Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

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

Bahay,kotse wasak sa paggulong ng bato mula sa bundok

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Nawasak ang isang barong-barong na bahay at isang kotse matapos magulungan ng malaking bato na gumulong pababa mula sa bundok patungo sa kalsada habang kasagsagan ng malakas na ulan sa may Kennon Road, Camp 7, Baguio City, dakong ala 1:15 ng hapon ng Hulyo 19. Ayon kay Charles Bryan Carame, officer in charge ng City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, walang naiulat na nasakta sa insidente, dahil walang tao young bahay, maging ang sasakyan nang gumulong ang malaking bato, maliban sa isang aso na exotic bully ang namatay sa insidente. Kasalukuyan ay ginagawan ng paraan ng Baguio City District Engineering Office at mga barangay officials para maalis ang malaking baton a nakapatong sa nawasak na sasakyan. Ang kaso ay isinangguni sa Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office para sa tulong sa mga apektadong may-ari ng ari-arian. Nanatiling sarado ang kahabaan ng Kennon Road, dahil sa “continuous rockfall sa may entrance ng rockshed. Patuloy din ang ginagawang pang-monitos ng CDRRMC, sa pangunguna ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong sa naiulat na insidente sa iba’t ibang lugar, gaya ng pagguho ng lupa sa barangay ng Purok 2 Poliwes, pagbabantay at paglilinis ng mga basura sa City Camp Lagoon, upang maiwasan itong bumaha at paglilinis sa mga punong natumba na nagdulot ng mga brown-out sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng lungsod. Zaldy Comanda

CIDG arrest 13, including 4 Chinese for alleged illegal mining in Agusan del Sur

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

In line with the directives of the Chief, Philippine National Police, POLICE GENERAL NICOLAS D TORRE III, on swift and responsive police service, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) intensified its operations against all criminalities and violations of environmental laws across the country. The CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, together with the Enforcement Division, Department of Environment and National Resources Region 13, the PNP Special Action Force, and territorial police units, launched a law enforcement operation under CIDG OPLAN KALIKASAN (Campaign against Unlawful Destruction of Natural Resources) in Barangay Bunawan Brooks, Agusan Del Sur, that resulted in the arrest of thirteen suspects, including four Chinese on July 10, 2025. PBGen Romeo J Macapaz, Acting Director of CIDG, stated that the arrested suspects were identified as “Pinwu,” “Hua,” “Viang,” and “Tingging,” all Chinese, and nine Filipinos—”Crishan,” “Joseph,” “Arnel,” “Justine,” “Willy,” “Joel,” “Krainier,” “Harold,” and “Juvy.” They were caught while allegedly engaging in illegal mining activity, particularly extracting gold and other associated minerals without the proper permit and license from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The authorities seized equipment and materials, including gold-bearing sand, basins, sluice machines and boxes, excavators, generator sets, water pumps, hydraulic pumps, fuel, shovels, solar lights, and solar panels, among others, with an approximate value of P7,987,900.00. Macapaz emphasized that all mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the Republic of the Philippines are owned by the State. He added that the State promotes its rational exploration, development, utilization, and conservation through the combined efforts of government and the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protects the rights of affected communities. I commend the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13 for your swift and responsive action that led to the arrests of these thirteen suspects. It underscores our fight against crimes involving the environment and natural resources. With their arrest, we significantly prevented the destruction of the environment and made them accountable for the crime. Maraming Salamat sa inyo. The arrested suspects were charged before the National Prosecution Service with violations of Section 103 (Theft of Minerals) in relation to Section 55 (Minerals Processing Permit) of Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Section 27 of Republic Act 7076 (People’s Small-scale Mining Act of 1991). Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in enforcing all the laws and relentless in catching all violators and criminals, local or foreign nationals alike. We urge the public to report all illegal activities concerning our environment, such as illegal fishing, illegal mining, illegal quarrying, illegal logging, and related environmental crimes, and your CIDG will do the rest. “We are CIDG; we will act on the difficult task immediately,” PBGem Macapaz stated.

