Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Ang Limgas na Pangasinan beauty pageant ay hindi lamang isang paghahanap para sa mga pinakamagagandang kabataang babae kundi isang paghahanap para sa moderno, magiliw na Urduja na maglalaman ng natatanging trademark ng mga babaeng Pangasinense. Nag-evolve ang Limgas mula noong unang pagtatanghal nito noong 1973, ngunit noong 2023, nakita nito ang isang dramatikong pagliko upang maging “ina ng lahat ng beauty pageant” ng Pangasinan, nang ang Pangasinan First Lady na si Maan Tuazon-Guico ang pumalit bilang upuan. Sinabi ni Gng. Guico na ang mga Limgas ay naghahanap ng “kabuuan ng pinakamagandang dalaga” na kayang mabuhay hanggang sa korona at maaaring magdala ng pangalan ng lalawigan sa pambansang arena o maging sa internasyonal na eksena. Bahagi ng pagbabago ng pageant ang malakas na suporta ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, sa pangunguna ni Gov. Ramon Guico III at tulong mula sa Aces and Queens, isang beauty camp na nagbibigay ng pagsasanay at coaching sa mga kandidato sa pageant. Muling iginiit ni Gng. Guico na hindi lamang susuportahan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang mga kababaihan sa pananalapi ngunit tutulungan sila nito sa bawat hakbang sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng kinakailangang pagsasanay at kagamitan upang makipagkumpetensya sa mga pambansang pageant o maging sa internasyonal. Ngayong taon, 21 umaasa ang maglalaban-laban para sa inaasam-asam na korona sa ginanap na Pageant Night noong Abril 25. “I am incredibly proud not just of the glitz and glamor but because it gives us a chance to celebrate the ‘ganda at galing’ (beauty and talent) of every Pangasinense. Our Limgas candidates…21 queens, 21 dreams…represent our future. Strong, beautiful and vibrant,” Mrs. Guico said during the pre-pageant night. Kasaysayan ng Pageant Ang pageant (Limgas na Dayat o Dalaga ng Dagat) ay inilunsad noong 1973. Pagkatapos ay pinalitan ito ng pangalan na Limgas na Pangasinan upang isama ang lahat ng local government unit ng lalawigan. Ang pageant ay dapat magkaroon ng hindi bababa sa 52 reyna hanggang sa kasalukuyan, maliban noong 1986 Limgas nang ito ay nasuspinde dahil sa panahon ng paglipat sa panahon ng EDSA revolution at ng Covid-19 na mga taon ng 2020, 2021 at 2022. Noong 2023, isang bago at engrandeng bersyon ng pageant ang ipinakilala sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Gobernador Guico na nakipagsosyo sa kanyang asawa, isang statuesque beauty advocate. Limgas, ang Transformed Version Sa 2023 pre-pageant, sinabi ni Gng. Guico na bukod sa pagiging plataporma para sa women empowerment, ang pageant ay isa ring magandang pagkakataon para sa mga kababaihan na ipakita ang natatanging kultura at pamana ng pagiging isang Pangasinense. Idinagdag ni Gng. Guico na ang pageant ay magdudulot din ng positibong epekto sa lokal na ekonomiya dahil ito ay magbibigay ng kita para sa mga malikhain o homegrown talents na kasangkot sa proyekto. Kabilang dito ang mga designer, make-up artist, photographer, at iba pa. Pagkatapos ay nakipagtulungan ang lalawigan sa Miss World Philippines Organization na kalaunan ay humantong sa dalawang Limgas winner na nakikipagkumpitensya sa Miss World Philippines at Miss Grand Philippines. Ang mga nagwagi sa nakalipas na dalawang taon ay kinabibilangan ng 2023 winner na si Nikki Buenafe, na sumabak sa Miss World Philippines noong nakaraang taon at kinoronahang Miss Multinational Philippines. Ang iba pang mga Limgas title holders na nagpatuloy na manalo sa national arena ay sina: Limgas na Pangasinan-Grand 2023 Rona Lalaine Lopez na napili bilang isa sa mga frontrunner sa Miss Grand Philippines noong taong iyon at 2nd runner-up Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2024; Limgas na Pangasinan-Mutya 2023 Stacey De Ocampo who was crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Visayas 2024. “Taimtim kong hangarin na ang Pangasinan ay patuloy na makagawa ng mas maraming beauty queen na may international stature sa hinaharap,” sabi ng Unang Ginang. This year’s search will crown a Limgas na Pangasinan – World, Limgas na Pangasinan-Grand, Limgas na Pangasinan – Mutya, and first and second runner-ups. Ang mga opisyal na kandidato ay sina: Reign Joy C. Lim (Bayambang); Kayzee Chasta P. Brillo (Umingan); Leinahtan L. Sarmiento (San Carlos City); Kyla S. De Leon (Basista); Xyza Nicole S. Aguilar (Mangaldan); Louise Anne A. Vergara (San Manuel); Cheska T. Donato (Bugallon); Grace Jineah C, Lumague (Pozorrubio); Clarisse C. Borbe (Alcala); Liannah Jermayne L. Mangosong (Asingan); Felicity C. Mamplata (Lingayen); Krysha R. Villanues (Binalonan); Marianne Jinnah F. Nandin (Balungao); Chelsea Mae M. Oranza (Malasiqui); Alannis Sophia Melarne F. Hiidge (Sual); Ma Julianne Vernice F. Nandin (Rosales); Venus B. Sawaysaway (Dasol); Freda V. Rosario (Labrador); Angelica Joy B. Flores (Sta. Barbara); Claire Arwen V. Cacal (Calasiao); Rosemarie O. Ernang.

