Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, welcomed faculty and officials from Singapore Management University (SMU) and members of its International Advisory Council (IAC) for an exclusive visit to its Aplus hangar. As the only airline selected for SMU’s two-day learning visit in Manila, CEB showcased its sustainability initiatives, highlighting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote responsible business practices. CEB officials shared insights into how the airline has successfully integrated sustainability across its operations, with a strong focus on decarbonization, enhancing passenger experience, and strengthening corporate governance. “Sustainability is not just a checkbox for us—it’s a commitment we take seriously. As the aviation industry evolves, we fully recognize the responsibility we bear—not only to our passengers but also to the communities and ecosystems affected by air travel. Hence, our relentless focus on embedding ESG in all relevant aspects of our operations,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. The airline highlighted its efforts in aircraft and engine selection, flight operations, maintenance, and responsible waste management—key strategiesthat have made CEB a leader in carbon efficiency among airlines in the Philippines. In 2024, the airline recorded its lowest carbon emission intensity since 2019, with 80 grams of carbon dioxide per revenue passenger kilometer (RPK), outperforming the global airline average of 90 grams per RPK. Beyond environmental efforts, CEB emphasized its strong governance, cybersecurity, and risk management practices, noting a zero-data privacy breach record in 2024. The airline has also strengthened employee well-being initiatives, including mental health programs, continuous training, and engagement activities to foster a safe and inclusive workplace. On the passenger front, CEB’s commitment to elevating the customer experience resulted in a satisfaction score of +28 in 2024—double the previous year’s rating. The airline’s leadership has earned international recognition, securing its highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings from MSCI and S&P Global, placing it among the world’s top carriers for sustainability. “SMU recognizes the crucial role of airlines in advancing sustainability, and Cebu Pacific’s approach demonstrates that environmental responsibility and operational efficiency can go hand in hand. Our engagement with CEB is aligned with SMU’s strategic pillar in Sustainable Living and has provided valuable insights into how the aviation industry can innovate for a sustainable future,” said Associate Professor, Themin Suwardy, SMU’s Associate Provost (Postgraduate Programmes). CEB continues to lead sustainable aviation in the region with its ongoing efforts to further integrate sustainability into its operations while keeping air travel accessible to every Juan.

Sun Life Foundation and AHA! Behavioral Design bag two wins at 60th Anvil Awards

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation) and its implementing partner, AHA! Behavioral Design® (AHA! BD), were recently recognized at the 60th Anvil Awards after Sun Pera-Aralan, the first behavioral finance program for public school teachers in the Philippines, won both the Grand Anvil Award and the Gold Anvil Award. Sun Pera-Aralan was launched in 2018 by the Sun Life Foundation in response to the PHP 300 billion debt crisis faced by public school teachers. The program has taken a one-of-a-kind approach by employing behavioral science to promote and develop positive and practical daily money habits that do not disrupt the teacher’s routine. The program’s primary tool, the Peso Sobre aids teachers in effectively managing their cash flow. By properly allocating their monthly salary to fixed and variable expenses, it helps them avoid going over budget or incurring unplanned debts. The program also fosters an online and on-ground community of practice, where participating teachers can interact and encourage each other in applying behavioral finance in their daily money management habits. Currently, Sun Pera-Aralan has reached 108,000 public school teachers across the country. This 2025, Sun Pera-Aralan aims to reach 130,000 teachers in time for Sun Life Philippines’ 130th anniversary. “We humbly thank the Public Relations Society of the Philippines for this great honor and recognition,” said Kristine Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation. “This has further inspired us to continue advocating for financial literacy, so that more Filipinos will achieve lifetime financial security.” “Sun Life Foundation’s daring in trying out behaviorally informed, practical, and scalable solutions has opened up new approaches for changemakers. One of which is Behavioral Science, that leverages human behavior for a successful landing of strategies – especially in last-mile behaviors.” said Leinard Ramos, Principal and Chief Marketing Officer of AHA! BD. The 60th Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal was attended by Benedict Sison, Sun Life Philippines CEO & Country Head and Sun Life Foundation Chairman; Kristine Millete, Sun Life Foundation Executive Director; Kara David, Sun Life Foundation Independent Trustee; Aleister Cruz, Sun Life Philippines Chief Strategy and Enablement Officer and Sun Life Foundation Trustee; Timothy John Agulto, AHA! BD’’s Chief Operating Officer; and Cidee Despi, AHA! BD’s Program Manager. Sun Pera-Aralan has received numerous awards since it began, including the First Gawad Kaagapay Award for Financial Literacy and the Most Outstanding Stakeholder Award from the Schools Division Office of Quezon City. It also received the Award of Excellence in the Philippine Quill Excellence Awards and CSR Guild Award Outstanding CSR Project in Financial Inclusion.

