract religious tourism, further boosng the town’s economy.One of the key goals of his administraon is to elevate Santa Maria from a 4th class municipality to a 3rd class municipality, marked by sustainable economic growth. Through these bold iniaves, Mayor Pagauitan aims to create a thriving, self-sucient community that meets the needs of its people and paves the way for a prosperous future.THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF SANTA MARIAUNDER MAYOR HILARIO G. PAGAUITANThe people of Santa Maria are reaping the benets of the municipality’s remarkable development, which has garnered recognion at the naonal, regional, and provincial levels. This progress stands as a testament to the leadership and dedicaon of the Honorable Mayor Hilario G. Pagauitan.In acknowledgment of his outstanding contribuons, Mayor Pagauitan has been honored with several presgious awards, including the Dangal ng Bayan Award from the Civil Service Commission, recognizing him as the Local Chief Execuve of the Year. Addionally, Santa Maria has been celebrated as the Most Sustainable and Livable Municipality, highlighng the administraon’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The Department of Tourism Region II also commended Mayor Pagauitan for his exemplary support and signicant contribuons to the successful implementaon of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Program for the scal year 2023.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year147

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His administraon’s partnership in developing and promong both new and exisng domesc tourism opportunies in the Cagayan Valley Region during the scal year 2022-2023 further underscores Santa Maria’s growing prominence as a tourist desnaon.These accolades reect the collecve eorts of the community and Mayor Pagauitan’s unwavering dedicaon to fostering progress, sustainability, and excellence in public service. As Santa Maria connues to thrive, its residents can look forward to a bright future lled with opportunies.In addion to its previous accolades, the municipality of Santa Maria has garnered further recognion for its exemplary performance and dedicaon to public service. Notably, it received the PHALGA Excellence Award, which exemplies the ideals of the Philippine Associaon of Local Government Administrators (PHALGA). This presgious award was given in recognion of the municipality’s achievement of an Unmodied COA Audit Opinion on its 2022 nancial statements, reecng the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in nancial management.Santa Maria was also honored with the DSWD Panagyaman Award 2024 for its unwavering support and signicant contribuons to the programs and services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This recognion underscores the municipality’s commitment to improving the welfare of its residents through acve parcipaon in vital social programs.Furthermore, the municipality was conferred the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance, an outstanding acknowledgment of Santa Maria’s dedicaon to transparency, accountability, and excellence in local governance. This award, tled “Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal ng Santa Maria, Isabela,” highlights the municipality’s steadfast commitment to public service and community development.Addionally, Santa Maria received a Plaque of Recognion in 2023 from the Oce of the President’s Inter-Agency Commiee on An-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) for its exceponal support and iniaves in implemenng a drug-free workplace. This award demonstrates the municipality’s proacve approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.These honors reect the collecve eorts of the local government and the community in fostering a culture of excellence, transparency, and integrity, further solidifying Santa Maria’s reputaon as a model municipality in the region.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year148

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NATION BUILDERSUnder the leadership and administraon of Mayor Jeannie N. Sandoval, the Local Government of Malabon has implemented a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing various aspects of sustainable development, contribung signicantly to the achievement of the United Naons’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through programs and iniaves spanning social services, economic empowerment, healthcare, disaster resilience, and infrastructure development, the city government is working towards ensuring inclusive growth, resilience, and improved quality of life for all its residents.This innovave electronic nancial system and universal card oer seamless access to social and nancial services, providing ecient e-currency soluons and online payments. By implemenng a no-means-tested approach, the MABC ensures inclusivity, addressing social inequalies and promong equitable access to essenal services, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalies). Recognized by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as a nominee for good governance pracces, the MABC has become a vital social safety net. It provides quarterly nancial assistance, which enhances the economic security of each Malabon household and helps address poverty, directly contribung to SDG 1 (No Poverty). In 2022, the Malabon Ahon Blue Card (MABC) was introduced, revoluonizing access to social services in Malabon. EQUAL RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SERVICES:MALABON AHON BLUE CARDAWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. JEANNIE N. SANDOVALMAYOR, CITY OF MALABON149

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As of 2024, 83,434 households out of the targeted 94,000 (or 89%) benet from food, nancial, hospitalizaon, and burial assistance available through the Blue Card, with Php 206.38 million distributed to beneciaries. This system not only supports residents but also enhances government eciency by reducing transacon costs, securing electronic payments, and saving resources. Through the MABC, Malabon exemplies SDG 16 (Peace, Jusce, and Strong Instuons) by promong transparent governance and people-centered service delivery.POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMSLAND FOR THE LANDLESS AND SOCIALIZED HOUSINGThe local government’s eorts to reduce poverty and enhance livelihoods are further evident through its collaboraon with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment and Services Oce (PESO) under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ang Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. Nearly 1,350 Malabueños, many from shing communies, have beneted from this program, receiving 20 motorized boats to sustain their livelihoods. The provision of motorized boats not only strengthen local sheries but also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creang sustainable employment. Beyond tradional employment, the TUPAD program fosters creavity through job iniaves like tourist desnaon beaucaon, painng projects, and food cart distribuon, all contribung to the overall enhancement of the community. These innovave eorts to reduce unemployment have garnered numerous awards from DOLE, further underscoring Malabon’s leadership in job creaon and workforce development. Through these programs, Malabon not only alleviates poverty but also enhances the economic resilience of its cizens, aligning with SDG 1 and SDG 8.Housing security is a crical aspect of poverty reducon and community resilience. To address the housing needs of informal seler families (ISF), the City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) and the Community and Urban Aairs Oce (CUPAO) have joined forces to provide land and socialized housing. With over 8,354 ISF families in need, iniaves like the St. Gregory Homes in Brgy. Panghulo and the Malabon Ahon Housing Project in Brgy. Tinajeros aims to oer decent housing and secure land ownership, directly contribung to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cies and Communies). By awarding Cercates of Entlement for Lot Allocaon (CELA) to 575 families, Malabon is enabling its less-privileged residents to gain access to secure land ownership, a signicant step in promong social equity and reducing poverty. These housing programs not only provide shelter but also foster a sense of community, improving the overall well-being of families and contribung to the city’s long-term sustainable development goals.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year151

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Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year152OSPITAL NG MALABON AS MALASAKIT CENTERBUILDING RESILIENCE AND ADAPTIVE CAPACITYHealthcare is a fundamental human right, and Malabon City has taken signicant steps to ensure that healthcare services are accessible to all its residents, especially the marginalized. The Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Malabon serves as a hub for providing healthcare and social assistance by facilitang streamlined communicaon between healthcare providers and nancial aid agencies, such as PhilHealth, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). By centralizing nancial and medical assistance in one locaon, the Malasakit Center addresses a major barrier to healthcare access—nancial constraints—thereby contribung to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). As of August 2024, the center has served 51,054 paents, ulizing Php 54.49 million in nancial aid. With remaining funds and potenal addional resources, the center connues to expand its services, ensuring that more Malabueños receive the healthcare they need. The city’s commitment to health as a priority, alongside partnerships with naonal healthagencies, ensures that healthcare is accessible and equitable for all, further aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalies) and SDG 3.CENTRAL COMMAND AND COMMUNICATION CENTERDisaster resilience is a crucial aspect of sustainable urban development, and in 2023, Malabon City took a signicant step forward with the inauguraon of its Disaster Operaons Center. This 24/7 command and communicaon hub is 1 equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including CCTV monitoring, an ambulance dispatch system, and life-saving equipment, enabling swi and eecve responses to emergencies. By providing a centralized locaon for monitoring citywide acvies and coordinang disaster response, the center strengthens Malabon’s ability to respond to and recover from accidents and natural disasters, directly contribung to SDG 13 (Climate Acon). Through its advanced feedback and response mechanism, the Disaster Operaons Center promotes community engagement and collaboraon, allowing residents to report issues and receive mely responses. This iniave enhances the city’s ability to safeguard lives and protect properes, addressing vulnerabilies and contribung to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cies and Communies) by ensuring that Malabon is more resilient and adapve to the impacts of climate change.

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STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY: TXT MJSCommunity engagement is a cornerstone of eecve governance and sustainable development. Malabon City’s TXT MJS (Text Mayor Jeannie Sandoval) iniave, launched in January 2023, empowers residents by providing a plaorm to report emergencies, le complaints, and oer suggesons. Through SMS and call channels, cizens can directly communicate with the local government, which ensures that feedback is addressed within 24-48 hours. With 3,260 reports processed and 99.2% of cases resolved in a mely manner, theTXT MJS system exemplies transparent and accountable governance, promong SDG 16 (Peace, Jusce, and Strong Instuons). By involving the public in decision-making processes and providing swi resoluons to their concerns, Malabon City strengthens the relaonship between the local government and its constuents, fostering trust and ensuring that community needs are met eecvely.FLOOD MITIGATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTFlooding is a perennial challenge for Malabon City, and the local government has made signicant strides in addressing this issue through infrastructure development. The City Engineering Oce has spearheaded the rehabilitaon of key pumping staons—Gabriel, Jacinto, and Bernadee—as well as evacuaon centers in Brgy. Bayan-bayanan and Brgy Longos. These iniaves have signicantly reduced the impacts of ooding, safeguarding livelihoods, protecng properes, and saving lives. By invesng in resilient infrastructure, Malabon contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovaon, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cies and Communies). These infrastructure improvements not only migate the risks associated with ooding but also create a safer, more secure environment for the city’s residents, ensuring that communies can thrive even in the face of environmental challenges.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year153

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Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year154MALABON CITY E-LIBRARY / INTELLIGENT TUTORING SYSTEMThe Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promong SDG 4 (Quality Educaon) through personalized e-learning for disadvantaged communies, ensuring equitable access to educaon and empowering students to learn at their own pace.Addionally, by providing teacher training, IT infrastructure, and support, the ITS helps reduce educaonal inequalies, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalies), while fostering inclusive and sustainable educaon systems, contribung to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cies and Communies)The Local Government of Malabon’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development reects its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By enhancing social services through the Malabon Ahon Blue Card, promong employment through poverty alleviaon programs, ensuring healthcare access through the Malasakit Center, building resilience with its Disaster Operaons Center, and addressing ooding through infrastructure projects, Malabon City is acvely working toward creang a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable community. Through these iniaves, the city is not only improving the quality of life for its residents but also contribung to the global eort to build a more sustainable future for all.

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NATION BUILDERSCotabato City is undergoing a transformaon unlike any other in its history, led by the decisive leadership of Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Dela Cruz Matabalao. Known for his slogan “Para sa Lahat, Aksyon ang Solusyon,” Mayor Matabalao has been relentless in delivering concrete results for all Cotabateños, regardless of their background or status. His administraon’s achievements are backed by solid gures, reecng the progress and impact of his leadership. The numbers tell a story of a city rising, one that has embraced inclusivity, economic growth, and quality public services, all anchored on acon and soluons.One of Mayor Matabalao’s most signicant achievements is Cotabato City’s leap from a third-class to a rst-class city, an upgrade driven by substanal nancial growth. Under his leadership, the city’s revenue skyrocketed, with tax collecons surpassing ₱1.6 billion, a record-breaking gure in Cotabato’s history. This gure is a 70% increase from previous collecons, a testament to the condence businesses and cizens alike have in the city government’s transparent and ecient governance. This growth has been fueled by proacve measures aimed at simplifying the business permit process, creang a more business-friendly environment that encouraged new investments. Over 300 new businesses were registered in the city since the beginning of his term, contribung further to Cotabato City’s booming economy.COTABATO CITY RISING: MAYOR BRUCE MATABALAO’S GAME-CHANGING LEADERSHIPECONOMIC GROWTH: FROM THIRD-CLASS TO FIRST-CLASSAWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. MOHAMMAD ALI “BRUCE” C. MATABALAOMAYOR, CITY OF COTABATO, MAGUINDANAO PROVINCE155

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Healthcare is oen cited as one of the biggest concerns of cizens, and Mayor Matabalao has made groundbreaking strides in this area. Prior to his administraon, Cotabato City allocated only ₱1 million for free hospitalizaon coverage, a gure that was far from sucient to cover the needs of the city’s populaon. Recognizing the importance of accessible healthcare for all, he expanded the city’s free hospitalizaon program to a staggering ₱50 million. This 4,900% increase has provided life-saving medical services to over 20,000 Cotabateños in just two years, ensuring that nancial barriers no longer prevent cizens from receiving the care they need. In addion to expanding free hospitalizaon, Mayor Matabalao introduced free medicines and medical supplies to barangay health centers. Since his administraon began, more than 50,000 residents have beneted from these services, signicantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for families in need of medical assistance.Ensuring peace and security in Cotabato City has been another top priority. Mayor Matabalao’s acve involvement in resolving local conicts, especially clan feuds (rido), has led to the peaceful selement of three (3) our of ve (5) recorded rido cases in Cotabato City, directly impacng more than 3,000 families who were previously living in fear of violence. His work in peacebuilding extends beyond mediaon, as he has invested heavily in the city’s law enforcement capabilies. In just two years, Cotabato City saw a 35% reducon in crime rates, largely due to the mayor’s iniaves in increasing police visibility and providing modern equipment to law enforcement. The local police force received 15 new patrol motorcycles, and CCTV cameras were installed across key areas in the city. The improved security infrastructure has led to a dramac decrease in street crimes, parcularly in public markets and transportaon hubs.Mayor Matabalao’s innovave “City Hall sa Barangay” program has redened how local government services are delivered. The program decentralizes city services, bringing them directly to the barangays, so that residents no longer have to travel to the city hall for basic services. Cotabato City is undergoing an infrastructure boom, driven by Mayor Matabalao’s goal to modernize the city. In the last two years, the city government has completed 30 kilometers of new roads, providing beer access to remote barangays and easing congeson in commercial districts. Flood migaon projects have been a parcular focus, given Cotabato’s vulnerability to heavy rains and rising water levels. The city government has started the rehabilitaon of drainage systems, signicantly reducing ood incidents in key areas. Mayor Matabalao’s administraon also allocated ₱30 million for ongoing ood control measures, which include upgrading levees and building retenon ponds.This iniave has saved cizens thousands of hours in travel and waing me, as city services are now more accessible than ever. Since the program’s launch, over 5,000 service requests have been processed in the barangays, ranging from business permits to civil registry services. In total, 15 barangays have beneted from the program since its incepon in January 2024, which also includes legal consultaons, health services, and livelihood seminars.Educaon is another area where Mayor Matabalao has enacted dramac change. Under previous administraons, scholarship opportunies were oen limited and skewed by polical favorism. Today, the city’s scholarship program is based on merit and is available to students in all 37 barangays. Since its expansion, more than 5,000 students have received scholarships, a sharp rise from the 800 beneciaries in previous years. This represents a 525% increase in the number of young Cotabateños given the chance to pursue higher educaon, regardless of their family’s nancial situaon.HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION: FROM 1 MILLION TO 50 MILLIONPEACE AND ORDER: A SAFER COTABATO CITYSCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL: EQUAL ACCESS TO EDUCATIONINFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING A CITY FOR THE FUTURE“CITY HALL SA BARANGAY” PROGRAM: BRINGINGSERVICES CLOSER TO THE PEOPLEAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year157

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Public spaces are another area of development. The city is now home to newly developed children’s parks, providing families with green spaces for recreaon. These parks were designed with input from the community and have quickly become gathering spots for families, fostering a stronger sense of belonging among Cotabateños.Mayor Matabalao’s leadership philosophy, captured by his slogan “Para sa Lahat, Aksyon ang Solusyon,” focuses on delivering results through immediate, praccal soluons. His administraon’s data-driven approach to governance has made a measurable dierence in the lives of the city’s residents. Whether it is the reducon of crime, the increase in healthcare access, or the expansion of educaonal opportunies, Mayor Matabalao’s administraon has consistently translated plans into acon, proving that real progress happens when leaders priorize outcomes over rhetoric.In just a few years, Cotabato City has evolved into a model of inclusive development and eecve governance. Mayor Matabalao’s focus on data, transparency, and decisive acon is transforming the city into a thriving hub for business, educaon, and social welfare. As Cotabateños look toward the future, they do so with condence, knowing that their city is in capable hands, led by a leader who truly believes in the power of acon to bring about change for all.Under the unwavering leadership of Mayor Bruce Matabalao, Cotabato City is no longer just dreaming of progress—it is living it. With bold reforms, groundbreaking iniaves, and a relentless focus on delivering real results, the city is proving that “Aksyon ang Solusyon” is not just a slogan but a way of life. From record-breaking tax collecons to revoluonary healthcare access, Cotabato City is seng the standard for inclusive growth. Every number tells a story of transformaon, every project reects a commitment to the Cotabateños. Cotabato City is rising, and with Mayor Matabalao’s unstoppable leadership, there is no limit to what comes next. Born and raised in a vibrant and diverse community, Mayor Bruce developed a profound appreciaon for the diverse cultures and tradions that shape his city. He began his public service career as a councilor, where he quickly gained recognion for his passionate advocacy on behalf of his constuents. During his me in the City Council, he championed various iniaves aimed at improving local infrastructure, enhancing educaonal opportunies, and fostering economic growth. His commitment to transparency and accountability resonated with the people, earning him their trust and respect.As a councilor, Matabalao was not only a legislave leader but also a community organizer. He frequently engaged with residents, listening to their concerns and working relessly to address their needs. His approachable nature made him a familiar face in neighborhoods, where he facilitated dialogues and encouraged acve cizen parcipaon in local governance. This deep connecon with the community laid a solid foundaon for his future endeavors.In recognion of his dedicaon and the posive impact of his iniaves, Mayor Bruce was elected mayor of Cotabato City. His ascent to this prominent posion marked a signicant milestone in his public service career. As mayor, he embraced the opportunity to implement broader changes that could further elevate the city and its residents. Matabalao priorized essenal services, invesng in health, educaon, and infrastructure.Under his leadership, signicant projects were launched to modernize public facilies and improve access to basic services, making Cotabato City a more livable and vibrant place. Matabalao’s passion for public service extends beyond tradional governance; he acvely fosters collaboraon among various sectors, including non-governmental organizaons, businesses, and community groups. By building partnerships, he has been able to amplify the impact of his iniaves, creang a more inclusive environment where everyone has a stake in the city’s progress. Throughout his tenure, Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao has exemplied what it means to serve with passion and integrity. His journey from councilor to mayor illustrates not just his personal growth but also his deep commitment to upliing the lives of others. His enduring belief in the power of community engagement and collaboraon connues to inspire those around him, making him a respected leader in Cotabato City. As he looks to the future, Matabalao remains steadfast in his mission to foster a city that thrives on unity, progress, and inclusivity. His legacy of service is one of love for his community—a love that movates him to work relessly for the beerment of Cotabato City and its people.AKSYON ANG SOLUSYON: LEADERSHIP THROUGH ACTIONPASSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICEAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year158

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NATION BUILDERSMayor Richard Agregado Degala, a resident of Barangay 24 Alsem, Vintar, is himself the agent of change, as he seeks to fulll what he has promised his constuents: “Durasen, Vintaren!”” to become a reality in a variety of ways before his elecon as the Local Chief Execuve of his hometown Vintar!Mayor Degala has been devoted to public service since the beginning, sacricing me for his family and, subsequently, his company. Despite being torn between his personal life as a family with his wife and only daughter and public duty, he remained a country kid of tenacity, hardwork, honesty, humility, and a devout Chrisan. “Ti tao a saanna ammo a taliawen  naggapuanan na, saan a makagteng i papannana.” This Ilokano adage movated and encouraged Mayor Degala to run in the 2013 elecons, becoming the youngest Punong Barangay to lead Barangay 24 Alsem since December of that year. By that me, the wealthy businessman who managed more than twenty stores from the south to the north thought that the perfect moment was a “one big opportunity” that would occur in his lifeme. Aside from the delicious win, it also brought a tremendous deal of responsibilies. He established Barangay Alsem as a hub for good governance, sustainability, development, and innovaon. He further remembers that what makes him dierent in extending public service is how he dwelt in the faithfulness of God. “The Lord trusted me so much to be able to share my life, and for that I cannot waste every opportunity with the Lord,” he said. His concept of leadership is “Serbisyo a Napudno, Nadur-as a Barrio” and it le an impact how he implemented programs and projects, as well as the recognions and amplicaons of their accomplishment during his term, can be claimed as extra-ordinary – and later, made his way to win an overwhelming victory during the mayoralty elecons in 2022.AWARDED HONORARYLOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE YEARHON. RICHARD A. DEGALAMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTE159THE HUMBLE BEGINNING

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To chronicle the political life of an achieving Local Chief Execuve in Vintar is inspiring. Mayor Degala possesses compeve and fundamental knowledge not to compete with others but he has the ability to cooperate and relate with others, especially in achieving the dierent projects and programs that benets the people of Vintar.The new mayor of the local government, Richard Agregado Agpalza Degala, aims to faithfully serve his constuents and demonstrate his commitment to service. He believes that public service is temporary, and his sincerity, hard work, and service will remain in the hearts and minds of the constuents. During his term as Punong Barangay, he carried his principle of service, “Serbisyo a Napudno, Nadur-as a Barrio,” which translates to “Durasen, Vintaren!” He is deeply rooted in his faith in God and is commied to giving his best for all Vintarinians, including young hopefuls. The “Dur-asen, Vintaren” mantra has signicantly impacted the implementaon of acvies, programs, and projects, recognizing the contribuons of benevolent balikbayan and developing well-rounded Vintarinians. Mayor Degala directs his administraon to ensure local government services are delivered with speed, integrity, and eciency. TURNING POINT AND THE MIDAS TOUCHAwarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year160

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Mayor Degala is dedicated to serving his constuents, focusing on their well-being and life. The local government’s mission and vision are being realized through various initiatives, programs, and projects. Support for his administraon comes from the Provincial Government led by Governor Mahew Joseph Marcos Manotoc and the Congressional Oce of the First District of Ilocos Norte, led by Hon. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Araneta Marcos.Since taking office as Local Chief Execuve, his midas touch has been evident in various infrastructure projects in the municipality, including bridges, farm-to-market roads, water dams, ood controls, irrigaon, solar dryers, and bunkhouses for agricultural facilies. Addionally, Don Unn and Tereza Parks are being renovated to promote economic advancements, with state-of-the-art lighng, sound systems, and a renovated auditorium.The mayor of the town has focused on agriculture, implementing local and naonal greening programs with support from the Department of Agriculture (DAR), the Community, Environment and Natural Resources Oce (CENRO), and other government agencies. Farmers receive assistance from the local government, including seed and fertilizer distribution per crop season, resulng to increased yields and harvests. In his rst year, he iniated eorts to design the best municipal landll in the Ilocos Region, ensuring the best possible outcome for the local economy. Mayor Degala provides calamity assistance to the agriculture sector, including the construction and rehabilitaon of damaged water systems, provision of water hoses and pumps and other agricultural inputs for farmers, other than those coming from the provincial government. He also procures farm machinery for tobacco farmers and backhoes, dump trucks, atbeds, and drilling rigs for engineering works.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year161

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Youths also enjoy various programs and skills trainings, including those for out-of-school youths and non-government organizaons. Mayor Degala has also passed an ordinance allowing college students to receive a spend every semester, and the Local Youth Development Oce (LYDO) conducts a program to award and incenvize graduang students with Lan Honors.The mayor also priorizes the women sector, providing trainings and capital for livelihood projects. Educaon is a top priority for the LGU, with kindergarten pupils to high school students receiving supplies yearly and schools receive Brigada Eskwela supplies, by virtue of an ordinance he asked to be passed for their benet. School buildings are being built, water waste treatments implemented, and a new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is being constructed. The health sector is another priority, with the Super Health Center set to open soon with the assistance of the Department of Health Regional Oce I. The Rural Health Unit clienteles connue to grow in numbers now enjoy quality service from the municipal health praconers. More so, unnished health centers in dierent barangays are being completed with the help of the DOH. Meanwhile, the Tamdagan District Hospital will operate for 24 hours aer Mayor Degala signed an agreement with the provincial government to provide addional nurses and a driver for the hospital. Social Services are never neglected by the administraon of Mayor Degala. The Local Government Unit (LGU) in Vintar has signed a memorandum of agreement with Black Nazarene Hospital, Karmelli Hospital, and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center to provide healthcare services to paents. The LGU maintains a trust fund for indigents and low-income earners, and has implemented the MEDICARE Para sa Masa Program. Senior Cizens receive their increased social pension since this year, too. Centenarians also receive cash gis from the municipal government. Burial Assistance of Php 15,000.00 will be given to qualied beneciaries aer an ordinance is approved. Mayor Degala has supported disaster risk reducon preparedness, as well, evaluang and validang situaonal reports himself even during typhoons. What is heartwarming is the fact that the DRRMO of Vintar has been awarded the Gawad Kalasag by the naonal and regional DRRM. The LGU and the MDRRM Oce have handed down DRRM Equipment and Modules to the 34 barangays. The Municipal Evacuaon Center is nearing compleon, and the LGU has procured disaster rescue, re, water trucks; and soon a mobile kitchen truck during his rst term as mayor.The coage industry is expected to expand as various sectors parcipate in livelihood and training programs. The “One Town, One Product” has been adopted, generang extra income. The Siwabel, a loom weaver’s trademark, is proud to carry Vintar Inabel. The Basahan Project, housed within a municipal building and funded by the LGU, connues to employ members and sewers, supplying products to the local, naonwide and internaonal patrons.HE DREAMT… NOW, HIS DREAMS ARE BIGGER The mayor explains that his success is rooted in believing and faith. His rst term accomplishments are insurmountable, and his dreams have grown even bigger as he connues his commitment. Despite high regards and recognion, he remains the same person he was before being elected Mayor Richard Agregado Degala.Awarded Honorary Local Chief Executive of the Year162

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NATION BUILDERSIn a remarkable celebraon of leadership and service, Honorable Almedzar A. Hajiri, the dynamic Vice Mayor of Lugus, Sulu, has been disnguished as the Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year. His story is a vivid tapestry of dedicaon, infused with a rich heritage and profound commitment to his community.Raised alongside three sisters, he stands as the sole son of Mayor Hadar M. Hajiri and Mrs. Nur-Aisa Aming-Hajiri. His name, Almedzar, which translates to ‘great medicine’ in Arabic, prophetically hinted at his impactful future. Almedzar was born on April 10, 1983, in what many would consider fortunate circumstances. His journey from the peaceful surroundings of Lugus to posions of signicant inuence in polics and business is truly inspiring. He grew up with three sisters and is the only son of Mayor Hadar M. Hajiri and Mrs. Nur-Aisa Aming-Hajiri. His name, Almedzar, has an Arabic origin and translates to “great medicine,” which seems to have prophecally indicated his impacul future.Born on April 10, 1983, under circumstances many would call fortuitous, Almedzar’s journey from the serene landscapes of Lugus to inuenal polical and business leadership roles is nothing short of inspiraonal. AWARDED HONORARYVICE MAYOROF THE YEARHON. ALMEDZAR A. HAJIRINATIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL, VMLPREGIONAL CHAIRMAN, VMLP BARMMVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF LUGUS, SULU167AN HONORARY TRIBUTE TO LUGUS’ GUIDING LIGHTEARLY FOUNDATIONS

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Almedzar was born on April 10, 1983, in what many would consider fortunate circumstances. His journey from the peaceful surroundings of Lugus to posions of signicant inuence in polics and business is truly inspiring. He grew up with three sisters and is the only son of Mayor Hadar M. Hajiri and Mrs. Nur-Aisa Aming-Hajiri. His name, Almedzar, has an Arabic origin and translates to “great medicine,” which seems to have prophecally indicated his impacul future.His educaonal ventures carried him from the halls of Lugus Elementary to the classrooms of Notre Dame in Tawi-Tawi, culminang in a college degree from Zamboanga City. Although he embarked on a law degree at Western Mindanao State University, (his path veered towards a dierent kind of public service.) his path veered towards public service.Almedzar or Mr. Hajiri’s aliaons are as presgious as they are inuenal. A member of the Scinlla Juris Law Fraternity, he shares bonds with notable gures such as former Supreme Court Jusce Lucas Bersamin. His leadership skills have been honed across connents—from polical and economic seminars in Washington D.C., USA, to business leadership trainings in Australia and the Netherlands. In 2024, he was notably invited by Her Royal Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa in Dubai to parcipate in a major real estate event.PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFEAwarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year169

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Elected as Vice Mayor at 36, Hajiri mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, successfully navigang both the realms of business and governance. He founded the Hadar and Medzar Group of Companies, overseeing ventures that span from mining to marime services. His life is deeply anchored in his faith and family, being a devoted husband to Ms. Farwada Loong and Ms. Si Berkis Jauhari and a father to three daughters and a son, proudly named aer his own father.In his role as Vice Mayor. Hajiri has not only led but also innovated. He currently spearheads the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines as the Naonal Secretary General and acts as the Regional Chairman for the BARMM chapter. His eorts culminated in the rst BARMM Local Legislave General Assembly, a landmark event graced by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.LEADERSHIP AND LEGACYThe transformaon began in 2007 and over the span of nine years, the Hajiris have steered Lugus away from its violent past to a peaceful present. This newfound stability has paved the way for economic progress and development, earning Lugus a nominaon for the presgious Galing Pook Awards in 2024. This recognition highlights the region’s potential and the eecve leadership that has catalyzed its growth. Observers from within and outside the country, including investors and government ocials, now view Lugus as an ‘amazing’ place poised for an economic boom in the coming decades.ACHIEVING PEACE AND FOSTERING GROWTHAwarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year170

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A notable aspect of Vice Mayor Hajiri’s focus has been on improving local health services. On April 29, 2024, Lugus hosted a three-day Eid’l Fitr Medical Mission with extensive support from various governmental and health organizaons. This mission provided essential medical services to remote barangays, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reaching underserved populaons. As Vice Mayor Hajiri stated, this iniave is about bringing the government’s services to the people, alleviang fears and fostering a community of care.The revitalizaon of Lugus is not limited to infrastructure alone. The island’s rich marine resources have traditionally supported its economy through shing. Recognizing this, Vice Mayor Hajiri has proposed an educaonal partnership with Mindanao State University to establish a school of aquaculture. This initiative aims to educate the younger generation in sustainable shing pracces, ensuring the long-term viability of this crical industry.Infrastructure improvements have been key to sustaining peace and promong economic growth. The construcon of road networks throughout the island has not only linked barangays but also solidied the peace and order that are crucial for development. These roads are just part of ongoing and future projects planned to enhance Lugus’s economic landscape, which include: • Construcng a paved airport• Standardizing the seaport• Enhancing local beach resorts• Landscaping key municipal sites• Building a bridge connecng Lugus to Tapul• Upgrading the solar lighng and power systems• Developing water and internet infrastructure Further, a new Bureau of Fire oce and a proposed 50-bed hospital are indicave of the proacve steps being taken to ensure safety and health services are accessible (to all Lugonians.) to the people of Lugus.COMMUNITY AND HEALTH INITIATIVES EDUCATION AND INDUSTRYINFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTAwarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year171

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GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE A VISIONARY’S ROAD AHEADEstablished as a separate enty from Tapul in 1980, Lugus spans 27,000 hectares and comprises 17 barangays. As a h (5th) class municipality, its development is crucial not just for its economic status but for the stability of the Sulu archipelago.Under the guidance of the Hajiris, Lugus is set to transform from a once resve area into a model of peace and sustainable development, demonstrang the power of visionary leadership and commied governance. The roadmap laid out by Vice Mayor Hajiri is not just a blueprint for development but a promise of a prosperous, stable future for all of Lugus.Almedzar Hajiri’s philosophy of leadership is rooted in a commitment to public service and the well-being of his constuents. He believes in empowering the youth and leveraging Lugus’s natural resources for sustainable development. With plans to host the rst BARMM Local Legislave General Assembly and his connued push for economic and social advancements, his leadership promises excing prospects for (Lugus’s future.) the future of Lugus.As he connues to lead with integrity and vision, Vice Mayor Almedzar A. Hajiri remains a symbol of hope and progress for the people of Lugus and beyond, proving that with the right leadership, change is not only possible but inevitable.Awarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year172

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NATION BUILDERSIn the scenic municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan, known for its rich culture, resilient spirit, and agricultural heritage, one name stands out in the hearts of the people—Vice Mayor Heidee L. Ganigan-Chua. A devoted public servant, a staunch advocate for grassroots development, and a champion of community empowerment. Vice Mayor Chua has earned her reputaon as an exemplary leader who has dedicated her life to the beerment of Asingan. Born and raised in Barangay Calepaan, Vice Mayor Chua grew up in a family that valued hard work, integrity, and service. Her late parents Engr. Federico B. Ganigan and former Municipal Councilor/ Punong Barangay Zenaida L. Ganigan were known for their service to the people and community. These early experiences inslled in her a deep sense of empathy and a passion for service. Married to Mr. Peter Chua, a businessman, they are blessed with three children: Athena Ira, Municipal Councilor; Peter Ivan, Civil Engineer married to Ay. Queencel Mae Masaoy-Chua. They have two children, Peter Izar and Heileny Quinn. The youngest child, Ianne Louise, is a registered medical technologist. Turning back, she excelled in her studies, showing a parcular interest in social sciences. She pursued her educaon at University of the Philippines, Diliman, where she nished her bachelor’s degree in Community Development and Bachelor of Laws at the Lyceum of the Philippines University, Maka City.AWARDED HONORARYVICE MAYOROF THE YEARHON. HEIDEE L. GANIGAN-CHUAVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF ASINGAN, PANGASINAN177

