Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

DAVAO, Philippines — Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) won gold and silver in the Governance and Social categories, respectively, of the first INQ ESG Edge Impact Awards 2025 organized by the Inquirer Group of Companies. AboitizPower was named the gold winner for “Governance, Reporting and Transparency” in recognition of its effective systems for corporate governance, sustainability performance tracking and audit, and transparency. It was also acknowledged as the silver winner for “Relations with local communities”, owing to its sitio electrification efforts in Davao City through its distribution utility Davao Light and Power Company.

Bambang Mayor joins Mayors for Good Governance

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — During a courtesy visit to Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Mayor Benjamin LL. Cuaresma III of Bambang, Nueva Ecija formally presented a resolution expressing the unified intent of all League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Nueva Vizcaya Chapter members to join the Mayors for Good Governance Movement. He was represented by his Municipal Administrator Lopito Lloyd Valdez. The resolution reflects the chapter’s collective commitment to uphold integrity, transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance. Municipal Administrator Lloyd also conveyed Mayor Cuaresma’s strong interest in aligning with the movement’s advocacy, recognizing Mayor Magalong’s exemplary leadership as a model for effective and principled public service.

Globe Celebrates You On Its 10th Year of GDay

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — Globe marks the 10th anniversary of its annual GDay celebration this September with a bold promise to bring joy, rewards, and meaningful experiences closer to customers. What started as a simple thank-you a decade ago has grown into a nationwide movement, bringing together digital innovation, real-world experiences, and heartfelt surprises that celebrate the Filipino spirit. “At Globe, we believe the most meaningful rewards are the ones that feel personal, those that are made just for you,” said Bianca Wong, Vice President and Head of Feel Valued Tribe at Globe. “This GDay, we’re celebrating in a way that recognizes our customers’ diverse passions and everyday wins. Whether it’s a surprise gift or a chance to win larger than life prizes on the app, or a fan experience you’ve been wishing for, there’s something in store for everyone to enjoy, tailored to what matters most to them.” This year, the spotlight turns to everyday moments that feel extraordinary. Across the country, Globe will activate GDay Pop-Up Booths in malls, stores, and neighborhood venues bringing the celebration closer to where customers live, work, and play. These on-ground activations in key cities like Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Naga, Tuguegarao, and CDO, will transform familiar convergent spaces into joyful brand experiences filled with exclusive promos, partner rewards, and surprise giveaways. Online, the GlobeOne app is the home of GDay. From daily surprise gifts to chances to unlock exciting rewards, customers can explore a seamless and rewarding journey with every tap. Whether it’s vouchers, lifestyle perks, or something bigger, the GDay Surprise Gift is designed to bring a moment of delight to every day. For fans and music lovers, GDay 2025 adds a spark of excitement with the GDay BINI Fan Meet, happening on September 13 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Over 1,500 Globe customers will get to experience a special afternoon with their beloved P-pop group, complete with live performances, fun interactions, and memorable moments on stage. The chance to get tickets will be made available in the GlobeOne app Redeem Rewards section, keeping the spirit of surprise and accessibility alive. The celebration continues with the biggest G Raffle Rush, running from September 1 to October 31. Every week, customers can look forward to exciting, larger-than-life prizes, starting with a ₱50,000 grocery shopping spree powered by ShareTreats and ₱100,000 in GCash. Globe is also giving away a dream Japan trip for four with business class seats via All Nippon Airways, a luxury staycation for two at NuStar Cebu complete with Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles, and flagship gadgets from HUAWEI, HONOR, ASUS ROG, and OPPO Philippines. One lucky winner will even take home a BYD Atto 3 Dynamic Battery Electric Vehicle with ₱75,000 worth of charging credits and freebies from ACMobility through their new EVRO app. To top it all off, customers will have the chance to win not just one but two major properties: a Deluxe Studio Condominium unit in Amaia Steps Pasig and a two-bedroom house and lot in Amaia Scapes Trece Martires. Customers can rush their way to a free raffle entry via the GlobeOne app to join and also use their available Globe Rewards points to earn more raffle entries and look out for the exciting drops of prizes every week. Globe celebrates you every day with personalized rewards made just for you. You can count on Globe to make everyday a GDay!

