Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

MANILA, Philippines — Globe posted sequential growth in gross service revenues for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting its resilient operations and unwavering commitment to building a digitally connected Philippines. This upbeat performance is powering the company’s aggressive network expansion and 5G rollout, delivering faster, more reliable connectivity to millions of Filipinos and paving the way for next-generation technologies. By mid-2025, Globe had made significant progress in rolling out its network expansion program to meet the country’s rising digital needs. The company built 937 new cell sites and upgraded 4,512 LTE sites, further strengthening mobile coverage and enhancing service quality nationwide. To meet the growing demand for home internet, Globe deployed 35,821 new fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines, ensuring more households have access to high-speed broadband essential for remote work, online learning, e-commerce, and digital services. As part of its network enhancement program, Globe successfully migrated over 600 towns to full fiber connectivity, phasing out legacy copper lines in these areas. This milestone not only boosts broadband speed and stability but also aligns with Globe’s green network strategy, reducing environmental impact and eliminating copper scavenging incidents that historically disrupted services. Globe’s growth is also powered by its expanding 5G network. The company rolled out 444 new 5G sites nationwide, expanding its 5G outdoor coverage to 98.71% in Metro Manila and 98.19% in key Visayas and Mindanao cities by end-June 2025. These advancements are enabling more Filipinos to enjoy seamless high-speed connectivity for work, entertainment, and emerging digital innovations. Serving Filipino travellers globally, Globe sustained its leadership through 168 inbound and 183 outbound 5G roaming partnerships across 99 destinations, keeping Filipinos connected wherever they go. These milestones highlight Globe’s sustained investments in network infrastructure and 5G innovation, reinforcing its mission to bridge the digital divide and future-proof its network. Backed by financial sustainability, Globe is empowering Filipinos to thrive in a fast-evolving digital economy and positioning the Philippines as a rising hub for digital connectivity and technology adoption in the region.

Converge Makes Waves at the 2025 National Retail Conference & Expo

Business

Business / Street Journal

Manila, Philippines – Converge Global Business, the corporate and large enterprise unit of leading broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc., bannered its technology-driven solutions at the 2025 Philippine Retailers Association National Retail Conference & Expo (NRCE) held at the SMX Convention Center attended by over 700 retail industry and business leaders. Benjamin B. Azada, Converge Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, delivered a powerful keynote, emphasizing the essential role of advanced technology in creating authentic and meaningful customer experiences. “Customers are looking for human interaction, enhanced by technology and not diminished by it. Technology shall bridge between digital tools and supporting authentic customer experience,” Azada shared during his talk, “From Fiber to Future: Converging Tech and Tao for the Filipino Retail Experience”, on the second day of the conference. Converge did not stop at an inspiring keynote. Its visually striking and interactive booth earned accolades from attendees, being recognized as one of the “Best 10 Booth” of the country’s biggest retail conference and among those most visited too. The interactive booth showcased Converge’s future-ready solutions, such as Managed WiFi and Intelligent Surveillance, and its resolute mission to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines. Attendees were entertained firsthand on how Converge uses its technology innovations to shape the future of retail and help Filipino businesses deliver modern customer engagement solutions. During his presentation, Mr. Azada highlighted how Converge empowers retailers with solutions for omnichannel personalization. By providing reliable, scalable connectivity—including Converge Starlink for Business for remote areas—businesses can seamlessly integrate systems like Point of Sale (POS), e-commerce, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). This enables real-time engagement and instant feedback, ensuring that every business, from remote producers to urban shops, can offer a consistent and modern service. To further enhance the customer experience, Converge offers solutions for in-store engagement and security. The company provides secure Managed WiFi with Anti-DDoS protection as a value-added service and enables businesses to host and scale loyalty platforms on secure cloud environments. By using its robust infrastructure to protect customer data, Converge helps businesses build trust, encourage deeper engagement, and create a safer digital environment for all. “The 2025 National Retail Conference & Expo presented an incredible convergence of retail and technology thought leaders,” Azada added. “Converge takes pride in being a part of these progressive conversations and offering breakthrough solutions that empower businesses to achieve and deliver more.” The Expo served as a hub for professionals across the retail and tech industries to explore innovations, exchange insights, and uncover new opportunities. Through its active participation, Converge reaffirmed its commitment to taking Filipino businesses beyond connectivity by delivering high-performance technology solutions tailored to today’s evolving market demands.