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Working togetherFOR A BETTER ASINGAN!Her me in the city opened her eyes to the stark dierences between urban and rural life and fueled her determinaon to return to Asingan and help her hometown grow. When she decided to run for public oce as a Municipal Councilor in 2007, her plaorm was clear—bring the voices of the people to the forefront of governance. She believed that the key to eecve leadership was listening to the people and involving them in the decision-making process. With her advocacy centered on transparency, accessibility, and inclusive growth, she won the number 1 spot on the Council with overwhelming support. And later succeeded the oce of the Municipal Vice Mayor. Her exemplary work as a Vice Mayor soon paved the way for her candidacy for Mayor. She ran for the posion with a vision to bring more parcipatory governance to Asingan. She campaigned on the promise of “Working together for a Beer Asingan,” emphasizing collaboraon, unity, and empowerment. Her message resonated deeply to the townspeople. Thereon, she was elected as the First Woman Local Chief Execuve in 2010 by a wide margin and nished her three-term in 2019 with greater accomplishments.Awarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year178

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Her service to her constuents remains unbroken. In fact, she was elected as a Vice Mayor last 2019 and 2022 respecvely. She approaches her role with a disnct style of leadership—one that is characterized by humility, inclusiveness, and a relentless focus on community-driven development. She wants to be an acve partner of the Mayor and an advocate for the people. She believes that the Vice Mayor’s role is not just to preside over the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) but to serve as a bridge between the local government and the community.Vice Mayor Heidee L. Ganigan-Chua has been a beacon of leadership, service, and dedication. With a deep-rooted commitment to public service and a rm faith in God, she has relessly worked to upli the lives of the cizens of Asingan. Since taking oce, she has spearheaded numerous programs which have signicantly impacted the community, ranging from healthcare and educaon to infrastructure development and sustainable livelihood projects. One of her recent achievements is being a delegate to the Local Government Internaonal Exchange in Japan last November 2023. She was the only Vice Mayor in the Philippines who qualied for the said exchange. It was sponsored by Japan Council of Local Authories for Internaonal Relaons (JCLAIR) in collaboraon with the Depatment of Interior and Local Government and the Development Academy of the Philippines. The Local Government Exchange and Cooperaon Seminar is an annual programme to promote mutual understanding and forge an eecve network between Japanese and overseas local governments. Awarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year179

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Under her leadership, the Sangguniang Bayan of Asingan was able to pass key ordinances which promote social welfare, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. • Ordinance providing for the Safety of Children aboard motorcycle; Ordinance for the comprehensive Children’s Welfare and Support Program of the Municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan otherwise known as the “2023 Child Welfare Code of Asingan, Pangasinan”;• Ordinance providing for the establishment, development conservaon and maintenance of municipal parks and green spaces such as public parks and plazas & spaces devoted for public use, regulang their use and prescribing penales for violaon thereof;• Ordinance implemenng the Bantay ASF sa Barangay “BABAY ASF” Program in the Municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan providing powers thereof and for other purposes; • Ordinance regulang the sale or dispensaon and excessive drinking of any kind of intoxicang liquor or wine including beer in public places including restaurants, stores and sari-sari store regardless of age that exhibits unruliness from 10:00 o’clock in the evening to 7:00 o’clock in the morning and providing penales for violaon thereof; • Ordinance mandang the establishment of Person with Disability (PWD) Help Desk in every barangay to be staed/handled by respecve Barangay PWD Presidents; • Ordinance providing for the Community- Based Rehabilitaon Program for Children with Disability ; • Ordinance providing for a Mental health program in the Municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan: • Ordinance strengthening the scholarship program of the Municipality of Asingan Pangasinan;• Ordinance prescribing guidelines for the operaon of swimming pools and other similar structure accommodaons with bathing and/or recreaonal facilies to provide duly cered lifeguards and lifeguarding equipment necessary for their operaon, providing penalty for violaon thereof and for other purposes: • Ordinance instuonalizing the Municipality comprehensive nutrion program integrated strengthened, and sustain strategies to safeguard the nutrional well-being of the people of Asingan, Pangasinan appropriang funds thereof and for other purposes; • Ordinance instuonalizing dengue prevenon and control program of the Municipality of Asingan to strengthen “Fight Against Dengue” And providing penalties for violations thereof; • Ordinance enacng the general fund-local economic enterprise for the operaon of the Municipal Government of Asingan, Pangasinan during the period of January 1, 2023 to December 31,2023 and providing appropriaons thereof.) Vice Mayor Chua has championed transparency and good governance, ensuring that all iniaves are aligned with the needs and aspiraons of the people. The Seal of Good Local Governance which the Municipality gained during her Snt as Local Chief Execuve, is her most notable legacy. Asingan has carried on the strategies and remains a consistent recipient of the Seal.A stalwart advocate for educaon, Vice Mayor Chua launched the Asingan Scholarship Program, providing nancial support to underprivileged students to pursue higher educaon. This iniave has opened doors of opportunity for many young Asinganians, enabling them to achieve their dreams and contribute posively to society.In addion to her legislave work, Vice Mayor Chua has been acvely engaged with various sectors of the community—youth, senior cizens, women, farmers, and business owners—through dialogues and consultaons. Her ability to listen, empathize, and work collaboravely has fostered a strong sense of unity and cooperaon among the people of Asingan.Despite her numerous successes, she remains humble and deeply connected to the people she served. She is oen seen aending community events, vising barangays to talk directly with residents, or even parcipang in local fesvies. She always takes the me to listen, learn, and understand the unique needs and challenges of each community. In addion, she puts condence in true leadership- that it is about service, not power, and she embodies that principle in everything she does.As she looks back on her years of service, Vice Mayor Chua remained focus on her vision of a stronger, more inclusive, and more empowered Asingan. Her footprint was not just in the programs she iniated or the policies she implemented but, in the lives, she touched and the hope she inslled in her fellow Asinganians. She has shown them that change is possible, that every voice maers, and that, together, they can keep on with building a brighter future for their beloved town Asingan.Awarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year180

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NATION BUILDERSJohn Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, the incumbent Vice Mayor of Manila, has the heart of a real and commied public servant. The second of eight children, he was raised in a household whose values were anchored on honesty, hard work, integrity, and dedicaon. And growing up in Binondo’s bustling district of Manila, known for its vibrant culture and history, shaped and fostered his deep connecon to the city and its people. Thus, in his compelling desire to serve the public, parcularly Manileños, he pursued a degree in Criminology. He could have been one of the country’s peacekeepers, saving lives as an enforcer of the law. But desny had other plans. Armed with good looks and charisma, he joined the entertainment industry. Despite, however, his success in show business, where he earned local and internaonal acng awards, his calling to serve the public never waned. He then seamlessly transioned from a celebrated actor to a public servant. In 2007, he entered polics and was elected to the Manila City Council. His tenure as Councilor was marked by numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of his constuents. His approach to governance was hands-on, reecve of his genuine commitment to public service.He focused on educaon, arts and culture, and healthcare. He championed programs that provided scholarships to underprivileged students and basic healthcare services to indigents. He moreover used his chairmanship of the City Council’s arts and culture commiee as a means to pursue his advocacies in the eld.181AWARDED HONORARYVICE MAYOROF THE YEARHON. JOHN MARVIN “YUL SERVO” C. NIETOVICE MAYOR, CITY GOVERNMENT OF MANILATRANSITION TO POLITICS

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In 2022, Nieto ran for Vice Mayor of Manila, in tandem with Dr. Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna Pangan. Both won by a landslide. Armed with a huge mandate as the city’s new Vice Mayor, Nieto seized the rare opportunity to make a signicant dierence and touch the lives of more Manileños. He went on to preside over the Manila City Council’s passage of a record-breaking number of measures designed to improve the lot of his constuents, and undertook various outreach programs that have beneted tens of thousands so far.On 31 July 2024, the City Council of Manila celebrated its 123rd Founding Anniversary at the city hall’s Bulwagang Danilo B. Lacuna (City Council session hall), with the theme Instuonalizing Codicaon for Beer Governance. One of the highlights of the occasion was the launch of the Council’s codicaon project, pursuant to which city ordinances, some dang back to the American occupaon, are organized and consolidated into a single user-friendly code. The project is ongoing as of this wring. Notable measuresAs Presiding Ocer to the 12th City Council of Manila, Nieto oversaw the passage of a total of 131 resoluons and 23 ordinances just within the Council’s rst 100 days. Under his stewardship, the Council thereaer passed 1,333 more resoluons and 170 addional ordinances, bringing the total to 1,464 and 193, respecvely, as of August 2024. These included landmark measures like the following: ● Ordinance 8993 or Manila’s First 1,000 Days of Life Ordinance, which strengthens the city’s nutrion program for the rst 1,000 days of life, through sustainable health care services for mothers and infants;● Ordinance 9019 or the Unang Abuloy ng Maynila - Death Benets Ordinance of 2023, which provides nancial assistance in the amount of ₱3,000 to the bereaved family of a deceased resident of Manila, apart from a token worth ₱1,000; and● Ordinance 8922, which aims to preserve and promote Philippine indigenous and tradional wring systems, such as the Baybayin, a pre-Hispanic Philippine script.● Ordinance 9068 or the Taas-Noo Manileño Graduaon Gi Ordinance of 2024, granng a cash gi of ₱2,000 each to new graduates of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and the Unibersidad de Manila.●Ordinance 9047 or the Move Manila-Car Free Sundays Ordinance, which made a substanal stretch of Roxas Boulevard (from Padre Burgos Avenue to the corner of Quirino Avenue) car-free every Sunday, 5:00 to 9:00 AM, in order to reduce polluon and allow Manileños to perform acvies that improve their health.VICE MAYOR OF MANILALOCAL LEGISLATIONCODIFICATION PROJECTFurthermore, the City Council, true to its commitment to transparency, launched its official website on 31 July 2023, during the celebraon of its 122nd founding anniversary at the historic Ayuntamiento de Manila, the Council’s original home. Among other features, the website provides up-to-date informaon about the City Council and its members, and makes available to the public city ordinances and selected resoluons in their digital form, including those passed by the Council’s predecessor, the old Municipal Board. It also contains a short history of the City Council and a prole page for each incumbent Councilor, showing basic facts such as committee chairmanships and memberships and measures principally authored.CITY COUNCIL OFFICIAL WEBSITEAwarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year183

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Medical missions - Among Nieto’s Lingkod Manileño outreach programs—and perhaps what his constuents look forward to the most—are his recurring medical missions, which provide free primary medical services to Manileños who otherwise have no access to basic health care. Apart from medical consultaon, these missions oer basic laboratory tests, eye checkup, and minor medical and dental procedures. They also make various wellness services available, including haircuts, massage, and facial treatments.These missions are usually held in partnership with philanthropic organizaons, and with the help of volunteers coming from city-owned hospitals and the private sector. Since the beginning of Nieto’s term as Vice Mayor, he has undertaken 49 missions across six districts in Manila, with total beneciaries reaching almost 51,000. As part his celebraon of his birthday, he held his biggest such mission on 23 February 2024 at the Baseco Compound in the Port Area of Manila, where a record 2,754 people availed themselves of the services oered. Operaon Tuli is a mass circumcision project carried out by the Office of the Vice Mayor during school breaks, in collaboration with city-owned hospitals and non-government medical associaons. In the last two years, the project has benefited nearly 5,000 uncircumcised youths throughout Manila.Indeed, Nieto’s honesty, compassion, and kindness are some of his best assets. He nds his own happiness in bringing happiness to others, especially the underprivileged. It gives his life a sense of purpose and fulllment, proving Mahatma Gandhi right in saying that “the best way to nd yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”.Nieto is a devoted husband to entrepreneur Flovelyn L. Nieto, with whom he has four loving sons and two aeconate daughters. He is a hands-on father ensuring that all his children will become responsible and God-fearing cizens of the country, with the same compassion and aspiraon to help their fellowmen.The Vice Mayor is also an art enthusiast who spends some of his personal me turning discarded metal scraps into artworks that depict aerial views of dierent places in the city by welding pieces of brass, copper, stainless steel, and other metals together, and then decorang them with automove paint.He has successfully held ve solo exhibits, namely, Direcons 1 at the Pinto Art Museum; Direcons 2 at Manila Hotel’s The Art Gallery; Direcons 3 at the Manila City Hall’s Bulwagang Eulogio Rodriguez; Direcons IV at The Art District in the historic Calvo Building in Escolta, curated by his eldest son Lucas Nieto; and recently Direcons V again at the Pinto Art Museum, which ran from July 7 through 28 of this year.Most of Nieto’s works are sold to art collectors, with praccally all proceeds going to charity. However, one of his masterpieces, Nasa Puso Kita Maynila, a massive 60” x 136” three-dimensional citywide map of the naon’s capital, remains on display at the Manila City Hall.The Vice Mayor pursues other equally important outreach programs that have beneted Manileños in unprecedented numbers since he entered public oce. These include Kusina Manileño, a feeding program for the poor and hungry, and his own version of the yearly Brigada Eskwela, where he distributes various school and medical supplies, as well as sporng good and cleaning materials to all public elementary and high schools in Manila, in coordinaon with the Department of Educaon. His office, moreover, regularly distributes medicines to constituents in need thereof, in addition to eyeglasses, wheelchairs, nebulizers, blood pressure monitors, and hearing aids, among many other similar items. He also formed his own Quick Response Team, which he deploys to provide immediate aid to families displaced by calamies like storms and re.Another recurring project of Nieto is the annual Kasalang Bayan, where he stands as principal sponsor to hundreds of couples tying the knot, many of whom had been cohabing albeit without the benet of marriage. This year’s Kasalang Bayan saw 263 couples exchanging “I do’s” at the Paco Park in Manila, the highest since he started the project more than a decade ago.Among the beneciaries were Raymond Balbiran and Lea Austria who had been living together for 16 years, in the course of which they had three children. “Nagpapasalamat po kami nang marami kay Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, sapagkat dahil sa programa niyang ito na libreng pagpapakasal, ay naging mas makabuluhan ang aming buhay bilang isang pamilyang may takot sa Diyos (We are very grateful to Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, for through his free marriage program, our life as a God-fearing family has become more meaningful)”, said Raymond in an interview held aer the ceremony. LINGKOD MANILEÑO PROGRAMSOPERATION TULITHE FAMILY MAN AND ARTIST IN NIETOEPILOGUE OTHER OUTREACH ACTIVITIESKASALANG BAYANAwarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year184

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NATION BUILDERSLeoncio “Bong” A. Dalin, Jr. is the incumbent Vice Mayor of Cauayan City, Isabela. Born on March 17, 1969 at Mabantad, Cauayan City, Isabela, Vice Mayor Bong Dalin has a strong background in public service, drawing inspiraon from his late father, Leoncio “Lakay Onsoy” Dalin, Sr. who likewise took mulple leadership roles in the city during his lifeme where he served as Councilor, Vice Mayor and Acng Mayor. Vice Mayor Bong Dalin started his polical career when he ran for City Councilor in 2004. Eventually, he was elected as the City Vice Mayor in 2016 with overwhelming votes, the highest votes ever recorded in the history of Vice Mayoralty level in Cauayan City, and likewise took the role as the Board of Director of the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines-Isabela Chapter for the year 2016-2019.At present, he is serving his last term working side by side with equally enthusiasc and innovave City Mayor, Caesar S. Dy, Jr. Aside from doing responsibilies in the legislave branch, he also serves as a member and adviser of the indigenous group Aarata na Gaddang and Samahang Ilokano. With his notable achievements, he was awarded as Ambassador for Peace by Universal Peace Federaon; recognized as the Man of the Year by the Isabela Capitol Press Corps in the Province of Isabela; and was one of the recipients of the Outstanding Local Legislator Award in 2018. He is married to Deanna Jeanne Cortes Alon and is blessed with three children: Leoncio Anthony, Leoncio III and Princess Anika. AWARDED HONORARYVICE MAYOROF THE YEARHON. LEONCIO “BONG” ANGOLUAN DALIN, JR.VICE MAYOR, CAUAYAN CITY, ISABELA185

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I. Collaborave GovernmentVice Mayor Bong Dalin’s leadership is characterized by his hands-on approach and close connecon with the people. He oen engages in dialogues and general assemblies with various sectors such as the Liga ng mga Barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan Federaon, City Youth Development Council, Senior Cizens, Persons with Disabilies, Inidigenous Peoples, the Business Sector, Cooperave Development Council and Farmer’s Associaon, among others. He supports the accreditaon of civil society organizaons in the city to be part of Local Special Bodies through legislave issuances in order to encourage the acve involvement of the CSO’s in planning and implemenng programs that will address the needs of all the sectors of the community. • Resoluon No. 2023-8-09: Accreditaon of Civil Society Organizaons (CSO) in the City of Cauayan• Resoluon No. 2023-8-174: Accreditaon of Cabugao Mul-purpose Farmer’s Associaon as Civil Society Organizaon in the City of Cauayan• Resoluon No. 2023-8-175: Accreditaon of Cauayan City Rerees Educator’s Associaon Inc. as Civil Society Organizaon in the City of CauayanII. AgricultureOne of Vice Mayor Dalin’s key priories has been supporng agricultural modernizaon. He advocated for programs that enhance the productivity and livelihood of local farmers, including the ulizaon of innovaons in agriculture and creang partnerships with both government and private sectors to ensure that Cauayan City remains at the forefront of agribusiness in Northern Luzon.• Resoluon No. 2023-8-068: Implementaon of the Mobile Solar-powered Irrigaon System in the City of Cauayan• Resoluon No. 2023-8-071: Implementaon of the project entitled “Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Mechanizaon Component”• Resoluon No. 2023-8-070: Implementaon of Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program and the Adopon and Migaon Iniave in Agriculture (AMIA) in cale producon• Resoluon No. 2023-8-120: Implementaon of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) in the City of CauayanIII. Educaon, Health and Social ServicesIn addion to his work in agriculture, Vice Mayor Bong Dalin has been an advocate for educaon, health, and social services. Under his tenure, eorts to improve the local educaon system, expand access to healthcare, and provide support for vulnerable groups have gained momentum.Awarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year187

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Awarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year188A. Educaon• Ordinance No. 2023-8-541: Mandang the integraon of Literacy and Numeracy Intervenon Programs to the annual Youth Investment Program• Resoluon No. 2023-8-113: Implementaon of the Teach for the Philippines Fellowship Program• Resoluon No. 2023-8-180: Donaon of ve (5) sets of Robocs and Advanced Mechanics Electronics to Cauayan City Naonal High School• Resoluon No. 2023-8-181: Donaon of thirty-two (32) units of computer laptop, interacve projector and 3D Printer to Cauayan City Naonal High School• Resoluon No. 2023-8-116: Request to the Department of Public Works and Highways to allocate funds for the concreng and rehabilitaon of farm-to-market roads in various barangays in Cauayan City• Resoluon No. 2023-8-127: Request to the Department of Budget and Management to allocate funds for the installaon of solar street lights in Cauayan City• Resoluon No. 2023-8-133: Development of Pueblo De Cauayan as part of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH Program) V. Smart and Sustainable City Vice Mayor Bong Dalin supports the agship program of the City Government in the promoon and ulizaon of smart technologies and innovaon in order to improve the delivery of public service, truly making Cauayan City a smart and sustainable city. • Ordinance No. 2023-8-133: Mandang the use of contactless and cashless payment scheme as addional payment opon in the City of Cauayan• Resoluon No. 2023-8-103: Partnership with the Department of Science and Technology to implement strategies, mechanism and support capability-building acvies for the creaon of smart and sustainable communies• Resoluon No. 2023-8-126: Adopng the celebraon of the Internaonal Plasc Bag Free Day every 3rd day of July• Resoluon No. 2023-8-189: Provision of Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MOCCOV)VI. Culture and TourismVice Mayor Bong Dalin shares the same vision of promong the City of Cauayan as home of innovave cizenry from Cauayeño to Kaway-Henyo; a depicon of Cauayan City’s journey: that while it emerges as the country’s champion in advancing digital technologies being the First Smarter City of the Philippines, it connues to preserve its rich and diverse culture. • Resoluon No. 2023-8-118: Adopng and approving the 10-year Local Tourism Development Plan of the City of Cauayan from 2022 to 2031• Resoluon No. 2023-8-151: Requesng the Philippine Airlines (PAL) to operate domesc ights in the City of Cauayan • Resoluon No. 2023-8-177: Implementaon of the Cauayan Create Program to support the creave industry of the city and the opening of the Cauayan City Heritage Museum B. Health• Ordinance No. 2023-8-541: Mandang the establishment of toothbrushing areas in Day Care Centers• Ordinance No. 2023-8-546: Adopng measures for the implementaon of the Local Tuberculosis Prevenon and Control Program including childhood and adolescent tuberculosis• Resoluon No. 2023-8-088: Implementaon of the Integrated Clinic Informaon System (IClinicsys) • Resoluon No. 2023-8-063: Request for nancial assistance to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for the medical laboratory machines and equipment for the use of the City Health Unit I, II and IIIC. Social Services• Ordinance No. 2023-8-537: Granng of cash incenves to senior cizens aged 90 and above• Ordinance No. 2023-8-526: Adopng the Solo Parents Act of 2000 and the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act• Resoluon No. 2023-8-096: Adopng Republic Act No. 10754 expanding the benets and privileges of Persons with Disability (PWD) • Resoluon No. 2023-8-125: Free Movie Viewing for senior cizens every MondayIV. Infrastructure DevelopmentVice Mayor Bong Dalin has also been a champion of infrastructure development, recognizing the importance of modernizing public facilies and transportaon to keep pace with Cauayan City’s growing populaon and economy. His eorts have contributed to making the city more compeve and aracve to investors, further driving local economic growth.

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NATION BUILDERSThe role of a municipal vice mayor is pivotal in local governance, serving not only as the deputy to the mayor but also as an acve parcipant in legislave processes. This report outlines the signicant legislave accomplishments of the municipal vice mayor across several key sectors: social, nancial, environmental, economic, institutional, and infrastructure development. Each sector’s progress will be examined, highlighng the iniaves, policies, and programs that have been implemented to foster community development and enhance the quality of life for the constuents of Santa Maria.His key accomplishments includes youth development initiatives, health services expansion programs, women empowerment, strengthening community engagement, public consultaon mechanisms and volunteerism campaigns.He supported the sports acvies of the youth and the conduct of yearly buwan ng Kabataan in Santa Maria. In addion, his unwavering support to scholarships and mentorship programs to assist underprivileged youth in accessing higher educaon and vocaonal training had lead to increase in the applicants in the BRO Ed and TESDA programs. Another iniave program of Vice Mayor Michael Abraham G. Pagauitan, was the provision of educaonal assistance to college graduates, amounng to ve hundred thousand pesos, to recognize and reward their dedicaon and perseverance of students in compleng their studies.The municipal vice mayor strongly supported Community Welfare Programs. The vice mayor championed various community welfare programs aimed at enhancing social equity and support for vulnerable populaons.AWARDED HONORARYVICE MAYOROF THE YEARHON. MICHAEL ABRAHAM PAGAUITANVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA MARIA, ISABELA189ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTYOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

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NATION BUILDERSThere are many purveyors of public service but only a few do it eecvely. In the Municipality of Compostela, Davao de Oro, all will agree that one name stands out among those few: VICE MAYOR RICKY PIAGOLA HECHANOVA. His life story is intertwined with the principles of service, dedicaon, and a profound love for his community. His journey, from modest beginnings to the esteemed posion of Vice Mayor, exemplies a commitment to creang a sustainable future for the municipality. This is a future where every cizen thrives and the environment ourishes.Hechanova’s polical journey began not in the grand halls of power, but at the grassroots, with people from all walks of life drawn by his radiang goodness, approachable, and down-to-earth manner. In 2018, he ran as a Barangay Kagawad in Barangay Poblacion, Compostela, Davao de Oro, where he topped the rank among the voters’ preferences. This early foray into public service honed his understanding of the needs and immersed him in the daily lives of his constuents.AWARDED HONORARYVICE MAYOROF THE YEARHON. RICKY P. HECHANOVAVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF COMPOSTELA, DAVAO DE ORO193RESPONSIVE GOVERNANCE

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He believes that legislaon is the answer. However, Hechanova’s accomplishments in public service and policy-making were not achieved overnight. Rather, they are the result of collaboraon among various sectors by amplifying their voices through public consultaon, parcipatory governance, transparency, and democrac values. Hechanova’s dedicaon to local development is evident in his role as the Chairperson of the Commiee on Ways and Means and the Commiee on Educaon and Culture. As Chairperson of the Commiee on Ways and Means, he priorizes revising the Municipal Omnibus Revenue Code to ensure Compostela’s nancial resources for future investments in economic growth, environmental protecon, and social well-being. Hechanova is passionate about educaon and believes it is the key to unlocking a brighter future for Compostela. He advocates for policies that promote quality educaon, expand access to learning opportunies, and equip his constuents with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Today, Hechanova serves as the Vice Mayor of Compostela, Davao de Oro. In this role, he guides each Sangguniang Bayan Member objectively, emphasizing the interdependence of social progress and environmental sustainability. He envisions a future where every cizen has access to high-quality educaon, healthcare, and essenal services, and where resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations. Beyond the connes of his oce and despite his busy schedule, Hechanova serves as the Secretary General of the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines Davao de Oro Chapter. This role allows him to connect with other local leaders in the province, sharing best pracces, advocang for common interests, and fostering a spirit of collaboraon that transcends polical boundaries.Under Hechanova’s supervision, the Sangguniang Bayan of Compostela connued to funcon eciently and eecvely. The members collecvely responded to his call by enacng legislave measures vital to the municipality’s pressing needs. Championing Social Jusce and Inclusion: Hechanova’s vision for a just and equitable society is evident in his reless eorts to improve the lives of vulnerable populaons. The “Providing for the Social Services of Indigent Persons with Disabilies (PWDs)” ordinance ensures that individuals with disabilies have access to essenal services and support, empowering them to live fullling lives. This commitment to inclusivity is further highlighted by the “Enacng the Compostela Cizens Charter,” which establishes a transparent and accountable framework for local governance and operaons.INNOVATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURECULTIVATING A BRIGHTER FUTUREAwarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year195

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Strengthening Local Governance and Financial Management: Recognizing the importance of effective governance and nancial stability, Hechanova has spearheaded iniaves to streamline operations and ensure responsible resource allocaon. The “Updang the Organizaonal Structure of the Municipality of Compostela, Davao de Oro” ordinance opmizes the municipality’s administrave framework, enhancing eciency and responsiveness. The “Gradual Scheme of Increase in Local Fees and Charges” ensures that the municipality has the nancial resources to invest in its development while maintaining a balance between revenue generaon and aordability for its residents. Invesng in a Sustainable Future: Hechanova’s commitment to environmental protecon is evident in the “Establishing a Municipal Man-made Pocket Forest and Declaring its Premises as a Protected Zone” Ordinance, which creates a green space to promote biodiversity and migate climate change. Addionally, he priorizes sustainable housing through the “Establishing guidelines for the LGU Compostela Housing Program” ordinance, promong aordable and environmentally responsible housing opons. Responding to Emergencies and Providing Support: Hechanova’s leadership extends beyond long-term planning, encompassing a proacve approach to addressing immediate needs. The “Providing the guidelines for the implementaon of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situaon” ordinance ensures that vulnerable individuals receive mely and eecve support during challenging mes. The “Instuonalizing the Early Warning System during Disasters” ordinance strengthens the municipality’s preparedness for natural disasters, safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of its residents.Enhancing Educaon, Health, and Economic Opportunies: Hechanova recognizes the crical role of educaon, health, and economic development in building a thriving community. The “Safe and Nutrious Foods and Drinks in Public and private school canteens and Cafeterias within the School Premises” ordinance promotes healthy eang habits among students, fostering their physical and cognive well-being. The “Promong breaseeding and requiring the establishment of a lactaon staon in all health and non-health instuons” ordinance supports breaseeding mothers, promong infant health and maternal well-being. The “Establishing the Loan Services for Enterprise Program” provides nancial assistance to small businesses, fostering economic growth and creang employment opportunies. The “Establishing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Development and Welfare Program” supports the needs of overseas Filipino workers and their families, recognizing their vital contribuons to the community. Strengthening Public Safety and Environmental Protecon: Hechanova’s commitment to public safety is evident in the “Creang the Compostela Police Auxiliary Group” ordinance, which enhances law enforcement capabilies and strengthens community security. His dedication to environmental protection is further demonstrated by the “Enacng the Compostela Environment Code,” which establishes comprehensive guidelines for environmental management, ensuring a sustainable future for the municipality.Hechanova’s commitment to serving his community is evident in his words during the Maiden Session of the 21st Sanggunian: “We are here as partners and as a family for the civic endeavor or any plans for the community. Rest assured as your newly elected Vice Mayor and a fellow public servant that together we will help bring back the glory of our beloved Municipality of Compostela, Davao de Oro.” He added, “I was amazed by this huge redirecon. Twenty years ago, I started this small business of retail products. Throughout the years, I had small ways of giving back to my community. When I think of it, I did that out of pure intenon to make people feel that on their lowest of lows, there would always be someone out there to be with them who genuinely cares.”Hechanova’s path to leadership is not without its challenges. He has faced skepcism and doubts, stemming from his humble beginnings as a cashier, delivery boy, and kargador. Yet, he has met these challenges with unwavering determinaon, proving that one’s background does not dene one’s potenal. He has risen above the noise of negavity and focused on building a beer future for Compostela. In his own words, he added: “Today, I am ready. I am ready to dedicate myself and to perform my best in championing what our beloved municipality deserves. I swear to you that I will listen and consider the interests of our people. I swear to you that I will uphold excellence over excuses, and I swear to you that I will be the best Vice Mayor that Compostela would ever have.”Hechanova has made an undeniable impact on Compostela. His reless eorts have brought about tangible improvements in the lives of his constituents, including enhanced access to education and healthcare, improved infrastructure, and increased economic opportunies. His dedicaon to sustainable development ensures that these improvements are not merely temporary but will benet generaons to come. Hechanova’s legacy will be defined by his unwavering commitment to public service, dedicaon to the well-being of his community, and vision for a brighter future for Compostela, Davao de Oro. His story serves as an inspiraon to aspiring leaders, demonstrang the power of dedicaon, vision, and service in shaping a beer world.KEEPING THE PROMISEYIELDING IMPACT AND LEGACY Awarded Honorary Vice Mayor of the Year196

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LANDMARK LEGISLATIONSINSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION As a doctor, numerous health-related ordinances, especially during the pandemic, were submied to her for review and approval. QCizens were eecvely shielded with a doctor in the Council who advocated for Covid-related measures aimed at curbing infecons and prevenng unnecessary deaths.“Through our legislave support, Quezon City launched one of the most successful campaigns against Covid-19. This included a robust vaccinaon campaign, which achieved a coverage exceeding 90 percent, enabling the city to aain herd immunity early, thus prevenng unnecessary infecons and deaths,” she says. She even personally delivered Covid vaccines door-to-door, ensuring vulnerable cizens could safely get immunized in the comfort of their own homes. Beyond her experse in healthcare and medicine, Dra. Doray pursued bold environmental iniaves during her rst term. Since she chaired the Commiee on Environment, one of her major legislave accomplishments was the mul-phase regulaon of single-use plascs in Quezon City in 2012. At that me, she recalls, it wasn’t a popular measure as people were not fully environmentally aware. “There was considerable opposion and complaints—quesoning, for example, the necessity of bringing an eco-bag or paying for plasc bags. However, as people now experience the impacts of climate change, there is a growing awareness of the need to be eco-conscious. The ‘No-Plasc Ordinance’ was a piece of legislaon ahead of its me.” Councilor Doray’s “No Plasc Ordinance” in 2012 was followed by the outright citywide ban on plasc bags in 2019. This was one of the rst ordinances of its kind in the enre country, subsequently adopted by other cies and municipalies as well. Dra. Doray draws inspiraon from her parents’ commitment to public service. “Both of them were not only dedicated government workers; I witnessed in them a genuine passion for helping others. Thus, I could also say that public service is in our blood. Growing up, I observed their reless eorts—they are also my role models.” What makes each day worth going to the oce and serving as Quezon City’s Councilor is the realizaon that each acon taken, whether craing ordinances or iniang projects, has an impact in reality. “I am reminded each day that as I step into my role and go to work, each project we undertake, or each ordinance we cra, not only helps a certain person but uplis enre families—even enre communies.” Undoubtedly, Dra. Doray’s numerous accomplishments has led to her receiving various awards and citaons throughout her career. These accolades include inducon into the “Hall of Fame as Most Outstanding Councilor,” recognion as the “Most Outstanding Councilor in Metro Manila,” recipient of the “Dangal ng Pilipinas Award for Best Local Legislator,” acknowledgment with the “Gawad Kalinga Award for Public Servant,” and being honored as the “Most Outstanding Councilor in the Jose Rizal Bantayog Awards,” among others. Her alma mater, Miriam College, also cited her as “Outstanding Alumni.” She was lauded as one of the country’s “100 Most Empowered Women” in the Gawad Pilipino Awards, highlighng her exceponal contribuons to the Council and her seless eorts during the pandemic. In celebraon of Women’s Month 2024, the Babae Ka Awards cited her as among the “Natatanging Pilipina sa Larangan ng Serbisyo Publiko.” Her accomplishments were also noced in the internaonal front, when Thailand Internaonal Leadership Awards 2024 cited her as “Asia’s Woman of Excellence in Environmental Medical Health Leadership” and “Most Outstanding Local Government City Councilor of the Year.” With a doctor serving as Majority Floor Leader, there will always be an added touch of care, as a doctor never abandons paents unl they are fully recovered. And this is precisely what Councilor Doray brings to Quezon City: SERBISYONG MAY PUSO—an unwavering commitment and compassion to caring for each individual unl they are healthy and resilient to face the future.Awarded Honorary Councilor of the Year200

