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By Christian Alllister G. Tubadeza From traditional farming to precision agriculture PEÑARRUBIA, Abra, Philippines — For decades, mango farmer and entrepreneur Arnel Valera relied on conventional methods to manage his sprawling mango plantation in Abra. With over 3,000 mango trees spread across 20 hectares of land, spraying fertilizers and crop protection products was a labor-intensive task that required significant time, manpower, and resources. The challenge takes flight Through the Department of Science and Technology Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST-CEST) Program, Valera recently received an XAG P150 Pro agricultural drone worth P1.780 million, providing a modern solution to improve productivity, precision and efficiency in his mango farm. The intervention also includes free drone operation training, assistance in securing the necessary license to operate, and drone registration, ensuring that the technology can be used safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. As the owner of AVV Food Products, a local enterprise known for its dried mango products, the quality of his processed products depends heavily on the condition of the mangoes harvested from his farm. However, managing thousands of trees using traditional spraying methods often meant higher labor costs and longer working hours. For Valera, the drone’s precision application capability also allows inputs such as insecticides and fertilizers to be used more efficiently, reducing wastage while ensuring that each tree receives the necessary treatment. “Mas mapadaras ti panag spray mi ken makatipid ti labor, makasave ti time ken mapabassit ti input ti insecticide kada fertilizer ta mas accurate pannakai-apply na daytoy drone. Dakkel nga value daytoy isu nga dakkel ti tulong ti DOST ta awan ti interest daytoy mabayadan babaen ti CEST,” he said. (It expedites the process of spraying and saves me labor costs and time. It will also lessen my input of insecticide and fertilizers since the drone is accurate in applying such. This is a great value so I thank the DOST because I will not be paying for any interest through CEST.) Using advance transmission system, the drone can automatically map out its flight path to the locations where the spraying of insecticide and fertilizers is needed. By automating a task that traditionally requires several workers and many hours in the field, the drone offers a practical solution to modern agricultural challenges. DOST-Abra Science Research Specialist Rose Crizzle Cabangbang explained that the assistance provided to AVV Food Products reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting local enterprises through science and technology interventions. “Enterprises here in Abra, most especially ‘yong mga enterprises who engage in food processing, sila ang puwedeng mabigyan ng equipment or machineries through CEST. Basta kumpleto sila sa permits and business registration, we will assist them,” she said. Cabangbang emphasized that the CEST Program is designed to help qualified micro, small, and medium enterprises improve their operations by providing access to appropriate technologies and equipment. Through these interventions, DOST aims to strengthen local industries, enhance productivity, and create more economic opportunities within communities. Through the support of the DOST CEST Program, a local mango grower and food processor is embracing precision agriculture, proving that modern technology can help rural enterprises flourish while cultivating a more productive and sustainable future for Abra’s agricultural sector. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

Baguio COVID-19 cases mild, manageable – Magalong

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – “The current 41 cases of COVID-19 recorded from January to May in Baguio City are mild, manageable and nothing to worry about,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured in his social media post on July 11. “I want to assure our residents that this situation remains manageable — the virus that is spreading is COVID-19 itself, the reported cases are mild, and there is no cause for concern. Notably, most of these cases are focused on our healthcare workers and hospital staff, not the general public, and our City Health Services Office, together with our hospitals, are closely monitoring and responding to this within our health facilities,” Magalong said in his social media post, on July 11. According to Magalong, health authorities have been directed to remain vigilant and strengthen safety measures within hospitals, while assuring the public that health facilities remain safe and capable of serving the community. He also urged everyone to continue to take simple precautions — wearing a mask in crowded places, washing hands regularly, and staying home when sick — and to trust the City Government, which is aware of the situation. “We will continue to provide timely updates as needed. Let’s face this with calm and confidence, not fear.” City Health Officer Cecilia Flor Brillantes said that despite the gradual increase in cases, it is “under control” and residents should not worry, but rather be alert in taking care of their physical condition. According to Brillantes, the coronavirus is just one of several respiratory viruses that have spread in the city this year, so the public is advised to be cautious, follow health protocols, such as wearing a face mask in crowded places and immediately consult a hospital if they feel anything unusual. In the data, a total of 1,480 cases of Influenza-Like Illness were recorded in Baguio City, of which 312 were hospitalized – about 1 in 5 cases and no deaths were recorded, which is a reassuring sign that the current cases are being well managed. Laboratory monitoring data for 2026 reported a changing mix of pathogens throughout the year, with January being the busiest month for virology, with Influenza A (H3), two strains of Influenza B (Victoria and an unidentified strain), SARS-CoV-2, and both RSV-A and RSV-B all detected. In February, Influenza A (H3) and Influenza B (Victoria) declined, while Influenza B (Victoria) was seen alongside SARS-CoV-2 in March. April showed only Influenza B (Victoria), while May and June were dominated by pSARS-CoV-2 alone, but no cases of influenza or RSV were reported. Laboratory surveillance detected influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during the first four months of the year. According to Brillantes, “We are seeing an increase in cases, and while the numbers remain manageable, the concentration of workers in our hospital requires immediate and ongoing attention. Our priority is to protect our healthcare workers, our patients, and the continuity of health services in our city.” Meanwhile, the city’s Hall of Justice has issued a memorandum encouraging judges, court personnel, litigants and other court users to wear face masks inside the office, due to the reported increase in COVID-19 cases and the confirmation that a local court employee has tested positive for the virus. In a joint memorandum by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) and the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), all those entering the Hall of Justice (Main) and the Hall of Justice (CA Annex) are encouraged to wear face masks in an effort to strengthen health protocols in the city’s judicial facilities.

