Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano flagged the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Engineering and Administrative Overhead (EAO) fund, saying it ballooned to P94 billion from 2022 to 2025 without ensuring project quality, resulting in wasted public funds. Cayetano stressed that the amount, which averages P20 billion a year, could already cover the P55-billion shortfall needed to reach the 4% of GDP target for education spending. “Ni-research na sa DPWH pala, they have EAO na up to 3.5% for any project above P1 million, at napupunta ito sa either central office, regional director, o sa district engineer,” he said. Cayetano made the point during the organizational meeting of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education on August 27, which he chairs, in response to Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian’s opening statement that the P55 billion needed for education could easily be sourced by reallocating part of the P270 billion set for flood control projects next year. The (EAO) is a percentage deducted from DPWH projects worth over P1 million to cover costs for testing, quality control, project management, and pre-construction activities. But Cayetano said despite these supposed purposes, the fund has failed to guarantee the integrity of projects and has even been linked to so-called “ghost projects.” “Kung pang-testing at quality control pero wala naman palang quality at ghost project pa, sayang itong pondong ito,” he said. Cayetano emphasized that the fund, which averages P20 billion a year, is enough to cover the education budget gap and urged Gatchalian to look into it. “May I respectfully hand it over to you baka gusto mong tingnan. It’s mostly P20 billion a year. Isusumbong ko na kay Tulfo y’ang EAO na ‘yan,” he said.

Gov.Gambito, OPAPRU push reintegration for Nueva Vizcaya’s former rebels

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito met with officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on August 28, to align ongoing and upcoming programs that support the reintegration of former rebels and strengthen peacebuilding efforts in the province. Discussions focused on an upcoming partnership between the provincial government and OPAPRU covering infrastructure projects—particularly road improvement in former insurgency-affected areas—and scholarship programs for the children of former rebels. Gov. Gambito also committed provincial support for a national trade fair in Metro Manila that will feature products from former rebel associations across the country, with Nueva Vizcaya’s associations set to participate. The OPAPRU delegation was led by BGen. Ramon C. Yogyog (Ret.), Regional Adviser on Peace and Security for Region II, with Mr. Jerome A. Padilla, Area Manager of the Area Management Unit–Northern Luzon; Mr. Adenis B. Bringas, ARCA Coordinator; Mr. Alex Berigundo, Head of the Local Amnesty Board; Mr. Redgie A. Gallardo, Area Coordinator for Northern Luzon; and Ms. Lamie K. Sagulo, Administrative Officer. Also present were DILG Provincial Director Catherine Alam Miranda, PSWD representative Jane Pumaras, SWAD–Nueva Vizcaya Team Leader Fernando Bainto, Provincial Warden Carmelo Andrada, and PPDO Head Engr. Edgardo Sabado. Both sides reviewed existing reintegration and community-support initiatives and identified areas for tighter coordination to accelerate delivery of services to returnees and their families. Many former rebels have already received livelihood assistance from the national government, continued monitoring is needed to ensure these resources are properly used to rebuild and improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods as they return to mainstream society. The planned infrastructure investments aim to improve access to markets, social services, and livelihood opportunities in communities transitioning from conflict, while the scholarship component seeks to expand educational opportunities for qualified beneficiaries. OPAPRU, the Philippine government agency responsible for managing and implementing the comprehensive peace process, said the collaboration with the provincial government is intended to foster reconciliation and unity while sustaining gains in local peace and security.

