Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By CMDacoro-Albay PIO Legazpi City– The Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Philippines Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macau (PHCHAM) recently signed a Sister Chamber Agreement to strengthen economic development, trade, and industrial cooperation between Albay, Hong Kong, and Macau,on October 21. In an interview, ACCI President Rosemarie Quinto-Rey highlighted the significance of the partnership in promoting trade and facilitating joint ventures, particularly in energy and industrial development. “This partnership is very important, the last time we have 50 investors, all are willing to make investments here in Legazpi, Albay, for the first batch they intend to invest in solar farms, subdivision for OFWs, yung electronic vehicles, and they also have yung solar bike,” Quinto-Rey said. She added that these investment pledges are just part of the initial proposals for Albay, with ongoing discussions to explore potential projects in water system development. CMDacoro, Albay PI

14 farmer cooperative nakatanggap ng makinarya sa Quezon

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

LUCENA CITY — Sa pamamagitan ng Department of Agriculture (DA)-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), pormal nang naipagkaloob sa 14 Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCA) sa lalawigan ng Quezon ang mga libreng makabagong makinarya sa ginanap na programa sa Quezon Convention Center, Lucena City, Oktubre 21. Naipamigay ang pang-agrikulturang kagamitan na Four-wheel Tractor at Rice Combine Harvester sa ilalim ng Mechanization Program ng Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) na nabuo dahil sa Republic Act No. 11203 o Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) na isinulong ni Senator Cynthia Aguilar Villar. Labis naman ang pasasalamat ni Governor Doktora Helen Tan, dahil malaki ang maitutulong ng mga makinarya para sa mas magaan at maunlad na pamumuhay ng ating mga kalalawigan na magsasaka. Samantala, nakasama sa nasabing seremonya sina PhilMech FMFOD Chief – Engr. May Ville Castro bilang kinatawan ni PhilMech Director IV – Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, APCO Quezon – John Oliver Sarmiento bilang kinatawan ni DA IV-A Regional Director Fidel Libao, at Provincial Agriculturist – Dr. Liza Mariano.

Nueva Vizcaya collects P46.9-M fees from sand and gravel in nine-months

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO), proudly reported a significant increase in the collection of sand and gravel fees, amounting to ₱46,936,691.62 from January to September 2024. This impressive figure represents a collection efficiency of 144.39%, a testament to the rigorous regulations implemented by PENARO. During the flag-raising ceremony today, PENARO head, Forester Tito Tanguilig shared the positive news, highlighting that the revenue generated from sand and gravel fees is distributed among the barangays (40%) and the municipal and provincial governments, each receiving 30%. The provincial government’s share alone amounts to ₱23,083,244. Forester Tanguilig expressed optimism that, with three months remaining in the year, they could potentially collect an additional ₱10 million. The PENARO has set a target collection of ₱32.5 million for sand and gravel fees this year, and with the current momentum, achieving this goal seems increasingly attainable. Governor Gambito commended the efforts of PENARO in ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources while also maximizing revenue for local development. The ongoing increase in collections not only reflects the effectiveness of their regulatory measures but also underscores the provincial government’s commitment to fostering growth and benefiting local communities.

Baguio Tourism Council and Colorado Springs Fil-Am Chamber begin talks on sister city partnership

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) initiated formal discussions with the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce from Colorado, USA on October 19, 2024, marking the start of talks aimed at establishing a Sister City partnership between Baguio and Colorado Springs. The meeting, led by BTC Chair Gladys Vergara, was attended by key city officials, including Samantha Hamada, Chief of Staff for the City Mayor, City Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Alec Mapalo, Assistant City Administrator VJ Cawis, and BTC representative for Heritage, Arts, Culture, and Media, Ferdie John Balanag. Representing the Colorado Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce were President Florian de Castro, Executive Director Jonas Gonzales, Vice President for Membership Lenie de Castro, Vice President for Programs and Events Anne Gonzales, and Vice President for Trade and International Relations Marcial Dumlao. Discussions covered potential collaborations in key areas such as smart mobility, waste management, traffic solutions, and MSME development through incubators and accelerators for young entrepreneurs. The dialogue also emphasized eco-tourism, sports tourism, academic exchanges—including J1 visa programs for Hospitality and Tourism Management (HRM)—and certification programs for allied medical services. “This meeting sets the stage for building a solid framework toward a Sister City agreement,” Vergara remarked. “We are exploring various partnerships that will benefit both cities, particularly in tourism, trade, culture, and environmental sustainability.” The BTC and Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce also deliberated on strategies to enhance skills development, arts promotion, and manpower training, aiming for long-term cooperation between Baguio and Colorado Springs. Vergara emphasized the significance of this partnership in expanding Baguio’s global network, noting the mutual benefits to both the city’s economy and its international relations. The next step in this initiative will be a formal meeting between the mayors of Baguio and Colorado Springs, a crucial milestone in finalizing the Sister City agreement.

