Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — Congressman Edwin C. Ongchuan, Representative of Northern Samar’s 2nd District, welcomed the approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the grid connection of the Lihangin Wind Energy Corporation (LWEC) San Isidro Wind Power Project, describing it as a major step forward in advancing clean and reliable energy in the province. The 206-megawatt wind power project in the municipality of San Isidro was authorized by the ERC to connect to the Visayas grid through the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substations in Calbayog and San Isidro. The project, a joint venture of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp., and Singapore-based Vena Energy, is expected to begin commercial operations by February next year. As former Governor of Northern Samar, Congressman Ongchuan led the province’s investment and renewable energy initiatives through his “Winvest” campaign, which aimed to attract investors and create an environment conducive to sustainable growth. The campaign laid the groundwork for the entry of renewable energy projects that now position Northern Samar as an emerging hub for green investments in Eastern Visayas. The ERC approval of the San Isidro Wind Power Project affirms the continuing results of those early investment efforts. This will hopefully strengthen the overall stability of the Visayas grid. It supports the long-term goal of reducing dependence on imported fuels and promoting more affordable and sustainable electricity across the region. The wind project has secured all necessary permits from the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Once operational, it will add significant renewable energy capacity to the Visayas grid and help achieve national clean energy targets. Congressman Ongchuan reiterated his commitment to advancing policies in Congress that support renewable energy, infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth for Northern Samar. He emphasized that collaboration between government, private investors, and local communities remains vital in ensuring inclusive development and a resilient energy future for the province. (Segundo Distrito)

The silent builders: why leadership recruitment is the quiet and stable force to nation-building

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Now in its 20th year, Global Executive Solutions Group highlights the impact of leadership in shaping organizations and industries that contribute significantly to the economy. As one of the preferred executive search firms in the Philippines, Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) has quietly shaped the leadership landscape that comprise of conglomerates and multinationals to emerging SMEs. In fact, a nation’s economy depends on its industries, such as financials, industrials, and services. Thus, strong conglomerates and organizations with effective leadership at the helm are crucial for a country’s continued economic growth. As a trusted contributor to this landscape, GESG is sharing its insights on leadership recruitment, transformation, and creating a significant impact by strategically identifying the right fit for the right kind of leader that drives organizations. Strong and effective leadership can be measured across three levels: organization, industry, and economy. Leaders can make or break organizations, and an effective leader ensures the organization’s self-sufficiency and resilience. As a result, these leaders become visionaries who raise industry standards and foster healthy competition between similar organizations, bringing together best practices that can affect entire sectors. Finally, at a macro level, effective leadership drives job creation, global investment, and sector expansion. Even a single leadership decision can spur progress for a nation at large. This ripple effect is aided and facilitated by firms like GESG, whose proactive, targeted recruitment approach helps build high-performing teams that can work towards promotion of national progress. “Great corporate leadership does not only guide a company, it also contributes to a nation’s economic development, and cultural and social progress,” shared Ray Canilao, President and CEO of GESG. “A great corporate leader has a vision for the future that drives not just a single organization but also sustainable growth and stability in a country.” It is this mindset that directs GESG’s considerations in executive search and placement. Through its 20 years of practice, GESG has refined a five-point evaluation framework that balances technical qualifications with cultural alignment. This approach has earned the trust and loyalty of clients for over a decade, and considers: Organizational culture fit: ensuring leaders can thrive within a company’s unique values and environment; Career trajectory: aligning opportunities with a candidate’s long-term professional goals; Leadership style: matching management approaches to organizational needs; Financial and operational stability: gauging an organization’s ability to sustain business performance and fulfill a candidate’s compensation expectations; and Work-life integration: recognizing the personal factors that influence long-term leadership success. “Executive search is an organization’s external support, a partner of CEOs and human resource professionals. It becomes a strategic ally in identifying the right organizational leaders to fulfill the vision of these companies by building itself from the ground up and sustaining its business operations,” Canilao added. Aside from conglomerate leadership, GESG’s placements have gone on to head major organizations, professionalize startups, and return world-class Filipino leaders to the Philippines, contributing to industry transformation and national growth. By providing proactive, intuitive recruitment, the firm continues to be a trusted partner in helping companies fulfill their vision. As GESG enters its third decade, a new generation of leadership will require leaders who are innovative, resilient, adaptable and empathetic—ones who can keep up with the demands of digital transformation, sustainability, and the evolving needs and attitudes of workforces. GESG remains committed to its main strength: nurturing the human relationships that define its service. “Substantially, the competitive advantage of nations, companies whether big or small, conglomerate or multinational, are in the quality of its leaders,” Canilao concluded. “Leaders should always be strong but with compassion, empathy, and integrity. Integrity is a core value and foundation of our work.” About Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) is one of the Philippines’ leading executive search firms, with 20 years of experience placing mid- to senior-level leaders across industries. Known for its personalized, relationship-driven approach and rigorous five-point evaluation framework, GESG has become a trusted partner for conglomerates, multinationals, and SMEs in building leadership teams that drive organizational and national progress.

