Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

SORSOGON CITY – Pinaghahandaan ngayon lalawigan ng Sorsogan ang posiblidad na pagputok ng bulking Bulusan, matapos maitala ang 98 volcanic earthquakes na nagsimula noong Abril 12. Nagsagawa kamakailan ng emergency meeting para sa Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) ng Bulusan Volcano ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na pinangunahan ni Provincial Administrator Franco Eric Ravanilla bilang kinatawan ni Governor Boboy Hamor, na ginanap sa kapitolyo. Ang pagpupulong ay kaugnay ng mga naitalang pagtaas sa seismic activity ng bulkan. Base sa tala ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) sa Bulkang Bulusan. Ayon sa kinatawan ng DOST-PhiVolcs, sa kasalukuyan ay nananatili sa Alert Level 0 ang Bulkang Bulusan, gayunman, matapos na makitaan ng mga pagbabago sa estado ng bulkan kabilang na ang sunod-sunod na volcanic earthquake, at iba pang seismic activities, patuloy ang kanilang monitoring at hindi isinasantabi ang posibilidad na mag alboroto ang nasabing bulkan. Samantala, bilang paghahanda ng Kapitolyo sa anumang posibilidad na mangyari, inilatag na nito ang mga plano at preparasyon na kailangang gawin upang maiwasan ang anumang epekto nang nabanggit. Kabilang sa mga paghahanda ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan at iba pang katuwang na ahensya ay ang pagkakaroon ng koordinasyon at patuloy na monitoring, paglatag ng command center, paghahanda ng mga resources kabilang ang pag-augment ng mga fire trucks, food packs, hygiene kits, face masks at iba pa. Dagdag pa, hindi na rin papayagan ang pagpasok sa 4km permanent danger zone. Samantala, sa ngayon ay nauna nang ipinadala sa mga partner agencies tulad ng BFP, PNP at DRRMO ng Bulusan, Irosin, Juban, Casiguran, Gubat at Barcelona ang nasa 35,000 N95 face mask bilang bahagi ng pre-positioning ng Kapitolyo. Ang Bundok Bulusan, kilala rin bilang Bulusan Volcano, ay isang stratovolcano sa isla ng Luzon sa Pilipinas. Matatagpuan ito sa lalawigan ng Sorsogon sa Rehiyong Bicol, ito ay 70 kilometro ang layo sa timog-silangan ng Bulkang Mayon at humigit-kumulang 390 kilometro ang layo sa timog-silangan ng Maynila. Huling pumutok ang bulkang Bulusan noong Hunyo 12, 2022.

Gambito commits major infrastructure projects in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday In a move that promises to transform local infrastructure and uplift the community, Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has announced plans to concrete the road from Sitio Nangcalapan, Barangay Salinas, to Barangay Mauan in Bambang. This announcement was made during the inauguration of a newly completed farm-to-market road, a project funded by a one-million-peso investment from the provincial government. In addition to the road improvements, Governor Gambito addressed the community’s long-standing request for a bridge. He promised to work with former Governor Ruth Padilla to make this happen, as long as they are elected as governor and congresswoman of Nueva Vizcaya. Together with former Governor Ruth Padilla, we are committed to turning these dreams into reality. We will work hand in hand to improve our infrastructure and create new opportunities for our people,” stated Gambito. The event was also attended by Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao and Ruthie Maye Padilla, who represented her mother, former Governor Ruth Padilla. Their presence highlighted the collective effort and determination to drive progress in the province. These long-awaited developments are set to enhance connectivity and boost economic prospects in the province. The improved road and proposed bridge are expected to facilitate smoother transport of goods and services, greatly benefiting local farmers.

