Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Globe reaffirmed its position as a leader in digital connectivity and innovation after being recognized for network consistency and AI enablement at the recently held Mobile World Congress (MWC), the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event. Globe received Ookla®’s Speedtest Verified™ claim for the Most Consistent Network in the Philippines from 2022 to 2024, reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable connectivity to Filipinos. The recognition, based on real-world data from user-initiated Speedtest® results highlights Globe’s excellence in providing a seamless and dependable digital experience across the country. “The Speedtest Verified™ claim from Ookla® is a testament to our relentless effort to ensure that Filipinos have access to stable and high-quality internet services. This drives us to continuously invest in our network and push for innovations that enhance digital access,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s Head of Service Planning and Engineering. Globe also secured the Excellent All-Optical Network for AI Enablement award at the Green All-Optical Network Forum 2025 during MWC. This accolade recognizes the company’s advancements in all-optical network infrastructure, enabling seamless AI applications and efficient access to computing resources. “We are grateful to receive this award, which affirms our focus on delivering reliable network solutions that cater to the evolving demands of AI applications. As AI adoption accelerates, our all-optical network enables businesses and individuals to thrive in the digital age while supporting the global push for the use of green technology,” Darius Delgado, Globe Chief Commercial Officer. With cutting-edge 400G/800G transmission, all-optical switching, and Optical Transport Network (OTN) expansion, Globe has reinforced its infrastructure to handle the growing demands of AI-driven digital transformation. The company’s all-optical network is also aligned with sustainability goals, offering enhanced energy efficiency and lower power consumption compared to traditional networking technologies. On top of the two awards, Globe was also shortlisted in the Global Mobile Awards for Tech4Good- Outstanding Mobile Contribution to the UN SDGs, cited for its data and AI for Good initiatives that contribute towards developing future tech professionals. Through continuous investment in advanced technologies, Globe remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the digital divide, drive innovation, and provide Filipinos with world-class connectivity solutions.

BTC nagpahayag ng suporta sa mga apektado ng Burnham Park Development

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Pinulong ni Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara, ang mga Burnham Boat Concessionaires at Burnham Photographers sa Visitor Information Center, Rose Garden, upang pag-usapan ang kanilang mga alalahanin hinggil sa nalalapit na Burnham Park Development. Key Discussions: Burnham Park Development – Vergara attentively listened to the concerns of concessionaires and photographers regarding how the planned improvements might affect their businesses, particularly in terms of changes to the park layout, operations, and accessibility. She assured them that their roles in the park’s tourism sector would be carefully considered in the planning process. Impact of New Innovations – The rise of photo booths and instant photography services, especially during festivals and major events, has posed a challenge to traditional Burnham photographers. They expressed how this technological shift affects their income, as tourists now have more convenient and cost-effective alternatives for souvenir photos. Sustaining Traditional Services – Vergara underscored the importance of preserving cultural and traditional services that have long been a part of Baguio’s tourism identity. She encouraged concessionaires and photographers to adapt to changing trends while maintaining the distinct charm and personal touch that set them apart from modern services. Possible Interventions and Support – Vergara assured stakeholders that the BTC will explore possible programs to assist the affected sectors. These initiatives may include skills training, marketing strategies, and potential collaborations to ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape. “Ang mga taong nagbibigay ng mga tradisyunal na serbisyong ito ay matagal nang naging mahalaga sa Burnham Park,” sabi ni Vergara. “Habang sumusulong tayo sa modernisasyon, dapat din nating tiyakin na ang mga kabuhayang ito ay hindi maiiwan ngunit instea suportado sa mga paraan na nagpapahintulot sa kanila na umunlad sa isang nagbabagong kapaligiran ng turismo.” Ang pagpupulong ay nagsilbing daan para sa bukas na diyalogo, na muling pinagtitibay ang pangako ng BTC sa pagtiyak na ang mga tinig ng tradisyonal na service provider ng Burnham Park ay maririnig habang ang Baguio ay patuloy na ginagawang moderno ang mga handog nito sa turismo.

