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U.S Ambassador Carlson joins culinary champions in Reimagining Filipino Flavors with California Raisins

Manila, Philippines — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson joined James Beard Award-winning food content producer Erwan Heussaff and renowned chefs Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano at a media event on July 8 to showcase the premium quality and versatility of California raisins for Filipino cooking. California raisins are naturally sun-dried, free of additives, and rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. They are a versatile ingredient that enhances savory dishes and adds sweetness to desserts, making them a perfect complement to Filipino cuisine. “Our shared love for food brings Filipinos and Americans closer together. It’s an honor to be among such talented and passionate culinary champions to celebrate the richness and diversity of Philippine cuisine,” said Ambassador Carlson during the event held at Offbeat Bistro, a newly opened modern-retro Filipino restaurant in Makati City. Ambassador Carlson joined Mr. Heussaff in preparing “Steak Frites and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce,” pairing the richness of seared steak with a sauce made from talong, or eggplant—a staple in Pinoy households—and elevated by the natural sweetness of California raisins. Mr. Heussaff also presented an appetizer featuring malasugi, the local term for swordfish, complemented by coconut cream and a California raisins tapenade. “The Filipino flavor profile blends itself very well to California raisins in a sense that we love the mixture of sweet and savory. It’s the perfect match for any type of Filipino dish,” said Mr. Heussaff. Chef Comsti’s recipe featured a pan-fried bacoco, a local term for sea bream, paired with a kusido-style California raisins sauce inspired by the traditional Filipino stew known for its rich, slow-cooked flavors. For dessert, Chef Baldosano reimagined sorbetes, the iconic Filipino-style ice cream traditionally sold from street carts, using milk and California raisins, accompanied by a crisp milk tuile and bold burnt raisin oil. In 2024, the Philippines ranked as the fifth-largest global market for California raisin exports, totaling Php522.5 million ($9.5 million). The United States was also the leading exporter of raisins to the Philippines, with an 80 percent market share. The event was supported by the Raisin Administrative Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila. White Fish and Coconut Crudo with California Raisin Tapenade By Erwan Heussaff Ingredients: Malasugi fish, sliced thin Sauce (Leche de Tigre):; 1 cup coconut vinegar; 1 ½ cup fresh coconut cream; Raisin “Tapenade”: 1 cup California raisins; ½ cup sundried tomatoes; 3 tbsp mustard seeds, rehydrated with coconut vinegar; 1 lime zest Garnish: Shaved egg yolk; Annato oil; Kinchay/chive oil; White baby radish scalesl Mustard seeds Procedure: Finely mince sundried tomatoes and California raisins, then mix with lime zest and mustard seeds. Shape the mixture into quenelles and set aside. Slice baby radish into medallions and arrange them into a scale pattern of four rows with three medallions each. Set aside. To plate: Lay five slices of fish flat in the center of a wide-bottom bowl and pour the leche de tigre around it. Place the pre-made scale pattern on top, followed by the quenelle of the tapenade and shaved egg yolk. Drizzle oil on the sides of the leche de tigre before serving. Steak “Frites” and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce By Erwan Heussaff Ingredients: Sauce: ½ cup California raisins; 7 large eggplants, charred with the skin on; 1 cup beef broth, heavily reduced; 1 tsp toasted peppercorns, crushed; 2 tbsp fried capers;4 tbsp softened butter Salt, to taste Pave: 2 kg potatoes; 2 cups heavy cream; ⅓ cup butter; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 5 sprigs thyme Steak: Salt and pepper, to taste; Fried capers; Pickled jicama sheets Procedure: Sauce: Burn the eggplants on an open flame until the skin is heavily charred. While reducing beef stock add California raisins and peppercorns to rehydrate. Add the eggplants to the reduced stock and blend until smooth. Add the butter and blend again, seasoning to taste with salt. Pave: Slice the potatoes 1mm–2mm thin using a mandolin and soak them in water. Combine the cream, California raisins, butter, garlic, and thyme, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it sit for 20 minutes before straining out the solids and setting aside the infused cream. Layer the potatoes in a high-walled pan, pour the infused cream over them, and bake in the oven with another pan placed on top to weigh them down. Steak: Season the steak and sear it to the desired doneness. Pan-fried Bacoco (SeaBream) with California Raisins Kusido Sauce and Bulgur Salad By Chef Angelo Comsti Ingredients: ½ cup California raisins; 1 whole sea bream, filleted (about six pieces); 1½ cups bulgur, cooked; 1 large cucumber, diced; ½ cup parsley, chopped; 1 small red onion, minced; ⅓ cup kesong puti, crumbled; Salt and pepper, to taste Dressing: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 lemon, juice and zest; 1 clove garlic, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste Sauce: 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated; 2 shallots, chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup California raisins, puréed with a little water 2 tbsp bagoong; 3 cups fish broth, made with sea bream head and bones; 2 tbsp calamansi juice; Cornstarch slurry Procedure: To make the sauce, sauté the garlic, ginger, and shallots in a pan. Add the tomatoes and cook until the oil is released. Stir in the California raisins and bagoong. Pour in the fish broth and reduce by half. Add calamansi juice and season to taste. Use a slurry to thicken the sauce, then strain and set aside. To make the salad, toss all the ingredients in a bowl. Prepare the dressing, pour it over the salad, and set aside. Pan-fry the fish. On a plate, arrange the salad in the center, top it with the fish, and pour the sauce around. Serve. California Raisins Milk Ice Cream with Milk Tuile and Burnt California Raisin Paste Oil by Chef Don Baldosano Ingredients:; 300 grams California raisins; 330 grams milk; 100 grams cream; 7 grams agar-agar; 110 grams sugar; 60