Baguio Water District Named Among 2025 Utility of the Future Today Honorees

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Baguio Water District (BWD) has been recognized as one of the forty-one (41) 2025 Utility of the Future Today (UotFT) Honorees, achieving a historic milestone as the first Philippine water utility to join this distinguished roster of leading water agencies worldwide. The recognition was formally conferred during the 2025 Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA, on September 30. Representing the District were Ms. Luzvimin G. Ramos, Internal Audit Division Manager and Atty. Ariana G. Pacunayen, Corporate Attorney B. BWD is only the sixth non-U.S. and non-Canadian water agency to be named to the list since the program’s launch in 2016. Previous international honorees include Aarhus Vand and VCS Denmark (both from Denmark, 2016), Queensland Urban Utilities (Australia, 2019), Watercare Services Limited (Auckland, New Zealand, 2019), and the Dubai Municipality, Department of Sewage and Recycled Water Networks (United Arab Emirates, 2023). Since its inception, the program has recognized 241 water agencies worldwide. The UotFT Recognition Program celebrates forward-thinking water utilities that move beyond traditional water supply and wastewater management services to become leaders in resource recovery and sustainable water management. Spearheaded by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the program highlights excellence in five key areas: (1) Water Reuse – recycling treated water for sustainable use; (2) Resource Recovery – harnessing energy and nutrients from water systems; (3) Watershed Stewardship – protecting and enhancing local water resources; (4) Energy Efficiency – reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint; and (5) Community Engagement – building partnerships with stakeholders and the public for long-term impact. As a first-time honoree, BWD was cited for its outstanding work in watershed stewardship and environmental protection – a critical mission for a city dependent on fragile watershed reservations as its primary water source. Central to its effort is the “Adopt-A-Watershed” program, which mobilizes schools, government agencies, civic groups, and non-government organizations (NGOs) in tree planting, nurturing, and clean-up activities. These initiatives not only safeguard water sources but also strengthen community ownership of environmental sustainability. “Being recognized as a Utility of the Future Today honoree affirms BWD’s long-standing commitment to balancing the water needs of Baguio residents with the responsibility of protecting our watersheds for future generations,” said BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca. “This recognition belongs not just to our institution, but to the community we serve—because true watershed stewardship is a shared responsibility.” he added. Watershed stewardship underscores the belief that all natural systems are interconnected. Through adaptive management, long-term vision, and collective action, BWD continues to ensure that Baguio’s vital water resources remain sustainable amid urbanization and climate challenges. With this international honor, BWD now stands among the elite group of global utilities driving innovative, sustainable, and community-centered water management practices – a milestone achievement that firmly places the Philippines on the map of global water sector leadership. -BWD

