Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Kinilala bilang isa sa ‘Top 79 Notable Alumni’ ng University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman si Governor Ramon V. Guico III. Sa isang independent metric-based site na Edurank, kinilala si Gov. Guico, kasama ang mga kilalang personalidad tulad nina dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, dating Pangalawang Pangulo Leni Robredo, at mamamahayag na si Maria Ressa. Nakuha ni Gov. Guico ang ika-61 na pwesto. Ang EduRank ay isang kagalang-galang na independent organization na sumusuri sa mga institusyong pangmataas na edukasyon sa buong mundo batay sa iba’t ibang salik tulad ng akademikong reputasyon, output ng pananaliksik, at mga pagsusuri ng estudyante. Si Gov. Guico ay nagtapos ng Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at kumuha rin ng Master’s degree in Education with a Major in Educational Administration sa UP Diliman. Ang UP Diliman ay nakaantas na ika-625 sa buong mundo, ika-125 sa Asya, at ika-5 sa Pilipinas batay sa pinagsamang kasikatan ng mga alumni. Mula nang maupo sa pwesto noong 2022, si Governor Guico ay nagpatupad ng makabagong istilo ng pamumuno sa Pangasinan sa pamamagitan ng corporate model para mapaunlad ang ekonomiya ng lalawigan. Sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno, naisakatuparan ang mga malalaking proyekto tulad ng GUICONSULTA, Pangasinan Salt Center, Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), Corporate Farming Program, at konstruksiyon ng Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX). Patunay din ng maganda niyang pamumuno nang magawaran ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Pangasinan ng Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award noong December 2024. Ang pagkilala kay Gov. Guico bilang isang prominenteng alumni ng UP Diliman ay indikasyon ng epektibong pamumuno at dedikasyon sa serbisyo publiko. Ang mga konkretong resulta at parangal na natanggap ng lalawigan ay patunay ng kanyang husay sa pamumuno at malasakit sa progreso ng Pangasinan. (By Marilyn Marcial, Danna Laureano)

Mpox death sa Baguio, nakuha ang sakit sa ibang lugar-Magalong

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Ipinaliwanag ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong na ang pasyenteng namatay sa Monkey pox o Mpox ay hindi nanirahan sa lungsod, sapul nang ito’y magkasakit, kaya hindi maituturing na ito’y Baguio case. Sinabi ni Magalong sa media interview na dumating sa lungsod ang isang 32-anyon na lalaki, na bagama’t taga-Baguio, ay infected na sa variant ng Mpox virus mula sa pinanggalingan nitong lugar, na kung saan ay matagal siyang nanirahan doon. “Yong namatay ay hindi niya nakuha dito ang sakit,kundi sa pinanggalingan niyang lugar, nagkataon na umuwi lamang siya dito, hanggang madetect ang kanyang sakit, na-confined,pero namatay din.” Aniya, wala rin itong kinalaman sa naitalang unang kaso ng Mpox na residente sa lungsod na isang 28-anyos na lalaki na nakarekober na sa sakit. “Having some difficult time getting more information from the source, kasi yong source meron pa siyang mga multiple contact, pero ayaw niyang i-reveal,kaya dahan-dahan nating kino-convince na i-reveal niya para ma-trace natin yong contact nya at maagapan na magamot,” pahayag ni Magalong. Panawagan ni Magalong sa publiko na panatilihin muli ang health sanitation practice gaya ng nangyari noong Covid-19, na panatilihin maging malinis sa katawan at magsuot ng face mask sa mga crowded areas. By Zaldy Comanda