Magalong pinawalang-sala sa kasong graft and corruption

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY — Magkasunod na dinismis ng Office of the Ombudsman ang mga kaso na isinampa ni dating City Councilor Mylene Yaranon laban kay Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “Patunay lamang ang malinis at tapat nating hangarin para sa ikauulad ng ating lungsod, ang pamamahala natin sa ilalim ng Good Governance ay mananatili nating ipapatupad, ang transparency at integridad.” Ito ang pahayag ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong, matapos matanggap noong Hulyo 9.2025 ang desisyon mula sa Office of the Ombudsman. Matatadaan, noong Abril 24,2024 ay nagsampa ng dalawang kaso si Yaranon laban kay Magalong, na inaakusahang sa paggawa ng mga kriminal at administratibong paglabag sa pagpapatupad ng proyekto na may titulong Construction/ Improvement/ Rehabilitation of Multipurpose Buildings including Facilities at Irisan Barangay Complex, mula sa P50-million government-funded infrastructure project sa Irisan Barangay Complex. Ang 33-pahinang Joint Resolution na nilagdaan ni Maria Olivia Elena A. Roxas, Chairperson ng Special Panel of Investigators, na may pagsang-ayon mula sa Office of the Ombudsman sa pangunguna ni OIC Dante F. Vargas, noong Pebrero 18,2025 at ipinalabas noong Hulyo 9,2025, ay walang nakitang probable cause ang Ombudsman para kasuhan ang alkalde at nagdesisyon na walang sapat na ebidensya para panagutin siya sa kasong administratibo. Sinabi sa reklamo ni Yaranon, na si Magalong ay lumabag sa mga batas sa hindi wastong paggamit ng pampublikong pondo, pagkuha ng gobyerno, at pagpapatupad ng proyekto, kabilang ang malversation, graft, at hindi pagsunod sa mga panuntunan sa pag-audit at pag-bid, at sinabi rin niya na binalewala ng lungsod ang mga pambansang alituntunin sa pamamahala ng mga kontrata sa imprastraktura. Nagsampa si Yaranon sa Ombudsman ng mga kasong administratibo para sa grave misconduct, gross negligence, at conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Ayon pa sa reklamo, ang proyekto umano ay dumanas ng hindi magandang pagpapatupad, hindi awtorisadong variation order, at construction deviations na lumabag sa mga tuntunin ng Memorandum of Agreement ng siyudad sa DPWH. Mariing pinunana din nito ang paggawad ng proyekto sa lungsod sa Khatib Construction, na umano’y may mga isyu sa iba pang mga proyekto, tulad ng Wright Park at Lualhati Project. Subalit, nilinaw ng resolusyon na tanging ang proyekto ng Irisan ang nasa ilalim ng pagsusuri at ang iba pang mga proyekto ay tinukoy lamang bilang background. Ayon sa Ombudsman, sa masusing pagsusuri ng mga dokumento at argumento na iniharap, nabigo si Yaranon sa kanyang reklamo na may criminal liability o administrative wrongdoing si Magalong. “Kahit na sa pag-aakalang may mga depekto sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto sa paksa,” ang nakasaad sa resolusyon, “ang Tanggapan na ito ay walang nakitang ebidensya na ang sumasagot na si Magalong ay naudyukan ng anumang masamang layunin o maling layunin sa pagsasagawa ng kanyang mga opisyal na tungkulin.” Iginiit ng Ombudsman na ang mga depekto sa proyekto, hindi pagkakasundo sa pagitan ng mga implementing office, at naantalang dokumentasyon ay hindi awtomatikong