Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BASILAN, Philippines – Inaasahang hindi na mahihirapan ang Sumisip District Hospital kapag hindi stable ang power supply, dahil naka-ready na ang kauna-unahang 100% solar-powered na inilagay sa ospital. Layunin ng proyektong P6 milyon solar panel ay para matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente sa ilaw at mga makina ng laboratory at operating room, anumang oras lalo na kapag hindi stable ang power supply mula sa BASELCO. Isinagawa ang “lights on” at inspection sa pangunguna ni Gov. Mujiv Hataman, kasama sina Vice Mayor Gulam Boy Hataman; Provincial Health Officer Dr. Shariffa Ann Abbas Alvarez, Harrybert Hadjala, Norita Sario, BM Nurkhan Istarul, OPAG Chief Alexis D. Cotales, Provincial Veterinarian Sham Tutuh, PEO’s Salonga Lasatan at Beth Dinglasa, mga doktor, nurse, at personnel ng SDH, pati na rin ang mga tauhan ng PEO at mga kinatawan ng PENRO. Ang kabuuang gastos ay umabot sa ₱8 milyon, na kinabibilangan na ng rehabilitasyon ng electrical wiring, mula sa 20% development fund ng probinsya. Ayon kay Dr. Alvarez, inisyatiba ito ng Provincial Government at malaking tulong ang solar at electrical upgrade upang maprotektahan ang mga vital equipment at masigurong mas mabilis at ligtas ang serbisyong medikal para sa Sumisip at mga karatig-bayan. Personal ding inikot ni Gov. Mujiv ang pasilidad upang tingnan ang mga silid at kagamitang umaasa sa stable na suplay ng kuryente. Nagpaabot ng pasasalamat si BM Nurkhan Istarul at ibinahagi na ito ang unang hiling ng SDH medical staff sa kanya. Dagdag pa niya, target na ma-upgrade sa Level 1 hospital ang SDH pagsapit ng 2026. Inaasahan din na sa ikatlong quarter ng 2026 ay magsisimula na ang operasyon ng Maluso General Hospital, bilang bahagi ng tuloy-tuloy na pag-angat ng health services sa probinsya. Ayon kay Gov. Hataman, susunod na target na maging 100% solar-energized ang Lamitan District Hospital. Ang kalusugan ay isa sa mga pangunahing pillar program ni Governor Hataman sa ilalim ng Basilan HELPS, kung saan kabilang din ang environmental protection.

INSPECTION AGAINST ILLEGAL FIRECRACKERS

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

The Regional Civil Security Unit-1 (RCSU1) headed by PCol. Cherry Fajardo, personally inspecting retailers of fireworks throughout Region 1 (Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan) to ensure that no illegal fireworks are being sold as the holiday and New Year season approaches. The monitoring of illegal fireworks was strictly ordered by Acting Chief PNP PLtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., through the implementation of the Civil Security Group led by BGen. Ross Alvarado, to safeguard the security of every citizen.

NV Governor’s Office mandates wearing face masks starting Dec.22

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

The Governor’s Office of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya has issued an advisory requiring the mandatory wearing of facemasks inside its premises, effective Monday, December 22, 2025. The directive applies to all provincial government (PLGU) officials and employees assigned to the Governor’s Office, as well as all visitors and guests. The advisory, circulated to all PLGU officials and staff, instructs everyone entering the Governor’s Office to wear a facemask while inside the office premises.

