My Internship at the Office of Senator Bam Aquino Has Taught the Internship Provides Extensive Activities of Policy-Making, Political Me a Lot

1 YOUTH

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP BILL SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN REFORM BILL s the youngest senator of the 16th Congress Aand a former youth leader and former Chairman of the National Youth Commission, Sen. Bam has been tasked to look after the welfare of the Filipino youth, which comprises at least 50% of the Philippine population.

Sen. Bam Aquino with the volunteers and students of TAYO 11 Awardee Gualandi Volunteer Service Program. Cebu City Photo:39 Boom Enriquez 40 YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP BILL

SOME OF THE For Sen. Bam, youth unemployment is a “growing epidemic”. To address this, he proposes entrepreneurship as an alternative path for young Filipinos, through his Youth Entrepreneurship 700,000 Bill (SBN 1032) . 2014 GRADUATES WILL JOIN THE The measure aims to encourage the youth to become entrepreneurs by starting their own ventures, rather than join 2.969M the long line of the unemployed. Once enacted into a law, youth UNEMPLOYED FILIPINOS entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance, training and other forms of government support to help them establish their own businesses.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Bill was approved on third reading Exposing children to financial in the Senate on July 30, 2014. literacy is a good foundation for entepreneurship in the 49.8% future. OF THE TOTAL UNEMPLOYED Unlocking inclusive growth in our country means ARE YOUNG FILIPINOS Starting their own business young people have access and meaningful will be a solid option for fresh (18-24 YEARS OLD) graduates. participation through the development of micro, “ small, and medium enterprises... In our last National Youth Assessment Study, 54.4% of young people agree that they have entrepreneurial skills * SOURCE: DOLE, 2014 but they lack start-up capital... A win for the Filipino youth!” -- USEC. GREGORIO RAMON TINGSON Chairman, National Youth Commission (NYC)

41 42 THE PROMISE OF THE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP BILL Based in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Tagum City Youth Mindanao is a youth organization that was established in 2008 by Tagum Cooperative. Its Financial Literacy Program was started by 17-year-old member, Reven Bryan dela Peña, in order to teach children and young teens how to save and manage their money.

In 2010, Tagum City Youth Mindanao had 48 members and Php8,000 (USD 183) in the bank. By visiting different schools and encouraging students to save money, the organization grew its membership to over 1,000 members. More importantly, it grew its fund to Php1 million (approx. USD23,000) in just four years.

Thanks to this, Tagum City Youth Mindanao’s members have been able to pay for their respective tuition fees and are likewise able to help out with family expenses. Moreover, the group has launched a lending program to help young members gain access to capital for small business start-ups.

In 2014, Tagum City Youth Mindanao was hailed as one of the winners of the 11th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards.

TAYO 11 Awardee Tagum City Youth Mindanao. Tagum City, Davao Photo: TAYO Awards Foundation

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP BILL

43 44 SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN REFORM BILL

One of the pressing youth issues in the country is the need for reforms in youth representation, currently entrenched within the Sangguniang Kabataan or the barangay youth councils.

Last year, there was a proposal to completely abolish the youth leadership system. A former youth leader, Sen. Bam believed that there is still a need for a platform where youth leaders directly participate in local governance and reform.

Sen. Bam, together with several youth groups, lobbied for the 2013 Sangguniang Kabataan Elections postponement, giving the Senate the opportunity to craft a proposal for a new youth representation system. This proposal aims to revive the true spirit of volunteerism in the country.

45 46 SEN. BAM’S SENATE RECORD

SENATE BILLS PASSED BY BOTH HOUSES COMMITTEE REPORTS FILED SEN. BAM’S BILLS ACTED UPON BY THE SENATE SIGNED INTO LAWS RA 10644: Go Negosyo Act 2 5 RA 10642: Philippine Lemon Law APPROVED ON SBN 2212: Youth Entrepreneurship Bill 3RD READING SENATE BILLS FILED SENATE BILLS FILED (AUTHORED) (CO-AUTHORED) PENDING ON SBN 2210: Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship ND 30 5 2 READING (PRESENT) Bill SEN. BAM’S BILLS IN THE COMMITTEE LEVEL SENATE RESOLUTIONS FILED SENATE RESOLUTIONS FILED PENDING FOR PUBLIC SBN 2227: Marginal Income Earners Income Tax (AUTHORED) (CO-AUTHORED) HEARING SBN 2218: Credit Surety Fund SBN 2217: Start-up Business Bill 19 15 SBN 2216: Mandatory Appointment of a Cooperative Officer in LGU SBN 2215: Community Disaster Warehouse Bill BICAMERAL MEETINGS SBN 2214: Big Data Center Bill CONDUCTED ABSENCES IN PLENARY SESSION SBN 2179: National Coastal Greenbelt 78 OUT OF 83 SESSION DAYS PRESENT SBN 2178: Election Services Reform Act 0 5 ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS 2 SBN 2158: Decriminalizing Libel SBN 2151: Electric Hybrid and Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles Promotion COMMITTEE HEARINGS/OVERSIGHT ATTENDANCE ON OTHER COMMITTEE/OVERSIGHT, Act COMMITTEE MEETINGS CONDUCTED COMMITTEE HEARINGS/MEETINGS SBN 2150: Electric Hybrid and Other Alternative Fuel Vehicles Promotion Act 16 36 SBN 2122: Anti-discrimination Bill SBN 2218: Filipino Sign Language Act SBN 2217: Filipino Sign Language Act in broadcast media

