Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Philippines — The City Government of Borongan has uncovered an exciting new destination for adventurers and nature lovers: a scenic eco-trail nestled in the lush mountains of Barangays Hebacong and Canyopay. Rich in wildlife, home to endemic plant species, and offering panoramic views, the trail promises a unique and immersive outdoor experience. Representatives from the Borongan City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BCENRO), the City Tourism Office, and Information Office hiked through the newly identified route to assess its eco-tourism potential, on October 15. With plans to open the trail to the public, the City Tourism Office will soon come up with a comprehensive development plan to promote the site as a premier hiking destination, in line with Borongan’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. (Borongan City PIO)

Government’s P4.5-B daily loan plan seeks stronger safeguards

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday pressed for stricter oversight in government borrowing and fiscal discipline after the Department of Finance (DOF) said the government will need to borrow P4.5 billion daily in 2026 despite projecting P13.65 billion in daily revenues. The senator’s call came in response to the DOF’s presentation before the Senate Committee on Finance on October 14, 2025, where the department said it still expects a significant financing gap that will require massive daily borrowings to sustain public operations and fund key development programs. The DOF also presented its P37.78-billion budget for 2026, mostly for the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC), with plans to boost revenues through government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCC) dividends and asset sales. Cayetano, a long-time advocate of accountability and good governance, warned that while the government needs to raise funds, unchecked borrowing without sufficient congressional scrutiny of loan agreements could burden the country with hidden obligations in the future. “Theoretically, it would be completely legal that the government borrows money pero walang approval ng Congress… You show it to us when it’s implemented na at walang option ang Congress to say na hindi namin gusto y’ung loan na ‘yan,” he said. He added that the country’s fiscal policies must balance revenue generation with social responsibility, citing the government’s growing reliance on digital taxes and online gambling revenues. “If the Department of Finance is mostly looking at the revenue side, where is the rest of the government?” he said. Cayetano said fiscal measures should not only meet collection targets but also uphold transparency and accountability. He reiterated the need for openness in public finance, co-authoring Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4 mandating full transparency of key budget documents, where he is pushing for the disclosure of loan contracts, to strengthen accountability in fiscal planning. “Ensure full transparency. The national budget is not just the work of a few but a product of the entire Congress, representing every Filipino,” he said. Cayetano stressed the importance of aligning legislative oversight with the needs of the people. “We want to assure the public. Iisa lang naman ang hangarin ng Pangulo at ng Kongreso: ang tiyaking makakarating ang tulong at serbisyong dapat sa bawat Pilipino, at malinaw kung saan napupunta ang pera ng bayan,” he said.

Globe reports 18% drop in Fiber Cuts in 1H 2025 aided by stronger LGU and Community Partnerships, Underground Fiber

Business

Business / Street Journal

Globe has recorded an 18% decline in total fiber cut incidents in the first half of 2025 versus the same period last year, a direct result of its sustained network resiliency efforts, tighter security measures, and strengthened partnerships with communities and local government units (LGUs). The improvement underscores the success of Globe’s Fiber Cut Task Force (FCTF), a cross-functional initiative launched in 2024 to address the rising number of fiber cuts that previously affected customer connectivity and experience. “The improvements demonstrate Globe’s commitment to ensuring a consistent and reliable network for all our customers,” said Joel Agustin, Senior Vice President and Head of Service Planning and Engineering. “A reliable network is essential to support the country’s growing digital economy, and these results affirm that our proactive approach is delivering measurable results.” Fortified Infrastructure, Proactive Maintenance Since its inception, the task force has implemented key measures to prevent fiber disruptions such as enhancing cable layout design methodology to ensure existing and upcoming aerial and underground fiber layout are resilient against roadworks and external threats. Globe also rolled out infrastructure fortification projects, completing 1,500 kms of underground fiber facilities nationwide. This helped prevent more than 192 fiber cut incidents and network disruptions. Through its proactive preventive maintenance in high-risk or “chronic” grids, Globe was able to reduce up to 93% in recurring incidents across monitored areas. Cable theft and pilferage remain top causes of intentional fiber cuts. Globe has taken a two-pronged approach focused on community protection and partnership. Through the CCTV deterrent program, live CCTV cameras were installed in theft-prone areas like Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City which led to an 80% drop in incidents, prompting expansion to other parts of Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, and Makati. Globe also worked closely with local officials to roll out livelihood and wellness programs for communities previously vulnerable to cable theft, turning deterrence into sustainable community engagement. “The telco landscape is shifting, and we need hyperfocused, proactive measures to safeguard our infrastructure,” Agustin said. “Our collaboration with the communities and LGUs, plus our preventive maintenance programs are helping ensure a more stable, secure network for customers nationwide.” Keeping Customers Connected Beyond addressing theft and external factors, Globe continues to invest in network resiliency builds which covers 1,200 wireless and broadband nodes and 1,600 kilometers of backbone fiber slated for underground migration. These sustained efforts have helped maintain a consistent network, ensuring customers enjoy consistent connectivity across mobile, broadband, and enterprise services. Globe remains focused on further strengthening its fiber network nationwide, combining engineering precision, community partnership, and proactive maintenance to build a network that keeps the Philippines connected and future-ready.

