Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Patuloy na pinangangalagaan ng Baguio Tourism Council sa pangunguna ni Gladys Vergara ang kalusugan ng bawat katandaan sa pamamagitan ng muling pagsasagawa ng free medical services sa ilalim ng Goodhearted Volunteers Medical Mission, na ginanap sa Seniors Citizen Affairs Office,Salud Mitra Barangay, mula alas 8:00 ng hanggang alas 12:00 ng tanghali, noong Marso 9. “Hindi namin expected na dadagsa ang ating mga senior citizens na nangangailangan ng medical service para sa kanilang kalusugan. Labis akong nagpapasalamat sa ating mga specialist medical volunteers, na naglaan ng kanilang oras at serbisyo para sa ating mga elderly,” pahayag ni Vergara. Ang Free Medical Mission for Senior Citizens ay inorganisa ng city government at ng BTC sa tulong mga partners at sponsor mula sa Baguio Everlasting Lions Club, Zonta Club of Baguio, Baguio Medical Center, Unilab, Diabetes Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter, Natrapharm Philippines Inc., Abbott Nutrition, Dr. Dwight and Sofia Black, Pines Association of Nursing Attendants and Caregivers,Inc., Office of the Seniors Association of Baguio, Dr. Rey Leung, Dr.Brenda Leung and Fernando Tiong. Ang medical services na ipinagkaloob sa may mahigit 500 senior citizens ay ang Eye Check-Up; Eye glasses; Diabetes screening; Diabetes medicine; Blood Pressure monitoring; Hypertensive medicines; General Check-up at Well-being Assessment. May mga libreng gamot dinsa mga nagpa-check up at free eye glasses, samantalang habang nakapila at nag-aantay sa kanilang check-up, ang mga seniors ay pinagkalooban ng libreng snacks at inumin. “ Siguro kaya rin dumagsa ang mga seniors, lalong-lalo na yoong may karamdaman ay dahil may mga best doctors tayo, gaya ni ni Dr. Dwight Black, na diabetes specialist. Marami din ang nagpacheck-up sa mata, mula sa mga bihasang doktor volunteer ng Everlasting Lions Club, na kinakailangang suriing mabuti ang pasyente, bago bigyan ng eyeglass.” Ayon kay Vergara, labis ang kanyang saya na makita ang mga senior citizens na hindi alintana ang pagod na makamit lamang ang kanilang hangad na magpasuri ng libre ng kanilang kalusugan. “Hopefully ay makagawa pa kami ng isang malaking medical mission para sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan ng medical services.” “ Labis ang aking pasasalamat, ang medical mission na ito ay hindi matatawaran sa aming mga senior na nangangailangan ng atensyon sa aming kalusugan mula sa mga kinauukulan. Maraming salamat kay Gladys Vergara at mga medical volunteer sa kanilang taus-pusong pagtulong sa amin,” pahayag ng isang babaeng senior citizen.

STT GDC Philippines transitions to 100% Renewable Energy Operations

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines— ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) Philippines has reached a sustainability milestone by transitioning to 100% renewable energy across all its operational data centers in the Philippines. This milestone aligns with Globe’s science-based net-zero targets and STT GDC group’s commitment to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2030. The transition to fully renewable energy for its electricity requirements was accomplished through strategic collaborations with Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES) supplying Renewable Energy (RE) or its equivalent renewable energy certificates. STT GDC also adopted innovative energy solutions, such as utilization of rooftop solar for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and EV in the operations of the company. “Operating on renewable energy is a significant step forward, showcasing our determination to lead the way in sustainability best practices within the data center industry,” said Carlo Malana, President and CEO of STT GDC Philippines. “We aim to be a catalyst for positive change, inspiring others to embrace renewable energy and contribute to the global push for a low-carbon economy.” STT GDC Philippines remains committed to environmental sustainability within its operations. This commitment is supported by continuous innovation in energy-efficient design, water conservation, and sustainable infrastructure development, guided by globally recognized standards. By building green data centers without compromising performance, STT GDC Philippines offers a valuable option for businesses dedicated to corporate responsibility.

