Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

P25-M firing range opens in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay Freeport – A new firing range inside this premier Freeport providing a place for gun enthusiasts and law enforcers to practice their shooting skills was opened on January 7. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño disclosed that the new Subic Freeport Shooting Range Inc., located at the Corregidor Highway, Ilanin Forest, has a committed investment of P25 million. The commercial shooting and target range aims to promote target shooting as a sport inside this premier Freeport, while also developing target shooting or shooters at par with the world’s best target shooters. Aliño and the SBMA Board of Directors led the opening of the firing range, together with the country’s best shooters, Jethro Dionisio and Khalil Viray. The 3,000 square meter facility is a former US naval building (Bldg. 2027) with an indoor range measuring 100 square meters. The company leased the area for 25 years and has 15 employees. A special provision was accorded to SBMA Law Enforcement personnel to utilize the facility free of charge for training purposes.

Statement : On the latest spoofing incident using Globe sender ID

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Globe has received reports that its sender ID has been used to spread a malicious message apparently targeting the President’s family or prominent political figures. Globe wishes to clarify that the said message is a case of spoofing, where fraudsters send unauthorized SMS with a spoofed sender ID to mobile users in a particular area using fake cell towers. Spoofing uses an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catcher– a portable device that captures mobile users within a limited radius by forcing their signal to downgrade to 2G, the old cellular network technology for voice calls and texts. Messages sent via spoofing do not pass through the Globe cellular network, thus bypassing Globe’s stringent anti-fraud filters. Globe is investigating this incident and is working with relevant authorities and other partners to prevent a recurrence. Globe would also like to remind its customers to be wary of suspicious text messages they receive and never engage with its senders. As a mobile network operator engaged in public service, Globe will never send messages of a political nature and does not have any political alliance. Instead, it is committed to working with the government to achieve shared goals, including inclusive connectivity and a digitally-enabled and thriving Filipino nation.

Igorota Power

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

IGOROTA POWER Congratulations Islay Erika Bomogao and your team for the win,during the fight at Bangkok,Thailand on Friday,January 10. Bomogao defeats Ran Longshu by unanimous decision at ONE Friday Fights93 for her second straight win. You made Cordillera and your country proud Photo Courtesy || One Championship

Laguna cops seizes over P1-M shabu

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim – The Drug Enforcement Team of Lumban Municipal Police Station successfully seized ₱1,020,000 worth of shabu and apprehended a high-value individual (HVI) during a police operation in Barangay Concepcion, Lumban, Laguna, on January 9. The arrested suspect was identified as alias “Axcel,” 24, listed as a high-value individual in Lumban MPS drug watchlist and a resident of Barangay Maytalang 1, Lumban, Laguna who was arrested after selling a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu to a police officer who posed as poseur buyer. During said operation, authorities recovered 1 knot-tied transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, along with 2 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the same substance weighing 150 grams with Standard Drug Price of Php1,020,000.00, weighing scale, a pouch; and drug bust money. Regional Director PBGen Paul Kenneth T Lucas commended the operatives for their successful operation. “This successful operation highlights our steadfast commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in CALABARZON. We assure the public that the Philippine National Police will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities from the dangers of illegal substances as your safety and well-being remain our top priorities, and we will not rest until every corner of our region is safe and drug-free,” he said. Meanwhile, the arrested suspect together with the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to Lumban MPS for documentation and proper disposition and violation of Section 5 and Violation of Sec 11 Article II of RA 9165 is being prepared for filing before the Provincial Prosecution Office, Sta Cruz, Laguna. RPIO4A

Baguio sees vibrant economy with increasing businesses

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By JM Samidan The city government of Baguio sees a steady and vibrant economy in the coming years based on the increasing number of businesses with permits and licenses to operate. Records from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) under the City mayor’s Office shows business permits issued increase from 25,250 in 2023 to 27,992 in 2024 or an additional 2,216 new trades registered last year. This accounts to more than P550.3 million business taxes and fees collected in 2024 higher than the P330.7 million collection in 2023. A total of 24,953 regular permits were issued last year giving the city a revenue of more than P523.5 million plus P26.9 million collected from the 3,039 special and temporary permits issued. Majority of the regular permits issued belong to the micro scale enterprises with a total of 22,062. There are 2,224 small scale enterprises registered; 570 medium scale enterprises; and 97 large scale enterprises. Most of the business operating in the city are engaged in Wholesale, Retail Trade, Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles totaling 11,553; followed by Accommodation and Food Service Activities with 5,990; Real Estate Activities with 3,099; and Other Service Activities with 1,067. There are 569 businesses engaged in Manufacturing; 478 engaged in Financial and Insurance Activities; 401 engaged in Professional, Scientific and technical Activities; 383 engaged in Administrative and Support Service Activities; and 307 engaged in Human Health and Social Work Services. The BPLO also recorded 270 businesses engaged in Construction; 232 engaged in Education; 225 engaged in Information and Communication; 197 engaged in Transport and Storage; and 95 engaged in Arts, Entertainment and Recreation. There also 43 businesses engaged in Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste management and Remediation Activities; 36 engaged in Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply; seven engaged in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing; and one office registered under Mining and Quarrying. The city government of Baguio has been consistently awarded the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards in the past several years accorded annually by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

