Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Twenty-four cultural dancers of the Cordillera showcased their rich culture and rhythmic artistry dance dubbed Rhythm of the Highlands as one of the signature highlights of the 29th Panagbenga Festival at the Melvin Football ground, Burnham Park, Baguio City, onFebruary 15. With the theme “Blossoms Beyond Boundaries,” the sound of gongs echoed as dances of various cultures and traditions were showcased to show the public the importance of the Cordillera tradition. Rhythm of the Highlands is a traditional event of the Panagbenga Festival, which empowers the rich culture of the Cordillera. The participants include SLSPI IP Socio-Cultural Dance Troupe, Binnadang Irisan Cultural Performing Group (BICPG/CCDG), Inubuan Cultural Performing Group, Tawid and Salig Cultural Dance Group, Gannay x SLSAH Dance Troupe, Kontad, Dang Dang-ay Cultural Performing Group, Iyaman Cultural Performing Group, Uschong Cultural Ensemble, SJDS Chuwe Me Cultural Dance Group. Litagwa Cultural Performing Group, Salibi Performing Group of Easter College, Ragsak Cultural Performing Group, Yaman di Gangsa (YDG) Performing Group, Bimaak Cultural Dance Troupe, Saeng Ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble, Dragon Treasure Cultural Performing Group, Gawis Culture and Arts Ensembles Company, Sakusak Musical Ensemble, e-Baguio Indigenous Cultural and the Arts Society Performing Group (e-BICAS Performing Group), Uggayam Cultural Performing Group, Dagdagup Cultural Dance Group (DDCD JSNHS Cultural Performing Group and Gasat Cultural Dance Group). After their presentations, Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Chairman For Life Atty. Mauricio Domogan announced the champion as Bimaak Cultural Dance Troupe, which received 98% from the judges. Saeng Ya Kasay was the 1st Runner-up — 96% and 2nd Runner-up Iyaman Cultural Performance Group – 93.33%. Bimaak Cultural Dance Troupe was also awarded the Special Award for Choreography and Saeng Ya Kasay Cultural Ensemble was awarded the Special Award for Attire and Props. Awardees will receive P100,000, P70,000, and P50,000 respectively. All other groups that participated will receive P40,000 each, except for one group that did not meet the minimum number of participants. According to the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI), the winner and selected cultural performance group will be included in the grand street dancing parade on February 22.

P44.4-M shabu seized in Panabo City

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido, Buhangin, Davao City — A decisive joint anti-illegal drugs operation was conducted at Oakwood Residence Purok 2, Barangay New Visayas, Panabo City, Davao del Norte, that resulted in the arrest of two of the region’s top high-value individuals and the confiscation of 6.537 kilograms of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P44,451,600.00 on February 15. The arrest was made against the regional-level top 1 and regional-level top 3 drug personalities listed in the regional priority 10 High-Value Individual (HVI). Following the arrest is the confiscation of the following evidence: six zip-sealed transparent plastic bags containing white crystalline substances containing suspected shabu, eight transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances containing suspected shabu, one genuine 1000-peso bill with 199 machine copies of it, 200 machine copies of a 500-peso bill, one INFINIX smartphone, one weighing scale, and one gray plastic container. The arrested persons are now under the custody of the PNP DayNor Panabo MPS, Davao Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) for proper disposition. A case is currently being prepared against them for violating R.A. 9165. With this, PRO 11 Regional Director Police Brig.Gen. Leon Victor Rosete sends his message to all drug peddlers that PRO 11 will not tolerate those who destroy lives for their own gain. “We will not waver in our fight against illegal drugs. We will be relentless in our pursuit of those who threaten the safety and the future of the people in the community, especially in the Davao Region,” he said. Further, Rosete congratulates the successful anti-illegal drugs operation led by the personnel of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11, together with personnel from the Regional Intelligence Division PRO 11, City Special Operations Group/City Drug Enforcement Unit, Panabo City Police Station, 2nd Davao Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd DNPMFC), Provincial Intelligence Unit-DNPPO, and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Mula sa Tradisyon tungo sa Pagbabago — Kailangan sa Baguio