Leyte PPO secures peaceful, meaningful 80th Leyte Gulf Landing commemoration

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

KUTA KANKABATO, SAN JOSE, TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte Provincial Police Office, successfully secured the 80th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing, resulting in a resounding success and ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for the event held at MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park on October 20, 2024. Col.Dionisio DC Apas,Jr., provincial director said the commemoration drew a large gathering of attendees, including high-ranking government officials, foreign dignitaries, and other distinguished guests. In close coordination with other concerned government agencies, the LPPO implemented a comprehensive security plan, which included a full alert status declared across Leyte Province. Notably, no significant incidents were reported throughout the commemoration. The traffic rerouting plan, implemented in coordination with the Palo Auxiliary Traffic Unit (PATU), ensured smooth traffic flow throughout the week leading up to and during the event. Apas commended the efforts of the LPPO personnel and the organizers, stating, “We are honored to have played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of this historic commemoration. The success of this event is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our personnel, and we are grateful for the collaborative efforts of all involved.” The 80th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the event and the bravery of those who fought for freedom. The successful security measures ensured that the focus remained on honoring the veterans and their sacrifice.

Globe Network, personnel ready for ‘Kristine’

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Globe has made preparations for the potential impact of Tropical Depression Kristine, which is expected to intensify as it moves closer to Philippine territory. Network facilities in areas on the path of the storm are ready with generators and batteries to ensure connectivity services despite potential commercial power outages due to the weather system. Globe’s technical and support personnel have also been prepositioned along with critical supplies in case immediate response is needed in areas that may be affected by the storm. Globe is also ready to deploy Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng WiFi Services in areas where the storm may cause severe power and service outages. “Our network was built to be resilient to ensure that our services will remain operational despite weather disturbances. In case factors outside our control, such as commercial power outages due to the storm, affect our facilities, our personnel are at hand to undertake immediate restoration work. Rest assured that we’re ready for Kristine’s onslaught,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. Tropical Depression Kristine is forecast to move west northwest towards the Philippine landmass and intensify into a tropical storm by Tuesday. It is expected to further gain strength, escalating into a typhoon by Thursday before a potential landfall in Cagayan. On Monday morning, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over Catanduanes and parts of Northern and Eastern Samar. Globe urges communities on the path of the storm to prepare food, water, medicine, first aid kits, emergency light sources and batteries, and charge their mobile devices in anticipation of Kristine’s impact. Globe also reminds the public to stay tuned for weather updates only from legitimate and trusted news sources. Globe provides free data access to the website of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to help customers access timely and verified weather updates.

1st Filipino indigenous woman educator lauded

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Baguio City officials recently congratulated and commended Vicky S. Macay for being the first Filipino and one of the six global recipients of the Indigenous Women Educators Award from the Indigenous-Led Education Network (ILED Network) last September 5, 2024. In a resolution, local legislators stated that Macay, whose recent achievement of being honored and celebrated for her contributions in advocating for education and preserving indigenous knowledge, has once again proved her valuable role to the Ibaloi community, as well as to the city. ILED Network, which was established and created in 2020, is a growing collaborative network organization in support of education led by indigenous peoples, to harness the power of indigenous-led education and to make indigenous communities, especially indigenous children and youth, more resilient for the future. Further, the ILED Network is being managed by the ILED Support Team consisting of three northern-based organizations, Both Ends from the Netherlands, Forest Peoples Program from England and Rutu Foundation from the Netherlands. The role of this team is to facilitate, coordinate and support the work of the ILED Network and grassroots initiatives. On September 5, 2024 in celebration of International Day of Indigenous Women, the ILED Network launched the Ingenious Women Educators campaign to celebrate the exceptional stewards of life and highlight their contributions to education. The selection process was based on nominations made by several network partners, reviewed by the network’s regional facilitators, secretariat, and a small group of indigenous women members who were not involved in any nominations which ultimately led to the selection of six women from all over the world, one of which is Macay from the Philippines. Macay is a 70-year old Ibaloi leader from Loakan. She is a respected community leader, educator, indigenous peoples rights advocate, volunteer worker and an award winning author. Macay is one of the key leaders of the Onjon ni Ivadoy, author and co-author of several books, a member of the Council of Elders of Baguio and Chairperson of the Baguio-based nongovernment organization Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines (PIKP). She has been teaching Ibaloi traditional knowledge, values and practices to schools, communities, government and non-government organizations, as well as advocating for ancestral land rights. The council claimed that Macay’s commitment to preserving Ibaloi traditions as well as the recognition of ancestral land claimants has made her one of the pillars of the Baguio Ibaloi community Copies of the proved resolution will be transmitted to the offices of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples–Baguio City Desk and the NCIP central office and to Macay for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action.(Baguio- PIO)