SSS, DSWD launch AlkanSSSya Program for social security protection of 4Ps beneficiaries

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LA UNION, Philippines- The Social Security System (SSS) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 1 officially launched the 4Ps-AlkanSSSya Program through its pilot implementation among members of the 4Ps United Association in Barangay Tabtabungao, Rosario, La Union, providing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries with a convenient way to save for their SSS contributions. SSS Agoo Branch head Roderick Andrada said the SSS-DSWD collaboration aims to extend social security protection to 4Ps beneficiaries by introducing a micro-savings approach that allows them to gradually set aside funds for their monthly SSS contributions. “Many 4Ps beneficiaries lack formal insurance coverage. Through the AlkanSSSya system, we help vulnerable families to build a safety net by enabling them to become eligible for receive social security benefits when contingencies arise,” Andrada said. Under the program, Andrada explained that beneficiaries will be registered as SSS self-employed members and encouraged to save for their monthly contributions, with a minimum contribution of P760.00 per month. ”Our goal is to bring SSS services closer to those who need them most, ensuring that 4Ps beneficiaries are not just recipients of short-term aid but are protected for the long-term. Ultimately, the SSS-DSWD partnership seeks to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring that no Filipino family is left without a cushion during times of economic hardship.” Andrada said. He also expressed his optimism that the pilot implementation would benefit the local community and serve as a foundation for the planned nationwide expansion of the program. “Through this partnership, millions of 4Ps beneficiaries will gain access to social security coverage and benefits including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, funeral, and loan programs,” Andrada concluded.

New Fil-Am format to be used in 76th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A new age has practically dawned with the Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament after marking its 75th year. This after hosts John Hay Golf and Baguio Country Club renewed their partnership to stage another year of the biggest and oldest amateur golf tournament this side of the globe, on July 10, where they will also introduce a new format. BCC General Manager and John Hay Golf operator Golfplus Management, Inc. president Eduardo Arguelles said that the new format will be four to play, three to count to make it “more competitive and (gives players) more room to enjoy.” The format of play was five to play four to count until the 74th year. Last year it was four to play, four to count. The two executives said that this will make the play faster and the plays to be completed before darkness falls. This will make it easier also for the organizers, especially that the format adopted last year saw delays in completion of games. Arguelles, meanwhile, said that players, especially will not be pressured if they score low. The Fil-Am is slated to kick off on November 24 until December 2 for the seniors division and the Flight F of the regular division. Regular division flights are scheduled on December 3 until December 12. Meanwhile, Bases Conversion Development Authority vice president Mark Torres that the planned bid for the CJH course management will not affect the staging of the annual tournament. The Fil-Am executive committee will be signing the contract with Januarius will be on July 24 at the CJH Clubhouse. PML

