Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

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.

Congressional bet Florido to ban the use of plastic, tarpaulin as campaign materials

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio GENERAL LUNA, Quezon – Quezon Third District also known as Bondoc Peninsula congressional bet and this town Mayor Erwin Matt Florido that his priority bill once he won this 2025 elections is to file a bill that would prohibit the use of tarpaulins and plastic banners as campaign materials by candidates, said during his campaign sorties. Florido said that apart from harming the environment, it is also unfair to all candidates. He added that in the present electoral system, wealthy candidates benefit because they can spread thousands of tarpaulins, often exceeding the campaign spending limits, and often falsifying their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). He said that while candidates who are short of funds almost do not see any campaign materials on the streets. Because of this, the system becomes biased in favor of the wealthy. Florido said, “Instead of tarpaulins and plastic banners, a series of debates should be made mandatory for local and national candidates.” The candidates’ forum is where the true capabilities and platforms of each candidate can be seen, and the number of tarpaulins is not the basis for people’s votes. Using plastic campaign materials and the impact of this waste on our environment should not be ignored either—several tons of plastic waste are accumulated every election. Florido urges “we must change the way we campaign: make the distribution of flyers and leaflets, the use of online platforms, and attending debates and forums the main methods. This way, all candidates—rich or poor—will have an equal fight, and our environment will also benefit.”

P2.9-M project,pinasinayaan sa Oriental Mindoro

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Dalawang proyektong pang imprastraktura mula sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na may kabuuang halagang P2.9 milyon ang magkasunod na pinasinayaan sa Brgy. Evangelista sa bayan ng Naujan, noong Abril 22. Pinangunahan ni Governor Humerlito “Bon,z” A. Dolor at kaniyang maybahay Hiyas Govinda Ramos-Dolor ang ribbon cutting ceremony ng P1.5-M halaga ng Day Care Center at P1.4-M halaga ng Multi-Purpose Building ng Farmers’ Association. Ang okasyon ay sinaksihan nina Board Member Alely Casubuan-Tan, Board Member Fay Ilano-Navarro, dating Provincial Administrator Doc Hubbert Christopher A. Dolor at Barangay Captain Cesar Pedrozo. Taos-pusong pasasalamat ang ipinaabot ni Barangay Captain Pedrozo sa administrasyon ni Governor Bonz dahil sa patuloy at walang sawang pagkalinga at pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng kanilang barangay. “Sa pagkakataong ito ay ako naman ang magpapaabot ng pasasalamat sa ating mga magsasaka sa Brgy. Evangelista sapagkat dahil sa inyo may pagkain ang ating mga mamamayan”, ang mensahe ng Gobernador. Nakiisa rin sa naturang gawain ang ilang myembro ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Naujan at iba pang mga opisyal.