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NATION BUILDERSAeconately known as “Manang Marie” to her constuents, Councilor Maricel B. Foronda stands as a formidable advocate for social jusce, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of women and families in Vintar, Ilocos Norte. With a robust background in the corporate sector, she brings a unique and incisive perspecve to her role as a public servant, driving transformave change and championing causes that upli the town’s most marginalized residents. Councilor Foronda’s commitment to progress, combined with her fearless pursuit of equity, has solidied her reputaon as a beacon of hope and integrity in the polical landscape.Councilor Foronda’s exemplary service has earned her numerous accolades, including being recognized as 2023 Second Runner-up in the Most Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan Member category for 1st to 3rd class municipalities in a prestigious compeon organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Her legislave work, recognized for driving community growth and progress, has also garnered her the tle of 2024 Honorary Councilor of the Year. These honors underscore her relentless dedicaon to craing ordinances and resoluons that address complex challenges, from environmental preservaon to social welfare, with innovave soluons that bring tangible benets to her community.AWARDED HONORARYHON. MARICEL B. FORONDACOUNCILOR (SB MEMBER)MUNICIPALITY OF VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTEMARCHING FORWARD FOR A VIBRANT VINTAR201COUNCILOROF THE YEAR

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In her environmental advocacy, Councilor Foronda has made a lasng impact on Vintar through a series of pioneering iniaves. She has led tree-planng programs and authored crical legislaon to combat plasc waste, demonstrang her resolve to protect and preserve the environment. Her most notable legislave achievement in this arena is Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-7, which regulates the entry and use of single-use plascs within the town—a decisive step toward a more sustainable future. She is also acvely advancing the Siwawer Green Corridors Development Project and working to enhance the town’s garbage disposal and management system, showcasing her strategic vision for environmental sustainability.During the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Councilor Foronda emerged as a stalwart defender of public health and safety. Her legislave acumen was on full display as she authored Municipal Ordinance No. 2021-01, which prohibits the indiscriminate and improper disposal of face masks and other COVID-19 protecve gear. This ordinance played a crucial role in safeguarding the health of Vintarinians and migang the environmental impact of pandemic-related waste.Her commitment to holisc community development extends beyond environmental and health concerns. Councilor Foronda has been a vocal advocate for mental health services, understanding the crical importance of emoonal well-being in building a resilient society. She sponsored Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-8, establishing a community-based, comprehensive, and integrated mental health care program. This ordinance ensures that mental health support is accessible to all, reecng her dedicaon to the welfare of every Vintarinian.Councilor Foronda’s advocacy for women and families is equally. She has been instrumental in empowering solo parents and women through livelihood projects and has championed the rights of barangay ocials by securing gratuity benets. Her signicant legislave contribuons include Municipal Ordinance No. 2021-08, which localized the implementaon of RA 8972, the Solo Parent Welfare Act of 2000, and its subsequent amendment through Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-6, which expanded the benets and privileges for solo parents. These ordinances underscore her commitment to ensuring that every member of the community is recognized, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.Awarded Honorary Councilor of the Year203

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Her leadership style is dened by inclusivity, collaboraon, and a profound sense of accountability. Councilor Foronda engages in extensive barangay consultaons and inter-agency meengs to ensure that her policies are reecve of the people’s needs and aspiraons. Her background in English and her corporate experience equipped her with the skills to communicate eecvely, negoate with precision, and lead with empathy and ethical rigor.In her mission to bring essenal services closer to the people of Vintar, Councilor Foronda iniated social outreach programs such as the “Libreng Binyag para sa Bayan” in 2020 and the “Libreng Kasal para sa Bayan” in 2021, providing free bapsm and wedding ceremonies, respecvely. These iniaves reect her deep commitment to serving her constuents in every aspect of their lives.With the support of her community, the dedicaon of her colleagues, and a foundaon built on strong principles and values, Councilor Maricel B. Foronda exemplies the essence of servant leadership. Her legacy of compassionate governance and transformave impact sets a high standard for public service, inspiring all who seek to make a dierence in the lives of others. As she navigates the complex terrain of public service with grace and determinaon, Councilor Foronda connues to illuminate the path toward a brighter, more equitable future for Vintar, Ilocos Norte.As she connues her second term as a councilor, and as Chairwoman of the Commiees on Women and Family, and Labor and Employment, Councilor Foronda remains resolute in her mission to build a more just, sustainable, and prosperous future for Vintar. Her legislave agenda is broad and ambious, encompassing critical areas such as health, education, infrastructure, social welfare, youth development, and economic recovery. She is commied to strengthening the capacies of local workers, expanding scholarship and educational assistance programs, supporng infrastructure development, enhancing social welfare programs, and fostering youth involvement in environmental and peace-building eorts. Moreover, she is focused on facilitang access to funding for micro-business ventures and livelihood projects, parcularly for farmers and shermen, ensuring that the town’s economic recovery is inclusive and robust.Awarded Honorary Councilor of the Year204

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PAVING THE WAYFORGING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Rex’s vision extended far beyond the passing of ordinances. Armed with passion, empathy, and the will to make a genuine impact, he spearheaded major ordinances that reshaped the landscape of their town. The Solid Waste Ordinance laid the foundaon for sustainable waste management pracces that would safeguard their environment for future generaons. The An-Liering Law inslled a sense of accountability, empowering every cizen to play an acve role in keeping their town clean and beauful. Not content with legislave achievements alone, Rex dedicated himself to breathing life into their town. The Tsinelas Party brought joy to the lives of underprivileged children, showcasing the unwavering spirit of Tubig’s people. The Karan-on Contest embraced Tubig’s rich culinary heritage, empowering local entrepreneurs to stand out and thrive. By organizing games and supporng drug awareness iniaves, Rex nurtured the youth, oering them a promising future far removed from the clutches of addicon. As an agent of change, Rex fought relessly for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. He relentlessly championed the advancement of women and the LGBTQ+ community in their town, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights protected. Rex’s unwavering belief in inclusivity transcended mere words, igning the ames of acceptance and understanding throughout Tubig. Rex’s overarching goal was to create a sustainable future where Tubig would ourish economically, socially, and environmentally. His endeavors in the realm of tourism laid the groundwork for aracng visitors to the town, showcasing the unique culture, hospitality, and natural beauty of Tubig. Through the development of a comprehensive Tourism Code, he sought to empower local entrepreneurs, bolster livelihood opportunies, and build an economy that thrived hand in hand with environmental preservaon. Rex’s dedicaon to healthcare accessibility knew no bounds. His resolve to provide essenal medicaons for common illnesses like asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes reected his unwavering commitment to the welfare of every cizen. Furthermore, his relentless pursuit of environmental preservaon saw the implementaon of strategies to reduce plasc waste, protect natural resources, and champion sustainability in their community.Awarded Honorary Councilor of the Year207

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EMBRACING THE CURRENTCARVING A LASTING LEGACY As the years passed, Rex’s eorts were recognized and rewarded. The accolades he received, including the Outstanding Councilor award and naonal disncons like the SGLG 2018 award, served as testaments to his unwavering dedicaon to Tubig. His leadership and the concerted eorts of his administraon were also instrumental in earning disncons such as being recognized as Child-Friendly and praccing Good Financial Housekeeping. With his reelecon serving as a fresh mandate, Rex connued his reless pursuit of progress. From 2022 to 2024, he focused on improving the livelihoods of his constuents by bolstering the tourism sector and promong the consumpon of local products. He championed the cause of aordable and accessible healthcare, ensuring the availability of vital medicaons for those in need. Furthermore, he acvely engaged in measures to curtail plasc usage, unify the community, and foster economic growth through agricultural programs and iniaves. Rex Cherreguine Docena remained steadfast in his commitment to Tubig, working relessly to shape a future that would benet generaons to come. Recognizing the signicant impact of collaborave eorts, Rex acvely encouraged parcipaon and engagement from all sectors of the community. He sought to create a united front, ensuring that every voice was heard and every perspecve valued. Through open dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes, he fostered a sense of ownership and unity among the people of Tubig. Rex’s leadership and unwavering dedicaon soon transformed Tubig into a shining example of progress. Streets grew cleaner, thanks to the concerted eorts of the community in waste management and environmental preservaon. The tourism sector ourished, bringing economic growth and employment opportunies for local residents. But Rex’s vision extended far beyond mere development. He sought to empower the marginalized and vulnerable, ensuring that their rights were protected and their voices amplied. With compassion and empathy, he championed causes related to gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, spearheading iniaves that aimed to challenge societal norms and foster an inclusive and accepng community.As Councilor Rex’s tenure became deeply intertwined with Tubig’s essence, the town underwent a profound transformaon. Educaon ourished, ensuring scholarships and support systems that empowered the youth, paving the way for personal growth. Sustainable agricultural programs were introduced, bringing benets to both local farmers and the environment. Rex’s administraon also priorized iniaves that focused on healthcare accessibility, ensuring access to essenal medicaons and support for those in need. Addionally, Rex played a pivotal role in passing ordinances and resoluons to secure funding from the 4Ps partylist, enabling the construcon of vital projects such as the municipal center, breakwater, and farm-to-market roads. This dedicaon to development extended further, as Rex Docena acvely supported and assisted in providing relief goods and care to the vicms of disasters, as well as served as a key member of the Disaster Risk Commiee in the town. With every milestone reached and every challenge overcome, Rex’s commitment to Tubig remained steadfast. He recognized that the work of a dedicated public servant was ongoing and that there were always new froners to explore, new heights to scale. He nurtured a culture of connuous improvement, inspiring the next generaon to step forward and carry the torch of progress. As his tenure drew to a close, Rex reected on the transformave power of dedicated legislator and community collaboraon. His legacy was one.. Awarded Honorary Councilor of the Year208

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NATION BUILDERSHON. JEMELENE GO QUI, Ph.D.BARANGAY MOONWALK, PARAÑAQUE CITY209AWARDED HONORARYBARANGAY CAPTAINOF THE YEARSomething has to end for a beer beginning” holds profound relevance in the narrave of Hon. Jemelene Go Qui, Ph.D. Her simple yet powerful personal life principle encapsulates her journey of transformaon, growth, and the pursuit of a brighter future not only for her corporate life as President and CEO of Polystar General Services but, more importantly, for her beloved community of Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City, as its strong and compassionate Barangay Captain. Dr. Jemelene Go Qui’s educaonal background is really impressive and astonishing. She is a recipient of Honoris Causa aer compleon of her doctorate on Philosophy with a major in Management and Markeng from the most renowned and presgious instuon, Brethen Evangelical School of Theology Internaonal in partnership with Cambridge Training Course Britain, London UK. Dr. Qui has completed her terary educaon at University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, and also completed a Manager’s Course oered by Instute of Small-Scale Industries of University of the Philippines. Having an interest in vast areas, the subject is also a Registered Medical Technologist, a Registered Real Estate Broker, and a Registered Life Insurance Underwriter. With all these accomplishments in her educaonal background, Dr. Qui made sure to use her knowledge, skills, and talents to also educate and inform the people around her.

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As the founder and driving force behind Polystar General Services, Hon. Jemelene Go-Qui has demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexies and challenges of the manpower sector. With a background in various disciplines and a doctorate degree in organizaonal development, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, guiding her agency to unparalleled success and countless awards. Prominent on her connuing list of recognions and achievements are the following:November 19, 2022 - Gawad America Award’s Most Empowered and Inuenal Woman for 2022 - Star of the Night (Celebrity Center, Franklin Avenue, Hollywood California USA).November 25, 2022 - Naon Builders Awards SSI and Mosliv Awards 2022 - Honorary Modern Filipina Heroism of the Year 2022.January 22, 2023 - Asia Tigers Excellence Award - Philippines Most Outstanding CEO President and Business Leader of the Year. January 22, 2023 - Asia Tigers Excellence Award - Philippines Most Outstanding CEO President and Business Leader of the Year.February 19, 2023 - 3rd Southeast Asian Achievement Awards - Successful Businesswoman-Philanthropist, Empowered Woman and President Elect Soroptomist Internaonal of Bagong Paranaque.April 13, 2024 - Gawad Kagingan ng Dakilang Lahi- Unwavering Commit to Service to the FilipinosApril 13, 2024 - Naon Builders and Mosliv Awards, Okada ManilaPublic Servant of the Year Excellence in Peace and Naon Building (Yellow Category)May 3, 2024 - Naon Builders and Mosliv Awards, Okada ManilaMost Sustainable and Liveable Barangay (Yellow Category)June 7, 2024 - Best Trusted Manpower CooperaveGolden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence and Outstanding Filipino AchieverManila Hotel2024 Top Woman Icon in Public Service AwardTop Woman Icon Awards 2024 One of the key factors behind the agency’s acclaim is Dr. Go-Qui’s emphasis on professionalism, integrity, and ethical pracces. She understands the importance of building trust and credibility in the industry, and she has culvated a culture of transparency, honesty, and fairness within her organizaon. Unbeknownst to all, her impeccable track record and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity will go beyond the corporate world, which is the noble and most life-changing role by far: the call of public service.CORPORATE SUCCESS The decision of Jemelene Go Qui to become a public servant for Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque, in response to the residents’ request and prayer, signies a profound commitment to serving the community and answering the call to leadership with humility and dedicaon. Public service embodies the essence of a leadership philosophy centered on selessness, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve others. Moved by the collecve voices of the community, she heeds their call for representaon and steps forward to champion their interests, aspiraons, and well-being. And their wish was granted when she was elected as their Barangay Captain in last year’s elecon. By accepng the mantle of public service, she commits herself to upholding the values of integrity, transparency, and ethical stewardship, and to working relessly to address the needs and concerns of the residents.A NEW CHAPTER: COMMUNITY COMMITMENT Awarded Honorary Brgy. Captain of the Year211

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As Barangay Moonwalk in Parañaque City thrives under the leadership of “Doc Kapitana Jem, her transion to Barangay Captain heralds a new chapter in the barangay’s journey towards progress and community development. In embracing her role as a public servant in Barangay Moonwalk, Doc Kapitana Jem embarks on a journey of servant leadership, guided by a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and service to others. With humility and dedicaon, she commits herself to making a posive dierence in the lives of the residents, upliing the community, and advancing the common good. Her decision to answer the residents’ request and prayer exemplies the transformave power of leadership rooted in empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve others. Together with her able and dedicated Sangguniang Barangay Kagawads and SK Chairperson, Barangay Captain Jemelene Go Qui epitomizes compassionate and innovave leadership in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque, embodying a commitment to service, empathy, and forward-thinking soluons. Here’s how Barangay Captain Jemelene Go-Qui and her council serve their residents with compassion and innovaon:1. Peace and Order: Maintaining peace and order is a top priority for Barangay Moonwalk. The barangay implements iniaves to prevent crime, ensure public safety, and promote a peaceful living environment. This may include collaboraon with local law enforcement agencies, barangay watch programs, and community policing eorts.2. Educaon: Barangay Moonwalk places a strong emphasis on educaon as a pathway to empowerment and development. The barangay supports educaonal iniaves such as scholarship programs, tutorial services, and school supplies assistance to ensure that all residents have access to quality educaon and learning opportunies.3. Feeding Programs: Addressing food insecurity and malnutrion is a key concern for Barangay Moonwalk. The barangay organizes feeding programs to provide nutrious meals and food assistance to vulnerable populaons, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. These programs aim to alleviate hunger and promote healthy nutrion habits within the community.4. Livelihood: Barangay Moonwalk is commied to promong economic empowerment and livelihood development among its residents. The barangay oers support for livelihood programs, skills training workshops, and entrepreneurial iniaves to help residents generate sustainable income and improve their socio-economic well-being. 5. Security: Ensuring the safety and security of residents is a fundamental responsibility of Barangay Moonwalk. The barangay implements measures to enhance security, such as barangay patrol operaons, CCTV surveillance systems, and community-based crime prevenon programs, to safeguard residents and their property.6. Health: Barangay Moonwalk priorizes the health and well-being of its residents through various health programs and services. This may include health educaon campaigns, medical missions, vaccinaon drives, and access to healthcare services to promote disease prevenon, health promoon, and access to medical care.7. Fitness and Well-being: Promong physical tness and well-being through Zumba and free use of tness gyms is integral to Barangay Moonwalk’s approach to community development. The barangay organizes tness acvies, sports programs, and wellness iniaves to encourage residents to lead acve and healthy lifestyles, fostering a culture of well-being within the community.8. Clean Water and Sanitaon: Barangay Moonwalk priorizes access to clean water and sanitaon facilies for its residents. The barangay works to improve water supply systems, ensure proper waste management, and promote hygiene pracces to prevent waterborne diseases and improve public health outcomes.9. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods are central to Barangay Moonwalk’s development agenda. The barangay supports iniaves that promote decent work opportunies, entrepreneurship, and skills training to enhance economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the overall well-being of residents.10. Gender Equality: Barangay Moonwalk is commied to promong gender equality and empowering women and girls. The barangay implements programs and policies that promote equal rights, opportunies, and parcipaon in decision-making processes, fostering a more inclusive and gender-responsive community.11. Reduce Inequalies: Addressing social and economic inequalies is a key priority for Barangay Moonwalk. The barangay implements targeted intervenons to reduce disparies in access to basic services, opportunies, and resources, ensuring that all residents have the chance to thrive and succeed regardless of background or circumstance.12. Peace, Jusce, and Strong Instuons: Barangay Moonwalk fosters a culture of peace, jusce, and strong instuons by promong good governance, rule of law, and community-based conict resoluon mechanisms. The barangay works to strengthen instuons, enhance access to jusce, and promote accountability to ensure a fair and equitable society for all residents. Through these eorts, Barangay Moonwalk is assured of Doc Kapitana Jem’s commitment to advancing sustainable development, promong social inclusion, and building a more resilient and prosperous community. May her vision, passion, and commitment serve as an inspiraon to public servants everywhere, demonstrang the profound impact that dedicated leadership can have on the lives of individuals and the well-being of Barangay Moonwalk as a sustainable and liveable community. BARANGAY MOONWALK’S “DOC KAPITANA JEM”TEAM MALASAQUIT BY DOC KAPITANA JEMAwarded Honorary Brgy. Captain of the Year212

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DISTINCTION FOR MODERN FILIPINA HEROISMOF THE YEARNATION BUILDERSIn a world that connuously evolves, the signicance of strong, visionary leadership cannot be overstated. Modern heroes are those who transcend tradional boundaries, impacng lives through their dedicaon to sustainable and inclusive development. Among such gures is Mikaela Romero, whose nominaon for the Honorary Modern Filipina Heroism of the Year at the Naon Builders & MOSLIV Awards is a ng testament to her profound contribuons across various elds. With her mulfaceted inuence in business, lifestyle, polics, and sports, Romero stands out as a paragon of modern Filipina heroism. From driving economic growth and fostering gender equality to promong sustainable pracces and empowering the youth, Mikaela’s eorts are both diverse and impacul, much like her father Mikee, who has been recognized as MOSLIV Awards’ Congressman of the Year several mes. The path she paved for herself has borne fruit in remarkable achievements that underscore her unwavering commitment to the principles of sustainable and inclusive development, making her the ideal recipient of such an award.AWARDED HONORARYMS. MIKAELA L. ROMEROCHAIRMAN, 1-PACMAN PARTY LISTMIKAELA ROMERO: A BEACON OF MODERN FILIPINA HEROISM213

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Mikaela’s inuence in business is as profound as it is far-reaching, having started her rst restaurant at just 19. Now 30 years old, she leads the MIRO Group, demonstrang exceponal entrepreneurial acumen and driving the company’s exponenal growth as a powerhouse in the Philippines’ food and beverage scene. Sushi Nori is recognized as the rst sushi kiosk in the country, emphasizing convenience and quality Japanese cuisine. Roku Sushi + Ramen oers a full-service dining experience for diners who appreciate authenc Japanese avors and culinary crasmanship. Out of Oce (OOO) blends New York City energy with Southeast Asian avors, creang a unique dining and cocktail experience in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The group’s expansion has generated hundreds of jobs, providing stable employment and career development opportunies for many Filipinos. Adding to her ventures, Mikaela is soon to launch the Miro Beach Club in El Nido, Palawan, set to be a new landmark for luxury and sustainable tourism in the region.Romero’s business philosophy emphasizes gender equality and inclusivity. She has acvely implemented policies within MIRO Group that promote equal opportunies and career advancement for women. This approach fosters a diverse and supporve workplace culture, contribung to both economic growth and social equity. Romero is no stranger to the hardships of being a woman in a male-dominated eld like the restaurant business. She emphasizes the importance of condence, dedicaon, and passion for one’s work, qualies she proudly shares with others throughout her many endeavors.Romero’s dedicaon to promong good health and well-being is evident in her personal lifestyle and professional iniaves. As a tness enthusiast, she exemplies a balanced approach to life, inspiring many to adopt healthier lifestyles. Her commitment to wellness extends to her business pracces, where she emphasizes the importance of employee well-being. She believes that a healthy workforce is a producve workforce, and she ensures that MIRO Group’s employees have access to wellness programs and health resources. In addion to her focus on health, Romero is a staunch advocate for gender equality. She leverages her plaorm to support iniaves that reduce inequalies and empower women across various sectors. Her eorts include championing policies that promote equal opportunies for women in the workplace and advocang for greater representaon of women in leadership roles. Romero’s passion for gender equality is also reected in her mentoring eorts, where she guides young women aspiring to make their mark in various elds.In the realm of polics and social advocacy, Romero’s eorts to empower young minds are parcularly noteworthy. Her iniaves aim to provide educaonal opportunies and resources to the youth, fostering a generaon of well-equipped, socially responsible individuals. She was instrumental in the construcon of a new school in Iloilo, reecng her dedicaon to improving educaonal opportunies and supporng local communies. Romero also engages with youth through public speaking, such as her appearance at the GenSan Summer Youth Fesval, where she inspired young minds in Southern Mindanao with her entrepreneurial journey and insights. Her educaonal iniaves extend to scholarship programs and partnerships with educaonal instuons, ensuring that deserving students have access to quality educaon. Romero also champions cancer patients. She has volunteered for the I Want to Share Foundaon, showcasing her dedicaon to community service. Through her involvement with 1Pacman, which benets cancer paents, Romero connues to play a crucial role in improving the lives of those aected by cancer. Romero is also passionate about promoting Filipino design, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. She firmly believes that Filipino designs should not be reserved only for special occasions but should be incorporated into everyday wear. Her advocacy supports local arsans and designers, emphasizing the importance of being proud to wear and use Filipino-made products.Taking aer her father once more, Romero’s contribuons to sports cannot be understated. She has played a pivotal role in the development of the Philippine volleyball league through Capital1, a team she co-manages with her sister. Their involvement in sports not only promotes physical tness but also fosters community spirit and engagement. Her sports iniaves provide a plaorm for young athletes to showcase their talents, contribung to the holisc development of individuals and communies. During her college years at Ateneo, Mikaela was also a varsity football player, making her mark in collegiate sports. BUSINESS AS HER FORCE FOR GOODA WOMAN OF MANY ADVOCACIESAwarded Honorary Distinction for Modern Filipina Heroism of the Year215

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Beyond her professional achievements, Mikaela Romero’s personal journey and values make her an inspiraonal gure. Raised with a strong sense of responsibility and guided by the unwavering support of her family, she embodies the principles of integrity, resilience, and compassion. Growing up in a well-to-do family, Romero has always been conscious of using her privilege for the greater good. She leverages her resources and connecons to support various iniaves, ensuring that her success translates into opportunies for others.Her close relaonship with her parents, parcularly her mother, whom she considers her mentor, has been a cornerstone of her success. Being around her mother’s restaurant at a young age allowed her to understand early how a restaurant works, an experience that also inevitably taught her about life. This early exposure to the business world inslled in her a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the value of hard work and perseverance.Mikaela Romero’s nominaon for the Honorary Modern Filipina Heroism of the Year is a testament to her extraordinary contribuons. Her commitment to promong good health, gender equality, educaon, sustainability, and community engagement aligns perfectly with the criteria set forth by the Naon Builders & MOSLIV Awards. Romero’s holisc approach to leadership and her unwavering dedicaon to creang a posive impact make her a beacon of modern Filipina heroism. Her story is not just one of personal success but of a broader vision for a sustainable and inclusive future for all Filipinos.As we strive towards the integraon of smarter, sustainable, and greener communies, Mikaela Romero stands out as a true leader and an embodiment of the values we aspire to uphold.TRULY A MODERN FILIPINAAwarded Honorary Distinction for Modern Filipina Heroism of the Year216

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NATION BUILDERSIn a world where acts of kindness oen go unnoced, Chrisan Andrew J. Cruz emerges as a luminary, embodying the true spirit of a modern Filipino hero. Born on January 20, 1997, Cruz has connuously dedicated his life to promong jusce, fairness, and service to his fellow Filipinos. His profound impact on the communies and organizaons he serves highlights his commitment to ethical leadership and the welfare of marginalized groups.Chrisan’s journey began in the classrooms of Pasig Catholic College, where he graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy. His academic training provided him with a solid foundaon in mastering complex nancial systems. However, it was the ethical teachings and the college’s emphasis on serving the community that profoundly shaped his career path and personal philosophy. Early in his life, he recognized the transformave power of educaon and commied himself to using his knowledge for the greater good.CHRISTIAN ANDREW J. CRUZ: A MODERN FILIPINOHERO’S PURSUIT FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITYEARLY LIFE AND EDUCATIONAWARDED HONORARYMR. CHRISTIAN ANDREW J. CRUZREPRESENTATIVEPINOY AKO ORGANIZATION217DISTINCTION FOR MODERN FILIPINO HEROISMOF THE YEAR

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NATION BUILDERSIn the dynamic urban landscape of Pasig City, a city bustling with growth and transformaon, Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya stands out as a symbol of transformave leadership and corporate responsibility. As the Chief Financial Ocer and Vice President of St. Gerrard Construcon General Contractor and Development Corporaon, Discaya has not only elevated the company to new heights but has also redened the impact a business can have on its community. Furthermore, her signicant role at the St. Gerrard Charity Foundation showcases her commitment to societal welfare, making her a standout leader in both business and community service.Furthermore, her signicant role at the St. Gerrard Charity Foundaon showcases her commitment to societal welfare, making her a standout leader in both business and community service.Discaya’s journey at St. Gerrard Construcon is a testament to her strategic prowess and nancial acumen. In the compeve field of construction and development, she has navigated complex nancial landscapes with remarkable precision and vision. Her approach combines robust business strategies with a deep commitment to ethical standards, which has propelled the company to achieve substanal growth and sustainable success. MS. CEZARAH CRUZ-DISCAYAFOUNDER, ST. GERRARD CHARITY FOUNDATION223PHILANTHROPY ANDSOCIAL IMPACT ADVOCATEOF THE YEARMOST DISTINGUISHEDCEZARAH ROWENA C. DISCAYA: A PILLAR OF LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SERVICESTRATEGIC FINANCIAL MASTERY AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

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VISION FOR THE FUTURECONCLUSIONAs global challenges mount, from economic uncertaines to environmental crises, Discaya’s role as a leader becomes ever more crucial. Her leadership philosophy is a beacon for the future, emphasizing that true business success is not measured solely by nancial achievements but also by the posive impacts made on society and the environment.Her balanced approach to corporate leadership—priorizing economic, environmental, and social goals—serves as a blueprint for future leaders who aspire to harness the power of business for good.Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya’s narrave is a powerful illustraon of leadership that transcends the convenonal. Through her roles at St. Gerrard Construcon and the St. Gerrard Charity Foundaon, she has not only led her company to new heights but has also paved the way for a future where businesses acvely contribute to societal and environmental well-being. Her journey inspires future generaons of leaders, proving that with the right vision and unwavering dedicaon, business can indeed be a signicant force for posive change.Awarded Most Distinguished Philanthropy and Social Impact Advocate of the Year228

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NATION BUILDERSMaricel was born Eldest to a middle class family in Brgy. Maybato, Paracale, Camarines Norte. Her father, Marcial, was a Bus driver and her Mother Elisa pursued to be a Domesc Helper abroad to help sustain the educaons of the children. She is married to Edwin Pestano and blessed with a son, Gian Ellis and daughters Louise Chanel and Helena Bjorn.Maricel, started her career in Sales. She was District Area Manager for Book and Educaonal Material Company selling Encyclopedias in Bicol and Calabarzon Area.She then shied to MEDICAL Sales, parcularly in the MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS SALES, which complemented her skills and educaons being a Medical Technology College Graduate. Her career Blossomed in the Diagnoscs Field gaining precious connecons and networks that Pushed her to start to build her own Diagnosc Supplies Company. She Put up LOUISE ELLIS DIAGNOSTICS SUPPLIES in October of 2010, with its office nestled at their humble Residence occupying a big poron of their family’s crib. LIFECAREERBUSINESS AND PASSIONMS. MARICEL V. PESTAÑOPRESIDENT & CEOVICENTE ISABEL MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER INC.FOUNDER, LOUISE ELLIS DIAGNOSTIC SUPPLIES229PHILANTHROPY ANDSOCIAL IMPACT ADVOCATEOF THE YEARMOST DISTINGUISHED

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Loaded with vast experience and loyal market clients she bring her company to a respectable level with top caliber clients from Stand alone Laboratories, Hospitals and Industrial Diagnosc Clinic and Laboratories. One of her advocacies was to give back to her birth town. She started iniaves and conducts Yearly Medical Missions to the barangays and nearby areas in her home town in Bicol. Their First Medical Mission was on April of 2007 and every summer thereaer. Seeing the needs for Medical Services in the Community, She instuonalized her aspiraons and SET up the VICENTE-ISABEL MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC and DIAGNOSTIC CENTER Inc (VIMCDCI) on NOVEMBER of 2016. Carrying its service banner of “Your Friendly Community Medical Facility”, VIMCDCI now operates with its Main Branch in Imus Cavite and 2 branches in Camarines Norte Province, and gave Boracay Island its 4th branch that cater and serve both local and foreign communies. With Medical Clinics manned by competent Medical Professionals, Secondary and Terary Laboratories, State of the art and advanced Imaging Equipments, VIMCDCI has earned the trusts and patronage from its Community, individuals, HMOs, Company’s for their Employees medical Needs and Medical Instuon who have partnered with VIMCDCI for their special Diagnoscs Procedures and Services. Under the Helm of Maricel, VIMCDCI is gaining grounds and the Horizons of opportunies are clearer and brighter.Awarded Most Distinguished Philanthropy and Social Impact Advocate of the Year230

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Maricel’s passion and dedicaon is transcending to around 100 employees from all Business Units and Clinic Branches. The Value, the Competencies, the Aspiraon and Vision to Grow and the Family Culture that she brought with her in every undertaking, in every occasion, in every acvity and in every instance would just prove her Genuine, Charismac, and Inuenal Leadership and Management Prowess. She is beacon of Hope and Light to every unit and elements of the business core. Testament to Her abilies and characters are numerous Individual Awards, Citaons and Recognions from various Award Giving Organizaons and Foundaons, that is alongside Awards and recognion that were given to the Organizaons that call Her MVP, Our President. Our CEO. Further! Stronger, Together.As President and CEO of VIMCDCI, Maricel has always been a conscienous supporter and Prime Mover of the company’s several Socio-Civic Acvies. She encouraged the company for a creaon of Advocacy Arms that would focus and expand the horizon of the company’s socio-civic placement and reach. Aside to the Annual Medical Mission which has been ongoing for the past 8 years and as the Main Oerings for “Enteng Kalusugan”, a new line of outreach program has been launched last year. SINAG PAGASA and 100 PUNLA.This Program and undertakings has been focusing on the sustainable Support program for our Indigenous People (IPs) living in remote Barangays in the Municipalies of Paracale and Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte. The Agta or The Manide Tribes in sio Igang and in Barangay Batobalani in Paracale has been the recipient of the company’s community outreach program. Provisions of Clothings, Footwear and food packs were given on sustained periodic visits to Manide Tribe villages. This year the community were treated to a new source of Light and Vision. Several Solar Powered lamps were Posted in strategic areas of the community. Their personal abodes were also installed with solar panel powered lamps. The purpose of the project, as explained to the Tribe, is to eliminate or lessen the usage of Kerosene based lamps which can produce carbon emissions from Fossil Based Fuels. The eects and impact of the sustainability of the usage of solar energies were discussed and emphasized during the briengs and community gathering. Now this IP village is ready and knowledgeable of sorts in the communies contribuon to ecology and environment. That caring for the Air, the Land and Water that we live in is an INCLUSIVE and SHARED responsibility.STEWARDSHIP AND LEADERSHIP PRIMEMOVERSINAG PAG-ASAAwarded Most Distinguished Philanthropy and Social Impact Advocate of the Year231

