Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

CALAPAN CITY — Nilagdaan na ang Power Supply Agreement para sa 57 Megawatts guaranteed dependable capacity power supply sa pagitan ng Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative Inc. (ORMECO), power supplier companies at ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na ginanap sa Solidarity Hall ng ORMECO Inc., Barangay Sta. Isabel, Lungsod ng Calapan, noong Abril 14. “We are no longer celebrating a problem, we are celebrating a solution.” Ito ang binigyang diin ni Governor Bonz Dolor sa kanyang mensahe sa naturang okasyon. Aniya pa, hindi siya tumitigil sa paggawa ng paraan upang ang matagal nang kinakaharap na problema ng lalawigan at maging ng iba’t ibang nakaraang pamunuan sa isyu ng kuryente ay matuldukan na. Pinasalamatan naman ni ORMECO General Manager Humphrey A. Dolor ang mga walang sawang sumuporta upang maging isang ganap itong katuparan ng pinapangarap na solusyon sa usapin ng kuryente sa lalawigan na halos dalawang dekada nang kinakaharap ng mga nakaraang iba’t ibang pamunuan. Kapag napasimulan na ang operasyon ng mga karagdagang planta ng kuryente ngayong taon na itatayo ng nanalong power companies sa iba’t ibang natukoy na bayan, inaasahang bababa na ang taripa ng kuryente sa lalawigan sa pamamagitan ng naging commitment ng mag-ooperasyong power companies na pagpapababa ng generation charge sa maximum na 7.39 KWh. Ang labis dito ay tatawaging subsidized generation charge na kung saan ang magbabayad ay ang pamahalaan. Samantala, nakiisa at nagpahayag ng suporta sa naturang gawain sina Bokal Aleli Casubuan, dating Provincial Administrator Dr. Hubbert Christopher A. Dolor, at ilang mga member-consumer ng naturang kooperatiba.

Dalipe approves edicts institutionalizing CLAYGO, Creating Zoning Office

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

In a decisive moment toward a cleaner and more organized city, Mayor John Dalipe signs two landmark ordinances – one promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility through the CLAYGO policy, and the other, creating the Office of the Zoning Administrator, on April 14. Ordinance No. 713 entitled “An Ordinance Advocating Cleanliness and Environmental Responsibility through Mandating and Institutionalizing the Clean as You Go (CLAYGO) policy in all food establishments within the jurisdiction of Zamboanga City,” aims to promoting cleanliness, discipline and environmental responsibility among food establishments. Under the ordinance, fast food chains, cafeterias and similar food outlets are mandated to implement the CLAYGO policy. Establishments must display proper signages, maintain clean dining areas, install segregated waste bins and provide handwashing stations. Non-compliance will result in escalating fines starting at P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for second offense and P3,000 for the third and subsequent offenses. The ordinance excludes fine dining and full-service restaurants and grants a 180-day grace period for compliance. The CLAYGO Board along with the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) Division and the City Health Office (CHO) will oversee implementation and enforcement. Meanwhile, the Ordinance No. 714 also known as “An Ordinance Creating the Office of the Zoning Administrator, Appropriating Funds, therefore and for other purposes,” establishes an independent office of the Zoning Administrator, separating zoning duties from the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO). The move is aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and enforcement of zoning laws. The new office will manage zoning permits, locational clearances and inspections, which serves as the secretariat for the City Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals (CZBAA). To ensure technical competence, the Zoning Administrator must be a licensed Environmental Planner, a 10-year resident in Zamboanga City and have experience in zoning or a related field. Two major sections will operate under the Office of the City Mayor including the Building and Business Evaluation Section (BBES) and the Subdivision Evaluation Section (SES). The ordinance also outlines personnel structure, salary grades and funding mechanisms including the creation of a Zoning Fund Trust Account. Likewise, the City Human Resource and Management Office (CHRMO) is also expected to play a key role in facilitating the transition and staffing for the newly established office in accordance with the Civil Service and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) guidelines. The CPDO will now focus solely on planning functions and will be reorganized into five specialized divisions to streamline its operations including the Planning and Programming Division (PPD); Special Project Division (SPD); Monitoring, Evaluation and People Empowerment Division (MEPED); Mapping and Statistical Services Division (MSSD); and Administrative Services Division (ADSD). The ceremonial signing took place at the City Hall conference room and was attended by Vice Mayor Josephine “Pinpin” Pareja, Councilors Vino Guingona, Al-Jihan Edding and Liga ng Mga Barangay President Jordan Evangelista, CPDO Coordinator Ma. Luz Agbayani, Asst. CPDO Coordinator Jessie Christopher Lapinid, representatives and staff from the City Council, CZBA and CPDO. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)

THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT

Inside Politics

Inside Politics / Street Journal

THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT — A productive barangay caucus of re-electionist City Councilor Atty. Elmer Datuin, Atty. Lourdes Tabanda and comebacking Elaine Sembrano, of Team Maka-Baguio Tayo with Punong Barangay Noli Tan and all the residents of T.Alonzo Barangay.

