Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Planting trees is only the beginning because for the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO), ensuring that they survive and thrive is just as important as putting seedlings into the ground. Through its Urban Forestry Management Division, CEPMO continues to strengthen the city government’s greening program by producing thousands of seedlings annually while encouraging residents and partner organizations to take an active role in caring for the Summer Capital’s trees. Floro C. Bastian, Forester III of the Urban Forestry Management Division, said the office operates nurseries in Busol and the Botanical Garden, producing around 20,000 seedlings every year to support the city’s greening initiatives. Of these, about half are Benguet pine seedlings, reflecting the city’s commitment to preserving its identity as the City of Pines, while the remaining seedlings consist of fruit-bearing and ornamental tree species. Each year, the city aims to plant around 10,000 seedlings, with schools, private companies, and various organizations regularly partnering with CEPMO through tree-planting activities. However, Bastian emphasized that successful greening goes beyond planting trees. “Very important ang tree care because we are called the City of Pines, kailangan i-maintain. Kailangan ma-incorporate ang tree planting sa lahat ng programs natin,” he stressed. Bastian said tree care involves returning to planting sites to conduct weeding, brushing, and regular maintenance, giving seedlings a better chance to grow. This is especially important for Benguet pine trees, which are sensitive and require clean surroundings to survive. The office also faces the challenge of limited planting sites due to years of continuous tree planting. To address this, CEPMO distributes free seedlings to residents, encouraging them to plant trees within their own properties. “Kahit isang pine tree sa bahay, pwedeng-pwede na,” he said. He added that the office has also been promoting pine bonsai cultivation to address the misconception that pine trees are unsafe to plant near homes. Training on pine bonsai cultivation has likewise been conducted to encourage more residents to grow the city’s iconic tree species even in limited spaces. Bastian also highlighted the Saleng Festival, celebrated from June to September, which coincides with the city’s designated tree-planting months under a local ordinance. During this period, CEPMO intensified its greening initiatives by conducting tree-planting activities with government agencies, schools, private organizations, and community volunteers. The city’s greening efforts have also expanded to private properties, including Mirador Eco Park, Baguio Country Club, Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, and Maryhurst Seminary toward Lucnab, through the support and leadership of Mayor Benjamin Magalong. To ensure the success of every planting activity, CEPMO conducts monitoring approximately three months after planting. Dead seedlings are replaced to improve the survival rate of newly established trees. Bastian said Benguet pine trees currently have an average survival rate of about 65%, underscoring the importance of consistent maintenance after planting. As Baguio continues to celebrate the Saleng Festival and pursue its greening initiatives, the city hopes more residents will recognize that preserving its identity as the City of Pines begins not only with planting trees, but with caring for them long after they have taken root. – Ja-el Ahochay, PIO Baguio Intern/gabykeith

269 police officers promoted in Cordillera cops

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet, Philippines – A total of 269 police officers of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera were granted new ranks during a nationwide simultaneous oath-taking, donning, and pinning of ranks held at Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on July 29. BGen. Ericson Dilag, regional director, led the donning of ranks ceremony for the 269 police officers who were promoted from the rank of Police Corporal to Police Major. The group of those promoted consisted of 78 Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) and 191 Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs). Among the PCOs, 37 were promoted to Police Major, five to Police Captain, and 36 to Police Lieutenant, while among the PNCOs, one was promoted to Police Executive Master Sergeant, 28 to Police Chief Master Sergeant, two to Police Senior Master Sergeant, 26 to Police Master Sergeant, 61 to Police Staff Sergeant, and 73 to Police Corporal. All those promoted passed a rigorous screening process conducted by the PRO CAR Promotion Board, attesting to their solid professionalism and dedication to duty under the CY 2026 Regular Promotion Program. In his message, Dilag reminded the newly promoted officers that higher ranks bring greater responsibilities. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership, mentorship, and leading by example in every aspect of their service.