Archeologists visited potential archaeological site in Kalinga

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A group of archeologists, paleontologists and other experts from Ateneo de Manila University, along with international institutions and the National Museum of the Philippines, braved the heat and long hike to conduct an initial visit to investigate potential archaeological sites in an identified area in Barangay Nambaran, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on March 6. During the site inspection, petrified woods were found and a fossilized animal tooth was shown to the party. After thoroughly inspecting the fossil, the experts concluded that it was a fragment of an elephant’s lower left molar. With petrified wood bits strewn around the area, as well as a fossilized elephant tooth, the researchers informed the personnel of the PLGU, CLGU, and the Barangay official that they would return for a more thorough examination of the area to further evaluate the site’s potential. The researchers urged Barangay officials to protect any fossilized bones discovered and preserve the location for future research. Mayor Darwin Estrañero welcomed the team and voiced support for their efforts. He expressed excitement about the prospect of discovering rich archaeological artifacts and promised to continue supporting their research activities, which aim to unearth the city’s historical significance as well as the possibility of ancient civilizations and animal species. The researchers were accompanied by Kalinga PLGU Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i, City Information Officer Aurora Amilig and CPIO staff, as well as Mr. Tony Ngaya-an, a Barangay Nambaran Council member and a resident of Nambaran who discovered the petrified wood and the fossilized tooth.

3,551 beneficiaries tumanggap ng libreng gamutan sa Quezon

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Dala ang hangaring makapaghatid ng libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mga Quezonian, matagumpay na naisagawa ang “Kalinga sa Mamamayan, Libreng Gamutan” o Medical Mission sa Brgy. Dinahican, Infanta, Quezon, noong Marso 6. Sa inisyatibong ito ni Governor Doktora Helen Tan, umabot sa 3,551 na indibidwal ang nahandugan ng serbisyo medikal sa nasabing bayan. Naging katuwang ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sina Vice-Governor Third Alcala, Board Member Julius Luces, mga Private Doctors, at iba’t ibang espesyalista na mula pa sa loob at labas ng Quezon. Ilan sa serbisyong naibigay sa mga benepisyaryo ay ang Medical Consultation, Dental Extraction, Minor Surgery, FBS, Laboratory, Ultrasound, at ECG. Handog din ang bagong idinagdag na optical service kung saan may konsultasyon sa mata at libreng salamin para sa mga higit na nangangailangan. Kasama ring naghandog ng serbisyo ang Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, kung saan may 188 na benepisyaryo ang nakinabang sa libreng konsultasyon at bakuna sa anti-rabies. Samantala, asahang hindi titigil ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa pagbibigay ng libreng serbisyo na tiyak na mapapakinabangan ng lahat ng mamamayan sa Quezon.

OUTSTANDING WOMEN LEADERS OF BAGUIO

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Four empowered women are this year’s Outstanding Women Leaders (OWLs) of Baguio. They are Milagros Aro Rimando, Peace and Development; Jingle Melanie Ku-Marquez, Health and Wellness; Vicky Macay, Indigenous People; Easter Wahayna-Pablo, Literacy. MILAGROS ARO RIMANDO is recognized for her exemplary leadership in civic and public service. This recognition celebrates her significant contributions to the civic and development sectors, particularly her impactful tenure as the former Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the Cordillera region. Throughout her career, Rimando has worked tirelessly to promote greater participation from marginalized communities and advocate for gender equality. Her continued commitment to public service, especially through mentoring and education, further highlights her exceptional leadership. Rimando’s lasting influence on policy development and her compassionate, effective approach to leadership have cemented her legacy as a true champion of the public good. This award celebrates the endeavors of JINGLE MELANIE KU-MARQUEZ in promoting health, wellness, and personal growth in diverse communities. Through organizing events that encourage physical activity and in support of meaningful causes, she has made a lasting impact. Her advocacy for mental health and support for local artists and athletes further highlights her positive influence. Ku-Marquez’s dedication to wellness, mentorship, and community-building makes her a deserving leader in empowering others. VICKY MACAY is recognized for her efforts in preserving and promoting Ibaloy culture, language, and traditions. She has played a key role in educating her community and the public about the importance of Indigenous heritage. As a leader, Macay has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment in a male-dominated space. Her work helps safeguard Indigenous knowledge and ensures its sustainability for future generations. Macay’s dedication continues to inspire the preservation and recognition of Indigenous cultures. EASTER WAHAYNA-PABLO is presented with the award for her outstanding work in library services and literacy promotion in Baguio City. Her commitment to making educational resources accessible to all has had a lasting impact. Through her innovative approach to community development, she has fostered inclusivity and mentored future leaders. Pablo’s contributions as an advocate for education and cultural enrichment continue to inspire and empower others. Her efforts have left a significant mark on both education and community development. Now on its 19th year, the Search for Outstanding Women Leaders of Baguio is an institutionalized annual Women’s Month activity of the City Government of Baguio, in partnership with the Outstanding Women Leaders Inc. – an organization composed of past OWLs winners. The OWLs – Baguio City headed by its president Lumina L. Piel will welcome to their “parliament” these four empowered women at an awarding ceremony and honor dinner on March 10 as a highlight of the celebration of March as Kababaihan Festival.