CA nullifies Tarlac court’s injunction vs. BCDA, CDC

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomes the Court of Appeals’ decision to nullify a Tarlac court’s order that previously prohibited the BCDA and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) from recovering the 100-hectare Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac. The decision supports the BCDA and CDC’s position that the landfill can no longer operate in New Clark City, for its contract has already expired and cannot be renewed or extended. “The BCDA lauds the Court of Appeals for standing by what is right and for upholding the rule of law. This decision brings the government a step closer towards pursuing more high-impact projects in New Clark City that will provide more jobs and economic opportunities for surrounding communities in Tarlac, Pampanga, and nearby provinces,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. In a 55-page decision issued on 13 February 2025, the Court of Appeals granted the BCDA’s and CDC’s petition to quash the Writ of Preliminary Injunction (WPI) issued by Presiding Judge Ronald Leo T. Haban of the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 66 to prevent the government from regaining possession of the property. The court decision stated that the injunction should not have been granted by Judge Haban given that Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC) committed forum shopping in filing for the injunction. Moreover, the court said the Contract for Services between the CDC and MCWMC is a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contract and a national government project. Hence, the presiding judge had no jurisdiction to issue any temporary restraining order (TRO) and WPI. Pursuant to Republic Act 8975, only the Supreme Court has the authority to issue any order to restrain or prohibit the implementation of national government projects, including those under the BOT scheme. The Court of Appeals also found that the requisites for the issuance of WPI in favor of MCWMC were not met, as the Contract for Services had no provision that expressly states that it was also a “lease agreement” as claimed by MCWMC, and only had a term of 25 years. “Hence, the questioned Orders issuing the TRO and WPI are void and of no force and effect,” the Court said. The BCDA reiterates that the contract involving the Kalangitan landfill is only effective for 25 years or until its expiration on October 5, 2024, and cannot be renewed or extended. The company’s Authority to Operate or business permit has also expired. Hence, allowing the landfill to continue its operations would be against the law.

Congratulations, The Passion

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

Congratulations to “The Passion” Joshua Pacio for unifying the ONE Strawweight World Championship. Truly impressive win! Joshua Pacio received US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Ceo Chatri Sidyothong for his impressive performance at ONE 171:Qatar Courtesy from Team Lakay page

PRO7 yields P2.5M shabu in one-day operation

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Authorities seized P2.5 million worth of illegal drugs, as well as firearms, and arrested five high-value drug personalities in four separate buy-bust operations on February 21. The first operation was conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Police Station 11 of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), in Sitio Badjawan, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City. A 23-year-old drug suspect was arrested during this operation. Confiscated from the suspect were buy-bust money, a transparent plastic container used for illegal drugs, one homemade .38 caliber revolver, and illegal drugs weighing 50 grams valued at P340,000.00. In another operation, police seized 200 grams of shabu worth P1,360,000.00 from a 31-year-old drug suspect at 12:40 AM in Mandaue City, executed by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Police Station 4 of the Mandaue City Police (MCPO). The Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), along with the Borbon Municipal Police Station, confiscated 70 grams of shabu valued at P476,000. Additionally, they seized a .45 caliber pistol, ammunition, a steel magazine, a sling bag, and an eyeglass case that was used to store the illegal drugs. This operation took place at 5:52 AM in Brgy. Lugo, Borbon, Cebu, targeting a high-profile drug suspect and his accomplice. In Purok Monggo, Barangay Bong-ao, Valencia, Negros Oriental, authorities confiscated an estimated 51 grams of shabu valued at P346,800.00, along with other evidence, during a joint buy-bust operation involving the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Unit (NOPPO), and the Regional Intelligence Unit. This operation resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect from Pamplona, Negros Oriental. “The Central Visayas police force remains relentless in our fight against illegal drugs. We will not stop until everyone involved is brought to justice. We will pursue every lead, mobilize resources, and collaborate with our community to eradicate this drug menace in the region,” said PBGen Redrico Maranan, Regional Dircetor, PRO7. The suspects are currently in police custody and face charges of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Republic Act 10591, and the Comelec gun ban. (PRO7-PIO)