47 48 SEN. BAM’S SENATE RECORD

SEN. BAM’S BILLS PENDING IN THE COMMITTEE LEVEL PENDING FOR PUBLIC SBN 1943: Creation of Local Development Councils HEARING SBN 1942: Adjusting the Level of Net Taxable Income and Nominal Tax Rates SBN 1874: Urban and Development Housing Act

SBN 1832: Microfinance Code SBN 1458: Study Now Pay Later SBN 1457: Paskong Pinoy SBN 1356: People’s Fund Act SBN 1091: Magna Carta for Internet Freedom SBN 1090: Liga ng Bayaning Kabataan SBN 1031: Pagkaing Pinoy para sa mga Bata SBN 1030: Microenterprise Development Institutions Act SBN 1029: Social Value Act

SEN. BAM’S COMMITTEE REPORTS FILED CR 56: Fair Competition Act (Filed June 16, 2014) CR 26: Youth Entrepreneurship Bill CR 25: Philippine Lemon Law CR 24: Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Bill CR 10: Go Negosyo Act

Session Hall, Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City Photo: Allan Peñaredondo

49 50 PROGRAMS AND ADVOCACY

TEN ACCOMPLISHED YOUTH ORGANIZATION AWARDS GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM | WEF OCEAN 14 SUMMIT SOCIAL BUSINESS SUMMIT | MINDANAO SOCIAL BUSINESS SUMMIT AUSTRALIAN POLITICAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM HARNESSING THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERISM WASAK: WALANG ASENSO SA KOTONG EVENTS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Volunteers distributing sacks of rice during relief efforts organized by the Office of Senator Bam Aquino for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Leyte 51Photo: Howell Abion 52 TEN ACCOMPLISHED YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS (TAYO) AWARDS

In 2002, then-Commissioner Bam Aquino of the National Youth Commission (NYC) co-founded the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards to encourage youth organizations to contribute to the improvement of their communities. OVER Since its inception, the TAYO Awards program has successfully established itself as the only award-giving body that recognizes and supports the outstanding youth organizations in the 2,000 YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS HAVE Philippines. JOINED THE TAYO AWARDS OVER THE PAST 11 YEARS. These exceptional youth organizations have participated in the development of their local communities, their schools, and THE 12TH SEARCH FOR their workplaces, through innovative and valuable projects that TAYO AWARDS IS NOW OPEN address a wide variety of social ills. FOR APPLICATIONS, VISIT WWW.TAYOAWARDS.NET. Eleven years after the birth of the TAYO Awards, Sen. Bam continues to support the TAYO Awards program by co-organizing the annual awards and by using the work of these outstanding youth organizations as inspiration and models for legislative work.

TAYO is co-organized by the National Youth Commission, TAYO

TAYO 10 Awarding Ceremonies. Awards Foundation, Office of Senator Francis Pangilinan and Malacañang, Manila Coca-Cola Foundation. Photo: Malacañang Photo Bureau

53 54 FROM TAYO AWARDEE TO INSPIRATION FOR POLICY TAYO 11 winner Gualandi Volunteer Service Program, an organization helping deaf children who are also victims of molestation, worked with the Office of Sen. Bam Aquino to file a measure empowering the Philippines’ Deaf and hard-of- 2,0002,000 hearing (HOH) sector. YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS On February 11, 2014, Sen. Bam filed Senate Bill 2118 seeking to declare Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf and the official language of the Philippine government in all transactions with the Deaf.

The bill also mandates the use of FSL in schools, in workplaces, and in broadcast media. WWW.TAYOAWARDSTAYOAWARDS.NET.NET. Sen. Bam also visited the First High School for the Hearing-Impaired in Cebu City. Upon seeing the school’s dilapidated structure, he rallied support from the private sector.

In May 2014, Sen. Bam, together with concerned private individuals in Cebu, came back to help in repainting and refurbishing the school.

