Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Son of Kalinga as new Cordillera Top Cop

Son of Kalinga as new Cordillera Top Cop CAMP DANGWA,Benguet — Police Brig.Gen. Ericson Dilag has officially assumed his post as the new Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) following the Turnover of Command Ceremony held at the PRO CAR Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet on July 21. Dilag, a proud son of Kalinga, succeeded Brig.Gen. David Peredo,Jr.,who served with distinction as PRO CAR Regional Director for over two years. Acting Deputy Chief PNP for Operations,PLt.Gen.Alan Okubo,presided the ceremony and served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Okubo lauded both the outgoing and incoming regional directors for their steadfast leadership and dedicated service to the public. A highlight of the event was the passing of the PRO CAR command symbol and the turnover of the property equipment inventory book from the outgoing Regional Director to the incoming Regional Director, marking the formal transfer of leadership and responsibility. Peredo extended his heartfelt gratitude to all personnel and stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout his leadership. Dilag expressed his deep honor in taking on the leadership of PRO CAR. He pledged to sustain and build upon the gains of the command, calling for unity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication from all personnel as they continue to serve the Cordilleran community. He also affirmed his strong alignment with the vision and directives of PNP Chief, PGEN Nicolas D Torre III. The event was witnessed by key officers and representatives from various units of the PNP, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-CAR, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Local Government Units, PNP Press Corps, PRO CAR Officers Ladies Club, Regional Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development, and family members, relatives, and close friends of both the incoming and outgoing Regional Directors.

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲-𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

DIFFUN, Quirino (PIA) – – Banana farmers in the Cagayan Valley region can now avail of high-yield banana varieties as Quirino State University–Banana Resources Research and Development Center (QSU-BRRDC) offers high-quality tissue-cultured banana plantlets at low price. Elizabeth R. Oppuer, QSU-BRRDC center chief, said the university initiative supports sustainable agriculture and farmers’ livelihood in Quirino and nearby provinces in the Cagayan Valley region. Oppuer assured that the plantlets sold at P45 each are disease-free, faster-fruiting, and higher-yielding compared to traditional planting materials. “They are ideal for high-density planting, ensuring uniform growth and quicker returns, making them a smart, science-based solution for local banana growers,” Oppuer explained. According to Henrey R. Ignacio, QSU-BRRDC research assistant, the available banana varieties include: Lakatan, which is sweet, firm, and harvestable within 10 months; Latundan, which is aromatic and fast-growing; Cardava, which is best for cooking and processing, ready in 18-20 months; and Cavendish, which is export-quality and globally in demand. Ignacio said those who are interested to inquire may contact 0917-636-2043 (Globe) or 0981-282-9430 (TNT). “Interested farmers must pick up their orders at the QSU-BRRDC facility, as the center currently does not offer delivery services. The number of plantlets a farmer can purchase depends on their available land area, ” Ignacio said. Furthermore, Ignacio said plant maturity varies by variety, and proper farm management significantly influences the harvesting period. The QSU-BRRDC also provides technical training and on-site assistance for banana farming, support for student researchers, On-the-Job Training, and Senior High School immersion programs. Aside from these, QSU also offers research partnerships with schools, Local Government Units, and private entities. (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, QUIRINO)

Cebu Pacific reaches 100th Aircraft Delivery with New A330neo, First in PH History

Business

Business / Street Journal

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, has reached a historic milestone as it becomes the first local carrier to operate a 100-strong fleet with the delivery of its latest aircraft — a brand new A330neo. The A330neo is also the 12th aircraft of its kind to join CEB’s fleet, reinforcing the airline’s position as the largest A330neo operator in the Asia-Pacific. The 459-seater aircraft, which arrived in Manila from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France, is the second of four A330neos expected to join CEB’s fleet this year — the first of which arrived on March 28. CEB is expecting a total of seven aircraft to be delivered in 2025. “Reaching 100 aircraft is more than a milestone — it reflects our unwavering commitment to make air travel accessible to more Filipinos,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. “With a larger fleet, we’re able to operate more efficiently, enhance connectivity across the country and the region, and pass on the benefits of scale through even lower fares.” This milestone comes amid continued passenger growth. In June 2025, CEB flew a total of 2.2 million passengers, marking a 7.9% increase from the same month last year. From January to June, the airline has flown 13.9 million passengers, marking a 21% increase from 11.5 million in the first half of 2024. The A330neo provides CEB with the flexibility to serve regional and long-haul routes, as well as high-demand sectors. With increased range and capacity, the aircraft enables the airline to optimize its operations while maintaining cost efficiency. Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn up to 25 percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation. The decrease in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions. CEB operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversified fleet mix of 12 Airbus A330s, 40 Airbus A320s, 26 Airbus A321s, and 22 ATR turboprop aircraft, enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

