Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya’s tourism sector continued to gain momentum, with overall visitor arrivals rising in 2025 and paying tourists increasing by 28.02 percent in the first quarter of 2026, the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) said. Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales told Monday’s flag‑raising ceremony that total tourist arrivals in the province rose 10.2 percent in 2025 compared with 2024. Day visitors and excursionists also rose by 5.4 percent, reflecting sustained interest in the province’s destinations and tourism activities, she said. In the first quarter of 2026, visitors reached 10,478, up from 8,185 in the same period last year. Costales thanked Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito for including tourism among his administration’s priority programs, saying the provincial government’s support has strengthened efforts to promote Nueva Vizcaya’s destinations and develop tourism-related initiatives. Collections at the Lower Magat Eco‑Tourism Park (LMET) totaled P6.8 million in 2025, down from P9 million in 2024 — a 24.4-percent decrease, Costales said. She attributed the decline to the temporary closure of the LMET Conference Center after damage from Typhoon Uwan, and to reservation cancellations caused by road construction and heavy traffic along portions of the Maharlika Highway. She said the conference center and other halls at LMET are among the park’s major income-generating facilities, making their temporary closure a significant factor in the decline in collections. Costales, however, said the outlook remained positive, noting that LMET’s accommodations reached full occupancy during a recent long holiday weekend. This, she said, indicated the park’s strong potential to recover revenue once rehabilitation work is completed. LMET remained Nueva Vizcaya’s top tourist attraction in 2025, drawing 37,284 visitors. The province is also preparing to host next year the International Summit on the Conservation of the Gray-faced Buzzard, expected to draw birdwatchers and conservationists from Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Borneo. Costales said the province is likewise promoting airsports, including paragliding, and supporting the reactivation of Bagabag Airport to expand tourism opportunities in Nueva Vizcaya.

NIA-CAR to deploy water pumps, rotate water distribution as El Niño looms over Cordillera

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

By Debbie E. Gasingan BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (PIA) — The National Irrigation Administration Cordillera (NIA-CAR) said that mitigating measures are in place for the possible effects of El Niño. Of the 69,270 hectares of agricultural areas served by NIA-CAR across the region, 2,780 hectares are identified as vulnerable areas. Based on NIA’s continuous monitoring, water levels in rivers in Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga have already declined. NIA-CAR Regional Manager Ronilio Cervantes said that to address the effects of the looming El Niño, they are strictly implementing scheduling and rotation of water distribution in their service areas. He added that they also continue to conduct desilting and clearing of canals in their service area to ensure proper water distribution, enhance irrigation efficiency, and support the farming operations of the community amid the dry season. “Marami na rin po tayong natanggap na bagong [equipment] sa ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at tuloy-tuloy po ang ginagawa nating desilting and clearing sa ating mga kanal para mapaganda ang daloy ng tubig patungo sa mga bukirin,” Cervantes said. He also shared their plan to buy additional water pumps and lend them to the affected areas. “Maglalagay tayo ng water pump, fill in areas na hindi maabot ng ating patubig. Ang plano po ng NIA-CAR ay bibili ng kaunting water pumps at ipahiram doon sa areas affected,” Cervantes said in an interview with PTV Cordillera. The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) has raised an El Niño Alert as of April 22, 2026, indicating a 79 percent chance of the phenomenon developing by the June-July-August period. PAGASA Baguio Chief Meteorologist Engr. Larry Esperanza said that they still have to continuously monitor the developments because the phenomenon might continue until next year. “Puwede itong mag-prolong kasi ang nakikita pa lang is until the end of this year. We’ll see again if this will continue next year,” Esperanza said. The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had earlier issued an advisory for local government units to prepare for the possible impact of El Niño. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)

P33.5M aid to be distributed to 6,670 jeepney drivers in Cordillera

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 6,670 jeepney drivers in the Cordillera region will receive P5,000 each under the Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development- Cordillera Administrative Region. In the first round of CRA payout on May 4 at the Baguio Convention Center, out of a total target of 3,868 jeepney drivers in Baguio City, 2,987 beneficiaries received P5,000 each. In total, Baguio City jeepneys drivers have a pool of P19,340,000. According to the DSWD FO CAR, beneficiaries who were included in the official list but did not get their CRA during the payout will have a special payout on May 9, 2026, at the DSWD Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) Office, 1st Floor, SN Oriental Building, #19 Leonard Wood Road. On May 5, the CRA payout was conducted at the municipal hall of La Trinidad targeting 2,372 jeepney drivers from 13 towns in Benguet, with a total fund of P11,860,000. The successful implementation of the payout was made possible through the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baguio, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police (PNP), Baguio City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and other partner agencies. The payout demonstrated effective inter-agency coordination where the flow of beneficiaries was smooth through an organized system, from verification to the actual receipt of assistance. The presence and active participation of each agency was essential to ensure order, security, and speedy service throughout the payout day. Those who were not included in the list of beneficiaries are advised to contact the LTFRB for the corresponding verification and other processes. For other PUV drivers in other provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region, just wait for your payout schedule this week. Meanwhile, in a social media post by Jaime Galano, Jr., a jeepney driver from Baguio City, he expressed his gratitude for the government’s assistance in response to his daily needs as a driver who continues to face the challenge of high diesel prices.