DOT vows continued support to aviation, tourism infrastructure

NCR, Tourism / Health

NCR, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano represented DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in a panel discussion during the second day of the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit on Thursday (Oct. 9) at the Marriott Hotel Manila. The discussion explored progressive opportunities to support the growth and sustainability of the country’s aviation industry, such as developing a comprehensive aviation master plan, strengthening public-private partnerships, and seeking visionary investors and entrepreneurs to drive the market forward. Speaking on behalf of the Tourism Chief, Undersecretary Tamano reaffirmed the department’s commitment in continuing its partnerships with other government agencies and private stakeholders to further position the Philippines as an accessible and leading tourist destination. “The country is number one in terms of domestic tourism in the whole Southeast Asian region. So, we can say that domestic business is good for our airlines and our airports that are now run by our private partners, so we continue to help in infrastructure, not only our airports, but also our roads from airports leading to new people’s destinations,” Undersecretary Tamano stated. Earlier in the Summit, Secretary Frasco delivered her key address, highlighting the vital role of the tourism and aviation sectors in making the Philippines a safe, inclusive, and accessible destination for the global market. Organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), the two-day Philippine Aviation Summit is a gathering of leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from all around the world to discuss progressive policies and future opportunities aimed at further improving the aviation sector. The panel discussion was moderated by Airline Operators Council Chairman Edgar Allan Nepomuceno and were joined by Lieutenant General Raul Del Rosario from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Ludwig Daza from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Carlos Luis Fernandez from the Philippine Airlines, Helene Burger from Airbus, Joseph Alcazar from the Clark International Airport Corporation, Athanasios Titonis from the Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation, and Stefano Baroncini from Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East.

ECO-WARRIORS AT WORK — NURTURING TREES FOR LIFE

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

SUBIC, Zambales, Philippines — Volunteers from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) joined a mangrove propagation activity held in Binictican at Subic, Zambales, in support of the 47th Anniversary of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) and the 13th Anniversary of the Samahan ng Mamamahayag ng Subic Bay Freeport (SMSF). Over 200 native mangrove saplings were planted by volunteers—strengthening the community’s natural defenses, supporting biodiversity, and helping mitigate the impact of climate change. For three consecutive years, BCDA has taken part in CLMA’s mangrove rehabilitation project as part of its ongoing reforestation initiatives, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Joining the effort were SBMA Chairman & Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, BCDA OIC–Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Engr. Mark Torres and Subic Bay locators.

10,000 runners expected at National Milo Marathon Naga Leg

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

NAGA CITY, Philippines –Through to the initiative of Mayor Leni Robredo, the National Milo Marathon is making its long-awaited return to Naga City this Sunday, October 12, drawing over 10,000 runners for one of the country’s biggest and most prestigious footraces. Race organizer Francis Barja confirmed that the Naga leg—held last in the city in 2017—was included in this year’s lineup of qualifying races upon the request of Mayor Robredo. The marathon will kick off and conclude at Ninoy and Cory Avenue in Central Business District II and is one of 25 legs being held across the Philippines. Organized by RUNRIO, the event will feature 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 21-kilometer runs. The 21K race will start first, with subsequent races taking off at 30-minute intervals. To ensure safety and smooth conduct, 400 volunteers from the Naga City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, radio communication groups, Public Safety Office, medical teams from the city government, and members of the media will be deployed throughout the race route. Following the marathon, an awarding ceremony and an inter-school cheer dance competition will be held at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum. Participants and spectators are advised to observe safety protocols and traffic advisories throughout the event. I via Jason B. Neola

Two faces arrest for circulating Yap’s fake birth certificate

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — A warrant of arrest was issued by the Municipal Trial Court in La Trinidad, Benguet against two individuals accused of Falsification by Private Individual and Use of Falsified Documents under the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The charges stem from the alleged online circulation of a falsified document purported to be the birth certificate of Benguet Congressman Eric Go Yap, questioning his eligibility to run for a seat in Congress during the 2022 and 2025 elections. But the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) had previously dismissed a petition filed by one Franklin Tino seeking to disqualify Yap. In a decision dated June 26, 2025, the poll body dismissed the petition for lack of substantial evidence, noting that the petitioner “merely filed the Petition without presenting any proof of his contentions.” Prior to Yap’s proclamation, his alleged birth certificate was brought out in diferent social media cites, particularly on Facebook, casting doubt on his citizenship. While the MTC warrant itself does not detail the nature of the falsified document, the context indicates it relates to an allegedly falsified birth certificate of the congressman that was circulated online. The court set the bail at P36,000 each for the temporary release of the accused. The criminal action is the latest development in the long-running controversy surrounding the Congressman’s identity and qualifications

