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Sports Tourism takes center stage in Iloilo

Tourism / Health, Vis-Min / Street Journal

Mr. Charles Lim, President & CEO of Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. Tourism and sports officials pledged to work together to establish Iloilo City and its environs as a major sports hub in the country. This was expressed overwhelmingly at the recently concluded Sports Tourism Forum at the Richmonde Hotel in Iloilo City. Almost one hundred participants from across the province and beyond, belonging to a broad spectrum of the travel and tourism industry and the sports communities witnessed top class speakers reveal best practices in events management, sponsorship expectations and challenges, highlighted with case studies. “The objectives of the one day forum were met with so much synergy between the tourism and sports sectors,” observed Charles Lim of Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc , the main advocate of sport tourism in the country for the past decades and organizer of the Sports Tourism Forum series. ” What was very rewarding were the reactions of event organizers of mega events expressing their keenness in holding events here in Iloilo after realizing its potential, ” added Lim. He cited Princess Galura of Sunrise Events, the organizers of triathlon events such as IRONMAN 70.3 , 51.50, the Rock and Roll Running Series and CyclePH, expressing interest in staging the race events in Iloilo. Similarly, Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, chairman of DuckWorld PH the company that just recently revived the iconic Tour de Luzon. Co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI, headed by Regional Director, Krisma Rodriguez, the Forum also featured speakers from DOT’s national office, Director Roberto Alabado III, Ms. Mary Jamelle Camba , Tourism Head of multi awardee of sports tourism destination, Subic Bay Freeport, Executive Director of the National Big Bike Convention, Mr. Celso “Toots” Jimenez, Jr and Mr. Carlo Sampan of Nestle Philippines who announced that this year’s national finals of the MILO Marathon will be held in Iloilo. Sports aficionados of rugby, surfing, biking, pickleball. rowing, running, among others, with local government officials from across Panay and Negros Occidental actively participated in the Forum. The panel discussion featured Mr. Art Boncato, Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts; Mr. Rein Dayot, head of Sports Development of Iloilo City; Dr. Richard Gabayoyo, professor and sports consultant of West Visayas State University with Mr. Charles Lim, who also is the Founder of Sports Tourism Forum as moderator. “This long awaited event would not have been possible without the support of DOT6, Mayor Jerry Trenas and the City of Iloilo, Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr and the Province of Iloilo, Cebu Pacific Air, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Iloilo MICE Alliance, Richmonde Hotel, The Travel Club, Southwest Tours and Bong Bong’s,” explained Lim. The Sports Tourism Forum dates back to 2004 when it was first held in Cebu in preparation for the 2005 SEA Games. It has since been held multiple times in these cities across the country – Davao, Clark, Subic, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Laoag and Manila.

BCPO arrested 439 violators in King of the Road ordinance

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The intensified implementation of the King of the Road Ordinance by the BCPO from May 29 to June 10, 2025 has resulted in 439 apprehensions, underscoring the police unit’s firm stance on traffic discipline and pedestrian safety. The King of the Road Ordinance reiterates that pedestrians have the right of way, and all motorists are required to yield at designated pedestrian lanes and crossings. The reflected apprehensions reaffirm the strict commitment of BCPO in bringing discipline back to the streets especially on the pedestrians. The City Director, PCol. Ruel D.Tagel said, “This significant increase in apprehensions is a testament to our adherence to OPLAN D.R.I.V.E. (Discipline, Respect, Infrastructure, Vigilance, and Education), a cornerstone initiative aimed at fostering a culture of respect and patience among road users that can create a safer driving environment for everyone.”