559 empleyado nakamit ang promosyon sa unang termino ni Gov.Guico

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Mahigit 500 empleyado mula sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan, ang ilan sa kanila ay nagtatrabaho ng mahigit 40 taon, sa wakas ay nakakuha ng kanilang promosyon sa unang termino ni Gobernador Ramon V. Guico III. Sinabi ng Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) na may kabuuang 559 na empleyado ang nakakuha ng kanilang promosyon o maging permanenteng posisyon sa tatlong progression ceremonies na ginanap noong maupo si Gov. Guico noong Hulyo 2022 hanggang noong nakaraang buwan. Sinabi ng HRMDO na marami sa mga na-promote ay ilang dekada na sa provincial government ngunit may mga casual appointment pa rin. Ang iba ay may mga permanenteng posisyon ngunit naligtas sa promosyon dahil sa hindi pagkakaroon ng mga bakanteng posisyon o nilikhang mga posisyon sa kanilang mga departamento. “Mayroon tayong 559 na empleyado (na-promote) mula Hulyo 2022 hanggang Marso 2025,” sabi ni HRMDO chief Janette Asis sa ikatlong career progression ceremony noong Abril 15. Sinabi niya na ang unang batch ay binubuo ng 276 empleyado, sinundan ng 132 empleyado at ang huli ay binubuo ng 151 empleyado para sa “kabuuang 559 na nakaranas ng seremonya ng pag-unlad ng karera,” Nang maupo siya noong Hulyo 1, 2022, nangako si Gob. Guico na bubuo ng mahusay na manggagawa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na bubuo sa ‘Team Ang Galing.’ Sa pakikipag-usap sa mga empleyado ng probinsiya sa unang pagkakataon noong Hulyo 2022, hinimok ng gobernador ang lahat ng rank-and-file na empleyado na gumanap sa kanilang pinakamahusay at ipakita ang kanilang mga potensyal na sa kalaunan ay magiging kanilang tiket sa mas maliwanag na pagkakataon sa karera sa loob ng organisasyon. Sinimulan din niya ang paglikha ng mga bagong pagkakataon para sa mga empleyado sa pamamagitan ng pagpuno sa mga bakanteng posisyon ng mga karapat-dapat na manggagawa. Ang priyoridad sa kanyang unang termino ay payagan ang pag-promote ng mga permanenteng empleyado sa mas matataas na posisyon at ang promosyon ng mga kaswal na empleyado sa mga permanenteng posisyon. Ang ilan sa mga na-promote na empleyado ay halos 40 taon na sa pamahalaang panlalawigan, na nagsilbi sa anim na gobernador bago ang nanunungkulan ngunit tinanggihan ang pagkakataon para sa paglago ng karera sa mga nakaraang taon. Gumawa si Gov. Guico ng mga oportunidad para sa mga trabaho kabilang ang mga nasa Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO), Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) at Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO). Nalikha din ang mga bagong plantilla positions sa ilang tanggapan tulad ng Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office (PIMRO) na dating Provincial Information Office, Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority (PHSUDA) na dating Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Office (PHUDCO), at Laoac Dairy Farm, na nasa ilalim ng Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), at iba pa. Higit pa rito, ang iba’t ibang proyekto ay patuloy na ipinatupad upang matiyak din ang physical wellness at skills enhancement ng mahigit 6,000 empleyado ng probinsiya. Kabilang sa mga ito ay ang regular na pagsasagawa ng mga kasanayan at kakayahan sa pag-unlad at mga pagsasanay sa pagpapahusay ng mga kasanayan, mga medikal na pagsusuri, at mga aktibidad sa kalusugan. Sa kanyang State of the Province (SOPA) noong Abril 5, muling iginiit ng gobernador ang kanyang panawagan na gawing paraan ng pamumuhay ng mga Pangasinense ang mga manggagawa. “Nais naming maging tapat sa mga mithiin nito upang matiyak ang kapakanan ng lahat ng ating mga tao,” aniya, at idinagdag na pangungunahan niya ang layunin upang patuloy na itaas ang antas ng kahusayan sa lahat ng aspeto ng pag-unlad.

Domogan reminds LGU Baguio of right over built-up areas in CJH

Baguio City, Inside Politics

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

It is time for the city government to take measures in the administration of the built-up areas in Camp John Hay. According to the former mayor now candidate for congressman Mauricio Domogan, Section 16 of Resolution 362 series 1994 requires the BCDA to transfer ownership of the land and its built-up areas and improved structures within the Camp John Hay Special Economic Zone to the city government upon expiration of the lease contract between BCDA and developer, Camp John Hay Development Corporation. A few months ago, the Supreme Court affirmed the rescission of the contract of lease between the BCDA and CJHDevCo. The BCDA has since taken over CJHDevCo with a new company permitted to operate some businesses thereat. The city government is expected to earn millions from the operation of the hotels alone. There are currently three hotels at the CJH. With the entry of a new developer, more businesses are expected to be established at the former American recreation area. Domogan added, the city should also assert collection of its shares from the lease and operations, which up to this time have not been fully paid. Domogan said if elected in Congress, he will prioritize review of the 19 Conditions governing the development of CJH for 30 years after development, the people of Baguio have not fully realized the benefits as spelled out in the conditions (PR)

