Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in collaboration with other law enforcement units intercepted an attempt to smuggle P816,000,000.00 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, at the Port of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said the shabu haul was confiscated from the suspect identified as alias “Cris”, 43 years old, a male truck driver and resident of Oton, Iloilo. On March 21, 2025 at around 9:30 in the morning, combined elements of PDEA Regional Office MIMAROPA Calapan Seaport Interdiction Unit and K9 Unit; PDEA MIMAROPA Oriental Mindoro Provincial Office; PDEA Intelligence Service; PDEA Regional Office-National Capital Region (RO-NCR) Regional Special Enforcement Team 2; PDEA SIU- Batangas; PDEA Regional Office IV-A; NBI MIMAROPA; Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station Calapan K9 Unit; PPA-PMO Min doro; PNP-DEG, Calapan City Drug Enforcement Unit; Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, Calapan City Police Station; Philippine Army; PNP Regional Highway Patrol Unit; and PNP Maritime Group 4B, arrested alias “Cris” after a random inspection and K-9 sweeping inside the compartment of his vehicle that yielded traveling bags containing120 packs of suspected shabu, weighing more or less 120 kilograms worth P816,000,000.00. Also seized during the seaport interdiction operation are one Toyota Camry, one mobile phone and the commercial transport documents of the suspect. Alias “Cris” will be facing charges for violation of Section 5 (Transportation of Illegal Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Illegal Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. “The operation is the first major seizure of illegal drugs in Oriental Mindoro. Beside the country’s airports and parcel system, we also need to protect our seaports from becoming transit and dropping points for large volumes of illegal drugs,” Undersecretary Nerez said. “Another high-impact operation that saved countless lives. This is going to be a regular part of PDEA life”, Nerez expressed. Neres said, in Cavite, a Chinese national identified as alias “Li”, 35 years old, a male Chinese national and resident of Mandaluyong City, was arrested and yielded a Methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, and ecstasy tablets worth P217,642,000.00 were confiscated following a buy-bust operation in Bacoor City, Cavite. Combined elements of PDEA Special Enforcement Service (SES); PDEA Regional Office IV-A, Cavite Provincial Office; and the Philippine National Police Maritime Police Station and Bacoor City Police Station, arrested “Li” after he sold one transparent self-sealing plastic bag containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately one kilogram worth P6,800,000.00 to a poseur-buyer in the parking lot of popular fast food chain restaurant along Bacoor Boulevard, Bacoor City, Cavite. Seized also in the suspect’s possession were 31 more plastic bags containing suspected shabu, weighing more or less 31 kilograms, worth P210,800,000.00; four plastic sachets containing 35 pieces of red-colored ecstasy tablets worth P42,000.00; one Honda City and other personal belongings. Nerez said that the total estimated weight of shabu seized during the operation is more or less 32 kilograms, with a standard value of ₱217,600.000.00. Alias “Li” will be facing charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Illegal Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Illegal Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. “The arrested Chinese national has been under our tight watch for quite some time now under COPLAN: “Mafioso”. He is capable of distributing voluminous amounts of illegal drugs, and is now behind bars,” the PDEA chief said.

Irisan multi-purpose hall turned over to barangay

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The newly constructed Irisan Multi-Purpose Hall has been inaugurated and turned over to the barangay led by barangay captain Arthur Carlos, on March 21. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the project turned out well despite the challenges faced during the construction phase. He promised to secure additional funding to finish the second basement of the building, funding of which was made possible through the help of former Senator Ralph Recto and the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Arch. Rad Bokipen of the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) said the multi-purpose building has two storey and two basements. The offices of the punong barangay, session hall and administrative staff are located at the second storey while the offices of the medical emergency, barangay disaster risk reduction and management and nutrition office occupy the ground floor. The first basement will house the offices of the lupon tagapamayapa, barangay tanod, anti-violence against women and children (VAWC), barangay anti-drug abuse council (BADAC) and family life resource center (FLRC). The second basement is planned for the barangay library, tourism office, function hall and chapel.

Honasan calls unity in Lucena City sorties

Inside Politics, Region 4

Inside Politics, Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio LUCENA CITY, Quezon- Senatorial candidate Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan called for unity despite the present political situation in the country, during his campaign sortie in the public market, here on Thursday, March 20. Honasan received warm welcome from the market vendors, and at this time, he is the only senatorial candidate who visited them, a vendor said. Honasan also visited the provincial capitol of Quezon and was received by vice-governor Anacleto “Third “Alcala representing Governor Helen Tan, and sought support to provincial employees. In the ambushed interview, he said that he will pursue peace and security laws in the country, being a former military officer ” Hindi ako nangangamba sa mga banta sa atin” as far as security is concerned, he is referring to the situation that happened in the west Philippine sea. He added that he will also pursue the digitization program on matters related to security, health, education, poverty, and livelihood for fastest dissemination of reliable information, and particularly, the young who belong to the new generation and millenials are very much related on various social media platforms. Honasan asked the support of Lucenahin for the coming election on May 12, and pledged to fight for the welfare of the common people in the Senate.

