When the Waters Rise, So Must We: A Nation’s Call for Integrity

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

There are times in a nation’s history when silence becomes complicity. When the cost of looking away is measured not in pesos but in lives — lost children, displaced families, futures washed away with the floods. That time, for the Philippines, is now.

The waters that submerge our homes and fields are not just the wrath of nature. They are the consequence of broken systems, betrayed trust, and corruption that bleeds our coffers dry. Each swollen river carries more than mud and debris — it bears the weight of greed, negligence, and decades of unpunished betrayal.

It is against this backdrop that the Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureates break their silence. Honored for integrity and service in diverse fields — from education and science to governance and the arts — they now speak not as recipients of accolades, but as citizens bound by conscience. Their message is unambiguous: Enough.

A Bold Step Toward Accountability

On September 11, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 94, creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. Tasked with investigating corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects spanning three administrations, this commission is both bold and overdue. Its power lies in its mandate: to cut through political patronage and expose the truth, wherever it leads.

The nation now looks to its members:

Justice Andres Reyes Jr., Chairperson, a steady hand for legal clarity.

Rogelio “Babes” Singson, TOFIL Laureate and former DPWH Secretary, synonymous with reform and integrity.

Rossana Fajardo, SGV & Co. Managing Partner, a master in financial forensics.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Special Adviser and Investigator, a living emblem of principled leadership.

But as the Laureates themselves warn: Commissions alone cannot save us. Healing this nation demands vigilance and courage from its people.

The TOFIL Roadmap: Integrity in Action

In their call to action, the TOFIL Laureates outline not vague aspirations but concrete, uncompromising demands:

Suspend all flagged projects pending rigorous independent review — not only for financial integrity but also for compliance with environmental and climate resilience standards.

Full disclosure of budget insertions with clear authorship, justification, and feasibility studies — a complete end to “pork barrel politics in disguise.”

Whistleblower protections that guarantee anonymity, financial security, and safety for those who dare speak truth to power.

Weekly public briefings from the Commission, ensuring transparency and real-time accountability to the Filipino people.

Forensic audits and lifestyle checks, to expose illicit enrichment and punish betrayers of public trust with penalties equal to the gravity of their crimes.

Science-driven infrastructure policies grounded in climate data, hydrological modeling, and global best practices, so that projects serve communities rather than contractors.

Expansion of oversight beyond flood control to every corner of public works — roads, schools, hospitals, transport — because corruption is not confined to one sector.

A Moral Imperative

This is not about partisan politics. This is about the very soul of the Republic. About whether the Filipino dream will remain drowned in corruption, or whether it will rise on pillars of transparency and honor.

The Laureates — leaders in education, agriculture, governance, medicine, the arts, science, and public service — remind us that their recognition means nothing if not used in service of truth. Their collective voice is not a whisper but a clarion call:

Let the corrupt fall.

Let the truth rise.

Let the Filipino spirit shine.

A Nation That Must Rise Together

Every Filipino is called — young or old, rich or poor, official or private citizen. To shrug and remain passive is to abandon the future of our children. To rise, even in small ways — by demanding accountability, resisting the culture of silence, and insisting on truth — is to build a Philippines worthy of its promise.

The floods remind us of our vulnerability. The TOFIL Laureates remind us of our strength. In the face of corruption as deep as the waters that drown our cities, we must rise higher still.

For the love of country. For the survival of our future. For a Republic reborn in integrity.

Shared Action for South BonPen Development: A Turning Point for Quezon’s Southern Frontier

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

San Pablo City, Laguna — In the far reaches of Quezon province, where the lush green of coconut plantations stretches endlessly toward the horizon, lies the South Bondoc Peninsula (South BonPen). This vast and fertile expanse—comprising San Francisco, San Andres, San Narciso, Mulanay, Catanauan, Buenavista, and Macalelon—represents 19% of the province’s land area. Yet, despite its natural wealth and hardworking communities, South BonPen continues to be haunted by poverty rates that remain stubbornly in the double digits.

Here, agriculture is life itself. Families rise and rest with the rhythm of their coconut harvests, with smallholder farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries forming the backbone of the region’s economy. But the struggles are steep: inadequate access to capital, fragile cooperative structures, and insufficient basic services hold back what should be a thriving agricultural heartland.

It is against this backdrop of resilience and hardship that the South Bondoc Peninsula Stakeholder Meeting convened on August 26, 2025, in San Pablo City, Laguna. The gathering, organized by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) in partnership with Kilusan para sa Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan (KATARUNGAN), signaled a new chapter of shared action, one rooted in the belief that progress requires both solidarity and innovation.

Building Partnerships for Change

The meeting was more than a discussion—it was a convergence of visions. Agrarian reform organizations, microfinance leaders, development institutions, and government agencies sat around the same table, confronting old challenges with renewed determination.

The goal: to strengthen Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) cooperatives, enhance enterprise development, and integrate services across health, education, and capacity-building. Central to this effort is aligning with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) of the Philippine Coconut Authority, a government roadmap designed to uplift coconut farmers through funding, technical assistance, and enterprise opportunities.

For farmers, this alignment promises not just survival, but the possibility of long-term growth.

“Lupa ay Simula, Hindi Wakas”

KATARUNGAN Secretary-General Danny Carranza offered a sober reminder during his presentation:

“Ang pamamahagi ng lupa ay mahalagang hakbang ngunit hindi wakas ng laban laban sa kahirapan.”

(The distribution of land is a vital step, but it is not the end of our fight against poverty.)