CCC pinuri ang Pangasinan sa paghahanda sa kalamidad

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN Pangasinan – Pinuri ng Climate Change Commission (CCC) ang lalawigan para sa komprehensibong climate resilience strategies at integrated approach sa environmental sustainability gayundin ang disaster preparedness at risk reduction. Namangha sa pangako ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at ng 44 na munisipalidad, sinabi ni CCC executive director Robert A. E. Borje na “kapuri-puri ang pangako ng Pangasinan sa paghahanda sa panganib sa kalamidad, gaya ng makikita sa 100 porsiyento nitong isinumite na Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP).” “Kapag pinag-uusapan natin ang mga panganib, pagkakalantad, kahinaan at kapasidad, dapat nating tingnan ang mga ito hindi lamang bilang mga hamon ngunit bilang bahagi ng isang strategic game plan, isang pamumuhunan sa katatagan ng komunidad,” pahayag ni Borje. Nauna nang binisita ng CCC ang lalawigan kung saan ang lahat ng 44 na munisipalidad ay nagsumite ng kanilang LCCAP, na isang manipestasyon na seryosong isinasaalang-alang ng lalawigan ang lahat ng bagay tungkol sa pangangalaga sa kapaligiran at pamamahala sa peligro. Kalaunan ay nilibot ni Borje at ng kanyang mga tauhan ang Pangasinan kasama ang mangrove park sa Alaminos City. Doon,itinuro ni Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) head Ret. Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro ang mga pangunahing inisyatiba ng lalawigan kabilang ang Project PARAAN na isang survey sa pagtatasa ng panganib na sinusuri ang kahinaan ng komunidad sa mga natural na panganib. Iniharap din ang Green Canopy program, isang legacy project ni Gov. Ramon Guico III. Isinagawa ang panel discussion kung saan kasama sa mga paksa ang paparating na plano ng lalawigan na itatag ang Estanza Native Tree Nursery at Project Kasilyas. Kilala bilang isang strategist at malawak na tagaplano, nangako si Gov. Guico na palakasin ang kapaligiran at mga programang nagpapagaan sa pagbabago ng klima ng lalawigan. Sa suporta ng mga lokal na pinuno kasama ang iba pang ahensya ng pambansang linya, nagpahayag ng pag-asa si Gov. Guico na ang Pangasinan ay magiging handa sa sakuna. “Walang batong natitira sa ating disaster risk reduction management. Tulad ng maraming ibang mga lalawigan sa Pilipinas, ang Pangasinan ay madalas na tinatamaan ng malupit na katotohanan ng mga bagyo, baha at lindol. Ang Administrasyong Panlalawigan ay gumawa ng makabuluhang pagsisikap upang matiyak na tayo ay handa na protektahan ang ating mga tao mula sa natural at kahit na mga kalamidad na gawa ng tao,” nauna nang sinabi ni Gov. Guico.

DILG-CAR to LGUs: Empower Informal Waste Sector

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) urged local government units (LGUs) to recognize and integrate the Informal Waste Sector (IWS) into their Solid Waste Management (SWM) plans to strengthen waste management systems and promote inclusive environmental governance. DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose underscored the significant role of informal waste workers—such as waste pickers, recyclers, and junk shop operators—in solid waste recovery and management despite challenging working conditions. “The informal waste sector has long been contributing to waste reduction and recycling efforts in our communities, yet they remain largely unrecognized in formal waste management systems. By integrating them into LGU-led solid waste management programs, we not only improve efficiency in waste recovery but also provide economic opportunities for them,” RD San Jose said. Despite their vital contribution to waste diversion and environmental sustainability, the IWS faces economic and social marginalization. To address these, the DILG encouraged LGUs to develop policies that provide the IWS and its workers formal recognition, access to capacity-building programs, and economic inclusion. Through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-012, LGUs are advised to strengthen their SWM initiatives by profiling the IWS, integrating them into local waste management programs, and establishing support mechanisms such as social protection, health benefits, and skills development. LGUs are also encouraged to institutionalize policies that promote the organization of cooperatives, provision of technical assistance, and creation of opportunities for employment, formalization, and potential distribution of economic incentives. Additionally, San Jose stressed the need for the LGUs to update their 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable approach. “We encourage our LGUs to institutionalize programs that will recognize and support the informal waste sector. This will not only improve waste diversion rates but also promote social equity in our waste management systems,” San Jose added. The DILG encourages LGUs to partner with other national government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology and the academe to develop innovations in local waste management. (DILG-CAR/Fernando Pre)