Congressional race 2025: Spotlight on the top 3 contenders

Baguio City, Inside Politics

Baguio City, Inside Politics / Street Journal

The race for Baguio City’s congressional seat is heating up, with two women candidates vying for the position and a veteran politician attempting a comeback. Gladys Vergara: Building on a Legacy Leading the pack is Gladys Vergara, daughter of the late Bernie Vergara, a revered former mayor and congressman affectionately known as the “Action Man.” Bernie’s transformative projects, including the construction of Marcos Highway and its flyover and viaduct, pedestrian overpasses, covered basketball courts, the BGH and Baguio-La Trinidad flyovers, and the rehabilitation of City Camp Lagoon, left an enduring legacy in the city. Gladys has committed to continuing this legacy by focusing on impactful, visible projects that address the city’s needs. What sets Gladys apart is her extensive public service record. Before her father’s tenure, she served as Vice President of the Kabataang Barangay National Executive Council following her leadership as KB Federation President of Baguio. She also held prominent roles as a City Councilor (1988-92)and Vice Mayor by virtue of succession (1992), cementing her reputation as a competent and experienced leader. Gladys Vergara is currently the Chairman of the Baguio Tourism Council. Among the top contenders, Gladys’s dynamic leadership, stamina, and legislative expertise position her as a strong candidate capable of navigating the demands of the role. Sol Go: Behond the scenes to center stage Soledad “Sol” Go, the wife of outgoing Congressman Mark Go, has emerged as another key contender. With Congressman Mark Go now running for mayor against incumbent Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Sol is seeking to step into her husband’s congressional shoes. While Sol’s candidacy has sparked debate, her community engagement efforts, particularly targeting grassroots groups and senior citizens, have raised questions. Critics have noted the prevalence of dole-out initiatives, prompting discussions about the long-term sustainability and transparency of her approach. Concerns about campaign financing, fueled by speculation over the source of funds for Mark and Sol Go’s activities, further complicate public perception. As voters assess Sol’s qualifications and the nature of her campaign, they must decide whether her bid represents genuine public service or an extension of her husband’s political legacy. Atty.Maurico Domogan: A veteran’s last stand? Rounding out the top three contenders is Atty. Mauricio “Morris” Domogan, a seasoned politician who played a significant role in Baguio’s development alongside Bernie Vergara. Domogan’s decades-long public service career and contributions to key infrastructure projects are well-recognized. However, recent setbacks, including his 2019 loss to Mark Go in the congressional race and his 2022 mayoral defeat to Benjamin Magalong, have raised questions about whether it is time for him to retire from politics. Critics argue that Domogan’s advanced age and recent losses signal a waning ability to meet the physical and emotional demands of public office. The electorate now faces the challenge of evaluating whether experience and legacy outweigh the need for fresh energy, vision, and sincerity in leadership. The Road Ahead As the campaign unfolds, voters will grapple with contrasting visions, leadership styles, and approaches to governance among the candidates. Ultimately, the choice will hinge on who can best address Baguio City’s evolving needs while embodying the qualities of transparency, accountability, and genuine public service. PR

Contact tracing isinasagawa sa unang kaso ng Mpox sa Baguio

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – Nilinaw ni Mayor Benjamin Magalong na walang dahilan para mag-panic o’ mag-syu ng lockdown kaugnay sa kauna-unahang monkeypox o mpox na naitala sa siyudad ng Baguio. Ayon ay Magalong, nagsasagawa na din sila ng contact tracing, para alamin ang naging close contact ng pasyente. “Encountering difficulties because the close contact refuse to divulge more information.” Aniya, nagpalabas siya ng alert status para mabigyan ng babala ang publiko na sundin ang mga pag-iingat sa kalusugan dahil ito ay isang isang viral disease na kadalasang nailalarawan ng mga pantal o paltos at gawin ang mga nakagawiang health protocols tulad ng paggamit ng face masks at pagsunod sa physical distancing, hand and personal hygiene at proper ventilation. Iniulat ni Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, chief ng City Health Services Office, na isang 28-anyos na lalaki ay nagkaroon ng impeksyon na hindi gaanong malubhang uri ng Clad II Mpox virus at hindi Clade I na itinuturing na nakamamatay. Nailabas na sa isolation at ngayon ay nagpapagaling na lamang ang pasyente. Ipinaliwanag naman ng Department of Health (DOH), na ang Mpox virus ay maaaring magkaroon ng “human-to-human transmission through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions” tulad ng “talking or breathing, kissing, touching, hugging or sexual intercourse and also through respiratory mga sekreto.” Maaari din itong makuha nang hindi direkta sa pamamagitan ng kontaminadong bedding, damit o linen o iba pang mga bagay. Kasama sa mga sintomas ang pantal sa balat o mucosal lesions na sinamahan ng lagnat, namamagang lymph node at namamagang lalamunan, pananakit ng kalamnan at pananakit ng likod, sakit ng ulo at mababang enerhiya. Dapat sundin ang mga health protocol upang maiwasan ang impeksyon tulad ng pagtatakip ng bibig kapag umuubo o bumabahing, pag-iwas sa balat sa balat at pananatili sa mga matataong lugar, madalas na paghuhugas ng kamay, pagpapanatili ng magandang daloy ng hangin, at iba pa. Sinabi pa, gawin upang maka iwas sa Mpox o Monkeypox Virus ay kailangan ipairal ang INGAT ( ð—œ – wasan ang matagal na skin-to-skin contact at pakikipagsiksikan sa matataong lugar. ð—¡ – gayong uso ang kaparehong sintomas ng trangkaso, magsuot ng face mask, long sleeves, at pantalon kung pupunta sa matatao at kulob na lugar. ð—š – awin ang tama at madalas na paghuhugas ng kamay at pag-sanitize sa mga bagay na madalas hawakan. ð—” – lamin ang mga mahahalagang impormasyon tungkol sa Mpox at bantayan ang sarili sa mga sintomas. ð—§ – umawag o pumunta sa na health center kung mayroong isa o higit pang sintomas. By Zaldy Comanda