PBBM says ‘design flawn’ caused collapse of Cabagan-Sta Maria Bridge

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos attributed the collapse of the 60-meter portion of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge to a “design flaw” caused by budget cuts from previous administrations. “Ang puno’t dulo nito, design flaw. It is a design flaw. Mali ‘yung design. Ang history kasi nito dapat ang funding nito is supposed to be P1.8 billion so binawasan to under 1 billion para makamura… Design is really weak,” Marcos Jr. said after his inspection along with Isabela Governor Rodito T. Albano and other local officials,on March 6. He added that additional expenses for retrofitting due to structural issues raised the total cost to P1.2 billion. Marcos also said, “Ito lang ang suspension bridge na nakita ko sa buong mundo na hindi kable, at ‘yan na mismo ang bumigay.” He mentioned that a more “detailed design” is being developed, and the entire bridge would require another round of retrofitting. Designed to accommodate vehicles up to 44 tons, the national bridge collapsed on February 27, 2025, when a dump truck carrying boulders, with an estimated gross vehicle weight of 102 tons, passed over it. The incident left six individuals injured. (From Isabela PIO post)

Baguio renews partnerships for global youth-focused program to make safer, livable cities

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The City Government of Baguio upholds its commitment to support youth participation in city planning and development, as it renewed its partnerships for the Safe and Sound Cities (S²Cities) program through a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing on March 6, 2025 at the Mayor’s Office. The signed MoU also marks the start of the second phase of the S²Cities program in Baguio City, following the success of Phase 1. “We have seen through the s2Cities program how young people, when given the right opportunities and support, can take the lead in improving their cities. Baguio’s experience with S²Cities shows that there are many meaningful ways for local governments to involve and collaborate with the youth, and these efforts have reenergized active youth participation in the city,” said Mayor Benjamin Magalong. S²Cities is a global program led by the Global Infrastructure Basel (GIB) Foundation, hosted by the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, with the support of Fondation Botnar. It aims to improve young people’s safety and well-being in urban environments. The MoU formalized Baguio City Government’ s partnerships with the Cordilleran Youth Center (CYC), a Baguio-based youth organization that will lead the Phase II implementation, and the ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability Southeast Asia (ICLEI SEA), the S²Cities program’s government engagement partner in SEA. Through the City Planning, Development and Sustainability Office (CPDS0), the Baguio City Government will collaborate with CYC and ICLEI SEA to oversee the Phase II implementation. Set to run until 2028, Phase I1 of S²Cities will focus on systems understanding, capacity strengthening, innovation, implementation, and scaling. A new set of youth-led initiatives will also receive seed funding, while ongoing support will be provided for Phase I projects. Phase l of the program’s implementation in Baguio resulted in the establishment of the SIGLAT (Synergize, Innovation and Gravitate Leadership towards Adaptive Technologies) Youth Innovation Hub, a co-working space that the Baguio City Government dedicated for its youth; and youth-designed and led projects such as the Happy Paws Pet Park and Baguio Wellness Hub. ICLEI SEA supported the program’s Phase I implementation in the Philippines, specifically in cities of Baguio and Naga, in 2023 to 2024 by facilitating engagements with local governments and will continue to do so for Phase ll. “In Phase of S²Cities in the Philippines, the commitment of local governments to partner with the youth proved to be crucial for the program to achieve its goals, contributing to the people-centered development of the partner cities. For Baguio City, we aim to continue supporting their local government and their youth as they reach new milestones in Phase II of the program,” said ICLEI SEA Regional Director Victorino Aquitania. Activities during Phase I of S²Cities in Baguio included a survey of urban safety, stakeholder consultations, workshops and capacity building activities, and ideation, designing, and implementation of safety solutions, among other youth-focused engagements. Baguio is the first City in the Philippines and the second city in Southeast Asia to officially be part of the S²Cities global network of program cities. It follows the pilot sites of Bandung, Indonesia and Envigado, Colombia. ICLEI SEA and Baguio have previously worked together in various sustainable development projects, including the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign; Sustainable Water Integrated Management and Governance; Preparatory research for LAB Asia initiatives Phases 1-3; AsianCitiesAdapt – Impacts of Climate Change in Target Cities in India and the Philippines and Local Adaptation Strategies; Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network; Circle Lab for Cities; and the One Planet City Challenge (OPCC).

