Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Zaldy Comanda BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong happily received 200 different types of books from Kindergarten to Grade 6, donated by the Rotary Club of Makati Ayala Triangle, on February 6. The books were personally delivered to the Mayor’s Office by 2024 Noble Queen Of Culture and Arts Mylene Myse Salonga, along with International Artist Carmela Geisert, who are also members of RCMAT, with the theme “Baguio’s Building a Better Future Book Donations for a Better Tomorrow”. According to Salonga, the last time he spoke with Magalong, he asked for a book as a project that he would donate to schools in the city, which is why she immediately approached Rotary Club International District 3830 Governor Precy Yulo and RCMAT President Tess Guzman. She said the donated books were made with the help of Carmela Geisert of Althaus and Niktea , Myseterpiece Art by Myse Salonga and Noble Queen Limited International (NQULI). Magalong immediately turned over the books to be distributed to various schools in need to Juliet Piok, Senior Education Program Specialist; Jackson Caya-os, principal of Baguio Central School and Helen Acop, principal of Lucban Elementary School. “These books are a great help to our school and I am grateful to RCMAT, and to our two international artists who delivered them. I hope the community outreach continues,” said Magalong. Salonga explained that RCMAT is a well-known organization that helps the community, providing food donations to school children and to various sectors.

Banaan Museum patuloy na umaakit sa pandaigdigang bisita

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan —Ang Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, isang legacy project ni Gobernador Ramon Guico III, ay umaakit hindi lamang sa lokal kundi mas maraming global visitors, ayon kay Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO). Ayon kay Maria Luisa A. Elduayan, head ng PTCAO, nakapagtala ang museo ng kabuuang 9,178 bisita mula nang ilunsad ito noong Setyembre 11, 2023 hanggang Disyembre 29 noong nakaraang taon. Bilang karagdagan, ang museo ay nagsilbi ng mga 8,320 bisita upang isama ang mga dayuhang bisita mula sa Estados Unidos ng Amerika, na sinusundan ng Denmark, Korea at Indonesia. Ito ay binisita rin ng mga panauhin mula sa maliit na bansa sa Pasipiko ng Samoa, France, Japan, Vietnam, Bulgaria, Britain, Thailand, Malaysia, at Germany mula nang magbukas ito. Sa pamamagitan ng online na pagpaparehistro ng bisita, ang Banaan Museum na makikita sa makasaysayang Casa Real sa Lingayen, ay umakit ng mga bisita na dumalo nang maramihan. Iniulat ni Elduayan na karamihan sa mga bisita noong 2024 ay mga babae na may bilang na 5,337, habang ang mga lalaking bisita ay may bilang na 2,983. Ang age bracket, sa kabilang banda, ay nagpakita na karamihan sa mga bisita ay kabilang sa 11-20, karamihan ay mga estudyante, at 21-30 taong gulang o ang working adults age brackets. Ang mga bisita, na nagmula sa Cebu, Zamboanga del Norte, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Baguio City, Masbate Province, karatig La Union Province, Tarlac, Zambalaes, Laguna, Quirino Province, Tuguegarao City, Laguna, Paranaque, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Aurora at Pasay City na nakaranas din ng kultura ng personal na kultura ng Lungsod ng Quezon, Cangasin, Aurora at Pasay, sa pamamagitan ng mga visual na ipinakita sa 11 kaakit-akit na mga gallery ng museo. Ang 11 gallery ay nagpapakita ng malawak na hanay ng mga artifact, artwork, installation, at interactive na display. Matatandaang noong unang taong anibersaryo ng museo, binigyang-diin ni Gobernador Guico III ang kaugnayan ng pagkakaroon ng mga lokal na museo. Sinabi ni Guico na ang istraktura ay sumisimbolo sa pagkakakilanlan ng Pangasinan dahil ito rin ang nagsisilbing pintuan sa pag-unawa sa kultura, kasaysayan, at sining ng lalawigan. “Kung walang museo, hindi malalaman ng isang tao kung sino sila. Mawawalan ka ng pagkakakilanlan, nang walang kaalaman sa iyong kultura o kasaysayan. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit napakahalaga ng mga museo, “sabi ng gobernador. Samantala, maaari ding tumangkilik ang mga bisita sa Museum Shop kung saan mabibili ang mga lokal na produkto tulad ng blade-crafts at eco-crafts na gawa sa kawayan, buri at rattan bags, at upcycled wood at artworks. Bilang karagdagan, available din ang 24 na aktibong concessionaires mula sa iba’t ibang lokalidad sa Pangasinan upang mag-alok ng pampalamig. Para sa panahon ng Enero hanggang Disyembre 2024, ang Banaan Museum Entrance Collections ay umabot sa P616,370.00. Sa parehong panahon, ang netong kita ng Museum Shop ay P94,137.00 Ang mga rate ng pagpasok sa museo ay P200 para sa mga matatanda/turista; P160 para sa Senior Citizens at Persons With Disability; P100 para sa mga Bata/Estudyante.