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Seedlings of Hope and the Future. The love and the aspiraons for a sustainable ecological environment is one area where MVP and her team pushes and extends their support and adherence. This year, Brgy. Dogongan in Daet Camarines Norte has been the recipient community for the company’s inial oering of 100 Punla. Employees and their families plus volunteers planted the river banks of Brgy Dogongan more than 100 seedlings of Mahogany tree. This implementaon aims to forfy and strengthen the river banks against soil erosions that would lead to prevenon of uncontrolled and ash oods in the future. During the acvity, benets and connuity of the implementaons were discussed and mutually agreed upon by the representave of Brgy Council. The success of the program is brought about by the cooperaon and dedicaon of the company and the receiving community proving once again that Environmental Advocacies would prosper when the community and private organizaon worked hand in hand and commied to share responsibility in order to aain a sustainable long term soluons to our Global Environmental Degradaon.Her passion and commitment to serve transcends from the walls of the Medical Facilies that she built to the peripheral community and its tributaries. With established Annual Medical Missions plus community based medical programs throughout the year, the bar for community service has been set higher with the emergence of two (2) new programs. SINAG PAG ASA and 100 PUNLA are an awesome addion to the exisng implementaons of advocacies running under ENTENG KALUSUGAN and ABENG KALIKASAN. As the company’s bale cry loudly states: “ Be there, Lets GO Further, Stronger, Together, the desire and dreams will be a shared and inclusive responsibility and commitment.100 PUNLALEGACY, COMMITMENTAwarded Most Distinguished Philanthropy and Social Impact Advocate of the Year232

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NATION BUILDERSIt is common in groups and communies to have individuals we look up to—those who naturally take on the role of leaders and protectors. Rose Lin embodies the determinaon and grit of a typical ate (elder sister) who takes charge of responsibilies both inside and outside the home. Born into a family that valued hard work, she has shown that success is not just for students with perfect grades; it is also for those who overcome challenges to nd their own path to excel. Even though her parents had no means to send her to college, she worked her way to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Management Accounng at the University of San Agusn in Iloilo City through a track and eld scholarship.The opportunity she received only proves that a good educaon should also be available to those who may not excel academically but have the determinaon and resilience to persist.She carried this value with her to District 5, Quezon City, where she currently resides. There, she made it a point to encourage people not just to wait for help but to hone their skills and nd dignity in standing on their own—a move that earned her the love and admiraon of thousands; thus, the moniker Ate Rose Lin - Ang Ate ng Distrito Singko.MS. ROSE N. LINFOUNDER & PRESIDENT, ROSE LIN FOUNDATION233PHILANTHROPY ANDSOCIAL IMPACT ADVOCATEOF THE YEARMOST DISTINGUISHED

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NURTURING LEADER, DEDICATED COMMUNITY BUILDERTHE WOMAN; THE TITANTransforming communies through social services that focus on health, educaon, and livelihood programs stands at the pinnacle of Ate Rose Lin’s mission. Rising from humble beginnings in Guimaras, she has carved a remarkable path to becoming a formidable force in the business world, with a vast enterprise encompassing real estate, investments, and manpower that has expanded beyond the Philippine shores.In Novaliches, Quezon City, where she currently resides, she is known to many as ‘Ate ng Distrito Singko’ for her nurturing leadership and dedicaon to serving a wider community, inspired by her own experiences growing up in poverty and her exposure to underprivileged communies. Now with enough resources to help, Lin’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the corporate world into creang a beer future for others. In 2023, Rose established the Rose Lin Foundaon to provide essenal social services like opcal missions, medical scans/checkups, and feeding programs to those in need.Building her companies on sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility, Rose has disnguished herself in the business world with leadership that goes beyond convenonal goals. These very principles have become the core values that management and sta abide by, whether adopng environmentally conscious pracces, building a diverse and inclusive workforce, or making sure they contribute posively to society. Being a woman of strength herself, she has made a point to empower women in the workplace by acknowledging the crical roles they play at every level of the organizaon. She has also opened doors for dierently-abled individuals, giving them meaningful opportunies and ensuring they are valued members of her team.During the pandemic, Ate Rose Lin showed her deep commitment to her employees and the environment. She made regular sanitation a priority to ensure a safe workplace for everyone. Recognizing the importance of healthier workspaces, she is parcular with oce layouts and opts to create more open areas for beer venlaon. This praccal change reduced the need for air condioning, resulng in lower energy use and a more ecient operaon.Adding ornamental plants to oces was another step in her thoughul approach to enhance air quality and create a more pleasant atmosphere. These were praccal acons that aligned with her belief in running a business that respects both people and the planet. Her leadership has set a standard in the industry and shown that businesses can thrive while embracing ethical pracces and contribung posively to society. Her decisions during challenging mes highlight her understanding that true business success is built on a foundaon of care, responsibility, and sustainability.Awarded Most Distinguished Philanthropy and Social Impact Advocate of the Year235

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EXCELLENCE IN CSR: THE CRIMSON ROSE GOALSUSTAINABLE SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY GROWTHROSE LIN FOUNDATION IN ACTIONAte Rose Lin’s character is disnguished by her pioneering eorts in various developmental projects, which she achieved by quietly supporng a wide range of causes through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) iniaves under her various companies. These eorts include funding student scholarships, helping vicms of abuse, and extending help to orphanages and assistance to churches to make a real and lasng impact. The Crimson Rose Goal represents Ate Rose Lin’s commitment to meaningful change that strengthens the fabric of our society. Sharing this philosophy with people she helps; she hopes that even small and medium enterprises can drive substanal progress in their own lile ways to create more collaborave and progressive communies.Just as quick decision-making is crucial in running her businesses, the same applies to other areas Ate Rose Lin manages.Living in the ood-prone Novaliches Area, Ate Rose Lin has developed a praccal approach to disaster readiness and response. Before a storm even hits, she uses social media to keep the community updated on what to expect. Her mely advice helps residents take necessary precauons to safeguard themselves and their property as the ooding begins.During these mes, Ate Rose Lin busies herself by delegang tasks to her team of sta and volunteers to provide immediate relief even before the waters receded. This includes preparing hot meals and packing essenal supplies to ensure that help reaches those in need as soon as possible. Recognizing that recovery takes me, she connues to support various communies with feeding programs and medical missions to address health issues related to ooding to prevent and manage condions such as fever, rashes, leptospirosis, and hypertension, parcularly among the elderly. In light of these iniaves and achievements, Ate Rose Lin proudly stands as a driving force in integrang businesses with a holisc approach to sustainability, combining environmental stewardship, community support, and economic development to foster meaningful and lasng change, as seen through her concrete and immediate acons.Having the privilege to receive this disncon as the “Most Disnguished Philanthropy and Social Impact Advocate of the Year” recognizes her contribuons to sustainable naon-building and underscores her profound commitment to creang a balance between nurturing the environment and empowering individuals, proving that impacul change is possible when we align our values with aconable goals for a beer society. As Ate Rose Lin oen says, “Dignity is the foundaon of true progress. When we upli others with respect and support, we create lasng and meaningful change.” Guided by this belief, she hopes to show everyone that sustainable progress is grounded in empathy, innovaon, and intenonal acon. Through her work, she aims to prove that real advancement arises from providing essenal support where it’s most needed and fostering inclusive development that aligns with each individual’s capabilies and unique strengths.Creang a ripple eect beyond District 5, Quezon City, and her hometown, Ate Rose Lin’s growing inuence has deepened her commitment to community development. To formalize this dedicaon, she established the Rose Lin Foundaon (RLF), which focuses on addressing basic yet oen overlooked community issues while creang opportunies for growth and advancement. Even before founding the Rose Lin Foundaon, she was commied to providing essenal maintenance medicines to senior cizens. Now, with the foundaon in place, she regularly organizes medical and wellness missions, believing that a thriving community is foundaonal to societal progress. These include opcal missions with free eye check-ups and eyeglasses, body scans, and facials, as well as alternave medicine services like acupuncture, bone seng, ventosa, and massage therapy. Beyond medical care, the foundaon holds Zumba sessions and feeding programs to promote physical tness and nutrional well-being. The Rose Lin Foundaon has also launched several capacity-building iniaves, such as Tindahan ni Ate Rose Lin, a community store that provides members with access to essenal goods at aordable prices and oers guidance on entrepreneurial skills and nancial literacy sessions. The goal is clear: to empower individuals to pursue smart, viable, and stable income-generang opportunies. And to ensure that people have access to the support they need in making informed decisions and protecng their rights, free legal consultaons and notary services are also regularly provided.Years back, Ate Rose Lin launched a project that subsidized gasoline for tricycle drivers to help reduce their operang costs, manage their expenses, and ensure that aordable transportaon remained accessible to the community. As transportaon needs evolve, she now plans new iniaves to connue providing support across various plaorms and address current challenges.Educaon holds a special place in Ate Rose’s advocacy eorts. The Rose Lin Foundaon extends its support through various projects, including an educaonal assistance program that, for years, has been available to students regardless of their grades, as she believes success isn’t measured solely by academic performance but by determinaon and perseverance. The foundaon also donates educaonal equipment and learning tools to schools and parcipates annually in Brigada Eskwela, a naonwide program launched by the Department of Educaon; to prepare and maintain schools and ensure they are well-equipped and conducive to learning.Awarded Most Distinguished Philanthropy and Social Impact Advocate of the Year236

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NATION BUILDERSRonnie V. Del Rosario is a man of vision, commitment, and integrity. His remarkable journey began as a working student, juggling academic responsibilies while working—showcasing his resilience and determinaon early on. Starng as a SURVIVOR, Ronnie’s professional path led him to the Philippine Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan, where he served as a mechanical engineer and purchasing ocer. During his tenure, managing the purchasing secon ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to grasp the complexies of business. This experience equipped him with the condence to venture into entrepreneurship, particularly in the construction industry. A nave of Bagac, Bataan, Ronnie has always been driven by a profound desire to upli his community and contribute to naonal economic and social development.His expertise spans port and marine infrastructure construcon, real estate, and resort/ property development. As a Triple-A contractor, he has built ports, breakwaters, and marine infrastructures across the country. He has also developed subdivisions and founded La Jolla Resorts and Residences, which is quickly becoming a world-class tourism desnaon. His work reects a deep commitment to environmental protecon, sustainability, and job creaon. GOLDRIDGE, as his agship company hailed as one of the best-managed rms in port and infrastructure development. His vision extends to transforming Bataan into a premier tourism hub in the Philippines. AWARDED HONORARYCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEROF THE YEARENGR. RONNIE V. DEL ROSARIOPRESIDENT & CEO LA JOLLA HOTEL AND BEACH RESORTGOLDRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONCRESTA DE ORO PHILIPPINES237

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Integral to Ronnie’s journey is his mentor, Mr. Boy Ignacio, whose unorthodox yet eecve management style le a lasng impact. Ronnie remains deeply grateful for the mentorship and opportunies Mr. Ignacio provided. Together, they share a common vision that has shaped Ronnie’s resilience, determinaon, and faith—qualies that connue to inspire those looking to make a transformave impact in their communies. Q&A WITH RONNIE V. DEL ROSARIOQueson 1: How would you describe your approach to economic and community development? Ronnie: I see myself as a visionary in economic and community development. My focus has always been on poverty alleviaon, environmental conservation, green infrastructure, and job creaon. As a nave of Bagac, Bataan, I’m driven to promote this beauful region as a top tourist desnaon in the Philippines. My goal is to build sustainable communies through these iniaves while ensuring the preservaon of our natural resources.Queson 2: What movates you to pursue these causes? Ronnie: My drive comes from a deep sense of responsibility toward nation-building and sustainable development. I set long-term goals focused on community growth, operang with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The private sector has an essenal role in supporng government eorts. By creang sustainable jobs, such as those at La Jolla Resort and through our port and marine infrastructure projects, I aim to contribute to the economic prosperity of Bataan.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year238

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Queson 3: Can you tell us about your early years and how they shaped you?Ronnie: I grew up in a humble household. My Dad, a government employee, supported our large family of 11 children, while my Mom took care of us at home. When they couldn’t aord my college educaon, I worked while studying to pay for it myself. These early experiences taught me resilience, which shaped me into the person I am today. I credit 90% of my achievements to God’s blessings; no maer how hard you work, without divine favor, it’s hard to reach your dreams.Queson 4: What role do social advocacy and charity play in your work? Ronnie: My primary advocacy is to help the poor / the underprivileged, mainly by creating employment opportunies. I’m passionate about ensuring that those in need aren’t taken advantage of. Soon, I will establish a charitable foundaon to provide scholarships and nancial support for the needy students in Bagac, Bataan. Addionally, I envision a Hospitality Training School, empowering locals with the skills needed to secure employment. Vocaonal and entrepreneurial training is a cause very close to my heart. Queson 5: How do you integrate sustainability into your business ventures? Ronnie: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We focus on conserving energy, water, and using sustainable materials. Our projects incorporate parks and gardens to enhance biodiversity. At La Jolla, we recycle wastewater for irrigaon and aim to transion to electric-powered vehicles within the resort to reduce our carbon footprint.Queson 7: How do you ensure your employees are treated fairly? Ronnie: We strictly comply with labor laws to ensure that our employees receive fair wages, proper working condions, health and safety facilies, and decent housing. We also oer incenves based on the sales performance. The welfare of my employees is a top priority, and we ensure they have the support they need to thrive.Queson 8: How do you support peace and order in the community? Ronnie: We regularly collaborate with local authories to promote peace and order. At La Jolla, we conduct regular drug tesng for employees to discourage substance abuse. I believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to contribute to community safety.Queson 9: What’s your vision for the future of your work in naon-building? Ronnie: My vision is to transform Bataan into a world-class tourist desnaon. As I could see, Tourism is the only industry where the Philippines can compete globally, unlike manufacturing, where we’ve fallen behind our neighboring countries. The government should support tourism by providing incentives to resort developers, improving infrastructure, and assist simplifying the process of doing business. Over-regulaon and red tape are frustrang developers and delaying progress. In the construction industry, we must address the compeveness of our workers, the skills gap caused by the exodus of skilled workers to other countries. That’s why I am embarking to focus on regularly trainings of my employees. The government should also implement a targeted educaonal system to develop a workforce of carpenters, welders, electricians, mason, drivers, heavy equipment operators and mechanic and other skilled trades. By addressing these issues, we can drive sustainable economic growth for our naon.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year239

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Queson 10: How important is God and family to you, and how has it inuenced your success? Ronnie: Family is the foundaon of everything I do. Growing up in a large family taught me the values of unity, perseverance, and support. These values drive my commitment to building a stable future for my loved ones. My family has been my constant source of strength, and I’ve inslled in my children the importance of hard work, faith, and integrity.Queson 11: What is your vision for La Jolla Hotel and Beach Resort in 5 years and in 10 years? Ronnie: In the next 5 years, I aim for La Jolla Hotel and Beach Resort to become one of Luzon’s top desnaons, aracng both local and international tourists. We’ll introduce new amenies, eco-friendly accommodaons, educaonal parks and acvies to highlight Bataan’s natural beauty and rich history. During this me, La Jolla Phase 2 will rise, featuring a world-class golf course. We’ll connue to deepen our connecon with the local community, creang more jobs and training opportunies, making La Jolla not just a tourist hotspot but also a model for sustainable tourism.Looking 10 years ahead, I see La Jolla as a globally recognized resort, leading in sustainability and innovave hospitality. By then, we’ll have adopted green energy soluons like solar power and electric transport, and formed partnerships with global eco-tourism groups. We’ll also expand with more recreaonal and wellness programs, oering guests a complete experience of relaxaon. In this way, La Jolla will boost Bagac’s economy and become a benchmark for eco-friendly tourism in the Philippines.Ronnie V. Del Rosario’s extraordinary journey from being a working student to becoming a visionary entrepreneur embodies hard work, determinaon, and a deep commitment to naon-building. His iniaves extend beyond personal achievement, focusing on creating sustainable employment, advancing educaon, and championing in environmental preservaon. By forging strong partnerships between the private sector, government, and local industries, he envisions a self-reliant Philippines, poised to lead on the global stage in tourism and economic growth. His legacy stands as a testament to resilience, leadership, and an unyielding dedicaon to upliing the Filipino people.CLOSING STATEMENT Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year240

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NATION BUILDERSIn a world increasingly aware of its pressing social and environmental challenges, it’s refreshing to encounter leaders capable of blending entrepreneurial ambion with a commitment to community beerment. Catherine Florine Sollano-Cusi serves as a remarkable example of such leadership. As the CEO of Aqua Technologies Inc., a past Champion President of the Rotary Internaonal Maka Northwest Club, and co-founder of the non-prot organizaon Art Dialogo Asia, Catherine is not only redening what it means to be a successful businesswoman but also seng new benchmarks for corporate social responsibility.Catherine’s journey into the world of business began at an early age. Growing up in a family environment where entrepreneurship was the norm, she was exposed to the dynamics of running a business by the me she was a teenager. This early educaon in commerce ignited her passion for business, but what truly set her apart was her vision to integrate social impact into her entrepreneurial pursuits. “Business should not only be about prots. It should also be about people—communies, environments, and the potenal for posive change,” Catherine expresses passionately. This philosophy informs her approach at Aqua Technologies Inc., where she has taken the helm to steer the company towards innovave soluons for water management, emphasizing sustainability and community enhancement.CATHERINE FLORINE SOLLANO-CUSI: CHAMPIONING BUSINESS, ART, AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIPA FOUNDATION IN BUSINESSAWARDED HONORARYCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEROF THE YEARMS. CATHERINE FLORINE SOLLANO-CUSICEO, AQUA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.241

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AQUA TECHNOLOGIES INC.: A VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITYAQUA TECHNOLOGIES INC.Under Catherine’s leadership, Aqua Technologies Inc. has emerged as a pioneer in the eld of sustainable water technologies. The company’s core mission is focused on developing soluons that address climate change, parcularly in water scarcity and conservaon. As concerns about climate change escalate, Catherine recognized an urgent need to pivot the company’s eorts toward environmentally friendly pracces. Aqua Technologies Inc. specializes in soluons like rainwater harvesng and greywater reuse systems, which are crucial in promong sustainable water management. At the heart of Catherine’s strategy is the belief that businesses can contribute posively to environmental preservaon while simultaneously providing valuable services tocommunies. Catherine explains. Her leadership has driven the company to be a part of various projects aimed at improving water accessibility and sustainability, making a notable dierence in the lives of countless individuals.“We want to create systems that not only address water scarcity issues but also educate communities on the essentiality of conservation”Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year242

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Catherine’s commitment to social responsibility also extends beyond her corporate engagement at Aqua Technologies Inc. Her role as the past Champion President of the Rotary Internaonal Maka Northwest Club underscored her dedicaon to serving the community. Rotary Internaonal’s ethos of “service above self” resonates deeply with Catherine, movang her to iniate countless impactful projects during her tenure. Under her leadership, the Maka Northwest Club engaged in numerous philanthropic acvies including health iniaves, vocaonal training, and educaonal support programs. Understanding that youth empowerment and women’s upliment are essenal for sustainable development, Catherine focused eorts on providing mentoring, resources, and support systems for these groups. Her iniaves reached beyond convenonal philanthropy, aiming at creang self-sustaining communies. For Catherine, it is about building capacies and oering long-term soluons rather than temporary xes. “I believe that empowering the youth and women with the tools they need creates a ripple eect. When you upli one person, you oen upli a whole community,” she states. Her approach has not only beneted the individuals involved but has also forged stronger community bonds, promong a culture of inclusivity and shared responsibility.Recognizing the transformave power of the arts, Catherine took her commitment to empowerment a step further by co-founding Art Dialogo Asia, a non-prot organizaon dedicated to inspiring youth through art and creavity. Art Dialogo Asia serves as a plaorm that fosters arsc expression and dialogue, connecng emerging arsts with opportunies while promong cultural appreciaon. Through events, workshops, and exhibions, the organizaon provides a voice to marginalized communies and encourages young arsts to explore their creavity. Catherine believes that art is not just a form of expression, but also a means of fostering understanding and collaboraon in diverse communies.“Art has a unique ability to connect people. It transcends language and cultural barriers, allowing for a deeper understanding of each other’s experiences,” she explains. At its core, Art Dialogo Asia aims to empower young individuals by giving them the tools to articulate their stories and perspecves through creave outlets. Catherine’s vision for the organizaon is heavily intertwined with the belief that creavity can lead to social change. By nurturing arsc talent, Art Dialogo Asia not only culvates individual growth but also orchestrates a sense of community and solidarity among its parcipants.COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH ROTARY INTERNATIONALART DIALOGO ASIA: THE INTERSECTION OFCREATIVITY AND EMPOWERMENTAwarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year243

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EMPOWERING YOUNG INDIVIDUALS AND WOMENTHE INTERSECTION OF BUSINESS, ART, AND ENVIRONMENTA LEGACY IN THE MAKINGOne of Catherine’s foremost beliefs is that true empowerment starts with educaon and access to resources. As she navigates her roles in business and community service, she remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering young people and women. She understands the barriers these groups oen face in pursuing opportunies, and seeks to acvely dismantle these obstacles. Her mentorship programs emphasize condence-building and skill development tailored for young women aspiring to enter the worlds of business and art. “When you nurture young women, you are invesng in the future. They become catalysts for change in their families and communies,” she asserts. Through Aqua Technologies, Catherine also advocates for sustainable pracces among the youth, encouraging them to parcipate in environmental iniaves. She believes that educated and empowered young people can bring about the innovave soluons necessary to combat climate change.What sets Catherine apart as a leader is her unique ability to integrate her passions for business, art, and environmental sustainability. Each of her endeavours—whether at Aqua Technologies, Rotary Internaonal, or Art Dialogo Asia—reects a commitment to creang a beer world, stemming from her experiences and values. Her approach champions the belief that social responsibility is not just an obligaon but a fundamental aspect of sustainable business pracce. As she oen emphasizes, “Every decision we make has the potenal to create a posive impact; it’s up to us to be the change we wish to see.” As climate change continues to pose existential challenges, Catherine remains movated to lead by example, inspiring others in the business community to adopt more sustainable and socially responsible pracces. She advocates for businesses to embrace their role within their communies by tackling pressing social issues eecvely and creavely.Catherine Florine Sollano-Cusi is not merely a successful CEO; she is a visionary leader intent on paving the way for others to follow. Through her combined eorts in business, community service, and the arts, she is creang a legacy dened by empowerment, creavity, and environmental stewardship.Catherine Florine Sollano-Cusi is not merely a successful CEO; she is a visionary leader intent on paving the way for others to follow. Through her combined eorts in business, community service, and the arts, she is creang a legacy dened by empowerment, creavity, and environmental stewardship.Her ongoing work serves as an inspiraon to those looking to blend their professional aspirations with a commitment to posive societal change. As she connues to innovate, empower, and advocate, Catherine’s journey reassures us that the future can indeed be brighter—when passion intersects with purpose, and when business leaders like her priorize making a meaningful dierence in the world.In a time where society grapples with complex challenges, Catherine Florine Sollano-Cusi stands as a testament to the power individuals hold to inspire hope and usher in lasng change. With eyes rmly set on the future, she remains dedicated to her vision of a world where youth thrive, communies ourish, and our environment is cherished. Her story is one of resilience, creavity, and above all, a commitment to liing others alongside herself.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year244

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NATION BUILDERSWhen Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. assumed the helm of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporaon (PhilHealth), he was cognizant of the challenges that lay ahead of him. This was in late 2022 when the country was starng to pick up the pieces le by the global pandemic and was slowly steering back to normalcy. Never a stranger to high-stakes leadership and management owing to his past snt as President and Chief Execuve Ocer of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilies Management (PSALM) Corporaon, managing director of the Royal Bank of Canada, and director of Private Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., Ledesma looks at the promising horizon ahead for the aainment of Universal Health Care in the Philippines. Immediately, he knew that instung reforms and improving service excellence is the right path to transforming the Naonal Health Insurance Program (NHIP) into an innovave, dependable, and indispensable Government social security program. An expert in banking and corporate nance, Ledesma is relessly working towards making PhilHealth the agency that Filipinos can truly rely on for nancial protecon against health risks in the family.AWARDED HONORARYCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEROF THE YEARMR. EMMANUEL R. LEDESMA, JR.PRESIDENT & CEOPHILHEALTH245

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Under Ledesma’s strong leadership, PhilHealth was able to roll out new benets as well as introduce long overdue enhancements to its exisng benet catalogue. The year 2023 saw the expansion and instuonalizaon of the covered sessions for dialysis from 90 to 156 sessions a year, beneng millions of Filipinos needing this life-saving procedure arising from chronic kidney disease stage 5. This move was even praised by the Provincial Council of Cebu, which noted the “… great advantage for PhilHealth CKD5 registered members that such a measure is available for them as it will ease their economic burden as well as the mental stress that goes with it.” In the same year, PhilHealth, in tandem with the Department of Health, launched the Outpaent Mental Health Benet Package, a historic rst that was welcomed by millions of Filipinos baling mental health condions. Coverage for acute stroke and high-risk pneumonia were likewise increased by nearly three-folds. These condions account for a huge chunk of benet claims led annually with the State Insurer. Halfway through 2024, Ledesma announced hey increases in key benet packages to make their impact felt by the paents. On PhilHealth’s 29th anniversary on February 14, he unveiled an across the board increase of 30 percent in the case rate packages, again another historic rst in more than a decade. This was followed by a 1,400 percent increase in coverage for its Z Benet Package for Breast Cancer, from P100,000 to up to P1.4 million. The state health insurer under Ledesma’s steering also sees itself playing a major role in strengthening primary care in the Philippines. A few months into his assumpon, and aer realizing the full potenal of invesng in prevenon and early detecon of health condions towards a healthier and producve people, he directed the enre Management team and all operang units to intensify the PhilHealth Konsulta program. Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year247

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The Konsulta, or Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama, is the expanded primary care benet package of PhilHealth, which pays for consultaons, laboratory procedure and essenal medicines as may be recommended by the Konsulta provider. Recently, the Konsulta was expanded to include breast ultrasound and mammogram to help in the early detecon of breast cancer. To beer nance this enhancement, Ledesma worked for the increase as well of the budget per paent from the measly P500 to P1,700 for parcipang private and public facilies alike. The move is seen to encourage more providers into the program with the hey investments that was supported by the PhilHealth Board. In the pipeline is a more promising Konsulta where sustainable development goal benets for TB, HIV-AIDS, animal bites and malaria will soon be integrated in the purview of primary care. Likewise, the expansion of Konsulta medicines from the present 21 to 53 will be a reality to Filipinos needing support for their needed essenal medicines under the PhilHealth GAMOT or Guaranteed and Accessible Medicaons for Outpaent Treatment which is currently in the nal stages of pilot tesng. To ensure that these reforms will have permanent and lasng impact to the Filipinos, Ledesma is also seng his sights on digitalizing PhilHealth’s overall systems and processes, ensuring eciency, producvity, interoperability with key stakeholders such as providers and employers, and more importantly to maintain a fraud-free health insurance system. Once realized, the eciency of PhilHealth transacons and services will be increased exponenally. But a leader is only as strong as its followers. Under Ledesma’s guidance, the PhilHealth reorganizaon program has gained steam and is seen to jumpstart soon. This re-organized and strengthened organizaonal structure will give way to a more agile, movated, and resilient work force for even more eecve public service. These enhancements in the program did not go unnoced. No less than the Naon Builders and MOSLIV awards have cited Ledesma’s sterling accomplishments that have been making waves in the health sector, the private sector and civil society, all the way up to both chambers of Congress and the Execuve branch of the Government. His being cited as this year’s Honorary Chief Execuve Ocer of the Year is testament to his unwavering commitment to bring PhilHealth closer to the people it serves. Truly, when all is said and done, Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. is among the most inuenal leaders in the Government today, his work worthy of recognion and emulaon. The future of health care is in good hands.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year248

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NATION BUILDERSMr. Ismael Sandig began his career as a Branch Manager and demonstrated exceponal dedicaon and commitment, which allowed him to rise through the ranks in the banking industry. He is currently serving as the President and Chief Execuve Ocer of Top Bank Philippines, Inc. (A Rural Bank), previously known as Country Builders Bank, Inc. (A Rural Bank), a posion he has held since 2022. His illustrious career spans an impressive 48 years, during which he has worked with various banking instuons, including: Bank Ocer-In-Charge (Concurrent), Senior Execuve Vice President and Retail Banking Group Head, CTBC Bank (Philippines) Corporation; Senior Execuve Vice President and Retail Banking Group Head, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation; Director, RCBC-JPL Holding Co., Inc. (RCBC Subsidiary); Board Director, Treasurer and Execuve Commiee Member, BANCNET, Inc.; Director, Rizal Micro Finance Bank (RCBC Subsidiary); Chairman of the Board of Director, Aims Realty Development and Leasing Corporaon; Director, Bankard; Senior Consultant and Assistant to the President and Chairman of the Board, East West Banking Corporaon; Senior Execuve Vice President, Retail Banking Sector Head and Consumer Finance Sector Head (Concurrent), Philippine Naonal Bank; Senior Vice President and Regional Business Head, Union Bank of the Philippines; Senior Manager and Branch Head, Philippine Commercial Internaonal Bank (PCI Bank).AWARDED HONORARYCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEROF THE YEARMR. ISMAEL REYES SANDIGPRESIDENT & CEO TOP BANK PHILIPPINES, INC. 249

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In a short span of me, the bank has successfully expanded numerous branches throughout Metro Manila. Over the course of a year and half, the bank opened new branches in Batangas, Cagayan and Bulacan. Now, it is seng its sights on further growth, aiming to establish a strong presence in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This strategic expansion reects Mr. Sandig’s commitment and leadership in providing accessible and quality nancial services to a broader customer base. As Mr. Ismael Sandig transions from his role as CEO, he leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and a solid foundaon for future growth. Throughout his tenure, he has strategically navigated the company through various challenges, consistently outperforming competors and seng new standards for excellence. Innovaon has always been at the heart of Mr. Sandig’s leadership. He has fostered a culture of creavity and connuous improvement, encouraging every team member to think outside the box. This approach led to the development of groundbreaking products and services that have signicantly enhanced the bank’s market posion. Mr. Sandig’s deep commitment to empowering employees ensured that the workforce remained skilled, movated, and aligned with the company’s goals. Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year251

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Under Mr. Sandig’s leadership, the instuon has gained recognion from various award-giving bodies both internaonal and domesc, acknowledging its outstanding achievements and contribuons to the banking sector. Year 2023• Best Micronance Bank Philippines, Global Banking & Finance Review• Bank to Watch in the Philippines, Asiamoney• Fastest Growing Rural Retail Bank in the Philippines, World Business Outlook• Most Innovave Micronance Bank Philippines, Global Business Outlook• Best Micronance Bank Philippines, The Annual Global Economics• The Quality Achievements Award in the Gold Category, European Society for Quality Research (ESQR)• Capacity Building Banks, Rural Bankers Research & Development Foundaon, Inc.Year 2024• Micronance & SME Brand of the Year Philippines 2024, Finance Review• Best Rural Bank in the Philippines 2024, Internaonal Business Magazine• Fastest Growing Rural Bank in the Philippines 2024, Internaonal Business Magazine An Alumnus of Far Eastern University, Mr. Sandig holds a degree in BS Commerce with a major in Accounng. He further enriched his experse with master’s degree in Business Administraon from De Salle University and Bachelor of Law from Ateneo Law School. His dedicaon to connues learning and improvement is evident in every aspect of his work. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Sandig is acvely aliated with several esteemed instuons. He is a member of the Management Associaon of the Philippines, Reviera Golf Club, and Reviera Sports and Country Club, Inc. These aliaons reect his commitment to advancing the industry and fostering professional development. Mr. Sandig was not just the president of the instuon, but also a leader, mentor, and coach. As a leader, he set a clear vision and direcon for the instuon, inspiring condence and commitment among all stakeholders. His strategic thinking and ability to ancipate future trends posioned the instuon for long-term success. He championed innovaon and encouraged a culture of connuous improvement, ensuring the instuon remained at the forefront of its eld. As a mentor, Mr. Sandig dedicated me to understanding the aspiraons and challenges of his team members. He shared his knowledge and experience generously, providing valuable insights that helped individuals navigate their careers. His mentorship was characterized by empathy, paence, and a genuine desire to see others succeed, creating an environment where everyone felt valued and supported. As a coach, he was hands-on in developing his team, focusing on enhancing both abilies and skills. His construcve feedback fostered growth and learning, celebrang successes and providing guidance during setbacks. This approach inslled resilience and a growth mindset in his team, improving individual performance and strengthening the team as a whole. His mulfaceted role as a leader, mentor, and coach made him a pivotal gure in the instuon’s journey, contribung signicantly to its overall success and the professional development of its members. His legacy is reected in the thriving careers of those he mentored and the lasng impact of his leadership on the instuon. He exemplies the qualies of a transformave leader. His outstanding vision, strategic acumen, and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding candidate for the Honorary CEO of the Year Award. Mr. Sandig’s leadership is marked by an unwavering opmism and the belief that “there are more things to achieve and more stories to tell; the best is yet to come.” This forward-thinking atude drives the instuon’s connued innovaon and commitment to excellence. We are condent that he will connue to drive industry to new heights and inspire others with his exceponal leadership. Throughout his career, Mr. Sandig has received numerous awards in recognion of his exceponal leadership and contribuons to the banking industry. These accolades highlight his unwavering dedicaon to excellence and his ability to drive signicant posive change within the instuons he has led. His visionary leadership has not only propelled his bank to new heights but has also set a benchmark for others in the industry.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year252