Search for Baguio’s Lucky Christmas Baby continues a beloved holiday tradition

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Christmas is a season of peace, hope, and happiness BAGUIO CITY, Philippines —Search for Lucky Christmas Baby, a long-standing tradition that celebrates new life. The National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB) will once again hold its annual search for the Lucky Christmas Baby on December 25, continuing a project that has brought joy to families for decades. For parents, a child’s first Christmas is always a miracle — a moment filled with love, gratitude, and memories that last a lifetime. This spirit is at the heart of the NCCB’s yuletide initiative, which honors the baby born closest to a designated time during the Christmas period. The search will be conducted by a committee composed of social workers under the supervision of the Baguio City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), in close coordination with officers and members of the NCCB. As in previous years, the activity will take place at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). The monitoring period begins at 12:00 midnight on December 24 and runs through Christmas Day. The baby boy or girl born nearest to the target time will be officially declared the Lucky Christmas Baby. A simple gift-giving ceremony will follow, featuring assorted presents from the CSWDO and the National Correspondents Club of Baguio, co-sponsors of the project, together with John Hay Management Corp . (JHMC), Amianan Balita Ngayon (ABN) and PrimeGreen Sports. Cash gifts will also be provided by partner organizations, including the Suyoc Taneg Indigenous Livelihood Association (STILA) of Mankayan, the Nay-en Taluan Small Scale Miners’ Association (NTSSM)–Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners Association Inc. (BFSSMI), and the Lower Gomok Multipurpose Cooperative (LGMC) of Itogon. The annual Christmas initiative is held in cooperation with members of the Baguio media community, underscoring the collective effort behind the project. This program traces its roots to the 1970s, when it was first introduced as a special Christmas feature known as Silahis ng Pasko. It was the brainchild of the late Nars Padilla, founding president of the NCCB. Padilla was a respected sportsman and program manager who also served as a city councilor, tourism officer, national executive of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and the first camp director of Gintong Alay. The National Correspondents Club of Baguio is an organization of national journalists based in the city. It was formally established in February 1986 and has since remained committed to both journalism and community-oriented initiatives that reflect the true spirit of Christmas. NCCB Release

P500M Le Monet expansion to create 100 more jobs in Camp John Hay

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

CAMP JOHN HAY, Baguio City, Philippines — A Php500-million investment is set to flow into Camp John Hay, following the signing of a 25-year lease agreement between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Stern Real Estate and Development Corporation, the developer of Le Monet Hotel. The expansion is expected to create around 100 new jobs and strengthen the tourism and hospitality industry in Baguio City. The lease covers an additional 1,500-square-meter commercial lot adjacent to the existing Le Monet Hotel along Ordonio Drive within the John Hay Special Economic Zone. The agreement enables the expansion of Le Monet Hotel’s hospitality facilities as part of the continued redevelopment of Camp John Hay. Stern will add at least 70 new hotel rooms, nearly doubling Le Monet Hotel’s current capacity and positioning the property toward a 4- to 5-star classification, while supporting increased visitor activity in the estate. BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said the expansion reflects sustained private sector confidence in Camp John Hay. “We are happy that Stern is pursuing more partnerships with BCDA, particularly in Camp John Hay. BCDA and JHMC are excited to share the master plan with potential investors and developers on the type of partnerships we will have inside Camp John Hay,” Engr. Bingcang said. “This project is very much aligned with what we want to do, introducing more activities and experiences for both local and foreign guests.” Stern Executive Vice President Eric Owen G. Singson Jr. said the expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Camp John Hay and the whole of Baguio. “This expansion is not merely about rooms or walls. It is about reviving the senses and strengthening tourism, creating livelihood, and delivering Filipino hospitality to both the global traveler and Filipino family,” Singson said. Stern, which is known for its flagship Le Monet Hotel and the unique Filling Station food court, is one of BCDA’s longest-standing locators in Camp John Hay. The private developer has committed to upgrade and enhance its leased properties within Camp John Hay to meet the standards outlined in the John Hay Special Economic Zone Comprehensive Master Plan. The development will strictly adhere to the design standards and guidelines to ensure consistency with the eco-tourism and commercial vision for the area.