PDRF project reached in Catanduanes

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

Bilang bahagi ng pagpapalakas ng pagtugon sa mga kalamidad, inilunsad ng Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) ang Project Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response (Project REACHED) sa Catanduanes. Ang proyekto ay isang kolaborasyon ng PDRF at ng Australian Government, na layong mapabuti ang komunikasyon at mabilisang pag-responde sa oras ng sakuna. Ipinahayag ni Mr. Joshua V. Frilles, Procurement and Finance Officer ng PDRF, ang mga resulta ng kanilang mga aktibidad sa isang pagpupulong kay Gov. Joseph C. Cua ngayong araw. Binanggit nito ang matagumpay na pagsasagawa ng Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training sa mga opisyal ng barangay sa Dugui Too, Dugui Wala, at Dugui San Isidro. Layunin ng pagsasanay na matutunan ng mga lokal na opisyal ang tamang pamamaraan ng pag-assess ng pinsala at pagkolekta ng mga pangangailangan matapos ang isang kalamidad. Dagdag pa rito, nakatanggap ang tatlong barangay ng Dugui ng Starlink internet services upang matugunan ang kakulangan ng internet connectivity sa kanilang lugar, na magpapadali sa mga aktibidad at komunikasyon sa oras ng kalamidad. Sa kasalukuyan, isinasagawa ang Emergency Communication Training at Radio Operator Licensing mula Pebrero 6 hanggang 7, 2025. Ang mga pagsasanay ay isinasagawa kasama ang PDRRMO Catanduanes, MDRRMO ng Virac, Baras, at Bato, pati na rin ang Office of Civil Defense R5, sa mga barangay ng Dugui. Ang mga hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap na maghanda at magbigay ng agarang tugon sa mga kalamidad sa lalawigan ng Catanduanes.

