Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas warmly welcomed Mayor Yoshito Arisaka of Minamimaki Mura, Japan, during the latter’s courtesy visit to the Governor’s Office recently. Mayor Arisaka was joined by Secretary General Shimizu Toshihiro of the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), along with other delegates from Minamimaki. During the visit, Mayor Arisaka extended his congratulations to Governor Diclas and the newly elected officials of Benguet on their recent electoral victory. He expressed appreciation for the Benguet farmer-trainees currently deployed in Minamimaki, commending them as “the best farmers because of their experience in highland vegetables.” He emphasized their contribution to Minamimaki’s agriculture-based economy, particularly in the cultivation of highland vegetables, strawberries, and livestock. Looking ahead, Mayor Arisaka expressed hope for stronger ties and collaboration between Benguet and Minamimaki. They also discussed plans to establish sisterhood agreements with the municipalities of Buguias and Tublay, with formal discussions scheduled this week. The proposed partnerships aim to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, tourism, and culture. Minamimaki currently has a sisterhood agreement with the Municipality of La Trinidad. Governor Diclas, in turn, thanked JAEC and the Municipality of Minamimaki for their continued friendship and support, stressing how the partnership has been helpful in the exchange of knowledge and agricultural technology that benefits the people of Benguet. Also present during the meeting were Benguet Board Members Romeo Salda, Armando Lauro, and Jim Botiwey.

Mayor Olaso thumbs down ‘Epal’ tarps

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Without mincing words, Mayor Khymer Olaso on Monday ordered the immediate removal of tarpaulins bearing names and faces of public officials in government-funded projects in the city. In addition, the newly-assumed mayor said he will not allow names or images of elected officials on tarpaulins or billboards announcing government projects under his watch. The billboards should only contain essential information about the project and the words “from the people of Zamboanga City.” These practices are described as “epal” which refers to elected officials who use taxpayer-funded or government projects as props for their propaganda or promotional campaigns. In a meeting with department heads and other officials at City Hall Monday, July 7, Mayor Olaso likewise ordered General Services Officer Engr. Rene de la Cruz to refrain from using tents bearing names of public officials, during events and activities of the city government. The city government will purchase huge tents bearing the name “City government of Zamboanga” for use in all city activities. “I will not allow these practices under my administration,” Mayor Olaso told department heads during the meeting. “We are putting the city government on the right track and right direction.” Similarly, the mayor directed the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to discourage politicians from taking part in the distribution of cash assistance to beneficiaries during payouts. This, he said, is another practice of political patronage and is highly unethical. Meanwhile, in constructing infrastructure projects such as school buildings, the City Engineer’s Office is directed to follow the standard color and design subscribed by the Department of Education. (CMO-PIO) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)

New Library for Kids opens in Cabagan, Isabela

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

Cabagan’s little bookworms just got their new favorite hangout! The Hooked on Books (HOB) Library, a children’s reading hub, was launched today along with its affiliated reading program at Cabagan Science Elementary School (CSES) in Cabagan, Isabela. This is the first HOB Library in the province and the 24th nationwide, made possible through a partnership between the Local Government Unit of Cabagan and LINKS Philippines. Aside from children’s books, the library features murals painted by Cabagan virtual artists, depicting Pancit Cabagan, cornfields, migratory birds, Cabagan Square Park carousel, and the late congressman and former Isabela vice governor Rodolfo B. Albano Jr., or “Tata Rudy,” the father of Governor Rodito T. Albano. Volunteers, school heads from the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Isabela, LGU Cabagan, barangay officials, the LINKS Philippines team, and parents worked together to prepare the library and organize activities for students and the community over the past two days. Provincial Administrator Atty. Christopher A. Mamauag commended LINKS Philippines for their efforts and expressed hope that the initiative would reach more communities nationwide.

Cagayan Valley MSMEs Take Center Stage: Over 200 Entrepreneurs Gather for 3rd Regional Summit in Nueva Vizcaya

Business

Business / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday More than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Cagayan Valley region have converged at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center,Provincial Capitol,Bayombong for the 3rd Regional MSME Summit 2025, a two-day event dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs and boosting regional economic growth. The summit, which runs until tomorrow, is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cagayan Valley in partnership with the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. This year’s theme, “Asenso Negosyo, Angat Kabuhayan: Bagong Pilipinas,” underscores the drive to uplift businesses and improve livelihoods through government support, innovation, and collaboration. DTI Regional Director for Cagayan Valley, Ma. Sofia Narag, highlighted in her message that the summit brings together national government agencies, MSMEs, and other organizations to make vital government services and programs more accessible to entrepreneurs. Over the two-day event, representatives from these agencies will detail how their programs can help MSMEs scale up and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Although Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose V. Gambito was unable to attend the summit due to another equally important engagement, he conveyed his strong support for the DTI and its initiatives. Governor Gambito emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs in driving inclusive local economic growth and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to partnering with the DTI in sustaining programs that address the needs of small businesses. He also encouraged MSMEs to seize the opportunities offered by the summit to further develop their enterprises and contribute to the province’s progress. Key local leaders, including Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph Cayton and Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo, were also in attendance and expressed their full support for the DTI and its programs for MSMEs. Both officials underscored the importance of strengthening the MSME sector as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Nueva Vizcaya and the entire Cagayan Valley region. Among the highlights of this year’s summit are new events such as a trade fair, a product standards showcase, and a “Diskwento Caravan,” all aimed at supporting and promoting MSMEs in the region. These activities provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to display their products, learn about quality standards, and access discounted goods and services.

