Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has joined SMBC Aviation Capital and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) to support a mangrove planting project in Sitio Sulok, Lian, Batangas. The initiative, which saw the planting of 7,000 mangrove seedlings, aims to restore vital coastal ecosystems while empowering local communities. A total of 27 CEB volunteers, alongside representatives from SMBC Aviation Capital and RAFI, participated in the planting activity, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). “Cebu Pacific is committed to initiatives that create positive change, not just for our passengers, but also for the communities we serve. This project reflects our strong focus on environmental stewardship and volunteerism, providing our employees with an opportunity to contribute to long-term community efforts,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, views the project as a core tenetof its wider sustainability strategy. “SMBC Aviation Capital is committed to corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts that go beyond our daily operations and extend to the communities that we operate in. Through this collaboration, we are investing in a project that will benefit both the environment and the people who rely on these vital resources,” said David Swan, Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital. The project is also expected to generate livelihood opportunities for the local community in Sitio Sulok. Members of the Samahan ng Mangingisda sa Sulok (SAMLOK) people’s organization will manage seedling production, site preparation, and the long-term maintenance of the mangrove area. For CEB, this project is part of its broader CSR strategy, which includes initiatives that not only promote environmental conservation but also support local communities and encourage employee volunteerism.

Globe reiterates the need stricter implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

“Globe remains committed to the implementation of the SIM Registration Act as mandated by RA 11934.” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe’s General Counsel. This after the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) called on telcos for the stricter implementation of the SIM Registration Act after discovering “pre-registered” SIM cards being sold through social media channels. However, Castelo reiterated that there should be an official ID database from which telcos can verify the identity of registrants, such as the National ID, Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, and the like. “Currently, Globe has been strictly implementing the provisions of the SIM Registration Act, including accepting only the required identification cards, investing in software to help in reading the text on identification cards and facial recognition to ensure these are real people. However, there is no way for us to determine with 100% certainty if the identity is fake without a database from which we can validate the identity,” Castelo said. Globe has been proactively asking for access to an official ID database from the government since 2023 to strengthen the current verification process. Since December 2023 Globe has upgraded its SIM registration platform, with Optical Character Recognition and data-matching capabilities, along with a mandatory selfie requirement to weed out fraudulent submissions. “However there are still criminals who are able to bypass this by using someone’s identity and then selling these registered SIM cards to scammers,” Castelo said. Selling or purchasing registered SIMs is illegal. Section 11 of the SIM Registration Act imposes penalties, including imprisonment of six months to six years and/or fines ranging from P100,000 to P300,000. Globe reminds customers to register only their own SIMs under their names, with the exception of SIMs used by their minor children or other underaged SIM users under their care. It also asked the public to never accept offers to register SIMs on behalf of others in exchange for cash, as their identities may be used for scams that may result in the filing of other criminal cases against them. Globe also reiterates its advice for customers to be vigilant and avoid purchasing SIMs with tampered packaging, as this could indicate that the SIMs have been previously used and repackaged. Always ensure that SIMs are sealed and purchased from legitimate retailers.