P1-M pabuya sa pagkakadakip sa Mayor killer ng Cagayan

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

TUGUEGARAO CITY — Nag-alok si Gob. Manuel Mamba ng P1 milyon reward money para sa sinumang makapagtuturo at makapagbibigay ng impormasyon para sa agarang pagkakadakip sa mga suspek na pumatay kay Rizal Mayor Atty. Joel Ruma, habang ito ay nangangampanya noong Abril23. Ang hakbang na ito ng Gobernador ay upang mabigyan ng hustisya ang pagpatay sa isang lider sa lalawigan. Una nang kinondena ni Gob. Mamba ang pagpatay kay Mayor Ruma at inihayag na walang puwang ang karahasan sa probinsiya. Kasunod nito ang pakiusap ng ama ng lalawigan sa mga mamamayan ng bayan ng Rizal na makipagtulungan sa mga otoridad upang matukoy ang mga nasa likod ng karumaldumal na pagpatay. Si Mayor Ruma ay binaril ng hindi nakilalang suspek habang ito ay nagsasagawa ng campaign rally sa barangay Illuru sa nasabing bayan gabi ng Abril 23, 2025 Kaugnay nito, personal na binisita ni PNP Chief, PGEN Rommel Marbil ang burol ng Alkalde at nakipag-ugnaya sa pamilya nito. Iniutos din Marbil ang pagbuo ng Special Investigation Task Group (SITG), na siya tututok sa malalimang imbestigasyon, para agarang matukoy ang mitbo at makilala ang suspek para sa ikadadakip nito. Tinungo din ni Marbil ang mismong pinangyarihan ng insidente sa Barangay Illuru Sur upang magkaroon ng malinaw na perspektibo ukol sa krimen. Sa opisyal na ulat ng Police Regional Office 02 (PRO2), nagsagawa rin ang kapulisan ng isang conference sa Rizal Police Station na dinaluhan din mismo ni PGEN Marbil kung saan tinalakay ang mga hakbang na dapat ilatag upang mapabilis ang imbestigasyon ng mga kinauukulan. Ipinag-utos pa nito ang pagkakaroon ng “intensified police visibility” lalo na sa mga lugar na may mataas na tensyon kaugnay sa usapin ng eleksyon. Sa ngayon, nakatutok naman ang SITG sa pangangalap ng mga ebidensya tulad ng mga CCTV footages at mga posibleng saksi na posibleng makatulong sa imbestigasyon. (Badz Heralde)