American Experts Share World-Class Teaching Strategies with Baguio Educators

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

An American English Language Fellow trains college instructors on teaching complex subjects in English. BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic ties and the Freedom 250 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, launched a specialized professional development program to help college instructors teach technical subjects more effectively in English. This initiative highlights American excellence in teaching innovation, bringing world-class instructional standards to Philippine classrooms. The two-day workshop, held in Baguio City on April 28 and 29 and facilitated by Saint Louis University, trained 50 college instructors specializing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and social sciences. Led by American English Language Fellows, the workshop used experiential learning methods—including mini laboratories and solving complex math problems in English—to help participants experience firsthand the challenges students face when learning technical subjects in English. “By empowering Filipino faculty with tools to strengthen their English instruction, we are also helping them shape the next generation of subject matter experts who can effectively communicate complex ideas in English. This collaboration bridges a future where the United States and the Philippines can work more easily toward shared goals, making both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna. “This training has benefited the whole region through these professors and instructors to learn more ways of using English as a power and a tool in facilitating content courses. From here, we will always share and pay it forward,” said Dr. Stephanie Busbus, Director of Global Relations at Saint Louis University. Participants also relied on the American English Toolkit—a collection of resources provided by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with American educators and professionals. The Toolkit includes interactive games, songs, recorded virtual workshops, and other teaching tools that highlight American values, culture, history, and the arts, offering instructors valuable materials to incorporate into their classrooms. The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Manila advances U.S. interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines. Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, RELO empowers educators and institutions to enhance English language instruction, creating opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation.

Globe rolls out relief support for Bicol communities as Mayon unrest continues

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

ALBAY, Philippines — Globe is providing immediate relief and connectivity support to residents in Albay as Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, with ongoing volcanic unrest and intermittent eruptive activity as of Sunday,May 3, based on updates from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST–PHIVOLCS). Recent monitoring indicates continued effusive eruption, with lava flows, rockfalls, and the risk of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs or “uson”), including activity observed along the Mi-isi gully on the volcano’s southern slopes. Authorities continue to enforce safety measures in affected areas as communities remain on alert. Globe’s network facilities remain unaffected and services continue to operate normally in the area. The company has likewise activated its #AlagangGlobe initiative to ensure residents in high-risk and surrounding areas remain connected and supported. Support for affected customers. Globe and TM subscribers in selected areas will receive free unlimited calls and texts to all networks, 100MB open access data for all apps and additional 100MB for social apps such as Facebook and Viber for one day. While for broadband customers, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi users will receive 5GB of open access data valid for three days, GFiber Prepaid users will receive a three-day promo extension, and GFiber Postpaid and Globe Postpaid customers in affected areas will be granted extended payment due dates. GFiber Postpaid customers will also get an additional 15GB valid for 15 days. These measures aim to ensure continuous access to vital communication services for families, responders, and local communities. Globe is also mobilizing its platforms to support relief efforts: Globe Rewards users may donate points via the GlobeOne app to Rise Against Hunger Philippines Donations may also be made through GCash to support ongoing relief operations Relief support will be extended across key municipalities in Albay, including Camalig, Guinobatan, Jovellar, Daraga, Ligao, Tabaco, Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Polangui, and Oas. “Our priority is to help communities stay connected and supported, especially during times of uncertainty,” Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto said. “We continue to stand with Bicolanos and do our part to help them keep going.” Globe will continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with authorities, ready to scale assistance as needed.