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NATION BUILDERSJames Amparo is a visionary agripreneur and the Founder, President, and CEO of mulple research and agriculture companies in the Philippines. His innovave spirit has led to the creaon of Yovel East Research & Development Inc., Yovel East Agriventures, and We Will Rice Farmers Inc., all of which have made signicant contribuons to the agricultural sector in the Philippines. With his experse and passion for innovaon, James has become a prominent gure in agribusiness, spearheading the development of cung-edge agricultural technologies and pracces that benet Filipino farmers. Born and raised in Quezon Province, James Amparo began his entrepreneurial journey early in life. While sll a student at the University of the Philippines Diliman, he founded his rst company, Yovel East Research, in 2010.This marked the beginning of his commitment to agricultural innovaon. Yovel East Research has since become a pioneering force behind several technological advancements that have transformed farming pracces in the country. Among its notable products are the Treelizer Mulfunconal, a specialized nutrient soluon designed to opmize crop growth and balance soil pH; Treelizer Probiocs, which help rejuvenate natural microorganisms in the soil, leading to healthier and more producve farms; and many more. These innovaons have been game-changers for farmers, providing sustainable soluons that improve soil ferlity and crop yields.AWARDED HONORARYCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEROF THE YEARMR. JAMES P. AMPAROFOUNDER & CEOYOVEL EAST RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, INC.253

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In addion to agricultural products, James Amparo has also ventured into irrigaon and mechanizaon. Yovel East, in partnership with Israel, developed an Irrigaon Network Piping System that could revoluonize irrigaon technology in the Philippines with a 95%-100% usage rate, compared to an open canal’s 20% usage rate. This system is fully automated and brings water directly to the farm. Another technology is the Coconut Climbing Machine, which has been patented through the Intellectual Property Oce of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) under the Technology Applicaon and Promoon Instute (TAPI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This machine is a testament to James’ commitment to creang praccal, ecient tools for farmers. The commercializaon of this invenon is underway through DOST’s Inclusive Business Empowerment Development (IBED) program, further expanding its reach and impact. However, James’ contribuons to agriculture go beyond developing products and technologies. He recognized that real change would come from empowering farmers directly. This realizaon led him to establish Yovel East Agriventures, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive support to farmers. Yovel East Agriventures oers a wide range of services, including the supply of seeds, ferlizers, and machinery for land preparaon, as well as technical assistance and labor support. The company also plays a crucial role in markeng and buying back the farmers’ produce at harvest, ensuring that they have a sustainable and protable farming experience. By partnering with farmers and managing their farms collaboravely, Yovel East Agriventures is helping to modernize and professionalize agriculture in the Philippines.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year255

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Under James Amparo’s leadership, Yovel East has achieved remarkable growth and success. The company provides end-to-end services to farmers by supplying seeds, ferlizers, and machinery, nancing labor costs, and buying back their produce. Yovel East has consolidated and clustered more than 5,000 farmers in Southern and Central Luzon, culvang rice, corn, and high-value crops. The company has also expanded its operaons in Mindanao, managing 70 hectares of Lakatan Banana and supplying weekly shipments to Luzon, while becoming one of the biggest growers of Durian in the country. Addionally, through James Amparo’s experse, he was invited to be a consultant to 70,000 farmers composed of mulple cooperaves and associaons naonwide. This level of inuence and engagement demonstrates James Amparo’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of Filipino farmers on a large scale.James’ expertise and achievements have made him a sought-aer adviser and consultant for numerous micronancing instuons and agricultural cooperaves across the country. His insights into agribusiness and his ability to innovate within the sector have earned him recognion both locally and internaonally. He is regularly invited to speak at conferences overseas, where he encourages investors to consider the Philippines as a prime desnaon for agribusiness investments. His ability to bridge the gap between technology, farming, and investment has posioned him as a key gure in the country’s agricultural development.In every venture, James Amparo has demonstrated a deep commitment to upliing the agricultural sector in the Philippines. Through his companies, he has created sustainable soluons that address the challenges faced by farmers, from improving crop yields to providing access to modern farming techniques and ensuring market support. His leadership has brought together thousands of farmers and helped them thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year256

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NATION BUILDERSJose B. Tomas Jr., fondly called Sir Jun, was born on December 25, 1984, in the picturesque town of Banaue, Ifugao, a place celebrated for its UNESCO-recognized rice terraces and rich cultural heritage. The awe-inspiring landscape where Jose grew up was more than just a backdrop; it was the foundaon of his early educaon in the values of community, hard work, and perseverance. Banaue’s traditions, tightly woven with Ifugao identy, would later shape his personal and professional philosophy. As the third of ve children, Jose grew up in a close-knit, humble household. His father, Jose “Tam-an” D. Tomas Sr., played a pivotal role not just in his family’s life but also in the broader community. Jose Sr., a visionary leader, founded the Tam-an Banaue Mulpurpose Cooperave (Tam-an BMPC) over three decades ago. The cooperave, which began as a modest iniave to improve the lives of local residents, became a signicant force in the economic development of the region.For Jose Jr., his father’s example was foundaonal. From a young age, he saw how his father worked relessly for his family and the cooperave’s growth, helping upli others through nancial inclusion and community-driven iniaves. More than just a father, Jose Sr. was a mentor to his son, inslling in him the values of discipline, perseverance, and selessness. Jose Jr. inherited not only his father’s name but also his unyielding passion for public service and community development. However, while his father was an important gure in shaping his sense of duty, his mother, Cecilia Bulayo Tomas, was the nurturing force that grounded him in humility and compassion. Cecilia’s gentle guidance and constant support fostered a strong sense of empathy and a deep connecon to family values in Jose Jr. These two role models—his father, with his strong leadership, and his mother, with her quiet but powerful inuence—created a balanced environment for Jose Jr.’s personal and professional growth.AWARDED HONORARYCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEROF THE YEARMR. JOSE B. TOMAS, JR., J.D.CEO, TAM-AN BANAUE MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE257

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Upon completing his primary and secondary educaon in Banaue, Jose Jr. sought higher educaon and pursued a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Polical Science at the University of Cordilleras in Baguio City in 2005. His choice of study reected his growing interest in governance, public policy, and community service—areas that aligned with his father’s work in the cooperave. His polical science background provided him with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of governance and public administraon, knowledge that would later prove invaluable in his role as the cooperave’s leader.While studying, Jose Jr. remained deeply involved with the Tam-an BMPC. Aer compleng his degree, he began working as a volunteer, serving as a driver and secretary to his father, who was then the General Manager of the cooperave, while pursuing his Bachelor of Laws at Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. His willingness to take on even the most humble roles showed his dedicaon and eagerness to learn the inner workings of the organizaon. Far from being content with merely carrying the Tomas name, Jose Jr. wanted to prove himself through hard work and discipline. As he gained experience, Jose Jr. took on addional responsibilies within the cooperave. He worked as a collector, a role that involved direct interacon with members of the cooperave. This posion provided him with grassroots understanding of the needs and challenges faced by cooperave members. His hands-on experience, coupled with his growing understanding of nancial and operaonal maers, equipped him with the skills necessary for leadership.At one point, Jose Jr. even considered pursuing a legal career, aiming to study law while connuing his work in the cooperave. Although his path ulmately led him in a dierent direcon, this brief legal pursuit highlights his lifelong dedicaon to jusce and fairness, principles that would later dene his leadership.EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EARLY CAREERRISING THROUGH THE RANKS: OPERATIONS HEAD AND ENTREPRENEURSTEPPING INTO LEADERSHIP: BECOMING CEO OF TAM-AN BMPCJose’s hard work did not go unnoced. Over me, the Board of Directors recognized his passion, dedicaon, and competence, appoinng him as the operaons head for ve branches of the cooperave. He was tasked with overseeing the Solano and Bambang branches in Nueva Vizcaya, the Maddela and Diun branches in Quirino, and the Banaue branch in Ifugao. Managing mulple branches was no easy feat, but Jose Jr. embraced the challenge with determinaon. At this stage in his life, Jose resides in Barangay Masoc, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, where he lived since 2004. Having spent two decades in this vibrant and progressive province, he has witnessed rsthand its immense potenal for growth. It was in Nueva Vizcaya that the Tam-an Banaue Mulpurpose Cooperave truly began to thrive and expand, bolstered by the province’s promise as a hub for economic development. His long-term residence in the region has given him a deep connecon to the local communies and has provided him with unique insights into how the cooperave can eecvely serve the people of Nueva Vizcaya. This inmate knowledge of the area’s economic landscape allows him to navigate challenges and seize opportunies, ulmately contribung to the cooperave’s success and growth. During this period, Jose also began exploring other entrepreneurial ventures. In 2009, he married Chona Marie Apilado Tomas, a registered nurse, a union that would bring even more stability and purpose to his life. Longing for years, the couple was blessed with twin sons, Louie Josh and Luke Roderick. Fatherhood brought a new dimension to Jose’s responsibilies, as he worked to balance his dues to his family, the cooperave, and his burgeoning business ventures. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Jose opened several businesses, including a computer shop and a water relling staon called Waterzone. His most notable business venture, however, was Twins Garden Special Events Venue, named in honor of his twin sons, then the Jr Tomas Firing Range. The resort became a testament to his ability to blend family life with his professional ambions, further expanding his inuence and impact on the local community.In 2019, a new chapter unfolded in Jose Jr.’s life. His father, Jose Sr., decided to run for the posion of Vice Governor of Nueva Vizcaya, a move that would mark the beginning of Jose Jr.’s ascent to the top leadership of the cooperave. With his father’s elecon as Vice Governor, the Board of Directors passed a resoluon appoinng Jose B. Tomas Jr. as the new Chief Execuve Ocer (CEO) of Tam-an Banaue Mulpurpose Cooperave.Inially, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, Jose served as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) CEO, preparing himself for the full transion. On July 1, 2020, he ocially assumed the role of CEO. However, his leadership was immediately tested as the COVID-19 pandemic began to ravage communies and economies worldwide. Leading a cooperave during such a turbulent me was not an easy task, but Jose rose to the occasion.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year259

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LEADERSHIP AMID THE PANDEMIC:NAVIGATING CRISIS AND EXPANSIONLEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES: DISCIPLINE, HONESTY, AND FAITHLOOKING TOWARD THE FUTUREWhen Jose Jr. took the helm, the pandemic created unprecedented challenges. Businesses were closing, people were losing jobs, and the economy was in a state of ux. Instead of succumbing to the pressure, Jose Jr. turned the crisis into an opportunity for growth and resilience. His rst priority was to protect his employees, ensuring that they connued to have livelihoods despite the uncertain circumstances.Under his leadership, the cooperative implemented a shiing schedule for employees, allowing them to work in rotaons while sll earning a stable income. Jose also extended support to the members of the cooperave, distribung ve-kilo bags of rice and providing free vitamins to help bolster their health during the pandemic. These iniaves demonstrated his commitment to not only maintaining the cooperave’s operaons but also to supporng the well-being of the broader community.Despite the immense dicules posed by the pandemic, Jose Jr. pushed forward with an ambious expansion plan. By 2022, the cooperave had successfully opened 32 branches across Regions 2 and 3, signicantly expanding its reach. His ulmate goal is to grow the cooperave to 100 branches, a vision that seemed bold but achievable under his disciplined leadership.Jose’s leadership is anchored on three core principles: discipline, honesty, and faith. He believes that discipline is the foundaon of both personal and organizaonal success. As he once said, “If our employees are disciplined, our members must also be disciplined.” To him, discipline is not just about following rules, but about maintaining consistency, commitment, and accountability. Without discipline, even the best-laid plans can fall apart.Honesty is another key tenet of Jose’s leadership philosophy. He emphasizes that “Honesty is the only policy,” a belief that is deeply ingrained in the cooperave’s culture. In an organizaon that handles nancial resources, trust is paramount, and Jose understands that honesty is essenal for maintaining the trust of both employees and members.Finally, Jose is a rm believer in the importance of faith. He has oen said that without God, the cooperave would be nothing. This deep faith guides his decisions, reminding him to remain humble, grounded, and focused on serving the greater good.As of 2024, Jose B. Tomas Jr. connues to lead the Tam-an Banaue Mulpurpose Cooperave with a clear vision for the future. His goal of establishing 100 branches is well within reach, a testament to his dedicaon and strategic thinking. Under his leadership, the cooperave is not only a business but a movement for economic empowerment and community development. Beyond the cooperave, Jose’s inuence extends into his various business ventures and community iniaves, all of which reect his commitment to upliing the lives of those around him. Whether through his businesses, his role as a father and husband, or his leadership of the cooperave, Jose remains a steadfast advocate for progress, integrity, and service.In the years to come, Jose B. Tomas Jr. is poised to connue building on the legacy of his father while forging his own path as a resilient, resourceful and empowering leader. His journey is one of perseverance, humility, and unwavering dedicaon to the people. Through his work, he embodies the meless values of discipline, honesty, and faith—values that will undoubtedly shape the future of the cooperave and the lives it touches.Awarded Honorary Chief Executive Officer of the Year260

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NATION BUILDERSDavao del Norte State College has deep roots in serving sherfolks in coastal communies and has maintained a strong commitment to environmental stewardship while pioneering innovave pracces. This dedicaon has persisted over the years. However, under the current administraon of Dr. Joy Mundiz Sorrosa, the college faces an even greater challenge: not only connuing its eorts to benet the planet but also ensuring sustainability amidst future uncertaines. In response to this, Dr. Sorrosa has established a team dedicated to preparing for the futures, embracing the newly integrated concepts of futures thinking and strategic foresight in state universies and colleges. This iniave represents a fresh approach to achieving sustainability. SUCs, including DNSC, are now proacvely looking ahead to ancipate and prepare for a rapidly changing environment shaped by technological advancements, shiing job markets, demographic changes, and evolving educaonal needs. This step posions Dr. Sorrosa not only as a visionary but also as a strategist, nding ways to achieve tangible results and taking preparatory steps to realize the College’s long-term plan.AWARDED HONORARYJOY M. SORROSA, Ph.D.SUC PRESIDENT III, DAVAO DEL NORTE STATE COLLEGEEMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY AS A CORNERSTONE OF LEADERSHIP261MOST EMPOWERED WOMANOF THE YEAR

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PRIORITIZING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS AND CONTRIBUTING TO ECONOMIC GROWTH BY PRODUCING COMPETENT HUMAN RESOURCE The college president recognizes that even the best visions and plans cannot succeed without the right people to implement them. In her speeches, she oen emphasizes, “Happy people are producve people.” She believes the key to operaonal success is a healthy working environment where individuals can express themselves, think creavely, lead, and thrive. The emphasis on a supporve work environment at Davao del Norte State College begins with the hiring process and extends to fostering professional growth throughout an employee’s career. The college maintains clear and transparent hiring procedures, supported by detailed reports from the personnel selecon board. Addionally, the non-discriminatory direcves of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in human resource management are highly valued and strictly observed. As a result of this, DNSC was granted the Program to Instuonalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) Level II Bronze Award for excellence in implemenng HR systems. Dr. Sorrosa also advocated for the Mental Health and Wellness Program for Employees (DNSC-MHWPE), which ulmately received approval from the DNSC Board of Trustees (BOT). This program formalized the integraon of mental health and wellness into the college’s operaons.Awarded Honorary Most Empowered Woman of the Year262

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Key iniaves include a Mental Health Break every Wednesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., an annual three-day Mental Health Break every October, the establishment of a mental health support system for employees, and various other acvies aimed at promong well-being and healthy lifestyle.The president is also commied to maintaining high employee morale by ensuring the mely release of salaries. She priorized the mely provision of premium and gratuity pay for employees under contract of service and job orders, aiming to enhance nancial stability for all sta members. DNSC acvely contributes to the advancement of human resources and economic growth in the province of Davao del Norte and beyond. Its curricula are designed to meet the specic needs of local communies, ensuring relevance and praccality. By forging partnerships with industries, the college exposes students to real-world challenges and opportunies, preparing them for the workforce. Under the leadership of Dr. Sorrosa, DNSC has strengthened its partnerships with public and private agencies for the on-the job training, research and extension, and immersion acvies of both the students and employees. The college has signicantly expanded its global reach through various iniaves, including faculty and student mobility programs, internaonal engagements, cultural visits, acve parcipaon in networks, and the launch of an online podcast to discuss internaonalizaon iniaves. Striving for a fair and inclusive environment, where every member of the college community has equal opportunies to excel, enriches students’ educaonal experiences, strengthens community bonds, and equips individuals to navigate and contribute eecvely to a diverse and complex world. President Sorrosa has consistently supported gender and development iniaves aimed at addressing various inequalies. DNSC, in alignment with other public agencies, implements the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG). The administraon views these guidelines as crucial for integrang gender perspecves into the college’s developmental plans. The guideline ensures systemac inclusion of gender consideraons in policy-making and planning. It empowers the DNSC Gender and Development Focal Point System to monitor and evaluate GAD-related iniaves, facilitang adjustments to beer achieve gender equality goals. Moreover, these guidelines support capacity-building and informaon drives, such as parcipaon in the annual Women’s Month celebraon and the Eighteen-day Campaign on Violence against Women, through funding and enabling opportunies. One of DNSC’s newest buildings is the three-storey Gender and Development Wellness Complex, designed to promote the well-being of all stakeholders. It features state-of-the-art facilies including gym equipment, an aerobics room, a breaseeding area, an entertainment room, and more. One of the most impacul enhancements in the organizaonal structure has been the formaon of a team dedicated to infrastructure development. President Sorrosa is commied to connuing her predecessor’s eorts to enhance access to quality higher educaon in the Municipality of Talaingod, where most residents are from indigenous cultural communies. To address the lack of clean water at the DNSC Talaingod campus, nearly een million pesos were allocated for the construcon of a pump house with ve elevated water tanks, the installaon of water treatment and rainwater collecon systems, and the purchasing of a transformer. This iniave establishes a renewable and sustainable water source crucial for campus operaons. The project exemplies the commitment of Dr. Sorrosa to extend improvements enjoyed at the main campus to other locaons within the instuon. As part of the same iniave, an allocaon of nearly four million pesos was dedicated to the re-piping of the DNSC waterline system. This project aims to improve the reliability, eciency, and safety of the water supply infrastructure while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. It also includes the installaon of a re hydrant and hydro-tesng and leak-tesng measures. In 2023, the college embarked on a campus-wide rehabilitaon of comfort rooms, signicantly enhancing sanitaon, safety, and accessibility of facilies. ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE BY PROVIDING CLEAN WATERREDUCING INEQUALITIES THROUGH GENDEREQUALITY AND OVERALL INCLUSIVITYAwarded Honorary Most Empowered Woman of the Year263

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State universies and colleges play a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals by integrang principles of jusce, human rights, and resilience into educaonal programs, research agenda, and community outreach iniaves. DNSC, under the leadership of Dr. Sorrosa, has been recognized as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Champion of Region XI by the Naonal Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Among the notable iniaves recognized in this award are the DNSC-DJAL Talaingod campus, Taklobo Tours, the Sustainable Livelihood Development Project for Former Rebels, and the DNSC - Davao del Norte Learning Instute (DNLI). Taklobo Tours, situated within a fourteen-hectare Marine Reserve Park (MRP) managed by DNSC in Barangay Adecor, Island Garden City of Samal, exemplies how environmental sustainability can be harmonized with economic development. This project not only sustains marine conservaon eorts and promotes environmental advocacy but also provides livelihood opportunies, facilitates partnerships between public and private organizaons, and ensures that future generaons can enjoy the bounty of the sea. In collaboraon with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 56th Infantry Baalion, the Municipality of Talaingod, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Technical Educaon and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), DNSC organized the Sustainable Livelihood Development Project for Former Rebels. This iniave, aligned with the naonal objecve of achieving lasng peace and reconciliaon, involved livelihood training for twenty former rebels. The training focused on organic farming and food processing. The DNSC-Davao del Norte Learning Instute (DNLI) was established to enhance the human resources in government oces in the Province of Davao del Norte. Dr. Sorrosa was fully supporve of ensuring the connued success of the program’s implementaon by introducing various developmental reforms. Addressing the high rate of non-promoon due to a lack of educaonal qualicaons, the DNLI oers specialized undergraduate and graduate programs for public service employees. Classes are scheduled on weekends to accommodate working students, thus enabling them to pursue further educaon without disrupng their professional responsibilies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the college transioned to a exible and hybrid mode of learning by empowering teachers with advanced technological tools. This transion was part of a broader iniave to transform the college into a smart campus, leveraging technology as a safeguard against the volality and uncertaines of the me. In essence, Dr. Sorrosa’s leadership welcomes a balance between pursuing sustainability and technological advancement. Dr. Sorrosa’s enabling and movang leadership has been instrumental in embedding resilience across all facets of DNSC’s academic environment, fostering long-term sustainability. BUILDING JUST, HUMANE, AND RESILIENTINSTITUTIONS FOR A STRONGER NATIONAwarded Honorary Most Empowered Woman of the Year264

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NATION BUILDERSRaised by a family who struggled to make ends meet. In order to be able to study, she was sent by her parents to her older sibling to help her send to school. Life has not been easy but it thought her how to be stronger and to be resilient. This was the very foundaon of this young dynamic, energec, hardworking and opmisc CEO of RCREIGN INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AGENCY, Ms. Cielo Amor D. Chavez. The hardship of Life taught her how to be strategic and resourceful. It was this reason why she put up a recruitment and manpower service company. The nature of this business is providing manpower to clients and principal locally and abroad. The main aim is to provide every Filipinos a beer job opportunity that will enable them to became self sucient and helpful contributor to the community. She started the company from zero and she only got her determinaon and courage that she can do it. Her desire to scale up more the business has becoming more intense that she wanted to expand the horizon by bringing this into a Global perspecve. AWARDED HONORARYMS. CIELO AMOR D. CHAVEZCEO/PRESIDENT, RCREIGN MANPOWER AGENCY265MOST EMPOWERED WOMANOF THE YEAR

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Awarded Honorary Most Empowered Woman of the Year267 There is other part of her personality. When it comes to work, she is a courtesan, she has a child-like heart when it comes to Nature. She is like an innocent angel whose soul join the spirits of Nature. She will express how happy she can be by climbing a mountain, extremely enjoying the rain while rappelling, discovering life underwater and breathing life in air on a cli. Though Her energy doesn’t end in her career and family, she manages her me that she can join her friends, her employees and colleagues, business partners, her brothers and sisters from civic organizaons. She is like “a human New York – a woman who never sleeps”. Aside from managing her me being a mom and being the CEO/ President of her company, she also joined Organizaons which visions is to help people in need. To help the community by doing community services. She joined the Lions Internaonal, Inc., and she is now the incumbent president for the year 2024 to 2025. She also joined The Ancient Noble Order of the Knight Templar and The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles. She has been the Lady President since 2021 up to this date 2024. She is very passionate in helping others, devong herself in these organizaons and making an Impact to the Society. When Typhoon Ulysses hits the Philippines last November 2020, she goes as far as Tuguegarao and Bicol and took part of the relief operaons to help our fellow countrymen who are in deeply need. She is one of the leaders who did a humanitarian service with the aetas children in Botolan, Cabangan Zambales to provide food and educaon materials. She is spearheaded a huge medical Mission in Balayan Batangas Last February 2023 with over 5000 recipients. Almost every week she is doing services to the society for she felt that her life is becoming more valuable when serving her fellow countrymen. She has given various recognions for her valuable contribuons and humanitarian projects. She trained her stas to provide a good service to its clients making sure that the services that they will provide will removed the burden of managing their client’s workforce enabling their organizaon to gain eciency and focus on core business funcons. They take full responsibility for managing the stas but collaborates with its clients/customer based on contractual terms. RCREIGN applies a strategic way to reduce the costs and expenses for hiring personnel to do the job of its clients and customers enabling them to drive the business growth and protability. Cielo is not just another prey face; she possesses a very posive aura that inuenced others to have a posive energy. She treats obstacles and challenges as her stepping stone to success. She nds it more fullling and more sasfying if she achieved things in a very complicated and dicult way. She never stops unl she achieved her goal. She is very compassionate with others; she movates people to look things in a posive perspecve. For her, life is short to spend it with hatred and anger. She is very willing to share her secrets and strategies to success, because her heart is happy to see others enjoying their success as well. She has helped over a thousand Filipinos to have jobs and career through her local manpower and have helped over a thousand Filipino workers to work abroad and nd a beer career. She not only deployed workers local and internaonal, she also monitored their welfare to make sure that she provided them not only a job but an opportunity to help their families live a good life.

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Awarded Honorary Most Empowered Woman of the Year268 She believed that we live in a wonderful world full of opportunies, she wanted to fully ulized her God-given skills and knowledge to fulll her dreams to make an impact to the society. She is a woman who believed in gender equality, that a woman can showcase her excellence if she will be given the opportunity to express fully what she is capable of. She will not only excel, but will make sure that she will be exceponal. She believed with imperfecons; however, she knows that imperfecon in the key to meculously curve a stone and create a diamond out of it. She loved sharing her blessings because for her, we enter this world with nothing and we will leave with nothing. We cannot bring anything to the grave but memories will remain forever. Cielo Believed that Men and women were equal. Woman was created by God and taken from a man’s limb for her to be treated equally, not on the feet to be stepped on, not on the head to be superior, but near the heart to be loved. For her, if women will be valued equally, we will have a safer and healthier society. She is hungry for success; she never stops proving that she can bring progress to the society in her very own way. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:• Club Excellence Award / Club Secretary (Manila Magnanimous Execuve Lions Club) – June 25, 2022• Outstanding Service Award / President (Quezon City Diversity Lady Eagles Club) – November 25, 2023• Outstanding Service Award/ Club Secretary (Manila Magnanimous Execuve Lions Club) – June 17, 2022• Oustanding Service Award for Medical Mission and Jobs Fair/ President (Quezon City Diversity Lady Eagles Club) – April 23, 2023• Cercate of Recognion for Ocers Training – Manila Magnanimous Execuve Lions Club – April 3, 2024• Cercate of Recognion for Lion Ocers Protocol Training / Manila Magnanimous Execuve Lions Club – March 12, 2022• Leadership Excellence for Emerging Lion Leaders / manila Magnanimous Execuve Lions Club – May 20, 2023• Cercate of Recognion for Mulple District Convenon/ Manila Magnanimous Execuve Lions Club – May 18, 2023• Philippine Eagles Charter Naonal’s President Award – November 27, 2021• Orient and South East Asia Lions Award – November 5, 2023• Cercate of Recognion for Lions Internaonal Convenon Australia – June 20, 2024

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable District4TH DISTRICT OF ISABELAHON. JOSEPH SALVADOR TANREPRESENTATIVEThe 4th District of Isabela made its inaugural appearance in Congress in 1987, during the 8th Congress. Following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11080, which reorganized the province into six districts, the 4th District now encompasses the City of Sanago and the towns of Cordon, Dinapigue, San Agusn, and Jones. Nestled in the southern region of Isabela, it shares borders with the provinces of Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino, creang a unique geographic blend that contributes to its cultural and natural richness.This area is a stunning desnaon, adorned with natural wonders that aract visitors from near and far. Among its highlights is the Bonsai Forest in Dinapigue, located within the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park. Here, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of both the surrounding mountains and the vast Pacic Ocean. The unique small trees thriving in this forest hint at the rich mineral deposits that lie beneath the landscape, creang an ecosystem that is both beauful and ecologically signicant.The district is also home to numerous waterfalls, each with its own charm. In Jones, seven interconnected cascades culminate in the impressive 20-meter Sibsib Falls, drawing nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Cordon boasts the picturesque Chapah Waterfalls, where the sound of cascading water creates a tranquil atmosphere. Meanwhile, San Agusn has transformed the scenic banks of the Dimasilong River into an ecopark, inving both locals and tourists to explore its natural beauty through recreaonal acvies like hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.NATURAL BEAUTY269

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This diversity is a cornerstone of the district’s strength. Rather than serving as points of division, ethnic dierences weave together a rich community fabric. This celebraon of unity in diversity is epitomized by the annual Paaradday Fesval in the City of Sanago. The name “Paaradday” means unity in Ibanag, and the fesval honors the harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups, highlighng the synergy that has contributed to the district’s prosperity.The eorts of these peoples span generaons, stretching all the way back to pre-Hispanic mes. Their endeavors can be seen in many historical aracons that serve as reminders of the past and provide lessons for the future. The Balay na Sanago in Sanago City is one of the most prominent museums in the area. Originally serving as the municipal hall of Carig—the old name of the city—this building now houses memorabilia from the various ethnic groups that have seled in the city. Visitors can explore an array of arfacts, from tradional furniture to photographs and everyday items that paint a vivid picture of how the people of the district lived at various points in me.The journey has not been easy. The Jones Historical Shrine and Freedom Park features a shrine that commemorates the Bale of Payac, a signicant uprising against Spanish colonial rule. During this pivotal bale, hundreds of nave Filipinos fought bravely for their freedom and rights, challenging the oppression they faced. The struggle of their ancestors is deeply ingrained in the collecve consciousness of the district’s residents, who honor their legacy by striving for equitable prosperity today. Just as they united to resist foreign conquerors, they now work together to improve their community.HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCEPaaradday is just one of the many vibrant fesvals celebrated throughout the area. Each town has its own unique fesvies, reecng their individual journeys toward progress. San Agusn hosts the Nuang Fesval, a tribute to the carabao, a farmer’s steadfast companion in rice culvaon. Jones celebrates the Pinilisa Fesval, honoring a disncve variety of rice renowned for its unique color and fragrance. Cordon features the Mannalon Fesval, which pays homage to the farmers who nourish not only their town but also much of Isabela and its neighboring provinces. Lastly, Dinapigue celebrates the Hilada Fesval, named aer the blue marlin, a prized catch along their coast. These fesvals showcase the gratude of the people of the district for the blessings they have received. They highlight how the residents of Southern Isabela have worked together, despite their dierences, to build a unied community focused on mutual prosperity.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable District271

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The 4th District, much like the rest of Isabela, is an agricultural powerhouse. Its rich farmlands produce a substanal poron of the country’s rice and corn, which are vital staples in the naonal diet. The trade in these goods has spurred the development of Sanago City, transforming it into the economic center of the district. The city’s markets brim with fresh produce, reecng the agricultural bounty of the region. While the district remains primarily agricultural, its leaders, led by Congressman Joseph Tan, have sought to maximize the area’s potenal to enhance income for its residents. The bounful harvests make the district an ideal locaon for agro-industrial enterprises, which can process raw materials and create value-added products. Moreover, the burgeoning tourism sector is beginning to thrive, as more people discover the various aracons the district has to oer, from natural wonders to cultural experiences. At this crical juncture, on the cusp of an economic boom, the BESPReN programs iniated by Congressman Tan have proven to be transformave. The BESPReN (Barangay Empowerment and Synergy for Poverty Reducon Network) Development Strategy is a holisc approach encompassing 31 themac programs that range from infrastructure development to social services. This comprehensive framework is designed to ensure that economic growth is sustainable and equitable. Having successfully implemented the program in Sanago when he was the city’s mayor, Tan has now expanded it into a district-wide development agenda that promises to make Southern Isabela a growth area to watch.ECONOMIC LANDSCAPEThe future of the 4th District of Isabela looks promising as it navigates the challenges and opportunies that lie ahead. By leveraging its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, combined with a robust agricultural base and a focus on sustainable development, the district is well-posioned to thrive. The collecve eorts of its residents, grounded in a shared history of resilience and unity, will play a crucial role in shaping a prosperous future. As the district connues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the strength found in diversity and the potenal for growth through collaboraon. The harmonious blend of its natural and cultural assets, coupled with a commitment to equitable progress, ensures that the 4th District of Isabela will remain a vibrant and thriving community for generaons to come.LOOKING AHEADCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable District272