LGU Naga employees to embrace mental wellness for better governance

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Naga is actively reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being, with the Sangguniang Panlungsod formally enjoining all city hall personnel to participate in the Emotional Wellness Month activities this October, in line with the global observance of World Mental Health Month. Authored by Councilor Gilda Gayle R. Abonal-Gomez, the proposed resolution stresses the crucial importance of wellness in the workplace, citing mental health as a vital factor in boosting productivity, enhancing job satisfaction, and fostering a supportive work environment. During her privilege speech, Councilor Abonal-Gomez stressed that a flourishing local government “starts with people who feel good about being present,” urging colleagues to maintain the conversation on mental health. ”A workplace that encourages transparency and demands accountability fosters employees’ trust in the system, which in turn motivates them to do their best. This sense of accomplishment leads to a positive well-being,” Gomez highlighted, framing the push not just as a health measure but as an anti-corruption and performance strategy. According to the resolution, the City Government recognizes its duty to ensure employees are given the necessary opportunities and resources to enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, especially when confronting challenges in professional and personal life. This measure highlights Naga’s existing and effective Employee Wellness Program, which aims to maintain a motivated and engaged workforce by promoting both physical health and mental and emotional resilience. To facilitate this, LGU-Naga, through its Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), is actively organizing various wellness sessions and supportive forums. These venues are intended for open discussions on personal and work-related concerns, offering guidance to promote the overall well-being of all personnel. Furthermore, the ultimate goal of this is to evolve the month-long celebration into a permanent, year-round program, ensuring that employee well-being is not a one-off event but a sustained core commitment of the city government. This sustained focus on employee well-being is a fundamental component of the 2028 Naga City Finish Lines to have an efficient, agile, and citizen-focused city government that aligns city hall operations with community goals through a united and performance-driven workforce. | via Maida Boragay

BCDA, Istana-Meridian consortium sign agreement for Mile-Hi revamp

Business

Business / Street Journal

Camp John Hay’s iconic landmark set for transformation into a sustainable commercial hub CAMP JOHN HAY, Baguio City, Philippines — In a move that blends heritage preservation with sustainable development, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has entered into a long-term lease agreement with the consortium of Istana Development Corp. (IDC) and Meridian Commercial Centers, Inc. (MCCI) for the sustainable redevelopment of the Mile-Hi property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. The agreement, signed on 6 October 2025, represents a Php560-million investment aimed at restoring and transforming the 6,647-square-meter property into an upscale commercial hub that honors Camp John Hay’s rich history while promoting local economic growth. “Mile-Hi will once again be a place that welcomes visitors, strengthens local livelihoods, and sustains the spirit of Baguio for generations to come,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said during the signing today. Meanwhile, Jesus Emmanuel Yujuico expressed the organization’s commitment to the project, highlighting its pledge to work with both BCDA and John Hay Management Corporation. “We thank BCDA’s leadership for its confidence in our vision that seeks to balance heritage, sustainability, and innovation,” Mr. Yujuico said. The partnership aims to restore, rehabilitate, and transform the property into an upscale commercial hub, while preserving its historical significance and enhancing the natural and built environment of the surrounding area. Under the agreement, the consortium committed to incorporating sustainable design features aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy consumption, and waste generation. These features may include maximizing access to natural light, enhancing natural ventilation, implementing thermally efficient building designs and envelopes, integrating solar-oriented architecture, and incorporating green roofs and walls. Additional strategies may involve water-sensitive urban design, the use of low-water-demand plant species in landscaping, and avoiding water- and chemical-intensive facilities, such as swimming pools. The Mile Hi property, named for its unique elevation approximately one mile above sea level, holds a special place in Camp John Hay’s history. Once a popular indoor recreation center featuring a bowling alley, billiard and ping-pong tables, arcade games, and a fondly remembered snack bar, the site is poised for a new chapter. Also present during the signing event were IDC Chairperson Benedicto V. Yujuico, IDC Chief Operating Officer Christopher Dy, and BCDA Executive Vice President and COO Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo.

Author name: Street Journal

ERC nod for Northern Samar Wind Farm, marks milestone for renewable energy investments