Rehab of Baguio swimming pool, awaiting feasibility study

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the plans to rehabilitate the swimming pool at the Baguio City Athletic Bowl, on April 27, 2026, following concerns raised about its condition and usability for athletes. Magalong said funds have already been secured for the pool’s full rehabilitation, with additional support pledged by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). It will be recalled that PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio committed to developing Baguio as a regional training center, promising to assist the city in upgrading its sports facilities, including the Baguio Athletic Bowl and the swimming pool. The mayor said a key challenge in the rehabilitation is maintaining the pool’s temperature at around 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, which is necessary for athlete training. He said initial studies showed that existing solar panels alone cannot meet the heating requirements, leading to the decision to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most suitable heating system, considering either an electric or gas-fed option. He said early findings suggest a gas-fed system may be more viable. The study, being completed by the City Engineering Office, is expected to be finalized within two weeks. Magalong also said the city will proceed with rehabilitating the facility’s solar panels, which will likely be repurposed to supply heated water for showers instead of the pool. In the meantime, the City Sports Division said it is working out a short-term solution — repairing the existing system if still possible — while the procurement of new heaters is underway. The division conducted an inspection of the heaters on April 28, together with the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), sports officials, and coaches. Meanwhile, Magalong said the PSC has committed an additional P20 million to complete the athletes’ quarters. Plans are also underway to revive the facility’s diving pool, which had previously been considered for conversion into another training pool. He said the city will work out more funding once the feasibility study is completed to ensure the full rehabilitation of the swimming facility. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo)

Newly-opened CALAX Subsection 3 seen to improve South Luzon connectivity

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Christopher Hedreyda CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the opening of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Subsection 3 on May 4 in General Trias City, Cavite, which is seen to improve the connectivity and mobility of people, goods, and services between major cities in the provinces of Laguna and Cavite, and Metro Manila. The 7.88-km new subsection of CALAX extends the expressway from Silang (Aguinaldo) to Governor’s Drive Interchange in General Trias City, Cavite. The new segment is expected to further ease congestion and cut travel time between Biñan City, Laguna, and Gen. Trias City, Cavite, to just 26 minutes from one hour, further strengthening the commitment to slash traffic congestion and boost transport network. Toll fees in CALAX Subsection 3 will be free for all classes for one month, the President announced, saying that aside from bringing ease of travel to motorists, it can also provide needed relief from their transportation costs. “I can announce na mabuksan ito starting 12 midnight tonight and for one month, wala na muna toll. So, ‘yung ating mga kababayan, gamitin po ninyo, makita ninyo, maramdaman ninyo na ang malaking ginhawa na dinadala nitong mga ganitong malalaking project,” President Marcos said. Designed to accommodate additional 6,000 motorists daily, CALAX Subsection 3 provides a faster alternative route for commuters and businesses by bypassing heavily congested local roads in Cavite’s growing industrial and residential corridors. “Bubuksan natin itong section, which is about four and a half kilometers. ’Yung dating kalahating oras na biyahe ay magiging five minutes na lang, six minutes, kaya’t malaking bagay ito,” the Chief Executive added. According to MPCALA Holdings Inc., the developer and operator of CALAX, the new subsection now spans 26 kilometers from Mamplasan Entry and will ultimately extend to 44.6 kilometers, linking the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) in Kawit, Cavite, to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Mamplasan, Laguna. “At hindi lang kasi mabibilisan eh dahil ma-relieve din ang traffic. At tinitingnan namin doon sa mapa ay ‘yung inaantay natin na matagal na galing dito sa Silang hanggang Kawit na. ‘Yung dati mga dalawang oras, magiging kalahating oras, 45 minutes na lang,” the President said. The President commits to support the continued expansion of the road network to connect people and enable economic growth. “At ulit, kahit na nagtatrabaho ka sa Taguig, puwede kang nakatira dito sa Cavite. Kaya’t magandang-maganda na matapos na natin ito. This is ten years in the making at pahirapan kasi as usual ‘yung nagiging problema natin sa lahat ng construction ng mga kalsada ‘yung right of way,” he said. The President was accompanied by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr., Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Jose Ma. K. Lim, President Emeritus, of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). President Marcos then thanked Secretary Remulla, who he credited as crucial in the success of the project during his term as governor of Cavite, and the MVP Group for the CALAX Project implemented by the MPCALA Holdings Inc. with the DPWH as the grantor. Once the CALAX and CAVITEX integration is completed, the combined network is projected to serve up to 95,000 vehicles per day, serving as a key economic corridor for trade and mobility in CALABARZON and Metro Manila. (CH/PIA-Laguna)