BENECO lineman turn-over rescued young owl to DENR

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Laarni S. Ilagan Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) lineman Reagan Acdong turned-over a Philippine Scops Owl (Otis megalotis) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR), on January 17. Acdong officially handed the owl over to Jasper Oligo, DENR-CAR’s Wildlife and Rescue Officer at their office in Baguio City after caring for it for two weeks. The baby owl still with its cottony tufts of soft downy feathers still starting to turn into harder feathers and could not yet fly, was rescued last January 3, 2025 by BENECO linemen J1 crew of BENECO. The heavy maintenance team linemen were conducting a scheduled retirement of idle wooden creosoted pole behind the wooded area at the Baguio Convention Center. Acdong is part of the J1 team. “We initially noticed that the tip of the pole was deeply hollowed. Baka adda billit dita (there might be a bird inside) kuna ni boss Rufo Madilat,” Acdong recalled. Madilat’s suspicion proved prophetic when the pole fell after the crew cut the pole with chainsaw, the baby owl came out of its hollowed tip. Acdong cared for it for two weeks and fed the owl with rodents, lizards and insects. He said he initially thought of releasing the baby owl at the area where it was rescued for the mother to come back and care for, but decided otherwise when he noticed it was still struggling to fly on its own. He also noticed the presence of cats that could prey on the vulnerable owl. While in his care he noticed the fast development of the owl’s wings and taught it to fly. “Wild life like this owl, that our crew usually encounter in the course of their work, were mostly sadly electrocuted. In my 20-years in BENECO as lineman and eventually as Construction and Maintenance Officer (CMO), this is a first live rescued wild life,” Engr Percival Aspillan said. According to Oligo, the owl could be 2-3 months old left alone by the mother that may have judged its youngling capable of surviving alone. It may also have been stressed by the chainsaw’s loud sound. Oligo lauded Acdong’s care for the baby owl and decision to turn-over to their office. Though he said that if in the future BENECO crew again rescue wild life, away from the city, they can immediately release them in the forest or vicinity they encountered them. Oligo assured Acdong that he will be releasing the owl this afternoon in a heavily forested area, its natural habitat.

Walk with Mary, Traslacion 2025 peaceful- PRO7

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

The Penitential Walk with Mary and Traslacion 2025, part of the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration, was marked by a peaceful, solemn, and orderly atmosphere, as reported by the Police Regional Office7 (PRO7). A strong security presence, with around 2,163 personnel, partner agencies, and force multipliers, was strategically deployed along the procession route and at designated entry and exit points to ensure the safety of devotees. According to PRO7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the crowd estimate from the City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office indicated that approximately 300,000 devotees participated in the procession, which began at 3 AM from Guadalupe Church in Barangay Guadalupe to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. General Maranan encouraged the public to continue collaborating, adhere to the implemented security measures, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. “This year’s religious event, attended by a large number of devotees, experienced no major incidents. I commend everyone involved for their efforts in making these events successful and orderly. Together, let us turn the Sinulog 2025 Festival into a display of our faith and a meaningful experience for everyone,” he said. The Traslacion follows the Walk with Mary foot procession, transferring the image of the Holy Child from the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, further emphasizing the significance of community and faith in this tradition. (PRO7-PIO)