No Corruption, Mismanagement on Baguio projects

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Pena assured that there was no corruption and mismanagement in the implementation of four crucial projects in the city which suffered delays due to unavoidable circumstances. On the Luna Terraces socialized housing project, Dela Pena clarified the project was put on hold not on account of the city government but because of the problem of funding on the part of the Dept. of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). The city administrator said it was DHSUD which selected the contractor to undertake the site development. The city’s task of pre-qualifying beneficiaries had been complied with through the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer (OCSWDO) and the City Planning Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO). He said Mayor Benjamin Magalong and concerned offices continued to exert efforts lobbying with DHSUD to get the project moving. On the Youth Convergence Center at the Baguio Athletic Bowl, Dela Pena said the project was terminated due to the contractor’s lapses having reached 15 percent slippage. The city had strictly monitored the project leading to the determination of liquidated damages and eventually the termination and later blacklisting of the contractor. The project was later subjected to two rebidding processes but failed each time due to incomplete documents submitted by the bidders. Dela Pena said that considering the time that elapsed and the two unsuccessful bidding procedures, the City Bids and Awards Committee decided to employ the negotiated bidding modality and results were expected this week. On the Wright Park Multi-Purpose Building with the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) and Big Impact Project (BIP) components, Dela Pena said the project was stopped also due to poor workmanship. Rebidding process is also in the works and they hope to resume the project as soon as possible. The Irisan barangay hall project was delayed due to the revisions requested by the barangay officials and thus required extension procedures. However the process has been threshed out and the project has been completed and ready for inauguration. Dela Pena requested those reporting and posting about city government projects to exercise prudence and circumspection in doing their jobs to be able to provide only facts and the truth to the public. He said these projects are properly documented with records that can be found at the different offices. At the same time, he urged the public to be more discerning of the posts they are reading to protect themselves from false or misleading information that can affect their judgement.By Aileen P. Refuerzo

Investments in CJH soar to P1B in two months

Business

Business / Street Journal

Investments in Camp John Hay in Baguio City soared to Php 1 billion since the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) recovery of the property in January 2025. This reflects the business sector’s trust and confidence in BCDA’s track record and its plans of transforming the iconic destination into a premier ecotourism and investment hub. BCDA reported that it had already signed 75 residential and commercial lease agreements in Camp John Hay, totaling around Php 1 billion in investments. This milestone enables BCDA to bring in more job and economic opportunities to the local community and contribute more to the state coffers. Some of the major industry players and small- and medium-enterprises that have already begun to pour in investments in Camp John Hay are Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) subsidiary Landco Pacific Corporation, Stern Real Estate Development Corporation, Amare La Cucina, Golfplus Management Inc. (GMI), DuckWorld Philippines, and Top Taste Trading Inc. Of the 75 contracts signed in two months, 70 were residential lease agreements signed with local and foreign nationals, including Koreans, while the remaining were commercial lease agreements. “Numbers don’t lie. Breaching a billion mark in just two months is proof that Camp John Hay is thriving as more and more investors are seeing its potential of becoming the country’s next ecotourism and investment hub under the management of BCDA,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “More exciting things will be announced soon, as we set to close more contracts and deals in the next weeks.” Several guests and visitors said they noticed improvements in amenities and services since BCDA took over, in partnership with MPIC subsidiary Landco Pacific Corporation as the interim manager of the John Hay Hotels, and the consortium of GMI and DuckWorld PH overseeing the operations and maintenance of John Hay Golf. “As we bring in economic opportunities that will benefit everyone, we want to assure the local community that we will protect and preserve the vast forested area and open spaces of Camp John Hay,” said Engr. Bingcang. As a testament to this, Engr. Bingcang said BCDA is conducting a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) to align it with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the BCDA is in coordination with the Baguio City Government on improving jogging trails and pedestrian lanes, installing solar street lights, and establishing a smart transport system. The BCDA was able to regain control of the Camp John Hay property following a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision, which allowed the recovery of the 247-hectare leased area from CJH Development Corp.

BCDA, consortium eye building a 6.1-hectare low-cost housing complex in New Clark City

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is seeking to partner with a consortium of South Korean and local companies to develop a 6.1-hectare affordable housing complex in New Clark City, aiming to address the country’s housing shortage and foster sustainable urban growth. The consortium includes Sta. Clara International Corporation (SCIC), Saekyung Realty Corporation, and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND), which is expected to invest approximately Php4.8 billion in the project. The development aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This also forms part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which seeks to provide affordable housing for low-income families. The project will feature 12 high-density residential buildings, with a total of 3,320 units. Of these, 2,600 units across nine buildings will be allocated for the open market, while the remaining 720 units in three buildings will be part of the 4PH Program. “Beyond addressing housing needs, this project, if realized, will generate jobs, attract investment, and drive economic growth in Central Luzon, ” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said in a statement. Aside from residential units, the project will also include modern infrastructure and essential amenities, such as green spaces and parks for recreation and wellness, road networks and stormwater drainage systems to enhance resilience, fire protection measures and disaster-ready structures, retail and commercial spaces, sports and leisure facilities to promote community engagement. Engr. Bingcang emphasized that these features will contribute to New Clark City’s goal of becoming a smart, sustainable, and disaster-resilient metropolis, designed to withstand climate challenges while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In 2023, BCDA entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the project’s implementing agency, to develop the initial housing units under the 4PH Program inside New Clark City.