Posibleng pagputok ng Mt.Bulusan, pinaghahandaan sa Sorsogon

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

SORSOGON CITY – Pinaghahandaan ngayon lalawigan ng Sorsogan ang posiblidad na pagputok ng bulking Bulusan, matapos maitala ang 98 volcanic earthquakes na nagsimula noong Abril 12. Nagsagawa kamakailan ng emergency meeting para sa Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) ng Bulusan Volcano ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na pinangunahan ni Provincial Administrator Franco Eric Ravanilla bilang kinatawan ni Governor Boboy Hamor, na ginanap sa kapitolyo. Ang pagpupulong ay kaugnay ng mga naitalang pagtaas sa seismic activity ng bulkan. Base sa tala ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) sa Bulkang Bulusan. Ayon sa kinatawan ng DOST-PhiVolcs, sa kasalukuyan ay nananatili sa Alert Level 0 ang Bulkang Bulusan, gayunman, matapos na makitaan ng mga pagbabago sa estado ng bulkan kabilang na ang sunod-sunod na volcanic earthquake, at iba pang seismic activities, patuloy ang kanilang monitoring at hindi isinasantabi ang posibilidad na mag alboroto ang nasabing bulkan. Samantala, bilang paghahanda ng Kapitolyo sa anumang posibilidad na mangyari, inilatag na nito ang mga plano at preparasyon na kailangang gawin upang maiwasan ang anumang epekto nang nabanggit. Kabilang sa mga paghahanda ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan at iba pang katuwang na ahensya ay ang pagkakaroon ng koordinasyon at patuloy na monitoring, paglatag ng command center, paghahanda ng mga resources kabilang ang pag-augment ng mga fire trucks, food packs, hygiene kits, face masks at iba pa. Dagdag pa, hindi na rin papayagan ang pagpasok sa 4km permanent danger zone. Samantala, sa ngayon ay nauna nang ipinadala sa mga partner agencies tulad ng BFP, PNP at DRRMO ng Bulusan, Irosin, Juban, Casiguran, Gubat at Barcelona ang nasa 35,000 N95 face mask bilang bahagi ng pre-positioning ng Kapitolyo. Ang Bundok Bulusan, kilala rin bilang Bulusan Volcano, ay isang stratovolcano sa isla ng Luzon sa Pilipinas. Matatagpuan ito sa lalawigan ng Sorsogon sa Rehiyong Bicol, ito ay 70 kilometro ang layo sa timog-silangan ng Bulkang Mayon at humigit-kumulang 390 kilometro ang layo sa timog-silangan ng Maynila. Huling pumutok ang bulkang Bulusan noong Hunyo 12, 2022.

Gambito commits major infrastructure projects in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday In a move that promises to transform local infrastructure and uplift the community, Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has announced plans to concrete the road from Sitio Nangcalapan, Barangay Salinas, to Barangay Mauan in Bambang. This announcement was made during the inauguration of a newly completed farm-to-market road, a project funded by a one-million-peso investment from the provincial government. In addition to the road improvements, Governor Gambito addressed the community’s long-standing request for a bridge. He promised to work with former Governor Ruth Padilla to make this happen, as long as they are elected as governor and congresswoman of Nueva Vizcaya. Together with former Governor Ruth Padilla, we are committed to turning these dreams into reality. We will work hand in hand to improve our infrastructure and create new opportunities for our people,” stated Gambito. The event was also attended by Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao and Ruthie Maye Padilla, who represented her mother, former Governor Ruth Padilla. Their presence highlighted the collective effort and determination to drive progress in the province. These long-awaited developments are set to enhance connectivity and boost economic prospects in the province. The improved road and proposed bridge are expected to facilitate smoother transport of goods and services, greatly benefiting local farmers.