CebuPac marks 9 years of UNICEF change for good with Youth Career Talk, Airport Tour

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

PAMPANGA, Philippines – Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, celebrated nine years of partnership with UNICEF Philippines’ Change for Good campaign by hosting a career talk and airport tour for select Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners from the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Angeles City, in Clark, Pampanga. The event, held on August 8, brought together CEB employees, ALS learners, DepEd officials, and UNICEF Philippines representatives. It aimed to inspire learners to explore careers in aviation and offered a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations. ALS is a DepEd program that provides out-of-school youth and adults with practical options to complete basic education outside the traditional school system. All the learners who participated in the event are beneficiaries of the Change for Good campaign. During the career talk, CEB employees shared their personal journeys in aviation and highlighted the diverse roles available in the industry. Afterwards, participants toured Clark International Airport with CEB employees and airport officials, visiting check-in counters, security screening areas, and the arrivals hall. The experience offered a first-hand look at how different teams work together to ensure safe and seamless travel for passengers. Change for Good is a partnership between CEB and UNICEF Philippines that allows passengers to donate loose change onboard flights. Since its launch, the program has raised over PHP 112 million (USD 2.13 million), supporting UNICEF projects in education, health, nutrition, and emergency response for vulnerable children across the Philippines. “The collective generosity of Cebu Pacific passengers has transformed the lives of thousands of children across the Philippines, especially those vulnerable communities” said Carmen Gonzalez Ortiz, UNICEF Philippines Chief of Private Sector Fundraising and Partnerships. “Every peso contributed is a vital investment to their future—providing them with opportunities to learn, thrive, and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their communities.” CEB remains the only Change for Good airline partner in Southeast Asia and the sole carrier directing all donations exclusively to programs within the Philippines.

Free EV rides at John Hay loop launched

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Free EV CAMP JOHN HAY,Baguio City, Philippines — -‘ Thousands of visitors, residents, and workers in Camp John Hay can now enjoy free, eco-friendly rides through the new John Hay Loop, a six-month electric-vehicle (EV) shuttle service pilot launched by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), its subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), and private partners Device Design Co. Ltd., LexSwitch, and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative,on August 15. The initiative aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transport in one of Baguio’s most popular destinations, benefiting nearly 4,000 people who live and work in the estate, as well as the city’s growing number of eco-conscious tourists. Three EV units, each accommodating 22 seated and nine standing passengers, are now serving eight designated stations across Camp John Hay, including: ● Main Gate Station – John Hay Trade and Cultural Center ● Filling Station A – near Le Monet Hotel ● Scout Hill Station A – near Camp John Hay Grounds ● Mile Hi Station A – from Forest Lodge ● Gate 4 Station – to South Drive and Outlook Drive ● Sheridan Station – near John Hay Golf ● Mile Hi Station B – going to Forest Lodge ● Filling Station B – going to Main Gate Powered by a 70 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery with fast charging capability, each unit can fully recharge in under 90 minutes and also comes equipped with a 7kWh onboard slow charger as a backup. “The John Hay Loop moves us closer to a cleaner, faster, and more connected Baguio,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. “Through this partnership with the private sector and international community, we are building a sustainable transport model that will benefit residents, workers, and tourists for years to come.” In June 2025, BCDA and JHMC signed a memorandum of understanding with DeviceDesign, LexSwitch, and the Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative to roll out an integrated mobility system in Camp John Hay. LexBuild Group and LexSWITCH EcoMobility Inc. are supplying the EV units and charging stations, while DeviceDesign provides station markers and monitoring technology. DeviceDesign and Cordillera Basic Sector Transport Cooperative will assess commuter experience, ridership levels, and operational performance, then provide recommendations for the long-term implementation of the John Hay Loop. This initiative reflects BCDA’s commitment to making destinations more accessible while safeguarding the environment. By integrating clean transport solutions into Camp John Hay, BCDA said it aims to promote a greener future for Baguio and set a national benchmark for sustainable mobility in tourism estates. The John Hay Loop is in line with BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