TAYO 11 Awardee Gualandi Volunteer Service Program. Cebu City Photo: TAYO Awards Foundation

TEN ACCOMPLISHED YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS (TAYO) AWARDS

55 56 GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (GIP)

…The internship was so much more than just work experience. It presented me with opportunities to learn more about the state of our country, focusing on the advocacies of the Senator and his dedicated “ team, and it allowed me to learn more about myself and form my own opinions about these issues…” -- ANTON MENDOZA BS MANAGEMENT, ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY

In every interview [where I] accompanied him, in every short conversation I had with him, and in every instance that I… heard him fight for his bills during interpellations, I [saw that] he is an “ outstanding statesman of this country… In general, I can say that my internship in the Office of Senator Bam Aquino has been a worthwhile journey, because my faith in the government has been restored, and I am so driven to work hard for the good of the Filipino people too, as much as he does. To Senator Aquino, I have felt being a real bida (hero) because he gave premium to us young ones. Long 1st batch of Government Internship Program interns with Sen. Bam Aquino. live this exemplary, working senator. No senator is quite like him.” Photo: Office of Senator Bam Aquino -- ANNA VENTURINA BA BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, DILIMAN In 2013, the Office of Senator Bam More than 20 interns were chosen Aquino welcomed 8 interns to assist from various universities and colleges, in the daily operations. Seeing that and were deeply immersed in the daily My internship at the Office of Senator Bam Aquino has taught the internship provides extensive activities of policy-making, political me a lot. Working on [the communications] unit has been a exposure to legislative work, the Office development, communications, finance, valuable experience for me. I am the only Deaf intern among the adopted the Government Internship and administration. They also joined “ hearing interns. I appreciated that I developed my interpersonal Program (GIP). GIP aims to encourage Sen. Bam on some of his trips to local skill, working and communicating with the team and interns… young people to join public service communities, and had design-thinking I am different because I am unique. I prove everyone that my and government work. workshops for nation-building. disability is not hindrance to work well for me.” -- ROEGEN FERNANDEZ BACHELOR IN APPLIED DEAF STUDIES, SPECIALIZING IN COMPUTER GRAPHICS ARTS DE LA SALLE - COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE 57 58 INTERNS

Lara May J. Banzuelo Giselle Anne C. Cabaobao Joreen April E. Navarro Frezel E. Ocampo Ross Kenneth A. Pontemayor Karl Sussan Den-Den Urbano Ma. Therese Celerina A. Valmonte 2,000 YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS GIP BENEFICIARIES

First batch of interns participating in the Design Thinking workshop of the Office of Senator Bam Aquino. Batch 1 (April – June 2014) Batch 2 (June – July 2014) Photo: Mikhaela Calimag Mikhaela Calimag Ma. Krizzia Abigail Calucag Chiawen Chiang Gershon Carino Alexandra Nicolle de Guzman Roejen Fernandez Jazreth Gaile Digao Napoleon Gonzales III WWW.TAYOAWARDS.NET. Althea Gwynne Geronilla Hazel Anne Pinat Ezekiel Guevarra Mary Christine Sacay Raymark Malondras Ace Tacbaya Jose Rafael Mendoza Marinel Valdez Raphael Antonio Mendoza Ann Claryn Yap Madeleine Jan Ong Manuel Angelo Prieto Paulina Uy Anna Venturina Angelica Bianca Villegas Von Carlo Yacob

GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (GIP)

59 60 OPEN COLLABORATION WITH EAST ASIA NEW CHAMPIONS 2014 (OCEAN 14) SUMMIT

The Philippines was a proud host of the World Economic Forum-East Asia (WEF-EA) Summit/ Forum in May 2014, welcoming over 600 delegates from governments and the private sector of over 30 countries.

Sen. Bam was a co-convener of the Open Collaboration with East Asia New Champions 2014 (OCEAN 14) Summit with a challenge to his countrymen: “How can our economic growth be felt by each and every Filipino?”

Sen. Bam Aquino at the OCEAN 14 Summit. OCEAN 14 was a community-led event that Cebu, Philippines Photo: Noel Ty PICTURE followed the World Economic Forum in Manila.

A 2006 Young Global Leader and 2011 Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year of the WEF, Sen. Bam joined a prestigious group of social entrepreneurs and changemakers for a series of workshops and dialogues that aim to address world problems with new and innovative ideas.

Sen. Bam Aquino giving his keynote speech at the OCEAN 14 Summit. Cebu, Philippines 61Photo: Noel Ty 62 SOCIAL BUSINESS SUMMIT

Some of the best and brightest social entrepreneurs in the country converged last October 3-5, 2013 at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, where they tackled the importance of social entrepreneurship to economic and inclusive growth.