nagpapatunay ng katiwalian o maling pag-uugali. Nabanggit nito na walang pagpapakita ng hayagang pagtatangi, maliwanag na masamang pananampalataya, o labis na hindi mapapatawad na kapabayaan. Ang kasong graft sa ilalim ng Section 3(g) ng RA 3019, ay natuklasan ng Ombudsman na nabigo si Yaranon na ipakita kung paanong ang kontrata sa Khatib Construction ay “manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government,” na isang kinakailangang elemento para sa pag-uusig. “Ang maling pagpapatupad ng isang proyekto lamang ay hindi sapat upang magtatag ng administratibo o kriminal na pananagutan sa bahagi ng nag-aapruba na opisyal,” dagdag ng Ombudsman. Ang Irisan multipurpose building project ay ipinatupad sa ilalim ng isang memorandum of agreement sa pagitan ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Baguio at DPWH-CAR, na may inilipat na pondo sa lungsod para sa pagpapatupad. Sa resolusyon, ang mga kasong kriminal at administratibo laban kay Mayor Magalong ay dinisms na itinuturing na pinal at epektibong isinasara ang kaso. Noong Hulyo 11, muling nakatanggap ng desisyon si Magalong mula sa Office of the Ombudsman sa pagkakadismis ng isa pang kasong kriminal at administratibo na isinampa ni Yaranon kaugnay ng pagbili nito ng lupa noong 2023 sa Topinao, Tuba, Benguet. Ang kasong paglabag sa Section 3(e) ng Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) ay isinampa ni Yaranon laban kay Magalong. Sa 19-pahinang joint resolution ng Ombudsman, pinawalang-sala si Magalong sa kasong Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) na isinampa sa kanya ng dating Konsehal. Sa resolusyon, wala umanong nakitang matibay na ebidensiya ang Ombudsman upang panagutin siya sa mga kasong administratibo para sa grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, o paglabag sa Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713). Noong Enero 2023, inakusahan ni Yaranon si Magalong sa pagpasok nito sa isang Deed of Absolute Sale para sa pagkuha ng dalawang parsela ng lupa mula kay William U. Tan Jr. at sa kanyang anak na babae na si Hazel Dominique Tan nang walang paunang awtoridad umano mula sa Sangguniang Panlungsod. Ang mga lote, na may kabuuang mahigit 63,000 metro kuwadrado, ay binili ng lungsod sa halagang ₱95,377,500 para gawing Low Cost Housing Project ng city government. Nabayaran ang nasing lupa sa loob ng 13 araw sa kabila ng alok mula sa mga nagbebenta na nagpapahintulot sa staggered payment scheme. Nangatuwiran ang nagrereklamo na ang pagbabayad ng buong halaga ay nagbigay sa mga nagbebenta ng hindi nararapat na kalamangan at tinanggihan ang potensyal na kita ng interes ng lungsod sa mga pondo. Iginiit din ni Yaranon ang mga isyu sa biniling lugar na kung saan ito ay dalisdis gng lokasyon, kawalan ng pag-aaral ng seismic, kawalan ng proseso ng pampublikong bidding, at mga tanong tungkol sa pagsasama ng ari-arian sa mga plano sa pagpapaunlad ng lungsod. Sa kabila nito, pinasiyahan ng Ombudsman na si Magalong ay talagang isang pampublikong opisyal na nagsasagawa ng mga opisyal na tungkulin, ang iba pang mga elemento na kinakailangan upang magtatag ng kriminal na pananagutan sa ilalim ng Seksyon 3(e) — ito ay ang manifest partiality, evident bad faith, o gross inexcusable negligence — ay hindi sapat na napatunayan.