BENECO needs P5-B fund to implement underground cabling in 5 years

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) will be implementing the proposed underground cabling of electric wires probably in the next five years depending on the prevailing conditions that will transpire during the said period. Earlier, BENECO estimated some P11 billion as the initial funding requirement in the implementation of the underground cabling of its electric wires with a length of approximately 10 kilometers within the city’s central business district if the said project was implemented over a decade ago. BENECO general manager Engr. Melchor S. Licoben said that there was also a previous proposal that the underground cabling of electric wires will be done within the area of jurisdiction of its Lamut sub-station situated in Beckel, La Trinidad because its power lines are always affected by fallen trees and protruding branches considering the presence of numerous trees in the said area. He added the need to undertake an updated feasibility study on the proposed underground cabling of its electric wires to ascertain the funds that will be required and to guide the management on the board on how to move forward with the noble project. The BENECO official said that the electric cooperative has always been receptive on the proposal to have their electric wires be placed underground but the enormous amount needed to pursue the implementation of the project remains a major obstacle for its realization. Under the earlier proposal, the funds to be used for the implementation of the project will be shouldered by the consumers where the amount of increase in the power rates before was initially pegged at P0.45 per kilowatt hour for a period of around 10 years depending on the scheme that will be approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) at that time. Among the possible sources of funds to implement the underground cabling of BENECO’s electric wires are possible loan with the National electrification Administration (NEA) and the increase in power rates which will be an added burden to the consumers considering the projected increase in the monthly power rates that will be charged to the member-consumer-owners.

5 years of rivers clean up: SMC removes 8.5M tons of waste

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) recently marked five years of cleaning up major rivers and river systems — a continuing effort that has, as of end-June, removed around 8.5 million metric tons of silt and solid waste from 10 key waterways in and around Metro Manila. Launched in 2020, the initiative, dubbed Better Rivers PH, aims to reduce river pollution and help prevent flooding by restoring and dredging rivers and improving their flow. According to SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang, the company has already cleared over 161 kilometers of river channels, and the work is far from over. The waste and silt — removed from the Tullahan, Pasig, and San Juan Rivers; rivers in Bulacan and Pampanga; the San Isidro, Biñan, and Tunasan Rivers in Laguna, and waterways in Navotas and Parañaque — have significantly increased the carrying capacity of these river systems. This has helped lessen the risk of severe flooding in surrounding communities, by enabling floodwaters to be drained to Manila Bay more effectively. Without this intervention, many of these waterways, made shallow by years of silt and debris buildup, would frequently overflow and inundate communities, Ang said. The effort has also reduced foul odors coming from rivers and, in some cases, encouraged the return of fish, owing to the removal of decomposing waste and garbage from the river beds. “Because of many contributing and aggravating factors, flooding continues to be a major risk for many of our cities and provinces. For San Miguel, we cannot afford to just stand by and do nothing because in the end, our economy and all of us, suffer. That’s why we’ve been working non-stop these last five years to help clean and restore our rivers,” Ang said. “Through cooperation with the national and local governments and other stakeholders, we’ve now managed to increase the carrying capacities of our major rivers. But a lot still needs to be done, including in changing mindsets and discouraging the throwing of wastes in our waterways. We are committed to continue working with stakeholders and doing our part every way we can,” he added. SMC’s river cleanup initiative, which does year-round work at targeted rivers, is part of its broader social responsibility agenda, and is aligned with SMC’s major sustainability initiatives, which includes a drive towards addressing critical water issues. Fully-funded and undertaken by SMC, the program comes at no cost to government and taxpayers, and is done in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local government units. From its early efforts to clean up the Tullahan, Pasig, and San Juan Rivers, SMC’s river cleanup initiative has extended northwards to Bulacan and Pampanga, and the south, to rivers in Paranaque and Laguna. Last June, it completed the cleanup of Tunasan River in Laguna, where it removed 53,774 tons of silt and wastes. This is on top of its earlier efforts to clean up the Binan River (87,899 tons removed) and San Isidro River in San Pedro (417,044 tons removed). The company is set start cleaning up two more rivers in the province.