Ifugao artists showcase talent in Quezon City art exhibit

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

By Florida B. Robles LAGAWE, Ifugao, Philippines — The Visual Artists of Ifugao Creatives (IC) organization goes beyond borders as they joined the “Pastel Beyond Borders” exhibition organized by The Travelling Pastel Project (TTRAPP), a grassroots mobile art initiative, at Gateway Gallery in Quezon City. Launched on July 4, 2026, the exhibition brings together pastel artists from 10 grassroots communities across Bulacan, Ifugao, Cavite, Baguio, Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Ilocos Sur. The exhibition aims to showcase creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence while highlighting the unique stories and artistic expressions of participating communities. Representing Ifugao in the exhibition are seven locals: Patrick Abalos, Dasha Mae Codimo, Azumi Nhoelle, Marco Ananayo, Jillian Rivera, Valentines, and Christian Noel Huagon. Their artworks are also available for purchase. Heidi Guiniling of the Department of Trade and Industry-Ifugao also attended the exhibition in support of the province’s creative industry and the agency’s continued commitment to empowering local creatives and promoting cultural entrepreneurship. IC Vice President Jiya Bogwana said that the participation of the Ifugao visual artists “reflect the growing strength and diversity of Ifugao’s creative community and showcases the province’s artistic voice on the national stage.” The exhibition will run for two weeks, with all artworks available for purchase. The Ifugao Creatives organization extended its heartfelt gratitude to “The Travelling Pastel Project, especially to the Chairman and Maestro Julius Legaspi and his dedicated team of volunteers, for their vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to growing pastel communities across the country.” “By initiating this remarkable project and opening its doors to artists from different regions, TRAPP has given Ifugao artists a meaningful platform to learn, create, and share their stories alongside fellow pastel artists from across the country,” the IC organization stated. Bogwana shared that TTRAPP also conducted free Pastel Project workshops in the municipalities of Aguinaldo, Mayoyao, and Kiangan in 2025. These workshops opened opportunities for local artists to discover and develop their skills in the pastel medium, creating a platform where stories of home could be translated into color, texture, and light. Hygeia “Maya” Dulnuan, president of the Ifugao Creatives organization and the Mayoyao Artists Guild, coordinated the workshops. (JDP/FBR, PIA-CAR, Ifugao with reports from Jiya Bogwana)

BCDA taps South Korea’s KEPCO to power New Clark City’s next wave of investments

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has partnered with South Korea’s state-owned energy giant, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), to develop the smart energy systems that will power the next phase of New Clark City’s growth, strengthening the metropolis’ position as an investment-ready destination for high-value industries. The partnership complements BCDA’s efforts to position New Clark City as a key investment destination under the Luzon Economic Corridor by ensuring the reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure required by next-generation industries. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on 8 July 2026, establishes a framework for BCDA and KEPCO to jointly assess, design, and develop advanced energy and infrastructure systems within New Clark City, drawing on KEPCO’s decades of experience in power generation, transmission, and smart grid deployment across South Korea and abroad. Through the partnership, BCDA aims to embed intelligent energy systems into New Clark City’s development from the outset, rather than retrofit these capabilities as demand grows. “As New Clark City continues to attract investments and jobs, our infrastructure must keep pace with the needs of future industries. Through this partnership with KEPCO, we are laying the foundations for an energy system that is smart, resilient, and sustainable from day one. This gives investors greater confidence that New Clark City can support the industries of tomorrow,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang said. The partnership centers on three areas of cooperation. First, BCDA and KEPCO will explore smart energy management systems that combine information and communication technology (ICT) with smart grid infrastructure to optimize energy efficiency across New Clark City. Building on this, BCDA and KEPCO will jointly plan, develop, construct, and operate smart power grid systems designed to ensure a stable, reliable, and high-quality electricity supply throughout the smart city. The two organizations will also study renewable energy and microgrid solutions, including solar photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, energy storage systems, and other distributed energy technologies that can strengthen energy security while supporting New Clark City’s sustainability goals. To guide future investments, BCDA and KEPCO will jointly undertake technical and commercial feasibility studies and exchange relevant data to assess the viability of these projects before entering into more detailed cooperation agreements. “KEPCO has spent decades building smart grid and renewable energy systems that power millions of homes and industries in Korea. Now, we are pleased to bring that experience to New Clark City and to support the Philippines’ vision for a smart, sustainable urban future. We look forward to working closely with BCDA in the studies ahead,” Chan Hyuk Chun, Corporate Senior Vice President of KEPCO said. The partnership adds another strategic component to BCDA’s long-term vision of transforming New Clark City into the country’s premier smart and sustainable metropolis. By strengthening its energy infrastructure, New Clark City is better positioned to attract investments in advanced manufacturing, digital services, artificial intelligence, and other high-value industries that require reliable, resilient, and low-carbon power systems. This supports the Marcos administration’s push to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen energy security, and position the Philippines as a competitive destination for future-ready industries. Also present during the signing were KEPCO Philippines President and CEO Yong Su Jeon and BCDA Officer-in-Charge Senior Vice President Mark P. Torres.

