Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – This premier Freeport recently concluded the 3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) last September 12, 2025. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded organizers and participants for the resounding success of the three-day event, which ran from September 10 to 12, 2025. Themed “Building Green Legacies: Sustaining Nature, Celebrating Culture, and Empowering Industry,” the summit was well-attended by business leaders and communities who plan to shape the Freeport and the rest of Central Luzon into a greener, more inclusive future. Aliño gave his presentation on “Sustainable Subic: Tracking the Race to Zero,” which discussed the plight of Subic Bay Freeport’s bid to become the first carbon-neutral economic zone in the country. He said that the agency’s first move was to map out the SBMA’s pathway to carbon neutrality, which entailed turning over of solar-assisted electric vehicle charging stations for the e-buses, and regular community-based projects and activities such as coastal cleanups and collecting recyclables. “We aim to make sustainable Subic stakeholder engagements, initiatives, and activities like these a way of life here in Subic Bay,” he added. During the summit, distinguished guests namely, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Esperanza Frasco, DOT Director for Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent OIC Region IV-B Director Roberto P. Alabado III, DOT Region III Director Richard G. Daenos, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region III Executive Director Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, all expressed their full support for the summit. The three-day activity included a trade expo of local products, various ecotours of “green” destinations, and lectures on “Heritage Conservation: Living Traditions in the Modern World” by UP Cebu’s Dr. Laya B. Gonzales, and “From Relics to Relevance: Museum as Custodians of Archeology, History, and Heritage for Sustainable Development” by National Museum of the Philippines Dr. Michael P. Canilao. Also, a lecture on “Green Infrastructure: Designing Cities that Breathe” was given by Philippine Green Building Initiative Arch. Michaela Rosette M. Santos-Tayag, followed by “From Plate to Planet: Food waste, Recycling and the Power of Segregation” by Zed Avecilla of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), Rina Papio and Nikki Sevilla of the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS). The summit wrapped up with more lectures from Philippine Institute for Development Studies Dr. John Paulo Rivera on “Youth in Sustainability: Shaping tomorrow’s Green Leaders” and “Sustainable Tourism: Protecting Underwater Cultural Wonders while Welcoming the World” by National Museum of the Philippines Curator Bobby Orillaneda. The entire event was highlighted by the Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards to honor champions of sustainability in the tourism industry.

Reservist building build in Northern Samar

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Philippines — Reservists now have a committed space for small-group trainings, conferences or related activities with the Provincial Government completing the construction of the reservist building in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman. The project attests to the continuing effort of the Provincial Government to promote humanitarian assistance, peace and security in Northern Samar. Reservists are composed of civilians who maintain their civilian work while being available for military service when needed, and frequently engage in community programs. They undergo training and are deployed to support humanitarian missions or emergencies, providing additional manpower to the active-duty military and enables the country to maintain a valuable force during crises, natural disasters, and national emergencies.

EducationUSA to Host 10th University Fair in Manila

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Manila, Philippines —The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines invites students and parents to attend the 10th EducationUSA University Fair in Manila on September 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at One Ayala Mall in Makati City. Twenty-eight U.S. colleges, universities and partner organizations are joining this year’s event, providing Filipino students, professionals, parents, and educators direct access to information about study abroad opportunities in the United States. The following U.S. college, universities, and organizations will participate in the 2025 Fair in Makati: California State University – Chico; Calvin University; College of Central Florida; College of Saint Scholastica; Foothill College; Georgia State University; Green River Community College; Hawai‘i Pacific University; Highline College; Hope College; Johns Hopkins University; Kapi’olani Community College; Lewis University; Middle Tennessee State University; Maryland Institute College of Art; Minerva University; Moraine Valley Community College; Ohio Northern University; Pearson (PTE Academic); Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; Savannah College of Art and Design; Shoreline Community College; University of Bridgeport; University of Rochester; University of San Francisco; University of the Incarnate Word; Xavier University; and York College of Pennsylvania. Admission to the EducationUSA University Fair is free and open to the public. Please pre-register online at educationusa.ph/Fair2025. “Filipinos should look to the United States for exciting higher education opportunities,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing. “Welcoming over 4,000 Filipino students last year was an incredible achievement, and we are excited to see even more students unlock their potential, pursue their passions, and experience the unparalleled opportunities of a world-class U.S. education.” In 2024, the annual Open Doors report recorded 4,100 Filipino students studying in the United States, the highest number in 15 years. The EducationUSA University Fair builds on this momentum, creating new opportunities for Filipinos to explore world-class academic programs and scholarship opportunities. EducationUSA is the U.S. government’s official source of information on U.S. higher education, offering free advising services to students across the Philippines. With almost 4,000 accredited U.S. colleges and universities, students have access to a wide array of programs, top-notch research opportunities, and flexible academic pathways.