Hedcor supports Bakun to meet surging demand for premium Arabica coffee

Business

Business / Street Journal

As coffee demand continues to surge across the Philippines, the highland municipality of Bakun, Benguet is brewing its way to becoming one of the country’s sources of high-grade Arabica coffee. Recognized for its distinct quality and flavor, Benguet Arabica Coffee has cemented its reputation as a top-tier type, with Bakun poised to meet the market’s growing appetite for this high-value crop. To support this vision, Hedcor, the renewable asset manager of AboitizPower, has provided 5,000 Arabica coffee wildlings and 500 cacao seedlings to boost the municipality’s thriving coffee and cacao industry. This initiative empowers farmers to scale production, take advantage of the rising demand, and position Bakun as a key player in the coffee industry. Unlocking Bakun’s Potential The unique terrain of Bakun, situated between 1,200 and 2,500 meters above sea level, offers ideal conditions for cultivating Arabica coffee. This advantage, coupled with the support of partners like Hedcor, creates an opportunity for the community to thrive in the high-value coffee market. “With the fast-rising popularity of the coffee brand in the market, driven by its distinct quality and flavor, the supply remains limited; that is why we are encouraging our farmers, with the strong support of our partners, to scale up production,” said Bakun Municipal Agriculturist Enrique Atelba. Atelba added, “Hedcor’s provision of Arabica coffee wildlings and cacao seedlings builds on the municipality’s agricultural strengths, allowing our community to reach its full potential as a producer of high-value crops, including coffee, cacao, and fruit-bearing crops.” Sustaining Growth and Promoting Community Impact Hedcor actively supports Bakun’s agricultural development, recognizing the unique highland terrain as ideal for cultivating high-value crops by empowering the community to leverage its agricultural strengths. This initiative not only enhances food security and promotes economic growth but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Beyond supplying Arabica coffee wildlings and cacao seedlings, Hedcor is helping Bakun secure long-term agricultural success. The company also provided 500 each of atis, lemon, rambutan, and lanzones seedlings, along with 250 sacks of chicken dung to enrich the soil and support sustainable farming practices. These efforts complement Hedcor’s broader support for Bakun, including a P1.3 million financial assistance package to fund critical watershed protection and community development initiatives. These projects focus on reforestation and sustainable land management practices to preserve Bakun’s vital watersheds, which serve as lifelines for agricultural productivity, drinking water, and renewable energy generation. Commitment to Sustainability and Local Empowerment Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao emphasized the importance of sustaining Bakun’s watershed for both agriculture and clean energy production. “Conserving these watersheds is crucial for sustaining the municipality’s agricultural productivity, supporting power generation, and maintaining overall ecological balance,” Pacquiao said. He noted that these watersheds directly power Hedcor’s renewable energy facilities, ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for the community and neighboring regions. “By supporting watershed protection and agricultural development, we’re helping Bakun not only achieve economic growth but also build resilience for future generations.” As Bakun farmers scale up production to meet the growing demand for high-grade Arabica coffee, the municipality is well-positioned to strengthen its reputation as a premier source of premium coffee in the Philippines. This transformation underscores the power of collaboration between communities, private partners, and local governments to create sustainable growth opportunities.

Globe supports call for Senate probe on spoofing devices

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Globe fully supports the call for a Senate investigation into the illegal trade of devices used for spoofing or SMS hijacking, a fraud scheme behind the proliferation of scam texts that evade telco networks. Sen. Mark Villar recently filed a resolution seeking a senate inquiry on the trade of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, which allow fraudsters to send out malicious SMS in the guise of legitimate sender IDs. These portable devices serve as fake cell towers that enable SMS sending outside telco networks, thus evading spam filters. Globe has been working with government agencies to curb spoofing by cutting off the supply of IMSI catchers in the country. These devices are imported into the country either in full or in parts for assembly, then used for illegal activities. “Spoofing or SMS hijacking using IMSI catchers has been a major headache for both the industry and law enforcement. Spoofed messages are difficult to track because of the technology. We have high hopes that through this Senate probe, we’d be able to address the root of the problem: the illegal trade of IMSI catchers in the country,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe’s General Counsel. “This is a major step in our shared goal of protecting the public from fraud. Through this legislative inquiry, we hope to find a clear path forward in the fight against IMSI catchers,” said Castelo. Globe stands ready to provide technical expertise and support to the Senate panel as needed. Fraudsters have used IMSI catchers to impersonate Globe’s official sender ID, duping customers with fake Globe Rewards claims and other unauthorized messages. Such spoofed messages have seen a rise as Globe enforced stricter spam and scam blocking, filtering out all person-to-person SMS with links and enforcing stringent regulations on app-to-person SMS with URLs. Globe’s pioneering move to remove links in SMS messages shows the company will go the extra mile to make it a scam-free network and protect customers. Unfortunately the new method of scammers such as using IMSI catchers goes directly to the device and does not pass through the network anymore. Currently, Globe is looking at more advanced technologies that might help address this issue. Globe reminds the public to stay vigilant against suspicious text messages, including those that seem to come from legitimate sources. Be cautious of links and offers that seem too good to be true. As a security measure and to protect customers, Globe does not include clickable links in its official text advisories.

