Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a 25-year contract agreement with property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), for the lease of the John Hay Technohub (also known as Ayala Technohub) in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. This prime property is projected to boost revenues for the government and will continue to provide employment for the local community. “This partnership ensures that business continues to thrive smoothly while we build a stronger, brighter future for all. It reflects the deep trust and confidence that respected companies like Ayala place in government. At BCDA, we are living up to our promise to keep Camp John Hay a place where great things happen,” BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said. Under the terms of the agreement, the property will continue to serve its current purpose, providing stability for the existing business while paving the way for broader economic gains. Ayala Land, a seasoned player in property development, has been instrumental in shaping the John Hay TechnoHub. This includes not only a conducive business process outsourcing (BPO) building but also vibrant retail clusters. For the BCDA, the partnership represents a significant strategic advantage, with projections indicating an estimated Php600 million in generated revenues. This fiscal benefit is further underscored by the demonstrated success in land value capture, which has averaged an impressive 14% across Ayala developments. Beyond the fiscal benefits, the agreement will continue to provide more employment opportunities to the local community, thereby providing a considerable uplift in job stability in the area, which currently employs 3,000. The partnership emphasizes a commitment to maximizing the utility of existing assets, attracting fresh investments, and critically, cultivating a resilient and sustainable economic ecosystem for the benefit of the Filipino people. Since it recovered Camp John Hay property in January, the BCDA bagged over Php1.4 billion in investments from new commercial and residential lease agreements, signaling strong investor confidence in the organization’s track record.

PDEA seizes P1-B shabu in Pampanga

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

More than P1 billion worth of white crystalline substances suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, were seized by joint forces of the PDEA Intelligence Service; PDEA Regional Office-National Capital Region (NCR); and PDEA Regional Office III; with the support of the AFP-Counterintelligence Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA); and the Philippine National Police during a search warrant conducted at a house on Orchid Street, Timog Hills Subdivision, Barangay Pampang, Angeles City, Pampanga, on May 26. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez said that the illegal drugs were placed inside 155 transparent plastic bags, weighing approximately one kilogram each. However, the house turned out to be abandoned. The subject of the search warrant, a Chinese national, was nowhere in sight and remains at-large. He will be facing charges for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Less than two weeks ago, PDEA confiscated more than 35 kilos of shabu following a buy-bust operation in Angeles City, Pampanga. One Chinese national and his Filipina cohort were apprehended as a result of the operation. “The two drug operations mentioned are linked to each other. What you see is the outcome of persistent tracking of previous operations targeting individuals connected to syndicated drug trafficking to include their sources”, Undersecretary Nerez said. “While PDEA prioritizes the conduct of high-impact operations resulting in the arrests of high-value drug personalities and high-volume drug seizures, it is at the grassroots level where most of the drugs are sold and abused. We will not relinquish our thrust to go after small scale drug dealers in communities as ordered by His Excellency Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr.”, the PDEA Chief said, adding that the Agency will realign its efforts in combating the illegal drug trade at all levels of society. PDEA continues to strengthen its partnerships with other drug law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, and encourage the participation of the citizenry in the anti-drug campaign by providing reliable information of illegal drug activities in exchange for monetary consideration through Operation: Private Eye (OPE).

DOH USEC. Baggao, pansamantalag Medical Chief ng SIMC

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

ISABELA — Itinalaga bilang pansamantalang Medical Center Chief ng Southern Isabela Medical Center (SIMC) si Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Glenn Mathew Baggao kung saan siya ay nagsilbi din bilang dating hepe ng naturang ospital. Ang pagkakatalaga ni Usec. Baggao bilang pansamantalang hepe ng SIMC ay batay sa Department Personnel Order na inilabas ni DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa habang wala pang naitatalagang permanenteng hepe ang SIMC. Bilang bagong hepe, agad itong nakipagpulong sa departmend heads ng SIMC upang pag-usapan at talakayin ang mga planong ilalatag para sa nasabing ospital. Nabatid kay Usec. Baggao na ilan sa pagtutuunan niya ng pansin sa kanyang paninilbihan bilang pansamantalang hepe ay ang pagpapalakas ng serbisyong medikal sa SIMC, pagkakaroon ng heart at lungs specialty centers na magagamit ng mga mamamayan sa Rehiyon Dos at iba pang lugar na malapit sa probinsiya. Maliban dito, binigyang-diin nito ang kahalagahan ng pagdadagdag ng consultant at specialist para sa gamutang kinakailangan ng mamamayan at mas maayos na pagpapatupad ng Universal Health Care Law upang mas maramdaman ng mga pasyente sa rehiyon ang dekalidad na serbisyo. (Rachel Galamay)