Mother and son busted in Gapan City buy-bust

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – A mother and son, both listed as High-Value Individuals (HVI), were arrested in a successful anti-illegal drug operation conducted by joint operatives from the Gapan City Police Station and the Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PPDEU) of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO). The operation, which took place at around 4:15 a.m on January 16, in Barangay Mahipon, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, resulted in the apprehension of 44-year-old mother alias “Osel” and her 22-year-old son alias “Chao.” Following weeks of intensive surveillance, the buy-bust operation led to the confiscation of 60 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P408,000. The suspects, along with the seized illegal drugs, were promptly transported to the Gapan City Police Station for proper documentation and further legal processing. Police Regional Office 3 Regional Director Brig.Gen Jean Fajardo commended the operatives for their diligence and commitment to the fight against illegal drugs. “This operation demonstrates the PNP’s unwavering resolve to rid our communities of the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Let this be a strong message to those involved in the drug trade – the law will catch up with you,” she stated. Fajardo emphasized PRO3’s continued dedication to strengthening anti-drug operations and ensuring that individuals violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165) face the full force of the law. “Under my leadership, we will relentlessly strengthen our collaboration with the community to eradicate illegal drugs and confront all forms of criminality head-on,” she added.

Konsulta plus Guiconsulta, umaarangkada sa Pangasinan

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

By Zaldy Comanda LALAWIGAN NG PANGASINAN – Patuloy ang arangkada ng Konsulta plus Guiconsulta program sa lalawigan ng Pangasinan, na maituturing na isang legacy ni Governor Ramon ‘Mon-Mon’ Guico,III, sa layuning mapaunlad at mabigyan ng mahusay na kalusugan sa may dalawang milyong mamamayan ng lalawigan. Ramdam na ramdam ng mga residente ng bawat barangay sa iba’t ibang bayan na naunang personal na tinungo ng Guiconsulta Team ay ipinakita ni Gov,Guico ang kanyang malasakit at pagmamahal sa mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa mga kapuspalad, na maihatid para ang serbisyong-kalusugan at iba pang mga proyekto tungo sa maulad na pamumuhay sa lalawigan. “Kailangan talaga maramdaman ng bawat mamamayan ang serbisyo ng pamahalaang lalawigan ng Pangasinan, kaya naman ang ating mismong Gobernador, kasama ang iba pang opisyal, maging ang kinatawan ng Philhealth ang mismong naghahatid ng serbisyong pangkalusugan sa bawat barangay. Nakita natin ang totoong malasakit ng ating mga opisyal sa ngayon na mapakinabangan ng bawat tao ang benepisyo ng lalawigan at mga ka-partner natin sa programang ito,” pahayag ni Dhobie de Guzman, chief ng Pangasinan Public Information Office. Aniya, sa nakalipas na administrasyon, napakataas ng Philhealth Return to Hospital (RTH) at denied claims ng labing-apat na ospital ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan. Pero sa ilalim ng liderato ni Gov. Guico ay malaki na ang ipinagbago at mas maayos na ang koleksiyon ng PhilHealth claims dahil bumaba ang halaga RTH at denied claims. “ Sa ngayon ay nasa libong Pangasinan residents ang naka-enrol na sa Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Konsulta program ng lalawigan mula sa aprubadong ordinansa ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan, sa pangunguna ni Vice Governor Mark Lambino. Isa itong makasaysayang program ana ngayon lang naramdaman sa Pangasinan ” Ayon pa kay De Guzman, habang umaarangakada ang Guiconsulta program ay kasabay ang proyektong rehabilitation sa lahat ng ospital at paglalagay ng mga makabagong equipmet at aparato na pangunahing kailangan sa konsultasyon. Labis naman ang pasasalamat ni Nanay Angelita Garcia, residente ng Barangay Cabanbanan kay Governor Guico dahil sa mga tinanggap na libreng serbisyo, na gaya ng libreng check-up, libreng laboratory exam, at libreng mga gamot dahil sa Konsulta ng Philhealth at cash incentive. “Napakasarap sa pakiramdam bilang Pangasinense na may isang gobernador na nagmamalasakit at nagmamahal para lahat tayo ay healthy,” tugon ng isang opisyal. Ang GUICOnsulta ay isa sa mga pangunahing programa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na may layuning mai-enroll ang mga Pangasinense sa Philhealth Konsulta upang magkaroon ng libreng konsultasyon, gamot, at laboratory tests. “Priority ko ngayon itong Konsulta+GUICOnsulta dahil napakagandang program po ito. Ang programang ito ay programang pangkalusugan. Among the 81 provinces in the entire Philippines, ang Pangasinan ang nangunguna sa paglalatag at paggawa ng programang ito,” pahayag ni Governor Guico. Hangad ni Gov. Guico na sa PhilHealth Konsulta+GUICOnsulta program, Pangasinan ang magiging pinakamalusog na lalawigan sa buong bansa