Robredo moves to prevent repeat of student slay

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY, Philippines — While criminal charges have already been filed against the suspect in the murder of a medical technology student of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), Mayor Leni Robredo vowed that the city government will exhaust all possible means to ensure the tragedy will not happen again. Robredo meet with Police Brigadier General Nestor Babagay Jr., acting regional director of the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) to discuss critical steps that the city and police authorities must undertake following the filing of the murder complaint against the suspect, identified by the police only as alias “Nonoy.” Robredo said her discussion with Babagay will focus on forging stronger collaboration between the city government and the Philippine National Police, particularly in reinforcing crime prevention mechanisms. She will also ask what support Naga can expect from the regional police leadership as the city confronts the aftermath of the crime that shook residents and drew widespread concern from the academic community. “We cannot afford the same crime—or any form of aggression—to happen again in our city,” Robredo stressed. “It is very unfortunate on our part, and on the part of the victim and his family, that such a crime occurred. Although isolated, it can blemish the reputation of our city. We condemn it.” Robredo said the case, while legally progressing at the City Prosecution Office, deserves more than just a procedural resolution. “We want to get to the real story behind the crime. While the suspect has admitted the act and the motive has been established by the police, we owe it to the victim’s family and to the people of Naga to understand what really happened, and why,” she added. Aside from her dialogue with Babagay, the mayor said she will also bring the case to the attention of the Naga City Peace and Order Council (POC), which is scheduled to convene next week. One of the immediate actions taken by the city government, Robredo said, is the improvement of the city’s CCTV surveillance system. She has instructed the General Services Department to conduct a thorough inspection of all 27 barangays to identify poorly lit areas andj recommend urgent improvements. “We need CCTVs that are part of a well-organized, effective, and efficient system,” she said. “It is not enough that we have many units. They must be installed strategically, operate consistently, and be backed by a strong and stable internet connection so that surveillance does not fail when we need it most.” Robredo also gave her assurance to the victim’s family that the city government stands with them in their pursuit of justice. “We will do everything within our means to get justice for the victim and to protect others from suffering the same fate,” she said.

The Dreamer Chases Asian Glory

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

After his inspiring debut at the IMMAF Youth World Championships 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Alexander “The Dreamer” Tagure Jr. is once again preparing to raise the Philippine flag, this time at the 1st Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) Youth Championship in Manama, Bahrain, from August 27 to 31, 2025. According to AMMA, “the event not only showcases rising talents across Asia’s mixed martial arts scene but also serves as the official qualifying tournament for the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which will be staged in Bahrain this October.” This will be Alexander’s second competition abroad, having already proven himself on the world stage. Bahrain now marks his entry into the Asian circuit and a step that keeps his journey moving forward. “If he places high enough or wins in Bahrain, he qualifies for the Asian Youth Games — where MMA will be a medal sport for the first time in history,” his coach, Erwin Tagure, said. Coach Erwin likewise expressed gratitude to those who have supported Alexander since day one. “Iyaman,” he said, recalling the struggles and small victories that brought them here. For him, Alexander’s journey is not only about personal triumph but also about sparking belief in others. “We hope our story inspires more youth to believe in themselves, work hard, and chase opportunities that once felt impossible.” In Abu Dhabi, Alexander faced tough competition from seasoned youth fighters around the globe yet made a strong impression earning respect not only for his skill but also for the spirit he brought into the cage. That debut laid the foundation for his growing reputation as one of the promising young athletes to watch. From Tabuk to Abu Dhabi, and now Bahrain, Alexander carries not only his own hopes but the spirit of every young fighter dreaming of the global stage. And as he sharpens his skills for this next challenge, Erwin is certain of one thing, “The dream did not end in Abu Dhabi. It’s only growing stronger.” (Province of Kalinga Page_ Good luck, Alexander! Photo by: Tribu Banwar