HVI target falls in Mandaue Drug Bust

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

MANDAUE CITY — Authorities seized an estimated PhP10.2-million worth of suspected shabu in a major buy-bust operation Monday night, May 26, in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City. At around 8:40 PM, operatives from the City Intelligence Unit and City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 7 (PDEA-7), arrested a high-value individual after allegedly selling one plastic pack of suspected shabu to an undercover agent. A total of 15 plastic packs containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu were recovered from the suspect, weighing approximately 1,500 grams with a standard drug price of PhP10,200,000. The items were turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 7 for laboratory examination. The suspect is currently under detention at the custodial facility of Police Station 1, MCPO, while documents are being finalized for the filing of charges for Violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan, director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), commended the successful operation and reiterated the region’s hardline stance against illegal drugs. “The seizure of over ten million pesos worth of illegal drugs is a powerful message to traffickers and criminal groups: Central Visayas will never be a safe haven for your operations,” PBGen. Maranan said. “This accomplishment reflects the strategic coordination and tireless efforts of our anti-drug units to protect our communities.” PRO7 continues to mount aggressive operations to dismantle drug networks and secure lasting peace across Central Visayas.

All roads now lead to the Capitol Complex

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan —The redevelopment of the Capitol Complex will be the next big thing in Pangasinan. This, after the test run of the Reflecting Pool last May 1 that gives a glimpse of the vision of Gov. Ramon Guico III, which will showcase the Capitol grounds as one of the go-to places in Pangasinan. The reflecting pool and interactive fountain project, which is part of the Basic Infrastructure Project (BIP) Construction of Multi-Purpose Facility or the Common Park Center, will give an unobstructed view from the shore to the Provincial Capitol building. The brainchild project of Governor Guico may not even be half finished yet, but spectators are already amazed by the spectacular view it offers, especially made perfect during dusk. Project Features The reflecting pool is guided by an illuminated gentle stream of water, a symbol of continuity and consistency inspired by the natural wonders of the Lingayen Gulf and salt beds. It measures 200 by 22 meters, which is significantly bigger than Baguio’s Wright Park Reflecting Pool, which has a dimension of 100 by 5 meters. Based on its project design, a formal stretch of walkway will be built. There will be a pathway for joggers and bikers as well as safe walkways for elders and persons with disability. Also part of the redevelopment project is the Heritage Park, where the war relics will be placed. Last April, Gov. Guico partnered with the Philippine Veterans Bank and the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation to ensure that the project would be carried on smoothly. The project aims to give rightful honors to World War II veterans and to encourage the province’s youth to know the role they played in the liberation of the country in 1945. To address the perennial flooding at the Capitol Complex, the drainage system will be improved. (Ruby F. Rayat/ Photo: Joey Olimpo PIMRO)

Statement of Mayor Magalong on PBBM’s Call for Courtesy Resignations

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

As a public servant and advocate for good governance, I welcome President Bongbong Marcos’ call for courtesy resignations of cabinet secretaries, viewing it as a demonstration of his commitment to reform. When we met in 2018, prior to the filing of his candidacy for the presidency, he expressed his desire to redeem his father’s name, and his most recent initiative is a step in that direction. To build on this momentum and restore trust and integrity in government, I propose the following measures to strengthen the fight against corruption: Abolish congressional pork barrel allocations in executive departments like DPWH, DSWD, DOLE, DOH, etc., ensuring transparency and accountability in resource allocation. Shield departmental appointments, particularly in frontline departments like DPWH, from congressional interference to ensure merit-based selections. Eliminate the practice of “percentages” of corrupt politicians in public projects and other forms of corruption that undermine public trust. ALL TRANSPARENCY IN THE BIDDING PROCESS TO PREEMPT RIGGED BIDDINGS THAT ONLY BENEFIT CORRUPT POLITICIANS (AND THEIR RELATIVES) WHO ARE CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS. Hold corrupt politicians accountable through swift and impartial prosecution. Remove congressional control over programs like AKAP, AICS, MAIP, TUPAD, CHED, and TESDA scholarships, ensuring these resources directly benefit the people WITH FULL TRANSPARENCY and without partisan influence. While call for courtesy resignations is a welcome start, it is crucial that we continue to push for meaningful and GENUINE reforms. By working together, we can make Good Governance the standard in public service, prioritizing the welfare of the Filipino people above all else. BENJAMIN B. MAGALONG Public Servant