Drug dealers nabbed with P6.8-M shabu in Benguet

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

TUBA, Benguet – A pair of drug dealers were arrested in a buy-bust operation with one kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million at the Badiwan viaduct, Barangay Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet, on October 18. According to the Benguet Drug Enforcement Agency (lead agency) and Tuba Municipal Police Station, they have been monitoring the suspects, a 43-year-old male resident of Baguio City and his 42-year-old female companion from Cavite, for over a month in connection with their delivery of shabu in Pangasinan and Baguio City. They transacted with the suspect through their police asset who agreed on one kilo of shabu to be delivered. The suspect allegedly chose to meet at the Badiwan viaduct. Confiscated from the two was one kilo of suspected shabu in a vacuum sealed plastic sachet with a Chinese mark labeled as tea blocks with a street value of P6.8 million. Also recovered were more than P700,000 in boodle money and their new electric SUV. It was learned that the suspects were caught with illegal drugs in 2005, which will now be thoroughly investigated to see if they are connected to a large-scale drug syndicate, due to its large-scale sale of shabu in Northern Luzon. The suspects will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

BCDA upskills indigenous farmers through Ayta Ethno Botanical Center in New Clark City

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — Through the Ayta Ethno-Botanical Center (AEBC) in New Clark City, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is empowering indigenous farmers in Tarlac with end-to-end agricultural skills—from sustainable crop production to value chain participation and market access—ensuring that communities thrive both economically and ecologically. Spearheaded by BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, the AEBC is a model of community-based sustainability—where indigenous knowledge meets modern agricultural innovation. The program equips Ayta farmers with practical skills in sustainable crop production, climate-resilient farming, post-harvest handling, and agripreneurship, empowering them to become both food producers and market players. Now on its 14th week, the AEBC program aims to empower 300 Ayta farmers in Capas and Bamban, Tarlac through hands-on, farm-based training implemented in partnership with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III. Located on a 10-hectare learning site in Sitio Binyayan, Capas, the AEBC serves as a living classroom and livelihood hub where Ayta farmers are trained in rice and high-value crop production, including coffee, mango, and various vegetables. These new competencies help them diversify income, improve food security, and restore traditional respect for the land. Beyond cultivation, the AEBC program also helps prepare trainees for educational equivalency certifications in agriculture and agribusiness, giving them formal recognition that strengthens their employability and access to government support. “This role is truly meaningful because it contributes to our bigger goal of ensuring food security,” said Engr. Bingcang. “It’s about empowering stakeholders and engaging the community, especially our indigenous partners in New Clark City. We want them to be part of this progress—to harness their skills and strengths in agriculture and turn it into something we can proudly showcase in New Clark City.” Members of the Ayta community sort newly harvested eggplants at Ayta Ethno Botanical Center. BCDA photo In recent sessions, Ayta farmers harvested over 43 kilos of eggplants and 6.5 kilos of green chili from their demo plots and completed a module on Climate Resilience in Agriculture, learning adaptive strategies to thrive amid changing weather conditions. For the Ayta community, the AEBC has already proven transformative. “Malaking tulong po sa amin ito. Ang project na ito ay binigay ng BCDA kaya ipinagmamalaki namin ito, kaya kami ay nagsisikap (This is a big help to our community. This project was initiated by BCDA, that is why we take pride in it, and we work hard.),” said Sitio Binyayan Chieftain Berling Capiz. “Marami po kaming natutunan at gusto po naming mas marami pang ganitong proyekto. (We are learning a lot, and we hope to have more project similar to this.)” BCDA Executive Vice President and COO Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo, along with BCDA officers and members of the media, joins the Ayta community at the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center. BCDA photo For BCDA Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo, the BCDA’s mission is to lift the Ayta community through sustainable agribusiness and innovative farming techniques, all while prioritizing the preservation of their cultural identity. “Hindi lang po kami nakatuon sa aming pakikipag-usap sa mga foreign investors, sa mga local investors, mahalaga rin po para sa amin na bigyang-pansin ang aming mga kapwa Pilipino, tulad ninyo, dahil masaya kami na mapapanatili namin ang inyong kultura (We are not only focused on engaging with foreign investors, but also with local investors. It is equally important for us to give attention to our fellow Filipinos, like you, because we are happy to be able to help preserve your culture),” she added. The AEBC initiative supports BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By building the capacities of indigenous communities and promoting sustainable food systems, BCDA ensures that the growth of New Clark City advances inclusive, resilient, and people-centered development.