DILG-CAR feted with ‘Philippine Quality Award’

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – As a testament to its commitment to elevating the quality of its services delivered to the public, the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) has been conferred the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) – Level 1 Recognition for Commitment to Quality Management by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque formally presented the PQA trophy to DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose and Assistant Regional Director Ruperto B. Maribbay, Jr. during the “DTI Townhall sa Kordilyera” held in this city on April 4, 2025. Established through Executive Order No. 448 and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 9013, the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) is the highest level of national recognition for exemplary organizational performance. The PQA is conferred to public and private organizations that “excel in quality management and overall organizational performance.” It is a national system for assessing quality and productivity performance and is considered to be equivalent to the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) in the United States. DILG-CAR RD San Jose attributed this achievement to the Department’s commitment to transparency, organizational efficiency, and its unwavering commitment to continuously improve its delivery of quality public service. “This recognition is a product of the combined efforts of all DILG-CAR personnel from the Regional, City, Provincial and Field Offices that have faithfully committed themselves to deliver the best-possible quality of services to our constituents,” RD San Jose said. She added that among the foundations the DILG-CAR prides itself on is the culture of innovation that has supported and nurtured the development of various internally-developed systems that have since became drivers of improved productivity of its internal and external clients, particularly of local government units (LGUs). This includes the Flexible Learning and Enhanced Knowledge Service (FLEKS) developed by DILG-Baguio City that earned the region its first national recognition from the Local Government Academy. This system pushes for streamlined real-time reporting across compliances at all levels of local government and has since been benchmarked by different DILG Offices and LGUs from all over the country. Moreover, the DILG-CAR chief said that the provision of technical assistance and frontline services have been proven to comply with the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and its quality is reflected by the satisfactory results of the Client Satisfaction Surveys (CSS). As part of the PQA Regionalization Program, the DILG-CAR was assessed in seven (7) categories, namely: Leadership; Strategy Development; Customer Expectations and Engagement; Organizational Performance; Workforce Capability and Capacity; Work Process; and Results. To date, the DILG-CAR is eyeing the PQA Regional Level 2 Recognition and is bent on analyzing the results of the Level 1 assessment to address the identified performance gaps and harness opportunities for improvement. “Our efforts does not end with receiving the award, rather it presents itself as a challenge to build on what we have so far accomplished. We need to prove that we are committed to excellence and we need to implement the corresponding strategies to further improve organizational efficiency and productivity,” RD San Jose said. This feat places DILG-CAR as the Department’s second Regional Office in the country to earn the prestigious award following DILG Region XII in 2024. (FFP/DILG-CAR)

U.S,Philippines conduct joint training on Anti-Trafficking of Hazardous Materials in Seaports

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA — The United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), hosted a maritime security training to enhance Philippine government’s efforts to counter the maritime trafficking of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials last Manila, March 24 to 28,2025. During the Targeting and Risk Management Workshop held in Manila, DTRA experts and Filipino facilitators from the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) trained 35 representatives from various Philippine government agencies in identifying, targeting, and interdicting illicit vessels and cargoes that traffic hazardous components of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in different maritime domains. It also included “train-the-trainer” activities to sustain the agencies’ efforts in identifying maritime security operational and doctrinal gaps. Participants included representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of Transportation’s OTS, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group. In his remarks, Director Jose S. Embang, Jr. of the CBRN office of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) thanked DTRA for its support in helping the Philippines refine its tracking methods and response procedures for potentially hazardous unauthorized materials discovered at seaports. He added that these efforts contribute to national and global security. “We value our longstanding partnership with ATC-PMC and their unwavering efforts to strengthen Philippine CBRN policy and legislation. We anticipate continued engagement with ATC-PMC, the National Maritime Center, and the Philippine interagency in support of initiatives that reinforce the ironclad commitment between our two countries,” said Nicholas DeDominici, Chief of DTRA at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The workshop is part of DTRA’s efforts to help strengthen interagency cooperation within Philippine government agencies; improve their capabilities to counter WMD proliferation and respond timely and effectively to maritime security incidents.; and strengthen U.S.-Philippine cooperation in support of a secure, prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific.