PGLU Nueva Vizcaya honors top students, world taekwando medalists

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Three of Nueva Vizcaya’s brightest academic achievers and three young taekwondo champions who brought home medals from an international competition in South Korea were honored by the provincial government for bringing pride and distinction to the province. The recognition took place during the provincial government’s weekly flag-raising program, paying tribute to outstanding Novo Vizcayanos who excelled in higher education and on the international sports stage. Leading the academic honorees were two graduates who earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude from Saint Louis University in Baguio City. Ramon Emmiel Palcon Jasmin of Bonfal Proper, Bayombong, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. A Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholar, Jasmin now works at Thinking Machines DataScience Inc. in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. He studied at Aldersgate College, Inc. from preparatory school through junior high school before completing senior high school at Saint Mary’s University. He is the son of retired Police Captain Vic Ramon D. Jasmin and Engineer Josephine P. Jasmin. Also receiving top honors was Kyle Arvin Cepe Pataueg of Barangay Masoc, Bayombong, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. A consistent dean’s lister from 2022 to 2026, Pataueg ranked among the top graduates of his program and earned certification as a paralegal. He finished elementary school at Saint Mary’s University Elementary Department and completed his junior and senior high school education at Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School.He is the son of Karrenel C. Pataueg and Reonel Joseph H. Pataueg. The provincial government likewise recognized Alldre Stephanie Rivera Magaway of Roxas, Solano, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Saint Louis University. Magaway is a recipient of the DOST NationalYouth Excellence Award, an International Mathematics Olympiad bronze medalist, and a qualifier in several national academic competitions. She completed her elementary education at Bayombong Central Schooland graduated valedictorian from Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School. She is the daughter of Gloria Ritual and Samson Magaway. The provincial government also honored three Novo Vizcayano athletes who captured gold and silver medals during the 2026 Muju 19th World Taekwondo Culture Expoheld from July 16 to 21 at Taekwondowonin Muju-gun, Jeonbuk State, South Korea. The awardees were Yancy Jay D. Dinamling, 13, of Barangay Didipio, Kasibu, who won silver medals in Individual Poomsae and Kyorugi; Kazy Louise D. Tobiagon, 16, alsoof Barangay Didipio, who captured a gold medal in Kyorugi and a silver medal inIndividual Poomsae; and Alice D. Fernandez, 28, of Bayombong, who won gold medals in both Individual Poomsae and Kyorugi. “The achievements of these young Novo Vizcayanos bring honor not only to themselves and their families but to the entire provinceof Nueva Vizcaya. They have raised our flag high and shown that with hard work, discipline and determination, our youth can excel anywhere—here at home or on the world stage,” Gambito said. The governor urged other young Novo Vizcayanos to emulate the awardees’ commitment to excellence and assured continued provincial government support for programs that nurture students and athletes

TESDA-CSITE, Bayan Academy Partner to train 100 beneficiaries under Adopt-a-School Program

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Stephanie Nicole Peligman BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — At least 100 residents of Abra and Ifugao provinces will receive free technical-vocational training and starter tool kits under a partnership formalized between the Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (CSITE) and Bayan Academy for Social Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Development, Inc., funded by BPI Foundation Inc., on July 23, 2026. The Memorandum of Agreement, signed in Baguio City, designates CSITE Ifugao and CSITE Abra campuses as beneficiary sites under Bayan Academy’s BPI Tech-Voc Training Program, which has supported marginalized communities through livelihood-linked skills training since 2018. The partnership is anchored on Republic Act No. 8525, or the Adopt-a-School Act of 1998, which encourages private sector support for public educational institutions. CSITE Executive Director Daisy C. Bungallon signed on behalf of the institute, while Arthur C. Aguinaldo, Bayan Academy’s Program Director for Employment, signed for the organization. The agreement was witnessed by TESDA-Cordillera Administrative Region (TESDA-CAR) Acting Regional Director Engr. Glenn N. Murphy, Bayan Academy Program Officer Cyra Kaye Tuazon, CSITE Abra Campus Administrator Emmanuel B. Ballesteros, and CSITE Ifugao Campus Administrator Eduardo O. Tamayao. Under the agreement, each province will train a minimum of 50 beneficiaries, divided between short-term Certificate of Competency or Micro-Credential courses and full National Certificate qualifications. The specific qualifications to be offered will be identified based on the priority needs of each province. CSITE will deliver the training, competency assessment, and provide the necessary equipment. It will also coordinate with local government units through Community Training and Employment Coordinators for recruitment and venue arrangements. Bayan Academy will screen qualified beneficiaries, fund training supplies and consumables, and provide starter tool kits to help graduates transition into livelihood or self-employment. ED Bungallon thanked Bayan Academy for choosing CSITE as a partner institution and emphasized that the institute recognizes the importance of the opportunity, especially for families in Abra and Ifugao who stand to benefit. She affirmed CSITE’s commitment to fully implement the program, from coordinating with local government units to ensuring that all training slots are filled by qualified beneficiaries, so that the agreement delivers real impact to communities. Aguinaldo expressed Bayan Academy’s gratitude to TESDA and CSITE for enabling the partnership and described it as the start of a sustained collaboration. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to support the program by funding training requirements and providing starter tool kits that graduates can use for livelihood or self-employment. ARD Murphy urged both parties to look beyond the ceremonial signing and focus on outcomes. He challenged them to ensure that the partnership results in measurable benefits for the beneficiaries. The agreement takes effect immediately and remains valid for two years. The partnership aims to expand access to skills training in underserved communities and equip beneficiaries with practical competencies and resources that can support employment, self-employment, or community-based enterprise.

