Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BAGUIO CITY – A powerful multimedia exhibit titled “80 & Still Free” is now open to the public, showcasing the resilience of Baguio and its people during World War II and how the city ultimately gained its freedom from Japanese invaders. The exhibit, which will run until May 5, extending beyond the celebration of Baguio Liberation Day on April 27. Organized by a dedicated team led by Atty. Sam Gallardo and Art Tibaldo, the exhibit highlights the struggles faced by Baguio’s residents during the war and the sacrifices made by previous generations to ensure the freedoms enjoyed by today’s youth. Gallardo emphasized the importance of passing down this critical history to younger generations so they can better understand and appreciate the efforts and struggles of the past. A unique feature of the exhibit includes the volunteer efforts of Baguio’s hobby photographers, who captured composite images that place soldiers in some of today’s most familiar Baguio locations. These striking visuals show soldiers in scenes set at iconic sites such as the Baguio Cathedral, Naguilian Road, Kennon Road and Session Road. These composite images provide a powerful visual reminder of Baguio’s transformation over the years while honoring its rich historical past. Adding to the immersive experience, the exhibit will also feature archival photos displayed side by side with present-day photos of the same sites, offering a compelling before-and-after perspective that visually captures Baguio’s evolution. In addition, scale models of the types of vehicles used during the war, crafted specifically for this event by the International Plastic Modellers’ Society-Baguio—will be on display, providing a tangible connection to the tools and technology of the time. The exhibit also includes a variety of historical photographs and immersive displays that offer a detailed narrative of Baguio’s wartime experiences and the liberation that followed. These exhibits tell stories of courage, survival, and the eventual triumph of the city’s residents in their fight for freedom. “80 & Still Free” offers an opportunity for reflection and education, inviting visitors to learn about the impact of World War II on Baguio, and how the city’s enduring spirit led to the freedom it enjoys today. The exhibit emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought for Baguio’s liberation. As a strong advocate for the arts, SM City Baguio remains committed to providing platforms for local artists to share their creativity with a wider audience. The exhibit will remain open until May 5 at SM City Baguio Lower Basement, giving visitors, particularly the younger generation, a chance to experience this significant chapter of Baguio’s history.

SBMA’s Passport on Wheels project yields 92 processed passports

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) Passport on Wheels (POW) project at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on April 29, 2025 was able to process 92 passports in record time of 4 hours. SBMA Human Resource and Management Department (HRMD) Manager Vivian Abalos shared that the successful processing of the 92 passports was just a portion of the total 200 passport applications since the other 108 that were supposed to be processed did not materialize due to incomplete documents and payments. Abalos extended her gratitude to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Harbor Point Ayala Mall for their cooperation in the said corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of the agency. The SBMA has been conducting the POW project even before the pandemic, and it has helped stakeholders within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in conveniently processing their passport applications and renewals. Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that the SBMA does not issue passports, but rather, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). He said that this project is a part of the agency’s CSR program in collaboration with the DFA. “This project aims to provide convenient access to passport services for individuals within the Subic Bay area. The SBMA brings passport application and processing services directly to Subic Bay Freeport to extend convenience to SBF residents, employees, and their dependents,” he added.

