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Ang mukha sa likod ng tagumpay ng turismo sa Balbalan

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.

38 drug pusher arestado, P27.6M droga nakaumpiska

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Zaldy Comanda CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – Tatlungput-walong drug personalities ang nalambat, samatalang mahigit sa P27 milyong halaga ng iligal na droga ang nasamsam sa matagumpay na anti-illegal drug operations ng Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROC) sa loob ng buwan ng Agosto 2025. Ayon sa ulat ng Regional Operations Division ng PRO CAR, may kabuuang 74 na anti-illegal drug operations ang inilunsad, na kinabibilangan ng 42 marijuana eradication operations, 19 ang buy-bust operations, anim ang pagpapatupad ng search warrants, limang services of warrants of arrest, at dalawa ang police response. Ang mga pagsisikap na ito ay humantong sa pagkakaaresto sa 38 drug personalities, 22 sa kanila ay kinilala bilang High Value Individuals at 16 bilang Street Level Individuals. Makabuuang 126.6 gramo ng shabu, 93,528 fully grown marijuana plants, 12,290 marijuana seedlings, 25,000 grams ng pinatuyong dahon ng marijuana ang nakumpiska na may kabuuang Standard Drug Price na P27,643,288.84. Ang pinakamahalagang operasyon ay isinagawa sa Kalinga, kung saan nakumpiska ng Kalinga PPO ang iligal na droga na nagkakahalaga ng P15,196,220.00, habang Benguet PPO nakakumpiska din ng iligal na droga na may SDP na P9,107,128,000.00. Bukod dito, ang Baguio City Police Office ay nakasamsam din ng iligal na droga na nagkakahalaga ng P3,047,600.00, habang ang Mountain Province PPO ay nakasamsam ng habu na may halagang P142,128.84. Samantala, nakumpiska ng Abra PPO ang hinihinalang shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P132,940.00, at ang Ifugao PPO ay nakakumpiska ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P17,272.00. Ang mga nagawang ito ay binibigyang-diin ang hindi natitinag na pangako ng PRO CAR na paigtingin ang kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. Sa pamamagitan ng sustained at coordinated operations, muling pinagtitibay ng PRO CAR ang kanilang determinasyon na protektahan ang mga komunidad mula sa mga panganib ng ilegal na droga, itaguyod ang panuntunan ng batas, at tiyakin ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan at seguridad sa rehiyon ng Cordillera.

2025 Ibalong Festival Street Dance winners

Region 5, Tourism / Health

Region 5, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay,Philippines — The vibrant streets of Legazpi erupted in celebration as Tribu Pulang-Angui from Polangui claimed the coveted title of grand winner at the 2025 Ibalong Festival Street Dance Competition, recently The group wowed judges and spectators alike, earning them the top prize of P500,000. The competition, showcased the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of various tribes from across Albay. Tribu Pulang-Angui distinguished itself through their powerful dance rituals, captivating music, dynamic costumes, earning accolades in multiple categories including Best in Street Dance and Best in Dance Ritual Interpretation. Securing second place was Tribung Licau from Ligao City, which received P300,000, while Tribung Bikolnon from Legazpi City took home P200,000 for third place. The event also recognized outstanding groups in special awards such as Best in Music and Sound, Best in Costume, and others. The success of Tribu Pulang-Angui not only highlights their artistic excellence but also celebrates the enduring cultural traditions of the Bicolano community.