Suporta sa Agrikultura pinalakas sa Quezon

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Kasabay ng isinagawang medical mission sa bayan ng General Luna, namahagi rin si Governor Doktora Helen Tan, katuwang ang Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, ng mga agricultural inputs bilang bahagi ng patuloy na suporta sa sektor ng agrikultura. Tumanggap ang General Luna Coconut Farmers Federation ng tig-iisang set ng assorted vegetable seeds, fertilizer, tools at equipment, samantala, sampung sako ng organikong pataba, naman ang naibigay sa Vegetable-SIPag General Luna. Asahan na sa gitna man ng pagbabago ng klima at patuloy na pagsubok sa sektor ng pagkain, tuloy-tuloy ang suporta ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan upang matiyak ang seguridad sa pagkain at katatagan ng mga magsasaka sa lalawigan.

Robinson Land breaks ground on Grand Summit Pangasinan,Bringing Upscale Hospitality to Northern Luzon

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for Grand Summit Pangasinan—its first Grand Summit property in Northern Luzon. Set within the growing Robinsons Place Pangasinan complex in Calasiao, the seven-story hotel is scheduled to open by 2027 and will cater to both business and leisure travelers. The property will be operated by RLC’s hospitality arm, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR). The ceremony on July 8, 2025 was graced by Mayor Patrick Agustin Caramat and Vice Mayor Kevin Roy Quinto Macanlalay of the Municipality of Calasiao, who welcomed the project as a boost to local tourism and economic development. They were joined by top executives from RLC and its partners, including Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, President and CEO of Robinsons Land; Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR); Annalyn Yap, Vice President of RHR; Ronald Paulo, Senior Vice President for Construction Management at RLC; Albert Yu, Principal Architect of ASYA Design; and Mario Rossi, President of Advanced Foundation Construction System. Once completed, Grand Summit Pangasinan will be a full-service hotel featuring 100 rooms—including deluxe rooms, junior and executive suites ranging from 38 to 116 square meters. Amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, outdoor pool and bar, fitness center, spa, ballroom and meeting rooms. Strategically located along the Dagupan–Urdaneta Road and just 15 minutes from Dagupan City, the hotel will offer easy access to many of Pangasinan’s cultural and natural attractions. Nearby destinations include the centuries-old Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church and the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag. For those willing to venture farther, the iconic Hundred Islands National Park and the scenic beaches of Cape Bolinao—both within a 2- to 3-hour drive—offer unforgettable coastal escapes. In a previously released statement, Aragon-GoBio said the project reflects RLC’s continued commitment to regional growth. “Our developments across Northern and Central Luzon reflect Robinsons Land’s long-term vision of inclusive growth. By seamlessly integrating our businesses across retail, residential, hospitality, offices, and logistics, we aim to foster thriving communities and contribute to broader national progress.” Jolly also focused on the importance of Calasiao’s location in RLC’s hospitality strategy. “Northern Luzon continues to evolve as a dynamic hub for travel and commerce, and Calasiao stands out as a place where local character and regional connectivity come together,” he said. “We purposefully design our hotels to reflect the unique energy of the places they rise in—and in Calasiao, we saw the perfect opportunity to create something that speaks to both leisure and business travelers.” The Pangasinan hotel joins the growing Grand Summit portfolio, which includes the flagship property in General Santos City and a forthcoming at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The project reinforces RLC’s broader presence in Northern Luzon, where it operates malls, residential communities, and office spaces in key provinces. In Pampanga, the company is also developing the 216-hectare Montclair Destination Estate in Porac—an integrated development featuring homes, retail, offices, green open spaces, and hotels. With Grand Summit Pangasinan, Robinsons Land continues to expand its hospitality footprint and deliver thoughtfully designed destinations that elevate local tourism and support inclusive progress.