Baguio City & Cordilleras: Where cycling legends are born

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

The MPTC Tour of Luzon 2025 reached its conclusion in Baguio City, as top cyclists faced the legendary uphill route through Kennon Road to Camp John Hay. After 1,074 kilometers of relentless racing over eight stages, Korean rider Dae Yeong Joo of Gapyeong Cycling emerged victorious—winning by a heart-stopping six seconds and earning the ₱1 million grand prize! His triumph capped a race that welcomed international riders from across Asia, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing status as a hub for world-class cycling events. Historically, Baguio has always been the ultimate test—featured in iconic races like the Marlboro Tour and Ronda Pilipinas—thanks to its grueling mountain roads, high-altitude climate, and scenic but challenging terrain. It’s where the strong rise, and champions are forged. Stage 8 was no exception. With the final push into the Cordilleras, the individual classification podium was dominated by Filipino talent: Stage 8 Individual Classification Winners Joshua Pascual (Excellent Noodles Cycling Team) Jan Paul Morales (Standard Insurance – PhilCycling) Jonel Carcueva (MPTC Development Team) Adding to his remarkable performance, #14 Joshua Pascual was also named the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2025 Eagle of the Mountain, clocking in an impressive 04:16:14 on the uphill assault—cementing his place as one of the country’s premier climbing specialists. Organized by DuckWorld PH and presented by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), this event proved once again that the Cordilleras is more than just a destination—it is a challenge, an experience, and a crown jewel of sports tourism in the Philippines. Come ride where legends are born. Come find yourself in the Cordilleras. Congratulations to all the winners—and hats off to DuckWorld PH and MPTC for bringing back the thrill of the Tour of Luzon!

PDEA encourages public to report anti-drug information through Operation Private Eye

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) urges the public to be the eyes and ears of their neighborhood through its Operation: Private Eye (OPE). “PDEA OPE is a reward and incentive program designed to fully engage the participation of the citizenry in the national anti-drug campaign by reporting illegal drug activities taking place in the communities”, said PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez. For the first quarter of 2025, a total of ₱7,061,202.68 cash rewards were given to 16 civilian volunteers whose reports led to the successful conduct of 22 anti-illegal drugs operations nationwide. The Operation Private Eye Reward Committee, which is composed of key PDEA Officers and members from the business, academe and religious sectors with proven integrity and probity, evaluated, deliberated and approved the resolution granting the monetary rewards to the qualified informants. OPE aims to counter fear and apathy as hindrances to the active involvement of the citizenry in reporting illegal drug activities by ensuring anonymity of the informant and the confidentiality of the information. PDEA requires the informants to use codenames and wear masks during the awarding ceremony to hide their real identity. To report illegal drug activities, the public is advised to forward the information through OPE Hotline Number 09178677332. “Paying no heed to their own safety, private citizens go out of their way to report illegal drug activities indicating that there is public trust and confidence in PDEA”, Undersecretary Nerez said. Under the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign – the flagship program of the administration of President Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr., promotes participatory governance by enlisting the active engagement of the public to foster a genuine sense of ownership in the nation’s fight against the drug menace. “There is always strength in numbers. The more people engaged in the fight, the more potential for greater success”, the Director General concluded.

CONG.YAP SA SABLAN,BENGUET

Inside Politics

Inside Politics / Street Journal

Mainit na sinalubong at tinanggap ng mga residente ng Barangay Bagong,Sablan, Benguet si re-electionist Congreeman Eric Yap sa kanyang pagbisita dito kamakailan, para ihatid ang kanyang mga programa sa barangay. “Hindi man po ako tubong Benguet, pero ang PUSO ko ay nasa Benguet,kaya patuloy ko po kayong pagsisilbihan at paunlarin ang ating lalawigan,” ito ang malimit niyang banggitin sa kanyang pangangampanya,para ipabatid ang kanyang tunay at taus-pusong magsilbi sa lalawigan ng Benguet.

Gov.Hamor nagpasalamat sa agarang tulong ni PBBM sa mga apektado ng pagputok ng Bulkan