BCDA plants 500 endemic trees in New Clark City,nearing 2025 goal of 1,000

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) planted 500 more native and endemic trees, reforesting one hectare of land along One Clark Boulevard, New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. This brings the agency closer to its goal of planting 1,000 trees by the end of 2025, as part of its bold commitment to sustainable urban development and global climate action goals. Since January, BCDA and its public and private sector partners have planted a total of 811 native and endemic trees under this initiative. On Thursday, 10 July 2025, BCDA employees, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang, took part in planting a variety of native species, including Amugis, Dao, Salingogon, Kamagong, and Banaba. These species were carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the region’s environment while enhancing biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, stabilizing land near rivers, and acting as natural carbon sinks. “This initiative underscores our dedication to building infrastructure that nurtures both progress and the environment. It’s about creating spaces that foster well-being, recreation, and a connection with nature,” said Engr. Bingcang. With an impressive 80% survival rate from last year’s planting efforts, BCDA aims to continue its reforestation work by planting an additional 1,000 trees this year. These actions are a direct contribution to several United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Since 2019, BCDA has spearheaded various tree-planting initiatives, underlining its dedication to the environment and sustainable growth. Key past initiatives include the “100 Trees for 100 Days” campaign ahead of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, and a partnership with the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council Inc. in 2022, which saw the planting of 500 trees for BCDA’s 30th anniversary. Most recently, BCDA held tree planting activities on June 10 and 22, 2025, in partnership with the Youth Ministry of Catholics for Life and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), respectively. The former resulted in the planting of 90 trees, while the latter event added 171 native trees, including Banaba, Molave, Lipote, Kalumpit, Narra, and Malabulak. These efforts highlight BCDA’s leadership in integrating environmental stewardship with urban development, setting a powerful example of how public sector projects can drive progress in achieving the UN SDGs. Through sustainable practices, BCDA continues to build cities that are resilient, smart, and harmonious with the environment, ensuring that growth is both responsible and regenerative.

Ken Ryzen Herrera’s track ambition

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

Ken Ryzen Donguines Herrera, a determined 17-year-old University of Baguio High School student, is already carrying the weight of legacy, discipline, and ambition on the track and field. Ken captured a silver medal in Batang Pinoy 2024, marking his first podium finish in the national event and a defining moment in his journey as a rising athlete. Athletics isn’t just a sport for Ken, it’s a family tradition as both his parents are former athletes. Since his father is a SEA (Southeast Asian) Games champion and Olympian, Ken’s foundation in track and field was set early. What started as joining local competitions in elementary school has grown into something much larger: a pursuit of excellence grounded in heritage and driven by personal ambition. Ken’s preparation for Batang Pinoy 2024 was methodical and disciplined as he balanced training with school responsibilities and built a weekly training log to plan and evaluate his sessions. Whether it was strength work after afternoon practices or recovery routines at home, his schedule was shaped by careful adjustments and close monitoring, thanks to the support of his father, mother, and younger sibling. On race day, nerves naturally crept in, but confidence took over with the real challenge coming during the race itself. A tightly contested event, the field jostled for position, and in the final stretch, Ken led the pack until a last-minute surge from another runner edged him out of gold. Still, the silver was a personal milestone which meant not just a medal but also a testament to his resilience and a springboard for what’s next. For Ken, the 800-mile race was more than a competition; it was a learning ground as he managed anxiety, trusted preparation, and stayed present in the moment, lessons he took to heart. And though he narrowly missed the top spot, the experience sparked even greater motivation to return stronger in Batang Pinoy 2025. The silver medal now serves as a symbol of his untapped potential and future possibilities. With dreams of competing in the SEA Games, Asian Games, and even the Olympics, Ken is determined to keep improving, both as an athlete and as a person. Balancing school and sport is a daily challenge, but he’s found rhythm in training after class, dedicating evenings to academic work, and waking up early for advanced reading. Outside the track, Ken enjoys drawing, playing mobile games, and caring for his pet fish, activities that offer peace in contrast to the adrenaline of competition. His advice to other young athletes is simple: “Embrace every moment, honor the journey, and never stop dreaming.” For Ken Ryzen Herrera, the race has only just begun, and the finish line keeps moving forward. -Jescilly Nils Viernes/Baguio PIO Intern/gabykeith