Empowering Change: SM Cares Unites Communities for the Environment

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

As a long-standing advocate for sustainability, SM Cares—the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls—once again mobilized thousands of Filipinos in celebration of Philippine Environment Month, reinforcing its commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future through its movement for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. Throughout the month of June 2025, SM Supermalls nationwide served as rallying points for environmental action, drawing in communities, partners, and changemakers through dynamic and impactful programs that aligned with the spirit of cycling for change, cleaning together, and conserving what matters. ð—–ð˜†ð—°ð—¹ð—²: ð—£ð—¿ð—¼ð—ºð—¼ð˜ð—¶ð—»ð—´ ð—¦ð˜‚ð˜€ð˜ð—®ð—¶ð—»ð—®ð—¯ð—¹ð—² ð—Ÿð—¶ð—³ð—²ð˜€ð˜ð˜†ð—¹ð—²ð˜€ In celebration of World Bicycle Day, 26 SM malls across the country hosted community bike rides and various bike-related events—encouraging greener mobility while rallying support for various environmental and health initiatives. These bike rides weren’t just about pedaling—they were about movement of people, ideas, and purpose. ð—–ð—¹ð—²ð—®ð—»: ð—£ð—¿ð—¼ð˜ð—²ð—°ð˜ð—¶ð—»ð—´ ð—¢ð˜‚ð—¿ ð—ªð—®ð˜ð—²ð—¿ð˜€ ð—§ð—¼ð—´ð—²ð˜ð—µð—²ð—¿ To honor World Oceans Day, 18 SM malls led coastal and river cleanup drives in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), LGUs, youth groups, and private sector partners. The initiative drew over 5,000 volunteers and resulted in the collection of more than 30,000 kilograms of trash, showing how collective action can create real environmental impact. ð—–ð—¼ð—»ð˜€ð—²ð—¿ð˜ƒð—² ð˜„ð—¶ð˜ð—µ ð—£ð˜‚ð—¿ð—½ð—¼ð˜€ð—²: ð—˜ð—»ð—´ð—®ð—´ð—¶ð—»ð—´ ð—§ð—µð—¿ð—¼ð˜‚ð—´ð—µ ð—–ð˜‚ð—¹ð˜ð˜‚ð—¿ð—², ð—˜ð—±ð˜‚ð—°ð—®ð˜ð—¶ð—¼ð—», ð—®ð—»ð—± ð—”ð—°ð˜ð—¶ð—¼ð—» As part of its Environment Month campaign, SM Cares expanded its initiatives through a series of educational and cultural activities that promote purposeful conservation. These included a green film showing in partnership with government agencies to raise awareness on climate action and biodiversity, a bike-hike-plant activity that combined cycling, reforestation, and volunteerism, and a youth-led battle of the bands that fused music and environmental advocacy. “These efforts reflect our deep commitment to help build a culture of sustainability in every community we serve,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and SM Cares Program Director for Environment. “An #SMWasteFreeFuture isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility that we proudly share with our mall-goers, employees, and partners.” These initiatives also support several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals—demonstrating SM Cares’ continuing commitment to environmental stewardship through multi-sector collaboration and community engagement. This Philippine Environment Month, SM Cares continues to prove that progress happens when communities come together—with every ride, every cleanup, and every small act of conservation bringing the country closer to a future that’s cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable. ð—¦ð˜‚ð˜€ð˜ð—®ð—¶ð—»ð—®ð—¯ð—¹ð˜† ð—¦ð— : ð——ð—¿ð—¶ð˜ƒð—¶ð—»ð—´ ð—–ð—¼ð—¹ð—¹ð—²ð—°ð˜ð—¶ð˜ƒð—² ð—”ð—°ð˜ð—¶ð—¼ð—» ð—³ð—¼ð—¿ ð—® ð—šð—¿ð—²ð—²ð—»ð—²ð—¿ ð—§ð—¼ð—ºð—¼ð—¿ð—¿ð—¼ð˜„ As a Sustainable Mall, SM Cares champions environmental stewardship through inclusive and future-forward initiatives that promote sustainable living, climate resilience, and resource conservation. By actively engaging mall-goers, communities, and partner organizations, SM Cares fosters collective action to reduce environmental impact, and build a greener, more resilient future. Through education, innovation, and strong partnerships, SM Cares leads the way in creating sustainable spaces and inspiring everyday environmental responsibility across generation. ðŸ°ðŸ¬ ð—¬ð—²ð—®ð—¿ð˜€ ð—¼ð—³ ð—•ð˜‚ð—¶ð—¹ð—±ð—¶ð—»ð—´ ð—•ð—²ð˜ð˜ð—²ð—¿ ð—–ð—¼ð—ºð—ºð˜‚ð—»ð—¶ð˜ð—¶ð—²ð˜€ Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continuously evolving to lead the way in sustainable development by integrating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 88 malls in the Philippines, all while creating inclusive spaces that enrich communities, support climate action, and ensure a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers.

