Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

TUBA, Benguet — Dalawang tauhan ng Philippine Air Force ang nasugatan matapos bumagsak ang sinasakyang fixed-wing training aircraft sa isang masukal na lugar sa Mount Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, bayan ng Tuba, noong Mayo 20. Ayon kay Lt. Col. Roy Calulot, spokeprson ng Police Regional Office-Cordillera, nakilala ang isa sa mga biktima na si 1Lt Ruth Angelique R. Pasos, ng Philippine Air Force, habang ang kasama nitong naka-unipormeng lalaki ay hindi pa nakikilala na miyembro din ng PAF. Ayon kay Calulot, ang pagbagsak ng eroplano sa hindi pa malamang dahilan ay may tail No.10-39, na napag-alamang isang eroplanong pang-training ng PAF SF260 na tumatakbo sa ilalim ng call sign na “COUGAR DELTA 1” Naganap umano ang insidente na nakita ng mga naninirahan sa ang pagbagsak nito dakong alas 10:20 ng umaga at naiulat sa pulisya dakong alas 11:40 ng tanghali. Agad na nag-responde ang mga tauhan ng Tuba Municipal Police Station, Baguio City Police Office Station 10, Bureau of Fire Protection-Tuba, at Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office , matapos itawag sa kanila ang Barangay Chairman ng Poblacion sa nakitang agbagsak ng eroplano. Pagdating sa lugar, ang isang kulay abo, puti, at orange na eroplano ng gobyerno na may logo ng Philippine Air Force sa bahaging masukal na bahagi ng Mt. Cabuyao. Sinabi ng mga awtoridad na ang eroplano ay naunang lumipad mula sa Basilio Fernando Air Base sa Lipa City, Batangas. Ang huling lokasyon nito na minomonitor ay iniulat na mga dalawang nautical miles hilagang-kanluran ng Loakan Airport sa Baguio City bago nawalan ng komunikasyon.

Globe sustains growth momentum with strong 1Q 2026 results with data driving 91% of total revenues

Business

Business / Street Journal

Globe delivered strong year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating business resilience and strong execution amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. Consolidated gross service revenues reached Php42 billion, up 5% year-on-year, supported by sustained demand for connectivity and digital services. Data continued to anchor performance, contributing 91% of total consolidated service revenues, underscoring the strength and scale of Globe’s core connectivity platforms. Mobile data remained a key growth driver, with revenues rising 11% year-on-year to Php26.8 billion, while traffic expanded 18% to 1,810 petabytes, reflecting sustained usage across video, social media, gaming, and digital payments. The 1Q2026 performance marks Globe’s second-highest quarterly revenue level on record, reflecting sustained business momentum following its peak in the fourth quarter of 2025. It also represents one of its strongest start to a year in recent periods, with all core segments, including mobile, broadband, and enterprise, contributing to growth. Essential Nature of Connectivity The continued expansion of data usage highlights the essential nature of connectivity, even as consumers navigate tighter spending conditions. Growth was driven by structural digital adoption rather than short-term consumption patterns, reinforcing the durability of Globe’s revenue base. Mobile revenues reached Php30 billion, up 6% year-on-year, supported by strong data monetization and a growing subscriber base. Home broadband revenues rose 6% to Php6.2 billion, driven by deeper fiber adoption, while corporate data revenues increased 6% to Php5.1 billion, led by demand for ICT and cloud-enabled solutions. Profitability remained stable, with EBITDA growing 7% year-on-year to Php22.2 billion and margins expanding to 52.8%, reflecting disciplined cost management alongside sustained topline growth. Core net income rose 9% year-on-year to Php4.9 billion, indicating underlying earnings strength despite external pressures. “We are pleased to have sustained our momentum into the first quarter of 2026, delivering resilient topline growth of 5% year-on-year. This was driven by disciplined execution and prudent cost management, alongside sustained demand for data and connectivity,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO. High-impact network, capacity upgrades Against the backdrop of ongoing global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions affecting energy costs and consumer behavior, Globe has adopted a focused and disciplined operating approach to protect margins and sustain overall service quality. The company continues to prioritize efficient capital allocation, directing investments toward high-impact network and capacity upgrades while maintaining positive free cash flow and minimizing foreign exchange exposure. Capital expenditures for the quarter reached Php12.7 billion, with 91% allocated to data-related initiatives, reinforcing Globe’s commitment to delivering a reliable and high-quality network experience nationwide. “We are operating with discipline with a war-like stance, focusing on protecting margins, optimizing our capital spend, and ensuring that our customers continue to receive a reliable, high-quality network experience. This approach allows us to remain resilient while positioning the business for long-term growth,” Cruz added. Looking ahead, Globe expects full-year performance to reflect evolving market conditions, including potential impacts on consumer spending and rising operating costs such as power rates. The company is guiding for low to mid single-digit revenue growth for the year, aligned with its focus on sustainable, quality growth. Globe’s first-quarter results underscore the strength of its data-driven strategy, demonstrating that connectivity-led growth remains resilient across economic cycles while continuing to support the country’s accelerating digital transformation.