Hooked on Books library binuksan sa Gibraltar Elementary School

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Pinasinayaan ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong ang 22nd Hooked on Books (HOB) Library sa Grand Launching Day sa Gibraltar Elementary School noong Abril 12. Ang HOB Program ay isang inisyatiba na pinasimulan ng Linking Individuals to Nurture Kids Success (LINKS) sa pakikipagtulungan sa Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Baguio at iba’t ibang stakeholder. Nilalayon ng HOB Program na itaas ang interes ng mga mag-aaral sa pagbabasa sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng kakaibang kapaligiran na nagpapaunlad ng pagkamalikhain at walang limitasyong imahinasyon. Ang HOB Library ay nagsisilbing isang bukal ng karunungan at isang mapagkukunan ng inspirasyon para sa mga mag-aaral na, sa turn, ay makabuluhang nagpapahusay sa kanilang mga kasanayan sa pagbasa at pagsulat. Sa inisyatiba na ito, hinihikayat nito ang mga mag-aaral na huwag tingnan ang pagbabasa bilang isang mabigat na responsibilidad ngunit bilang isang kasiya-siyang pakikipagsapalaran na nagbubukas ng mga pinto sa mga bagong mundo at ideya. Ito ay hindi lamang nakakatulong sa kanila sa akademiko ngunit natututo silang paunlarin ang kanilang kagalingan at ang kanilang malalim na pagmamahal sa panitikan

Almost 60kms of New Clark City roads to be completed by end-2025

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

In a move to improve connectivity and support the requirements of its locators, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) continues to expand transportation and utility corridors in New Clark City, Tarlac, with built roads expected to reach nearly 60 kilometers by the end of the year. As road and underground construction works continue, New Clark City’s road network will stretch 57.18 kilometers by end-2025, covering almost 40 percent of the 148.44-kilometer total road length planned throughout the whole development. “One of the main elements that make Clark so attractive to investors is its unmatched connectivity, supported by its own international airport, a nearby seaport, and major expressways. But we need to further build on this connectivity and invest more on infrastructure. By doing this, we can create the scale to make us more competitive against our neighbors and elevate New Clark City’s position as a premier investment hub,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. New Clark City’s road projects involve multiple lanes, complete with bicycle and pedestrian lanes, solar street lights and linear parks, and drainage and slope protection structures to provide residents and locators of New Clark City convenient access to institutional, residential, and mixed-use developments within the city. They also feature underground utility corridors to prepare for the needs of present and future locators in the area. As of November 2024, 41.48 kilometers of New Clark City’s road network has already been completed, which include the 12-kilometer access road from New Clark City to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the 19.8-kilometer One Clark Boulevard connecting New Clark City to the Clark International Airport. The roads are now being used and enjoyed by public motorists. Meanwhile, 15.7 kilometers of roads are now undergoing construction, a large part of which includes the New Clark City Connecting Road Package 2. With a total length of 10.1 kilometers, this road package will traverse New Clark City’s industrial area, as well as the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex. Road packages 3 and 4, covering 7.5 kilometers and 6.7 kilometers, respectively, will soon be offered for bidding. Also for procurement are connecting roads leading to New Clark City’s sports complex, residential area, and the river park. Some 72.26 kilometers of road are also in the pipeline for future development. Spanning 9,450 hectares, New Clark City is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, sustainable, and future-ready metropolis. Once fully developed, it is projected to have a population of 1.2 million, and a total workforce of 600,000. The city’s extensive road network will form the backbone of the planned transit-oriented development in the whole Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, establishing robust interconnectivity within the SEZ and its neighboring communities. This will give way to the construction of multi-modal transport hubs, which will become pivotal in driving investments and creating sustainable, active communities.