DILG issues guidelines for PBBM’s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, benefiting over 42,000 barangays nationwide

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued the implementing guidelines for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program (BBMP), laying the groundwork for the nationwide rollout of an initiative that will strengthen grassroots governance, support deserving college students, and help address priority development needs in more than 42,000 barangays across the country. Through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2026-038, the Department outlined the implementation of the program, under which each barangay nationwide will receive Php 200,000 from the Office of the President through the Socio-Civic Projects Funds (SCPF) Project. The BBMP seeks to empower local government units (LGUs), reinforce effective barangay governance, and expand opportunities for young Filipinos to complete their education while enabling communities to respond to their immediate development priorities. Of the Php 200,000 allocation, Php 100,000 shall be dedicated to the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars Program, through which each barangay will select five incoming fourth-year college students for School Year 2026–2027 to receive a Php 20,000 “Finisher Fund” to help cover essential academic expenses and complete their college education. According to the guidelines, beneficiaries must be bona fide residents of the concerned barangay and belong to vulnerable households that are at risk of dropping out of school. Preference shall be given to students whose families have no member who has completed tertiary education. Barangays may also prescribe additional eligibility criteria, provided these are properly documented and implemented in a just, fair, and transparent manner. Meanwhile, the remaining Php 100,000 shall be allocated for the Assistance for the Barangay component, which will support development priorities identified by barangays based on their immediate operational and community needs. Eligible interventions include the procurement of public service equipment, administrative and office equipment, streetlighting facilities, and disaster risk reduction and management equipment, among others. Barangays may augment the allocation using their own local funds to complete identified development priorities. However, the guidelines provide that the assistance shall not be used for infrastructure projects, honoraria, salaries, wages, or other similar personnel-related expenditures. The DILG said the issuance of the guidelines ensures the transparent, accountable, and efficient implementation of the BBMP, allowing barangays to invest in both human capital and community development while advancing the Bagong Pilipinas vision of bringing meaningful government assistance closer to every Filipino.