US Embassy delegation for economic affairs taps SBF for partnership

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee visited this premier Freeport on May 13, 2026, seeking to create more investment opportunities. US Ambassador Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with several representatives of the US economic team, arrived here as part of the mission to work on US-Philippines growth through a series of coordination with government officials and business leaders. The ambassador met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, to discuss economic growth efforts for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership designed to supercharge infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity between four primary hubs in the Philippines: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. Chairman Aliño said that the trilateral initiative with the US, Japan, and the Philippines has now expanded to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. “This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” he added. The SBMA top official said that with upcoming projects in railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains, “Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub grows even stronger.” Initially launched in April 2024 as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the initiative has rapidly scaled into a powerful 10-nation coalition. The said visit is part of her travel to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investments alongside the Philippine government and business leaders, as the ambassador advocates for streamlining complex regulations to increase investor confidence. Variava is currently coordinating economic growth efforts for the Corridor to counter exploitative regional infrastructure programs with sustainable alternatives.

La Union intensifies tourist protection with DOT-PNP partnership

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

By Kathlene Joyce Ramones SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines. (PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1, the La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO), and the Provincial Government of La Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 14 to establish a Tourist Police Unit aimed at promoting safety and security in the province’s tourism areas. The initiative is anchored on Republic Act 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), which promotes safe, secure, and sustainable tourism destinations across the country. The partnership comes as La Union continues to attract many visitors each year, driven by its growing reputation as a leading tourism destination in Northern Luzon. Under the agreement, the Tourist Police Unit will provide a visible police presence at key tourist sites to ensure peace and order while improving visitors’ overall experience. Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 acting director, Police Brigadier General Jovencio Badua, Jr., said the unit’s creation reflects the shared responsibility of maintaining public safety amid the province’s tourism growth. “As a holistic tourism destination in Northern Luzon, La Union continues to attract millions of visitors each year. With this growth comes our responsibility to maintain peace, order, and public safety,” Badua said. He added that activating the Tourist Police Unit under the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOP COP) program would strengthen responsive and service-oriented policing in tourism areas. DOT Region 1 Regional Director Benjamin ‘Bingo’ Manahan, Jr., meanwhile, emphasized that tourism development must go hand in hand with public safety. “When travelers feel secure, communities prosper, businesses grow, jobs are created, and confidence in our region becomes stronger,” Manahan said. The DOT vowed to continue working with local government units (LGUs), law enforcement agencies, and tourism stakeholders to promote safe and tourist-friendly destinations across the Ilocos and Pangasinan region. The La Union Tourist Police Unit is also expected to serve as a model for tourism security initiatives nationwide once it is fully established. (CCMT/KJCR, PIA La Union)