Aside from Sen. Bam, among those who imparted their knowledge were Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion and Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto.

Sen. Bam Aquino giving a talk during the Social Business Summit. During the summit, the Philippines was Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, Bulacan hailed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo as the bright example in the development of social enterprise and inclusive business in the Asian region.

Also, the summit promoted global partnerships, networking, and impact investment in building scalable and sustainable social enterprises.

The Social Business Summit was co-organized by Gawad Kalinga.

Sen. Bam Aquino with Mr. Tony Meloto and guests of the Social Business Summit. Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, Bulacan 63Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo 64 MINDANAO SOCIAL BUSINESS SUMMIT

Mindanao’s rich natural resources have remained largely untapped due to the decades-long conflict in the region.

However, Sen. Bam believes that things will turn for the better for Mindanao with the imminent passage 10 of the 16 of the Bangsamoro Basic Law with peace paving POOREST PROVINCES the way for progress. Sen. Bam, whose mother hails in the Philippines are in from Davao, also believes that the integration of the Mindanao ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 will enable businesses in Mindanao to tap bigger markets within the Southeast Asian region. Sen. Bam Aquino, donning a Southern ceremonial headdress, during a meeting with local tribal leaders at the Mindanao Business Summit. Bukidnon To offer Mindanaoans a fresh perspective on doing Photo: UPIO 2014. business, Sen. Bam supported the 1st Mindanao Social LANAO DEL NORTE, THE POOREST PROVINCE IN Business Summit, held from June 4-6, 2014 at the THE COUNTRY, HAS Central Mindanao University in Maramag, Bukidnon. % POVERTY67.3 INCIDENCE. Carrying the theme, “Wealth Creation with Justice and Peace through Social Entrepreneurship,” the summit’s goal was to promote collaboration among all stakeholders, and innovate new solutions to SOURCE: RAPPLER.COM, 2013 HTTP://WWW.RAPPLER.COM/BUSINESS/27276- Mindanao’s old problems. POOREST-PROVINCES-PHILIPPINES

The Mindanao Social Business Summit was co-organized by Gawad Kalinga and the Central Mindanao University.

65 66 AUSTRALIAN POLITICAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The Office of Senator Bam Aquino partnered with the Philippine Center for Young Leaders (PCYL) in organizing the 2014 Australian Political Exchange Program. The program aims to develop young Australian and Filipino political leaders by providing opportunities to gain insights into the political systems and cultures of both countries.

The annual international exchange program is a week-long engagement where young Australian politicians visit the Philippines, and young FIlipino leaders visit Australia.

Delegates are acquainted with Philippine socio-political history, political structure, policy formulation, and national and local governance. It also Sen. Bam Aquino with delegates from the 2014 serves to create networks between the participating countries. Australian Political Exchange Program. Manila, Philippines Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo

67 68 HARNESSING THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERISM

Last 2013, the Philippines experienced several tragedies that led to loss of lives and property, families broken and lost. The Office of Senator Bam Aquino was able to provide assistance to communities and individuals with the help of private supporters and groups nationwide.

ZAMBOANGA SIEGE From September 9 to 28, 2013, Zamboanga City was brought to a standstill when about hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) fighters attacked the city. Weeks of fighting left P200 million worth of damages, displaced 5,000 families and affected 23,794 families or 118,819 persons.

CEBU/BOHOL EARTHQUAKE On October 15, 2013, a Magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Bohol and Cebu, leaving a total damage of ₱2.25 billion to public buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Around 222 people were killed while a total of 671,103 families or more than 3.2 million people were affected by the earthquake.

TYPHOON YOLANDA One of the strongest typhoons ever recorded, Yolanda left a trail of destruction when it hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013. Yolanda damaged P571.1 billion worth of properties, killed 6,340 people and destroyed or disrupted Volunteers preparing relief packs for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. the livelihood of some 5.2 million people. Leyte Photo:69 Howell Abion 70 CEBU AND BOHOL EARTHQUAKE AND ZAMBOANGA SIEGE Team Bam organized soup kitchen programs to the areas of:

Sen. Bam Aquino and wife Mrs. Timi Gomez-Aquino visiting the bunk houses • TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL built by the local government after the Bohol earthquake. Cogon Norte, Loon, Bohol. • DUMAGUETE CITY Photo: Lorraine Castañeda • ZAMBOANGA CITY

TYPHOON HAIYAN (YOLANDA)

TOWNS ASSISTED WWW.TAYOAWARDSTAYOAWARDS.NET.NET. SACKS OF RICE 25 DONATED PERSONS HELPED LOCATED 1,115 RELIEF PACKS 3 DISTRIBUTED PEOPLE TRANSPORTED TO/FROM TACLOBAN 8,100 21

Soup kitchen organized by local volunteers Soup kitchen organized by local volunteers and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino. and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino. Zamboanga City Zamboanga City Photo: Benjie Navea Photo: Benjie Navea

HARNESSING THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERISM

71 72 WASAK: WALANG ASENSO SA KOTONG

Civil Service Commission (CSC) chairperson Francisco Duque III admits that red tape and kotong have been persistent challenges of the government, affecting the country’s competitiveness and discouraging the entry of new investments.