Empowered to Serve: SM Cares Volunteers Rise

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

As the country commemorates National Volunteerism Month, SM Cares reaffirmed its commitment to building a more compassionate, resilient, and sustainable nation through a series of volunteer-driven programs and partnerships. Throughout the year, SM employee-volunteers, tenants, and community members joined forces in outreach and sustainability efforts aimed at uplifting lives and protecting the environment. Among the highlights were large-scale coastal cleanup drives, youth-led initiatives like the Global Youth Summit, community-focused events such as the Happy Walk and ASP Angels Walk, and service-oriented employee engagements including Brigada Eskwela and Operation Tulong Express. Each program exemplifies SM Cares’ mission to engage the community in purposeful action. In 2024, over 1,500 SM employees actively participated in various volunteer initiatives, including Angels Walk, Happy Walk, Operation Tulong Express, and Brigada Eskwela. Coastal cleanup drives mobilized more than 27,000 volunteers, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, the Global Youth Summit brought together approximately a thousand student volunteers, highlighting the power of youth engagement in driving positive change. These initiatives were made possible through impactful collaborations with organizations such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd) and the Global Peace Foundation, among others. More than just events, these volunteer efforts are designed to empower individuals and foster inclusion—encouraging employees, partners, and everyday citizens to be change makers in their own communities. “Through volunteerism, we build bridges of empathy, understanding, and shared purpose. SM Cares is proud to cultivate this culture of giving back—one where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can take part in creating a better future,” said Mr. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. As SM Cares continues to champion volunteerism, the public is encouraged to join upcoming activities and discover how small acts of service can lead to big changes—one community at a time. To learn more about SM Cares’ volunteer programs and how you can take part in upcoming initiatives, visit https://linktr.ee/smcares.

P323-M shabu nasabat sa karagatan ng Cagayan

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

Tinatayang aabot sa P323,600,000 ang halaga ng mga drogang sunod-sunod na narekober sa mga karagatang sakop ng Claveria, Sta. Praxedes, at Islang bayan ng Calayan sa Lalawigan Cagayan. Ito ay batay sa inilabas na pagtaya ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 2 matapos isailalim ang mga nasabat na mga kontrabando sa pagsusuri. Sa datos na inilabas ng ahensya, umabot sa himigit-kumulang isang kilo ng pinaniniwalaang shabu ang narekober sa Sitio Narvacan, Barangay Dilam nitong Hunyo 13, 2025, na nagkakahalaga ng P5,700,000 habang nagsasagawa ng seaborne patrol ang mga awtoridad sa lugar. Ang sumunod namang narekober ng dalawang mangingisda na dalawang sako na naglalaman ng mga pinaniniwalaang shabu kasama ang isang asul na gallon na may lamang hindi pa matukoy na uri ng likido sa Barangay Centro 6, Claveria, Cagayan nitong Hunyo 15, 2025 ay tinatayang nagkakahalaga umano ng P312,800,000. Iniulat ng PDEA Region 2 na ang dalawang sako ay may tatak na “Daguanyin” at Chinese characters kung saan nakalagay ang 44 vacuum-sealed plastic ng mga kontrabando na umaabot sa humigit-kumulang 44 kilo ang timbang. Sa kaparehong araw ay nakarekober pa ang ilang mangingisda sa dalampasigan ng Sitio Mingay, Barangay San Juan Sta. Praxedes ng isang garbage bag na naglalaman ng humigit kumulang 750 grams ng pinaniniwalaang shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P 5,100,000. Sa ngayon, patuloy naman ang maigting na pagpapatrolya ng mga awtoridad sa mga dalampasigan at karagatang sakop ng lalawigan upang mabantayan ang pagkalat ng mga iligal na kontrabando. Una na ring inihayag ng Cagayan PNP na patuloy din ang koordinasyon ng hanay ng kapulisan at ng iba pang law enforcement unit upang matiyak ang maayos na paglalatag ng mga polisiyang tututok sa paglaganap ng iligal na gawain sa Lalawigan ng Cagayan. Cagayan PIO ðŸ“·PDEA Region 2