USD33M solar power facility to rise in New Clark City

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

Advancing New Clark City’s goal of fostering sustainable development, Sindicatum C-Solar Power Inc. (SCSPI), a subsidiary of Singapore-based renewable energy developer Gurīn Energy Pte Ltd, has started the construction of a USD33 million solar photovoltaic power plant within the rising metropolis, with completion targeted by next year. On 11 April 2025, SCSPI and Gurīn Energy, joined by the Department of Energy (DOE), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Union Bank of the Philippines, broke ground for the Capas Solar Power Project on a 40-hectare lot within New Clark City, marking the official start of the facility’s construction. “[T]he Philippines has one of the most exciting opportunities for renewable energy in the world. Here in Capas, Tarlac, with the support of the BCDA, the local government, and the stakeholders in our community, we wanted to show our commitment to our workplans by having this groundbreaking [ceremony],” said Jose Rafael R. Mendoza, president of SCSPI and country manager of Gurīn Energy. “Putting together a solar facility requires work not only from the developer, but cooperation with multiple stakeholders. It truly is a combination of multiple talents. And we’re very pleased to share this moment with you so that we continue to deliver a lasting impact for the progress of the Philippines,” he added. With a total investment commitment of USD33 million, the facility will have a total capacity of 38.81 megawatts peak (31.25 megawatts alternating current) upon its completion, which is targeted by January 2026. The power plant will be connected to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ substation in Concepcion, Tarlac via a 69-kilovolt transmission line. The project seeks to boost the renewable sector’s share in the Philippines’ total energy mix, and to address the power requirements of locators and residents in New Clark City and the Tarlac province. “This proposed solar project would definitely add to our target of achieving 35% of renewable energy share in the power generation mix by 2030…With this renewable energy plant, which will be operational by next year, it will add significant energy generation, especially to the Luzon grid,” said Ruby B. de Guzman, assistant director of DOE’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau. Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta, vice president for Investment Promotions and Marketing of the BCDA, added: “This solar power project will not only generate the energy for New Clark City, but will also bring skills, employment and economic prosperity to the local community, proving that progress can go hand in hand with innovation and sustainability.” On 10 September 2015, the BCDA and SCSPI entered into an agreement for the 25-year lease of the property in New Clark City for the development of the solar photovoltaic power plant. In June 2023, SCSPI informed the BCDA of changes in its ownership structure after Gurīn Energy acquired its holding company, Capas Investment Pte. Ltd from Sindicatum Renewable Energy Company Pte. Ltd., Gurīn Energy, backed by New Zealand-based Infratil Ltd., is a renewable energy provider with investments in several wind and solar energy projects across Asia, including the Philippines. The company’s Capas Solar Power Project is seen to build up the renewable energy market in the Central Luzon, contributing to the national government’s goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the country’s energy generation mix to 30% by year 2030 and 50% by 2040. It is also aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 7, which is ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

PAPTELCO echoes PCTO position on potential national security issues if Konektadong Pinoy bill is enacted into law

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications Companies (PAPTELCO), an organization of independent telecommunications companies providing connectivity in farflung provinces, warned the government that the national security risk from the Konektadong Pinoy bill (Senate Bill 2699)is a real concern. “This is not just a concern of the large telecommunications players that own the cable landing stations and international gateway facilities, but also small telecommunication companies like us. The country’s national security is everyone’s concern,” said Atty. Normandy Baldovino Jr., president of PAPTELCO. In the Coffee and Connections event of the Philippine Information & Communications Technology Organization held last April 7, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) called out certain provisions in the Konektadong Pinoy bill that will be detrimental to both the Philippine’s national security and Filipino consumers, specifically the removal of the requirement for a Congressional franchise for new telecommunications players entering the Philippines, the watering down of the regulatory duties of the National Telecommunications Commission to an administrative one, the lack of vetting of new telecommunications players, and the lack of a requirement for new telecommunications players to be cybersecure prior to operating in the Philippines. Atty. Baldovino believes these shortcomings should be addressed in the bill and not just in the implementing rules and regulations. “We can’t sacrifice the country’s national security. While the Konektadong Pinoy bill has good intentions, it may have adverse effects down the road similar to when the government legalized Philippine Offshore Gaming Corporations (POGO). We have to correct the bill itself to ensure there is nothing lost when it comes to the implementing rules and regulations,” he said. Under the bill, foreign-controlled companies are allowed to control critical information infrastructure (CII) essential for national security, without any financial, technical or legal checking. New players are also allowed a grace period of one to three years after start of operations to have cyber security in place. This despite the high incidence of hacking in the Philippines. The Konektadong Pinoy bill is a priority measure by the current administration that aims to expand internet access in the country by easing the entry of new players in the data transmission industry. The Konektadong Pinoy Act was passed by the Senate on third and final reading last February 7, 2025, right before Congress went into recess and is slated for the bicameral conference committee once Congress resumes sessions in June.

CAVRAA MEDAL TALLY UPDATE

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

CAVRAA MEDAL TALLY UPDATE As of 12:32AM, April 27, 2025 Source: CAVRAA 2025

Sembrano, nakiisa sa foundation day ng City Camp Proper

Inside Politics

Inside Politics / Street Journal

Nakiisa si comebacking city councilor candidate Elaine Sembrano, kasama si re-electionist Atty Elmer Datuin sa Induction at Oathtaking nag mga bagong opisyales ng M.O.V.E Fatherhood City Camp Proper Chapter Officers and members.Hinikayat ni Sembrano ang ang samahan na maging matatag at responsible sa mga programa para sa barangay. Pag nakabalik sa konseho, nangako din si Sembrano ng suporta sa anumang programa ng samahan. Ang okasyon ay kasabay ng ika- 57 Foundation Day ng Barangya City Camp Proper, BaguioCity.