Sen. Bam Aquino giving his keynote message during the launch of WASAK. Aside from putting the country Civil Service Commission, Quezon City in a bad light, Duque said Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo red tape and kotong hamper the creation and growth of local business, thus affecting employment.

That’s why the CSC did not think twice when approached by Sen. Bam Aquino about establishing a hotline -- dubbed as WASAK or Walang Asenso Sen. Bam Aquino visiting the CSC Contact Center Ng Bayan sa Kotong --that will cater to during the WASAK launch. Civil Service Commission, Quezon City business-related complaints. Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo

Micro, small and medium (MSMEs) businessmen in the country can air grievances and other issues against erring government officials through hotline numbers 16565 and 0908-8816565. 73 74 EVENTS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

As part of his mission to inform the public about his work and advocacy, Sen.Bam graced several gatherings to discuss:

INCLUSIVE GROWTH Sen. Bam discussed how the development of the micro, small and medium enterprises will drive inclusive growth and ensure that recent economic gains will be more sustainable.

YOUTH Underscoring the importance of the youth, Sen. Bam visited several youth organizations in different parts of the country and encouraged themto actively participate in nation-building.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Sen. Bam Aquino giving his keynote speech during the Sen. Bam also had several talks in gatherings of social entrepreneurs to 23rd North Luzon Area Business Conference. further inspire them to expand their scope and help more Filipinos. Baguio City Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo

Sen. Bam Aquino interacting with students from the Sen. Bam Aquino participating in the 28th EDSA People Power Celebration. First High School for The Hearing Impaired. Cebu City Basak, Cebu City Photo:75 Karl Satinitigan 76 Photo: Boom Enriquez OFFICIAL VISITS

On his first day in office as senator, Sen. Bam visited Zamboanga del Norte, Sen. Bam Aquino at the 1st Social one of the poorest provinces in the Entrepreneurship Convention. Philippines, to consult community and Butuan City business leaders on their challenges Photo: Mina Akram and needs. As a national leader and public servant, Sen. Bam regularly goes to different parts of the Philippines on consultations, tackling such issues as good governance, inclusive growth, youth representation, and reforms.

In the past 365 days, Sen. Bam has visited the following provinces: Sen. Bam Aquino visiting the Kalasag onion farmers. San Isidro, Nueva Ecija • BULACAN • CAGAYAN DE ORO Photo: John Paramio • PAMPANGA • BUKIDNON • TARLAC • DAVAO • NUEVA ECIJA • LANAO DEL SUR • PANGASINAN • ZAMBOANGA DEL • PALAWAN NORTE • AKLAN • CAPIZ • ILOILO • LEYTE • SAMAR • NEGROS ORIENTAL Sen. Bam Aquino during the Concepcion • CEBU Hospital ground breaking. • BOHOL Concepcion, Tarlac Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo • SIQUIJOR

77 78 Sen. Bam has also represented the Philippines to a number of international conferences, including the following

• BERLIN, GERMANY: SOCIAL ENTERPRISE POLICY DIALOGUE • JAKARTA, INDONESIA: 2ND NATIONAL MEETING ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION Sen. Bam Aquino with Cardinal Luis Antonio • TOKYO, JAPAN: STUDY TOUR ON COMPETITION POLICY Tagle at the World Economic Forum. • WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND: OFFICIAL INVITATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND Davos, Switzerland • DAVOS, SWITZERLAND: WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM Photo: Timi Gomez Aquino • WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A.: INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND-WORLD BANK (IMF-WB ANNUAL MEETINGS) • TAIPEI, TAIWAN: SME DEVELOPMENT LEARNING TOUR

Sen. Bam Aquino with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Officials. Tokyo, Japan

Sen. Bam Aquino with New Zealand-based Filipino entrepreneurs. Wellington, New Zealand Photo: Timi Gomez Aquino

OFFICIAL VISITS

79 80 CONNECT WITH SEN. BAM AQUINO

ABOUT SENATOR BAM | WORKING WITH SENATOR BAM

Sen. Bam Aquino during the 2013 Campaign Trail. Lipa, Batangas Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo 81 82 ABOUT SENATOR BAM