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

SORSOGON CITY – Labis ang pasasalamat ni Governor Boboy Hamor kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at kay DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian sa kanilang agarang pagtugon at pagbibigay ng atensiyon sa mga naapektuhan ng pag-alburoto ng bulkan. Ayon sa Gobernador, direktang nakikipag-ugnayan sa kanya ang Malacañang sa pamamagitan ni Secretary Gatchalian at DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio upang tiyakin ang mabilis na pagbigay ng tulong sa mga Sorsoganon. “Ang tulong mula sa DSWD at sa ating Presidente ay isang malaking ginhawa para sa ating mga kababayan na apektado ng kalamidad. Patuloy ang ating koordinasyon upang matiyak na maipamahagi ang kinakailangang ayuda sa mga naapektuhan,” dagdag ni Governor Hamor. Patuloy na nakamonitor ang mga awtoridad at mga lokal na pamahalaan sa kalagayan ng mga apektadong residente. Inaasahan din ang karagdagang tulong mula sa iba pang mga ahensya ng gobyerno sa mga susunod na araw. Sa pagbisita sa lalawigan ng Sorsogon ni DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian upang personal na makita ang kalagayan ng mga residenteng naapektuhan ng pagputok ng Bulkang Bulusan, ay ipinahayag niya ang kanyang paghanga sa kahandaan ng Sorsogon sa pagtugon sa mga sakuna. Nagsimula nang mamahagi ng food packs ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa mga pamilyang apektado ng pagsabog ng Bulkang Bulusan. Ang mga food packs ay ipinamahagi sa mga barangay ng Bacolod, Puting Sapa, at Buraburan sa bayan ng Juban. Kasalukuyang nasa evacuation centers naman ang mga residenteng naapektuhan ng pagputok ng Bulkang Bulusan. Sa INACT, may 25 pamilyang pansamantalang nanunuluyan—24 mula sa Brgy. Cogon at 1 mula sa Brgy. Monbon—na may kabuuang 91 indibidwal. Sa Gallanosa National High School naman ay may 34 pamilyang evacuees mula sa Brgy. Cogon, na binubuo ng 111 indibidwal. Noong Abril 30, dakong Bandang 1:30 ng madaling araw ay personal na bumisita si Governor Hamor sa mga evacuation center sa bayan ng Irosin, kung saan pansamantalang nanunuluyan ang mga residenteng lumikas mula sa Brgy. Cogon. Tiniyak ng gobernador na handang tumugon sa pangangailangan ng mga evacuees ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan katuwang ang LGU Irosin. Bumisita rin si Governor Boboy sa mga tauhan ng BFP, SPDRRMO, at PNP na nagsasagawa ng flushing operations sa bahagi ng Maharlika Highway na natabunan ng abo dulot ng pagputok ng Bulkang Bulusan. Agad na nagsasagawa ng clearing operations ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Sorsogon, Bureau of Fire Protection, PNP, katuwang ang mga miyembro ng Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SPDRRMC) matapos ang pagputok ng Bulkang Bulusan, na particular na tinututukan ay ang paglilinis ng national highway sa Barangay Buraburan, Juban, kung saan bumagsak ang makapal na abo mula sa pag-aalboroto ng bulkan. Nanawagan si Governor Hamor sa mga motorista na pansamantalang iwasan muna ang naturang lugar upang bigyang-daan ang mas mabilis at ligtas na pagsasagawa ng clearing operations. Patuloy namang nakabantay ang mga awtoridad sa kalagayan ng Bulkang Bulusan at pinaalalahanan ang publiko na manatiling alerto at sumunod sa mga abiso para sa kaligtasan ng lahat.

BCDA, K-Water partner for Camp John Hay, Poro Point water infrastructure system

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiaries John Hay Management Corporation and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water) to pursue smart water management system in Camp John Hay in Baguio City and Poro Point in La Union. Under the agreements, K-Water will contribute its extensive expertise and proven track record in water resources development, management, and cutting-edge smart water technology. K-Water will leverage its advanced expertise in water supply management, particularly its Smart Water Network Management (SWNM) system, to deliver a solution tailored to the specific needs of the local environment. The project will commence with the deployment of experts to assess existing infrastructure and develop a strategic implementation plan. “K-water is the ideal partner to address the critical water management challenges we face in the revitalization of Camp John Hay, the continued development of Poro Point, and the dynamic growth of New Clark City,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. Bingcang expressed confidence that this strategic collaboration with K-Water directly addresses the pressing challenges the Philippines faces due to climate change. “By partnering with K-water, we are embarking on a transformative journey that will drastically reduce water loss and establish AI-powered water purification plants that will ensure a stable and high-quality water supply for the communities we serve,” he added. Furthermore, these agreements will also allow BCDA to focus on key areas such as diagnosing and improving water supply stability; investigating new water resources; reducing leakage; and sharing knowledge in the water sector. Last year, BCDA also partnered with K-Water on water resource development in New Clark City, where they conducted feasibility studies for comprehensive water management plans, ensuring a stable supply through AI-driven water purification systems. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