Gov.Guico pinasimulan na ang proyektong flood control sa capitol complex

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Nagpapatuloy ang bisyon na gawing turismo ang kabisera ng Pangasinan sa hinaharap dahil sinimulan na ng Provincial Engineers Office ang pagtatayo ng flood control component ng Capitol Complex redevelopment na inaasahang matatapos sa Setyembre sa susunod na taon. Sinabi ni PEO head Amadeo Veras na on-going ang pagpapagawa ng drainage canals sa magkabilang gilid ng Capitol Complex. Ang pagbabago sa kabiserang bayan bilang tourism mecca ay isa sa mga legacy project ni Gov. Ramon V. Guico III na inaakala rin niya bilang commercial district. Ito ang sinabi ng gobernador na maaaring gawin sa pagtatayo ng iba’t ibang modernong istruktura tulad ng 11-palapag na sentro/tore ng pamahalaan; ang 1,500-seater convention hall at ang reflecting pool at interactive fountain bilang isa sa mga atraksyon. Nais din ni Gob. Guico na palawakin ang mga kalsada, magbigay ng mga parking space at ang nasabing pagtatayo ng mga flood control facility upang matugunan ang patuloy na pagbaha sa lugar. Sinabi ni Engr. Veras na ang mga floodgate ay gagawin at mga drainage canal sa kahabaan ng San Vicente River na matatagpuan sa Maramba Boulevard na palalawakin. Ang drainage system, na umaabot ng halos dalawang kilometro (mula sa Kapitolyo hanggang Maramba Boulevard) ay magsisilbing catch basin ng tubig-baha mula sa Capitol area. Sinabi ni Gob.Guico na sinimulan na ng kanyang administrasyon ang disenyo noong huling quarter ng 2023 para sa komprehensibong pagbabago at modernized na bersyon ng Provincial Capitol Complex. Itinuturing na puso at kaluluwa ng kabiserang bayan, ang makasaysayang lugar ay matagal nang nagsisilbing lugar para sa iba’t ibang aktibidad ng pamahalaan at sentro para sa iba’t ibang serbisyong pampubliko. Makikita rin sa vision ang revitalization ng mga kasalukuyang gusali at pagsasama ng mga green space. Gusto rin ni Gob.Guico ng bagong hitsura ng war memorial na itinuturing na isang mahalagang simbolo ng mayamang kasaysayan ng Pangasinan at ang papel nito na tumulong sa pagwawakas ng World War II noong 1945.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan State of the Province Address

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan details his administration’s milestones over the past years, recognizing the community’s contribution to these achievements, during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan assembled in a session at the Capitol Gym, and local chief executives, national government agency and provincial government heads, non-government organizations and private sector. He detailed significant efforts across various development areas primarily in agriculture and economic development, roadworks and infrastructure improvement, employment, good governance, peace and resiliency, education and youth empowerment, healthcare and social services, sustainable eco-tourism and environmental management, aptly coined in his development framework, Sustained PROGRESS. From increased access to education through new scholarship programs – medical, nursing and agriculture, to securing billions of investment commitments, key infrastructure projects that include 23 classrooms completed, 17 farm to market roads, 38 evacuation centers, bridges and health stations in the province, the Governor accounted significant strides in the tourism sector, paving the way for Northern Samar to be placed in the country’s tourism map. More than a report, the Governor’s SOPA paid tribute to the overwhelming support that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Mayors, PGNS heads and employees, NGAs, NGOs, private sector stakeholders and the community have extended him, apart from that of his family – wife Ms. Bles, children, brothers and immediate relations. “Ang SOPA na eto ay isa ring pasasalamat at pagpupugay sa lahat na aking naging katuwang sa pagbabago ng ating lalawigan.Taos puso ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat na nagbigay inspirasyon, nakiisa, tumangkilik at nagpamalas ng pagmamahal. Lahat ng aking nakamit ay bunga ng ating pagkakaisa at paninindigan”. Sa pagtatapos ng aking termino bilang Gobernador, at sa pagsisimula ng bagong yugto bilang kinatawan ng ikalawang distrito sa Kongreso, dala ko ang inyong tiwala at ang walang kapantay na pagmamahal sa probinsya,” he said, reassuring his constituency of his continued commitment and pursuit of a progressive, resilient and happy Nortehanon community.