Uplifting teachers, strengthening communities through the power of clothing

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

UNIQLO, BDO Network Bank, BDO Foundation, and the Department of Education join forces to provide LifeWear for public school teachers nationwide Education is one of the strongest pillars of nation-building. Guided by this belief, UNIQLO collaborated with BDO Network Bank (BDONB) and BDO Foundation for the global Heart of LifeWear Project, which aims to provide LifeWear clothing to people in need around the world. Since its launch in 2024, UNIQLO has donated more than one million clothing items to partner communities worldwide. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the local iteration of the Heart of LifeWear aims to distribute 10,000 AIRism T-shirts to public school teachers nationwide, providing them with comfortable apparel while supporting and uplifting them in their everyday lives. A ceremonial turnover was held recently at the Department of Education Office in Makati, where representatives from the three organizations formally handed over 10,000 AIRism T-shirts for distribution to teachers nationwide. Present at the event were UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, BDO Network Bank Group Head Alberto O. Quiogue, and BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito, along with DepEd regional officials, BDO officers, and members of UNIQLO’s Sustainability team. Empowering Communities Beyond Banking The partnership with UNIQLO Philippines demonstrates BDO Network Bank’s continuing advocacy to empower educators—not only through accessible financial services but also through holistic support. BDONB has long collaborated with DepEd on programs such as the Teacher’s Loan, financial literacy training, and community engagement initiatives, reaffirming its role as a trusted partner of the education sector. The partnership also connects local impact with global purpose. The activity is a part of UNIQLO’s Heart of LifeWear Project, a global movement that champions the Power of Clothing—the idea that clothing can go beyond function to deliver comfort, dignity, and hope. This global initiative has reached over 28 regions worldwide, and through the collaboration with BDO Network Bank, BDO Foundation, and DepEd, its philosophy finds a meaningful local expression for Filipino teachers. “Every time we lift our teachers, we strengthen the communities that depend on them. This collaboration shows how even a simple gesture can carry a meaningful message of gratitude and shared purpose. These shirts offer comfort, but more importantly, they honor the people who guide our learners with steady dedication every day. When we invest in teachers, we invest in the country’s future,” added Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “Our Heart of LifeWear encapsulates the essence of what our philosophy is all about – clothing made for all, with the purpose of empowering people and making their everyday lives better. Through this initiative, we show our gratitude to our public school teachers that serve us well, and we hope this small gift provides them the comfort that they need to power them through their everyday lives,” said UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia. BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito said, “We remain committed to working with DepEd in uplifting our education community especially our teachers. We look forward to partnering with DepEd for more projects in the future for the benefit of Filipino educators and learners.” “For BDO Network Bank, this initiative reaffirms our unwavering commitment to empower educators—not only through accessible financial services but through holistic support that truly makes a difference in their daily lives,” said BDO Network Bank Group Head Alberto O. Quiogue.

Globe, FPIP partner to deliver Fiber-Fast Internet in Batangas

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Globe and FPIP mark a major milestone through a contract signing that will expand high-speed, reliable fiber connectivity for global and local manufacturers within the industrial park located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Globe Telecom has formalized its partnership with First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Inc. through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), bringing faster, more secure, and reliable fiber internet to the park’s locators and employees. Through this collaboration, Globe will provide enterprise-grade connectivity to FPIP’s 150+ locators and over 80,000 employees, enabling seamless operations, real-time collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. FPIP is home to global and industry-leading businesses such as consumer electronics manufacturers. “This partnership strengthens Globe’s commitment to delivering world-class, fiber-fast connectivity to businesses across the Philippines,” said Michelle Y. Ora, VP, Strategic Partnerships and Program. “We are proud to empower FPIP locators with seamless, secure, and high-speed digital tools that enable innovation, enhance productivity, and position them to compete confidently in the global market.” FPIP’s shared dark fiber facility, established in 2023, allows Globe to deploy services quickly and cost-effectively, maximize existing infrastructure, and provide locators with more options for their internet needs. “We are excited to work with Globe. As one of the leading internet service providers in the Philippines, we are confident that they can elevate the experience of our locators by providing high quality and secure internet connection, which is a must in today’s fast-paced and data-driven environment,” said Jason de las Alas, FPIP’s Assistant Vice President for Park and Utilities Group. “We understand our locators have diverse needs, which is why we continue to enhance the digital infrastructure in FPIP. We want to ensure we can support the changing and increasing demand for robust digital services.” Established in 1996, FPIP is a PEZA-registered special economic zone developed by Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings (FPH) and Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation. Spanning nearly 600 hectares, the industrial park is home to over 150 leading global and local manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and medical devices. The contract signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both Globe and FPIP formalizing a collaboration that strengthens FPIP’s digital backbone and supports the park’s continued expansion into a future powered by seamless, world-class connectivity.