Yap files bills to strip taxes from power bills, 24 hours after Marcos SONA call

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD,Benguet — Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call during his State of the Nation Address to ease electricity costs for Filipino consumers, Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap immediately acted within 24 hours and filed two legislative measures in the House of Representatives aimed at stripping taxes from monthly power bills. “The President’s call is more than a proposal to reduce electric bill, it is a challenge to reexamine whether our laws continue to reflect the principle that accountability should rest with those responsible for losses, not with consumers who faithfully pay their monthly bills. Congress now has an opportunity to translate that principle into meaningful reform that’s why I immediately filed these measures to get the ball rolling in Congress. Kailangan natin ng mga dagdag na batas na talagang makakatulong sa tao at mataas ang tsansa na papasa, hindi yung mga pang-optics lang,” said Yap. The bills, filed on July 28, directly align with the president’s directive to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) and prohibit unfair fees—such as system loss charges and their accompanying taxes—from being passed on to households. Under House Bill No. 10328, Yap proposes exempting the system loss charge billed by distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to residential end-users from the 12 percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) which seeks to amend Section 109 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, tasking the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure that the VAT exemption is reflected on monthly bills while mandating executive agencies to promulgate implementing rules within 60 days. “System loss is a cost of operating the power system, not a burden that should automatically fall on ordinary consumers. Ang panawagan para tapusin ito is a call for fairness, accountability, and genuine consumer protection. Consumers should pay for the power they use—not for the power that was lost before it ever reached them,” Yap explained. Yap also introduced House Bill No. 10327, which seeks to repeal Batas Pambansa Blg. 36. Enacted in 1979, the four-decade-old law imposes an energy tax on electric power consumption, which is an outdated and an unnecessary burden on Filipino households struggling with rising living costs. The lawmaker emphasized that electricity consumers in the country currently face among the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia, weighed down by various pass-through charges including generation, transmission, distribution, and government taxes. Yap stressed that removing these tax burdens will allow families to devote more of their disposable income to basic necessities like food, education, and healthcare. The filing follows President Marcos’ SONA address, where the chief executive urged Congress to overhaul EPIRA and end system loss pass-through charges and argued during his speech that consumers should not be penalized or forced to pay for energy losses resulting from technical inefficiencies or grid distribution issues. “It will be challenging but with no less than the President saying it, I think it will hurdle Congress. Siguradong magiging interesting ang discussions dito,” Yap explained.

La Union Gov. Ortega bares priority thrusts in 2026 State of the Province Address

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LA UNION, Philippines — Presenting the gains of a year of remarkable progress and inclusive public service, Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega delivered his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) on July 28, 2026 during the 57th regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. Gov. Mario outlined his administration’s accomplishments and vision through his signature extemporaneous delivery before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Local Chief Executives, representatives of National and Provincial Government Agencies, Barangay Chairman, Provincial Government of La Union Department Heads, Sector Leaders, and Partner Stakeholders. He delivered much of his address in Iloko, the mother tongue of the majority of Elyukanos, in adherence to the Iloco Code of La Union under Provincial Ordinance No. 026-2012. Rooted in the spirit of “La Union Agkaysa” as the guiding force of his administration, Governor Mario emphasized to the 600 distinguished guests that the province’s achievements are the outcome of collective leadership, accomplishments, and steadfast partnerships that continue to propel La Union toward sustained and inclusive growth. He highlighted his key initiatives and achievements across five strategic development pillars namely Economic Development, Social Development, Infrastructure Development, Institutional Development, and Environmental Development. Among the achievements he highlighted were La Union’s sustained rice self-sufficiency, technical support for nearly 20,000 farmers and local enterprises and the tourism industry that drew more than 500,000 visitors and generated over P1 billion in receipts. Continued programs and investments in healthcare, education, social welfare, infrastructure, and environmental protection also helped improve public service delivery and expand access to essential services. In healthcare, upgraded facilities in the province’s five district hospitals and the La Union Medical Center enabled more than 190,000 patients to receive inpatient and outpatient care. The province also acquired five patient transport vehicles from PAGCOR and two from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) while further strengthening pharmacy services to improve healthcare service delivery. More than 13,000 beneficiaries received over P64.8 million in financial assistance through the province’s social welfare programs. Among them were 1,400 senior citizens aged 80 and above who received a total of P14.6 million. In education, more than 4,000 students benefited from scholarship programs while over P11 million in Brigada Eskwela assistance was extended to 465 schools to enhance learning facilities and school preparedness. Meanwhile, infrastructure and environmental development progressed with the implementation of key projects, including the 7-kilometer Ramot-Puguil Farm-to-Market Road in Santol, upgrading of provincial farm-to-market roads, improvements of school facilities, construction of Septage Treatment Facility in Balaoan, upgrading of two sanitary landfills, and the institutionalization of the Baroro Watershed Management Council to strengthen watershed protection and sustainable resource management. The Governor also highlighted governance reforms that strengthened institutions, enhanced transparency, expanded support for barangays, and modernized public service delivery through digitalization and organizational improvements. As the province forges ahead with renewed purpose, Gov. Mario unveiled major public investments that are expected to shape La Union’s next phase of development, including the modernization of district hospitals, La Union Health Hub, San Fernando International Seaport, TPLEX Extension, Philippine Forestry Development Project, Bungol Demonstration Farm, San Juan Tourism Complex, and the Community Kitchen. In closing, the Governor said that while strategic investments will pave the way for the province’s future, lasting progress will be sustained by the unity and collective efforts of every Elyukano.