Baguio City, Inside Politics

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

Ang mga botante ay kadalasang bumoboto hindi lamang batay sa konsensiya, ngunit naiimpluwensyahan ng mga salik tulad ng name recall, na nagpapahintulot sa parehong mga pulitiko na muling lumitaw sa halalan pagkatapos ng halalan. Sa kabila ng kanilang katandaan, marami sa mga figure na ito ay matigas ang ulo na kumapit sa kapangyarihan, maging sa pambansa o lokal na antas. Ang walang katapusang cycle ng political comebacks na ito ay nagpapalakas sa mga dynasties, nakakasagabal sa sariwang pamumuno, at sa huli ay humahadlang sa pag-unlad ng bansa, na nag-i-trap sa political landscape sa isang estado ng stagnation. Sa kabilang banda, ang bansa ay agarang nangangailangan ng isang mas bata, mas may kakayahang henerasyon ng mga pinuno upang palitan ang mga overstaying na pulitiko na ginawa ang kanilang paulit-ulit na pagbalik sa isang plano sa pagreretiro—o mas masahol pa, isang panghabambuhay na karera ng pribilehiyong pampulitika. Ang mga nakabaon na figure na ito ay kumakapit sa kapangyarihan, tinatrato ang pampublikong tungkulin bilang isang personal na karapatan sa halip na isang tungkulin na maglingkod. Kung walang bagong pamumuno, magpapatuloy ang cycle ng self-serving governance, na mag-aalis sa bansa ng lakas, pagbabago, at integridad na kailangan para sa tunay na pag-unlad. Sa Baguio lamang, umuusbong ang isang bagong henerasyon ng mga dynamic, innovative, at compassionate na mga lider—mga indibidwal na may pananaw at kakayahan na humimok ng tunay na pag-unlad. Kabataang dugo, na ipinakita ng mga promising figure tulad nina Paolo Salvosa, Van Dicang, Pam Cariño, Glenn Gaerlan, Yuri Weygan, Eric Kelly, at Ron Perez—na namumukod-tanging pagganap ay makikita ngayon sa mga kamakailang survey—ay kumakatawan sa sariwang pamumuno na apurahang kailangan ng lungsod. Samantala, patuloy na lumalakas si Gladys Vergara, isang masugid na tagapagtaguyod para sa turismo, na lalong nagpapalakas sa panawagan para sa pagbabago. Ang mga indibidwal na ito ay tumatayo bilang pinakamahusay na mga alternatibo sa nakabaon na mga pulitiko na matagal nang itinuturing ang pampublikong opisina bilang kanilang personal na domain. Ngayon na ang panahon para lumaya mula sa pagwawalang-kilos at maghatid ng mga lider na mas inuuna ang tunay na serbisyo publiko kaysa sa pampulitikang kaligtasan. Ang tradisyunal na pulitika ay hindi kailanman isang paraan ng pasulong para sa Baguio—ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nagmumula sa pagpapaunlad ng inklusibo, solusyong-driven na pamumuno na inuuna ang kinabukasan ng lungsod. Apurahang kailangan natin ang isang bagong henerasyon ng mga pinuno—driven, innovative, at hindi nabibigatan ng mga kabiguan ng nakaraan. Ito ang mga indibidwal na puno ng mga sariwang ideya, na pinalakas ng lakas at determinasyon na ang mga kabataan lamang ang maaaring mag-alok. Sa tabi nila, ang isang dinamikong pangkat ng mga kabataan ngunit may mataas na kakayahan na mga indibidwal ay karapat-dapat sa isang lugar sa konseho ng lungsod—mga pinuno hindi lamang na may kakayahan kundi may matapang na pananaw na itulak ang Baguio na sumulong. Panahon na ng pagbabago. Dapat tayong lumaya mula sa pagwawalang-kilos at ipagkatiwala ang hinaharap sa mga mamumuno nang may layunin, integridad, at isang tunay na pangako na maglingkod.