559 empleyado nakamit ang promosyon sa unang termino ni Gov.Guico

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Mahigit 500 empleyado mula sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan, ang ilan sa kanila ay nagtatrabaho ng mahigit 40 taon, sa wakas ay nakakuha ng kanilang promosyon sa unang termino ni Gobernador Ramon V. Guico III. Sinabi ng Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) na may kabuuang 559 na empleyado ang nakakuha ng kanilang promosyon o maging permanenteng posisyon sa tatlong progression ceremonies na ginanap noong maupo si Gov. Guico noong Hulyo 2022 hanggang noong nakaraang buwan. Sinabi ng HRMDO na marami sa mga na-promote ay ilang dekada na sa provincial government ngunit may mga casual appointment pa rin. Ang iba ay may mga permanenteng posisyon ngunit naligtas sa promosyon dahil sa hindi pagkakaroon ng mga bakanteng posisyon o nilikhang mga posisyon sa kanilang mga departamento. “Mayroon tayong 559 na empleyado (na-promote) mula Hulyo 2022 hanggang Marso 2025,” sabi ni HRMDO chief Janette Asis sa ikatlong career progression ceremony noong Abril 15. Sinabi niya na ang unang batch ay binubuo ng 276 empleyado, sinundan ng 132 empleyado at ang huli ay binubuo ng 151 empleyado para sa “kabuuang 559 na nakaranas ng seremonya ng pag-unlad ng karera,” Nang maupo siya noong Hulyo 1, 2022, nangako si Gob. Guico na bubuo ng mahusay na manggagawa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na bubuo sa ‘Team Ang Galing.’ Sa pakikipag-usap sa mga empleyado ng probinsiya sa unang pagkakataon noong Hulyo 2022, hinimok ng gobernador ang lahat ng rank-and-file na empleyado na gumanap sa kanilang pinakamahusay at ipakita ang kanilang mga potensyal na sa kalaunan ay magiging kanilang tiket sa mas maliwanag na pagkakataon sa karera sa loob ng organisasyon. Sinimulan din niya ang paglikha ng mga bagong pagkakataon para sa mga empleyado sa pamamagitan ng pagpuno sa mga bakanteng posisyon ng mga karapat-dapat na manggagawa. Ang priyoridad sa kanyang unang termino ay payagan ang pag-promote ng mga permanenteng empleyado sa mas matataas na posisyon at ang promosyon ng mga kaswal na empleyado sa mga permanenteng posisyon. Ang ilan sa mga na-promote na empleyado ay halos 40 taon na sa pamahalaang panlalawigan, na nagsilbi sa anim na gobernador bago ang nanunungkulan ngunit tinanggihan ang pagkakataon para sa paglago ng karera sa mga nakaraang taon. Gumawa si Gov. Guico ng mga oportunidad para sa mga trabaho kabilang ang mga nasa Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO), Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) at Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO). Nalikha din ang mga bagong plantilla positions sa ilang tanggapan tulad ng Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office (PIMRO) na dating Provincial Information Office, Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority (PHSUDA) na dating Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Office (PHUDCO), at Laoac Dairy Farm, na nasa ilalim ng Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), at iba pa. Higit pa rito, ang iba’t ibang proyekto ay patuloy na ipinatupad upang matiyak din ang physical wellness at skills enhancement ng mahigit 6,000 empleyado ng probinsiya. Kabilang sa mga ito ay ang regular na pagsasagawa ng mga kasanayan at kakayahan sa pag-unlad at mga pagsasanay sa pagpapahusay ng mga kasanayan, mga medikal na pagsusuri, at mga aktibidad sa kalusugan. Sa kanyang State of the Province (SOPA) noong Abril 5, muling iginiit ng gobernador ang kanyang panawagan na gawing paraan ng pamumuhay ng mga Pangasinense ang mga manggagawa. “Nais naming maging tapat sa mga mithiin nito upang matiyak ang kapakanan ng lahat ng ating mga tao,” aniya, at idinagdag na pangungunahan niya ang layunin upang patuloy na itaas ang antas ng kahusayan sa lahat ng aspeto ng pag-unlad.

Domogan reminds LGU Baguio of right over built-up areas in CJH

Baguio City, Inside Politics

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

It is time for the city government to take measures in the administration of the built-up areas in Camp John Hay. According to the former mayor now candidate for congressman Mauricio Domogan, Section 16 of Resolution 362 series 1994 requires the BCDA to transfer ownership of the land and its built-up areas and improved structures within the Camp John Hay Special Economic Zone to the city government upon expiration of the lease contract between BCDA and developer, Camp John Hay Development Corporation. A few months ago, the Supreme Court affirmed the rescission of the contract of lease between the BCDA and CJHDevCo. The BCDA has since taken over CJHDevCo with a new company permitted to operate some businesses thereat. The city government is expected to earn millions from the operation of the hotels alone. There are currently three hotels at the CJH. With the entry of a new developer, more businesses are expected to be established at the former American recreation area. Domogan added, the city should also assert collection of its shares from the lease and operations, which up to this time have not been fully paid. Domogan said if elected in Congress, he will prioritize review of the 19 Conditions governing the development of CJH for 30 years after development, the people of Baguio have not fully realized the benefits as spelled out in the conditions (PR)

Author name: Street Journal

MAGARA tamdem para sa kinabukasan ng Baguio