Zambales honors local legislators who helped shape brighter future of the province

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Ruben A. Veloria Members and staff of the Sangguniang Bayan of Cabangan, poses with Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. after conferred as 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sangguniang Bayan (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category), and received a plaque and P300,000.00 in cash, during the Zambales Exemplary Achievers as Legislators Awards Ceremony held in Subic Bay Freeport on Tuesday. (Photo by Zambales for the People) SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines – The provincial government of Zambales recognized the contribution of local legislators in formulating laws and ordinances that resulted in the upliftment of the lives of Zambaleños and the continuing development of the province. Initiated by Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the provincial vice governor together with the board members, the vice mayors and members of the municipal council were convened to the 2025 Zambales Exemplary Achievement as Legislators (ZEAL) Awarding Ceremony held at the Travelers Hotel here, recently. Also present during the momentous event were the municipal mayors who supported the delegates, the local Sangguniang Bayan secretaries and other staff. Governor Ebdane said that the event was surprisingly different from what he believed years ago. “Time has really changed a lot. We have reached the era where real winners win; and deserving people were recognized. Thanks to DILG,” he said. Gov. Ebdane emphasized that the real success is measured by moving together, united towards mutual development, and to dreaming of uplifting the lives of the constituents, “we should serve as their inspiration to dream big.” The governor likewise, encouraged the legislators to start making preparations to face the uncertainties, such as disasters, or The Big One. “We really don’t know when and where a disaster will strike. But we must always be ready to respond, just in case the inevitable happened in our time,” he added. He said that being a public servant, legislators should always prioritize the welfare of the community, and being ready to any kind of disaster should always be the first priority. As for the winners, the Municipality of Cabangan was conferred as 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sangguniang Bayan (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category), and received a plaque and P300,000.00 in cash, and to represent the province in the Regional level. In the 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category, the 2025 ZEAL Most Outstanding Local Sanggunian Bayan was awarded to the Municipality of Iba, along with the plaque and P400,000.00 in cash, and to represent the province in the regional level. Other Best Performers for 2025 ZEAL Awards (1st-3rd Class Municipalities Category): 3rd Runner-Up- Municipality of Subic (plaque and P100,000.00 cash); 2nd Runner-Up- Municipality of Castillejos (plaque and P200,000.00) and 1st Runner-Up- Municipality of Masinloc (plaque and P300,000.00). Meanwhile, Iba Vice Mayor, and concurrent Vice Mayors League of the Phils.-Zambales Chapter, Joan Ballesteros, described the municipal legislators and the Sanggunian staff as pillars of development in the community. Feed backs have manifested that the provincial board members and municipal councilors acted untiringly and with dedication to achieve the voluminous paper works of proposed ordinances and laws submitted by the provincial board members and municipal councilors. They are the instruments to the progression and to the achievement of the objectives of the province. “I am happy for their success as local government officials with integrity and devotion,” said DILG Assistant Regional Director Jay Timbreza. In closing, Philippine Councilors League- Zambales Chapter president Carl Eric Rico commended the local legislators for fulling their oath to the country to serve the people first before serving themselves. “The evidence of our desire to serve the people is shown every day that we serve our local constituents” said Rico.