MAGARA tamdem para sa kinabukasan ng Baguio

Inside Politics

Inside Politics / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY—Sa harap ng nagbabagong political landscape sa Baguio City, isang bagong pag-asa ang lumitaw. Ang pag-asang ito ay hindi umaasa sa mga recycled na pangako o pamilyar na mga personalidad sa pulitika. Isa itong pangitain—isang pangitain na pinagsasama ang hindi natitinag na determinasyon ni Gladys Vergara sa nasubok sa labanang pamumuno ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Sama-sama, nabuo nila ang MAGARA tandem—isang partnership na nakaugat sa progresibong pamamahala at walang humpay na paghahangad ng serbisyo publiko. Ang agenda ni Vergara ay isa sa pasulong na pag-iisip, na idinisenyo upang itulak ang Baguio sa isang kinabukasan kung saan ang pagbabago at pagpapanatili ay magkakasabay. Naiisip niya ang isang moderno, berdeng Baguio, ang matalinong imprastraktura, eco-friendly na urban planning, at mga pampublikong espasyong pinapagana ng solar. Sinusuportahan niya ang mga lokal na negosyo, pagsasanay sa trabaho, at mga sentro ng kabuhayan para sa mga kababaihan, matatanda, at PWD. Itinataguyod niya ang napapanatiling turismo, pangangalaga sa pamana, at pinalawak na access sa edukasyon, mga iskolarsip, at mga programa sa kabataan. Sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan, itinataguyod niya ang mga pinahusay na serbisyo, pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip, at sosyal na pabahay. Ang kanyang kampanyang “Glad to be Green” ay nakatuon sa renewable energy, waste management, at reforestation. Itinutulak niya ang Charter reform, digital governance, at barangay empowerment, at sinusuportahan ang jeepney modernization sa pamamagitan ng tulong pinansyal. Tinutugunan din ni Vergara ang mga karapatan sa lupa at mga proteksyon ng Katutubo, na nagtataguyod para sa mga nararapat na paghahabol at inklusibong pamamahala. Katabi niya si Mayor Magalong, isang lider na nagpakita ng katatagan at transparency noong panahon niya bilang alkalde. Dahil sa reputasyon ni Magalong sa paglaban sa katiwalian at pagsusulong ng mabuting pamamahala, siya ang perpektong katuwang ni Vergara, na tinitiyak na ang kanilang tandem ay magiging puwersa para sa pagbabago sa Baguio. Bagama’t hindi opisyal na tumatakbo bilang magka-tandem sina Magalong at Vergara ang kanilang ibinahaging pananaw para sa Baguio, ang kanilang paggalang sa isa’t isa, at ang kanilang malalim na pagmamahal para sa lungsod ay bumubuo ng isang bono na mas malakas kaysa sa anumang poster ng kampanya. Ito ay isang tahimik na alyansa na binuo sa layunin, hindi pulitika at sa likod ng alyansang ito ay isang bagay na mas makapangyarihan: isang kilusang pinasimulan ng boluntaryo, na pinasimulan ng adbokasiya na nagliliyab sa mga barangay ng Baguio. Kung wala ang karaniwang makinarya o kagalakan, ang kampanyang MAGARA ay nagkakaroon ng tunay na momentum—pinupuno ng mga mamamayang pagod na sa mga lumang pangako at inspirasyon ng mga bagong posibilidad. Ito ay hindi lamang isang kampanya. Isa itong tulak na pinapagana ng mga tao para sa matalino, inklusibo, at walang kompromisong pamumuno. Isang tahimik na rebolusyon na pinamumunuan ng mga boluntaryo, tagabuo ng komunidad, at pang-araw-araw na residente na naniniwalang mas karapat-dapat ang Baguio. Baguio deserves more than what the old guards can offer. Oras na para pumili ng mga pinunong mas nangangarap, naglilingkod nang mas mahusay, at namumuno nang mas matalino. Ang MAGARA vision ay hindi lamang isang kampanya—ito ay isang kilusan. At ito ay isang karapat-dapat na paniwalaan. (PR)

Globe Connectivity Trailblazer Bill Luz: Transforming cities through digital inclusion