Baguio air quality remains good to fair – CEPMO

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Summer Capital ambient air quality remains generally within the “good to fair” levels, according to City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO). Engr. Sofronio Pascua said this was based on the validated report of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera (DENR-CAR).He said the city has mobile air quality sampling gadgets operated by the city government for self-monitoring purposes.One is located in front of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) along Upper Abanao St., which is considered one of the city’s critical monitoring sites due to the heavy volume of vehicles and the inclined road condition. The other is located at Gov. Pack Road. Meanwhile, the EMB-CAR’s monitoring stations are located at Lake Drive in Burnham Park and at the foot of Session Road. The Lake Drive station uses a continuous ambient air quality monitoring system capable of real-time monitoring of air quality and can provide data on particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10 levels, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Pascua said air quality in different parts of the city at times varies from fair to unhealthy levels, especially during the dry season due to the presence of pollen, ash, construction activities, and vehicle emissions. To help address air pollution, CEPMO continues to implement voluntary vehicle emission testing.Administrative Order No. 56, series of 2019, mandates daily voluntary emission testing from Monday to Sunday with a P100 fee payable at the City Treasury Office. Vehicles are given two chances to pass the test, and those that fail twice must pay another testing fee for retesting. Vehicles that pass will receive a Certification of Voluntary Testing (CVT), exempting them from roadside emission testing for two months, provided they properly maintain their vehicles. However, vehicles still found emitting excessive smoke during the grace period may still be subjected to roadside testing. Failed vehicles will have their CVT cancelled, while those issued warnings are given seven days to repair or maintain their vehicles or face automatic apprehension. Most vehicles undergoing voluntary emission testing are public utility vehicles. The Roadside Inspection Testing and Monitoring Team (RITMT), which has been in operation for years now, continues to conduct random roadside tests. Aside from its regulatory purpose, the RITMT also carries out information, education, and communication campaigns on clean air compliance. He added that private smoke emission testing centers are also being monitored by a joint task force composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Land Transportation Office (LTO), DENR, and the city government to ensure proper validation of testing centers and vehicles. Pascua also stressed the role of the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) Airshed Governing Board in ensuring that adjacent municipalities adopt and implement complementary ordinances and strengthen enforcement efforts to improve regional air quality.( Aileen P. Refuerzo)

Brewing a Route: Quirino’s coffee trail connects farms to cups

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

By Thelma C. Bicarme Coffee culture is steadily brewing across Quirino Province as cafés and coffee shops form a growing network that connects local farms directly to consumers’ cups. From community cafés to farm-linked enterprises, locally grown coffee is becoming an important part of the province’s tourism and economic landscape. This first installment of the series explores the emerging coffee trail in the municipalities of Diffun and Cabarroguis, highlighting cafés that serve not only as dining spaces but also as partners in supporting local coffee growers and cooperatives. Despite the summer heat, coffee remains a favorite beverage among residents and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed iced or freshly brewed, coffee continues to draw people into cafés that offer both comfort and a taste of Quirino’s local flavors. More than a lifestyle trend, the province’s coffee trail contributes to local economic activity. Many cafés source beans and processed coffee products from farmers and cooperatives within Quirino, creating a direct market for local produce and helping sustain farm-based livelihoods. In Diffun, cafés reflect a blend of modern coffee culture and locally rooted enterprise. DISADECO Breads & Coffee follows a farm-to-cup approach by sourcing coffee from local growers and roasting beans for in-house service alongside freshly baked products. HanY Patter Cafe offers a themed café experience featuring specialty coffee and dessert-inspired beverages, while Allmytea Food Services caters to both beverage and meal demand with coffee drinks, milk tea, and food offerings. Other coffee destinations in Diffun include Power Rock Café, a multi-branch establishment known for its coffee, cakes, and smoothies. Smaller but steadily patronized cafés such as Kape.milla serve flavored espresso drinks, while Zam’s Café has gained attention for its matcha and specialty beverages. Arteastic Brews Café combines coffee with meal selections, and Sip n’ Think provides students and young professionals with iced coffee and baked products in a campus-style setting. In Cabarroguis, cafés are commonly located along commercial centers and highway areas, making them accessible stops for travelers and residents. Q-Life Café offers a café-dining setup featuring coffee, pastries, pasta, and rice meals. Ta-ag Kafé serves flavored lattes and pastries, while Re’Casco’s Café operates as a compact coffee stop known for espresso-based drinks and bread products. Other cafés in the municipality include Crustea Café, which serves coffee, milk tea, and pizza variants; Café Han ATBP., recognized for its pastries and bread offerings; Espressiah Café, which combines espresso beverages with pasta and rice meals; Coffee Bros., a casual café serving brewed and iced drinks; and Tan-aw Café, which offers coffee and pastries in a relaxing setting. Across these establishments, cafés function as more than social and dining spaces. They are active participants in a local value chain where farmers supply raw and semi-processed coffee products, and cafés create consistent demand that helps circulate income back to agricultural communities. As Quirino strengthens its identity as an emerging coffee destination, tourists and visitors are encouraged to explore the province’s coffee trail as part of their summer travel experience. Whether choosing an iced coffee to beat the heat or a hot brewed cup that naturally cools the body through perspiration, visitors can enjoy refreshing beverages while discovering the unique flavors and hospitality of Quirino Province. (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, Quirino) Photo courtesy of Tourism Quirino / Tan-aw Café