Baguio promotes healthy food, lessens liquor harms

Baguio City, Tourism / Health

Baguio City, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The City Health Services Office (CHSO) stresses that one of the health burdens in Baguio is non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, heart disease, and diseases affecting the blood vessels. During the first Health Governance Summit in Baguio, health authorities, lawmakers, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss solutions to reduce NCDs in the city through healthy public food procurement. During the summit, Atty. Kim Louise C. Areño of ImagineLaw, a non-government organization, explained that the Healthy Public Food Procurement Policy proposes that no public funds be spent on unhealthy food. This initiative directly supports the city’s goal by aiming to improve citizen health, ensure nutritious and sustainable public food, and allocate healthcare savings for essential services. Building on these discussions, healthy food procurement is expected to help address the rising number of cases of non-communicable diseases by promoting balanced meals with the right portions of meat, vegetables, carbohydrates, and fruits for a healthier diet. Its scope applies to all offices, departments, institutions, and task forces of the Baguio City Government. Other government offices as well as private institutions in the city will also be enjoined to adopt the same policy on food procurement in order to maximize its health impacts. ð—¥ð—˜ð—¦ð—˜ð—§: ð—Ÿð—¶ð—¾ð˜‚ð—¼ð—¿ ð—›ð—®ð—¿ð—º ð—£ð—¿ð—²ð˜ƒð—²ð—»ð˜ð—¶ð—¼ð—» ð—²ð˜…ð—½ð—¼ð˜‚ð—»ð—±ð—²ð—± Atty.Yvette Zaide Soberano, also of ImagineLaw highlighted the threat of alcohol intoxication to others aside from its health effects on the drinker. According to the World Health Organization, more Filipino youth are becoming exposed to and at high risk of alcohol. In the long term, harmful and hazardous levels of alcohol consumption can lead to social problems, including family problems, issues at work, financial problems, and unemployment. She then introduced the RESET Alcohol Program in the Philippines, which supports the Philippine government in developing effective, evidence-based policies to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms. Model ordinances ban consumption in public places, regulate alcohol sales licenses, establish a minimum legal drinking age, impose restrictions on hours and days of sale, and authorize the imposition of alcohol bans during times of emergency, calamity, or threat to public order and safety. Additionally, these ordinances restrict advertising, promotions, and sponsorship. Such ideas are considered and will be studied by health authorities and local leaders. The City Health Services Office (CHSO), led by Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and Councilor Elmer Datuin, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Environment and Ecology, is also at work to study and craft possible initiatives on healthy food procurement for Baguio LGU employees and possibly to other constituents as well. NMacadangdang, MNicolas, KJDP

DILG Northern Samar shines in 2025 Performance Awards

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — Under the leadership of Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit, DILG Northern Samar has again been honored for its exemplary performance and consistent commitment to excellence, integrity and passion for public service. From top 3 Best Performing Provincial Office in 2024, the office has clinched the highest recognition this year, with PD Maquelabit hailed as the Best DILG Provincial Director in Eastern Visayas this 2025. The honor was conferred during the 2025 Dayaw Awards held in Tacloban Astrodome, an annual recognition of DILG Region 8 for its officers and offices across Eastern Visayas through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE). The DAYAW Awards, a fitting tribute for the passion and perseverance of DILG personnel, highlights exceptional performance, innovative initiatives, and best practices across DILG provincial and field offices. a rigorous process that included on-site evaluations, comprehensive document reviews, and interviews with personnel. The Provincial Government of Northern Samar thanks the transformative leadership and guidance of Provincial Director Maquelabit—affectionately known as PD Jinky—for her competence, dedication and commitment, joined by her equally inspiring team – Cluster Head Jean Redi Briones, Program Manager Eduardo Diaz Jr, MLGOOs and the entire DILG field unit, including former Cluster Head Mauricio Labado Jr. who was part of the team. Their hard work and technical assistance has significantly contributed to the Provincial Government’s consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards from 2023 to 2025, among other national recognitions. PD Jinky was also the Best Provincial Director during her stint in Southern Leyte in 2021 and 2022. During her tenure as head of DILG Southern Leyte, her leadership led to the Province of Southern Leyte being named the Best Performing DILG Provincial Unit, alongside her own recognition as the Best DILG Provincial Director for two consecutive years. When she transitioned to Northern Samar, her leadership prowess continued to shine, contributing significantly to Northern Samar’s improved performance. Northern Samar is indeed honored to have the best of our Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahang lingkod-bayan in our DILG Provincial Office!

Author name: Street Journal

Sumisip District Hospital, unang 100% solar-powered