NV selected as pilot area for DILG’s “Kwarto ni Neneng” program

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday In response to the rising cases of rape particularly involving children, Nueva Vizcaya has been chosen as the pilot area for the “Kwarto ni Neneng” program by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The municipalities selected for this initiative are Quezon and Dupax del Sur. This announcement was made by PSWD Officer Flordeina C. Granada during a joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), on February 20. The “Kwarto ni Neneng” project aims to provide separate rooms for beneficiaries’ households to ensure the separation of males and females. Authorities have found that victims of violence, including acts of lasciviousness and rape, often live in homes with only one room, or “shared rooms,” which can increase the risk of such crimes, especially when male family members are under the influence of alcohol. Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-033, beneficiaries of the project will receive assistance to build safe and secure living spaces. This initiative is expected to help reduce cases of violence against women and children in the province. In addition to the “Kwarto ni Neneng” program, the provincial government is also implementing various initiatives to support victims of rape. These include providing free legal services and educational assistance to help them continue their studies until they graduate. These programs aim to empower survivors and ensure they have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Gov. Atty. Jose Gambito emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “We must prioritize the safety and dignity of our women and children. By creating separate living spaces and providing necessary support, we are not just offering shelter; we are fostering an environment where they can thrive free from fear and violence. This is a crucial step towards building a safer and more compassionate community.

BFFFI ready for grand celebration of Panagbenga 2025

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries”, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) announced that Baguio City is all set for the grand celebration of the 29th Panagbenga Festival, the grand street dancing parade and grand floral float parade on February 22-23. Evangeline Payno, chief of staff of Panagbenga, said that five elementary drum and lyre will return for their street dance competition and seven participants in the open category festival dance competition. The five elementary drum and lyre are Mabini Elementary School, Manuel Roxas Elementary School, Tuba Central Elementary School, Rosario Elyu DLC and El Tribu D.Lucban. In the festival dance competition are Bitulok Tribe, of Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; Saint Louis University, Pinsao National High School Cultural Essemble, Amputi Layag Street Dancers, of San Carlos City, Pangasinan; Tribu Hiraya Manawari-Linubian Festival, of Poblacion East, Rosario, La Union; Tawid A Balitok, of Bacnotan, La Union and Bibyun Lubuagan, of Lubuagan, Kalinga. Also participating in the parade as guest performers are the famous Citizen Brigade Band of Dasmarinas, Cavite and Bureau of Fire Department Street Dance Performers. The parade will start at 8:00 a.m. led by the Philippine Military Academy Colorful Band, PMA cadets, city government officials, foreign sister cities delegation, Baguio Tourism Council and Liga ng mga Punong Barangay. Also participating are the Saint Louis Marching Band, BFFFI and Little Panagbenga 2025. Payno also reported the increase in participants in the floral float parade this year with 42, compared to 33 in 2024. In the small float category, there are 11; in the medium category, 10; and in the large category, 14, all competing. Also participating in the parade are the City Government float; Department of Tourism float; Hall of Fame Baguio Country Club, SM Prime Holding, Inc. and other floats, all non-competing entries. City Director Ruel Tagel, of the Baguio City Police Office, announced their public safety and security plan to ensure the security of parade spectators. According to Tagel, a total of 1,200 police officers will be deployed along the parade route, along with force multipliers who will serve as crowd control and maintain order in the parade flow. “We have also deployed police in civilian clothes to monitor miscreants who may prey on the parade. There are also spotters assigned and police assigned at the city boundaries and there are police assistance desks and medical teams. The BCPO is ready to maintain security during the two major events of Panagbenga,” Tagel said. Maj. James Dogao, of the Traffic Management Unit, said that all traffic personnel and enforcers will also be deployed from around the parade route, to the outskirt areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. Dogao said, like during the opening parade, they have implemented rerouting schemes using circumferential roads to avoid passing through the central district area, while the parade is underway. “We once again call on residents and tourists who are watching the parade to not use vehicles to go to the area, but instead to find parking areas away from the CBD,” Dogao said. By Zaldy Comanda

Vergara champions Community Health initiatives and Universal Health Care advocacy