Senator Bam Aquino is the youngest In 2008, Bam was awarded a scholarship senator of the 16th Congress of the to the Executive Education Program on Republic of the Philippines and is a Public Policy and Leadership of the Harvard Six-year-old Bam Aquino addressing world-renowned social entrepreneur. University Kennedy School of Government. the crowd during a rally for his late He currently chairs the Senate uncle, former Senator Ninoy Aquino. Committee on Trade, Commerce, Because of his work, he has been named a Photo: Melanie & Paul Aquino and Entrepreneurship and the Senate Young Global Leader of the World Economic Committee on Youth. Forum in 2006, one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in 2010, one of In 1999, he graduated with summa cum the Asian Social Entrepreneurs of the Year in laude honors from the Ateneo de Manila 2011, and one of the Ten Outstanding Young University with a degree in Management Persons of the World in 2012. Engineering. He was also the class valedictorian and student council president. Bam has dedicated his entire career to Then National Youth Commission empowering the youth and the poor, helping Chair Bam Aquino with youth leaders during an Independence Day In 2003, Bam became the youngest thousands of Filipinos improve their lives Celebration. head of a government agency when, at through access to opportunities and crucial Photo: National Youth Commission 25, he was appointed as the Chairperson support systems. of the National Youth Commission, the primary national policy-making body for In the Senate, he has filed bills and resolutions Filipino youth. on creating an environment where micro and small entrepreneurs can grow their After his stint in government service, businesses, consumers are protected and Bam co-founded the social enterprise The address youth unemployment. Sen. Bam Aquino & wife Hapinoy Program that helps lift Filipinos Ms. Mary Fatima “Timi” Gomez out of poverty through micro-finance On July 15, 2014, the Go Negosyo Act, the tied the knot last September 15, 2012. Photo: Pat Dy and micro-enterprise support. For their first pro-poor and inclusive growth bill, first of innovative work with the poor, it has the 16th Congress, and the Philippine Lemon received numerous awards, both locally Law, a measure that will further protect and globally. consumer rights, were enacted into laws.

83 84 WORKING WITH SENATOR BAM

From the time he was the youngest Chairman of the National Youth The approval of Republic Act 10644: An Act Promoting Job Generation and Commission at 25, through his days in social enterprise and the reform Inclusive Growth through the Development of Micro, Small and Medium movement, Senator Bam Aquino has proven to be a dynamic youth Enterprises or the “Go Negosyo Act” authored by Senator Bam Aquino “ leader and public servant. A true steward of People Power, Bam has always “ is seen to bring government services closer to small businesses through the believed in the power of individuals, groups, and communities in effecting establishment of Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities, and municipalities. change at the grassroots level. This was what led us to conceive the annual Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards, which—now on its 12th With the Go Negosyo Act, the DTI, with the support of LGUs and other year—is the Philippines’s premier recognition program for youth organizations. government agencies, expects to further boost its assistance to micro, People Power is also what led Bam, together with many other great minds in the small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow and flourish, and intensify private sector, to establish the multi-award-winning social enterprises Hapinoy the promotion of entrepreneurship in the country. and Rags2Riches. Bam knows and understands that it is by empowering the poor and giving them tools to succeed can we achieve true inclusive growth The Negosyo Centers shall be responsible for promoting ease of doing and drive the Philippines onto the path of sustainable progress. business and facilitating access to services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Aside from facilitating business registration As a neophyte legislator, Senator Bam has proven his mettle and his political through the Philippine Business Registry System, the Centers shall provide maturity by hurdling the many challenges of getting bills passed. Moving from assistance to MSMEs in the availment of technology transfer, production paper to committee hearings to Senate plenary debates, to the House and the and management training programs, and marketing assistance of the DTI, bicameral conference committees, and eventually onto the executive is no easy Department of Science and Technology (DOST), University of the Philippines feat—but, once again, Senator Bam has galvanized the people who matter to create laws that will truly benefit poor and working-class Filipinos. We have no – Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UPISSI), Cooperative Development doubt that as he grows in political experience and clout, he will be among one Authority (CDA), Technical Education and Skill Development Authority of his generation’s greatest leaders and a true statesman that our people truly (TESDA) and other agencies concerned. deserve. Mabuhay ka, Senator Bam!” The MSMEs account for more than 99 percent of all establishments in -- SEC. FRANCIS “KIKO” N. PANGILINAN the country, which comprise 66 percent of the total employment in the Presidential Adviser for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization private sector.” (PAFSAM) -- SEC. GREGORIO L. DOMINGO Department of Trade and Industry

85 86 Congratulations Senator Bam on your first year of service as a legislator. Good thing we have a lawmaker in Senator Bam Aquino, who acknowledges the important role of microfinance organizations in the improvement of As the youngest Senator in this 16th Congress, we are deeply micro enterprises in the country. “ inspired by the charism you have with the youth of our nation. As the “ Department continues its reforms in the education system, we continue We thank Senator Bam for his support for the Microfinance NGO Act as to count on your support for programs to benefit the Filipino learner. it will help in the development of the microfinance sector in the country.