Youth-Eco-Led-Tourism tree planting drive

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

KABAYAN, Benguet, Philippines – The Local Government Unit of Kabayan, with the unwavering support of Mayor Rex Alwin G. Aquisan, successfully conducted its impactful “Youth-Led Eco-Tourism Tree Planting Drive” held at Kamora National High School in Gusaran, Kabayan, on August 28. This initiative was spearheaded by the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office, led by Tourism Operations Officer I, Mr. Fernan A. Bangonan, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, led by Environmental Management Specialist, Mr. Aris B. Lamsis. The activity was participated by various partner organizations, truly embodying the spirit of collective environmental stewardship. Attendees included dedicated LGU employees; personnel from the Kabayan Municipal Fire Station, led by FINSP Danilo C Fagyan; the Upper Agno River Watershed Area Team, headed by Mr. Benjamin T. Kimayong; Kamora National High School, led by Principal Ms. Divina T. Calubandi; as well as the members of the Supreme Secondary Learners Government and the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization. This collaborative activity aligns perfectly with the Linggo ng Kabataan’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond.” Its primary aim is to empower young people in environmental conservation and preservation, serving as a holistic and forward-looking endeavor that leverages the vibrant energy of our youth to secure the environmental and economic future of our community. This initiative goes beyond mere rhetoric, translating our aspirations for a better tomorrow into concrete, meaningful action. By working together to plant trees today, we are quite literally rooting for a brighter future—one where our natural landscapes are thriving and our youth are at the forefront of stewardship and innovation. In his remarks, Mr. Bangonan extended heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors for their continuous assistance in supporting the endeavors of the office and, especially, for the benefit of the youth. Special appreciation was given to the Gusaran Multi-Purpose Cooperative headed by Ms. Rosalyn Ebas and Sangguniang Kabataan of Gusaran, headed by Honorable Joshua C. Daniel for their significant sponsorship. He concluded with a powerful call to unity: “Together, let’s unite for a progressive Kabayan and for the better future of the youth.”

San Pablo City targets Guinness World Record for Coconut planting

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

SAN PABLO CITY, Philippines — In celebration of National Coconut Week, San Pablo City is set to attempt a Guinness World Record for the most number of volunteers planting 11,000 coconut seedlings simultaneously within 15 minutes.The record attempt will take place on August 29, 2025, with thousands of participants expected to join in the historic event.This initiative highlights the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and coconut industry development.

P200K reward for missing police trainee in Benguet

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — The family has offered a total of P200,000 as a reward for anyone who can see or provide information on their family member, Patrolman Aaron Blas, who has been missing for 45 days in Itogon town, Benguet. Blas, 25, a native of San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao, was among the new police officers who underwent the land navigation activity of the PNP Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) in Barangay Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet, when he went missing on July 14. According to the Benguet Provincial Police Office, after their training that day, he failed to return for headcount, so several police trainees immediately returned to their place of origin and the routes they had taken but they found no trace of him. Based on CCTV footage from Philex Mines, Blas was seen returning to the Zigzag Dam 2 area on the terrain at around 5:30 p.m. that same day, but his departure from the said area was not seen on CCTV. Since then, until now, through the formed Task Force Blas of the Benguet PPO, the search has continued along the river and many areas in Itogon town. According to the police, they cannot yet provide details on whether the victim is alive or dead and if he went AWOL, until his whereabouts are found. The Benguet PPO further assured that search operations are still ongoing, with the help of the local government unit Itogon, Philex Mines Inc., other concerned agencies, and volunteers.

Daryl Eslay’s Kickboxing Gold

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – At only 12 years of age, Daryl Dame Eslay, a budding kickboxing athlete from the Summer Capital, recently made his mark at Batang Pinoy 2024 by winning gold in his event proving that age is no barrier when passion and discipline come together. Daryl began his kickboxing training two years ago, inspired by someone close to home—his uncle, a kickboxing coach and what started as a family influence quickly turned into a passion, as he committed himself fully to the sport. Balancing school and sports is no easy feat for a student-athlete like Daryl, but he has found a rhythm. “We train every day, even on weekends and school days,” he said as he admitted that this kind of setup can be tiresome but that he has gotten used to it to the point that the tiring days of training are now like a walk in the park. This consistent dedication to training prepared him for one of the biggest moments in his young athletic career: representing Baguio City at Batang Pinoy 2024. For Daryl, competing on a national stage was a moment of pride. “I am happy because I got the gold medal,” he stressed. Beyond the win, however, it was his and his teammates’ sense of unity and faith that undoubtedly left him a lasting impression. “What stood out the most for me is whenever we compete in a competition, we pray first.” For Daryl, these shared moments are a reminder that winning isn’t just about strength, but also about camaraderie and shared belief. Behind every successful athlete is a support system and Daryl is no exception as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, teammates and sponsors who have supported him in his kickboxing journey that made his road to winning the gold medal possible. With gold around his neck and fire in his spirit, Daryl Dame Eslay is a reminder that great things come to those who train hard, stay humble and never stop fighting for their dreams.(Heidi Alonzo/Baguio PIO intern/Gaby Keith)