P1.1B dormitory complex to open in Subic Freeport

Uncategorized

Uncategorized / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport – A P1.1-billion dormitory complex is set to be constructed soon to become the site for a “home away from home” for some 6,000 employees working here. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on March 19, 2025 led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a five-storey building. “This is why I cannot hide how overjoyed I am today,” SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said about the realization of his dreams for SBF workers. The chairman was elated over the start of the realization of his dream of providing housing facilities to the workers of this premier Freeport. “To me, this is the first step towards the realization of a strong, comfortable and peaceful way of life for our Freeport workers, the same as the dream of our dear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for every Filipino in the country,” he added. “In fact, this dormitory project is in response to the President’s instructions in connection with his Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, or 4PH program,” he continued. Isuzu Gencars Inc. General Manager Edgard Cabangon said that the collaboration between his company, the SBMA, and RDBT Construction Corporation has identified several worker dormitories as priority projects that recognize the need for affordable, accessible, and decent housing within the Freeport. He said that by building these dormitories close to factories, industrial areas, and technoparks, it not only improves the workers’ efficiency, but also helps companies and employees reduce the cost of living.He also cited that this initiative will also ease traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles and commuters on the road, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment. According to Cabangon, this proposal is the first of its kind in the Freeport zone, which offers large-scale accommodations catering to workers, employees, and even students of nearby schools and colleges. RDBT Construction Corporation will be constructing the five buildings, which includes four dormitory blocks and an administrative building, all of which are rising at five storeys, on a one-hectare parcel of land. Architect Rafael Demacio Tecson, RDBT Construction Corp. CEO said that each dormitory block will have 188 units, with an approximate bed capacity of 1,500, which is 6,000 beds in total. Tecson said that the common areas will be designed to allow natural ventilation, which is key for the green structure development. This does not only improve indoor air quality, but also promotes the health and well-being of everyone using the space. Each dormitory is designed for eight occupants, shared by four people at a time. The layout shows smooth traffic flow, allowing residents to take turns using the shared bath, toilet and lavatories without overcrowding. The ground floor will be used as commercial spaces including laundry services, 24/7 convenience store, a cafeteria, coffee shops, and restaurants, providing essential services for the workers throughout their stay. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Group Renato Lee III said that the dormitory complex is a testament of both investor confidence in the SBMA and our readiness for the influx of jobs in the zone. “We are very optimistic in the investment attractiveness of the country because of the benefits of CREATE MORE or RA 12066, the government’s efficiency and accountability brought about by the strict implementation of the EASE of Doing Business Act or RA 11032 and the overall reduction in the cost of doing business here in the Philippines,” Lee said. “I have no doubt that we will be able to generate more investments in the coming years. When you generate investments, you generate jobs. But what is crucial here is not just Subic Freeport being investment-ready, but employment-ready as well,” he added. Lee added that it is where the project plays a crucial role in the overall direction of the SBMA by making sure that the Freeport workers are also taken care of.

JHMC unveils new ISO 9001:2015 Certificate

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY —The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) has accomplished another key development by unveiling its new ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) logo, which is valid from March 20, 2025, to March 19, 2028. This represents the corporation’s dedication to provide high-quality public services while conforming to international standards. The certificate was issued on October 30, 2024, after JHMC passed a comprehensive audit conducted by TUV SUD PSB Philippines Inc., a third-party certifying body. The audit covered a wide range of JHMC operations, which include business development and events management, regulatory services, forest and environment management, and land asset management. “This achievement is a reflection of the collective hard work, passion, and dedication of everyone at JHMC,” said Atty. Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra, President and CEO of JHMC. “It inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and to provide our stakeholders with the quality service they truly deserve.” To honor the unveiling of QMS certification, JHMC also conducted a game related to the QMS, in which they shared knowledge about the corporation’s journey to receiving the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) Certificate. This was to foster and celebrate JHMC’s continuous improvement and success. The certification pronouncement is more than simply an official recognition; it demonstrates JHMC’s ability to exceed the customers’ expectations and manage its resources effectively and efficiently. JHMC remains determined to build on this success and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of the people it serves.

OFW Processing Center to launch at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has partnered with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) to construct an OFW Processing Center at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2. The facility aims to streamline processing of key travel documents, such as Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs), for departing and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at MCIA. The center’s construction is set to begin this March, with operations expected to start before the end of the second quarter of 2025. “We recognize the valuable contributions of OFWs to our economy and the need for seamless access to essential services. This partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to making air travel more convenient and responsive to the needs of overseas Filipino workers,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. The DMW has expressed its full support for the initiative, reaffirming its commitment to providing OFWs with more accessible and efficient services. “This partnership is not just about building a facility; it symbolizes our deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our OFWs. This center will be a one-stop service hub offering essential services. It will be a place where they and their families can find comfort, guidance, a sense of community, and VIP treatment,” said DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac. As a major international hub, Cebu serves as key gateway for Filipinos seeking opportunities abroad. The construction of the OFW Processing Center reinforces CEB’s mission to go beyond affordable air travel by actively supporting migrant workers through initiatives that address their specific needs. Moving forward, CEB will continue working closely with government agencies and private partners to enhance services for OFWs, strengthening its role as a trusted airline partner for the overseas Filipino workforce.