Ex-LTO Chief, timbog sa armas at bala

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

Camp Marcelo A Adduru, Tuguegarao City— Matagumpay na naisagawa ng mga kapulisan ang implementasyon ng search warrant laban sa isang retiradong opisyal ng Land Transportation Office dahil sa paglabag sa Republic Act 10591 o Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act noong gabi ng Setyembre 17, 2025 sa Brgy. Villarey, Piat, Cagayan. Batay sa report ng Provincial Intelligence Unit ng CPPO, dakong alas sais ng gabi nang pinangunahan ng mga operatiba katuwang ang 1st Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company at Piat Police Station ang pagpapatupad ng Search Warrant laban kay alyas “ArAr”, 54 taong gulang, may asawa, retiradong Chief ng LTO Tuao at residente ng Brgy. Villarey, Piat, Cagayan Narekober mula sa suspek ang isang yunit ng INTRATEC 9mm Luger na may serial number 195738; isang magasin na nakakabit sa nasabing baril na kargado ng sampung bala ng 9mm; isang magasin ng nasabing baril; at 45 pirasong bala ng 9mm. Ang suspek kasama ang mga nakumpiskang ebidensya ay nasa kustodiya ng Piat Police Station para sa wastong dokumentasyon at disposisyon. Sa kanyang pahayag, binigyang-diin ni PBGen. Roy Parena, regional director ng Police Regional Office 2, na patuloy ang kanilang maigting na kampanya laban sa mga loose firearms na maaaring magdulot ng banta sa seguridad ng mamamayan. “Hindi titigil ang PRO2 sa pagtugis at pagbuwag sa mga indibidwal na lumalabag sa batas ukol sa mga baril at bala. Ang matagumpay na operasyon na ito ay patunay ng ating dedikasyon na panatilihing ligtas at mapayapa ang Cagayan Valley.” ani Parena.

“Subic has great potential for int’l films”– Dir. Alabado, DOT IV-B

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

By Ruben A. Veloria Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines — The country’s premier Freeport was affirmed “almost Hollywood-ready” during the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards night last September 11, 2025. Department of Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent Region IV-B Director, said that film production is not just about the beauty of the location. It also entails amenities and facilities that go with it. “Subic has almost everything that is needed by a film production. Region III has a very big potential for Hollywood films, K-pop and soon Bollywood, which is a much bigger industry,” Alabado said during his inspirational speech. He added that his office recently facilitated the filming of an A-list movie showcasing the sights and sounds, culture and destinations of the Philippines, which will have its premiere in Hollywood next year. He emphasized that the film has the power to entice people to travel and see the film location in reality. Meanwhile, eight tourism stakeholders in Central Luzon were recognized for their sustainable practices that are geared toward a greener future. “The honorees we celebrate tonight have embraced the challenge of balancing development with responsibility, and progress with preservation. They are the trailblazers who remind us that sustainability is truly pragmatic, where decisions made on the ground, partnerships built with care, and actions that ripple across generations,” said Dr. Richard Daenos, Department of Tourism-Region 3 Director. SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba shared that the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards was created to celebrate and honor outstanding tourism establishments, organizations, and destinations in Central Luzon that are leading the way in sustainability: Sustainable Sanctuary award celebrates recreation, health and wellness facilities that integrate eco-friendly operations, resource management and mindful guest experiences, and was awarded to ACEA Subic Beach Resort. Salt of Sustainability award honors food and beverage establishments that remind us that what we eat not only nourishes our bodies, but also sustain our farmers, our communities and our planet. The awardee: The Nest by the Sea of Subic. Bridges of Change award recognizes corporate social responsibility programs that create lasting positive impacts for local communities by empowering people build stronger, more resilient and more meaningful tourism for all. The awardee: The Lighthouse Marina Resort of Subic. Resilient Destination award honors destinations and establishments that lead the way in climate resilience, disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The awardee: Municipal Tourism Office-LGU Guimba, Nueva Ecija. Path to Purpose award honors establishments that have overcome challenges, embraced innovations, and made remarkable progress in adopting responsible practices. The awardee: Emerald Manor Hotel of Subic Bay. Green Stay Excellence award honors hotels, resorts, and lodging facilities that integrated green practices into their operations, proving that comfort and care for the environment can go hand in hand. The awardee: Mimosa Cityscapes, Inc. of Clark Freeport Zone. Community-based Tourism Legacy for establishments that uplift their host communities while delivering meaningful visitor experiences, ensuring tourism benefits both people and places. The award: Balangay Apuy Community Tourguides of Malolos, Bulacan. Green Tourism Champion award, the pinnacle recognition of the STAR awards, honors champions which not only integrate sustainability into their operations, they also influence entire communities and industries to embrace a greener, more responsible future. The awardee Pulong Kabyawan Agricultural Farm of Pulilan, Bulacan.