Ben&Ben takes album tour to Baguio Concert in August

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

The band’s first solo show in the City of Pines BAGUIO CITY — The country’s biggest folk-pop band Ben&Ben is resuming the Philippine leg of its The Traveller Across Dimensions album tour in August, adding Baguio City to its previously announced Bacolod City and Davao City stops. The Baguio City show will take place on August 23 at the John Hay Convention Center, sandwiched between the Bacolod show on August 16 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum and the Davao show on August 30 at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gymnasium. As part of the lead-up to these shows, the band performed a one-night-only concert at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California on July 12. The album tour made its first stop in Cebu City on May 24, but succeeding shows slated in June had to be rescheduled to allow drummer Jam Villanueva to rest and recover from De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and Drummer’s Wrist on her left hand. During that challenging period, while proceeding with their prior commitments and supporting Jam in her healing, the band reflected on their own journey together, the relationship they had built with Liwanag over the past eight years, and the purpose that they and their music served. “We have grown together as a band and as people, but we know that there is still a lot of room for improvement. What we have realized over the past weeks is that when we are faced with seemingly impossible challenges, we are led to a very important moment of realization. At this moment, we begin to understand that one of the ways we can overcome our struggle is by understanding the purpose of everything that we do,” Ben & Ben said. Living with purpose aligns with the message of The Traveller Across Dimensions. The concept album follows the story of Liwanag, the Traveller, as she journeys through innocence, struggle, and maturity. She writes 12 songs along the way, which relate her experiences in each of the Dimensions. The songs reflect the various experiences of the band members over the past several years and showcase their growth as people, as songwriters, and as musicians. “A life of purpose entails a journey of self-discovery, struggle, growth, meaningful connections, and positive contribution. All these have been part of Liwanag’s journey, and part of ours as well. Seeing the songs come alive on stage will allow you to appreciate that journey, that purpose, even more. We would love for you to be part of our shows,” the band further said. During their concert tour, the nine-piece band will perform tracks from The Traveller Across Dimensions, mixed with their biggest hits. Their latest single Saranggola is also part of the setlist. Since its release in April, Saranggola has slowly gained status as this generation’s friendship anthem. The band also announced that for the Philippine leg of their album tour, they will be partnering with non-government organizations that align with their advocacies and their purpose. These partners will be announced once all arrangements are finalized. The Baguio leg of The Traveller Across Dimensions Tour is made possible through a partnership with DuckWorld, a consultancy and management agency specializing in business strategies and solutions for sports and the creative industries. About Ben&Ben Ben&Ben is a multi-awarded Filipino band known for their anthemic sound and electrifying live performances. With critically acclaimed albums that set records in streaming and sales, the nine-piece collective explores personal, emotional, and socio-political themes with underlying messages of human connection, courage, hope, and vulnerability. In less than a decade, they’ve managed to shape an entire generation’s cultural awakening through music that uplifts, inspires, and invites introspection. The band’s songs also serve as both a mirror and a compass, which guide listeners on a journey of self-discovery. [Photo taken from The Traveller Across Dimensions Cebu Concert. Photo Credit: Perci Mansueto]

Grade 10 student kinidnap,ginahasa sa Baguio

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Nahaharap ngayon sa kasong kidnapping with rape ang isang 35-anyos na instructor ng isang unibersidad sa lungsod kaugnay sa umano’y pagkidnap at panggagahasa sa isang 14-anyos na Grade 10 student noong Hulyo 9. Ayon sa Baguio City Police Office, matapos ang masusing imbestigasyon ay ipinasa na nila ang kaso sa tanggapan ng City Prosecutor’s Office noong Hulyo 14, habang ang suspek na kanilang nadakip ay nasa kustodiya ng PS 10 at ililipat sa Baguio City Jail kapag nakumpleto ang mga dokumento. Sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, sinabi ng dalagitang si Jessica (hindi tunay na pangalan), na naglalakad siya patungo sa paaralan sa tabi ng Baguio Wright Park Fountain, Barangay Lualhati, dakong alas-8:20 ng umaga noong Hulyo 9, nang huminto sa kanyang harapan ang isang hindi kilalang sasakyan. Ayon sa biktima, inakala niya na kilala siya ng driver, kaya siya ay lumapit sa sasakyan, subalit bigla umano siyang hinablot ng suspek at tinakpan ng panyo ang bibig at ilong na naging sanhi ng pagkawala niya ng malay. Nang magising siya ng alas-10 ng umaga, siya ay nag-iisa sa isang hindi pamilyar na silid sa isang lodge sa Bakakeng Central na hubo’t hubad. “She felt pain on her private parts and her legs are shaking. She dressed and went out of the room, (walked along the highway) and called her class adviser who then contacted Police Station 3 then coordinated with PS 10,” police said. Mabilis na nagsagawa ng follow-up investigation ang mga tauhan ng PS10 at natukoy ang pagkakakilanlan ng suspek na humantong sa pagkakaaresto nito.