“Rising Sun” featured in Baguio Christmas Village

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY – ‘Rising Sun’, this is the theme of the annual Christmas Village that the Baguio Country Club reopened to bring joy to residents and tourists, especially the youth in the Summer Capital. It will feature the famous parks in Japan, which, as has been the custom in previous years, will use eco-friendly environment materials. According to Andrew Pinero, BCC communication officer, the Christmas Village first paid tribute to media partners, including its family on October 17 and the grand opening will be on October 18, to which city officials were invited. According to Pinero, in the 15th year of the Christmas Village, the theme is different every year, and the excitement of children will not be lost, with artificial snow now added to make visitors enjoy the nativity show even more every night. It was in 2011 when the employees of the BCC, an exclusive membership resort here, first came up with a Christmas Village with the aim of giving a new attraction to their members and to the Baguio community as a whole, including tourists. It was appreciated by the residents. So, the following year, the employees again came up with a Christmas Village. While it did not carry a theme, the consensus to use recycled environment-friendly materials for the display was carried and used. “ We make sure that visitors also enjoy the food concessionaires that we have placed inside the village and we have also put in more chairs for our senior citizens and PWD’s,” Pinero said. The Christmas Village is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m and the entrance fee is P200 for adults; Children 4-12 years old are P16 and Senior Citizens are P143; PWD Children P115 and children 3 years old and below are free.

AIA Philippines, Anytime Fitness partner to expand Vitality and broaden access to wellness