SBMA to hold Labor Day jobs fair with 2,300 job opportunities

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport–The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will hold a jobs fair in time for its Labor Day celebration at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall here, with more than 2,300 job opportunities available to job-seekers on May 1, 2025. Labor Center Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias disclosed that around 45 companies in and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone will participate in the said jobs fair. Varias added that aside from the jobs fair, a 3-kilometer Fun Run will jumpstart the Labor Day activities. There will also be the Relax Enjoy Siesta Timeout (REST) Free Massage, and the Sulong SBMA Singing Competition, which will all be held at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall’s Activity Center. “Last year, 26 jobseekers were hired on-the-spot. Of the 26 hired, 21 applicants were hired by Da Tian Subic Shoes Inc., manufacturer of popular shoe brands here. While two of them were hired by YZ Consultancy Services Incorporated, and the other three were hired by Coffee & Tea Connection,” Varias said. “We hope that we can fill the number of vacant positions to ensure that the companies in need of workers would operate smoothly. The high demand of our locators’ products has resulted in the need for higher production, hence, the higher demand for employment,” he added.

RHR breaks ground on Summit Villas Siargao, eyes upscale tourism market

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Robinsons Hotels & Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), has officially broken ground on Summit Villas Siargao, its first resort on the island, marking the company’s entry into one of the country’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. Set to open in 2026, Summit Villas Siargao is being developed by Hira Holdings Inc. through Mega Mykon Builders, and will be managed by RHR under its Summit Hotels and Resorts brand. The resort will have 18 standalone villas, each with private amenities and eco-conscious features. The tropical design and elegant architecture reflect RHR and Hira Holdings’ commitment to sustainability as a guiding principle in its design and operations, aligning with the island’s broader efforts to promote sustainable tourism in the region. “Summit Villas Siargao is more than just a new property — it’s a celebration of the island’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rapidly growing tourism appeal,” said Mr. Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels & Resorts. “We are excited to bring the Summit brand’s signature warmth, style, and Filipino brand of excellence to Siargao.” Located near the island’s popular Cloud 9 surfing area and Tourism Road, the upcoming resort targets the upscale segment of domestic and international travelers seeking higher-end accommodations in Siargao. “Summit Villas Siargao reflects our strategy to expand into key leisure destinations while contributing to local tourism growth,” adds Mr. Jolly. “We see strong demand for quality hospitality in Siargao, and this development aims to respond to that.” The project is RHR’s latest move in broadening its portfolio of Summit-branded properties, which currently operates in urban and business hubs across the country. For Hira Holdings, the development represents its initial venture into the hospitality industry. “We’re optimistic about the tourism outlook in Siargao,” said Seth Hiranand, Managing Director of Hira Holdings. “This project is a long-term investment in the island’s potential as a premier travel destination.” During the groundbreaking ceremony, Hira Holdings also announced a partnership with Malinao Elementary School to become the local green hub for the resort’s future sustainability programs, signaling a focus on corporate social responsibility alongside development. Tourist arrivals in Siargao have steadily increased in recent years, prompting more developers to explore opportunities in the island’s hospitality sector. Industry stakeholders have emphasized the importance of balancing growth with environmental stewardship, especially as infrastructure and tourism activity ramp up post-pandemic.

Author name: Street Journal

80 & Still Free: Photography and Multimedia Exhibit on Baguio’s World War II Legacy and Liberation