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Guillermo “Bill” Luz has long been a catalyst for urban transformation, advocating for more intelligent and resilient cities where connectivity is a fundamental right, not a privilege. As Chairman of Liveable Cities Philippines and Chief Resilience Officer of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Luz has championed digital access as a core component of sustainable urban development. His leadership and advocacy earned him Globe’s Connectivity Trailblazer Award, which recognizes individuals who push the boundaries of connectivity to bridge the digital divide and expand equitable internet access. This award is part of the company’s inaugural Connectivity Champions program, which honors individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing digital inclusion. Luz was distinguished for his unwavering dedication to embedding technology in urban planning, ensuring digital-enabled government services, and strengthening connectivity in disaster-prone areas to facilitate emergency response. A former co-chairman of the National Competitiveness Council (2011-2018), Luz played an important role in forging partnerships between government agencies and the private sector to accelerate digital infrastructure development. His leadership in the Liveable Cities Program has encouraged cities to embrace technologies that improve service delivery, promote economic growth, and build resilient communities. For Luz, connectivity must be as accessible and essential as electricity and water. “Just in the same way that when you walk into a building or a home and occupy it, you can turn on your power and turn on your water, it would be great if we could turn on connectivity the same way. Just open an account, no additional wiring, no additional gadgets, we can connect straight to WiFi and to the internet,” he said. Luz has seen firsthand how digital infrastructure transforms cities and empowers communities. He underscores how integrating technology into services can improve efficiency and accessibility. “Online platforms make it easier to access government services, from processing permits to paying bills, saving time, and reducing bureaucracy. In healthcare, telemedicine and digital health records improve access to medical services and streamline patient care,” said Luz. Education also stands to gain significantly from digital adoption. “E-learning platforms expand opportunities for students. Public safety is enhanced through smart surveillance and emergency response systems that react faster and more effectively. Even utilities like water and electricity become more reliable with intelligent grids that monitor usage and prevent outages,” Luz shared. A Call for Collective Action Luz believes that bridging the digital divide requires true collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and civil society. “One of the key successes was fostering genuine collaboration and open dialogue between government agencies and private sector players. By bringing everyone to the table early, we were able to align on common goals and address challenges together,” he notes. He warned that failing to act today would widen the digital divide. “Connectivity is going to shape our future in ways we can’t fully imagine yet. It’s already changing how we work, learn, shop, and interact. As technology keeps evolving, more jobs, services, and even everyday activities will depend on reliable internet access. If we don’t prepare for that now, we risk widening the gap between those who have access and those who don’t. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in digital infrastructure today and ensure that people have the skills to use it,” he concludes. Through the Connectivity Trailblazer Award, Globe reaffirms its commitment to fostering digital inclusion and supporting leaders like Luz who are paving the way for a more connected and empowered nation.

BCDA,CAAP to power CRK’s growth through enhanced air traffic operations

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the operations and maintenance of the Clark International Airport’s (CRK) air traffic services (ATS) and communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) facilities, in a bid to augment its air traffic management. Under the MOA, BCDA, as the owner of the facilities, will shoulder the costs related to the procurement of parts and upkeep of ancillary equipment. CAAP, meanwhile, will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of CRK’s ATS and CNS facilities, ensuring the safe and efficient management of air traffic in and out of the airport. “CAAP’s deep-seated expertise in airport management, proven track record in ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency, and national mandate make them the ideal steward for this critical phase of CRK’s development,” said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. He added that BCDA and CAAP are closely coordinating for the study of a second runway in anticipation of the influx of flights from NAIA and additional investments from the cargo carriers. CAAP Director General Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario said, “this agreement will ensure that our air traffic services, navigation system and equipment are maintained and operated at the highest standard of safety and efficiency.” BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes said that aside from the rising number of domestic and international flights in CRK, there has been a surge in e-commerce demand which is driving expansion of logistics and delivery services. “To meet this demand, more and more logistics companies have chosen the CRK as their hub banking on its location in central Luzon and its accessibility. With the continued surge in tourism and logistics demand, prioritizing aviation safety, convenience and efficiency has become more crucial.” In 2024, CRK saw a 29% rise in flight operations, totaling 19,221 with 47% domestic and 53% international flights. The agreement between CAAP and BCDA will help improve air travel safety and efficiency at CRK by providing modern air navigation services and maintaining up-to-date equipment. This will allow fewer delays and safer travel, while also helping airlines and airport staff work more efficiently. In January 2019, the BCDA entered a concession agreement with the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) for the operation and maintenance of CRK, granting the retention of the operations and maintenance of the ATS and CNS facilities with the agency. Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act, the BCDA operates and maintains public utilities and exercises oversight functions over the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. To ensure efficient and effective control and management of CRK, the BCDA is spearheading expansion projects such as the construction of a second runway and other airport infrastructure upgrades. This development is in line with BCDA’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No. 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and No. 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Author name: Street Journal

Limgas na Pangasinan at its best under Gov.Guico and wife