Magalong stands firm in campaign against corruption

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong has maintained that his advocacy against corruption will continue, especially in government infrastructure projects involving several politicians and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH). Magalong’s exposure of government corruption intensified when President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) mentioned corruption in flood control projects in various parts of the country. Last year, Magalong first exposed the overpriced DPWH projects in the Cordillera region in the cat eyes or reflector lights projects on roads, yellow barriers and rock netting. He said the actual price of a cat eye is only P1,350 per piece, but the DPWH’s detailed price analysis shows it is P11,720, so it appears that it is overpriced by P10,370 each. The yellow barriers found on highway curves have a budget of P121,330 per meter of road, but the actual price is said to be P20,000, so it appears that the kickback per meter is more than P100,000. Magalong also said that the price of rock netting is P6,000 per square meter, but what was listed by the DPWH was P25,000 in 2023. He said that if we add up the rock netting purchased for the Cordillera region from 2017 to 2023, it reaches P46.61 billion and an estimated P28 billion went to kickback. “I used to ask for data information or documents from DPWH, but they played with me and tricked me. Sometimes I also requested the Regional Development Council to complete DPWH to provide me with documents for contracts, but DPWH told me that they would provide me with a link, but we have been clicking on the link for a week and we can’t find anything there. So I talked to NEDA, that’s where we saw the seriousness,” Magalong said in an interview. Magalong previously said that he is ready to appear anywhere, especially in Congress to uphold his disclosure against corruption. (Zaldy Comand

NAPOLCOM Chief Backs PNP Chief Nartatez, Welcomes Recall of Torre’s Reassignments

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has expressed full support for the initial actions of newly designated Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., particularly his decision to implement a resolution reversing the major reshuffle of senior officials ordered under former PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Commissioner Ralph Calinisan commended Nartatez for enforcing Resolution No. 2025-0531, signed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary and Ex-Officio Chairperson Juanito Victor C. Remulla, along with Commissioners Calinisan, Beatrice Aurora A. Vega-Cancio, Ricardo P. Bernabe, and Josephus G. Angan. “This move of the new PNP Chief highlights his respect for institutions and the system of checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution. This is a good sign of things to come. The NAPOLCOM pledges 100 percent support to the leadership of Lt. Gen. Nartatez. Truly, Nartatez is the best choice to be the next PNP Chief,” Calinisan said. The NAPOLCOM chief likewise welcomed Nartatez’s move to relieve P/BGen. Jean Fajardo as PNP spokesperson, emphasizing the importance of aligning the post with the Public Information Office. Nartatez explained that Fajardo is currently detailed with the Directorate for Comptrollership and therefore not in the proper office to serve as spokesperson. NAPOLCOM underscored that the resolution seeks to restore stability and proper command structure within the police force, following the leadership transition at Camp Crame.

2,180 residents get medical aid in La Union

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LA UNION, Philippines — The Office of Cong. Dante S. Garcia has distributed medical assistance to 2,180 residents of the second district of La Union from the first to third week of August, through the Dumanon Serbisyo Gobyerno (DSG) Medical Assistance Program. Cong. Garcia led the financial aid distribution to the recipients, mostly cancer and dialysis patients, from the municipalities of Caba, Pugo, Tubao, Aringay, Agoo, Rosario, Santo Tomas, Naguilian, Burgos, Bagulin and Bauang. The DSG Medical Assistance provides financial aid to ailing constituents in support to their medical treatment and medication. This initiative of Cong. Garcia reaffirms his commitment to compassionate public service and in support to La Union: Agkaysa in improving the quality of life of the provincemates.

Author name: Street Journal

Cayetano flags DPWH’s EAO fund for wasting public funds