Kasanayan ng mga atleta, mas mapauunlad sa bagong PSC track oval sa Baguio City

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

By PIA-CAR BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Inaasahang mas mahahasa pa ang kakayahan ng mga atleta sa pagbubukas ng bagong kumpuning track oval ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sa Teachers Camp, Baguio City. Pinangunahan ni PSC Chairperson John Patrick C. Gregorio, kasama si Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, ang pagbubukas ng oval noong Mayo 16, 2026. “Makakatakbo na uli rito ‘yung mga boxers, muay [thai], ‘yung track and field. Nandito si President Erick kanina. Pababalikin na raw niya rito ‘yung mga long-distance runners. Pangalawa, ‘yung community ho. Sa totoo lang, diyan ako excited. You know, when si President Marcos opened that Rizal and Field sports, believe it or not, among 2,000 to 3,000 people ‘yan every night—‘yung 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. And we will do the same thing here in Baguio,” sabi ni Gregorio. Bukas ang oval mula 3 p.m. hanggang 10 p.m. araw-araw. Libre ang paggamit ng oval nguni’t kailangan munang magrehistro. Ang una, pangalawa, at pangatlong linya ay para sa mga mabibilis na tumakbo at mga nag-eensayo na atleta. Ang pang-apat, panglima, at pang-anim na linya naman ay para sa pagtakbo nang dahan-dahan at tuloy-tuloy. Samantala, ang pangpito at pangwalo na linya ay para mga naglalakad. Sinabi ng PSC chairperson na sa loob ng ilang buwan, sisimulan na rin ang pagpapaunlad ng football pitch sa naturang lugar. “Kaya nandito rin ho ‘yung Philippine Football Federation (PFF). It will be a world-class football field. Pitch po siya. Ito po ‘yung turf na bago. PSC rin po ‘yan and Philippine Football Federation,” aniya. Inilahad din ng opisyal ang iba pang inaasahang pagpapaunlad sa mga pasilidad ng isports sa lungsod. “I make sure that I get the support of international federations. So, nag-usap rin ho kami ni Mayor Magalong, ‘yung dinonate namin na P20 million for the Athletic Bowl, ‘yung dormitory ng mga atleta. And then ‘yung susunod po natin diyan ‘yung swimming pool. Kasi kapag mga January to February, masyadong malamig. Kawawa naman ‘yung mga atleta. So, pagtutulungan din po namin ni Mayor Benjie ‘yan,” dagdag pa ni Gregorio. Ayon naman kay Magalong, makatutulong ang mga napagagandang pasilidad para sa pagpapaunlad ng kakayahan at kapabilidad ng mga atleta. “Ang condition lang noon is we’re going to designate ‘yung ating Athletic Bowl as a regional training center. So, mag-le-level up na naman ‘yung ating mga athletes kasi they will be training with regional champions, at the same time, with national players as well. Kaya gaganda din ang performance ng ating mga athletes sa siyudad ng Baguio,” sabi ni Magalong. Nakibahagi rin sa pagbubukas ng track oval sina Muay Thai world champion Islay Erika Bomogao, Olympic medalist na si Nesthy Petecio at Olympian Eumir Marcial. (JDP/DEG- PIA-CAR w/ UC intern Angela A. Espiritu)