BCDA,Capas LGU partner for a mega health center in New Clark City

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Project to expand healthcare access in Tarlac through public land and local investment In a bid to expand healthcare reach in Central Luzon, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) partnered with the municipal government of Capas, Tarlac for the construction of a one-hectare mega health center in New Clark City. During a discussion with Capas Mayor Atty. Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang outlined plans for the proposed facility, wherein the agency pledged to allocate a one-hectare land in New Clark City. The project will be funded by the Department of Health (DOH), with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) overseeing bidding and construction. Upon completion, the municipal government of Capas will be responsible for its operations and maintenance. The initiative forms part of BCDA’s commitment to help build smart, inclusive, and resilient communities through meaningful intergovernmental collaboration. “This project strengthens our shared goal of making essential services more accessible to Filipinos. With the Capas municipal government funding the facility and BCDA providing the land, this health center will be a product of true public sector synergy,” said Engr. Bingcang. The health center will serve as a critical addition to the growing infrastructure in New Clark City, offering expanded medical services to both urban and rural populations in Tarlac. New Clark City currently offers healthcare services through the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Sports Medicine and Wellness Center. This facility provides basic medical and dental services and has future plans to expand into a 200-bed hospital. This initiative is in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It also supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by contributing to inclusive and resilient urban development through accessible health infrastructure.

Philippines welcomes new batch of Peace Corps Volunteers

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA — The U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines welcomed the arrival in Manila of 48 American Volunteers and seven short-term Response Volunteers who will serve alongside Filipino partners to support education, youth development, and natural resource management programs in communities across Luzon and the Visayas. The arrival of this latest batch brings the total number of Peace Corps Volunteers currently in the country to 140—the largest cohort serving together in the Philippines since 2020. The 48 new Peace Corps Volunteers will serve host communities for two years, co-teaching English in public elementary and secondary schools, facilitating youth development programs in Department of Social Welfare and Development-accredited organizations and residential shelters, and supporting local governments in establishing marine protected areas and strengthening coastal resource management. Meanwhile, Response Volunteers will carry out specialized, short-term assignments with government agencies and NGOs, typically lasting 7 to 12 months. These professionals bring their expertise to support high-impact projects in disaster risk reduction, solid waste management, and education. The Volunteers will be assigned in the following provinces: Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Camarines Sur, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, and Leyte. They will undertake 11 weeks of language, technical, and cultural training prior to deployment. “I am pleased to welcome our newest Volunteers to the Philippines. Their joint arrival symbolizes our renewed momentum since the pandemic and reflects our deepening collaboration with local partner institutions and Filipino communities,” said Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy. “I look forward to seeing how each Volunteer will build meaningful relationships and contribute to community-led initiatives throughout their service.” For his part, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency Executive Director Donald James Gawe expressed confidence that the new American Volunteers will “continue to serve as builders of hope and catalysts of change.” “Thank you for choosing the Philippines for your Volunteer work. I wish you success and trust that your batch will have a meaningful volunteering experience and reach a 100% completion rate,” he said Aged between 22 and 67, the newly arrived American Volunteers represent the 282nd batch of Peace Corps Volunteers and 55th batch of Response Volunteers to be deployed upon the invitation of the Philippine government. Together, they bring diverse experiences, technical skills, and a shared commitment to learn about the Philippines, contribute to locally-led development efforts, and create a positive impact in the lives of Filipinos. The Philippines is the second oldest U.S. Peace Corps program in the world.  Since 1961, more than 9,500 Americans have served alongside Filipino community members in support of government and community development priorities.