Cayetano, pumalag sa gastos ng DOH sa commercials kahit delay ang serbisyo

Tourism / Health

Tourism / Health / Street Journal

Binusisi ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano nitong Lunes ang pondo ng Department of Health (DOH) para sa health promotion, at kinuwestiyon kung tama ang paggamit nito habang may delay naman sa aktuwal na serbisyo para sa publiko. Sa organizational meeting ng Senate Committee on Finance at briefing ng Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) tungkol sa panukalang 2026 National Expenditure Program nitong September 1, sinabi ni Cayetano na hindi tugma ang ginagastos ng DOH sa commercials ni Secretary Teodoro Herbosa kumpara sa sitwasyon ng karaniwang Pilipino. “Si Secretary Ted, may commercials sa YouTube, et cetera. When I looked at the budget, mayroon pala to promote health. Pero ‘pag tinignan mo ang isang commercial niya, he’s not promoting health,” wika niya. Giit niya, imbes na pagtuunan ng pansin ang agarang problema sa kalusugan ng publiko, napupunta pa sa mga isyu na wala sa mandato ng DOH ang ilang ads. “Akala ko nga na-appoint siya sa MMDA kasi sinasabi niya na huwag uminom at huwag mag-drive and then huwag mag-text at huwag mag-drive. Ang alam ko, secretary of health siya,” wika niya. Babala ng senador, nagkakaroon ng disconnect kapag puro commercial pero sablay ang serbisyo. “Kung may commercial tapos maganda y’ung produkto, okay. Pero kung may commercial pero on the ground ay maraming problema, parang may disconnect. Lagay na lang natin sa bakuna y’ung budget,” wika niya. Hinimok din ni Cayetano ang Department of Budget and Management (DBM) na i-line item ang health promotion budget para mas matutukan ang direktang programa at mga kagyat na pangangailangan. “If you’re going to give him a budget on health promotion, pwede ba i-line item ito? Halimbawa, P100 million on lung cancer or P100 million on nutrition,” wika niya.

BSIT student crowned Miss Baguio 2025

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A 2nd-year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student at the University of the Cordilleras was crowned as Miss Baguio 2025 during the Coronation Night held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, on September 6. Janela Andal Recio,22, of Trancoville Barangay, who is among the 12 candidates who participated in the search for Miss Baguio 2025, has the title of Miss University of the Cordilleras 2024 and Miss Galiacayo Camilliana 2025. Along with Recio who was crowned are Mikaela Coloma Lazaro (Bakakeng SLU SVP), Miss Baguio Creative 2025; Zyra Mae Carbonell (Bakakeng Norte/Sur) – Miss Baguio Kultura 2025; Precious Faith Mirasol (Brookside)- Miss Baguio Kalikasan 2025 and Brynne Cessary Bayang (Middle Quirino Hill), as Miss Baguio Tourism 2025 and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Baguio Ambassador. Those who received minor awards were Miss Social Graces: #10 Trinity Samantha Lacanlale, of Brgy. Dontogan; Darling of the Press: #7 Brynne Cessary Bayang, of Brgy. Middle Quirino Hill; Best in Creative Costume: #2 Precious Faith Mirasol, of Brgy. Brookside; Best in Talent: #8 Zyra Mae Carbonell, of Brgy. Bakakeng North/South; Best in Swimwear: #11 Janela Recio, of Brgy. Trancoville; Miss Courage: #6 Yvonne Jill Llobrera, of Brgy. Pucsusan and Miss Photogenic: #4 Elisha Lare De Castro, of Brgy. Upper Quezon Hill “The City of Baguio proudly celebrates the newly crowned Miss Baguio 2025.Janela’s journey reflects the true spirit of a Baguio woman that is strong, compassionate, and inspiring. May her reign open doors to new opportunities and allow her to shine even brighter as an ambassador of culture, talent, and community,” said Galadys Vergara, chair of the Baguio Tourism Council.

322 SPES student tumanggap ng allowance

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

SAN PABLO CITY,Laguna,Philippines — Tinanggap ng 322 mag-aaral mula sa iba’t-ibang paaralan ng San Pablo City ang tig-₱9,000 allowance mula sa Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) ng Public Employment Services Office (PESO) katuwang ang City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). Pinamunuan ni PESO Manager Pedrito D. Bigueras at CSWDO Administrative Officer V Edward C. Alcantara ang pamamahagi ng allowance na ginanap sa One Stop Processing Center. Nagsilbing kinatawan ni Mayor Arcadio “Najie” B. Gapangada Jr. si Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Former Ambassador Romy Manalo, na nagbigay ng inspirational message upang hikayatin ang mga estudyante na mas lalo pang pagbutihin ang kanilang pag-aaral at maabot ang pangarap na mas magandang buhay. Ang mga mag-aaral na naging bahagi ng SPES ay nagtrabaho sa kani-kanilang barangay bilang data encoder, profiler, at assistant sa mga indigency programs.

Author name: Street Journal