Pangakong livelihood sa Baguio, patuloy na isinusulong ni Vergara

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Nagpapatuloy ang pangakong Baguio Tourism Council sa pangunguna ni Gladys Vergara sa inclusive livelihood opportunities sa pamamagitan ng specialized Kimchi Making Training sa Ginhawa Venture (GV) Livelihood Hub sa Barangay Irisan, noong Pebrero 28. Ang inisyatiba na ito, na isinagawa sa pakikipagtulungan sa TESDA, ay naglalayong bigyan ng kapangyarihan ang mga Persons With Special Needs sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng mga praktikal na kasanayan na maaaring suportahan ang kanilang kalayaan at paglago sa pananalapi. Sa pagkilala sa kahalagahan ng accessibility, isang interpreter, si Christopher Catbagan, ay naroroon upang mapadali ang malinaw na komunikasyon at matiyak ang isang komportableng kapaligiran sa pag-aaral para sa lahat ng mga kalahok. Ang pagsasanay ay tinanggap din ang mga residente mula sa iba’t ibang barangay, na nagtaguyod ng pakiramdam ng komunidad at pagbabahagi ng pag-aaral. Ang sesyon ay dalubhasang isinagawa ni Fe Lucaben, isang sertipikadong tagapagsanay mula sa TESDA, na gumabay sa mga dumalo sa maselang proseso ng paggawa ng kimchi. Ang tagumpay ng kaganapan ay naging posible sa pamamagitan ng bukas-palad na suporta ni Fernando Tiong, na nagbigay ng transportasyon para sa mga dumalo, at Kathleen Rimorin, na nagtustos ng mga pangunahing sangkap para sa pagsasanay. Binigyang-diin ni Vergara na ang Ginhawa Venture Liveliood ay higit pa sa isang skills training center– ito ay isang plataporma para sa economic empowerment, lalo na para sa mga marginalized na sektor. “Ang programang ito ay naglalayong itaguyod ang pag-asa sa sarili at buksan ang mga pintuan para sa mga indibidwal na bumuo ng kanilang sariling napapanatiling pakikipagsapalaran,” sabi niya. Sa patuloy na mga programang pangkabuhayan tulad nito, muling pinagtitibay ng BTC at GV Livelihood Hub ang kanilang dedikasyon sa inclusive economic opportunities at community development, tinitiyak na ang lahat ng indibidwal, anuman ang kakayahan, ay may pagkakataong umunlad.

Diving activities ipinagbawal sa Quezon

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ngayon ang pagsasagawa ng Diving Activities sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon hanggang sa magkaroon ng impormasyon na ligtas na muli ang pagsasagawa nito. Ipinararating sa publiko lalo na sa mga nagmamay-ari ng beach resorts na may mga diving activities na pansamantalang ipinagbabawal muna ang pagsasagawa ng diving activities at mga kaignay nito. Sa kadahilanang sa hindi ligtas sa ganitong gawain ang lagay ng karagatan sa ngayon at may ilang kumpirmadong ulat ng din ng “Shark Attacks”. Ito ay batay na rin sa liham na natanggap ng Quezon Provincial Tourism Office mula sa Coast Guard Station Southern Luzon. Matatanaan na dalawang Russian diver ang nalunod habang nag-scuba diving sa dagat na puno ng pating ng Sitio Pulong Bato, Barangay San Agapito, Isla Verde, Batangas City, noong Pebrero 27.