They talked about best practices and preparedness in 23rd INAP

Opinions

Opinions / Street Journal

They talked about best practices and preparedness in 23rd INAP During the two-day conference of the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP), representatives from major ports in Asia shared the new technologies they are using and planned to implement to reduce carbon foot prints, and the effect of disasters in their respective areas. INAP is an annual conference of neighboring ports which serves as venue for the promotion, cooperation, exchange of newly developed concepts and marketing strategies that helps in the development and improvement of ports, protection of environment and promoting safer maritime industry. Attendees were the Port’s Administrators or Chairmen of the Port of Cebu, Port of Chittagong (Bangladesh), Port of Colombo (Sri Lanka), Port of Dangjin (South Korea), Port of Davao (Davao City, Philippines), Port of Kochi (Japan), Mokpo New Port (Korea), Port of Qingdao (China), Port of Subic Bay (Philippines), and the Port of Tanjung Perak (Indonesia). Delegates from Thailand and Vietnam also joined the conference to observe the benefits of INAP membership. With this year’s theme, “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness,” the heads of ports shared their best practices in ports and environmental management, to promote mutually beneficial opportunities for all the ports, but especially the member-ports. Among the significant practices discussed on each port focused on reduction of carbon emission, disaster management and strategies, and Green Ports. One amazing presentation was from Port of Qingdao which aside from being fully automated, the port uses shore power app which allows ships to use shore power when at berth, instead of diesel, for lights, pumps, communications, refrigeration, decreasing air pollution by 95 percent. The Port is also a hydrogen-powered port which is a zero-emission fuel source. These innovation made the Qingdao Port to become the first and only Double Five Star Port China, and one of the best in the world. The Port of Subic, on the other hand, boasted its current status by presenting its development achievements and projects. As of now, Subic Port has the most advance vessel traffic management system in the Philippines; it uses and promotes the use of solar energy in most offices; conducts regular capacity building trainings. Subic Port, as the presented, maintains mangrove nursery to sustain its mangrove area conservation program; also sustainable risk reduction, and supporting community development projects benefiting coastal communities. Hear’s to Watch The Port of Subic called the Redondo Peninsula at the mouth of Subic Bay as the “Next Frontier” of the Subic Freeport. This is because of the proposal to construct a bridge that will connect Cubi Point in the eastern part of Subic Bay and the Redondo Peninsula that aims to open new investment sites and business opportunities. Should the bridge materialized, it will cut short the travel time from Subic Freeport to tourism facilities in Zambales by up to two hours, ease traffic flow on summer time, and boost eco-tourism in the area. Issues on the West Philippine Sea were not discussed or avoided and simply focused on discussion on economic, environmental and disaster preparedness. But this proposed bridge was first heard during the administration of former chairman and administrator Tong Payumo in year 2000, after the availability of land became scarce while the number of investors increases. After more than two decades, will the ground breaking breaks? The other thing is, if the 72.5-meter Magsaysay Bridge connecting Olongapo City and Subic Freeport almost took five years to complete, how long would it take then to construct the 5.5-kilometer (km) long Subic Bay Bridge in Redondo Peninsula. Well, we all know that that there other better constructors in the country. So, let us all wish for the good part.

PROCAR’s weeklong operation yield over P47-M illegal drugs, arrested 12 drug pusher

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) struck a significant blow against the illegal drug trade in the region, seizing illegal drugs valued at PhP47,680,083.00 and arresting 12 drug personalities in a series of operations conducted from October 11 to 17, 2024. During the weeklong campaign, PRO-CAR conducted 51 anti-illegal drug operations across the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Kalinga, and in the city of Baguio, leading to the confiscation of 185,927 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants, 15,002 pieces of marijuana seedlings, 5.00 grams of marijuana seeds, 80,525.50 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, 3.00 milliliters of marijuana oil, and 34.10 grams of suspected shabu, with a combined estimated value of PhP47,680,083.00. Further, of the 12 drug personalities arrested, four were identified as High Value Individuals and eight were Street Level Individuals. The most significant operations occurred in Kalinga, where the Lumin-awa Cops of Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO) confiscated illegal drugs worth PhP27,931,750.00, and in Mountain Province, where the Inayan Cops of Mountain Province PPO seized illegal drugs valued at PhP14,618,005.00. Moreover, in Benguet, the Cabalyero Cops of Benguet PPO also had substantial success, eradicating PhP5,004,848.00 worth of marijuana plants, and in Baguio City, the Napino Cops of Baguio City Police Office confiscated a total of PhP104,236.00 worth of illegal drugs. These accomplishments highlight the commitment of PRO-CAR to eradicating illegal drugs and maintaining peace and order across the region.

Author name: Street Journal

Albay,PH Chamber of Commerce in Hongkong and Macau ink agreement