Vergara joins “Baguio City’s Circular Economy” reinforcing commitment to sustainability

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara joined Mayor Benjamin Magalong at the launch of Pansa-Nopen: Let’s Gather, Save, and Renew – Baguio City’s Circular Economy on January 31, 2025, at the University of the Cordilleras. The event highlights Baguio’s commitment to sustainability and the transition toward a circular economy that benefits both the community and future generations. In his speech, Mayor Magalong emphasized the significance of adopting a circular economy model that transforms waste into valuable resources. He noted that by implementing waste-to-resource solutions, Baguio can significantly reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, while fostering innovation, collaboration, and the creation of green jobs in the city. The event featured interactive exhibits showcasing eco-friendly solutions and resource efficiency strategies. Funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Circular Economy Program aims to promote sustainable practices, reduce environmental impact, and stimulate economic growth. Local government units (LGUs) and various stakeholders engaged in discussions on accelerating behavioral change and community adoption of circular economy practices. As an environmental advocate through her Glad to be Green initiative, Gladys Vergara has long championed renewable energy solutions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Her commitment extends to the BTC Greensoil Venture, a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, which provides training on biodegradable waste management at the household and barangay levels. These sessions teach residents composting techniques using a special reagent that speeds up decomposition, producing high-grade compost fertilizer that can be sold for additional household income. Participants receive free starter kits, including composting bins, reagents, and tools, ensuring they can immediately apply their learnings. “The shift toward a circular economy is essential for Baguio’s sustainable future. Through innovative programs like Greensoil Venture and the city’s commitment to waste reduction, we can turn challenges into opportunities—minimizing waste while creating economic value for our communities,” Vergara stated. With the Circular Economy Program advancing waste reduction, resource efficiency, and economic resilience, and Gladys Vergara’s strong advocacy for a greener Baguio, the city continues to move forward in balancing tourism, development, and sustainability.

The challenges of building Metro BLISTT communities

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

“Metro BLISTT is not just a concept—it is a commitment.” Mayor Benjamin Magalong set the tone for Metro BLISTT forum at the Baguio Country Club with a powerful call for inclusive, sustainable, and corruption-free development. Addressing business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders, Mayor Magalong emphasized the need for smart urban planning, inter-LGU collaboration, and ethical governance to ensure progress is shared equitably across Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay. Key discussions highlighted challenges such as urban congestion, infrastructure gaps, and environmental sustainability—turning these into innovation and responsible growth opportunities, with insights from Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Dr. Felina Espique, Ms. Maria Costales, and other esteemed speakers. Organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Baguio-Benguet Chapter and the People Management Association of the Philippines, the event highlighted collaboration for a progressive and sustainable Metro BLISTT. Photos by Eunice Tomacder & Mikaela Bello