Mayor Madriaga warmly welcomed various municipal departments

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

CABA, La Union — Hon. Mayor Genefer Garcia Bulao-Madriaga warmly received representatives from different municipal departments, DepEd school teachers, associations, and local agencies during a courtesy call. This special gathering served as an opportunity to foster stronger collaboration and unity among the various sectors committed to the progress of Caba. The photos showcase the warm and cordial atmosphere as leaders and employees from different fields came together to discuss shared goals and initiatives. This meeting reaffirms their dedication to working hand in hand to provide better services and uplift the community. With open communication and cooperation, Mayor Genefer and her team remain focused on advancing the welfare of every resident in Caba.

PRC Service Center to open in Nueva Vizcaya on July 15

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

The long wait is over for residents of Nueva Vizcaya as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) service center is set for its soft opening on July 15, 2025. This development was announced by Ms. Dolly Rose C. Minas, head of the Public Employment Service Division under the office of Governor Atty.Jose V. Gambito, who also serves as the designated coordinator for the project. Ms. Minas made the announcement following her visit to PRC Regional Director John G. Alilam at the PRC regional office in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The new service center will be located at Nightingale Hall, within the provincial capitol complex, adjacent to the Philippine National Red Cross office. The service center will not only cater to professionals from Nueva Vizcaya but also to those from the neighboring provinces of Quirino and Ifugao, providing a much-needed convenience for professionals in these areas. Governor Gambito expressed his commitment to the project, stating, “This service center reflects our dedication to improving the accessibility of essential services for our professionals. We are committed to supporting their needs and making their professional journeys smoother.” Currently, two personnel hired by the provincial government are undergoing training at the PRC Regional Office. They will manage the service center alongside a PRC staff member who will supervise operations. According to Ms. Minas, the service center will offer various services, including receiving applications for new or renewed PRC licenses, authentication, and certification. Online applications will still be accepted. All applications received at the center will be forwarded to the regional office every Friday for approval and returned the following week for applicants to pick up. In addition to providing manpower, the provincial government has also supplied office equipment, including tables, chairs, and computers. Governor Gambito has instructed the IT Division to ensure internet connectivity for the service center. Director Alilam also conveyed that Nueva Vizcaya will soon be the venue for the Licensure Examination for Teachers and possibly the Criminology Board Exam, as