This will enable us to assist more micro enterpreneurs who are in need of May you, as a public servant, continue to give priority to those in the financial assistance to sustain and grow their livelihood and businesses.” outskirts of our society, to those whose voices are seldom heard, to those whose lives are at the brink of hopelessness. -- DR. ARIS ALIP Founder and Managing Director, CARD-MRI Be the voice of the youth, represent the future of this nation and be the image of hope for them. As we tread the final stretch of the Aquino administration, continue to be one with us as we push harder for reform; going beyond our capacities for this nation’s growth.

Be the light that everyone needs. Again, congratulations. I never doubted that Senator Bam can be the start of a new breed of young, idealist and vibrant leaders Mabuhay ka!” in our government. His first 365 days as a senator and -- SEC. BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO, FSC “ as a champion of the fast growing micro, small and medium Department of Education enterprises (MSMEs) have proven his commitment to empower our entrepreneurs and help reform our tax system…

WWW.TAYOAWARDSTAYOAWARDS.NET.NET. Our advocacy started like a voice in the wilderness when we started asking companies to pay the right taxes and work with the The Philippine Business for Social Progress supports Senator Bam government to end corruption. But Senator Bam listened and acted Aquino’s efforts to promote inclusive business, which we believe on the many proposals we have in our bucket list to push for genuine should play a key role in the government’s drive for inclusive growth. tax reform like lowering the personal income tax, exempting the “ marginal income earners and exempting the startup companies. Senator Bam’s bills, together with his push for the recognition, accreditation Working with Senator Bam and his team breeds so much hope and and support for Inclusive Business, will help us achieve our mission of love for the country… I am privileged to be given the opportunity to uplifting the lives of local communities. These initiatives ensure that more work with a true servant leader.” areas can benefit from inclusive supply chains.” -- MON ABREA -- RAFAEL C. LOPA Abrea Consulting Group Executive Director, Philippine Business for Social Progress

WORKING WITH SENATOR BAM

87 88 Congratulations to our young and dynamic Sen. Bam for his Team Bam best exemplifies the words unity, passion and relentless efforts in finally making the Go Negosyo Act alaw. professionalism, which fuel our drive to achieve our mission and It’s about time the marginalized and neglected MSMEs have a fulfill our commitment to the public. “ voice... They now have a better chance in pursuing their aspirations in “ contributing to a healthier economy while improving their livelihood. Most of all, Team Bam will not be able to accomplish all these work May our good Senator continue to represent the interests of the low without the help and support from all over the country.” income sector which comprises our country’s majority! --- ARES C. GOYENA Office of Senator Bam Aquino We look forward to more bills to be filed that are relevant to the current needs of a promising nation.”

-- GABBY CRUZ People Power Volunteers for Reform – Cebu I used to describe my life in the Senate as a cross between two popular Aaron Sorkin series: The West Wing and The Newsroom. Every day was adrenalin-laced and action-packed—you had to learn, think, “ and move quickly; you had to balance agility and prudence; you had CAMPI strongly believes that a lemon law will be beneficial to both the consumers and the to solve problems and make policy decisions every single day—all automotive industry. With Sen. Bam’s chairmanship, the development and introduction of the while keeping your sanity and your poise. proposed lemon law will provide consumers the best products and services, and the highest “ customer satisfaction.” What I loved about working with Senator Bam Aquino and Team Bam was that, no matter the circumstance, we always put the -- CHAMBER OF AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS people’s welfare first. Decisions were not made based on what WWW.TAYOAWARDSTAYOAWARDS.NET.NET. OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (CAMPI) would be popular, or easy, or media-worthy. Decisions were made based on what was right, what was just, what was fair, and what our people needed. It entailed huge sacrifices, but we did it because we sincerely believed—as the Team still does—that Filipinos deserve It is a big honor and privilege working in a team of young professionals, led a good government. by Senator Bam Aquino. To anyone contemplating a career in government: GO FOR IT. “ With Senator Bam’s leadership, our direction, strategies and systems have Dedicate your youth and the best years of your life to truly serving been placed in one clear direction, which is to serve the public’s welfare our people. Get up each day knowing that the work that you do and interest.” matters. Your life will change because of it, but it’s a change you will -- GEORGINA P. NAVA be grateful for in the end.” Office of Senator Bam Aquino -- NIÑA RICA MARIE L. TEROL former Communications Head, Office of Senator Bam Aquino

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89 90 For our principal, Senator Bam, being a neophyte and the youngest member of the 16th Congress was no reason to take “ things slow. From Day 1 in the Senate, we hit the ground running. As Team Bam, we sought to live out the core principals that Sen. Bam embodied: (1) not just excellence, but a sense of “magis,” or always trying to do and give more in everything we do; (2) innovativeness in addressing challenges; (3) commitment to public service; and (4) accountability to his constituency, ang mga karaniwang mamamayan, especially those most in need.