New CamSur Manufacturing Hub

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, in partnership with Veragon Technologies, held the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the new CamSur Manufacturing Hub on February 26, 2025 at the Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili. Present during the ceremony were CamSur Gov/ Luigi Villafuerte, Congressman Lray Villafuerte, Veragon Technologies CEO Dr. Alessio Lucattelli, Business Development Director Stephen White, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. “With the addition of Veragon’s air-to-water facility here in CamSur, we are becoming a beacon of renewable energy and environmental stewardship. This development brings tremendous benefits, creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and enhancing our infrastructures. But more importantly, they lay the groundwork for a greener, more resilient future for our children and the generations to come,” shared Governor Luigi. The CamSur Manufacturing Hub is the first atmospheric water generator (AWG) state-of-the-art facility in the country that converts air humidity into clean, safe, and mineralized drinking water. Through this, the supply of potable water will become more sustainable and accessible to all Camarinenses.

Subic Freeport tows honors at TRES Awards 2024

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport – This premier Freeport was able to rack up major awards at the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Central Luzon Tourism Recognition for Enterprises and Stakeholders (TRES) Awards 2024 held at the Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark Freeport Zone on February 26, 2025. “Winning four prestigious awards is a testament that the agency’s collaborative efforts with tourism stakeholders, as well as the tourists themselves, are paying off,” quips Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. Proof of these collaborative efforts is when the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) emerged victorious in one of the major awards, the “Most Outstanding Community-Based Tourism Program (Central Luzon Sustainable Tourism Summit 2024).” The SBFZ also bagged 1st Runner-Up awards in the “Most Outstanding Tourism Month Celebration,” the “Most Creative Printed Marketing Collateral (Ecotourism Brochure)”, and the “Top Tourist Destination in the Province/ Freeport Zone category.” During the awarding ceremony, DOT Region 3 Regional Director, Dr. Richard Daenos handed the award to SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez and Tourism Department Manager Mary Jamelle Camba, who represented the agency on behalf of Chairman Aliño. The chairman cited that the agency aims to boost the tourism industry in this part of the region, adding that it is currently working on several infrastructure projects and facilities that hope to entice more tourists to visit the Freeport. In 2024, during its Tourism Summit that was held as part of the Tourism Month celebration, the SBMA launched the Race to Carbon Neutrality, a project which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the SBFZ by 30 percent by 2030, and eventually to net zero by 2040. This will boost the SBFZ’s competitiveness through resource efficiency, improve its brand image by positioning Subic Freeport in the global market, and attract more green foreign direct investments. “This will also bring the SBMA at the forefront of introducing carbon-neutral development strategies into the economic, industrial, and trade policies of our country.” he added. Director Daenos stated that the recognition is a great way to give back to DOT3’s stakeholders. He said, “DOT3 doesn’t undermine the efforts of our industry partners, quite the opposite, we shine a spotlight on their outstanding contributions to the tourism sector for the past year through this award-giving event.” DOT3’s Tourism Development Division and Tourism Regulations Division took on the rigorous task of narrowing down the list of this year’s TRES Awards. “The TRES Awards is aimed at inspiring and challenging its stakeholders to remain committed, driven, and empowered to enhance and elevate the overall tourism experience in the region through their significant contributions,” Daenos said. Aside from the SBFZ, two of its stakeholders also received accolades. Acea Subic Beach Resort and Ayala Malls Harbor Point bagged awards for showing that stakeholders can greatly boost the tourism sector of this premier Freeport. Acea Subic Beach Resort received the grand award for the Most Gender-Sensitive Accommodation Facility,” winner in the “Tourism Quality Citation: MICE Event Venue (Outdoor),” and second runner-up for the “Green Champion.” The resort is also the “Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Advocate awardee.” Meanwhile, Ayala Malls Harbor Point was awarded the Mabuhay Citation: Public Toilet for having the cleanest and PWD-friendly toilets in Central Luzon.”” The mall management cited that maintenance, training of employees, cleanliness and odor, amenities inside the restroom, air circulation and ventilation system have been factors in achieving this award.

Author name: Street Journal

CebuPac joins SMBC Aviation Capital and RAFI for Mangrove Reforestation project