Atok officials assure LSV hosting won’t be the last

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

ATOK, Benguet – Officials of this town welcomed this year’s batch of the Lucky Summer Visitors (LSV) with fervent hope that this visit will not be their last. On Black Saturday, the LSV, escorted by officers of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC) visited this town’s most frequented tourist destination — the Northern Blossom Flower Farm. Mayor Franklin Smith credits Northern Blossom owner and manager Lany Ganayan for the growing tourism industry in the municipality. He said the flower garden, famous for its cabbage roses on manicured plots has become part of the itinerary of many tourists who usually visit Baguio and the capital town of La Trinidad. As a result, other businesses such as accommodation establishments, souvenir stores, tour guiding, and opening other eco-parks have also increased as a result of the influx of tourists at the site, Smith said. “We hope this will be the first of many. Atok used to be a stopover only. We are so blessed”, Smith told the LSVs and BCBC officers. The mayor said visits to the Northern Blossom alone contributed substantially to the town’s revenue. The LGU collected P3 million in environmental fees in 2023 and P8.2M in 2024. The number of accommodation establishments in Atok have also increased. In 2023 there were only 11 accommodation establishments. For 2024 and 2025, there are 30, the mayor said. For the past two years, the number of business permits issued have steadily increased. The mayor said there were 602 permits issued in 2023, 720 in 2024, and 722 for the first quarter of 2025. The mayor also proudly said that Atok is an emerging venue for conventions and benchmarking for small groups. Smith said the LGU is addressing potential concerns that might occur as a result of tourist influx. The municipal market is being reconstructed into a five-storey structure where three floors will be devoted for parking. The mayor admitted that parking is currently a challenge especially at the surrounding areas of the flower garden. The building will also have a multipurpose hall for conventions. Municipal Tourism Operations Officer Johanna Mae Lopez-Balao said there is more to see in Atok. She said the LGU agreed to host this year’s batch of the LSV with the intent of promoting other destinations in the town. “We take pride in our cool weather and warm hospitality”, Balao said, and thanked the BCBC for Including Atok in the tour of the LSVs. She and the mayor hopes that when they host next year, the guests will stay overnight so they can be toured in the town’s other tourist attractions. Other tourist destinations here are the, Half Tunnel, Haight’s Place and Benguet- Kochi Park, Wagangan Rock Formation and Lourdes Grotto, Goat Cliff Adventure and Camping, 2nd Highest Point of the Philippine Highway System, Hidden Cypress Botanical Garden, and Mt. Timbac summit. The Search for the Lucky Summer Visitor is an annual project of the BCBC as its way of helping promote tourism in Baguio. The tour, which used to be concentrated in Baguio and the Strawberry Farms of La Trinidad has included new and emerging destinations such as Atok and Tublay in Benguet and Pugo in La Union. This year’s LSVs, spouses Ricardo and Carolyn Celestino, their children Jerome and his partner Jellyn Bautista, Julia, Eunice, 13 and grandchild Eugin are from Pasig City. The LSVs also visited the Beacon Hill and Polig’s Farm, both in Tublay. Beacon Hill is a theme park located bearing symbols of the United Kingdom such as the Union Jack, the King’s Guards, the red-double decker buses, and telephone booths. Polig’s farm is a berry farm with a coffeeshop designed like a kettle as centerpiece. — BCBC release