DOLE launches “Benteng Bigas Meron na” program in Subic Bay Freeport

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – Around 300 qualified workers were among the first wave of beneficiaries of the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) na” program launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño recalled that when President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. appointed him to lead the agency, he was asked to “take care of Subic Bay workers.” “Here in Subic Bay, we regard our workers as the bloodline of our economy, and I’m glad that this program would greatly help the minimum wage earners here,” Aliño said. The BBM program, in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department, was launched yesterday, September 4, 2025, at Cresc Incorporated in the Moonbay Marina, Central Business District here. SBMA Labor Department manager and OIC-Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Melvin Varias, said that the DOLE-led program aims to bring ₱20-per-kilo rice to the workforce of the Subic Bay Freeport. Varias added that the program here, spearheaded by DOLE Chief Labor and Employment Officer Reynante Lugtu, is a flagship program of President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. to stabilize rice prices and make basic goods more accessible. Kazutomo Murata, Cresc Inc. president, thanked DOLE and SBMA for being chosen as among the first company to benefit from the program. “Marami yan! Ako rin [pahingi]! I am glad that you have President Marcos who loves you. We don’t have this in Japan,” said Kazutomo. Meanwhile, Aliño added that aside from the government programs, the agency has three projects that would benefit the workers, namely: dormitories, to bring workers closer to their place of work; development of the Mini Golf Course into a park, to provide a place for unwinding; and the e-bus, which the agency is working on at least a very minimal fare, if not free. The beneficiary workers were given a maximum of ten kilos each, and will be paid through salary deduction by the Cresc Inc. administration. Cresc Incorporated is a leading consumable printer ink manufacturer based in Japan. The company is the second company in the Subic Freeport in the printer refilling trade.

Magalong, CPDSO panelists at EU Green Initiative

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong served as a keynote presenter and panelist for Tier 1B Local Government Unit Partners participating in the European Union-Philippines Green Economy Partnership initiative, Aug 27, in Quezon City organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines. Concurrently, the City Planning and Development Office (CPDSO) contributed as a panelist during the comprehensive Deep Dive session focused on Portfolio Development for the Green LGUs Project. CPDSO Head Donna Tabangin said Baguio, alongside other participating LGUs, showcased its comprehensive efforts and innovative approaches in sustainable urban development, climate adaptation measures, and green economy transition initiatives. The city emphasized its commitment to environmental stewardship and its role as a model for sustainable local governance practices within the broader framework of the EU-PH partnership’s objectives for promoting green economic transformation at the city level, she said.-Gaby B. Keith