First cinema open film competition, inilunsad ng MFF 2025

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY — Sa pagdiriwang ng ika-5 taon ng Montañosa Film Festival (MFF) ay gumawa ng isang matapang na bagong hakbang sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng kauna-unahang Cinema Open Film Competition. Sa mahigit 230 kalahok mula sa buong Pilipinas, ang inaabangang kumpetisyon na ito ay naglalayong ipakita ang magkakaibang mga cinematic na boses ng bansa at ipagdiwang ang kapangyarihan ng pagkukuwento. Ngayong taon, pinalalawak pa ng MFF ang saklaw nito na may apat na natatanging kategorya sa kompetisyon: Narrative, Mobile, Documentary, at Experimental. Ang mga kategoryang ito ay nagbubukas ng mga pinto para sa lahat ng uri ng filmmaker na ipakita ang kanilang mga kuwento at pagkamalikhain sa isang pambansang plataporma, na nagdiriwang ng magkakaibang anyo ng cinematic expression. Tradisyunal man itong salaysay, mobile film na kinunan sa telepono, o ground braking experimental project, itinutulak ng MFF ang mga hangganan ng kung ano ang maituturing na pelikula. “Ang sine ay isang patuloy na lumalawak na puwersa, katulad ng mga alon ng tubig o ang mga alingawngaw sa mga bundok. Ito ay humuhubog ng mga pananaw at nagbibigay inspirasyon sa pagbabago. This year festival will be a celebration of story telling in all its forms, as well as an invitation for our audiences to embrace diverse voices and narratives,” pahayag ni Ferdinand Balanag, Montañosa Film Festival founder at festival director. Bilang bahagi ng komprehensibong handog ng MFF, itatampok din sa edisyong ito ang animation festival sa pakikipagtulungan ng Cordillera School of Digital Arts (CSDA), na nagpapakita ng pagkamalikhain at talento ng mga animator mula sa rehiyon. Ang MFF 2025 ay pinayaman pa ng Sinemusikain — isang buwang sinehan at musika at food fair. Ang kapana-panabik na kaganapang ito ay nag-aalok ng kumbinasyon ng mga libreng screening ng pelikula, mga live na konsiyerto, at isang makulay na pagdiriwang ng pagkain, na nag-aalok ng isang bagay para sa bawat mahilig sa malikhain at kultural na masiyahan. “Ang Montañosa Film Festival ay isang holistic na plataporma na hindi lamang nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga gumagawa ng pelikula na itanghal ang kanilang gawa ngunit nagbibigay din ng puwang para sa mga baguhang gumagawa ng pelikula upang galugarin at paunlarin ang kanilang crafts.” Mula nang ito ay umpisahan, ang MFF ay nagkaroon na ng mahalagang papel sa paggawa ng 58 locally produced na pelikula sa pamamagitan ng suporta ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Baguio, na ang ilan ay nakakuha ng pambansa at internasyonal na pagkilala. Ang mga pelikulang ito ay umabot sa mga pandaigdigang madla, nagtaguyod ng pagpapalitan ng kultura at pagpapakita ng magkakaibang mga talento ng gumagawa ng pelikulang pilipino. Si Jonathan Jurilla, ang MFF 2023 narrative film competiotion winner at MFF 2024 documentary film competition winner, ay isang bantog na film maker na ang trabaho ay nakakuha ng prestihiyosong Palanca Award. Ang kanyang pelikulang Love Child, ang pagsasalaysay na adaptasyon ng kanyang MFF documentary