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable ProvincePROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO DEL SURHON. BAI MARIAM SANGKIMANGUDADATU, Ph.D. (HC), MNSAGOVERNORMaguindanao del Sur is recognized as one of the most economically disadvantaged provinces in the Philippines. Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu is commied to fostering sustainable livelihood opportunies for the residents of Maguindanao del Sur through iniaves focused on Social Enterprise, job creaon, and tailored employment prospects in each municipality. Agriculture encompasses the culvaon and propagaon of plants, animals, sh, and forests, serving as the fundamental source of our essenal provisions. It is widely recognized as the cornerstone of our economic development, exerng a signicant inuence on our economy. The agriculture sector plays a pivotal role in sustaining various industries by catering to the demand for food and raw materials. Farming and shing constute the primary livelihoods in the province. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Farm to Market Road, conducted under the Philippine Rural Development Program in Brgy Rempes-Darugao of South Upi, marks a signicant milestone. This iniave, which is of paramount importance, is designed to facilitate agricultural trade with the town. Concurrently, seedling distribuon to returning cizens is ongoing, bolstered by unwavering government support aimed at improving living standards. The administraon has placed a strong emphasis on priorizing health and educaon, parcularly in remote areas. This administraon’s unwavering commitment to health and educaon is reected in these iniaves, providing reassurance to stakeholders about the government’s priories. It’s crucial to address the current lack of modern agricultural programs, shing and agri-livestock, machinery equipment, facilies, and a modern demonstraon farm to help migate the potenal impacts of emerging public health crises on food security. We have set up machinery linkages to ensure the marketability of our products.MASIGLANG KABUHAYANAGRIKULTURANG MASAGANA273

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Our primary objecve for Maguindanao del Sur is to implement a thorough infrastructure development plan with a focus on enhancing accessibility and connecvity. One of the primary challenges we currently confront is the inadequate state of our roads and bridges. The roads are plagued by a multude of issues including potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces, poor drainage, lack of proper markings, and various obstrucons. These condions not only jeopardize the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users but also signicantly elevate the risk of accidents. Our objecve is to address these challenges, a bolster road safety, and elevate the overall infrastructure standards throughout the province. In addion, the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Sur has made signicant strides in infrastructure development. Our primary focus has been on construcng resilient facilies. We have undertaken extensive rehabilitaon, concrezaon, and a new construcon of farm-to-market roads to facilitate beer access to agricultural acvies and to ensure the ecient delivery of essenal services, including water supply, sanitaon, public transportaon, and other crical infrastructure. All these endeavors have been part of our strategic plan to build a beer future, improve service delivery, expand the road network, and ulmately enhance overall economic producon within the province.ANGKOP NA IMPRASTAKTURA Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province275

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Our province is renowned for its expansive plains, which are unfortunately prone to ooding, leaving many towns and municipalies vulnerable. Limited nancial resources also hinder the ability to improve or establish sanitary landlls. “Our administraon is dedicated to priorizing the creaon and preservaon of a clean and sustainable environment within the province. To accomplish this objecve, we have placed signicant emphasis on the implementaon of tree planng iniaves and strategies for environmental protecon. Addionally, we have rigorously executed a proacve maintenance program for all facilies and equipment within the capital premises, as well as external structures, in full support of our comprehensive solid waste management plan. Our foremost goal is to priorize environmental stewardship by signicantly reducing plasc use and promong large-scale tree-planng iniaves. By taking these steps, we aim to migate carbon emissions and sustain ecological balance in our local environment. Addionally, we ancipate that our development project will not only bring about environmental benets but also have a profound impact on the local economy. We plan to achieve this by enhancing infrastructure and amenies, ulmately aiming to boost tourism and improve the province’s economic outlook. It is our belief that this ancipated growth will play a crucial role in contribung to the prosperity of the local community.BAYANG MALINISALERTONG KOMUNIDAD In our provinces, we are no strangers to the devastang impact of natural disasters such as oods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and armed conicts. To ensure the safety and well-being of our communies, we have established the Provincial Disaster Risk Reducon and Management Oce (PDRRMO). This specialized oce has been equipped with advanced resources and highly trained search and rescue teams, ready to spring into acon at a moment’s noce. Furthermore, we have implemented a cung-edge database system to swily detect and respond to any emerging emergencies with precision and eciency. In addion, It is also vital to incorporate disaster risk reducon capacies into physical and land use to enhance the safety and security of our communies. This should be coordinated alongside planning, budgeng, infrastructure development, educaon, health, environment, housing, and other sectors as specied in RA 10121 of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reducon Management Act.”Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province276

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GOBYERNONG MAY PUSO AT MALASAKITOPORTUNIDAD PARA SA LAHAT“A government commied to compassion and welfare. In recent years, a number of iniaves and schemes have been implemented to support and empower every member of the Maguindanaon community, oering a tangible demonstraon of a compassionate and responsive government. We are dedicated to upholding the province’s high service delivery standards and connually introduce new programs to ensure the provision of high-quality essenal services to all.”In our province, we are confronted with a multude of challenges in the youth sector. These challenges include a signicant number of out-of-school youth, young individuals lacking work experience, vicms of illegal substance abuse, and adolescents who have encountered early pregnancy or marriage. Furthermore, our indigenous populaon, senior cizens, and members of the LGBTQ community face limited opportunies. We are commied to advocang for equal rights and security for all individuals in our province. To tackle these pressing issues, we are acvely engaged in providing economic and nancial support to our residents. Our eorts have seen the iniaon of a variety of programs specically designed to address these concerns. Our primary focus is on developing programs that not only provide support but also nurture a sense of community, empowering individuals to become contribung and esteemed members of society.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province277

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GINHAWA AT KAPAYAAANG PANGMATAGALANNAGBIBIGAY NG PANTAY NA KARAPATAN AT SAPAT NA SEGURIDAD In light of the numerous well-documented cases of mistreatment and discriminaon against young people and women, our administraon is steadfastly commied to leading the way in developing comprehensive programs and policies aimed at increasing awareness of their rights and potenal. Our primary objecve is to foster the empowerment of women and underscore the signicance of upholding the rights of every child within our community. This encompasses not only their resilience in facing and overcoming challenges, but also their crucial role in contribung to the advancement and prosperity of our naon.” The community is currently facing mulple challenges, including a high crime rate, inter-family or clan conict (rido), a signicant drug problem, frequent accidents on highways, and re incidents. These issues have had a signicant impact on the overall well-being and safety of our community. However, we are dedicated to tackling these pressing issues and are acvely working towards nding an eecve and sustainable soluons. We believe that by addressing these challenges, we can pave the way for long-term peace and unity for every family in the province. Through collaborave eorts and a clear vision, we are gradually moving closer to fullling our goal of creang a safer and more harmonious environment for all. In Maguindanao del Sur Province, our 10-point Socio-Economic Development Agenda is meculously craed to promote sustainable development, social harmony, and economic prosperity. Through our unwavering dedicaon and concerted eorts, we have garnered presgious awards, serving as a testament to the ecacy of our strategies and the tangible posive outcomes we have achieved. Our commitment to bringing order and progress to our province is reected in our comprehensive approach to addressing the mulfaceted challenges and opportunies that lie ahead.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province278

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable ProvincePROVINCE OF QUIRINOHON. DAKILA CARLO E. CUAGOVERNORGovernor Dakila Carlo E. Cua’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming Quirino Province into a model of sustainable development, good governance, and socio-economic growth. His administraon has eecvely implemented the “I Love Quirino” agship program, focusing on Livelihood, Health, Infrastructure, and Educaon, while pioneering iniaves that emphasize community engagement, gender sensivity, and grassroots parcipaon. Under his leadership, Quirino has seen signicant advancements that align with the province’s vision of inclusive and sustainable development.Governor Cua’s strategic vision is exemplied by programs like the “CARAVAN” (Comprehensive Approach in the Implementaon of Relevant and Accessible Projects, Acvies, and Services Vital for Community Advancement and Progress through Networking), which engages all 132 barangays in Quirino. This iniave fosters collaboraon and involves communies in idenfying and addressing local concerns, underscoring his commitment to inclusive governance. By priorizing grassroots parcipaon, Governor Cua ensures that Quirino’sprogress is both community-driven and parcipave, laying a solid foundaon for sustainable development.Agriculture is the backbone of Quirino Province’s economy, with its constuents mostly farmers. Recognizing this, Governor Cua launched the Q-LIFE (Quirino Livelihood for Everyone) iniave under the I LOVE QUIRINO agship program to boost farmers’ income by improving agricultural producvity and expanding livelihood opportunies.GOVERNANCE AND STRATEGIC VISION LIVELIHOOD279

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Quirino’s prisne rivers, towering limestone clis, cascading waterfalls, scenic cornelds, and lush forests oer a wealth of capvang landscapes for both residents and visitors. These natural resources present numerous opportunies for tourism development, parcularly in water-based and eco-recreaonal acvies. Governor Cua’s administraon has made community tourism development a central strategy, not only contribung to environmental conservaon but also smulang local economic growth and sustainable livelihoods.Quirino remains dedicated to advancing livelihood development through programs such as “One Town, One Product (OTOP)” and QIRDP Value Chain Development. While agriculture remains a focal point, Governor Cua’s administraon is also exploring addional livelihood opportunies, further promong advancement in agriculture to diversify income sources and enhance agricultural acvity. To help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Governor Cua, in partnership with Shopee, opened a virtual Shopee store to showcase Quirino arsanry, food and non-food products.Under Governor Cua’s leadership, Quirino Province has made signicant strides in health and nutrion, aiming to achieve Universal Health Care (UHC) across the province. Investments in healthcare facilies like the Quirino Province Medical Center and various district hospitals highlight his commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to quality healthcare. The I Love Quirino CARAVAN includes programs targeng maternal and child healthcare, reecng a holisc approach to public health. Iniaves such as the First 1,000 Days program, Operaon Timbang Plus, and the establishment of breaseeding corners are designed to improve health and nutrion outcomes, parcularly for the most vulnerable populaons. These eorts underscore the administraon’s dedicaon to enhancing the overall health and well-being of Quirino’s residents.INDUSTRYHEALTH AND NUTRITIONI love Quirino CARAVANCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province281

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Educaon is a cornerstone of Governor Cua’s development strategy. Programs like “Kwento, Kwenta ng Bawat Bata” (KKBB) and the “Teacher in the Cloud” project exemplify his focus on adapng educaon to modern challenges. His administraon is commied to ensuring that no learner is le behind, demonstrated by the province’s nancial assistance programs for college students and connuous professional development for teachers. These iniaves are vital in equipping the youth with the skills and knowledge necessary for future success, thereby contribung to the province’s long-term development.Construcon and Enhancement Projects: Infrastructure projects, including mul-purpose buildings, gymnasiums, daycare centers, evacuaon facilies, and barangay oces, were completed across the six municipalies, improving the quality of life for residents.Roads and Bridges: Quirino’s major thoroughfares, totaling over 436 kilometers, are constructed, maintained and improved through iniaves like the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), Local Government Support Fund, and the Condional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP).These road improvements have enhanced connecvity to producon areas and tourism sites, facilitang economic acvity. Water System Developments: Water system projects completed in Cabarroguis now provide potable water to crical areas like the Quirino Province Medical Center and the Provincial Capitol compound. Future plans include expanding water distribuon lines and construcng a modern Pressure Management System to improve water access across the various municipalies in the province.EDUCATIONKEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE:In 2023, Quirino made signicant progress in infrastructure development, a crical component of the province’s overall growth and resilience strategy.INFRASTRUCTURECertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province282

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Digital Infrastructure Expansion: To address the digital divide, Gov. Dax iniated the Digital Infrastructure Project which aims to lay the foundaon for a beer-connected Quirino. At the heart of this project is the construcon of a ber backbone, a hybrid ber and wireless network soluon built from the ground up. Under the First Phase, as the Proof of Concept, ninety-two (92) towers were put up in selected sites connecng government oces, health facilies, public schools and public markets across the province ensuring reliable connecvity. The 2nd Phase of the project is to connect the remaining 400+ sites and the 3rd Phase is expected to lay ber opc backbone transmission for wider distribuon within the province.Power Supply: As of 2021, QUIRELCO achieved 100% electricaon in all 132 barangays of Quirino, covering over 56,000 households. The cooperave connues to improve and expand power supply services throughout the province. These infrastructure iniaves, with a total project cost exceeding PHP 666 million, underscore Governor Cua’s commitment to advancing Quirino’s development, enhancing disaster resilience, and improving the quality of life for its residents. Governor Cua has reconstuted the Project Monitoring Commiee (PMC) to play a crucial role in overseeing the eecve implementaon of infrastructure projects. This strategic reorganizaon, formalized through an execuve order, reinforces transparency and accountability, driving the province’s development agenda forward with renewed vigor.The key iniaves under the leadership of Governor Dax include extensive environmental protecon campaigns like the “One Million Trees for Legacy” a project which advocates planng of nave forest trees, and the development of a 10-hectare bamboo ecopark. Bantay Gubat or “Forest Police” are also depuzed to monitor illegal forest acvies. Addional project is the Quirino: Malinis at Lunang Paraiso movement which aims to enhance solid waste management and promote zero-waste culture across all sectors, fostering cleaner and more sustainable environment.ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITYENVIRONMENTCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province283

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Quirino Province’s remarkable accomplishments are a testament to its unwavering commitment to good governance, inclusive development, and sustainability. Through strategic programs and iniaves, the province connues to upli the lives of its people while serving as a benchmark for other local government units in the Philippines. Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Quirino Province into a beacon of sustainable development, good governance, and socio-economic growth. Through the implementaon of the “I Love Quirino” framework and other strategic iniaves, the province has made signicant achievements in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, health, educaon, and environmental management. Quirino’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and gender advocacy, coupled with its numerous naonal recognions, underscores the province’s dedicaon to upli the living condions of its people and seng a benchmark for other local government units in the Philippines. As Quirino connues to advance under Governor Cua’s visionary guidance, it stands as a testament to the power of focused, inclusive leadership in driving meaningful and lasng progress.Governor Cua’s administraon has also excelled in disaster resilience and nancial management:22nd Gawad Kalasag Naonal Seal of Excellence for DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance (2022): This award recognizes Quirino’s leadership in disaster risk reducon and management. Most Outstanding Accounng Oce in the Philippines from (2017-2023): This award underscores the province’s scal responsibility and eecve resource management.Quirino’s commitment to excellence in governance is reected in numerous awards and recognions. These include: Seal of Good Local Governance (2022): Quirino has received this award for seven consecuve years, and well-posioned for its eighth award, underscoring the province’s adherence to transparency, accountability, and ecient service delivery leading to excellence in overall governance Naonal An-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award (2022): This award highlights the province’s dedicaon to public safety and eecve an-drug programs. Nutrion Honor Award - Sustainability Recognion (2022): Recognizing the province’s success in promong health and nutrion. Pearl Awards Grand Winner - Best Tourism-Oriented LGU (2022): Showcasing Quirino as a top tourism desnaon while preserving cultural heritage and the environment.LEADERSHIP IN DISASTER RESILIENCE ANDFINANCIAL MANAGEMENTECONOMIC RESILIENCE AND REVENUE GENERATIONGOVERNANCE EXCELLENCE AND NATIONAL RECOGNITIONGovernor Cua’s leadership has also been instrumental in advancing youth development in Quirino. Programs like the Movement for the Integrated Development of the Youth (MIDY) focus on youth engagement, educaon, and skills training, empowering the younger generaon to contribute meaningfully to the province’s future.The KATROPA (Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya) program challenges tradional gender roles by encouraging men to take acve roles in family health, parenng, and prevenng domesc violence. Governor Cua’s administraon has also strengthened Gender and Development (GAD) policies, with the provincial GAD Code emphasizing gender equality in areas such as reproducve health, educaon, and employment. The consistent recognion of Quirino in the SGLG (Seal of Good Local Governance) awards highlights the eecve implementaon of these programs.YOUTH INITIATIVES AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENTRESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND GENDER ADVOCACYCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province284

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable ProvincePROVINCE OF CAMARINES SURHON. VINCENZO RENATOLUIGI R. VILLAFUERTEGOVERNORP opular for being the Camarines Sur sports and adventure capital of the Philippines, Camarines Sur has made an indelible mark in the country’s tourism industry. From 2010 to 2022, it was hailed as the 3rd top tourist desnaon in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism. But besides its glowing reputaon as one of the most breathtaking places in the country, Camarines Sur has so much more to oer, especially to its constuents.Under the staunch leadership of Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte, Camarines Sur has grown into an economic powerhouse in the Bicol Region, as evidenced by its ranking as the 15th richest province out of 81 based on the Commission on Audit’s 2022 Annual Financial Report. The rst-ever report of the Provincial Product Accounts covering 2018-2022 has also declared Camarines Sur as the ‘biggest economy in the Bicol Region’. Aside from these recognions, the comprehensive, dynamic, and visionary programs of Governor Luigi have also cemented the province’s status as a cered most sustainable and livable province.To provide free quality terary educaon to deserving students from disadvantaged families, tuion fee-free Baao Community College and Governor Mariano Villafuerte Community Colleges (GMVCC) are up and running in Libmanan, Siruma, Garchitorena, Caramoan, and Tinambac. These community colleges earned Camarines Sur recognion from the Commission on Higher Educaon as having the most local colleges established and operated by a local government unit. To extend the benets of free terary educaon to more students, 10 other community colleges will be established in dierent municipalies in Camarines Sur.Educaon is a crucial tool to achieve social sustainability, making it a priority of Governor Luigi in Camarines Sur.FOSTERING SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY285

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Economic sustainability is achieved in Camarines Sur through programs that open doors of opportunies for income generaon through business and employment. The most notable of these programs at present is the Wi-Fi For All Program, which aims to make Camarines Sur the rst fully Internet-connected province in the country. The Wireless Point-to-Mulpoint Network enables residents to enjoy seamless Internet access even in areas without exisng telecommunicaon facilies. As of wring, there are already 92 sites in Camarines Sur where this is installed. Meanwhile, Fiber Opc Technology provides guaranteed high-speed internet connecon to 291 sites to date. Lastly, through Starlink Satellite Network, even the most remote coastal and upland barangays of Camarines Sur will be able to have access to free Wi-Fi. Constuents from 400 sites all over the province will benet from this.As the new bloodline of progress in educaon, entrepreneurship, disaster management, and even governance, Internet connecvity is essenal for economic sustainability. Through this program, students get access to informaon through e-learning plaorms, workers benet from more online job opportunies, entrepreneurs can reach wider markets and customer base, communies are safer with emergency and disaster response at the p of their ngers, and families have the chance to stay connected wherever they are in the globe.In conjuncon with the Wi-Fi For All Program is the Digital Literacy Program, which aims to make Camarines Sur the leader in Informaon Communicaons Technology (ICT), soware development, and technepreneurship in the country. Under this program, students are exposed to ICT, including coding in the form of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through games and applicaons. In the long run, this program will turn Camarines Sur into the leading supplier of Informaon Technology industry leaders and professionals.To further push for economic sustainability in the province, Governor Luigi has also laid the plans for the CamSur Uptown, a soon-to-rise vibrant economic area, digital talent hub, and tech center for the enre Bicol region. The CamSur Uptown will be home to the Iconic Capitol Building, a state-of-the-art and eco-friendly edice that will house the various oces of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur. At the uptown’s southern p will be the new Naonal Rail Staon Complex which will facilitate easy and convenient transport to and from the area. The CamSur Uptown will be comprised of oces and mixed-use buildings, hotels and resorts, residenal spaces, a digital campus, a hospital, a retail area, and logiscs spots. It will also feature ample open spaces, lush parks, and walkable areas with a recreaon complex.ATTAINING ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITYATTAINING ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITYGovernor Luigi invested in and launched the rst mobile eye clinic in the Philippines dubbed as the Eye Clinic on Wheels, which provides eye checkups and prescripon glasses for free in just 30 minutes. Another addion is the Women’s Wellness on Wheels, which provides medical services specically intended for women, including the pregnant and their babies.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province287

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Governor Luigi has successfully led the call for environmental sustainability in Camarines Sur through the El Verde Program, a biodiversity conservaon, socio-economic development, and climate change adaptaon strategy to make the province the greenest and most environmentally friendly province in Asia. It uses the ridge-to-reef approach for environment conservaon and protecon. In the rst 100 days of Governor Luigi alone, 1.7 million mangroves were already planted on 50 hectares of land. To date, over 50 million trees and mangroves have been planted under the El Verde Program. An oshore wind project with the Danish rm, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, is also in the works in Camarines Sur. Aside from generang 1,000 megawas of renewable energy, which brings a plethora of environmental benets, it will also aid in reducing the cost of high-quality energy and generang 2,500 jobs. Simply put, this project will eventually aid in achieving economic sustainability while promong environmental sustainability.Camarines Sur is a land of unlimited possibilies and opportunies, as evident in Governor Luigi’s accomplishments in his rst term in oce alone. The comprehensive programs that he iniated and enhanced are strengthening the social, economic, and environmental bers of Camarines Sur, making it a truly livable and sustainable province.PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITYCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Province288

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EQUAL RIGHTS TO SOCIAL SERVICES Malabon Ahon Blue CardLaunched in 2022, the Malabon Ahon Blue Card (MABC) simplies access to social and nancial services, promong inclusivity with a no-means-tested approach. Recognized by the Development Academy of the Philippines, the card provides quarterly nancial aid, enhancing transparency and governance while reducing costs. Currently, 83,434 of the 94,000 targeted households (89%) benet from food, nancial, hospitalizaon, and burial assistance, with Php 206.38M distributed since its launch.POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMSLAND FOR THE LANDLESS AND SOCIALISED HOUSINGWALANG TULUGAN SERBISYO CARAVAN AND HEALTH ON WHEELSAround 1,350 Malabueños benefited from the TUPAD program, receiving 20 motorized boats to support local shing livelihoods. TUPAD, in collaboraon with PESO and DOLE, also introduced iniaves like painng tourist spots, beaucaon projects, and food cart distribuon. These eorts earned mulple DOLE awards for job placement, skills registraon, career guidance, and employment coaching.The City Housing and Urban Development Department (CHUDD) and the Community and Urban Aairs Oce (CUPAO) have partnered to provide land and socialized housing for Malabon’s underprivileged residents. With over 8,354 informal seler families (ISFs) needing proper housing, projects like St. Gregory Homes in Brgy. Panghulo and Malabon Ahon Housing in Brgy. Tinajeros aim to expand housing access. Addionally, 575 families were awarded Cercates of Entlement for Lot Allocaon (CELA), a major step towards land ownership for the landless.The Walang Tulugan Serbisyo Caravan (WTSC) showcases a whole-of-government approach, delivering essenal services during Typhoon Carina, which caused severe citywide ooding. WTSC facilitated rapid rescue eorts and provided legal assistance, medical and dental care, psychosocial support, relief distribuon, hot meals, and emergency cash aid via the Blue Card to 140,281 beneciaries. The Health on Wheels program oered free chest x-rays and ECGs in aected areas, while Blue Card members with Leptospirosis received Php 5,000 in aid. Launched in 2023, WTSC remains a quarterly iniave, ensuring essenal services for all.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable City291

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OSPITAL NG MALABON AS MALASAKIT CENTERECONOMIC SECTORIncreased Business Tax Collection and Revenues: e-BOSSThe Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Malabon provides crucial healthcare and social assistance, streamlining coordinaon among agencies like PhilHealth, DOH, DSWD, PCSO, and SCPF to help paents access medical and nancial aid. Addressing poverty as a barrier to healthcare, this centralized oce expands services beyond a level one hospital, ensuring every paent’s right to health. As part of the CaMaNaVa integrated health system, the center has served 51,054 paents as of August 26, 2024, using Php 54.49 million, with Php 31.09 million in remaining funds. Malabonconnues priorizing comprehensive healthcare for all through the Malasakit Center.Malabon City’s businesses have flourished due to a more ecient bureaucracy. On October 18, 2023, the city was commended by the An-Red Tape Authority for its streamlined electronic Business One Stop Shop (e-BOSS). This fully automated system allows online handling of bills, permits, and licenses, improving service eciency and boosng tax revenues. Business tax collecon grew by 10.15%, from Php 1.015M in 2022 to Php 1.118M in 2023, contribung to the city’s economic growth.BOLSTERING TOURISM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: MALABON TOURISM XP APP ANDONE BARANGAY ONE PRODUCT (OBOP)Tourism plays a vital role in Malabon City’s economic growth, and the city is leveraging technology to boost access to its attractions. The free Malabon Tourism XP app, available on Google Play and the App Store, offers detailed informaon on the city’s history, leaders, notable gures, cuisine, heritage sites, and events, making exploraon easy for visitors. With over 500 downloads, the app also supports local businesses through the “One Barangay, One Product” (OBOP) iniave, providing free markeng for micro, small, and medium enterprises, fostering local economic growth.INSTITUTIONAL SECTORMonitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning OfceThe establishment of the Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) oce highlights the administraon’s commitment to transparent governance. Guided by the DILG, the instuonalized Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (PMES) ensures faster program implementation, problem-solving, and comprehensive monitoring of all funding sources. As a key execuve support unit, it drives a city-wide monitoring, evaluaon, and reporng system aligned with the administraon’s priories and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable City292

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Malabon TVCentral Command and Communication CenterStrengthen Community Engagement and AccountabilityLaunched in 2023, Malabon TV serves as a key plaorm for city-wide communicaon and public engagement. Operated by the Malabon City Government, it keeps residents updated on local news and events while allowing cizens to ask quesons, share opinions, and parcipate in decision-making. This interacve channel enhances community involvement in local programs. Airing weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Malabon TV features six regular programs, including Malabuenews Update, Rated SPG: Serbisyo Publiko Garansado, Malabonggang Tips, Malabon Ahon Blue Card, Market Bullen, and ARUGA: Alagang Malabueño.Eecve community engagement is crucial for fostering sustainable decisions and strengthening relaonships between local governments and the public. TXT MJS ( Text Mayor Jeannie Sandoval) is a one-network system that allows residents to report emergencies, le complaints, make suggesons, and express appreciaon via SMS or calls. The feedback is processed and directed to the appropriate oces for resoluon within 24-48 hours. Launched in January 2023, the system has received 3,260 reports to date, with 99.2% of these feedback resolved within 24-48 hours.Launched in 2023, Malabon TV serves as a key plaorm for city-wide communicaon and public engagement. Operated by the Malabon City Government, it keeps residents updated on local news and events while allowing cizens to ask quesons, share opinions, and parcipate in decision-making. This interacve channel enhances community involvement in local programs. Airing weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Malabon TV features six regular programs, including Malabuenews Update, Rated SPG: Serbisyo Publiko Garansado, Malabonggang Tips, Malabon Ahon Blue Card, Market Bullen, and ARUGA: Alagang Malabueño.BUILD RESILIENCE AND ADAPTIVE CAPACITY:Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable City293

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The Make It Easy for Malabueños (MEMA) is a customer feedback system that evaluates the service quality of Malabon City oces. Through the “Mystery Client” iniave, trained individuals pose as clients via phone, face-to-face, and online to assess customer experiences. Insights gathered are used to improve service delivery and sasfacon. The program also aligns with Republic Act No. 11032 (Ease of Doing Business Act), ensuring ecient handling of government transacons. In its rst run, the City Treasury, Gender and Development, and Senior Cizens Aairs oces received a “Very Good” rang, earning plaques and cash incenves for excellent service.In August 2024, the Malabon City Government began its journey toward ISO accreditaon to enhance credibility and trust with clients, donors, and partners. The iniave started with ISO awareness, quality standards, and audit training for 94 department heads and sta. This system improves overall performance by monitoring processes, evaluang employee output, and maintaining quality standards. It helps organizaons meet regulatory requirements, exceed client expectaons, and stay compeve.The City Engineering Oce has made signicant strides in addressing the persistent ooding in Malabon, a major risk for the city. Notable accomplishments include the rehabilitaon of key pumping staons such as Gabriel, Jacinto and Bernadee Pumping Staons as well as the evacuaon centres Brgy Bayan-bayanan and Brgy. Longos. These eorts have substanally alleviated the hardships faced by Malabon residents, reducing damage to properes, safeguarding livelihoods, and prevenng the loss of lives.The City Government of Malabon has garnered several presgious awards from Naonal Government Agencies and other instuons, including:● DILG’s 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)● 2023 Good Financial Housekeeping passer● 22nd Gawad Kalasag Seal for Excellence from the NDRRMC.● DOH Race to End TB 2023 Annual Awards, earning Gold for Treatment Coverage Rate and Silver for Drug-Resistant TB Treatment Success Rate● Exemplary Award for the Newborn Screening Program at Ospital ng Malabon● 100% score in the ADAC assessments● 98.80% with an “Ideal” rang in the 2024 Local Council for the Protecon of Children (LCPC) Funconality Assessment.Make it Easy for Malabueños Program (MEMA)Raising the Bar of Public ServiceMajor Awards ReceivedINFRASTRUCTURE SECTORCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable City294

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable MunicipalityMUNICIPALITY OF DEL CARMEN, SURIGAO DEL NORTE295The Municipality of Del Carmen is one of the 9 municipalities of Siargao Islands, the 2024 #1 Island in Southeast Asia by Lonely Planet and host of the 9th Wetland of Internaonal Importance, the Del Carmen Mangrove Wetland Forest. The Key Features of Del Carmen includes hosng the largest conguous Mangrove Forest in the Philippines, the Siargao Domesc Airport becoming the gateway to Siargao Islands and the Surigao del Norte State University – Del Carmen Campus, our only university enabling science-based governance for our fragile island ecosystem. Being part of Siargao pushed Del Carmen’s economy to include Tourism, Farming, Fishing, Construcon, Trading, and recently Digital Nomads and Creaves.The journey of the Municipality of Del Carmen from FROM NOWHERE TO COVER (of Naonal and Internaonal Magazines of Transformave Governance) is a testament that good local governance works. Our recognion as one of the Most Sustainable and Liveable Municipality in the Philippines marks another milestone in the storied transformaon of our community. In the last 14 years of innovative and outstanding local governance, we have relied on the power of TAMBAYAYONG (coming together in Surigaonon) to gather mul stakeholders to co-own and co-create soluons to achieve our preferred realies and futures.We embrace this honor and privilege as guiding principles in defining new futures with local and external investments embracing our planning to strengthen the integration of science, culture and creatives in ensuring biodiversity and climate change actions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and Global Targets. In our drive to establish a paern of sustainable development and inclusive growth, we recognize all Del Carmenons for all their contribuons in our collecve eorts to connue on the path of nature-based solutions and ecosystems-based adaptaon.HON. ALFREDO M. CORO, IIMUNICIPAL MAYORDEL CARMEN, A LIVEABLE AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

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However, due to the heavy reliance on these marine resources, there was rampant mangrove cung and dynamite shing that threatened the mangrove ecosystem. The Municipality of Del Carmen launched Siargao It Up! The Del Carmen Mangrove Management Program in 2013 in the hope to transform mangrove cuers into sherfolk, and illegal shers into boat guides in order to preserve the mangrove forest, and at the same me maximize its tourism potential. The program partnered with various organizaons and the private sector in the operaonalizaon of the program which includes capacity building acvies, community organizing, educaonal advocacy campaigns, and funding for livelihood innovaons.A Mangrove Management Plan was formulated with the parcipaon of various stakeholders to systemacally implement acvies that will address mangrove cung and illegal shing. The plan was also science-based as the municipality partnered with scientists to effectively preserve the mangrove forest. Another highlight of the plan was the monitoring and evaluaon mechanism set in place to measure the success of the various acvies.The Seal of Health Governance (SOHG) is a health leadership programme that merges a top-down and a boom-up approach by encouraging community leaders and members to address their health issues through open and parcipatory compeon addressing health issues that aect them. It thereby fosters accountability, proacve leadership, community parcipaon and empowerment in the smallest polical unit of the country.The SOHG was established in the rural municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines. The municipal mayor, municipal health ocer, and the Local Health Board of Del Carmen iniated, led and managed the SOHG.“There is a necessity to create more leaders to share your vision and to do the work with you for the people. That is essenally what we have been doing through bridging leadership and the Seal of Health Governance: empowering more health stakeholders, empowering more health leaders that share our vision of a healthier community for Del Carmen.” (Alfredo M. Coro II, Municipal Mayor of Del Carmen)SEAL OF HEALTH GOVERNANCE PROGRAMFISH FOREVER SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAM AND FOOD SECURITYIn the Municipality of Del Carmen with the support of Rare, we added pieces of legislaon to support Social Protecon: Instuonalizing the Social Protecon Program by Issuance of Idencaon Cards for Members as many do not have any ID to support applicaon in the Government Social Protecon Programs, establishing Community Gardens for Access to Food regardless of shocks to the community and assisng to setup small groups for Community Savings Groups.Under the guidance of Rare, we launched the FishForever Social Protecon program in 2018 and began rolling out full social protecon access a year later, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. This event, which many were not prepared for, especially the shers, validated the need for our shers to have social protecon. The trust we’d earned with our shers ensured they connued sustainable pracces despite food scarcity fears and health concerns. Going out to sea for enforcement and monitoring within their community waters felt more secure than staying home.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Municipality297