Ang mukha sa likod ng tagumpay ng turismo sa Balbalan

Lifestyle, Tourism / Health

Lifestyle, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

Kwento n Regine Faye Munda Cruz KALINGA, Philippines — Kung dati ay nakikita lamang sa ibang lugar ang mga kilalang tourist and caving destinations, ngayon ay mayroon na rin sa Balbalan, ang Tawang Caves, Balbalasang Eco-Park, at kung anu-ano pa. Isa itong malinaw na patunay ng dedikasyon at pagsisikap ng Tourism Officer ng bayan, si Regine Faye D. Munda Cruz. Simula pa noong 2017, nasilayan ng marami ang kanyang pag-unlad bilang isang empleyado ng lokal na pamahalaan. Espesyal din ang ulat na ito, dahil naksalamuha ko siya simula pa noon. Nasaksihan ko ang kanyang pagsimula, hanggang ngayon na nakikita ko siya sa tuwing may mga karangalan na natatanggap ang Balbalan. Mula sa pagiging casual worker, hanggang sa pagkatalaga bilang unang permanenteng Tourism Operations Officer II ng LGU Balbalan, hindi matatawaran ang kanyang naging ambag. Sa likod ng mga parangal na natanggap ng Balbalan dahil sa turismo, tahimik ngunit matatag ang kanyang papel, siya ang isa sa mga pangunahing dahilan ng pagkakaroon ng makabuluhang pagbabago sa sektor ng turismo ng bayan. ð€ð§ð ðˆð§ð¬ð©ð¢ð«ðšð¬ð²ð¨ð§ ðšð ð’ð¢ð¦ð®ð¥ðš Hindi sa eskwela o training natutunan ni Regine ang tunay na diwa ng serbisyo publiko, kundi mula mismo sa kanyang ina, na isang doktor na naglingkod hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng medisina kundi ng malasakit. Ang halimbawa ng kanyang ina ang naging gabay ni Regine sa pagtahak ng landas ng pagiging isang lingkod bayan. Nang siya ay italaga bilang unang Tourism Officer ng Balbalan, halos wala pang malinaw na estruktura, plano, o direksyon para sa turismo. Kinailangan niyang magsimula mula sa wala, maglatag ng pundasyon, at buuin ang opisina ng Turismo, Kultura, at Sining. Hindi naging madali ang lahat; dumaan siya sa pagsubok, pagtutol, at pagdududa ng ilan. Ngunit sa kanyang determinasyon, lakas ng loob, at pananampalataya, unti-unti niyang naitatag ang posisyon ng turismo sa Balbalan. ð“ð®ð«ð¢ð¬ð¦ð¨ ð©ðšð«ðš ð¬ðš ðŠð¨ð¦ð®ð§ð¢ððšð Naniniwala si Regine na ang turismo ay hindi lamang para sa turista, kundi higit sa lahat ay para sa mga tao sa komunidad. Dahil dito, kanyang pinasimulan ang quarterly dialogues kasama ang mga stakeholders, isang plataporma upang maiparating ng mga lokal ang kanilang hinaing, suhestiyon, at obserbasyon. Ang ganitong sistemang pakikilahok ang nagpatibay sa ugnayan ng pamahalaan at komunidad, at nagsigurong ang turismo sa Balbalan ay magiging inclusive at sustainable. Isang kongkretong bunga nito ay ang Tawang Caves. Noong 2019, ito’y pangarap lamang, ngunit sa pamamagitan ng tamang pagpaplano at suporta mula sa lokal na pamahalaan at mga residente, ngayon ay dinarayo na ito ng mga turista. Higit pa sa atraksyon, nagbigay ito ng bagong kabuhayan para sa mga residente, isang tagumpay na nagpatibay sa paniniwalang ang turismo ay para sa lahat. ðˆð¬ðšð§ð ð‡ð®ð°ðšð«ðšð§ð ð‹ð¢ð§ð ð¤ð¨ð ððšð²ðšð§ð¢ Hindi maikakaila na si Regine ay hindi lamang isang epektibong Tourism Officer kundi isang huwarang lingkod bayan. Pinagsasama niya ang talino, ganda, tapang at mabuting kalooban, mga katangiang bihira nang matagpuan sa panahon ngayon. Para sa kanya, ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi basta trabaho na may katumbas na sahod. Ito ay isang panata ng paglilingkod na nangangailangan ng integridad, kababaang-loob, at pusong handang mag-alay para sa kapwa. Sa kanyang pamumuno, hinahamon niya ang kanyang mga kasamahan na lumago, sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng mga tungkuling magpapatatag ng kanilang kakayahan. Naniniwala siya na ang totoong paglago ay nangyayari kapag ang tao ay pinagkakatiwalaan na gumawa ng higit pa sa kanyang inaakala. ððšð§ð ðšð«ðšð© ð©ðšð«ðš ð¬ðš ð’ðžð«ð›ð¢ð¬ð²ð¨ ðð®ð›ð¥ð¢ð¤ð¨ Sa kanyang pananaw, ang tunay na halaga ng isang lingkod bayan ay hindi nasusukat sa posisyon kundi sa sinseridad ng kanyang serbisyo. Pangarap ni Regine ang isang pamahalaang malinis, tapat, at walang pansariling interes, isang gobyernong ang tunay na puhunan ay malasakit sa tao. Ngayon, tuwing may nakikitang turista sa Tawang Caves, Balbalasang Eco-park o tuwing nabibigyan ng parangal ang bayan ng Balbalan, isang bagay ang tiyak: sa likod nito ay may isang lingkod bayan na buong puso at tahimik na nagsusumikap, si Regine Faye Munda Cruz, isang Lingkod Bayani ng Balbalan. Ipagpatuloy mo lang Maam Reg, marami ang umaasa at nakaabang sa lahat ng iyong kayang gawin.

Nueva Vizcaya lawmaker urges funding to revive Bagabag Airport

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has asked the Department of Transportation(DOTr) to fund the rehabilitation and reactivation of Bagabag Airport, advancing the provincial government’s push to make the facility operational again. Rep. Cayton raised Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito’s plan with Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez during congressional budget deliberations on the department’s proposed spending. Cayton said reopening the airport would ease access for residents of Nueva Vizcaya and nearby provinces and help drive tourism in the province. “As a landlocked province, the primary way to reach Nueva Vizcaya and to go elsewhere is by land, which can be a lengthy trip. Opening Bagabag Airport will provide faster, more convenient access for our residents, domestic and foreign tourists, and visitors from adjacent provinces,” Cayton said. “I thank Congressman Cayton for raising this important issue at the national level, and I am heartened to see more stakeholders working together toward the reopening of Bagabag Airport,” Gov. Gambito said. “Reactivating the airport will catalyze economic activity across the region and significantly boost tourism not only here in Nueva Vizcaya but also in neighboring provinces such as Quirino and Ifugao, making it easier for both local and international visitors to reach major attractions like the Banaue Rice Terraces.” Sec. Lopez said he would direct the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to conduct an ocular inspection of Bagabag Airport to assess its current condition and requirements for reactivation. He added that a feasibility study would be carried out and that funds would be earmarked in the 2026 budget for the airport’s rehabilitation. The initiative has drawn support from provincial leaders in recent months. Former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chair and former Department of Transportation and Communications(DOTC) undersecretary Gen. Thompson C. Lantion earlier coordinated with Gambito’s office on efforts to reopen the facility. He previously inspected Bagabag Airport with Bagabag Mayor Benigno Calauad. Reopening Bagabag Airport is among the priorities Gambito outlined in his inaugural address, framing the project as a catalyst for inter-regional tourism and broader economic activity in Nueva Vizcaya.