KENNON ROAD-CAMP 2 ROAD REPAIR

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

Motorists going up to Baguio City now easily negotiate the newly asphalted portion of a bypass road in Barangay Twin Peaks, Tuba, Benguet. Earlier , District Engineer Isagani Cayme, head of Benguet 1st Engineering District,DPWH-CAR leads the inspection in said area to facilitate the repair to ease traffic congestion and enhance safety together with his staff. Present are Engr. Henry Apostol ,chief of the Maintenance Section and Engineering Assistant Sean Payad. Repair works follow engineer Khadaffy Tanggol, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Cordillera Administrative Region ( DPWH -CAR) advisory to motorists due to repairs.Photo by Primo Agatep/

Globe achieves P165B revenues for 2024,led by strong mobile and corporate data performance

Business

Business / Street Journal

Globe closed 2024 with strong financial results as it set a new record in consolidated gross service revenues of Php165 billion, reflecting a 2% year-on-year increase driven by growth across key segments. This performance was fueled by a 4% hike in mobile revenues, totaling a record Php116.7 billion, and a record Php20.4 billion in corporate data revenues, marking an 11% rise. Combined, they represent 83% of total consolidated gross service revenues, compared to 81% in 2023. Adjusting for the deconsolidation of ECPay[1] from Globe’s books in 2023, gross service revenues would have grown by 3% on a comparable basis. Mobile revenues for 2024 surpassed the Php112.4 billion achievement in 2023, supported by effective data monetization, market recovery, and continued network enhancements. As a result, mobile revenues now represent 71% of total consolidated gross service revenues, up from 69% the previous year. This was further reinforced by a significant rise in mobile data revenues, which attained an all-time high of Php97.4 billion by December 2024, a 7% increase from 2023. In 2024, mobile data made up 83% of total mobile revenues versus 81% the year before, as Filipinos increasingly relied on mobile apps for their online activities. With this, Globe’s mobile data traffic went up to 6,351 petabytes compared to 5,960 petabytes in 2023. Globe’s mobile customer base also expanded by 3.9 million subscribers in 2024, bringing the total to 60.9 million from 57.0 million a year ago. Likewise, Globe’s corporate data business performed strongly, with revenues driven by a 15% rise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and a 9% increase in core data services. Business Applications Solutions (BAS) and cybersecurity services contributed significantly to ICT revenue performance, posting year-on-year improvements of 29% and 4%, respectively. This result highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of its business clients. Globe’s home broadband segment also showed growth, with fiber services seeing a 2% rise in revenues and a 16% increase in subscriber count, driven by the strong adoption of GFiber Prepaid (GFP). This shift also produced a 13% annual increase in fixed-wired subscribers. GFP already reached 260,000 subscribers with a 74% quarter-on-quarter growth. Its strong customer loyalty is evident in reload rates of 78% and world class Net Promoter Score (NPS), underscoring the success of Globe’s customer acquisition strategy and commitment to seamless connectivity. “Our 2024 revenues reflect the strength of our data-driven strategy and the growing demand for mobile and corporate data services. By continuing to enhance our network and expand our customer base, we are well-positioned to sustain this growth into 2025 and beyond,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe. Globe’s strong 2024 performance underscores its commitment to delivering reliable connectivity and innovative digital solutions to both consumers and businesses. With continued investments in network infrastructure, customer experience, and strategic partnerships, Globe is poised to capitalize on the growing digital landscape and further solidify its position as a leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines.

First Sea Turtle release of 2025 under Project SOS

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

A hawksbill sea turtle was returned to the sea after being accidentally caught by a local fisherman the previous day. Julie Taniegra, a resident of Barangay Bote, Catanduanes unintentionally captured the turtle during a fishing trip last Sunday, February 9, and immediately turned it over to authorities. The turtle, measuring 34 cm in carapace length, 31 cm in width, and weighing 3.5 kg, was released off the coast of Bote, Bato, Catanduanes. Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) oversaw the release, ensuring its safe return to its natural habitat.

PLGU-NV conducts joint payout in Alfonso Castañeda

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRM) and the Provincial Employment Services Division (PESD) conducted a joint payout event in the town of Alfonso Castañeda, on February 12. This initiative was part of the ongoing effort to bring provincial government services closer to its citizens. The event facilitated the distribution of emergency shelter assistance and honorariums to Trabaho ti Umili(TrPaTu) beneficiaries from various barangays within the municipality. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao Jr., and former Governor Ruth R. Padilla led the distribution of PHP 5,000 each to 141 victims of Typhoon Pepito and 175 recipients of the TrPaTu program. The total amount disbursed during the event exceeded PHP 1.5 million. The emergency shelter assistance funds are part of the PHP 50 million provided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos to aid those affected by the typhoon in Nueva Vizcaya. Meanwhile, the honorariums for the TrPaTu recipients were sourced from the PHP 10 million allocated by Governor Gambito for 2,000 workers under the “Trabaho para ti Umili” program. This joint payout aimed to deliver immediate financial relief to those impacted by natural disasters and support community recovery efforts.