SM mallgoers donate record-breaking 50,000 Bears of Joy to kids in need

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

This holiday season, SM mallgoers achieved something truly remarkable—donating 50,000 SM Bears of Joy to children in underserved communities. In partnership with Toy Kingdom, this milestone was part of a record-breaking campaign where 100,000 bears were sold, made possible by the collective generosity of mallgoers who came together to make the season brighter for those in need. An annual initiative of SM Cares, the SM Bears of Joy campaign empowers shoppers to spread holiday cheer by purchasing a pair of specially designed plush bears—one to keep and another to share. This year’s theme, “Hug-a-Mood,” introduced four charming bears: Mikah, the curious explorer; Ash, the gentle and shy friend; Bree, the spirited adventurer; and Ronnie, the creative dreamer. Each bear brought its own personality, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the season Beyond the numbers, the true impact lies in the ripples of care created by this campaign. Each donated bear represents the kindness and generosity of a community united in its commitment to giving back. These simple acts of giving spread not only joy but also hope, showing that small gestures can create meaningful change across communities. This initiative also reminds us that the holidays are a time to create special memories, especially for children who may not always feel the season’s merriness. Through the unwavering compassion of SM shoppers, the Bears of Joy initiative delivered smiles, warmth, and a powerful message of love to children nationwide. SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

P10.2-M illegal drugs busted in Mandaue City

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Authorities in Mandaue City carried out a significant joint anti-drug operation resulting in the seizure of 1.5 kilograms of illegal drugs and the arrest of a high-profile drug suspect, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7. The operation, which took place around 8:07 PM on January 8, 2025, at FE Zuellig Street in the North Reclamation Area of Barangay Subangdaku, was led by personnel from the Mandaue City Police Office’s City Intelligence Unit and City Drug Enforcement Unit, in collaboration with the Regional Special Enforcement Team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 7 (PDEA RO7 RSET MCO). During the operation, officers apprehended a 42-year-old high-profile drug suspect from Liloan, Cebu. They recovered several sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu”, weighing 1.5 kilograms, valued at P10.2 million. In addition to the drugs, authorities confiscated buy-bust money, a mobile phone, and a backpack used to conceal the illegal substances. PBGen Dionisio B Bartolome, Jr, Officer-in-Charge of PRO7, highlighted the importance of this operation. “This seizure marks the largest illegal drug bust recorded this week. We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Together, we can enhance our efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Central Visayas community,” said PBGen Bartolome Jr. The illegal drugs that were seized have been forwarded to the Regional Forensic Unit for examination and analysis. The high-profile drug suspect remains in police custody as investigators prepare the necessary documentation to file charges under R.A. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PRO7-PIO)