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

AIA Vitality celebrates 10 years in the Philippines with new ways to live healthy MANILA, Philippines – AIA Philippines has expanded its flagship wellness program, AIA Vitality, through a new partnership with Anytime Fitness, giving Vitality members access to exclusive discounts at all Anytime Fitness locations across the country. The announcement of this new partnership coincides with AIA Vitality’s 10th year in the country, and is just one of many enhancements AIA is launching to mark this milestone. Through this partnership, AIA Vitality members enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on 12-month Anytime Fitness memberships and earn 100 Vitality Points per gym visit. These points contribute to unlocking higher membership tiers within the program, and can enable members to earn increased insurance coverage, as well as other rewards such as e-vouchers and partner offers, encouraging members to incorporate physical activity into daily routines and build lasting healthy habits. AIA Philippines’ Rethink Healthy study, which surveyed over 1,000 Filipinos nationwide, found that while most respondents define health beyond physical, challenges like financial stress, lack of rest, and the challenge of sustaining healthy habits remain widespread. AIA Vitality helps close these gaps by guiding members toward a more holistic approach to wellness, encouraging small, consistent actions and rewarding healthier choices across physical, mental, financial and environmental well-being. Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippines, said, “The Rethink Healthy study confirmed that Filipinos want to be more active but face barriers in sustaining holistic wellness habits. This partnership with Anytime Fitness makes building healthy habits more accessible to our customers. In addition, their integration in our AIA Vitality program also makes visiting their gyms rewarding. Anytime Fitness’ nationwide presence and 24/7 accessibility perfectly complement AIA Vitality’s goal of integrating health into everyday life. As we mark a decade of AIA Vitality, we remain committed to evolving the program to meet the needs of our members and, more broadly, the Filipinos we serve.” AIA Vitality is a science-backed wellness program that encourages members to make healthier choices by rewarding them with increased insurance coverage and other rewards. Members earn points for activities such as exercising, undergoing health checks, sleeping better and meeting nutrition goals. Mark De Joya, COO of Inspire Brands Asia, the exclusive master franchisee for Anytime Fitness across Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, emphasized the shared vision between the brands, “Anytime Fitness is proud to operate over 5,600 clubs worldwide, including almost 200 here in the Philippines. Less than 1% of people in the region currently have a fitness membership, which shows how much potential there is to make wellness accessible. Partnering with AIA Vitality allows us to take our purpose seriously at both a personal and community level, helping more Filipinos prioritize their health every day while creating meaningful impact together.” By integrating Anytime Fitness into its health ecosystem and guided by Rethink Healthy insights, AIA Philippines positions AIA Vitality at the intersection of insurance, technology, and healthy lifestyle. The partnership directly addresses cost and access barriers, empowering more people to actively rethink what healthy means, and embrace a truly holistic, sustainable approach to well-being. AIA Vitality also offers new ways for members to earn points and access health resources. Members can now earn points for reaching just 5,000 steps in a day, with higher activity levels translating to greater rewards. Members can earn more points by using the app’s face scan function to regularly monitor and record health measures such as pulse rate, blood pressure and stress level. New Vitality members can receive an eGift voucher for linking a fitness device or app with Vitality for the first time, and earning their first fitness points. In addition, a new wellness hub within the AIA Vitality app serves as a dedicated resource center, offering expert videos, practical guides, and health tips to help members better understand their progress and maximize their wellness journey. The Hub is intended as an always-available companion, providing members with personalized support and actionable insights to make healthier living a daily habit. ### About AIA Philippines AIA Philippines (AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company Inc.) formerly AIA Philam Life (The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company), is the country’s premier life insurance company. Originally established on 21 June 1947 and became popularly known as Philam Life, AIA Philippines has earned the trust of customers for its financial strength, strong brand name, and ability to deliver on its promises. AIA Philippines has PHP 257.76 billion in total assets and PHP 57.35 billion in net worth as of 31 December 2024 while serving nearly 1.2 million individual policyholders and nearly 800,000 insured group members. AIA Philippines understands the needs of its customers and provides holistic solutions that include life protection, health insurance, savings, education, retirement, investment, group, and credit life insurance. It also offers bancassurance through its subsidiary, BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (formerly BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation). Based on the unaudited reports submitted to the Insurance Commission as of 31 December 2024, the combined total premium income of AIA Philippines and BPI AIA was at PHP 29.77 billion. AIA Philippines is a member of AIA Group Limited, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. AIA Philippines and BPI AIA are regulated by the Insurance Commission. About AIA AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR(1), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR(2), and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd. The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading

La Trinidad LGU asks DPWH to reconsider stop order

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Mayor Roderick Awingan has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to exclude the ongoing road construction project from Km. 5 to Km. 6 of this valley’s national road from the department’s order suspending all reblocking works nationwide. Sec. Vincent Dizon of the DPWH issued the stoppage order on October 7, 2025 in view of the agency’s ongoing investigations on road projects. Isagani Cayme, Benguet 1st District Engineer, wrote to the mayor’s office that the reblocking works in the municipality will be suspended effective Oct. 13, 2025. Believing that stopping the project would do more harm than good, Awingan immediately wrote the DPWH on Oct. 14, 2025 not to include the municipality in the suspension order. The project has now come to a halt in view of the DPWH order, causing further traffic jams daily. Awingan said that the project has already commenced and it is now at its critical stage, adding that the project requires immediate completion to prevent further inconvenience to motorists and the riding public. “Besides, Sec. Dizon’s order said that those works that have already been commenced should pursue completion at the earliest possible time,” he said. Awingan appealed to the DPWH to reconsider the suspension order and allow the project to proceed, particularly on the excavated areas and broken portions to avoid deterioration, restore normal traffic flow, and ensure public safety. The road forms part of the Baguio – Bontoc road network. The project started in August and was calendared to be finished by May next year, although DPWH engineers and the contractor assured the local government that they would exert effort to complete the project earlier. The DPWH has yet to reply as of today. (By DOC)

Author name: Street Journal

Borongan City to introduce New Eco Trail for hiking enthusiasts