na My Boy Superman, ay isang finalist sa Cinemalaya at nakamit ang kahanga-hangang tagumpay sa Netflix, na nasa top 10 platform na pinakapinapanood na pelikula sa Pilipinas sa loob ng mahigit isang buwan. Ang isa pang namumukod-tanging gumagawa ng pelikula ay si Julius Lumiqued, na matagumpay na nakagawa ng The Wedding Dance, isang film adaptation ng kinikilalang maikling kuwento ni Amador Daguio. Ang kanyang trabaho ay nakakuha ng puwesto sa Cinemalaya noong nakaraang taon, na itinatampok ang mga panggigipit sa lipunan na nakapalibot sa kasal sa mga komunidad ng Cordillera sa pamamagitan ng isang nakakahimok na salaysay. Naging proud partner ang MFF ng mga educational institutions sa Baguio, kabilang ang University of Baguio, Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras, Pines City National High School, at Baguio City National High School. Sa pamamagitan ng mga partner na paaralang ito, aktibong nakipag-ugnayan ang MFF sa mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng pagho-host ng mga screening ng pelikula, mga pag-uusap sa pelikula, at mga workshop, na nagbibigay ng plataporma para sa mga naghahangad na gumawa ng pelikula upang matuto, mag-explore, at bumuo ng kanilang craft. Ang mga institusyong ito ay patuloy na gumaganap ng mahalagang papel sa misyon ng pagdiriwang, na nagpapatibay ng bagong henerasyon ng mga story teller at nagpapalakas sa malikhaing komunidad ng Baguio. Nangangako ang Festival ng isang kapana-panabik na lineup ng mga kaganapan simula sa pagbubukas ng seremonya sa Marso 26, 2025 sa SM City Baguio. Susundan ito ng cinema open premier at exclusive screening sa Marso 27-28 sa SM cinemas na nagpapakita ng pinakamahusay na mga gawa mula sa kompetisyon ngayong taon. Magdadagdag ng internasyonal na dimensyon, ang paglulunsad ng international film festival, sa pakikipagtulungan ng iba’t ibang embahada, ay magaganap sa Marso 27 na nagtatampok ng unang world premier screening ng Riki Rhino, premier screening ng Woman from Rote Island at ang maikling pelikulang Wayang: Shadow of the Night mula sa Indonesian Embassy. Ang Festival ay magtatapos sa seremonya ng paggawad sa Marso 30, 2025, na pararangalan ang mga pinakatanyag na pelikula at gumagawa ng pelikula ng taon. Ang MFF 2025 ay magtatapos sa Abril 6, 2025, sa taunang folk music festival sa Rose Garden , Baguio City, na ipagdiriwang ang intersection ng sinehan at ang mayamang musical heritage ng rehiyon. Ayon kay Balanag, ang ubod ng misyon ng MFF ay ang pagtataguyod ng filmtourism para sa rehiyon ng Cordillera., na ipinoposisyon ang lugar bilang pangunahing destinasyon ng turista habang binibigyang-diin ang kultural at malikhaing yaman ng rehiyon. Bilang miyembro ng UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), ang Baguio City ay proud na maging isang sentro para sa artistikong innovation na sumusuporta sa isang sustainable at responsableng ekonomiya ng turismo. Sa pamamagitan ng pagdiriwang na ito ng pagpapalitan ng sinehan at kultura, patuloy na pinatitibay ng Montañosa Film Festival ang papel ng Baguio bilang sentro ng kultura kung saan umuunlad ang pagkamalikhain at ang magkakaibang mga kuwento ay umaalingawngaw sa mga hangganan.