SYSHA CASEL’s ROAD TO KICKBOXING GOLD

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

At just 16 years old—and a first-timer at that—Syesha Lexa Casel has already proven she’s a force to be reckoned with in the exciting sport of kickboxing. Syesha has not only represented the Summer Capital in Batang Pinoy 2024, but also walked away with a gold medal—an achievement made even more meaningful by the sacrifices she made to get there. She started training in 2023, but her interest in kickboxing began much earlier in Grade 6, where she watched her older brother compete in a kickboxing match and instantly found herself drawn to the sport. The teenager thought it looked cool and interesting—and what started as simple admiration eventually turned into a commitment to the sport. For Syesha, competing in Batang Pinoy 2024 and winning gold on her debut was something fulfilling and unforgettable even as she admitted that preparing for the competition wasn’t easy. She trained every day, including school days, balancing her studies in the morning and training in the evening. While weekends mean rest for others, it means extra hours in the gym to train for her. As a dedicated student-athlete, time management is a challenge she’s learned to face head-on as she admits it’s hard, but she does her best to balance both worlds. During the competition, Syesha said she felt an overwhelming sense of pride and knew how tough the selection process was, so being chosen as one of Baguio City’s representatives was already an achievement in itself. To make things even better, she brought home the gold which she believes is a victory that is a testament that every training, every sacrifice and every challenge she faced had all been worth it. Behind that success was a support system she deeply values and she credits her coaches and teammates for pushing her limits and motivating her as an athlete. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to her family and sponsors, especially to her Tita Jamie, whose financial support made it possible for her to compete. To young athletes, Syesha’s message is simple: keep pushing. “Everyone starts as a beginner,” Syesha said as she believes that as long as you have passion and stay consistent, improvement will follow. When asked what drives her to keep training, Syesha simply said, “myself” as she admitted the need to prove something, which is why she stays motivated by her personal goals and dreams, knowing that every match, win or lose, brings her closer to where she wants to be. So even after Batang Pinoy 2024, she’s not letting up and is already back to training, preparing for upcoming tryouts and future competitions. For her, Batang Pinoy 2024 marks the beginning of something bigger—and she’s just getting started.-Heidi V. Alonzo/Baguio PIO intern/gabykeith

Mt.Camisong unveils eco-friendly feature

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

The Department of Tourism-Cordillera congratulates Mt. Camisong Forest Park in Barangay Loacan,Itogon,Benguet on the inauguration and blessing on new features that elevate the visitor experience-rooted in sustainability, inoovation, and eco-conscious hospitality. ð™Žð™¤ð™¡ð™–ð™§ ð™‹ð™¤ð™¬ð™šð™§ ð™Žð™®ð™¨ð™©ð™šð™¢: 363 solar panels with a total capacity of 201 kW now fully power Phase 1 and Phase 2. Designed to retain 80% efficiency for up to 20 years, the system also allows excess energy to be sold back to BENECO. ð™€ð™¡ð™šð™˜ð™©ð™§ð™žð™˜ ð™ˆð™¤ð™—ð™žð™¡ð™žð™©ð™®: Two 22kW AC EV fast-charging stations have been installed for eco-conscious travelers. These are supported by zero-emission transport options—electric club cars for internal mobility and Pinoy Transporter EV shuttles by Francisco Motors from Baguio. ð™†ð™–ð™£ð™¡ð™ªð™£ð™œð™–ð™£ ð™ƒð™–ð™¡ð™¡ ð™‡ð™–ð™ªð™£ð™˜ð™: The park’s first indoor events venue, a 64-sqm flexible space for meetings, intimate events, or private functions. Dining options are provided by in-house establishments: Alapaap Dining, Marahuyo Café, Pica Pica, and partner Hatch Coffee. The hall includes support areas for staff and operations. The event was led by Mt. Camisong Chairman Ms. Ludette Querubin, President Oliver Samala, Marketing Head Ms. Jamie Blomdahl, and the Board of Directors & Partners, joined by Itogon officials headed by Mayor Bernard Waclin and Vice Mayor Dax Godio, DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovi A. Ganongan, EMB-CAR OIC Regional Director Engr. Jean C. Borromeo and other distinguished guests. Mt. Camisong Forest Park and Events is no DOT-Accredited Tourism Recreation Center- a model for sustainable tourism done right. Sustainability. Innovation. Cordilleran hospitality.That’s the Mt. Camisong experience

Author name: Street Journal