5150 Camiguin welcomes over 300 athletes from 15 countries for inaugural island race

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Camiguin, Philippines – The island province of Camiguin takes center stage this weekend as it hosts the inaugural 5150 Camiguin, bringing together more than 300 athletes from 15 countries in a celebration of triathlon, tourism, and Filipino hospitality. Set against one of the Philippines’ most iconic island backdrops, the Olympic-distance race marks another milestone in the continued expansion of IRONMAN-branded events across the country. Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin offers a distinctive race experience where volcanoes meet the sea, combining natural beauty with a technically engaging course. Athletes will begin with a 1.5km swim at the historic Sunken Cemetery, followed by a 40km bike along the island’s scenic circumferential road, and a 10km run that finishes inside the Camiguin Sports Complex in a festive, community-driven atmosphere. Strong International and Local Field The race has attracted participants from 15 countries, underscoring the Philippines’ growing reputation as a premier destination for triathlon in Asia. The international field is complemented by a competitive lineup of Filipino athletes, including standouts in the Philippine Sports Commission-supported Filipino Elite category. Leading the charge are top local names such as Bea Quiambao and John Edsille Hamlan, alongside emerging talents identified through the Filipino Elite program. The category continues to serve as a platform to elevate homegrown athletes and discover the next generation of triathlon stars in the country. Expanding the Islands of the Philippines Campaign 5150 Camiguin is part of the broader “Islands of the Philippines” campaign, a multi-race initiative designed to showcase the country’s diverse island destinations through sport. The campaign invites athletes to race across multiple locations, combining endurance competition with immersive travel experiences unique to each island. From Guimaras to Camiguin and beyond, the series highlights the Philippines as a multi-stop racing destination where each event offers a distinct course, culture, and community. A Growing Sports Tourism Destination With the support of the local government and stakeholders, Camiguin continues to position itself as an emerging hub for sports tourism. The staging of 5150 Camiguin reflects the province’s commitment to hosting world-class events while promoting its natural attractions, including White Island, Katibawasan Falls, and its rich cultural heritage. The event not only delivers a high-quality race experience but also contributes to the local economy by drawing athletes, supporters, and visitors to the island. As the race unfolds, 5150 Camiguin reinforces the Philippines’ standing in the global triathlon scene, where island racing meets international standards, and where every finish line is powered by community and culture. For more information about the event, https://www.ironman.com/races/5150-camiguin.

Cayetano, Dizon inspect first-of-its-kind forensic lab in Taguig

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — A world-class forensic laboratory meant to help solve crimes faster and deter criminals is nearing completion in the City of Taguig, just two years after it broke ground. Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday brought Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to the site of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s first-of-its-kind forensic laboratory in Camp Bagong Diwa as part of the Secretary’s inspection of DPWH projects in the senator’s home city. Several portions of the project have already been completed, while work on other sections continues to make significant progress. “Ang intensiyon nito is to move the capability of PNP,” he told reporters during the visit on April 28, 2026. “Ang buong responsibilidad sa anti-crime ay buong society: magulang, pari, pastor, businessmen, media. Sistema ‘yan. But how do you help the police? One way is to back them up with the facilities and science,” he continued. The project is a collaboration between the City Government of Taguig, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and Taguig City University, whose criminology program consistently ranks among the top in the country. The visit also highlighted Cayetano’s long-running partnership with Dizon, the DPWH’s “action man” who has been personally inspecting public works projects across the country since taking over the department. First of its kind in Southeast Asia Cayetano, who has championed the project since 2007, earlier said the facility is envisioned to become the “most modern forensics unit in Southeast Asia” and a major step toward strengthening the country’s justice system. “All around the world, law enforcement is moving into two things: forensic science and artificial intelligence,” he said. Once opened, the 12-storey facility in Taguig will house the 13 technical divisions of the NCR Regional Forensic Unit, providing a central site for faster and more coordinated evidence processing, analysis, and secure storage. The lab will have advanced facilities that can analyze different kinds of evidence, from physical to digital. This includes facilities for medico-legal and autopsy work, forensic chemistry and drug-testing, DNA analysis, ballistics and firearms testing, and checking fingerprints and suspicious documents. “‘Pag crime scene, nilalagyan pa natin ng dilaw na tape. But napapaisip tayo kung talaga bang kinukuha ang fingerprint at DNA? Mapagkakatiwalaan ba natin ang pasa-pasa ng DNA? Sigurado ba talagang nakulong ’yon?” he previously said. “Many of these questions ay mareresolve ‘pag mayroon tayong very professional forensic group at modern crime lab.” Deterrent to crime The project is part of Cayetano’s broader push to modernize crime laboratories across the country to help law enforcers build stronger evidence and solve cases faster. “The biggest deterrent to crime is the certainty of being caught,” he said back in 2022 during Taguig’s celebration of National Correctional Consciousness Week. He stressed that while witness testimony is accepted in court, forensic evidence “simply has more weight.” During the visit to the forensic lab on Tuesday, the senator encouraged police officers, whether active in the service or retired, to communicate their needs to policymakers. “Engage niyo y’ung policymakers, from the barangay all the way to Malacañang, because mas alam niyo ang problema niyo at mas alam niyo ang solusyon,” he said.

Author name: Street Journal

Nueva Vizcaya tourism gains momentum as visitors arrival rise