BCDA achieves highest-ever ranking as 6th top-performing GOCC

Business

Business / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has emerged as the sixth top-performing government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) in the country, achieving its highest-ever ranking to date following its record-high remittance amounting to Php5.33 billion this year. BCDA was among the state-owned corporations recognized during the GOCC day on 16 September 2025, which was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace. During the ceremony, BCDA emerged as the 6th top performing GOCC, having contributed Php5.33 billion in dividends as of 12 September 2025—funds that help drive government programs for inclusive growth and development. “This milestone is a testament to the BCDA’s steadfast commitment to spur progress and inclusive development for the Filipino people. It is a reflection of our responsibility to ensure that every peso we generate is translated into nation-building initiatives that uplift communities and strengthen our economy,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “We strive to continue this momentum as we continue our mandate of shaping former military baselands into world-class cities and economic hubs,” he added. As of 12 September 2025, GOCCs have collectively turned over Php116.84 billion in dividends to the Treasury, further empowering the national government to sustain socioeconomic initiatives across the country. Other leading dividend contributor during the period were Land Bank of the Philippines (Php33.5 billion); Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Php18.9 billion); Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Php12.7 billion); Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (Php10.1 billion); Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (Php9 billion); Philippine Ports Authority (Php5.2 billion); Manila International Airport Authority (Php3.3 billion); Clark Development Corporation (Php2.5 billion); and Philippine National Oil Company (Php2.4 billion). Other BCDA subsidiaries, namely Clark International Airport Corporation, John Hay Management Corporation, and Poro Point Management Corporation also remitted dividends amounting to Php282.72 million, Php14.33 million, and Php11.06 million, respectively. President Marcos acknowledged the contributions made by GOCCs in nation-building, and advancing inclusive and sustainable growth in the country. “For decades now, our GOCCs have been instruments of growth, equity, and empowerment. And through their contributions, we have built infrastructure, expanded services, invested in communities—especially those that have long been marginalized,” President Marcos said. Finance Secretary Ralph G Recto, for his part, underscored the duty of GOCCs to honor every service, every policy, and every peso they extend to the Filipino people. “Let us renew our covenant: to serve the Filipino people with excellence, to be not only earners of revenue but enablers of growth, guardians of public trust, and builders of a more prosperous Philippines,” he said.

Atimonan MPS nakiisa sa Community Clean-Up Drive

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

ATIMONAN, Quezon — Nakiisa ang Atimonan Municipal Police Station sa Quezon sa pangunguna Police Major Marnie Abellanida, chief of police, sa Community Clean-Up Drive na dinaluhan ng mga civil servants mula sa Local Government Unit ng Atimonan sa pamumuno ni Atty Elvis Uy. Ang nasabing programa ay ginawa bilang bahagi ng ika-125 Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. Kalahok rin ang mga barangay officials at mga residente ng Barangay Zone 1, 2, 3, at 4. Naging matagumpay naman ang nasabing aktibidad dahil bukod sa mga napulot na basura ay nagbigay din ito ng mensahe na dapat nating pangalagaan ang ating kapaligitan.