Globe Business, SPAVI forge strategic partnership to deploy advanced digital solutions

Business

Business / Street Journal

Globe Business enhances the operations of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI | PSE:PIZZA) through a strategic partnership focused on upgrading its order management system to improve operational efficiency, minimize errors, and elevate services to store operations. Shakey’s Pizza is a leader in casual dining chain restaurants and food kiosks in the Philippines. Its portfolio of brands include market leaders such as Shakey’s and Potato Corner, as well as Peri-Peri, R&B Milk Tea, and Project Pie. The Philippine restaurant industry remains highly competitive, with businesses striving to expand their presence in the market. As organizations grow, their operations become more diverse and complex, which can affect customer experience. Some resort to various manual interventions, implementing divergent systems in operations that lead to inefficiencies. Digital tools have become imperative for customer relationship management (CRM) and kitchen automation to optimize workflows and better serve customers. Facing such challenges, SPAVI has partnered with Globe Business to deploy cloud based solutions that address various operational inefficiencies. These solutions provide seamless access to point-of-sale (POS) systems, centralized data-sharing, and real-time monitoring, enabling SPAVI to reduce manual processes and make informed decisions more efficiently. SPAVI and Globe Business formalized their partnership in a signing ceremony on January 30, gathering key representatives: Vic Gregorio, SPAVI President and CEO; Kiran Y. Amin, Chief Technology Officer; Oliver Sicam, General Manager; and Kathrina David, Supply Chain Management Director; KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business; Cocoy Claravall, Head of Sales, Globe Business; Glenn Estrella, VP for Business Solutions Consulting, Globe Business; Jane Mancia, Head of Key Accounts, Globe Business. “This partnership with SPAVI isn’t just about providing technology; it’s about a shared vision for the future of the F&B industry. We at Globe Business deeply admire SPAVI’s leadership and commitment to innovation. We understand the complexities of scaling a dynamic business like theirs, and we’re committed to being a true partner, proactively identifying opportunities and delivering solutions that empower SPAVI to not only meet but exceed their customers’ evolving expectations. We’re confident that together, we will redefine what’s possible in the restaurant experience,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for SPAVI, which is currently expanding its portfolio. It has grown from a single brand company into a multi-brand portfolio of five brands over the past five years alone. SPAVI’s business also includes Bakemaster, Inc., which supplies Shakey’s products to airline caterers, hotels, restaurants, and sandwich chains. As of 2024, its network has exceeded 2,600 stores and outlets, with domestic and international expansion accelerating its growth. ”Quality of service is paramount in our business. It is the bedrock of our commitment to our customers. This is why we need to be a highly efficient organization. We are not looking for mere solutions; we need a true partner like Globe Business, one who understands our values and proactively identifies and creates opportunities. We deeply value the insights Globe Business brings and look forward to their continued innovative contributions to our shared success,” shared Vic Gregorio, SPAVI President and CEO, in his message to Globe during the contract signing. Through Globe’s business solutions, SPAVI expects to improve forecasting, digitize processes, access data real-time, and centralize data for comprehensive reporting and analysis. With Globe Business’ expertise in reliable connectivity and digital solutions, SPAVI aims to further refine its inventory management, ensure order accuracy, and strengthen overall business operations. Managing increasing scale can become challenging and complex, making continuous innovation and transformation not just an option for SPAVI but a necessity. The collaboration with Globe Business underscores SPAVI’s commitment to ensuring that, as its footprint expands, its operational excellence and guest satisfaction remain at the forefront.