Magalong seeks unity for shared identity,autonomy

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong urged Cordillerans to sustain their unity rooted in their shared identity and a future where they can govern themselves based on their culture, values and priorities. In his message during the kick off program of the 38th founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) held last July 1, 2025 at the Baguio Convention Center, he said that Cordillera unity reflects not only the aspirations of the people for greater regional development, but also their deep rooted commitment to charting their own path through autonomy. He expressed his gratitude to the regional leaders, elders and all stakeholders for making the event truly meaningful as it is also a way of paying tribute to the sacrifices and legacy of their predecessors. The local chief executive claimed that as leaders and stewards of their respective communities, they carry the responsibility of continuing that said legacy no longer through resistance but through a clearer vision for the region and action. According to him, as they sound off the Unity Gong, may it serve as a reminder that despite their diverse backgrounds, they are one in the pursuit for a truly empowered Cordillera. Magalong urged elders and leaders to raise awareness, engage the different communities and work across sectors to build the foundations of a Cordillera that governs itself with wisdom, fairness and integrity. He emphasized the importance of Cordillerans moving forward, stronger, united and determined to build a future that honors the legacy of their ancestors and the dreams of the youth. Baguio City is serving as the host local government for this year’s celebration of the 38th founding anniversary of the CAR) while the Regional Development Council (RDC infrastructure committee chaired by Ifugao Gov. Jerry Dalipog is the host committee. The main program for this year’s celebration will be held on July 15, 2025 at the Baguio Convention Center where Cordillera elders, leaders and concerned stakeholders will converge and drumbeat the said celebration and the region’s clamor for autonomy. (Baguio PIO)

Community–Based Farm Tourism Development in Benguet

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

The Community-Based Farm Tourism Development initiative in Barangay Shilan, La Trinidad, Benguet is a project of the Department of Tourism through the Office of Tourism Development Planning, in partnership with World Vision Korea and World Vision Philippines. With support from the Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR), the initiative continues to gain momentum through strong collaboration with local stakeholders and community members. As part of the ongoing assessment under the DURE Project, the team visited key local sites – a coffee farm, an organic farm, and local beekeepers – to explore opportunities for tourism product development, community-based livelihoods, and enhanced visitor experiences. The team also engaged with barangay officials led by Barangay Chairman Mr. Melecio Orid, La Trinidad Municipal Councilor Belmer Ellis, Ms. Amber Depnag of the La Trinidad Tourism Office, the Shilan Tour Guides Association (SHITOGA), and other members of the community. Discussions centered on empowering locals, enhancing tourism offerings, and unlocking Shilan’s tourism potential. To cap the visit, DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita Ganongan convened the team to discuss field insights, assess progress, and map out strategic next steps. Her engagement reaffirmed the regional office’s support for inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven tourism development in the Cordilleras. Sustainable tourism, created with the community, for the community.

Leni institutionalizes “2028 Finish Lines” as Naga’s dev’t framework

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

Affirming the city government’s role as a catalyst for local development and steward of public welfare, Mayor Leni Robredo has signed Executive Order No. 003, series of 2025, institutionalizing the “2028 Finish Lines” as Naga’s strategic development framework. The directive seeks to align all plans, programs, and resources of the city government with the 2028 Finish Lines — a set of thematic goals aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable progress in the next three years. Robredo cited City Ordinance No. 2017-072, or the People’s Budget Ordinance of Naga City, as one of the bases for her directive. The ordinance institutionalized participatory budgeting and full-cycle transparency in the crafting and monitoring of the city’s annual appropriations. It ensures that public funds are allocated in response to the identified needs and priorities of the Nagueño community, anchored on people-centered governance. The 2028 Finish Lines outline the city’s strategic aspirations across eight thematic outcome areas: Economic Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, Mobility and Order, Health, Education and Well-Being, Heritage and Identity, Digital Governance, Good Governance Innovation, and Local Government Efficiency. The framework was developed through a data-driven, consultative process that engaged Naga City’s 27 barangays, sectoral groups, civil society organizations, the academe, the private sector, and elected officials. It is designed to align with the Philippine Development Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the long-term national vision, AmBisyon Natin 2040. The executive order also mandates all departments, offices, and units of the city government of Naga to align their annual and multi-year development plans, investment programs, performance targets, and budgets with “2028 Finish Lines.” These include, but are not limited to: The comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), City Development Plan (CDP), Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA), The Annual Investment Plan (AIP), and the Local Budget Preparation (LBP) Forms. | via Jason B. Neola

Author name: Street Journal

‘BENGUET FARMERS ARE THE BEST’ – Mayor Arisaka