BCDA recognized anew as one of PHL’s top-performing GOCCs

Business

Business / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has once again earned its place among the top-performing government-owned and-controlled corporations (GOCC) in the country, following its dividend remittance amounting to P2.6 billion this year. This sustained performance reflects BCDA’s commitment to good governance, fiscal discipline, and creating lasting value for the Filipino people. During the GOCC Day celebration at Malacañang on 08 July 2026, BCDA was recognized as one of only 15 state-run corporations in the prestigious “Billionaires’ Club,” composed of GOCCs that remitted more than Php1 billion in dividends to the Bureau of the Treasury. “This recognition is a testament to BCDA’s unwavering commitment to responsible governance and fiscal discipline. Every dividend we remit represents the value we create through strategic investments and sustainable development. As we continue transforming former military lands into centers of economic growth, we remain focused on delivering greater returns to the government, supporting national development priorities, and creating more opportunities for Filipinos,” said BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during the ceremony, commended GOCCs for its role in strengthening the country’s fiscal position and supporting programs that benefit Filipinos. “Every peso that you have remitted strengthens the government’s capacity to deliver better services without imposing additional tax burden on ordinary Filipinos. It is proof that sound governance and fiscal responsibility can create opportunities for our people while sparing them from bearing greater financial sacrifice,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. This year, 50 GOCCs are expected to remit a record Php147.15 billion in dividends to the national government. Of this amount, Php139.8 billion has already been collected, surpassing the previous year’s level by 29 percent. President Marcos Jr. said these funds are enough to build 40,000 classrooms, 165,000 homes, or 9,300 kilometers of farm-to-market roads. “Every dividend [GOCCs] remit strengthens the capacity of the government to invest in the future of the Filipino people,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said. “These dividends do more than strengthen our public finances. They help expand investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other programs that support our country’s progress.” BCDA subsidiaries, namely Clark Development Corporation, Clark International Airport Corporation, Poro Point Management Corporation, and John Hay Management Corporation were likewise recognized for their strong financial performance and valuable contributions to nation-building. They remitted dividends amounting to Php2.597 billion, Php585.71 million, Php16.67 million, and Php11.51 million, respectively. Beyond its dividend remittance, BCDA also contributed Php3.09 billion to the Bureau of the Treasury this year, bulk of which is in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, reinforcing its mandate to help build a stronger economy while advancing national security.

TIEZA satisfied with Burnham Lake rehabilitation

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Rose Frejane A. Cruz BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – “I’m very satisfied with the ongoing rehabilitation of Burnham Lake, I can see that it will be even more beautiful when it is finally completed and with its modern design, it will definitely be more enjoyable for those who visit and boat here,” said Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) General Manager Mark Lapid during his re-inspection, on July 9. Lapid also apologized to Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the City of Baguio for the delay in the rehabilitation and hopes that before the end of August, they will be able to turn it over to the city. The P400 million TIEZA fund for the rehabilitation of Burnham Park, of which P100 million as Phase 1 is for the lake, began in October 2025, and was expected to be completed on May 26 but was delayed due to adjustments in the project plan. “I am very confident based on our engineers that this will be completed this August and we will follow with the rehabilitation of the Children Park, Skating Rink and Rose Garden. Mayor Magalong has given us the plans and is currently reviewing them for implementation and is expected to be completed next year,” Lapid said. Lapid said the agency remains committed to providing continued support with funding for the rehabilitation of parks, not only in the Summer Capital, but also in other areas, to ensure that the historical value of the park is preserved while improving its facilities for residents and tourists.

DAR distributes P7.3M in innovative farming technology in Negros Oriental

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines — A new chapter in agricultural progress unfolded on the as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) formally turned over farm tractors and a rice harvester worth ₱7.3 million to six Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) associations in the province of Negros Oriental, during a ceremony held in front of the Macias Sports Center in Dumaguete City on July 10. The beneficiaries are from Bayawan City, Sibulan, Tanjay City, Jimalalud, and Canlaon City. DAR Undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran led the distribution alongside Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” L. Sagarbarria, whose presence underscored the Provincial Government’s steadfast commitment to empowering farmers through modernization and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Also in attendance was second district representative Congresswoman Ma. Isabel “Maisa” L. Sagarbarria and DAR–NIR Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna. The newly provided farm machinery is expected to boost productivity, reduce labor costs, and uplift the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries, reaffirming the shared vision of national and local leaders for a more prosperous and resilient agricultural sector in Negros Oriental.

Author name: Street Journal

Abra mango grower’s livelihood rises with agricultural drone from DOST