Tabuk City prepares for 75th Founding Anniversary

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Ian Jefrey Addatu Tabuk City is preparing for a major celebration of its 75th founding anniversary, which will coincide with the Matagoan Festival in June. Several local government offices and partner agencies are collaborating to ensure the week-long event is fully prepared and organized. Arlene Odiem, the head of the Office of the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs, presided over the meeting and stated that this year’s festivities should be grander, with some activities carried over from past years and others improved. Odiem has invited all concerned offices to submit their proposed activities, as well as their budgetary requirements, so that they can be reviewed and finalized at future meetings. The festival’s logo and the jingle will be based on last year’s winning design and composition. The foundation day will be held on June 16, followed by Agri-Vet Coop PESO Day on June 17, and Barangay and Cultural Day on June 18.

Globe Business collabs with AORA to drive Open RAN adoption in PH

Business

Business / Street Journal

Globe Business, the ICT arm of Globe Telecom, collaborates with Asia Open RAN Academy (AORA) to drive the rapid adoption of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology in the Philippines, which is transforming the telecom industry by driving interoperability and vendor diversity to cut costs, enhance network performance, and increase efficiency. Chaired by Achie Atienza, Director for IP Ecosystem, Strategic Infrastructure Investments at Globe Telecom Inc., this collaboration aims to reshape the country’s telecom infrastructure by promoting innovation, improving connectivity, and developing a skilled workforce to support the future of telecom. Globe Business is fully dedicated to this initiative, hosting AORA’s two recent events at The Globe Tower to encourage collaboration and innovation. The Collaborators Appreciation Day (ACAD), held on December 19, celebrated AORA’s progress in 2024, recognizing the contributions of major partners and outlining the roadmap for the upcoming year. While the Strategic and Operational Planning event, held on January 16, focused on aligning academic programs with the needs of the Open RAN industry. Several state universities and colleges, alongside partners like VIAVI Solutions, discussed how to address the skills gap and prepare a workforce for Open RAN’s growth. AORA is also working closely with Globe’s network team to accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology. As a founding member and active contributor to the academy, Globe plays an important role in driving changes by providing resources and expertise to support these efforts. “We are committed to not only adopting Open RAN technology but also nurturing the talent and ecosystem needed to sustain and advance this initiative. We believe that the collaborations we’ve built with AORA and our academic, industry, and government partners will be instrumental in creating a sustainable and innovative telecom landscape for generations to come,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business. Through its partnership with AORA, Globe Business is setting the stage for a more connected, inclusive, and cost-effective digital future for the country, bringing long-lasting benefits to businesses, communities, and the national economy.

Cat’nes, Top 1 Kadiwa ng Pangulo Implementor sa Bicol

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

Pasok sa 2025 National Gawad Saka Kinilala ang Catanduanes bilang Top 1 Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Implementor sa Bicol Region sa Regional Gawad Saka 2025, dahilan upang ito ay awtomatikong maging kwalipikado para sa parehong kategorya sa 2025 National Gawad Saka Awards. Inanunsyo ito noong Marso 20 sa isang pagpupulong ng Provincial Agricultural Services Office (PASO) sa Provincial Multipurpose Training Center, kung saan tinalakay rin ang mga estratehiya upang higit pang mapalakas ang pagpapatupad ng KNP sa lalawigan. Bukod sa naturang parangal, kinilala rin ang Catanduanes bilang may pinakamaraming Kadiwa ng Pangulo na isinagawa sa antas panlalawigan mula Enero hanggang Abril 2024—isang pagkilalang natanggap ng lalawigan noong Mayo ng nakaraang taon. Sa inilabas na ulat ng PASO, umabot sa P322,157 ang naitalang kita ng KNP mula Pebrero hanggang Marso 19, 2025, na nagpapakita ng patuloy na tagumpay ng programa sa pagbibigay ng direktang merkado para sa mga lokal na magsasaka at mangingisda. Upang mapanatili ang tagumpay ng KNP, target ng PASO na palawakin pa ang partisipasyon ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda, kasabay ng pagpapatibay ng farm-to-table system na layong mapalakas ang lokal na agrikultura at ekonomiya. Samantala, isang Kadiwa ng Pangulo ang itinakdang ganapin sa Marso 25-26 sa Provincial Capitol Grounds mula 8 AM hanggang 5 PM, kung saan hinihikayat ang publiko na suportahan ang mga lokal na produkto at kabuhayan. Dinaluhan ang pagpupulong ng mga kinatawan mula sa Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Food Authority (NFA), at iba pang ahensya, kasama ang mga Rural Improvement Clubs, na nagpapatibay sa sama-samang pagtutulungan para sa ikauunlad ng KNP sa lalawigan.

Author name: Street Journal

PDEA nets P1B shabu in Mindoro, Cavite operations