Converge, Danao City Collaborate for Digital Transformation

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

DANAO CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Leading fixed broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) – through its corporate and large enterprise unit, the Converge Global Business – and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Danao City recently formalized an alliance to fortify the city’s digital framework and optimize civic service delivery. Through this agreement, Danao City will integrate high-capacity Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) from Converge as its primary backbone. This mission-critical connectivity supports the city’s digital transformation roadmap, ensuring seamless operational performance across all government departments. “Back in 2023, we envisioned and launched our drive to build an empowered and well-connected Danao, investing decisively in digital infrastructure to turn that vision into reality,” said Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III. “Today, we have connected 27 of our 42 barangays with reliable internet access. We are now pushing forward to achieve 100% connectivity within the year.” This agreement underscores a mutual commitment to deploying future-ready solutions within the public sector. The implementation of enterprise-grade fiber infrastructure is designed to facilitate faster communication, secure data management, and a more agile response to the needs of the community. “This collaboration with Danao City reflects our continued commitment to enabling digital transformation in the public sector through reliable and scalable connectivity solutions,” said Shion Canen, AVP & Head for Enterprise Sales, VisMin at Converge Global Business. “We remain focused on supporting local government units in building stronger digital foundations for more efficient public service.” This collaboration accelerates the evolution of Danao City into a premier Smart City. By leveraging the robust network of Converge, the LGU is establishing the necessary environment for advanced, integrated technologies that will redefine the digital experience for every Danaoanon. Jaive Joseph B. Roble, City ICT Officer of Danao, added, “This collaboration with Converge allows us to strengthen our digital infrastructure and improve the efficiency of our operations. Reliable connectivity is essential as we continue to modernize our systems and enhance service delivery to our constituents.” This milestone represents a shared investment in a digital-first ecosystem for Danao City. Moving beyond basic connectivity, the cooperation serves as a catalyst for sustainable technological growth, ensuring the city remains resilient and competitive in an increasingly digital world.

FedEx strengthens regional connectivity with investment expansion of its Clark gateway for Central and Northern Luzon

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Philippines – Department of Finance Secretary and Investment Czar Frederick D. Go joined executives of FedEx at the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the company’s Clark gateway facility, a major investment aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and reinforcing the Philippines’ role as a key trans-shipment hub within the FedEx Asia Pacific network. The expanded gateway in Clark Freeport Zone is expected to enhance cargo handling capacity and improve logistics services for businesses and communities across Central and Northern Luzon, supporting faster and more efficient movement of goods in one of the country’s rapidly growing economic corridors. “The expansion of FedEx will deepen global connectivity and strengthen local trade capabilities. Filipino firms and consumers can reach more markets while more foreign traders can reach ours. As the Asia-Pacific region grows, the Philippines will be better positioned to ride on this momentum and drive our economic growth,” said Secretary Go. Once completed, the modernized facility will span over 78,000 square meters and feature upgraded handling and operational capabilities designed to enhance shipment flow reliability and service flexibility for customers. The expanded Clark gateway will further strengthen the company’s ability to support express, e-commerce, and freight shipments, while bolstering overall network resilience as cross-border trade continues to grow across the region. “The expansion of our Clark gateway reflects our continued commitment to the Philippines and to building a smarter, more resilient network across the region,” said Masamichi Ujiie, president of FedEx North Pacific and South Pacific. “By enhancing our operational capabilities at Clark, we are better positioned to support Philippine businesses, enable efficient cross-border trade, and provide more reliable connectivity to global markets.” This development builds on the company’s growth in the Philippines, following the opening of its Clark gateway in October 2021, and the signing of a land lease agreement with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) in 2024. Construction will commence in the second quarter of calendar year 2026, with Robinsons Land Corporation, engaged as the developer. Sustainability features have been incorporated into the design to help improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. These include insulated building materials, energy-efficient glazing, a high-performance roofing system, LED lighting, skylights and electric vehicle charging stations, water-efficient fixtures, a rainwater collection system, and power-optimization equipment, with provisions for future solar power deployment. This latest investment aligns with the company’s broader strategy to strengthen network reliability, enhance service experience for customers and position the company to support long-term growth across the Asia Pacific region.

Author name: Street Journal

Training aircraft bumagsak sa Mt. Cabuyao, 2 sugatan