A Golden Weekend for the Children in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — OceanaGold Philippines once again held a meaningful community appreciation event to delight 59 youth from Barangays Beti and Cutar, in Aritao town, Nueva Vizcaya, recently. The activity was in recognition of the company’s celebration of Nutrition Month in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya Lions Club, Rio de Magat Grande Lions Club, Singian Solano Lions Club, and Baguio Gold Lions Club. The activity was filled with games, prizes, and giveaways for the children, along with free eye consultations, eyeglass frames, and medical consultations for parents and guardians. The activity was made meaningful by the support of Mayor Remelina Peros Galam and Vice Mayor Jayson E. Ferrer, who stayed throughout the event in support of the initiative. They commended the collaboration between OceanaGold, the Lions Clubs, and the Local Government Unit and expressed their hope for a more sustainable partnership that will continue to support the development of the community in Aritao. The Local Government Unit of Aritao provided free eyeglass frames and medical consultations, while the Lions Clubs provided eye consultations for parents and guardians, as well as hygiene kits and vitamins for school children. After the activities, everyone shared a healthy and balanced meal with the children and their guardians. OceanaGold Philippines expressed its sincere gratitude to Punuong Barangay Manuel C. Dela Cruz, of Barangay Beti, for the warm welcome and its community partners. Through strong partnerships, OceanaGold remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote health, well-being, and meaningful participation in the community.

Korean HD Hyundai Shipyard launches first Philippine-made tanker

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Ruben A. Veloria SUBIC, Zambales, Philippines — South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) launched on Tuesday its first Philippine-made vessel M/V Orion Jade (Hull No. J001), merely 11 months after its steel cutting ceremony held at its Agila Southern Yard in Subic Bay. Finance Sec. Fredrick Go and Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa, together with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Engr. Eduardo Jose Alino, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Ind. CEO Kim Sung-joon, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines president Oh Sekwang, and local government officials, graced the ceremony. The launching of the Orion Jade, according to Sec. Go, is clear manifestation of the success of the initiatives of the (Pres.) Marcos Jr. administration to attract investment to the country and to be able to build world-class ships. Go added that Korean shipbuilding investment represents 4,000 jobs and thousands of created livelihood, which is expected to double in the following years as HHIP target production for 2028 is at least ten ships a year. As he closes his message, Sec. Go expressed his gratitude to Amb. Lee, and HHIP officials, saying, “Thank you for boosting our shipbuilding capability and providing employment to Filipino workers.” Amb. Lee described the project as “in a broader content, Subic Shipyard serves as the strategic asset to the Luzon economic corridor linking vital economic links like Clark, Subic, Manila and Batangas.” He also commended the Filipino workers for their highly regarded skills in shipbuilding which serve as the primary foundation of the shipyards’ accomplishments. In 2019, after the closure of Hanjin Heavy Industries, HD HHIP took over the shipyard facility with the United States equity firm Cerberus Global Investment LLC. In September 2, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the pressing of the ceremonial button to start the first cutting of steel plate marking the commencement of construction of a 115,000-ton petrochemical carrier. The ceremony held at the Agila Southern Yard, Subic Freeport Zone in Subic, Zambales— was a landmark event that marks the revival of the country’s shipbuilding enterprise. In July 2025, iMARINE published that according to South Korean media “HHIP has received orders for seven tankers, including four 115,000-dwt LR2 tankers and three product tankers, and is expected to deliver four in 2027 and three in 2028. HHIP’s annual production capacity is expected to be four LR2 tankers. Therefore, the company is committed to achieving full recovery by 2026. Korea Investment & Securities predicts that HHIP is expected to achieve operating income of 200 billion won, 418 billion won and 421 billion won in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The data assumes that the construction of LR2 tankers will start in 2026 and full production will start in 2027.”

Author name: Street Journal

Sustaining Baguio’s green environment is everybody’s role – CEPMO