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Climate change has placed countries like the Philippines at greater risk. Stronger typhoons, extreme heat, and heavy rains threaten food security frontliners like shers. These are new risks confronting them and their families in their chosen profession. However, social protection programs can help migate these risks. In the Philippines, there are at least ve government supported social protecon program available for all Filipinos to help manage their futures: Social Security Service for Pension, PhilHealth for Medical Insurance and Free under the Universal Healthcare Act, Pag-Ibig for Housing, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporaon for Livelihood Protecon, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situaon for immediate assistance.Under the guidance of Rare, we launched the FishForever Social Protecon program in 2018 and began rolling out full social protecon access a year later, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. This event, which many were not prepared for, especially the shers, validated the need for our shers to have social protecon. The trust we’d earned with our shers ensured they connued sustainable pracces despite food scarcity fears and health concerns. Going out to sea for enforcement and monitoring within their community waters felt more secure than staying home.In 2021, with funding from the Equity Iniave and CMB, we rolled out the Social Protecon Program to 8 addional municipalities on Siargao Island, Philippines. This provided equitable access to building health and nancial security for more coastal shers. In our discussions with the government, social protecon agencies and development partners, they started asking “Does a Fisher need to sh forever?”. Our focus on praccal soluons garnered aenon, despite not oering enrely novel approaches. Fishers, recognizing the value of social protecon and sustainable pracces, now see clearer paths to a beer future.“How can we inspire the community?” Asking this queson was what spurred on their successful eorts that led to the development of the municipality’s terary educaon program, as well as the alternave learning system that capacitated learners how did not have the opportunity to aend formal schooling while growing up. Del Carmen’s focus on good educaon governance was recognized by the provincial, local, and regional governments and they are regular recognized. The merit goes to everyone who helped bring Del Carmen to improve Public Educaon Services Delivery from Day Care to University with the process beginning in 2011. “Listen to your stakeholders…you learn more by listening and listening is the most important way to learn.” (Alfredo M. Coro II, Municipal Mayor of Del Carmen)In measuring the impact and eecveness of the programs of the local government of Del Carmen, we humbly share some of the key recognions and awards.CITATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT• 2023 EarthShot Awards Finalist for work on Coastal500• 2022 Pearl Awards 2nd Best Tourism Magazine (Municipal Category) from DOT and ATOP• 2020 Masagana at Malinis na Karagatan Naonal Finalist (BFAR)• 2019 / 2020 / 2021 Masagana at Malinis na Karagatan Regional Award (BFAR)• 2019 Champion, Best Mangrove Awards• 2019 Champion, Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management • 2018 Galing Pook Award (Public Service Innovaon for Environment)CITATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH GOVERNANCE • 2023 Galing Pook Award (Public Service Innovaon for Health)• 2021 Community Based Response to COVID Pandemic, UPM- DOH CITATIONS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION SERVICE SUPPORT• 2023 Galing Pook Cizenship Award (ESPOIR School of Life)• 2014 / 2016 Top 5 For Educaon Governance and Literacy (DEPED)CITATIONS FOR SOCIAL PROTECTION• 2021 JRMF Policy Compendum: Community Gardens & Community Savings Groups• 2016 Top 5 Kalahi-CIDDS Community Based Program Implementaon• 2016 People’s Survival Fund ChampionCITATIONS FOR LOCAL GOVERNANCE• 2011-2023 Good Financial Housekeeping• 2022 / 2018 / 2017 / 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance (DILG)• 2023 / 2022 / 2021 Gawag Kalasag Awardee for Disaster Risk Reducon and Management • 2023 / 2024 Compeveness Award from the Department of Trade and IndustryCITATIONS FOR LOCAL LEADERSHIP• 2023 Civil Service Commission Dangal ng Bayan Awardee• 2022 Most Impacul Island Innovaon Ambassador, Island Innovaon AwardsEDUCATION QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (EQUIP)IMPACT AND RECOGNITIONCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Municipality298

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable MunicipalityMUNICIPALITY OF VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTEHON. RICHARD A. DEGALAMAYORVintar, a town in Ilocos Norte, has become a sustainable and livable municipality with the leadership of Mayor Richard A. Degala. With nearly a decade of experience as the Punong Barangay of Barangay Alsem, Degala has a wealth of knowledge and passion for public service. His tenure as mayor has been marked by transparency, inclusiveness, and a commitment to public service.His guiding principle, “Dur-asen, Vintaren!” coupled with his remarkable advocacy “Ragsak, Ayat ken Dungngo,” reflects his dedication and unwavering commitment to serving his people with joy, love and dedicaon. Degala’s approachable nature and ability to bring people together under a shared vision have been pivotal to the town’s success. The active participation of the townspeople and Mayor Degala’s approachable nature have fostered a collaborave environment. Poverty Alleviaon ProgramsAddressing poverty has been a central focus of Mayor Degala’s administration. The local government has launched several livelihood programs aimed at reducing poverty and empowering residents. These iniaves target various groups, including women, farmers, churches, and indigent families. By oering training, nancial assistance, and resources for small-scale businesses, these programs have provided many individuals with the means to improve their economic status and achieve self-suciency.In 2023, the newly established Public Employment Service Oce (PESO) played a crucial role in delivering employment services, aided by the creation of the Labor and Employment Ocer I posion through Municipal Ordinance No. 2022-07. Collaboraons with the Department of Labor and Employment, the First District Congressional Office of Congressman Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Araneta Marcos, and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte headed by Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc, resulted in temporary employment, internships for 70 students, and livelihood programs beneng over 170 individuals. The oce also facilitated the registraon of 12 associaons with DOLE and issued cercaons to two recruitment agencies.KEY INITIATIVES UNDER MAYOR DEGALA303

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Mayor Degala’s administraon has invested heavily in infrastructure, recognizing its role in sustainable development. Signicant improvements have been made in construcng and rehabilitang bridges, schools, and farm-to-market roads. Key projects in 2023 included upgrading instuonal facilies such as the auditorium, senior cizens’ building, public market, tribal halls, schools, and health facilies. Addionally, farm-to-market roads in various barangays were concreted, enhancing agricultural trade. The municipality also addressed public health and safety through the construcon of wastewater treatment plants, urban drainage systems, and a new evacuaon center, alongside repair and rehabilitaon works to maintain exisng infrastructure. These infrastructure developments not only improve daily life but also smulate local economic acvity by facilitang beer access to markets and services.Maintaining peace and order is essenal for a thriving community, and Vintar has achieved notable success in this area. The local government, in collaboraon with law enforcement agencies, has established eecve measures to ensure safety and security. This stable environment has made Vintar a safe and inving place for both residents and visitors.The collaboraons between the Vintar Municipal Police Staon (VMPS) and the Bureau of Fire Protecon (BFP) have enhanced safety, despite a 47.37% increase in crime. The VMPS achieved high crime clearance rates, and the BFP excelled in re safety inspecons and prevenon programs. Both agencies engaged in community outreach and environmental protecon, contribung to overall safety and order.The healthcare and social welfare iniaves under Mayor Degala’s leadership have been comprehensive. Programs such as the AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situaons) and Medicare para sa Masa oer nancial and medical support to those in need. The municipality resumed pre-COVID-19 services while enhancing programs in Maternal and Child Care, Immunizaon, PhilPEN, and Mental Health.In light of the increasing frequency of natural disasters, disaster preparedness and resilience have become crucial. Mayor Degala has placed a strong emphasis on the importance of equipping the community to handle emergencies. Disaster Risk Reducon and Management (DRRM) modules have been distributed to schools, and various barangays have received DRRM supplies and equipment. Training and seminars have been conducted to prepare residents for potenal disasters, thus enhancing the community’s overall resilience.Notable achievements include lower crude death and infant mortality rates, though challenges such as Acute Electrolyte Imbalance, Hypertension, and Cancer persist. Initiatives also focus on child nutrition through direct and community-based interventions and support for solo parents, out-of-school youth, senior cizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The municipality’s efforts in women’s empowerment, gender equality, and violence prevenon further contribute to a thriving and inclusive community.The municipality has also provided social pensions and cash gis to senior cizens and persons with disabilies (PWDs), ensuring that these vulnerable groups receive necessary assistance. Moreover, assisve devices like wheelchairs and walking aids have been distributed to enhance mobility and independence for those with disabilies. These iniaves ensure that even the most vulnerable members of the community have access to necessary medical care and social services.INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTHEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL WELFAREPEACE AND ORDERDISASTER RESILIENCYCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Municipality305

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EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITYAGRICULTURAL PROGRAMSSUSTAINABLE TOURISMFINANCIAL MANAGEMENTECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTLOOKING FORWARDEducation is another priority for Mayor Degala. The administraon has implemented several iniaves to support students and schools. Free school supplies are provided to all learners, and spends are awarded to college students. The Brigada Eskwela and Handog Eskwela programs have bolstered the educaonal infrastructure by supporng school repairs and improvements. These eorts have contributed to a stronger educaonal system, ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to succeed.Environmental sustainability has been a key focus of Vintar’s development strategies. Various programs have been launched to promote eco-friendly pracces and protect natural resources. Iniaves include waste management programs, tree-planng acvies, and educaonal campaigns on environmental conservaon. The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Oce (MENRO) has made signicant strides in 2023, including reforestaon eorts, waste management improvements, and air and water quality iniaves. The municipality’s dedicaon to these eorts earned the “Most Accomplished Greening Program (Special Award)” from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, the municipality aims to preserve its natural beauty for future generaons.Agriculture plays a vital role in Vintar’s economy, and Mayor Degala has been a strong advocate and a staunch supporter of this sector. The municipal government has facilitated the distribuon of agricultural inputs and machinery to various zanjera and farmers’ organizaons, ensuring that they have the tools necessary to increase producvity. Addionally, nancial assistance has been provided to tobacco farmers, helping them to cope with the challenges of their industry. With programs supporng farmers through subsidies, improved producon techniques, and access to agricultural inputs. Key iniaves include the Rice Program, High Value Crops Development Program, Fisheries Program, Livestock Program, and Organic Program, all aimed at enhancing producvity and sustainability. These programs underscore the municipality’s commitment to supporng its farmers, sherfolk and enhancing agricultural sustainability.Recognizing the potenal of tourism to drive economic growth, Vintar has developed sustainable tourism iniaves. These programs highlight the municipality’s natural aracons and cultural heritage while ensuring that tourism acvies do not negavely impact the environment. The Municipal Tourism Oce has promoted Vintar as a desnaon through cultural events and community celebraons, posioning it as an appealing locaon for visitors and investors. By promong responsible tourism pracces, Vintar aims to boost its local economy and preserve its unique resources.Sound nancial management has been a cornerstone of Mayor Degala’s administraon. By ensuring transparent and ecient allocaon of municipal funds, the local government has been able to support a wide range of programs and services. This prudent nancial management has enabled the municipality to maintain a strong nancial posion while delivering valuable services to the community.Economic development iniaves under Mayor Degala have focused on creang a favorable environment for business growth and investment. Eorts to aract investors and support local businesses have led to job creaon and increased income for residents. By fostering a thriving local economy, the municipality has enhanced its overall sustainability and livability.The leadership of Mayor Richard A. Degala has set a high standard for governance in Vintar. Through his commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and eecve service delivery, Vintar has become a model for other municipalies to emulate. The town’s progress in areas such as poverty alleviaon, infrastructure development, healthcare, and environmental sustainability reects the posive impact of his leadership.As Vintar continues on its path of development, the residents can look forward to a future marked by further growth and prosperity. With ongoing iniaves and a strong community spirit, Vintar is well-posioned to address future challenges and seize new opportunies. The success of Mayor Degala’s administraon serves as a testament to the potenal for posive change when leadership, community engagement, and eecve governance come together.Vintar’s transformaon under Mayor Richard Agregado Degala is a shining example of how dedicated leadership and collaborave governance can lead to a more sustainable and livable community. As the municipality moves forward, it stands as an inspiring model striving for progress and development embodying “Dur-asen, Vintaren!”.In 2023, the municipality surpassed tax collecon goals, with a 17% revenue increase compared to 2022. Effective management of municipal assets and proacve nancial strategies have ensured a strong nancial posion and supported a wide range of programs and services.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Municipality306

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable BarangayBARANGAY MOONWALK, PARAÑAQUE CITYHON. JEMELENE GO QUI, Ph.D.CHAIRMAN Barangay Moonwalk stands as a shining gem within the dynamic landscape of Parañaque City, Philippines. Situated in the southern part of Metro Manila, this vibrant barangay oers a unique blend of urban development, cultural richness, and community spirit. We delve into the various facets that make Barangay Moonwalk an integral part of Parañaque’s identy, from its history and demographics to its socio-economic landscape and cultural heritage. The history of Barangay Moonwalk traces back to the early development of Parañaque City. Originally part of a vast expanse of rural land, Moonwalk experienced rapid urbanizaon and growth during the laer half of the 20th century. The barangay’s name is said to be derived from the American astronauts’ historic moonwalk during the Apollo 11 mission, reecng the spirit of progress and exploraon that denes its character. Barangay Moonwalk was created under Presidenal Decree No. 1321, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos on April 3, 1978. According to the latest populaon census of The Philippines (2015), Moonwalk has a populaon of 67,723. Moonwalk is a residenal place that has seen commercial growth with 2,120 business establishments, and its total road network is believed to be around 38.1 kilometers (23.7 mi). A JEWEL OF PARAÑAQUE CITYHISTORICAL BACKGROUNDDEMOGRAPHICS AND COMMUNITY311

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Moonwalk was previously a conguous area of subdivisions that formed part of Barangay Santo Niño, unl it was separated and given its own identy by virtue of Presidenal Decree No. 1321, signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos on April 13, 1978. The subdivisions menoned therein include Moonwalk Phase 1 and 2, Bricktown Phase 1, 2, and 3, and Mulnaonal Village. Based on Secon 3 of said Presidenal Decree, the rst set of barangay ocials of Barangay Moonwalk were the same elecve barangay ocials of Barangay Santo Niño who connued to perform their dues as such in the newly created barangay unl a new set of ocials was appointed by the President. These new set of appointed barangay ocials were to hold oce unl their successors were elected in the regular barangay elecons following the issuance of the said decree, and were qualied, unless sooner removed at the pleasure of the President. The other ocials and employees of the newly created Barangay were likewise appointed as necessary to organize or complete the government personnel of Barangay Moonwalk. The proporonate share of Barangay Moonwalk in the obligaons, funds, assets, and other property of Barangay Santo Niño was transferred by the President to the newly created Barangay Moonwalk upon the recommendaon of the Commission on Audit. Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Barangay312

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Today, Barangay Moonwalk is home to a diverse populaon, comprising families, young professionals, and migrants from various parts of the country. Its demographic prole reects the cosmopolitan nature of Metro Manila, with residents hailing from dierent cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Moonwalk maintains a strong sense of community despite its diversity, as seen by the residents’ acve involvement in social acvies, barangay events, and local government. Today, Barangay Moonwalk is home to a diverse populaon, comprising families, young professionals, and migrants from various parts of the country. Its demographic prole reects the cosmopolitan nature of Metro Manila, with residents hailing from dierent cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Despite this diversity, a strong sense of community prevails in Moonwalk, as evidenced by the acve parcipaon of residents in barangay events, social iniaves, and local governance. Despite its many strengths, Barangay Moonwalk faces its share of challenges, including trac congeson, environmental degradaon, and urbanizaon pressures. However, these challenges also present opportunies for innovaon and sustainable development. Iniaves such as community-led clean-up drives, trac management projects, and green space development reect the proacve approach of Moonwalk residents and local authories in addressing these issues and shaping the barangay’s future. Barangay Moonwalk, like many other barangays in the Philippines, operates under a system of local governance that includes elected ocials and community parcipaon. The barangay serves as the smallest administrave division in the country, responsible for delivering basic services and implemenng local ordinances within its jurisdicon. In the case of Barangay Moonwalk in Parañaque City, its governance structure comprises elected ocials, community organizaons, and government agencies working together to address the needs and concerns of residents. At the helm of Barangay Moonwalk’s governance are elected ocials who hold various posions within the barangay council. These posions include the Barangay Captain (or Punong Barangay) who serves as the chief execuve ocer and head of the barangay, along with seven Barangay Councilors who assist in legislave maers and decision-making. The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson represents the youth sector, providing input on issues aecng young people within the barangay. Currently, Barangay Moonwalk is under the leadership of the following ocials:Barangay Captain or Punong BarangayJemelene Go-Qui, PhDKagawads or CouncilorsFrancis EsmeroReynaldo AdvinculaEric DoyEfren ReyesMax CristobalDoods Anpuesto, Jr.Edward MagyaniSangguniang Kabataan ChairpersonAdriane Bausta These elected ocials work together to address the needs and concerns of the residents, oversee programs and projects and above all, promote community development and welfare in their aspiraonal mission and posive vision for Barangay Moonwalk. Beyond its economic vitality, Barangay Moonwalk boasts a rich cultural heritage and tradions that are deeply rooted in its history. Fesvals, religious celebraons, and community gatherings are integral parts of life in Moonwalk, bringing together residents in joyful camaraderie. From the annual esta honoring the barangay’s patron saint to tradional dances and music performances, these cultural events serve to preserve and promote the unique identy of Moonwalk within the wider Parañaque community.SOCIO-ECONOMIC LANDSCAPECHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIESLOCAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURECULTURAL HERITAGE AND TRADITIONSCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Barangay313

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MOST LIVEABLE AND SUSTAINABLEBARANGAY IN THE PHILIPPINESONWARDS TO THE FUTURE OFBARANGAY MOONWALK Being hailed and recognized as the “most sustainable and liveable barangay in the Philippines” is both an honor and an inspiraon for the council and its residents. With this, the characteriscs and iniaves that contribute to its livability and sustainability will be given focus and commitment now more than ever:1. Strong Community Engagement: Barangay Moonwalk fosters a strong sense of community through acve parcipaon and collaboraon among residents, barangay ocials, and community organizaons. This engagement is vital for addressing local issues, implemenng projects, and building social cohesion, which are essenal for creang a liveable and sustainable community.2. Comprehensive Services and Infrastructure: The barangay provides a wide range of services and infrastructure to meet the needs of its residents, including educaon, healthcare, sanitaon, transportaon, and recreaonal facilies. Access to these essenal services enhances the quality of life and contributes to the overall livability of the barangay.3. Environmental Sustainability: Barangay Moonwalk implements various iniaves to promote environmental sustainability, such as waste management programs, tree planng acvies, and green space development. These eorts help migate environmental degradaon, improve air and water quality, and enhance the overall resilience of the barangay to climate change impacts.4. Livelihood Opportunies: The barangay supports economic empowerment and livelihood development through skills training, microenterprise programs, and access to nancial resources. By providing residents with opportunies to earn a sustainable income, Barangay Moonwalk contributes to poverty reducon and social inclusion, making it a more livable community for all.5. Safety and Security: Maintaining peace and order is a priority for Barangay Moonwalk, which works closely with local law enforcement agencies and community volunteers to ensure the safety and security of its residents. A safe and secure environment is essenal for fostering a sense of well-being and contribung to the livability of the barangay.6. Health and Well-Being: Barangay Moonwalk promotes health and wellness through various iniaves, including healthcare services, nutrion programs, and recreaonal acvies. By priorizing the physical and mental well-being of its residents, the barangay enhances overall livability and quality of life.7. Disaster Resilience: Barangay Moonwalk is proacve in disaster preparedness and response, implemenng measures to migate the impact of natural disasters and emergencies. This includes establishing emergency evacuaon centers, conducng drills, and providing training to residents, ensuring that the barangay is resilient and able to bounce back from calamies. From its humble origins to its present-day signicance, Moonwalk embodies the spirit of resilience, diversity, and progress that denes the Filipino spirit. As it connues to evolve and adapt to the changing mes, Barangay Moonwalk remains an enduring symbol of community pride and unity, enriching the lives of its residents and contribung to the cultural tapestry of Parañaque City. Through its commitment to community engagement under the strong yet compassionate leadership of its Barangay Captain, Kapitana Doc Jemelene Go-Qui, it is hoped that environmental stewardship, economic empowerment, and holisc well-being, Barangay Moonwalk sets an example for other barangays across the country to emulate in their pursuit of livability and sustainability.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Barangay314

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable UniversityDAVAO DEL NORTE STATE COLLEGEJOY M. SORROSA, Ph.D.SUC PRESIDENT III, DAVAO DEL NORTE STATE COLLEGEDespite the challenges of priorizing sustainability across all aspects of society, Davao del Norte State College remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that meeng current needs does not compromise the bright future that succeeding generaons deserve. DNSC’s mandate of providing quality higher educaon extends beyond the classrooms and in preparing human resources just for the present. It involves acvely adopng pracces that uphold enduring excellence in educaon. DNSC has a Mental Health and Wellness Program for Employees, or the DNSC-MHWPE, that specically targets the integraon of mental health and wellness care in the workplace. This is in response to the Civil Service Commission Memorandum No. 4, series of 2020, mandang all government agencies to cra and implement a Mental Health Program for a conducive work environment. This is also in support of the Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Act of 2018. The program encompasses a variety of iniaves, which includes stress management acvies, sports and wellness training and friendly games, provision of amenies, and team building eorts. There is a regular Mental Health Break every Wednesday from three to ve o’clock in the aernoon, and a three-day Mental Health Break every October to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month. Addionally, an Annual Execuve Check-up is available for employees, oering comprehensive physical tests.ENDURING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION: DNSC’S PLEDGE FOR SUSTAINABILITYGOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: PRIORITIZING EMPLOYEE WELLNESS315

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DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH:GENERATING JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIESENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: ENERGY EFFICIENCY, CONSERVATION, AND PROPER WASTE DISPOSAL The college entered into a memorandum of understanding with local government ocials and community organizaons surrounding the MRP to create opportunies for learning through conservaon awareness campaigns and for earning through the operaon of the tourist desnaon. DNSC trained volunteer sherfolk and their family members to accommodate guests and conduct educaonal tours, thereby fostering both environmental stewardship and economic development. The Job Placement Oce (JPO) of DNSC has been recognized as one of the nalists for Best JPO naonwide for its programs to properly bridge the educaon and employment sengs. At the regional level, DNSC JPO was awarded as the Best Implementer of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Best Implementer of Career Guidance, Best Implementer of Job Fairs, Best Implementer of Employment Coaching, Best Implementer of Labor Market Informaon, and Best Implementer of the Naonal Skills Registraon Program. These awards are proof that the College is doing its best to improve the employability of its students and foster a strong relaonship between the instuon and the job market. Davao del Norte State College has emerged as a key player in driving economic growth and preparing a future-proof, competent workforce for various industries. Many of its programs are idened as priories by other government agencies and councils, aligning them with workforce needs that respond to both naonal and global agenda. DNSC has funded research and extension iniaves that have led to job creaon. A notable example is DNSC’s management of Taklobo Tours, an ecotourism desnaon within the Marine Reserve Park (MRP) of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). The Inter-Agency Energy Eciency and Conservaon Commiee (IAEECC) commended Davao del Norte State College’s energy and fuel management, as well as its conservaon pracces, during the on-site evaluaon on January 30, 2024. The commiee’s representaves awarded the College a ve-star rang with a numerical score of 92.8% (Grade A). One of the measures that DNSC is currently implemenng is the economical and responsible usage of air-condioning units and other equipment, promong both cost-eecveness and sustainability. The result of the evaluaon is a manifestaon of DNSC’s commitment to environmental conservaon. DNSC also prohibits Single-Use Plasc in the campus premises by virtue of the No Single-Use Plasc Policy of the College, approved by the DNSC Board of Trustees (ref: BOT Resoluon No. 28, series of 2021). Single-use plasc refers to plasc products designed for one-me or short-term use. They cause signicant environmental issues, such as polluon, harm to wildlife and animals, and ineecve waste management. The College joins the movement against the global plasc polluon crisis and supports the call to protect the environment for future generaons. The college believes that all its stakeholders deserve equal opportunies, representaon, and rights. To actualize this commitment, DNSC has established a Gender and Development Oce (DNSC-GAD) that ensures equality and inclusivity resonate throughout the campus. The DNSC-GAD employs a mulfaceted approach, advocang for gender-sensive policies and programs, promong gender mainstreaming across all facets of campus life, enhancing personnel capacity through training, supporng gender-related research iniaves, fostering collaboraons with external organizaons, and providing necessary assistance in addressing gender-based discriminaon and other challenges.GENDER EQUALITY: UNDERSTANDING THE ROOTS AND IMPACTS OF PARITYCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable University317

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DNSC sent faculty members to the 9th World Women’s Studies where they presented their research and absorbed new ideas on global gender discourses. Every year, DNSC also joins the Eighteen-day Campaign on Violence Against Women. The campus-wide campaign involves the distribuon of promoonal materials, holding of forum and amplifying of plaorms to discuss gender-related issues, and conducng creave acvies that showcase students’ and employees’ talents for the cause. Based on the 2023 data from the DNSC Human Resource Management Oce, the College employs a total of 441 individuals across permanent, job order, and contract of service posions. Of these, 215 are male and 226 are female, indicang that females constute 51.24% of the College’s workforce. In terms of representaon in policy and decision-making, females hold a signicant presence. Out of the eighteen members of the College Management Team (CMT), eleven are female, including the College President and two out of three Vice Presidents. These notes are not just for numerical reporng but reect an organizaonal culture that welcomes excellence based on merit, innovaon, and equity in academic and administrave endeavors. DNSC has a rich history of serving underprivileged communies, consistently going above and beyond to ensure access to educaon for all. In 2016, it established the Davao del Norte State College: Datu Jose A. Libayao campus in the Municipality of Talaingod, Province of Davao del Norte. This campus, located in a tribal municipality, has already produced graduates in the Bachelor in Agricultural Technology (BAT, now replaced by a new program) and Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry (BSAgro, current program oering). The student body are members of the Ata-Manobo indigenous cultural community, and the curriculum is tailored to incorporate the principles of indigenous peoples’ educaon. The college also accepts students and employees regardless of age, religion, wealth status, sexual orientaon, and physical ability. All announcements and noces related to hiring have enclosed statements that persons with disability, members of indigenous communies, and those with diverse sexual orientaon, gender identy, and expression are encouraged to apply. Campus facilies and infrastructures include ramps and tacle signage to allow everybody to thrive. To alleviate economic barriers, DNSC has established Project Sapnay, a fundraising iniave aimed at supporng students in need of nancial, nutrional, and mental health assistance. The College’s Gender and Development Oce also organizes community pantries regularly, parcularly during crises and examinaon periods, ensuring that no student is le behind due to inability to aord even the most basic necessies. These eorts underscore DNSC’s commitment to supporng the holisc well-being and academic success of all its students. The voluntary aim of an academic instuon to contribute to a just and humane future elevates its mandate to a more profound and impacul purpose. At its core, DNSC is not just a place for the circulaon of knowledge but a plaorm where values, ethics, and crical thinking are culvated. The goal is not just to produce excellent students, but cizens who realize the importance of compassion, social jusce, and fairness.In 2020, DNSC entered into an agreement with the Social Entrepreneurship Technology and Business Instute (SETBI) to develop a specialized curriculum and establish the Educaon Behind Bars (EBB) program at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Four years later, DNSC-SETBI EBB was able to send o six pioneering graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship. Among these graduates, two have already begun their reintegraon into society. This iniave underscores the belief that while Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) may lose their freedom, they retain their fundamental human right to educaon. The partnership aims to provide persons deprived of liberty with opportunies for employability, connuous personal and professional development, and a reshaped social perspecve to ease their transion back into society. By deploying dedicated teachers to serve this program, DNSC aspires to achieve long-term impacts such as enhanced public safety, a reducon in recidivism, and the creaon of a kinder, more livable, and inclusive world. DNSC has been a strong supporter of the naonwide call for a resilient Philippines through beer disaster preparedness. The College consistently parcipates in the quarterly Naonwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) and has put in place the Disaster Resilience and Administraon Commiee (DRAC). DNSC was a recipient of the Gawad Kalasag Award from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reducon Management Council (PDRRMC) of Davao del Norte, arming the importance of its acvies on humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness. Sustainability requires striking a balance between preserving established pracces and innovang for the future. DNSC has dedicated funds to explore avenues for digital transformaon, steering towards a smart and adaptable campus environment by leveraging the experse of its graduates. Through the formaon of a team of programmers, DNSC has successfully developed several systems to digitalize and streamline various processes and operaons. DNSC takes its pledge for sustainability by heart because it recognizes that good educaon endures across centuries because the academe understands the imperave of preparing for the future.REDUCED INEQUALITIES: BUILDING AN INSTITUTION THAT IS TRULY FOR ALLPEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS: THE ROLE OF THE ACADEME TOWARD A JUST AND HUMANE FUTURECertified Most Sustainable and Liveable University318

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable CompanyINTELE BUILDERS AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONINTELE Builders and Development Corporaon, a premier construcon company and general contractor for Globe Telecoms Inc. and other leading telecom players in the Philippines, has been an industry stalwart for over 37 years. Renowned for its wide array of services—including Outside Plant Construcon, Project Implementaon, Project Maintenance, Outside Plant Engineering, Technical Survey, and Site Acquision and Perming—the company has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the United Naons’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This narrave explores INTELE Builders’ pioneering eorts in various domains, highlighng its innovave business policies, excellence in corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental conservaon, gender and development (GAD) iniaves, comprehensive human resources (HR) programs, research and development (R&D) eorts, transportaon soluons, health improvements, business proliferaon, and strategic investment facilitaon. Intele Builders has been instrumental in execung cung-edge developmental projects that align with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovaon, and Infrastructure). Over the past 38 years, the company has completed numerous projects that integrate advanced technology and sustainable pracces, parcularly in the telecom sector.Some of its project achievement enhances connecvity while incorporang energy-ecient systems and sustainable materials. PIONEERING DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS This project not only meets the growing demand for high-speed internet and reliable telecom services but also sets new standards for sustainable infrastructure development in the Philippines, especially in NCR and other Luzon Regions.MS. MARIA CECILIA T. BRAVOVP FOR ADMIN & FINANCE319

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INNOVATIVE BUSINESS POLICYEXCELLENCE IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) At the core of Intele Builders operaons is a robust and innovave business policy that emphasizes sustainability, ethical pracces, and stakeholder engagement. The company has implemented a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework that ensures all business acvies are conducted responsibly, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Jusce, and Strong Instuons). Intele Builders’ commitment to connuous improvement is evident in its adopon of digital technologies. These technologies enhance project eciency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact, posioning the company as a leader in the construcon industry. Intele Builders and Development Corporaon’s dedicaon to CSR is evident in its extensive community development programs. Aligning with SDG 1 (No Poverty), the company has launched various iniaves aimed at improving the lives of its employees and communies. These iniaves include housing loans through cash advances without interest rates, educaonal scholarships for employees dependent, and various charitable programs. The “Relief Operaon” program is one of the company’s agship CSR iniaves. Over its 37-year history, the company has been acvely involved in various humanitarian iniaves, with relief operaons for vicms of typhoons and other calamies standing out as a signicant part of its CSR eorts.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Company320

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONCOMPREHENSIVE HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) PROGRAMS Intele Builders’ relief operaons are meculously planned and executed to ensure maximum impact and eciency. The company collaborates with local government units, non-governmental organizaons (NGOs), and other stakeholders to deliver aid eecvely.The organizaon engages local communies in the relief eorts, ensuring that the aid provided meets the actual needs of the aected populaon. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among community members. Recognizing the importance of stable housing for its employees, Intele Builders oers housing loans through cash advances without interest rates. This iniave aims to provide aordable housing soluons, thereby enhancing the quality of life for its employees and their families. Through its Employee Housing Loan Program, Intele Builders and Development Corporaon has helped numerous employees achieve their dream of home ownership. This iniave has had a transformave impact on the lives of employees, providing them with a stable and secure living environment. The company is commied to invesng in the educaon of its employees’ children. The company oers educaonal scholarships to support the academic aspiraons of these young individuals, thereby contribung to the development of future generaons. The company provides scholarships based on academic performance, ensuring that deserving students have access to quality educaon. Scholarships are awarded at various educaonal levels, from elementary to college. Intele Builders and Development Corporaon’s dedicaon to environmental conservaon is evident in its proacve iniaves, including the solar panel project, energy-saving pracces during break mes, and regular emission tesng for service vehicles. These eorts not only contribute to the company’s sustainability goals but also inspire a broader cultural shi towards environmental consciousness. By aligning its operaons with SDG 13 (Climate Acon) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), Intele Builders sets a benchmark for other companies in the industry. As the company connues to innovate and grow, its commitment to environmental conservaon remains a cornerstone of its corporate philosophy, ensuring a sustainable future for generaons to come. Intele Builders and Development Corporaon’s GAD iniaves reect its unwavering commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and the LGBTQ community. By implemenng mentorship programs, leadership training, and policies that support work-life balance, the company creates an inclusive and supporve workplace where everyone can thrive.Aligning its eorts with SDG 5 (Gender Equality), Intele Builders not only promotes equal opportunies but also sets a benchmark for other companies in the industry. As the company connues to grow and innovate, its dedicaon to gender equality and inclusivity remains a cornerstone of its corporate philosophy, ensuring a fair and equitable future for all employees. Recognizing that employees are its greatest asset, Intele Builders has developed comprehensive HR programs that priorize employee well-being and professional growth. These programs, which align with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), include compeve compensaon and benets packages, connuous learning opportunies, and robust health and safety protocols. The company’s Employee Wellness Program underscores its commitment to employee health and well-being. This program oers various health and tness iniaves, mental health support, and exible work arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all employees.GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (GAD) INITIATIVESCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Company321