SBMA, Taipei BioInnovation Park partnership eyed

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is looking into entering into a joint venture with the Taipei BioInnovation Park (TBIP). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño was impressed with the TBIP’s biotechnology and biomedical facilities during his recent trip to Taipei, Taiwan. “This visit to the Taipei BioInnovation Park was a truly unique learning experience for us. We proposed the expansion of SBDMC (Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation, Inc.) business activities in Subic Bay Freeport to include biotechnology and biomedical activities,” said Chairman Aliño, The SBMA chief also cited that the SBMA will ensure that the proposed expansion projects are aligned with the agency’s plans and projects. “The proposed expansion plan should complement our mandate to promote the Subic Special Economic Zone as a self-sustaining, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center and green port city by attracting and promoting productive foreign investments that will generate employment opportunities in and around the zone,” he said. Chairman Aliño was joined by SBMA Directors Ruel John Kabigting and Teodoro Del Rosario, and Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado during his three-day visit to Taiwan, upon the invitation by Century Development Corporation (CDC). Aside from the TBIP, the SBMA delegation also went to Pingtung to visit MOS Burger’s newly completed processing plant Pingtung Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP). The MOS Burger food processing plant is a joint venture between An-Shin Food Services Co. and MOS Food Services. Located in Taiwan’s Pingtung County, the PABP is the only national agricultural biotechnology park in Taiwan and the only one in the world that established an agricultural high-tech industrial cluster. The park has more than 110 agricultural enterprises of value-added natural products, aquaculture, livestock biotechnology, agricultural materials & facilities, technical services, inside its premises. These companies are connected in series and have formed a huge industrial supply chain, creating a strong synergy effect in the global market. According to SBDMC President Willy Wang, the invitation for the site visit was to provide the SBMA with a glimpse of Taiwan’s first BOT development project focusing on biotechnology industry, and to explore joint venture opportunities. He added that the TBIP provides incubation space for emerging biotechnology, leading companies that integrate research and development (R&D), trial production, and business office functions. CDC is a shareholder of the United Development Corporation, a joint venture partner of the SBMA in the SBDMC, Inc., which has pioneered industrial park planning. It is also known for its successful development of the Nankang Software Park, one of the most advanced industrial parks in Taiwan.

7th batch of Typhoon Pepito victims receives shelter aid in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has reached its 7th batch of payouts, providing emergency shelter assistance to victims of Typhoon Pepito. Today,March 13,2025 , a total of 1,982 residents from various towns received 5,000 pesos each to help rebuild their homes and lives. The payout, held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, was led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, along with Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao Jr. and former Governor Ruth R. Padilla. According to PDRRM Officer King Webster Balawing, the nearly P10 million disbursed today is the remaining portion of a 50 million peso fund provided by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos. This fund was given as aid to the province following the devastation caused by Typhoon Pepito last year. In total, around 10,000 beneficiaries have received the P5,000 shelter assistance Future payouts will be funded by the provincial government through the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM)Fund. The towns benefiting from this recent payout include Kayapa, Quezon, Bayombong, Solano, Diadi, Bambang, Dupax del Norte, and Dupax del Sur. Another round of payouts is planned for the third and last week of March in the Casecnan Area of Alfonso Castaneda and at the CMP Convention Center,Provincial Capitol. Gov. Gambito expressed his commitment to uplifting the lives of Novo Vizcayanos by improving the economic opportunities of those in marginalized sectors. He stated, “To improve the lives of everyone, let’s start by enhancing the economic opportunities of those at the bottom so that we can all rise together.”

Gumaca, Quezon feted Panata Ko Bayan Awards

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio GUMACA, Quezon- This town municipal mayor Webster D. Letargo announced here the town feted a Panata Ko Bayan Awards on March 11, 2025. Letargo said the recognition of excellence was received as a Model Local Government Unit Implementing Persons with Disability Affairs Office in municipal level which was the only town in Quezon. Also the town was presented as “LGU Implementing Supplemental Feeding Program in the municipal level being a “Hall of Famer” Letargo was with the Municipal Social Welfare officer Nancy Pascual, Person with Disability Affairs Office head Haven Hamilton Villapando, MSWDO staff Zsarina SJ. Anacion and Sharralaine Ledda, municipal councilors GJ Ylagan, Juancho Mercurio, Wilfredo Veluz, and Gilbert Amier. Letargo said with an excellent and dedicated service to the citizens we will continue to achieve success and honors that will serve as an instrument towards a more progressive and developed Gumaca.

Author name: Street Journal

Globe recognized for network consistency, AI enablement at MWC