Carranza’s words resonated with the struggles of countless farming families whose journey to progress goes beyond land ownership. It is about building institutions, accessing fair markets, and ensuring that cooperatives have the strength to stand on their own.

Leaders of Change

The weight of the moment was underscored by the presence of key figures whose influence spans decades of development work:

Ernesto Garilao, former Agrarian Reform Secretary, whose legacy continues to shape rural reform.

Rafael Lopa, President of ASA Philippines Foundation, bringing microfinance closer to marginalized communities.

Dr. Aristotle Alip, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of CARD-MRI, a trailblazer in grassroots financial inclusion.

Roberto Calingo, Executive Director of PEF, championing social enterprises as engines of poverty reduction.

Randy Fajardo, CEO of the Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives (QFUC), committed to building cooperative resilience.

Jerwin Samson from the Department of Trade and Industry, signaling government’s support for enterprise growth.

Their participation symbolized not just institutional backing, but a recognition that South BonPen’s struggle is a national concern—and its development, a shared responsibility.

Beyond Aid: Toward Sustainable Livelihood

At the heart of PEF’s mission is a philosophy that true change comes not from charity but from empowerment. Founded in 2001, the Foundation manages a significant endowment fund, investing in social enterprises that directly impact poor communities.

In South BonPen, this translates into:

Strengthening cooperative enterprises so they can scale and compete.

Partnering with microfinance institutions like CARD-MRI and ASA Philippines to ensure access to capital and social services.

Bridging gaps in health, education, and livelihood support, so communities can grow beyond subsistence.

PEF Executive Director Calingo summed it up well: “Our task is to ensure that communities do not remain dependent but become self-reliant, building sustainable enterprises that secure their own future.”

The Road Ahead

The South Bondoc Peninsula’s story is one of paradox: fertile lands shadowed by poverty, resilient farmers held back by structural challenges. But the August 26 gathering marks a pivotal moment—a recognition that no single institution can solve this alone.

The partnerships forged in San Pablo City represent a promise: that South BonPen’s farmers will no longer stand at the margins of development, but at its center.

As coconut palms sway in the winds of Quezon’s southern frontier, the seeds of collaboration planted in this meeting hold the potential to bear fruit—not only for South BonPen, but as a model for inclusive rural development across the country.

Likha ng Central Luzon 2025: Showcasing the Heartbeat of Filipino Creativity and Resilience

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Mandaluyong City, Philippines — From October 15 to 19, 2025, the Mega Trade Hall 2 of SM Megamall will once again transform into a vibrant hub of innovation, craftsmanship, and culture as the 27th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair takes center stage.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 and Philexport Region 3, with the strong backing of the Regional Development Council – R3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) composed of the seven provincial governors of the region, Likha stands as one of the longest-running and most anticipated trade fairs in the country. For nearly three decades, it has championed the ingenuity of Central Luzon’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), elevating local industries to national and global recognition.

A Legacy of Empowering Local Enterprises

More than just a marketplace, Likha ng Central Luzon is the culmination of months of capacity-building programs, technical trainings, and product development initiatives designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to compete globally. Each year, the trade fair becomes a platform where ideas meet opportunities — linking grassroots creativity with institutional buyers, exporters, and conscious consumers who value authenticity and quality.

This year, over 140 MSMEs from across the region will proudly present their flagship products under distinctive provincial branding:

Aurora – “Siempre Aurora”

Bataan – “Galing Bataan”

Bulacan – “Tatak Bulakenyo”

Nueva Ecija – “Taas Noo Novo Ecijano”

Pampanga – “Love Pampanga”

Tarlac – “Natural Tarlac”

Zambales – “Zambales Finest”

These brands do not merely represent commodities — they embody the pride, culture, and resilience of their people.

A Feast of Innovation and Craftsmanship

Visitors to the 2025 fair can expect an impressive array of product categories that reflect both tradition and modernity:

Processed Food that highlights Central Luzon’s culinary heritage

Furniture and Home Furnishings blending craftsmanship with sustainability

Wearables such as fashion accessories, Filipiniana, footwear, and jewelry

Gifts, Holiday Décor, and Novelty Items that capture Filipino creativity

Beverages showcasing local flavors

Woodcraft and Handicrafts that honor indigenous artistry

Organic and Cosmetic Products tapping into the wellness market

Beyond the diverse displays, a special feature will highlight products developed under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) and OTOP Next Gen Program of the DTI. This includes innovative packaging, label design upgrades, and newly crafted items that push the boundaries of creativity. In addition, coconut-based products will take the spotlight — reinforcing the versatility of this “tree of life” as a sustainable source of livelihood and innovation.

A United Front for Regional Growth

The strength of Likha lies not only in its exhibitors but also in its network of partners. This year’s fair is supported by Philexport-3, RDC-3, CLGCFI, Philippine Information Agency, local government units of the seven provinces, SMED Councils, and DTI’s attached bureaus and agencies. Together, they form a united front, committed to uplifting communities and ensuring Central Luzon’s rightful place in the national and international market.

More Than a Trade Fair — A Movement

Now on its 27th year, Likha ng Central Luzon has grown beyond a regional showcase. It has become a movement for Filipino pride, sustainability, and empowerment, a yearly reminder that our local entrepreneurs are the backbone of the economy and the bearers of culture and identity.

As the fair opens its doors this October, it invites every visitor — buyers, advocates, and everyday Filipinos — to witness not just products, but stories of perseverance, creativity, and transformation. Likha is more than trade. It is the heartbeat of Central Luzon, echoing resilience, unity, and the unyielding spirit of the Filipino.