Cordillera delicacy muling pinatikim sa 6th Mangan Taku Food Fair

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Muling pinalasap ng Department of Tourism-Cordillera sa kanilang 6th Mangan Taku Food Fair ang mga katutubong pagkain at inumin, kabilang ang mga One Town, One Product (OTOP) mula sa iba’t ibang lalawigan at lungsod ng Cordillera na matutunghayan sa Rose Garden, Baguio City, mula Abril 24 hanggang 28. Kasalukuyang nalakalatag sa bawat booth ng lalawigan ng Abra, Kalinga, Benguet, Mt.Province, Apayao, Ifugao at mga kalahok na iba’t ibang food establishment ng Baguio City, ang kani-kanilang pangunahing produkto, para ipakita sa publiko ang yaman ng kultura ng rehiyon. Ayon kay DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, ang aktibidad ay alinsunod sa Family Food Month na ipinagdiriwang tuwing Abril at ang food fair ay muling magpapakita ng iba’t ibang Cordillera cuisines kung saan magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang publiko na makibahagi sa mga espesyal na delicacy sa mismong puso ng lungsod bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap na gawing popular at bigyang-daan ang mga bisita at residente ng lungsod na matikman ang iba’t ibang katutubong Cordillera foods. Sinabi niya na sa taong ito, maglalagay ang departamento ng turismo ng mga sticker ng Mangan Taku sa mga hotel at restaurant na naghahain ng Cordilleran cuisine sa kanilang mga menu upang agad na malaman ng mga bisita na available ang lokal na pagkain sa mga naturang establisyimento. Ang taunang Mangan Taku Food Fair ay inendorso ng hindi bababa sa Regional Development Council sa Cordillera at iba’t ibang lokal na pamahalaan upang matiyak ang pinakamalawak na partisipasyon ng mga concerned stakeholders alinsunod sa agresibong promosyon ng Cordilleran cuisine sa mga dayuhan at lokal na turista. Ayon kay Ganongan, hindi na kailangan ng mga turista at maging ang Cordilleran na pumunta sa iba’t ibang probinsya upang matikman ang mga katutubong delicacy dahil madali itong makukuha sa isang lugar, kaya naman, maaaring gumala ang mga tao at matikman ang iba’t ibang specialty ng Cordilleran. Ang Mangan Taku Food Fair ay itinatag din ng City Ordinance No. 81 noong 2019 at alinsunod sa Proclamation No. 469 na inilabas noong 2018 na nagdedeklara sa buwan ng Abril bilang Filipino Food Month na may layuning itaguyod ang pagpapahalaga, preserbasyon, at pagtataguyod ng mga tradisyon at culinary treasures sa Pilipinas, at ang yaman ng industriya ng Pilipinas. kinabukasan. mga pamayanang agrikultural. Sinabi pa ni Ganongan na ang taunang pagdaraos ng Mangan Taku ay lilikha ng interes mula sa maraming dayuhan at lokal na turista na sabik na tikman ang mga katutubong pagkain at tikman ang iba’t ibang inumin ng Cordillera. By Zaldy Comanda

Royal Sultanate of Zambales crowns high ranking officials of the province

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Dante M. Salvaña Subic, Zambales – The Royal Sultanate of Zambales has enthroned high-ranking officials of the province at the Subic Sports Complex, in Barangay r Wawandue of this town on April 20. With the theme, The Sultanate of Phangampong A Pilipinas Da’Wah Solidarity, the male local officials were given the title Rajah while the female local officials were given the title Prinsesa. During the Morod and Multaqa 2025 of The Royal Sultanate of Zambales, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun, Congressman Jay Khonghun, Congresswoman Bing Maniquiz, Castillejos Mayor Jeff Khonghun, and Subic Town Mayor Jon Khonghun were enthroned. The ceremony was led by Sultan ng Pilipinas Bob Datimbang Alhajj, citing that the event shows unity, peace and respect for every religion in the country. Zambales Governor Ebdane was given the title of Rajah ng Zambales, Vice Governor Jaq as Prinsesa ng Zambales, Congresswoman Maniquiz as Prinsesa ng Ikalawang Distrito ng Zambales, Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun as Rajah ng Castillejos; and Mayor Jon Khonghun as Rajah ng Subic. The newly crowned Rajahs were given kris sword, sash, and certificate that authenticates their positions, while the newly crowned Prinesas were given sash, malong, and certificate as well. The newly crowned officials were endorsed by high-ranking Muslim officials of the country including Sultan Masiricampo ng Pilipinas Cosanie Derogongan, NCMF Director, Bureau of Peace and Conflict Resolution; Sultan Cabugatan sa Pilipinas Sonny Baniga Alhajj; and Sultan sa Pilipinas Sultan Bob M. Datimbang Alhajj. During the event, an oath taking was officiated by Governor Ebdane to the Muslim Federation of Zambales led by President Parker Bassar. President Bassar expressed his gratitude to the officials of Zambales for their unwavering support to the Muslim community in the province. He added that the participation of the officials in the said event show how much they are willing to give attention to the Muslim community of Zambales. Governor Ebdane thanked the officials of The Royal Sultanate of Zambales for accepting them as one of their own, citing that the voices of the Muslim community is just as important as any other voices that are heeded by the Provincial Government. Other local government officials from Zambales also witnessed the event as a symbol of their support for the crowning of these officials as rajahs and princesses. To end the event, the Maranao Dance Group of Subic performed before the audiences.