37 Provincial Government employees sworn into office

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Twenty two promoted and 15 newly-appointed permanent employees of the Provincial Government took their oath of office before Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. at the Provincial Governor’s Office and at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office. The oath-taking took place in the presence of Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, Board Members Ezra Samson A. Gomez, Ricardo M. Masidong, Jr., Henry D. Bastian, Jr., and Joshua B. Fronda who altogether, relayed their respective message of congratulations and encouragement. Also, Provincial Human Resources Management Officer Leonila Milagrose F. Malla-ao, office heads, family, friends, and colleagues of the inducted employees stood as witnesses to the ceremony. Meanwhile, the promoted and newly-appointed personnel were oriented by Board Member Tomas B. Tawagen on their vital role in providing quality services to the people of the province before the ceremony. The Provincial Government congratulates the following personnel: Voniff Deon Y. Likigan – Engineer I at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Marjorie T. Engngeg – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the PDRRMO Angeline N. Bayle – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the PDRRMO Jomar S. Vargas – Administrative Aide I (Utility Worker I) at the Provincial Human Resources and Management Office (PHRMO) Maureen B. Sacgaca – Administrative Aide III (Clerk I) at the PHRMO Caren Michelle L. Dangit – Administrative Aide IV (Bookbinder II) at the Provincial Assessor’s Office (PAssO) Jeffrey O. Afidchao – Engineer I at the Office of the Provincial Agriculture and Biosystem Engineer Daphna Fa-e T. Fantiyao – Medical Officer III at the Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH) Marie Lei O. Bandoc – Nutritionist Dietitian II at the Provincial Health Office Charlie Sheen A. Maskit – Security Guard I at the Provincial Security Services Office (PSSO) Rose L. Lomas-I – Nurse I at the BoGH Angelika Inglay A. Ringor – Nurse I at the BoGH Tanya Crystal F. Khayad – Nurse I at the BoGH Lorimae M. Pakurao – Nurse I at the Barlig District Hospital Kent M. Falitang – Economic Researcher at the Provincial Planning and Development Office Samuel Kurt B. Fagyan – Administrative Aide V (Audio-Visual Equipment Operator) at the PHRMO Marilou P. Sapdoy – Administrative Assistant II (Audio-Visual Aids Technician) at the PHRMO Salvacion P. Likigan – Provincial Government Assistant Department Head of the PAssO Brenda Joy B. Golocan – Administrative Officer V (Administrative Officer III) at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) Clay Angelo D. Bayle – Administrative Assistant IV (Photographer III) at the Provincial Information Office Weldon Lee L. Manalang – Security Guard II at the PSSO Adelfo I. Edan, Jr. – Nurse II at the BoGH Elvie A. Lubang – Nurse Attendant I at the BoGH Jasper S. Manogan – Nurse Attendant I at the BoGH Martina B. Safawil – Midwife I at the BoGH Lyndon John V. Awichen – Administrative Aide IV (Driver II) at the BoGH Tom P. Agluya – Medical Equipment Technician at the BoGH Mananne B. Sumedca – Administrative Assistant I (Bookbinder III) at the PGO Leticia F. Dacawe – Senior Agriculturist at the Provincial Agriculture Office Janine K. Damitan – Engineer II at the Provincial Engineering Office John Melville L. Maskay – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the Provincial General Services Office Fernando F. Balagot, Jr. – Administrative Assistant II (Accounting Clerk III) at the Provincial Accounting Office (PAccO) Maria Louisa F. Napa-eg – Accountant IV at the PAccO Lyn S. Killip – Local Revenue Collection Officer IV at the Provincial Treasury Office (PTrO) Faith Ann P. Landisan – Local Revenue Collection Officer I at the PTrO Ruth G. Ticangen – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the Mountain Province Environment and Natural Resources Office (MPENRO) Angelica B. Maday-a – Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) at the MPENRO

Nueva Vizcaya Achieves First-Class Province Status

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday In a landmark development for the province, Nueva Vizcaya under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has been elevated from a second-class province to a first-class province, effective January 1, 2025, based on Department Order No. 074, Series of 2024, issued by the Department of Finance (DOF). This change is in line with Republic Act No. 11964, known as the “Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units (LGUs) Act,” which was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto signed the order on November 5, 2024, which outlines the income classifications of provinces, cities, and municipalities based on their average annual regular income over the three fiscal years preceding a general income reclassification. Under the updated classification system, provinces are categorized into five classes according to specific income ranges: 1st Class: ₱1.5 billion or more 2nd Class: ₱900 million to less than ₱1.5 billion 3rd Class: ₱700 million to less than ₱900 million 4th Class: ₱500 million to less than ₱700 million 5th Class: Less than ₱500 million The income classification is determined by a combination of national tax allocation (NTA) and local revenue sources. This classification will play a crucial role in determining financial grants and other assistance to localities, as well as their capacity to implement priority programs, according to President Marcos. In 2023, Nueva Vizcaya reported an impressive annual income exceeding ₱2 billion, which included over ₱700 million in local taxes. The province’s locally-sourced revenue for the fiscal year 2023 reached ₱717,096,656.06, surpassing the target of ₱391,387,274.00 and reflecting a remarkable collection efficiency rate of 183.22%. This growth signifies a booming business environment in the province. Governor Gambito emphasized the province’s thriving economic landscape, remarking, “We can confidently say that we have a healthy and vibrant economy right now.” He highlighted that the declaration of Nueva Vizcaya as an insurgency-free province has played a crucial role in attracting more investors. Additionally, he pointed out that infrastructure projects, such as the Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan, have been instrumental in supporting farmers by facilitating the transport of their produce to markets, thereby invigorating the local economy. The governor also committed to continuing the momentum of growth and development, ensuring that the province remains an attractive destination for investment and progress. Moreover, Nueva Vizcaya demonstrated an impressive year-on-year growth rate of 68.20% in total locally sourced revenues from fiscal year 2022 to 2023, highlighting its economic resilience and potential for further development. Provincial Treasurer Rhoda S. Moreno attributed this success to various initiatives, stating, “A big factor is due to the passage of SP ordinances providing taxpayers easy and convenient ways to settle their delinquent taxes through compromise agreement schemes, condonation of penalties, electronic/online tax payment systems, and other innovative approaches introduced by the Provincial Treasury geared toward the enhancement of our locally sourced revenues.”

Author name: Street Journal