Tabuk City strengthens Customary Law

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Jesse Maguiya Tabuk City, Kalinga — Mayor Darwin Estrañero recently convened a meeting with members of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC) and esteemed elders, or pangats residing in the city. The meeting aimed to review the present condition of customary law as detailed in the Itabuk Pagta and debate any required adjustments to ensure its continued relevance and efficacy in the modern era. One of the key issues discussed was the absence of a clear and systematic process for initiating mediation, especially for accused individuals. It was noted that in disputes between sub-tribes, relatives often bypass formal mediation channels and directly seek intervention from government officials, such as barangay chairpersons or police officers. These officials, in turn, facilitate informal resolutions outside the Itabuk Pagta framework, effectively sidelining the MBCC’s role as the designated mediator. This lack of coordination undermines the integrity of customary law and highlights the need for a more structured approach to dispute resolution. Another major concern raised was the role of the MBCC in cases involving heinous crimes. Both the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recommended that the MBCC refrain from intervening in drug-related offenses, murder, and rape cases, especially when minors are involved. Such cases should be referred directly to the courts to ensure due process. In cases involving minors, the DSWD or the Child and Women’s Desk of the Philippine National Police should be the first point of referral. It was also observed that in some instances, the victim’s family negotiate indemnity with the accused. Once compensation is received, they often believe the case is resolved, leading to the misconception that the suspect should be released. This practice overlooks the distinction between civil and criminal liability, underscoring the need for adherence to legal procedures in serious offenses. Mayor Estrañero emphasized the importance of determining fault in vehicular accidents, especially when the injured party is the violator of traffic rules. He cited cases where vehicle owners unfairly bear the medical expenses of individuals responsible for accidents, such as those driving under the influence of alcohol. The mayor stressed that a driver whose vehicle was hit by an intoxicated motorist should not be obligated to cover the hospital bills or expenses of the responsible party. According to Engr. Andres Ngao-I, MBCC Chairman, the Itabuk Pagta already specifies fault determination as a primary consideration before any financial settlements are made in vehicular accidents. However, it was noted that, in practice, individuals not at fault often voluntarily contribute to the expenses incurred by the guilty party, sometimes out of concern for their safety, fearing potential retaliation or conflict. The discussions underscored the importance of refining the Itabuk Pagta to align with legal frameworks, while also preserving the cultural significance of customary law and respecting community’s cultural diversity which includes non-binodngan. By implementing clearer mediation processes, reinforcing legal accountability for serious crimes, and ensuring fairness in accident cases, the MBCC and city officials aim to enhance justice and order in the community, while honoring the diverse cultural practices and values that define local society. After the meeting, Mayor Estrañero called on the Bodong Task Force to convene and develop an outline for revisions to the Itabuk Pagta. The proposed changes, including possible amendments, repeals, revisions, or new legislative reforms, will be based on the feedback from the meeting. In response, the MBCC is set to draft a letter inviting all Bodong Holders to a scheduled Bodong Congress, which will coincide with the Matagoan Festival. During this Congress, proposed amendments and revisions to the Itabuk Pagta will be presented. Once the revised Itabuk Pagta is finalized, the Bodong Task Force will implement an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign across all barangays in Tabuk City to ensure community-wide understanding and support for the new provisions.

Warehouse for US Marine Corps humanitarian efforts opens in Subic Freeport

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport – This premier Freeport is set to be the staging area for the United States Marine Corps humanitarian aid and disaster relief as it opens a warehouse facility at the Naval Supply Depot here on Tuesday. US Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson and officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the warehouse that will be used by the US Marine Corps for storage. Watson, commanding officer of Blount Island Command, said that the site will enable them to preposition equipment for humanitarian aid and disaster relief that will be utilized for its Indo-Pacific region operations. “This is one of our ashore sites for humanitarian aid and disaster relief. As part of the Marine Corps’ global prepositioning network, there will be no ammunition, just motor transportation, communication, and engineering,” Watson explained. Blount Island Command plans to stage humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment for the Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño expressed his full support for the ingress of the equipment to Subic Bay Freeport. “This is a great stride for the Subic Bay Freeport in assisting foreign allies in their thrust to provide humanitarian aid and relief assistance in the Indo-Pacific Region.” He added that Subic Bay Freeport is one of the most strategic areas to deploy aid to other areas around the Indo-Pacific Region, as the area has become the logistics hub for maritime and aviation industry in the country. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Blount Island Command is the hub for US Marine Corps prepositioning programs, including afloat squadrons and ashore sites.

Author name: Street Journal

Rotary Club of Makati Ayala Triangle donates books to Baguio