50 Ifugao police officers complete TOPCOP training

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

The Department of Tourism – CAR brings the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Training to Lagawe, Ifugao. In collaboration with the Ifugao Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and the Provincial Tourism Office of Ifugao, 50 police officers proudly completed the 4-day training aimed at improving the quality of tourism services in the province. The TOPCOP training reinforces the role of police officers not just as enforcers of the law, but as frontliners in the protection of tourists. As guardians of peace and order, they play a crucial part in creating a safe and secure environment where both visitors and local communities can interact harmoniously. Through proper tourist handling, sensitivity, and responsive service, they will ensure a positive and memorable experience for travelers, ultimately contributing to the growth and improvement of tourism in the Province of Ifugao.

Art Takes Over SM Supermalls with “Art for Everyone”!

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Art comes alive once again as SM City Baguio joins SM Supermalls’ nationwide Art for Everyone celebration—a month-long showcase of Filipino artistry, creativity, and community spirit. It provides both well-known and emerging local artists with a platform to showcase and sell their work, engage with new audiences, and contribute to a thriving creative community. From July 14 to 26, the mall transforms into a vibrant art hub, spotlighting works from the Pasakalye Group of Artists, Baguio’s homegrown collective known for their passionate storytelling through paint, mixed media, and more. This year’s exhibit brings together 110 local artists presenting over 600 unique art pieces, offering visitors an immersive look into the region’s rich and evolving creative scene. Expect a colorful array of works deeply rooted in Cordilleran culture, yet bold in contemporary expression. Building on the remarkable success of the 2024 Art Market, which earned the prestigious Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events, SM Supermalls continues to elevate its commitment to championing the local art scene. Last year’s Art Market featured over 1,200 Filipino artists and showcased more than 4,000 artworks, providing a platform that not only celebrated local creativity but also offered meaningful support to emerging and established artists alike. Now, Art for Everyone expands that vision. This year’s initiative transforms participating malls into vibrant art destinations, where both well-known and budding local artists can exhibit to sell their works, engage with new audiences, and contribute to a flourishing creative community. Throughout July, guests can immerse themselves in a rich artistic expression — from paintings, photography, and prints to digital art and mixed media—all proudly created by homegrown talent. The program invites art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to explore and celebrate Filipino creativity. Art for Everyone is more than just an art fair—it’s a celebration of the imagination, passion, and skill of local artists. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or someone looking to discover a new favorite artist, there’s something here for you. Participating malls and schedules: *Visit your favorite SM mall’s social media for up-to-date information:  SM City Clark – July 1 to 14  SM J Mall – July 1 to 14  SM City Baguio – July 14 to 26  SM Seaside City Cebu – July 14 to 31  SM City Sorsogon – July 15 to 28  SM City Iloilo – July 15 to 31  SM City Bacolod – July 15 to 31  SM Center Dagupan – July 16 to 30  SM City Baliwag – July 18 to 31  SM City Dasmariñas – July 20 to 27  SM CDO Downtown – July 20 to 30  SM City Santa Rosa – July 21 to 27  SM Center Angono – July 21 to 31  The Podium – July 22 to 27  SM Lanang – July 23 to Aug 6  SM City North EDSA – July 25 to 31  SM Aura – August 15 to 24 Be part of this dynamic celebration of art! Visit participating SM malls, browse the incredible works on display, and discover your new favorite artist. Spark inspiration, ignite your own creativity, and share the experience with family and friends. For more details and updates, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in creativity and be inspired.

Author name: Street Journal