Mapa, Dona Aurora students dominate Sin-Agi, BEAG Watershade of Green at Busol

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

By Pigeon M Lobien A painting of tall pine trees from a worm’s eye view wowed judges Wednesday afternoon that netted Aliyah Mapa of Dona Aurora High School the top prize in the Watershade of Green exo-art project of the Sin-Agi and Baguio Educators Arts Guild to commemorate the 35th July 16, 1990 earthquake. Some 47 students from DAHS, the Dona Aurora Elementary School and Dona Nicasia Elementary School planted trees, recited the oath as forest guardian underwent painting lessons and painted to their heart’s delight. Mapa shyly joined councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. after her name was called declaring her work as the best in the traditional painting where acrylic paint and canvas were used. The six trees viewed exactly at the middle from trunk to top where they try to meet the skies and apparently calling for rain captured the fancy of the judges led by Mark Vincent Pasagoy of the Baguio Water District. It rained right after lunch until the end of award at 3PM like an answered prayer of Mapa’s six trees. Two of her younger fellow artists from the DAES, where she graduated from and learned painting, took second and third places in the day long activity spearheaded by Yangot, who recalled the early years of the award winning Eco-walk when as a barangay chair and president of the Association of Barangay Councils helped the late mediaman Ramon Dacawi. Lexie Janell Monces and Gwyn Alysa Sutano were adjudged second and third places, respectively. Meanwhile, Leslee Chommawin topped the recycled category. The event backed by the BWD, the Benguiet Electric Cooperative, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera and the Baguio City Police Office also celebrated the 50 years of the BWD which has the “daunting task of supplying water to a city built for 30,000 people but now houses nearly 40,000” the Yanot-led Sin-Agi. Yangot declared that the same event will be staged in the three other watersheds under the stewardship of the BWD namely, Buyog, Camp 8 and Mount Santo Tomas with the nearby schools as participants. “We will do the same activities at the three other BWD supervised watersheds,” said Yangot, who likewise said that the winning works plus some of the better works to be featured in an exhibit. “We will have those framed and put in an exhibit,” said Yangot. Eco-walk was started right after the 1990 killer earthquake that killed hundreds Baguio residents, cut Baguio from the rest of the country and disrupted lives of locals. The ABC through the Timpuyog ti Iit, the BWD, which manages the Busol, the Beneco and the DENR became partners that in 1995, it won the Galing Pook award from Malacanang. The P100,000 prize money was used to put up the shed where lectures on planting trees are now held and later same people take the oat as forest warriors. Last year, the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club resumed its role as leader in promoting the eco-walk with the revival of the program. In June 20 last year, the BCBC celebrated its 60th year as a club by hosting the same and pledging to stage it annually. The BCBC did its own anew last June 21 with the promise to stage same during its anniversary.

Resorts in 2 towns of Zambales illegally built in high risk zones- Officials

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Ruben A. Veloria IBA, Zambales – The Provincial Engineering Office here belies reports on Wednesday that dredging has caused the damage of many establishments in coastal towns here, saying instead the structures were built in declared non-habitable areas. Zambales Provincial Engineer Domingo Mariano said alarming violations committed by resort owners triggering grave risks to the public, including visiting beach goers, in the towns of San Felipe and San Narciso. This is after an inspection team headed by Mariano was conducted after some resort owners raised the alarm among the public regarding the deterioration of their properties built along the seashore and blamed the dredging operations in the province. However, the survey of the area the ZPEO discovered that almost all of resort facilities were illegally constructed along the seashore of the said towns which is officially classified as “Public Land” by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and carries explicit “Non- Habitable” warnings due to extreme danger from wave action and soil instability. Engr. Mariano said that the structures are violating the national environmental standards and safety regulations in coastal construction projects, spotlighting the grave risks of unpermitted development along the province’s fragile shoreline, which is why the government declared them as high-risk zones. Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) stated that dredging operations are not responsible for the severe coastal erosion affecting resorts in Barangay Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales. MGB Region III Regional Director Noel Lacadin explained, “There was coastal erosion before dredging began. Therefore, based on situational analysis, dredging is not the problem here.” The MGB emphasized the significant geological impact of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption on the Zambales coastline. Lacadin said, “When Pinatubo erupted, it expelled billions of cubic meters of volcanic material which either covered the volcano’s foot slopes or flowed into the sea through rivers.” After decades of lahar flows, the current shoreline was moved one kilometer toward the sea from its pre-eruption position. “This means the coastline around San Felipe and San Narciso has advanced by at least kilometer compared to the 1977 shoreline, therefore those land built on unclassified public land formed by natural accretion or deposition of sand and sediment is accretionary, meaning it has no title,” said Lacadin. Lacadin warned that structures should not have been built along the shoreline in the first place. Meanwhile, San Felipe Mayor Reinhard Jeresano defended the dredging activities in the town, saying dredging is essential to mitigate flooding in the municipality, exacerbated by heavy siltation in their river. “The town’s problem is constant flooding. If you go upstream, the riverbed is 20 to 30 meters higher than the surrounding land. All the water from the mountains flows through here first before reaching the sea,” Jeresano said.

Author name: Street Journal

Philippines welcomes new batch of Peace Corps Volunteers