SBMA,Port of San Diego eye partnership to make Subic Freeport into a smart port city

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport—With its vision to transform this premier Freeport into a smart port city, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is considering a partnership with the Port of San Diego. During their visit here on February 6, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Port of San Diego officials agreed to discover and identify areas of collaboration between both ports. “We offered to the Port of San Diego to explore areas in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Break Bulk Cargo Handling and Management, Shore Power Connection, Cruise Ship Terminal and Market Development and Ship Repair,” SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator (SDA) for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said. He added that the officials of the San Diego Port extended the invitation to Chairman Aliño to visit the Port of San Diego and explore other port-related initiatives since both ports proclaimed a partnership as sister ports in 2018. “We see the potential of Subic Bay Freeport in developing trade and commerce between our two ports,” Port of San Diego Commissioner Gil Anthony Ungab said expressing his desire to further explore opportunities that will benefit both ports. Also, Port of San Diego Director for Maritime Joel Valenzuela said that there are many similarities between the Ports of San Diego and Subic Bay; and that they are excited to strengthen and continue to develop our partnership in maritime and other related industries. Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the SBMA welcomes the partnership between the two ports as the vision to develop concrete projects will be mutually beneficial to both ports. The Port of San Diego, according to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, is one of America’s top 30 US containership ports, bringing in nearly 3 million metric tons (3,000,000 long tons; 3,300,000 short tons) of cargo per year through the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the National City Marine Terminal. Aliño said that the proposed partnership is in line with the SBMA’s vision of becoming a port city, and that the partnership with the Port of San Diego is a vital step In advancing Subic Bay Freeport’s interests in maritime project development, automation, cruise terminal development and operations, artificial intelligence and trade development. SDA Yambao said, “This is a positive step in expanding the global reach and trade network of the Port of Subic Bay in the United States.” He added that aside from the Port of San Diego, the SBMA has also entered into a partnership with the Virginia Port Authority in 2015 to develop trade and exchange best practices in break bulk and cruise ship logistics management and operations.

BENECO Board Goes Paperless

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By: Laarni S. Ilagan The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) Board of Directors (BOD) began 2025 by adopting a paperless system, aligning with global environmental efforts. The BOD held its first digital meeting on January 16, 2025. “The board’s digital shift is a significant effort by BENECO to uphold our Zero Waste-No Single Use Plastic company policy,” said General Manager Melchor Licoben. Licoben spearheaded the cooperative’s Zero Waste initiative in 2023, partnering with Zero Waste Baguio, Inc., a local environmental NGO. “Centralized emails have eliminated the need for four to five reams of bond paper previously used for preparing and reproducing the BOD’s meeting agenda and minutes for each meeting,” said Jeffered Monang, secretary to the board. Previously, Monang reproduced an average of 23 copies of the agenda and minutes, including attachments. This shift not only significantly reduces BENECO’s carbon footprint, but also saves the cooperative thousands of pesos spent on paper, ink, toner, photocopying, delivery, and gasoline, according to Licoben. “The carbon footprint of one A4 sheet of office paper ranges from 0.0043 to 0.0047 kg CO2e, and paper production accounts for 1.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions,” according to Google. A box of bond paper containing five reams costs an average of P1,050, while a photocopy machine toner costs around P5,000. BOD Chairperson Atty. George Dumawing, Jr., initiated discussions about transitioning to digital meetings and agenda preparation in October of the previous year. “During my time with Task Force BENECO (interim board), I noticed that meeting agendas and minutes were piling up and taking up space in my office,” Dumawing recalled. The board recognized the immediate benefits and convenience of digital technology, including instant online delivery of the agenda, easier review of discussion points, and readily accessible files on a finger’s click . “We can now access our files anytime, anywhere, without carrying heavy stacks of paper. It’s more convenient and faster,” said District 2 Director Joseph Zambrano. BENECO continue to embrace greener ways to streamline operations, cut cost, improve customer service while protecting the environment.

Author name: Street Journal

24 Panagbenga cultural groups showcase culture and dance