Assistance program for Nano-Enterprises proposed

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas has proposed an ordinance institutionalizing a support and assistance program for nano-enterprises. This measure aims to provide technical training, financial grants, and registration support to help the city’s smallest businesses sustain operations, expand, and contribute to inclusive local economic growth. The proposed ordinance recognizes the nano-enterprises’ vital yet often overlooked role in the local economy. According to Cayabas, unlike micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), nano-enterprises are extremely limited in resources, typically operating with only up to P30,000.00 in capitalization and often run by self-employed individuals such as food cart vendors, sari-sari store owners, street food sellers, repairers, and other small livelihood operators. Because many of these enterprises belong to the informal economy, Cayabas stated they lack access to loans, subsidies, and government support programs. By providing a formal system of assistance, the proposed ordinance aims to empower these entrepreneurs, protect them from exploitative lending, and help them gradually transition into the formal economy. Under the proposed measure, support will come in the form of technical assistance, training, capability development, and financial grants. Technical aid may include help with business registration, legal advice, and other interventions tailored to the specific needs of each enterprise. Capacity building programs will cover training on financial management, marketing and branding strategies, entrepreneurial leadership, and re-skilling to adapt to market changes. In addition, qualified nano-entrepreneurs will be eligible for a one-time financial grant of up to P30,000.00 intended strictly for business sustainability or expansion, subject to evaluation of feasibility through a business sustainability or market expansion plan. The ordinance also proposes the establishment of a Nano Enterprises Registration System/Portal to formally enlist all nano-enterprises in the city. This portal, to be maintained by the Permits and Licensing Division, will serve as a centralized compendium and gateway for access to government programs, subsidies, and grants. Through systematic mapping, the city government will be able to design targeted interventions and track the progress of nano-entrepreneurs, ensuring that assistance is responsive to their evolving needs. To oversee its implementation, a Screening, Monitoring, and Assessment Team (SMAT) will be created, headed by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer (LEDIPO). The SMAT will evaluate applicants, release grants, monitor beneficiaries, and recommend policy improvements. It will also coordinate with government agencies, business groups, and people’s organizations to strengthen partnerships and linkages that can benefit nano-enterprises. For its implementation, the ordinance earmarks an annual budget of P6.5 million from the city’s general fund. Aside from grants, these funds will cover consultations, summits, research, and other initiatives aligned with the program’s objectives. The proposed ordinance has been approved by the city council on first reading and referred to the Committee on Market, Trade, Commerce, and Agriculture for review. (Jordan G. Habbiling)

PBBM’s Handog Titulo program grants special patents to 2 Zambales schools

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

PAMPANGA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. granted the Provincial Government of Zambales special patents for two educational institutions during the distribution of land titles in San Ferando City, this province, on September 19. Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. personally received from the President the two special patents for Iba Elementary School, and Zambales National High School. A special patent is a document granted by the government that confirms the transfer of ownership to the grantee over a parcel of public land for government use, such as public schools. “This is momentous day for our educational history,” said Gov. Ebdane, adding that for more than a century, the two Zambales schools are sitting on government land. “Now, they are on their own property.” In 1913, then Congressman Alejo Labrador established a vocational school in a property donated by the province. The school later became Zambales National High School, however, the property remains owned by the local government, until the awarding of special patent. The two special patents were among the 11 special patents awarded by the President during the “Handog ng Pangulo: Financial Assistance to Farmworkers and Distribution of Titles” ceremony held in San Fernando, Pampanga. Present during the ceremony were Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, DSWD Sec. Rex Gachalian, DPWH Sec. Vivencio Dizon, and DENR Sec. Rafael Lotilla, and thousands of farm workers from across Region I, II, III, V, IV-A, and CAR. Under the vison of Bagong Pilipinas, the President distributed 520 land patents and deeds of sale to beneficiaries, five (5) for agricultural free patents, 11 special patents, and three (3) deeds of sale. The program aligns with the President’s directive for bureaucratic efficiency by simplifying land titling processes, reducing disputes and improving transparency in land management. It is an ongoing initiative where qualified recipients are granted land ownership rights by the DENR’s regional and field offices through land patent issuance under Commonwealth Act 141, as amended by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11573, R.A. No. 10023 or the Residential Free Patent Act, and Proclamation No. 172, along with other legal requirements.

Author name: Street Journal

3rd Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit in Subic Bay Freeport concluded