SM Prime Group wins big at the Philippine Leadership Awards 2025

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI), SM Supermalls, and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) have been honored as among the Philippines’ Best Employer Brands for 2025. This recognition underscores the group’s unwavering commitment to excellence in people management. “Being recognized as the Best Employer Brand affirms our commitment to creating opportunities for every employee to experience ‘More to Life’ — by empowering our people, enriching lives, and shaping a better future for the communities we serve,” said Jeffrey Lim, President of SMPHI. “This achievement was further strengthened by the individual recognition received by some of our Human Resources (HR) leaders, whose vision and dedication have been instrumental in building improvements in employee experience across the SM Prime Group.” The accolade highlights SM Prime Group’s collective efforts in promoting a workplace culture that champions growth, collaboration, and inclusivity. Across its diverse businesses—from integrated property development to retail and residential services—SM Prime Group continues to implement strategies and initiatives designed to enhance the employee experience while achieving organizational goals. Key initiatives such as digital learning platforms, employee wellness programs, coaching and mentoring, career mobility pathways, and community engagement activities have cultivated an environment where employees can learn, lead, and make a meaningful impact. These efforts not only contribute to individual growth but also promote a sense of belonging and purpose within the organization. This achievement was further validated by the individual awards received by some of SM Prime Group’s HR Heads: Cheryll Ruth Agsaoay, Senior Vice President-HR of SM Supermalls, was recognized as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of the year; Margarita Castaneda, Vice President-HR of SM Prime Holdings, was honored as Top HR Icon; and Rhodora de Leon, Senior Assistant Vice President-HR of SMDC, was recognized among the Top Most HR Leaders. Additionally, Jay Rodriguez, Head for Recruitment and Employer Branding, and Clark del Carmen, Head for Digital Employee Experience, both from SM Supermalls, received individual recognitions for HR Super Achiever and Visionary Leader awards, respectively.

BYD Philippines opens Subic branch

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport—In line with its thrust to make this premier Freeport a carbon-neutral economic zone by 2030, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) opened its doors to BYD Philippines, with its newest branch here. During its grand opening on May 19, 2025, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the opening of China’s leading electric vehicle maker here solidifies the stance of the agency in making Subic Freeport carbon-neutral. He added that the Harmony Auto Philippines-operated branch of BYD will certainly sell a huge volume of electric vehicles that will significantly reduce harmful emissions, while making this premier Freeport its home. The BYD Subic Branch offers consumers an option for owning a vehicle that is eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The showroom cum service center offers the newest and the latest electric vehicles to residents of Central Luzon. Aliño, BYD Philippines Country Head Adam Hu, BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca, and Harmony Auto Philippines General Manager Owen Meneses led the inauguration of the fifth franchise of the Chinese EV brand in the country. Also gracing the event were Bataan Congressman Albert Garcia, former Hermosa Mayor Joseph Anthony Inton, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., as well as the SBMA Board of Directors as guests of honor. Subic Bay Freeport is equipped with various EV charging stations that are easily accessible to the public. One is located at the ACEA Subic Beach Resort; another at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall at the Rizal Highway; and one at the Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. Subic.

San Miguel Foods reports lower malnutrition rates in expanded health program

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI) has reported a significant reduction in malnutrition among children covered by its expanded mother-and-child health program, “Happy si Mommy, Malusog si Baby,” now reaching over 1,000 beneficiaries in 24 barangays nationwide. Data from the program show that 89% of children enrolled have reached normal height and weight, underweight cases have dropped to 2%, and only 9% remain classified as malnourished. The initiative supports mothers and infants during the first 1,000 days of life — from pregnancy to age two — a critical period for early development and long-term health. Initially launched in 2022 in nine pilot barangays with 254 mother-and-child pairs, the program has since grown to cover more than 400 families in Luzon, over 300 in the Visayas, and more than 250 in Mindanao. The initiative is implemented in partnership with San Miguel Foundation (SMF), local government units, and private sector partners. It provides prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, maternal health education, and Mingo Meals — a fortified food made of rice, mung beans, and moringa, developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) and produced by the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation. “These are the kinds of outcomes we hope for when we commit to long-term, community-based work,” said San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. “Good nutrition starts before birth, and we want to make sure mothers and children in underprivileged communities receive sustained support — not just one-time assistance.” In 2024, as the first batch of children transitioned to toddlerhood, San Miguel Foods distributed an additional three to six months’ worth of Mingo Meals in new flavors, designed to suit changing taste preferences. The program is part of San Miguel’s broader sustainability agenda, which includes a commitment to uplift the lives of 15 million Filipinos by 2030. Beyond direct health support, the program also focuses on training barangay health workers (BHWs). To date, 102 BHWs have been trained through webinars led by DOST-FNRI, covering topics such as breastfeeding, postpartum care, and early childhood nutrition. These health workers then cascade knowledge to participating mothers in their communities.

Author name: Street Journal

BCDA, Ayala Land ink lease agreement for key Camp John Hay property