UC’s golfer 2nd runner-up in ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour Launch

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

By Primo Agatep BAGUIO CITY – Ranz Louie Balay-odao , student-athlete of University of Cordilleras (UC) on Monday (June 16) managed the sweltering heat and tough course at the challenging Sherwood Hills Golf Club to capture second runner-up in individual honors of the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour Launch in Trece Martirez City ,Cavite. Balay-odao, 22 , who traces his roots to Bakun-Buguias (Benguet), stunned the highly competitive field including members of the national team ,scored four-over 76, highlighted by four birdies including his longest eight-foot birdie putt. ‘ My short game keyed my performance. My irons are okay.However, it was hit and miss on my driver … I did some miscalculations,’ said team captain Balay-odao, a third year Business Management student of UC,and with Camp John Hay Golf Club as their home course. The determined, Balay-odao, started at the back nine with 1- over, marked by two birdies (11th and 16th). At the homestretch, Balay-odao , one stroke behind the leader, squandered his chance in the last hole 9th when his tee shot landed in the hazard for a double bogey en route to 3-over on the front. Earlier, he fired two birdies on the 1st and 7th.‘ First of all, I thank God for the trophy…experience and for safety of our team,’ said Balay-odao, who volunteered to be the driver ‘to lessen expenses.’ They motored down past 1AM on a chilly Monday, and arrived at the tournament site in time for their 9:10AM tee times on a hot weather condition. ‘I would like also to thank my parents who have been very supportive ever since…to UC especially to Ray Dean Salvosa, and to UC Sports Development Office (SDO),’Balay-odao added. ‘And to coach Danny Zarate. He was a big help. His tips on how to play was very useful since he had played the course (Sherwood Hills GC) a number of times. He taught us to be composed.’ ‘Ranz played well, except his last hole 9th where he made a ‘bad drive’..he was to aggressive,’ said coach Zarate, who accompanied the local players. ‘Participating in a high level tournaments will further develop their golf skills and mental toughness…golf is a game of patience,’ stressed the veteran ace golfer Zarate now Camp John Hay pro. Balay-odao teammates- Czendel Jay Guanso (UC) and Lance Kiat-ong struggled with, 90 and 91,respectively. It was learned that the local boys shouldered their expenses in the said tournament. Actually, ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf Tour, launched by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., (PGTI) and Philippine Golf Foundation (PGF), aimed at establishing the foundation in making golf an official sport for student-athletes, with the hope of providing them scholarship program.

7K KADUNUNGAN Program sa Sorsogon

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

Kasabay ng unang araw ng pasukan, namigay ng libreng school supplies ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Sorsogon sa lahat ng mag-aaral sa mga pampublikong paaralan ng Matnog, Casiguran, Barcelona, at Donsol bilang bahagi ng proyektong “Gamit mo, Sagot ko” sa ilalim ng 7K Kadunungan Program. Ilan sa natanggap ng mga mag-aaral ay mga bagong uniporme, bag, notebook, payong at iba pa. Kasabay rin nito ang pamamahagi ng libreng tinapay sa mga benepisyaryo sa ilalim ng Pan sa Paaralan Program na naglalayong itaguyod ang edukasyon at kalusugan ng bawat mag-aaral sa lalawigan.

Cebu Pacific records 2.4M passengers in May, Seat Load Factor Reaches 86.4%

Business

Business / Street Journal

Cebu Paciﬁc (CEB) carried 2.4 million passengers in May 2025, a 21.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Seat load factor (SLF) increased to 86.4% from 86.2% last year while seat capacity grew by 21.3%. Domestic passengers grew 19.9% versus May 2024 on 19.7% higher seats, with a SLF of 91.0%. International passenger traﬃc, meanwhile, grew 27.5% year over year on 25.7% higher seats, which allowed a 1.0 percentage point increase in SLF to 75.0%. For year-to-date 2025, CEB passengers grew to 11.7 million, marking a 23.7% increase from 9.4 million in 2024. Domestic passengers grew 23.2% to 8.7 million, while international passengers grew 24.9% to 3.0 million. SLF averaged 85.0%, while overall capacity in seats grew 23.1% to 13.7 million. “Passenger traﬃc continued to see high year-on-year growth through the ﬁrst ﬁve months of 2025. Seat load factor is tracking ahead of last year reﬂecting robust air travel as additional capacity continues to be absorbed by demand,” said Mike Szucs, Chief Executive Oﬃcer of CEB. “We remain focused on aligning capacity to meet the demand while continuing to manage the engine and supply chain challenges aﬀecting the industry.”

Author name: Street Journal