Abalos renews call to scrap VAT on electricity, push for renewable energy

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

As households brace for another uptick in electricity bills this April, senatorial aspirant and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has reiterated his call to abolish the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity and taxes on fuel exclusively used for power generation. In a recent radio interview, Abalos criticized what he described as “layered and excessive taxation” that has long made Philippine electricity among the most expensive in Southeast Asia. “Due to this increase, it gets harder for ordinary families to keep the lights on,” Abalos said. “Twenty years ago, when I was a congressman, electricity had no VAT. I opposed it then, and I’m standing by that position now.” The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently announced a rate increase of P0.72 per kilowatt-hour for April, translating to an estimated P145 jump in monthly bills for households consuming 200 kWh. Abalos said there are VAT at each stage of power delivery. “You have 12% VAT on generation, 12% on distribution, 12% on transmission—and then there’s system loss passed on to consumers. How can any country thrive like this?” he asked. He warned that such high operating costs are driving investors away and crippling local industries. “Maraming negosyo na umalis sa atin, pumunta sa ibang lugar dahil mas mura ang kuryente. Eh ang gagaling ng mga Pilipino, ng mga labor natin dito—very skilled,” he said. “We have world-class Filipino talent, but we’re losing jobs because it’s too expensive to operate here.” To address the problem, Abalos is proposing the remove the VAT on electricity. “Ito na lang isipin natin, bakit tayo nagtatax? Para magkaroon ng pera ang gobyerno. Let’s look at it na pwede nating bawasan ito, tanggalin ito. Siguradong dadami ang negosyo,” he added. He also said the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 was supposed to liberalize and reduce costs in the power sector but it did not address the issue that the power sector is overtaxed, one of the main factors in the country’s high electricity cost – the second highest in Southeast Asia. Abalos vowed to prioritize energy reform if elected to the Senate, including the removal of VAT on electricity and the reduction of taxes on fuel used solely for power generation. “This will be one of my first bills. Lowering energy costs will spur more businesses, more jobs, and better lives for Filipinos,” he said. Abalos also called for more support for renewable energy, citing the country’s abundant yet underutilized natural resources. “Right now, we’re only using 18 to 21 percent renewables. In Nordic countries, it’s over 50 percent—and it’s cheaper. We should invest more in renewable energy,” he said. Abalos also called for more support for renewable energy, citing the country’s abundant yet underutilized natural resources. “Right now, we’re only using 18 to 21 percent renewables. In Nordic countries, it’s over 50 percent—and it’s cheaper. We should invest more in renewable energy,” he said. He noted that the Philippines, as an archipelago, is well-positioned to harness wind, wave, solar, and hydro power, but continues to rely on imported fossil fuels. “Halos buong taon tayong may sikat ng araw. May mga baybayin at kabundukan tayo na perpekto para sa wind at hydro power. Meron nang teknolohiya para sa wave energy na ginagamit na sa ibang bansa. Pero hanggang ngayon, umaasa pa rin tayo sa fossil fuel at langis,” Abalos said. For Abalos, the shift to renewables is not just an environmental necessity but a long-term economic solution. “Investing in renewable energy means reducing our exposure to global fuel price shocks, making electricity more affordable, and creating green jobs in our rural and coastal areas,” he said.

Tatlo katao patay sa shootout sa Kalinga

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Tatlo katao ang patay sa armadong engkwentro sa Purok 7, San Julian,Tabuk City, noong umaga ng Abril 24. Ayon sa Tabuk City Police Office, nangyari ang pamamaril sa pagitan ng 6:30 a.m at 7:00 a.m malapit sa tirahan ni Barangay Kagawad Cleve Dumaguing, alyas Banatao, ng Biga tribe. Lumalabas sa inisyal na imbestigasyon na ang mga biktima na sina Santos Calsiyao, Tokar Calsiyao, at Leo Palat Calsiya, ay may naka-away sa hindi pa nakikilalang kilalang salarin mula may 50 metrong layo sa bahay ng opisyal ng barangay. Ang mga biktima, na umano’y armado ng dalawang M16 rifles at isang shotgun, ay nagtangkang tumakas pahilaga ngunit binawian ng buhay sa kanilang mga pinsala. Natagpuan silang wala nang buhay sa kalsada kasunod ng pakikipagpalitan ng putok sa hindi pa nakikilalang mga suspek. Kinilala ang mga biktima na mga miyembro ng pamilya Calsiyao mula sa Basao Dilag. Kinuha na ng Police Forensic Unit (PFU) ang pinangyarihan ng krimen para sa pagproseso, habang ang pagtugis ng mga imbestigador ay humahantong sa pagtukoy at paghuli sa mga suspek. Hindi pa matukoy ng mga awtoridad ang motibo sa likod ng pamamaril, bagama’t ang mga inisyal na ulat ay nagmumungkahi ng posibleng pagtatalo ng tribo, mga karaniwang pag-trigger ng karahasan sa lalawigan. Hinimok ng Kalinga PPO ang mga saksi o sinumang may impormasyon na makipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad malapit sa lugar.

Author name: Street Journal

Posibleng pagputok ng Mt.Bulusan, pinaghahandaan sa Sorsogon