In our first year in the Senate, Sen. Bam chose to focus onan inclusive growth agenda, deeply concerned by the high poverty and unemployment rates that continued to hinder the development of Filipino communities. We looked primarily at how legislative work could help to bring forward an effective and broad scale entrepreneurship development strategy to help generate jobs and livelihood.

We also had the opportunity to meet with and learn from various advocacy groups who provided us with input and guidance WWW.TAYOAWARDSTAYOAWARDS.NET.NET. in developing bills and policies that would promote people empowerment and inclusion, specifically in the areas of youth leadership, governance reforms, education, anti-discrimination, and protecting the rights of marginalized groups.

Clearly there is a lot of work to be done. With our hard-working principal and with the incredible generosity and support of our companions in this journey, we in Team Bam are grateful for another year to serve, and we are inspired to be moving forward.

-- PAOLA DELES Office of Senator Bam Aquino The Office of Senator Bam Aquino in various events & programs. Photo: Ariel Peñaredondo

WORKING WITH SENATOR BAM

91 92 PROJECT 365 TEAM BAM AQUINO

EDITORIAL TEAM LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SPECIAL PROJECTS GROUP ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE Georgina P. Nava Georgina P. Nava Rachel G. Gillego Katherine A. Purugganan Ares C. Goyena Ares C. Goyena Ariel S. Peñaredondo Lea C. Dela Cruz Boom Enriquez Julie Ann Dionne L. Tancio Rochelle M. Ferrancullo Niña Terol Anna C. Venturina Jeremy P. Javier Fitzgerald A. Cecilio OPERATIONS AND INFORMATION Mary Grace O. Palpallatoc SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT Darwin A. Saclao Vina Vivien G. Vargas PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT Michelle G. Valeriano DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Maria Luisa L. Castaneda Geovan Balgos Salamanca Eira P. Ferrer Keith S. Geamoga POLICY AND LEGISLATION Anakarina Q. Cube Rachel Gutierrez Lucio H. Matienzo Elpidio Jr. Cuevas Leah Katrina D. del Rosario Paola Margarita Q. Deles Dominador Taganahan John Razil G. Paramio Atty. Maria Cecilia B. Palines Domingo Dayro Ariel S. Peñaredondo Norman E. Cualteros Richard B. Ty Tiffany Zyra D. De Guzman STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Carole Kaye C. Malenab PROJECT MANAGEMENT Army T. Padilla Ronnill Carlo S. Enriquez Thermina Ann L. Akram Vina Vivien G. Vargas Maritoni M. Alvarez Katherine A. Purugganan POLITICAL AND CITIZEN Karl Niccolo G. Atos Darwin A. Saclao ENGAGEMENTS Fitzgerald Cecilio Maritoni M. Alvarez Howell A. Abion Leah Katrina D. del Rosario John Carlo C. Tuaño Lorraine C. Castaneda Salamanca Eira P. Ferrer Christian Thea Marie V. Murcia John Razil G. Paramio Benjamin I. Navea Jr. Aida Dina S. Javier TECHNICAL TEAM Niña Rica Marie L. Terol Paola Margarita Q. Deles PILOT PROGRAMS Atty. Maria Cecilia B. Palines Norman E. Cualteros Karl Vendell M. Satinitigan Tiffany Zyra D. De Guzman Simon Javier A. Valencia Carole Kaye C. Malenab Aram Fernandez Karl Vendell M. Satinitigan

93 94 CONTRIBUTORS

Paul & Melanie Aquino Timi Gomez-Aquino

Sec. Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan Sec. Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC Sec. Gregorio Domingo Joey Concepcion Rafael C. Lopa Dr. Aris Alip Mon Abrea Gabby Cruz Usec. Gregorio Ramon Tingson

Mon Abrea Rody Bioco Pat Dy Marc Latzel JP Maunes Maine Manalansan Allan Peñaredondo Noel Ty

Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) Malacanang Photo Bureau National Youth Commission Open Collaboration with East Asia New Champions 2014 (Ocean 14) UPIO 2014 Ten Accomplished Youth Organization Awards (TAYO) Foundation

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