“Hole-in-the-Wall” cafe, popular in La Trinidad

Business

Business / Street Journal

By Rizza Hull LA TRINIDAD — Popular on a street in Barangay Pico, La Trinidad, a wall that at first glance looks like just a hole that needs to be repaired is now popular, but if you peek inside, you will see a unique café that is now being visited and talked about. This is a so-called “hole-in-the-wall” café, where you order from a hole in the wall and your order will come out through said hole. The newly opened Café in the Hole is owned by Samantha Kyzyl Edoc, 22, who began a soft opening on March 31. Samantha graduated from Nursing at Easter College Inc. and instead of immediately entering the profession, she chose to build her own café as an extra income. Samantha is no stranger to running a business because she has learned how to be a businessperson since she was a child. She started by looking after the store, until she tried selling various products online while studying, and now she has her own café. From these trials, she discovered her passion. “That’s really what my heart loves, my passion, is serving.”, said Samantha. Samantha was inspired by the cafés she saw on social media—that’s why she decided to open her own. This included the “hole-in-the-wall” concept that she had only seen online from a café in Manila. “I was just watching it on the internet, and then I thought, what if I could do that kind of concept too.”, she said. Because of its unique concept, it became an attraction in their barangay. It was popular with people, especially customers. “We bought it here because it’s unique here in La Trinidad,” said Nicole Soo, a first-time customer. Aside from the design, one of the reasons why people visit is the affordable prices of their products, which is perfect for students. Despite her successful business today, one of the challenges for Samantha is still keeping up with the number of customers. “We don’t have enough employees, so we’re always in line and we’re only two or three, it’s like three is still not enough. That’s why we’re really struggling because it’s taking us a long time to place an order,” Samantha said. From a simple idea and a hole in the wall, a business was born that has captured the hearts of the community. For Samantha, this is not just a café—it’s a symbol of fulfilling dreams and proving that even behind a small hole, great success can peek through.

Vergara, kinilala bilang kandidato sa Kongreso ng BMLEC

Baguio City, Inside Politics

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Pinarangalan at kinilalang kandidato sa Kongreso si Gladys Vergara, na naging panauhing pandangal sa isinagawang Induction and Chartering Ceremonies ng Baguio Mabikas Lady Eagles Club (BMLEC) sa ilalim ng Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, na ginanap sa Crown Legacy Hotel, noong Abril 13. Bukod dito, si Vergara ay ginawang honorary member ng nasabing organisasyon. Bilang panauhin sa kaganapan, ibinahagi ni Vergara ang kanyang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa mga opisyal at miyembro ng Baguio Mabikas Eagles Club at ang bagong charter na Lady Eagles Club para sa pagkilala. “Ang pagkilalang ito ay isang bagay na lagi kong pahalagahan– hindi lamang bilang simbolo ng inyong pagtitiwala, kundi bilang paalala ng mga pagpapahalagang ibinabahagi nating lahat sa kapayapaan, pagkakaisa, at pag-unlad ng kapatiran sa pamamagitan ng paglilingkod.” Ang okasyon ay hindi lamang isang pormal na induction—ito ay isang tunay na pagdiriwang ng ibinahaging layunin. Pinuri ni Vergara ang lumalaking komunidad ng mga indibidwal na may pag-iisip sa sibiko na nakatuon sa paglilingkod, pakikiramay, at pamumuno. Inamin niya na ang pagpapalawak ng pagiging miyembro ng Eagles ay nangangahulugan ng pagbuo ng mas matibay na koneksyon at mas maraming pagkakataon na gumawa ng pagbabago sa buhay ng iba. Sa mga bagong miyembro, nag-alok siya ng paghihikayat at pakikiisa: “Ang pagiging bahagi ng the Eagles ay nangangahulugan ng paglalagay ng serbisyo kaysa sa sarili, at wala akong duda na dadalhin mo ang responsibilidad na ito nang may pagmamalaki at pagnanasa.” Sa pagkilala sa pagsusumikap sa likod ng chartering ng BMLEC, pinuri niya ang mga founding member at officers sa kanilang dedikasyon, pananaw, at puso para sa paglilingkod. Nagbigay din siya ng espesyal na pasasalamat kay Club President Rommel Penullar, na ang pamumuno at dedikasyon ay nakatulong sa pagbibigay buhay sa makabuluhang kaganapan. Ang ” True leadership, she shared, ” ay tungkol sa pagpapakita–kahit walang nanonood. Ito ay tungkol sa pakikinig, pag-angat at pagmamahal sa ating mga tao sa tahimik at pare-parehong paraan. Iyan ang kinakatawan ninyong lahat–at lubos akong ikinararangal na ngayon ay maging bahagi ng misyong ito kasama kayo.” Ang induction ni Vergara sa Eagles ay higit pa sa isang titulo—minarkahan nito ang simula ng isang makabuluhang alyansa na nakasalig sa layunin at diwa ng komunidad.By Zaldy Comanda

Author name: Street Journal

Power Supply agreement nilagdaan sa Oriental Mindoro