Cat’nes local council for the Protection of Children ranks 2nd regionwide in 2023

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

The Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), Provincial Council for the Protection of Children, and the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children convened a Joint Council Meeting at the Provincial Capitol Dome, on March 5. A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that the Catanduanes Local Council for the Protection of Children ranked 2nd regionwide, while the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC) ranked 4th regionwide for the year 2023. Additionally, the DILG reported that the municipalities of Caramoran, San Miguel, and Virac have successfully completed 100% of their projects and implementations under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP). The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office also reported that, from 2018 to the present, eight former rebels have surrendered and received financial and livelihood assistance from the Provincial Government of Catanduanes. Other key topics discussed during the meeting included the status of VAWC cases and strategies to address them, as presented by the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office. Additionally, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency provided updates on the status of barangay drug clearing efforts and ongoing operations.

Hexnode Partners with Globe Business to strengthen endpoint management solutions in the Philippines

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines – Hexnode, the award-winning Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution by Mitsogo Inc., has announced a strategic partnership with Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe Telecom and a leading provider of ICT solutions in the Philippines. This collaboration enhances Globe Business’ portfolio and introduces Hexnode’s advanced UEM features to businesses across the region. The Philippines is advancing its digital transformation agenda through the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028, which emphasizes safeguarding cyberspace and strengthening cybersecurity policies. This strategic initiative underscores the rising demand for secure endpoint management solutions to protect corporate networks and data across industries. Addressing this need, the partnership between Hexnode and Globe Business introduces advanced UEM solutions that empower organizations to bolster security and improve operational efficiency, aligning with the nation’s digital goals. “At Globe Business, we’re committed to empowering Filipino businesses with the most advanced and reliable ICT solutions. Our partnership with Hexnode allows us to offer a comprehensive UEM platform that simplifies device management, strengthens security, and improves operational efficiency. This translates to tangible benefits for our customers, enabling them to focus on what matters most: growing their business,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business. Hexnode provides a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to simplify and optimize device management across all major operating systems. Through this partnership, Globe Business enables its clients to leverage Hexnode’s advanced features such as Patch Management, Remote Monitoring and Management,Application Management, and Identity and Access Management. Additionally, Hexnode’s specialized capabilities, including Kiosk Management, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Management, and IoT Device Management, align perfectly with Globe Business’ mission to deliver innovative ICT solutions. These features empower businesses to enhance device security, improve operational workflows, and optimize IT resources as they navigate their digital transformation journeys. For instance, BYOD Management allows employees to securely use their personal devices for work purposes, increasing flexibility and productivity while maintaining corporate security. Keith O Leary, Enterprise Sales Director (ASEAN) at Hexnode, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “This collaboration with Globe Business reaffirms our commitment to empowering businesses in the Philippines with adaptive endpoint management solutions. As organizations in the region increasingly embrace new technology, Hexnode’s extensive capabilities will help them strengthen their IT infrastructure. We are excited to partner with Globe Business to support the ongoing transformation of enterprises across the nation.” This partnership signifies a shared vision of driving technological advancement and innovation in endpoint management. Hexnode and Globe Business are committed to delivering exceptional value to their customers, setting a new benchmark for IT solutions that address the evolving challenges of modern enterprises.

Author name: Street Journal

Gladys Vergara naglunsad ng Medical Mission sa Senior Citizens