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HEALTH IMPROVEMENTSRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) EFFORTSBUSINESS PROLIFERATION AND STRATEGICINVESTMENT FACILITATION Improving community health is a priority for INTELE Builders, in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The company has iniated several health improvement programs to enhance healthcare services and promote healthy lifestyles. The Health for All Iniave focuses on providing access to quality healthcare services in underserved communies. Through partnerships with healthcare providers and NGOs, INTELE Builders facilitates medical camps, health educaon programs, and the distribuon of essenal medical supplies like Medical Mission, and “Operaon Tuli” which focuses on providing free circumcision services to boys in underserved communies within the area of Teresa, Rizal, and other nearby areas. Intele Builders and Development Corporaon’s dedicaon to research and development underscores its commitment to innovaon and sustainable construcon pracces. By invesng in advanced construcon techniques, sustainable materials, and process opmizaon, the company ensures the delivery of high-quality, resilient, and environmentally friendly infrastructure. Through collaboraons with academic instuons and research organizaons, INTELE Builders stays at the cung edge of construcon technology, connuously improving its methods and contribung to the broader goals of sustainable development. As the company connues to grow and evolve, its robust R&D eorts will remain a cornerstone of its strategy, driving innovaon and sustainability in the construcon industry. Intele Builders and Development Corporaon is experiencing a signicant phase of business proliferaon. This expansion is a testament to the company’s commitment to growth, innovaon, and excellence in the construcon industry. As a general contractor for major telecom companies in the Philippines, including Globe Telecoms Inc., INTELE Builders is well-posioned to capitalize on new opportunies and expand its reach. The company is expanding its market presence by entering new geographic regions and exploring opportunies in emerging markets. This strategy allows the company to tap into new customer bases and diversify its revenue streams. The company is broadening its service oerings to include a wider range of construcon-related acvies, such as Outside Plant Construcon, Project Implementaon, Project Maintenance, Outside Plant Engineering, Technical Survey, and Site Acquision and Perming. This diversicaon enhances the company’s ability to meet the evolving needs of its clients. Intele Builders is forging strategic partnerships with other industry leaders, suppliers, and technology providers. These collaboraons enhance the company’s capabilies, improve operaonal eciency, and provide access to new technologies and resources. The ongoing business proliferaon of Intele Builders and Development Corporaon is a testament to the company’s commitment to growth, innovaon, and excellence. Intele Builders and Development Corporaon exemplies how businesses can thrive while contribung to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Through its pioneering developmental projects, innovave business policies, excellence in CSR, environmental conservaon eorts, GAD iniaves, comprehensive HR programs, R&D eorts, transportaon soluons, health improvements, business proliferaon, and strategic investment facilitaon, INTELE Builders sets a benchmark for sustainable and inclusive growth. As the company connues to innovate and expand, it remains commied to building a beer, more sustainable future for all. By expanding its market presence, diversifying its services, forging strategic partnerships, and invesng in technology, the company is well-posioned to capitalize on new opportunies and drive sustainable growth. As Intele Builders and Development Corporaon connues to expand, it remains dedicated to its core values of quality, innovaon, and sustainability. The company’s growth eorts not only contribute to economic development and job creaon but also support the broader goals of sustainable development and environmental conservaon. With a strategic focus on expansion and a commitment to excellence, Intele Builders is poised to achieve connued success in the construcon industry. CONCLUSIONCertified Most Sustainable and Liveable Company322

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Certied Most Sustainable and Liveable Real Estate CompanyPRIMEHOMES REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, INC.Since our founding in 2010, Primehomes Real Estate Development, Inc. has been on a mission to transform the concept of community living. We believe that innovaon and nature can go hand in hand to create spaces where people thrive and the environment is respected. Our goal has always been to craft communities that not only cater to the lifestyle of today but also care for the planet for generaons to come. From day one, we envisioned a future where communies priorize the well-being of their residents and the environment. Our vision is clear and ambious: creating purposeful communities, one city at a me. With this guiding principle, we’ve earned a reputaon for integrity and excellence, and we’ve been honored with presgious awards for our nature-integrated developments. With its pool of passionate and talented workforce Primehomes has consistently live up to its tradition of excellence making the company among the formidable players in the local real estate development industry. More than an advocate of urban botanical developments and responsible design, Primehomes aims to change the way we build by developing city block and urban landscapes into an eco-friendly yet mulfunconal communies, where people can envision possibilities and explore opportunies. We take pride in creating purposeful communies that become the catalyst for subsequent urban development leaving a legacy of collaboraon between man and nature. More than an advocate of urban botanical developments and responsible design, Primehomes aims to change the way we build by developing city block and urban landscapes into an eco-friendly yet mulfunconal communies, where people can envision possibilities and explore opportunies. We take pride in creating purposeful communities that become the catalyst for subsequent urban development leaving a legacy of collaboraon between man and nature.323

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MISSIONCOMPANY’S CORE VALUESSUSTAINABILITY AT OUR CORE We create vibrant residential communities where residents can thrive in the luxury of green, open spaces.Love of NatureNothing rejuvenates the spirit and provides respite like nature. Thus, we are commied to keeping our developments predominantly open and green lush areas, allowing residents to expand their living spaces beyond the connes of their units.ExcellenceIn building, designing, aer-sales service, property management - we are driven to deliver beyond expectaons.Future ForwardWe are dedicated to sustainability in our developments to promote eco-conscious living. And we capitalize on smart technology for eciency and convenience.Quality of LifeWe look at our residents not as customers but as members of our community. We maintain and improve our facilies & services, always with the goal of promong a beer quality of life. A naon with communies nestled and thriving in nature, empowered by technology, living sustainably.VISIONPrimehomes is commied to excellence in design, engineering, construcon and mely project compleon to deliver a valuable experience for its customers in the real estate segment.We shall achieve this by:• Establishing & maintaining a symbioc relaonship with stakeholders.• Providing a growth-oriented work environment for employees.• Complying to all applicable regulatory & statutory requirements.• Ensuring connual improvement of operaons and processes.• Praccing & implemenng “Quality in Everything We Do!” philosophy.QUALITY POLICY Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Primehomes. Each of our projects incorporates various eco-friendly strategies, such as:• Eco-Friendly Architecture: We design spaces that maximize natural light and airow while using recycled materials, ensuring that our homes are energy-ecient and promote a healthier living environment.• Energy Eciency: We incorporate cung-edge technologies like solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home systems, empowering residents to lower their energy consumpon and ulity bills.• Green Spaces: Our developments feature beaufully designed parks, community gardens, and green areas that foster biodiversity and oer residents peaceful retreats in nature.• Community Engagement: We acvely engage local communies in our planning processes to address their needs and dreams, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Real Estate Company325

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AWARDS AND RECOGNITION: CELEBRATING OUR IMPACT PROJECT IN FOCUS: PRIMEHOMES CAPITOL HILLSBUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Our dedicaon to sustainability and excellence has been recognized through various awards, including the esteemed “Best Nature Integrated Development” accolades. These achievements inspire us and arm our commitment to creang spaces that not only meet current needs but also prepare for the challenges of the future. Each award we receive fuels our passion and strengthens our resolve to lead the industry toward a more responsible and sustainable path. We’re not just building homes; we’re nurturing communies, protecng the environment, and enriching lives. At the heart of Primehomes Capitol Hills lies The Oasis, a stunning water park with interconnected swimming pools, tropical cabanas, and rockscape. Standing out as the centerpiece of the enre development is The Anahaw Pavilion, the main amenity area, which encompasses a clubhouse that houses a gym, co-working spaces, and funcon rooms. There are also various trails for jogging, strolling, and cycling. These pathways wind via the gated network, oering a safe and scenic environment for workout. Primehomes Capitol Hills, embodies the fusion of nature and urban living to create sustainable, future-ready community in its 3.6-hectare green oasis in Quezon City. This development sets a new standard for harmonious, wellness-focused and sustainable living in the heart of the city. This is the project that denes Primehomes’ commitment to and vision of sustainable development. Primehomes Capitol Hills is a truly green community in the heart of Quezon City, thus redening urban living with a scenic seng doed by century-old trees not found elsewhere in the enre metropolis. The development consists of 12 mid-rise building, each ranging from 10 to 18 stories -- in a sprawling 3.6 hectares expanse with century-old trees and lush green spaces, blending urban convenience with nature-inspired serenity surrounded by similarly exclusive neighborhoods, sports and recreaonal hubs, top universies, medical centers, and central business districts. We recognize that achieving our goals requires collaboraon and strong partnerships. Primehomes is acvely building relationships with government entities, non-profit organizaons, and local communies. Together, we can develop policies and pracces that advocate for sustainable growth in the real estate sector and beyond. Our commitment extends beyond construcng buildings—it’s about forming meaningful relationships. By fostering connections with our clients, communities, and the ecosystem, we can empower future generaons to help create a sustainable world.Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Real Estate Company326

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Certied Most Sustainable and Reliable Pest Control CompanyMAPECON PHILIPPINES, INC.MAPECON is a renowned name in the pest control industry in the Philippines, known for its environmentally friendly solutions and decades of expertise. Established with a mission to address the public’s pest control needs, the company has expanded its reach and services to become a leader in both agricultural and urban pest management. This narrave will explore MAPECON’s history, innovaon, services, environmental iniaves, and its inuence on the pest control industry.MAPECON was founded in 1961 by Invr. Gonzalo O. Catan Jr., a visionary entrepreneur and inventor who recognized the urgent need for effective and eco-friendly pest control solutions in the Philippines. At the time, the country faced significant challenges with pest infestations, particularly in agricultural areas. Catan’s ingenuity led to the development of locally made products that addressed these concerns, sparking the birth of MAPECON.MAPECON is well-known for its patented innovaons in the pest control industry. Gonzalo Catan Jr., being a prolic inventor, pioneered many eco-friendly technologies that have defined the company’s reputaon. One of MAPECON’s landmark products is the MAPECON Green Charcoal, a unique product that repurposes agricultural waste for use in pest control and environmental sustainability. Addionally, their MAPECON Termite Abatement and Maintenance Program (MTAMP) revoluonized termite control by introducing a method that is both safe for humans and environmentally responsible. The company prides itself on using organic and biodegradable materials in many of its products, minimizing harm to the environment while eecvely controlling pests. This commitment to sustainability sets MAPECON apart from many of its competors.Key Milestones:• 1961: MAPECON is founded with the invention of the “anti-dengue” inseccide.• 1970s: Expansion of pest control services, establishing multiple branches naonwide.• 1980s: Introducon of environmentally friendly and organic pest control products.• 1990s: Launch of proprietary termite control products and systems.THE ORIGINS OF MAPECONINNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY327

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3. Rodent Control Rodents pose serious health risks and property damage. MAPECON oers rodent control soluons through trapping, baing, and exclusion techniques, ensuring long-term prevenon in residenal areas and businesses.4. General Pest Control MAPECON addresses a wide range of pests, including cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, and ies. Their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system focuses on sustainable methods, combining biological controls with mechanical and chemical soluons as needed.5. Fumigation Services MAPECON is a leader in providing fumigaon services for large-scale operaons like warehouses, agricultural fields, and food processing facilities. Their fumigaon processes comply with internaonal safety and environmental standards.One of the defining characteristics of MAPECON is its commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The company’s approach to pest control is grounded in a philosophy that priorizes ecological balance and minimal environmental impact. MAPECON has led various iniaves to educate the public on the importance of eco-friendly pest control soluons. They regularly engage in community outreach programs, providing free pest control services in rural areas and conducng pest awareness campaigns in urban sengs. The company is also acvely involved in government and NGO partnerships, contribung to naonal dengue prevenon programs and agricultural development projects. MAPECON’s emphasis on eco-friendliness is evident in their use of non-toxic, biodegradable materials and the promoon of organic pest control products. Their products do not only target pests but also aim to reduce chemical footprints on ecosystems, beneng both the environment and public health.Another cornerstone of MAPECON’s success is its focus on sta training and development. The company runs connuous training programs for its employees to ensure that they are well-versed in the latest pest control technologies, safety pracces, and customer service. By invesng in their workforce, MAPECON maintains a high standard of service across all its branches.MAPECON has established its own training facility where employees undergo rigorous educaon in pest idencaon, the applicaon of control measures, and equipment handling. The company also hosts cercaon programs for professional pest control technicians, helping to raise the bar for the pest control industry as a whole.CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACYTRAINING AND DEVELOPMENTCertified Most Sustainable and Reliable Pest Control Company in the Philippines329

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The pest control industry is continually evolving with advancements in technology, stricter regulaons, and an increased emphasis on sustainability. MAPECON has successfully adapted to these changes by staying at the forefront of innovaon and ancipang customer needs. One signicant challenge is the rise of chemical resistance among pests, which threatens the ecacy of tradional control methods. MAPECON addresses this through the research and development of new formulas and alternave solutions that bypass resistance issues. Their laboratories connuously test and improve products to stay ahead of these evolving pests.Addionally, MAPECON is adapng to the digital age by incorporating tech-driven solutions into its services. Online plaorms now allow clients to schedule inspecons, track service histories, and communicate with MAPECON experts in real me. This adopon of technology has improved customer sasfacon and operaonal eciency.MAPECON’s pioneering approach to pest control has le an indelible mark on the industry. By priorizing innovaon, sustainability, and educaon, the company has set the standard for pest management not only in the Philippines but across Southeast Asia. Their inuence extends to legislave reforms, as MAPECON has been instrumental in advocang for stricter regulaons on harmful pescides and promong safer, eco-friendly alternaves.MAPECON’s advocacy for pest awareness and proper management has also raised the public’s understanding of the importance of pest control in maintaining public health and protecng property. Through collaboraons with government agencies, private companies, and educational institutions, MAPECON has helped build a more informed and prepared society in the face of pest-related challenges.MAPECON’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and environmental stewardship. From its humble beginnings in 1961 to its current status as a leader in the pest control industry, MAPECON has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable pest control soluons. The company’s unwavering dedicaon to protecng both people and the planet ensures that MAPECON will connue to lead the industry in the years to come.Their legacy, built on eco-friendly principles and cung-edge technology, serves as a model for pest control companies worldwide. Through continuous innovation and social responsibility, MAPECON remains an integral player in safeguarding public health and environmental sustainability in the Philippines.CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATION IN A CHANGING INDUSTRYMAPECON’S IMPACT ON THE PHILIPPINE PEST CONTROL INDUSTRYCONCLUSIONCertified Most Sustainable and Reliable Pest Control Company in the Philippines330

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DIRECTORYAWARD HONORARY PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR - EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE & STRONG INSTITUTIONS ATTY. AGNES VICENTA S. TORRES-DEVANADERAPRESIDENT & CEOCLARK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONBldg. 2121, 2122, 2125, & 2127C.P. Garcia cor. Elpidio Quirino St. Clark Freeport Zone Angeles City, Pampanga, 2009 PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR EXCELLENCE IN FOREIGN RELATIONS AND DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS DRA. BAE OKILE MANGONDATO SHARIEF, ALHADJAFOUNDER/CHAIRWOMAN/PRESIDENTLANAO CENTRAL COLLEGE, INC. - LCCIEast Basak, Awar St., Marawi City, Lanao del SurAWARD HONORARY CONGRESSMAN OF THE YEARHON. MICHAEL L. ROMERO, Ph.D.REPRESENTATIVE, PARTY LIST, 1-PACMANRm. SWA-319, House of RepresentativesBatasan Complex, Batasan Hills Quezon City, PhilippinesHON. REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TANREPRESENTATIVE, SAMAR, 2ND DISTRICT Rm. SW-408, House of RepresentativesBatasan Complex, Batasan HillsQuezon City, PhilippinesHON. JOSEPH SALVADOR TANREPRESENTATIVE, ISABELA, 4TH DISTRICTRm. SW-509, House of RepresentativesBatasan Complex, Batasan Hills, Quezon City, PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR HON. BAI MARIAM SANGKI MANGUDADATU, Ph.D. (HC), MNSAGOVERNOR, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUROffice of the Governor, Provincial Capitol9616 Buluan, Maguindanao del SurHON. DAKILA CARLO E. CUA ULAP - NATIONAL PRESIDENTLPP - NATIONAL CHAIRMANGOVERNOR, QUIRINO Office of the Governor, Capitol Hills 3400 San Marcos, Cabarruguis, Quirino, Philippines HON. EMMYLOU J. TALIÑO-MENDOZAGOVERNOR, COTABATOOffice of the Governor, Provincial Capitol9400 Amas, Kidapawan CityCotabato, PhilippinesATTY. AURELIO “OYIE” MATIAS UMALIGOVERNOR, NUEVA ECIJAOffice of the Governor, Provincial CapitolBarangay Singalat, Palayan CityNueva Ecija, Philippines HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTEGOVERNOR, CAMARINES SUROffice of the Governor, Provincial Capitol4418 Cadlan, Pili Camarines Sur, PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY VICE GOVERNOR OF THE YEARHON. FAUSTINO BOJIE G. DY, III.VICE GOVERNOR - ISABELAOffice of the Vice Governor, Provincial Capitol3300 Alibagu, Ilagan City, Isabela, PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEARATTY. SAUL PAULO ALBANO LAZOSANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN MEMBER - 1ST DISTRICT NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, NMYLPROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF ILOCOS NORTEHON. ALLAN P. ANDANBOARD MEMBER – FIRST DISTRICT, BULACANSangguniang Panlalawigan Office, Provincial Capitol 3000 Malolos City, Bulacan, Philippines HON. BOBBY B. MIDTIMBANG SENIOR BOARD MEMBER, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Maguindanao del Sur, PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR - EXCELLENCE IN PEACE AND NATION BUILDINGHON. HANDY T. LAONATIONAL PRESIDENT, PHILIPPINE COUNCILORS LEAGUE, PCL PRESIDENT, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE, COUNCILOR, CITY GOVERNMENT OF LAOAGOffice of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Hall Barangay 9, Sta. AngelaLaoag City, PhilippinesMR. ABDULGHANI “GERRY” A. SALAPUDDIN, MPA, Ph.D.CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SPDA) KM 12 Catalunan Pequeño, SPDA CompoundDavao-Bukidnon Highway, Davao CityDavao Del Sur, PhilippinesHON. BERNARD “NINONG” C. DELA CRUZNATIONAL CHAIRMAN, VICE MAYORS LEAGUE OF THE PHILIPPINESVICE MAYOR, GOVERNMENT OF MALABONOffice of the Vice Mayor, Malabon City HallF., Sevilla Boulevard, San AgustinMalabon City, PhilippinesMR. GERALD GLENN F. PANGANIBAN, Ph.D.DIRECTOR BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 692 San Andres Street, MalateManila, PhilippinesHON. SULTAN JOHAIR S. MADAGBARANGAY COUNCIL, FORMER BARANGAY CHAIRMANBarangay Nenita J. Herrera, Cotabato CityHON. MARIA KATRINA JESSICA GALLEGOS-DYLNB NATIONAL PRESIDENTLNB PRESIDENT, ISABELA CHAPTERLNB PRESIDENT, ECHAGUE, ISABELAChairperson, Barangay San Fabian, Echague, Isabela, PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEARATTY. AGATHA PAULA A. CRUZMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF GUIGUINTO, BULACANOffice of the Mayor, Guiguinto Municipal Hall3015 Guiguinto, Bulacan, PhilippinesENGR. CARLOS F. LOPEZ, JR.MAYORMUNICIPALITY OF ASINGAN, PANGASINANOffice of the Mayor, 2/F Asingan Municipal Hall, Poblacion East, 2439 Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines HON. ERIC L. OLIVAREZMAYORCITY OF PARAÑAQUE, NCROffice of the Mayor, Parañaque City HallValley 1, Brgy. San AntonioParañaque City, PhilippinesHON. JOENIME B. KAPINAMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF PALIMBANG, SULTAN KUDARATOffice of the Mayor, Palimbang Municipal Building9809 Palimbang, Sultan KudaratHON. KARL CHRISTIAN F. VEGAMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF MAPANDAN, PANGASINANOffice of the Mayor, Municipal HallPoblacion, Mapandan, Pangasinan, PhilippinesHON. ALFREDO M. CORO, IIMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF DEL CARMEN, SURIGAO DEL NORTEOffice of the Mayor, Del Carmen Municipal Building, 8418 Del Carmen, Siargao IslandSurigao del Norte, PhilippinesHON. ANTONIO V. MARIANO MAYORMUNICIPALITY OF MARCOS ILOCOS NORTEOffice of the Mayor, Marcos Municipal Hall2907 Marcos, Ilocos Norte, PhilippinesHON. HAZEL CORDOVA TUANDAMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF JIMALALUD, NEGROS ORIENTALOffice of the Mayor, Municipal Hall, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental, PhilippinesATTY. HENRY R. VILLARICAMAYORCITY OF MEYCAUAYAN, BULACANOffice of the Mayor, Meycauayan City Hall,Meycauayan City, Bulacan, PhilippinesHON. HILARIO G. PAGAUITANMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF SANTA MARIA, ISABELAOffice of the Mayor, Municipal HallPoblacion I, Santa Maria, Isabela, Philippines

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DIRECTORYHON. JEANNIE N. SANDOVALMAYORCITY OF MALABON, NCROffice of the City Mayor, Malabon City HallF., Sevilla Blvd., San Agustin, Malabon City, PhilippinesHON. MOHAMMAD ALI “BRUCE” C. MATABALAOMAYORCITY OF COTABATO, MAGUINDANAO PROVINCEOffice of the Mayor, People’s Palace, 199 Sinsuat Ave., Malagapas, Rh 10, Cotabato City, PhilippinesHON. RICHARD A. DEGALAMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTEOffice of the Mayor, Vintar Municipal Hall2915 Vintar, Ilocos Norte, PhilippinesHON. VENUS T. BAUTISTAMAYORMUNICIPALITY OF TUMAUINI, ISABELAOffice of the Mayor, Tumauini Municipal Hall3325 Tumauini, Isabela, PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY VICE MAYOR OF THE YEARHON. ALMEDZAR A. HAJIRIVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF LUGUS, SULUNATIONAL SECRETARY GENERAL, VMLPREGIONAL CHAIRMAN, VMLP BARMMOffice of the Vice Mayor, Municipal HallParian Kawayan Lugus, Sulu 7411 BARMM, PhilippinesATTY. ALYSSA RENEE A. CRUZ-ATIENZA VICE MAYOR, CITY OF BATANGAS, BATANGAS Office of the Vice Mayor, Batangas City Hall P. Burgos St., Batangas City, Philippines 4200HON. HEIDEE L. GANIGAN-CHUAVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF ASINGAN, PANGASINANOffice of the Vice Mayor, Asingan Municipal Hall2439 Asingan, Pangasinan, PhilippinesHON. JOHN MARVIN “YUL SERVO” C. NIETOVICE MAYOR, CITY GOVERNMENT OF MANILAOffice of the Vice Mayor, Manila City HallArroceros Street. Ermita, Manila, PhilippinesHON. LEONCIO A. DALIN, JR. VICE MAYOR, CITY GOVERNMENT OF CAUAYAN, ISABELAOffice of the Vice Mayor, Cauayan City Hall Bldg 107 Rizal Ave, District III Cauayan City, Isabela, Philippines HON. MICHAEL ABRAHAM G. PAGAUITANVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA MARIA, ISABELAOffice of the Vice Mayor, Municipal HallPoblacion I, Santa Maria, Isabela, PhilippinesHON. RICKY P. HECHANOVAVICE MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF COMPOSTELA, DAVAO DE OROOffice of the Vice Mayor, Compostela Municipal Building, 8803 Compostela, Davao de Oro, PhilippinesAWARD HONORARY COUNCILOR OF THE YEARDRA. DOROTHY A. DELARMENTE MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER COUNCILOR, GOVERNMENT OF QUEZON CITY, NCR2nd Floor, Room 202, Legislative Wing Bldg, Quezon City Hall Elliptical Road, Diliman Quezon City, Philippines HON. MARIE B. FORONDACOUNCILOR, MUNICIPALITY OF VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTEOffice of the Sangguniang Bayan, Municipal HallBalay Ti Ili, Brgy. 2, Vintar, Ilocos Norte, PhilippinesHON. REX C. DOCENACOUNCILOR, MUNICIPALITY OF TAFT, EASTERN SAMAR PROVINCEOffice of the Sangguniang Bayan, Municipal Building 6816 Taft, Eastern SamarAWARD HONORARY BARANGAY CAPTAIN OF THE YEARHON. JEMELENE GO QUI, Ph.D.CHAIRWOMAN BARANGAY MOONWALK, PARAÑAQUE CITYOffice of the Barangay Chairwoman, Barangay Hall, St. Francis Street., Brgy. MoonwalkParanaque City, PhilippinesAWARDED HONORARY DISTINCTION FOR MODERN FILIPINA HEROISM OF THE YEARMS. MIKAELA L. ROMEROCHAIRMAN, 1-PACMAN PARTYLISTRm. SWA-319, House of RepresentativesBatasan Complex, Batasan Hills, Quezon City, PhilippinesAWARDED HONORARY DISTINCTION FOR MODERN FILIPINO HEROISM OF THE YEARMR. CHRISTIAN ANDREW J. CRUZREPRESENTATIVE PINOY AKO ORGANIZATIONF. Manalo Street cor. J. Pueblo Street, Bambang, Pasig CityAWARDED MOST DISTINGUISHED PHILANTHROPY AND SOCIAL IMPACT ADVOCATE OF THE YEARMS. CEZARAH CRUZ-DISCAYAFOUNDERST. GERRARD CHARITY FOUNDATIONF. Manalo St. cor. J. Pueblo St. Bambang, Pasig CityMS. MARICEL V. PESTAÑOPRESIDENT & CEOVicente Isabel Multispecialty Clinic and Diagnostic Center Inc.Unit 1E, Daet Medical Plaza Daet, Camarines Norte, PhilippinesMS. ROSE N. LINFOUNDER & PRESIDENT ROSE LIN FOUNDATION 747 Quirino Highway, Brgy. San BartolomeNovaliches, Quezon CityAWARD HONORARY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE YEARENGR. RONNIE V. DEL ROSARIO PRESIDENT & CEOLA JOLLA RESORT AND HOTELCRESTA DE ORO PHILIPPINES 154 Banawang, Bagac Bataan, PhilippinesMS. CATHERINE FLORINE SOLLANO-CUSICHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERAQUA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1697 Pres Quirino AvenuePandacan, Manila MR. EMMANUEL R. LEDESMA, JR.PRESIDENT & CEOPHILHEALTHCitystate Centre, 709 Shaw Boulevard 1603, Pasig City, PhilippinesMR. ISMAEL R. SANDIG CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TOP BANK PHILIPPINES, INC.8860 Lumiere Bldg., Sampaloc St. San Antonio Village, Makati City, PhilippinesMR. JAMES P. AMPAROPRESIDENT & CEOYOVEL EAST RESEARCH & DEV’T. INC.52 Pisces St., Tandang Sora, Quezon CityMetro Manila, 1116 PhilippinesMR. JOSE B. TOMAS, JR., J.D.CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TAM-AN BANAUE MULTI PURPOSE COOPERATIVETam-an Building, J.P. Rizal St., Poblacion North, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, 3709AWARD HONORARY MOST EMPOWERED WOMAN OF THE YEARMS. JOY M. SORROSA, Ph.D.SUC PRESIDENT IIIDAVAO DEL NORTE STATE COLLEGENew Visayas, Panabo CityMS. CIELO AMOR D. CHAVEZCEO/ PRESIDENTRCREIGN MANPOWER AGENCY287 P. Tuazon St. Cor. 18th Ave., CubaoQuezon City, PhilippinesMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE DISTRICT IN THE PHILIPPINESHON. JOSEPH SALVADOR TANREPRESENTATIVE, ISABELA, 4TH DISTRICTRm. SW-509, House of RepresentativesBatasan Complex, Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Philippines

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DIRECTORYMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE PROVINCE IN THE PHILIPPINESHON. BAI MARIAM SANGKI MANGUDADATU, Ph.D (HC), MNSAGOVERNOR, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUROffice of the Governor, Provincial Capitol9616 Buluan, Maguindanao del SurHON. DAKILA CARLO E. CUA ULAP- NATIONAL PRESIDENTLPP- NATIONAL CHAIRMANGOVERNOR, QUIRINO Office of the Governor, Capitol Hills, 3400 San Marcos, Cabarruguis, Quirino, Philippines HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTEGOVERNOR, CAMARINES SUROffice of the Governor, Provincial Capitol4418 Cadlan, Pili Camarines Sur, PhilippinesMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE CITY IN THE PHILIPPINESHON. JEANNIE N. SANDOVALMAYOR, CITY OF MALABON, NCROffice of the City Mayor, Malabon City HallF., Sevilla Boulevard, San AgustinMalabon City, PhilippinesMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE MUNICIPALITY IN THE PHILIPPINESHON. ALFREDO M. CORO, IIMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF DEL CARMEN, SURIGAO DEL NORTEOffice of the Mayor, Del Carmen Municipal Building8418 Del Carmen, Siargao IslandSurigao Del Norte, PhilippinesHON. HILARIO G. PAGAUITANMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA MARIA, ISABELAOffice of the Mayor, Municipal HallPoblacion I, Santa MariaIsabela, PhilippinesHON. RICHARD A. DEGALAMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTE, Office of the Mayor, Vintar Municipal Hall2915 Vintar, Ilocos Norte, PhilippinesHON. VENUS T. BAUTISTAMAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF TUMAUINI, ISABELAOffice of the Mayor, Tumauini Municipal Hall3325 Tumauini, Isabela, PhilippinesMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE BARANGAY IN THE PHILIPPINES HON. JEMELENE GO QUI, Ph.D.CHAIRWOMAN BARANGAY MOONWALK, PARAÑAQUE CITYOffice of the Barangay Chairwoman, Barangay HallSt. Francis Street., Barangay Moonwalk, Paranaque City, PhilippinesMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE UNIVERSITY IN THE PHILIPPINESMS. JOY M. SORROSA, Ph.DSUC PRESIDENT IIIDAVAO DEL NORTE STATE COLLEGENew Visayas, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, PhilippinesCERTIFIED MOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINESMS. MARIA CECILA T. BRAVOVP FOR ADMIN & FINANCEINTELE BUILDERS AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION#131 Road 20 corner Personnel St., Brgy. Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City, 1106 PhilippinesMOST SUSTAINABLE AND LIVEABLE REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINESPRIMEHOMES REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, INC.Marius Acropoli Building, 140 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, PhilippinesMOST SUSTAINABLE AND RELIABLE PEST CONTROL COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINESMAPECON2459 Arellano Ave, Malate Manila, 1004 Philippines

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SIR KARL MCLEAN, KSTCHAIRMAN & PUBLISHERSUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS, INC.KENNETH PRIETO ROCETEPRESIDENT & CEOSUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS, INC“We need comprehensive and up-to-date educational materials to supplement the reduction of organizations carbon emissions based on measurements, offset usage and within the environmental limits as we need to bring sustainable development beneﬁts to Communities, Cities, Municipalities, Province and Districts, such as improved air and water quality, improved income, reduced energy consumption, eradicate poverty and hunger, guaranteeing a healthy life. Universalize access to basic services such as water, sanitation and sustainable energy. Support the generation of development opportunities through inclusive education and decent work”.Karl McLean is a professional CEO having run many large corporations around the world including Digital Equipment Asia Paciﬁc, Polaroid Asia Paciﬁc, Hitachi Data Systems. At 26 he was made Managing Director of Hamilton Rentals a large Canadian company responsible for computer rentals in Germany and Holland and was also responsible for many start up Marketing and IT companies and company turnarounds. He was educated in Europe and qualiﬁed as an accountant. He has spent the past 37 years in Asia and Paciﬁc. He is afﬂuent in seven international language and can write in English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Danish.Entrepreneur, Rotarian, Civic Leader, Climate Change Advocate, and PR Strategist.He graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial Management in 2003. He earned Units (Undergraduate) in Master’s in Cooperative Finance and Public Administration at the Southern Luzon University in 2005.He is the author and publisher of the “Nation Builders” and“Certiﬁed Most Sustainable and Liveable Communities” withcopyright and exclusive distribution in the Philippines. He was able to secure 7 Copyrights and Forty Nine (49) IPO Registrations together with the Nation Builders and MOSLIVAwards as its ﬂagship project in the Philippines, with an estimated bi-annual attendance of 1,200 VVIP’s, making the NBMA Awards Gala as the Number 1 Sustainability AwardsFestival in Asia.