Camp John Hay investments to soar to P10B under BCDA

Business

Business / Street Journal

Businesses begin outpour of investments in Baguio’s premier ecotourism destination BAGUIO CITY — Following its successful recovery of Camp John Hay in Baguio City, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is now moving forward with plans to unleash the full potential of this economic zone, with investments seen to reach Php10 billion. As its first order of business, the BCDA is conducting a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) to set a redevelopment roadmap that will further elevate the camp’s position as a premier ecotourism destination and make sure that economic benefits are felt across all sectors. “Big things are coming after our successful recovery of Camp John Hay. Here, we aim to replicate our successes in Bonifacio Global City and Clark by implementing infrastructure projects that will empower the local community and by bringing in high-impact investments that will enable us to contribute more to the state coffers,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “To achieve this, we will determine areas that need improvement and explore new opportunities for development, all while ensuring the preservation of Baguio’s natural and cultural heritage,” he added. According to Engr. Bingcang, the BCDA intends to develop around 70 hectares of untapped land inside the former US military base, to be offered to the private sector under a joint venture scheme. There is also a plan to redevelop the Mile Hi Center to bring better retail and restaurant offerings in the ecozone. Forested areas and other open spaces will be conserved to protect the natural landscape of Camp John Hay, which is considered as the “last frontier” of the vast forested area within Baguio. Moreover, the BCDA is committed to enhance public infrastructure inside the camp to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for tourists. This will be done by improving roads, jogging trails, and pedestrian lanes, installing solar street lights, and establishing a smart transport system. The BCDA is also reaching out to existing establishments inside the camp to negotiate terms for a fresh contract, providing recourse to affected stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to Camp John Hay and Baguio’s growth. Businesses set sights on Camp John Hay Reflecting the business sector’s confidence in the BCDA’s track record as a steward of development and in Camp John Hay’s potential as an ecotourism destination, several major players have already begun to pour in investments in the area. Among these is Pangilinan-led Landco Pacific Corporation, which took on the mantle as the interim manager of John Hay’s legacy hotels, The Manor and Forest Lodge, as well as the CAP- John Hay Trade and Cultural Center. A new consortium consisting of Golfplus Management Inc. (GMI), the operations team behind the driving ranges in premium estates Nuvali and Alviera, and DuckWorld PH, a sports management agency, was also formed to oversee the operations and maintenance of the Camp John Hay golf course during an interim period. With Landco and GMI-DuckWorld’s expertise and capabilities, the BCDA was able to usher a smooth transition in Camp John Hay, ensuring that tourists, hotel guests, and golfers continue to enjoy the facilities and open spaces. They will also be introducing improvements to these Camp John Hay estates to provide premium facilities and services. Stern Real Estate and Development Corp., the operator Le Monet Hotel and the Filling Station, also signed a landmark deal with the BCDA, allowing the 2,000-square meter property to continue serving as prime destinations for leisure and dining in Baguio City. The company intends to pursue improvements and redevelopment plans in its leased property to maximize economic activities in the area. Small- and medium-scale enterprises, as well as residential lessees, have also started to take part in Camp John Hay’s growth under the BCDA’s stewardship. BCDA finalized separate 15-year commercial lease agreements with Amare La Cucina, Baguio’s most successful homegrown pizza chain, for a 1,500-square-meter lot, and with Top Taste and Trading Inc., a specialty cafe and restaurant, for the lease of an 800-square-meter property in Camp John Hay. Metro Pacific Investment Corp. Director Victorico “Ricky” Vargas also signed a fresh 25-year residential lease contract with the BCDA for two Forest Cabin Units. The BCDA was able to regain control of the Camp John Hay property following a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision, which allowed the recovery of the 247-hectare leased area from CJH Development Corp. In accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, the implementation of the writ of execution and notice to vacate was carried on by the court sheriff.

Author name: Street Journal

Gov.Guico. kabilang sa Top 79 Notable Alumni ng UP Diliman