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), led by Chairman Gladys Vergara, successfully conducted the BTC Goodhearted Volunteers (GV) Medical Mission the at the Loakan-Apugan Barangay Covered Court, on February 18. Hosted by Barangay Captain Salvador Lumitap, the mission provided free medical services to over 100 residents from Loakan-Apugan and neighboring communities, underscoring BTC’s dedication to accessible healthcare and community welfare. The medical mission, spearheaded by Dr. Dwight Black, Dr. Paul Quitiquit (SLU), and Dr. Celia Brillantes (Baguio City Health Officer), offered a wide range of essential medical services, including: • Eye Check-ups & Free Eyeglasses • Diabetes Screening • General Medical Check-ups/Consultations • Breast Examinations • Free Medicines BTC Chairman Gladys Vergara played a pivotal role in organizing the medical mission, donating medicines and eyeglasses, and providing essential support. She expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts that made the mission a success, emphasizing the importance of community-driven healthcare initiatives. Several organizations and individuals also contributed to the mission’s success, including the Baguio Everlasting Lions Club, Pines Association of Nursing Attendants and Caregivers, Inc., Diabetes Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter, Atok Health Center, SLU Sacred Heart Medical Center, Sweettech Industries, Inc., Unilab, Inc., Swiss Baker, Fernando S. Tiong, and BTC Board Members Glenn Gaerlan, Elaine Sembrano, and Aurora Alambra. Local champion Eric Kelly also lent his support to the initiative. In line with her advocacy for health and welfare, Vergara, in a recent Senior Citizen General Assembly in Barangay Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City, shared her vision for a comprehensive Universal Health Care system. She emphasized that free medical check-ups, hospitalization coverage, and essential health services should be accessible to all Filipinos, particularly senior citizens, women, and children. “ No one should avoid health check-ups due to financial constraints,” Vergara stressed, highlighting the importance of regular health monitoring for a healthier society.Vergara further advocated for expanding Social Pension benefits to include all senior citizens, asserting that “ every elderly Filipino who has contributed so much to society throughout their lives deserves financial support to sustain their daily needs in retirement.” She committed to championing policies that uphold the well-being and dignity of senior citizens and pledged her ongoing support for programs that prioritize public health.

Bong Go pushes for stronger pro-poor programs amid mixed economic sentiments in SWS survey

Inside Politics, NCR

Inside Politics, NCR / Street Journal

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening pro-poor programs that address the country’s economic challenges, including job creation, social welfare, wage increases, and agricultural support. As part of his legislative priorities, Go continues to advocate for policies that uplift underprivileged sectors, ensuring that essential services such as healthcare, food security, and livelihood opportunities remain accessible to all. His renewed push for pro-poor policies comes in light of recent economic data that reflects the mixed sentiments of Filipinos regarding their quality of life. A survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), commissioned by Stratbase Group, revealed that while 32% of respondents said their quality of life had improved in the past year, this was a decline from the 36% recorded in December 2024. Meanwhile, those who felt their situation had worsened increased to 25% from 23%, while 43% reported no change. “Alam natin na marami pa ring Pilipino ang nahihirapan sa araw-araw. Kaya’t patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mga programang direktang makakatulong sa kanila—mula sa pagkain sa hapag hanggang sa pagkakaroon ng disenteng hanapbuhay,” Mr. Malasakit emphasized. “Huwag nating pahirapan ang naghihirap na. Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno na kailangan nila upang makaahon sa hirap. Sikapin nating walang maiwan sa ating pag-unlad,” he added. Go has long been a advocate of programs that provide direct support to marginalized communities. One of his key proposals is the institutionalization of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), a bill he has filed in the Senate. If enacted into law, REAP seeks to provide temporary employment to economically disadvantaged, displaced, or seasonal workers in rural areas, ensuring that those in need have opportunities to earn a living while contributing to local infrastructure and community projects. Additionally, Go has been pushing for wage increases and the enactment of Salary Standardization Law 6 (SSL 6) to provide better compensation for government workers. Recognizing the growing number of freelancers in the digital economy, he is also advocating for his filed Freelance Workers Protection Bill, which aims to safeguard their rights and ensure fair compensation. His proposed Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act that he filed further expands his pro-labor agenda by ensuring that delivery riders and drivers are protected from unfair business practices, recognizing their critical role in modern commerce. “Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang umaasa sa kanilang arawang kita. Dapat siguraduhin natin na patas ang kanilang sahod at protektado ang kanilang mga karapatan sa trabaho. Patuloy lang ako sa pagseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said. Go also continues to push for expanded government investment in farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities, ensuring that small farmers and fisherfolk receive the necessary support to thrive. “Kapag malakas ang sektor ng agrikultura, masisigurado nating walang Pilipinong magugutom, at may mas maraming trabaho para sa ating kababayan,” he added. As Go seeks a fresh mandate in the 2025 senatorial elections, he remains focused on expanding social services, ensuring wage and employment security, and strengthening government support for vulnerable sectors. His track record includes significant contributions to healthcare access, livelihood programs, and housing assistance—all of which directly impact the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. “Ang malasakit sa tao ang dapat palaging inuuna. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsusulong ng mga programang magbibigay ng ginhawa sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan,” Go assured. He also called on national agencies, local government units, and private sector stakeholders to work together in implementing long-term solutions for economic stability. With many Filipinos still struggling with the rising cost of living, Go vowed to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Author name: Street Journal

CebuPac hosts sustainable aviation talk for Singapore management