Fostering Inclusivity and Strengthening suppor for PWD.s sector

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — A continuing effort in building a more inclusive community, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar gathered the focal persons and members of the Persons with Disabilities sector at the Capitol Gym, Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, for a collaborative discussion in observance of the National Disability Rights Celebration. The event, spearheaded by the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDDAO) in partnership with the Provincial Health Office, Northern Samar Public Employment Service Office, Norfil Foundation and the Northern Samar Federation of Persons with Disability, offered free medical check-up, medicines and anti-pneumonia vaccination and job skills registration for PWDs seeking employment. This, along with insightful lectures on the salient features of Republic Act 10070 or the “Act Establishing Institutional Mechanism To Ensure The Implementation Of Programs And Services For Persons With Disabilities” delivered by esteemed resource speakers, Judge Albert Yruma of MTC Pambujan and Mr. Eduardo Diaz, LGOO VI of DILG Northern Samar. Centered on the theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” the gathering provided valuable opportunity for Governor Harris Ongchuan to hear the concerns and proposed policies aired by the sector’s representatives. Putting premium on a people-centered approach to governance, Governor Ongchuan clearly spoke of his support to the sector, saying “Dito sa ating lalawigan, naniniwala tayo na walang dapat maiwan. Ang bawat Nortehanon, ano man ang kanyang kalagayan, ay may mahalagang papel sa paghubog ng mas matatag at maunlad na probinsya.” Also present were OIC-PPDAO Ms. Kirsten Tobes; Hon. Leonida Laodenio, Chair of PWD Committee; Mr. Anthony Dones, President of Northern Samar League of PDAO; Mr. Glenn Munez of NORFIL Foundation Inc.; and Mr. Basilio Ogario, President of Northern Samar Federation of Persons with Disability, who provided inputs and made the dialogue meaningful. The Provincial Government of Northern Samar under Governor Ongchuan’s leadership works hand-in-hand with partner agencies and organizations to synergize efforts in creating programs and opportunities that protect the rights, ensure the welfare, and uplift the quality of life of the marginalized sectos in Northern Samar. (Northern Samar PIO)

Electricity, internet access brought to far-flung Benguet schools

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BENGUET, Philippines — Three schools located in remote sitios of Benguet now have access to electricity and the internet through the support of AuroraPH, a joint initiative of the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. AuroraPH aims to harness the power of renewable energy, internet connectivity, and digital tools to transform education in last-mile schools in the Philippines. Located in off-grid areas, the Bakian Guinawan Elementary School, Marcelo Marquez National High School, and Pimingan Elementary School were equipped with solar panels, Wi-Fi, and supplemental digital tools like televisions to help address gaps in an inclusive and equitable quality education. “Before, we had to use lamps to study, and it was hard,” shared Kyla Mae Taaca, a 16-year-old student from Pimingan Elementary School in Barangay Ansagan, Tuba. Now, we can research, join online activities, and actually see what we’re writing. “We used to travel to Baguio just to charge our laptops, limiting usage in the classroom,” recounted Pimingan Principal Aileen Adonis. “Now, we can finally teach using digital tools. We observed that students are now more engaged.” Lanie Quinas, a regional testing coordinator, also observed that digital literacy is improving, and some students have already been adapting. “We used to bring them to town for digital exams. Now we can prepare them here in the schools themselves.” The AuroraPH initiative aims to energize 300 schools in the Philippines. To date, the project has successfully helped three schools situated in Benguet. “This milestone shows what’s possible when communities and partners come together,” said Jowell Ann Cruz, Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education. “May these classrooms shine bright and the future of its students be limitless.” “We’re lighting classrooms and igniting the dreams of its students,” added Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables’ First Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations. “AuroraPH is helping reshape education, one school at a time. Behind every connection is a student daring to dream, a teacher refusing to quit, and a community ready to rise.” Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI) operates nine run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, providing essential clean energy while supporting its host communities.

Japanese students explore agritourism opportunities in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — A delegation of students from Japanese universities visited the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol to consult with the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office for an academic study on developing agritourism anchored on the province’s farmlands and other local assets. Held with the full support of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, the visit aims to surface practical strategies to grow agritourism and expand livelihood opportunities for farming communities. Acting Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales led the discussions with the students, joined by GLM Institute Representative Director Kazuhiro Yamamoto; Vizcaya FRESH Operations Manager Ronnel Acio and ARMLED, Inc. Operations Manager Alvin M. Agsalda, on August 6. With its extensive farmlands and deep agricultural heritage, Nueva Vizcaya is seen as an ideal setting for agritourism innovations that can create jobs, diversify farmers’ income, and bring local products to wider markets. The students are expected to consolidate their findings into recommendations that could inform pilot initiatives and future academic–industry collaborations. For the PTCO, insights from the exchange will help refine programs that advance inclusive and sustainable tourism. The meeting underscores the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya’s openness to international collaboration and fresh ideas that strengthen both tourism and agriculture—for the benefit of Vizcayanos today and in the years to come.

Author name: Street Journal

Globe accelerates network expansion in 2nd Qtr 2025, strengthens 5G leadership