BCDA taps iSON Tower to strengthen digital infra across its properties

Business

Business / Street Journal

Global telecommunications technology firm iSON Tower Ltd. Inc. has partnered with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to accelerate the digital transformation of BCDA-administered properties across the region, ensuring faster, more reliable, and more affordable digital connectivity for Filipinos. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang and iSON Tower Founder and Chairperson Vivek Gupta signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on project preparation studies for passive telecommunication infrastructure and related projects in BCDA economic zones, on August 27. The signing was witnessed by BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes and iSON Tower Country Manager for the Philippines Rahul Singh. “We are confident that this partnership will deliver transformative development in our ecozones, with iSON bringing its global expertise in building robust and secure digital networks. This will pave the way to faster, more reliable digital services within the BCDA’s properties, helping locators thrive and improving residents’ everyday convenience and quality of life,” Engr. Bingcang said. This partnership is a direct result of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent state visit to India, which strengthened ties and facilitated new collaborations in digital infrastructure between the two countries. Under the MOU, iSON Tower will share its technical expertise and take the lead in conducting technical assessments, feasibility studies, and business case preparation to come up with recommendations for the development, implementation, and construction of passive telecommunication infrastructure and related services. The agreement will set the stage for the development of common telecommunication towers in key areas, including but not limited to New Clark City in Tarlac, Camp John Hay in Baguio City, Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union, Morong Discovery Park in Bataan, and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. “I’m so glad to have this opportunity to sign this MOU to make sure that every Filipino has digital connectivity. Whether it’s an institution, a development area, or a common man on the street, everybody is entitled to 4G, 5G connectivity and moving forward,” said Mr. Gupta. BCDA’s partnership with iSON Tower supports its vision to develop smart, future-ready communities that drive innovation and attract high-impact investments in technology-driven industries, in turn empowering local communities and catalyzing sustainable economic growth. “From New Clark City to Camp John Hay, from Poro Point to Bonifacio Global City, stronger connectivity secures growth that is both competitive and inclusive. It makes our communities places where innovation takes root and opportunities reach more people. This partnership brings us closer to a Philippines that is digitally enabled, globally competitive, and ready to meet the demands of a new era,” Atty. Paredes said. The BCDA plays an important role in advancing the government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) by helping strengthen digital infrastructure across the country. Together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), it has contributed to the completion of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure and the implementation of the National Fiber Backbone Program. iSON Towers, a subsidiary of India-based iSON Group, is accredited by DICT to provide common towers in the Philippines, and is engaged in providing passive infrastructure solutions for network coverage and connectivity.

Hontiveros lauds arrest of suspected American sex offender in Cebu

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

CEBU, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the arrest of Thomas Scheuer, an American fugitive and alleged child sex offender, who had been hiding in the Philippines for more than two decades without documentation. Scheuer, reportedly wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States for possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAEM), was found living in Talisay, Cebu, where he is believed to have continued his exploitative activities since 2000. “25 years na siya sa Pilipinas at mukhang 25 years naring nang-abuso ng mga babae at bata. A concerned citizen contacted my office sharing credible information on Scheuer’s alleged activities and whereabouts. Bilang global hotspot ng online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) ang ating bansa, talagang minabuti namin na i-report siya agad sa awtoridad,” the senator said. “I would also like to thank the Bureau of Immigration for their swift response. Their actions prevented further harm and helped bring an alleged long-time predator to justice,” she added. Hontiveros also revealed that, based on allegations, as well as research done by her office, Scheuer may have also been involved in the abuse of his own daughter. “Nakakagalit at nakakadiri na may ganitong tao sa bansa natin. It’s horrifying to imagine that someone capable of such acts has been freely walking among us for over two decades. If these allegations are proven true, he must be held fully accountable under the law,” the senator said. Hontiveros also raised alarm over how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are making it easier to create and spread exploitative content. “AI is now speeding up the production and distribution of abusive materials. Criminals like Scheuer could be taking advantage of these technologies to further expand their illicit activities. Umaasa ako na mahuli din ang mga katulad niya na baka nandito pa sa Pilipinas. We should never be a destination or refuge for sex offenders,” Hontiveros concluded.

Author name: Street Journal

AboitizPower bags 2025 Impact Awards for governance, community relations