Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Malou Laxamana – Pascual Paano mo matatawag na tulong kung balot ito ng pulitika? Naiintindihan ko; ang panahon ng eleksyon ay ginagawang parang campaign poster ang bawat programa ng gobyerno. Ngunit ang isang bagay na tunay kong iginagalang ay tapat, batay sa pangangailangan na tulong. Ibase natin sa katotohanan, hindi sa political maneuvering. Upang matiyak ang patas na pag-access, mahalagang i-sideline ang anumang mga bias na dulot ng bulung-bulungan. Ang mga matibay na pahayag ni DSWD-CAR Regional Director Maria C. Aplaten sa Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) ay dapat maging isang wake-up call sa sinumang sumusubok na sirain ang layunin nito. In her interview, she debuns claims that AKAP is just another politicians’ playground. Sa halip, binibigyang-diin niya ang direkta at malinaw na proseso ng aplikasyon ng programa, na nilalampasan ang impluwensyang pampulitika. Direktang aplikasyon, Hindi pampulitika na paborito Ang paglilinaw ni Aplaten tungkol sa ruta ng aplikasyon ng AKAP ay walang puwang para sa kalabuan. Ang mga prospective na aplikante ay hindi nangangailangan ng “pagpapala” ng mga pulitiko upang makakuha ng tulong; maaari silang mag-aplay nang direkta sa Social Welfare Office, na may mga dokumentasyon at mga grassroots verification checks sa lugar. Tinitiyak ng prosesong ito na ang tulong ay makakarating sa mga tunay na nangangailangan nito, na walang mga pag-endorso o impluwensya sa pulitika. Hindi maaaring i-claim ng mga pulitiko na hawak nila ang susi sa AKAP, at ang mga pag-endorso mula sa kanilang mga opisina ay hindi kinakailangan o priyoridad. Cross-Matching at Verification Si Aplaten ay hindi umaasa sa salita-ng-bibig o pampulitikang rekomendasyon. Ang mga detalye ng bawat aplikante ay sumasailalim sa isang cross-matching na proseso upang kumpirmahin ang kanilang pagiging karapat-dapat, na nagpapakita ng pangako ng departamento sa katumpakan. Ito ay hindi tungkol sa marangyang mga pag-endorso ngunit tunay na pag-verify ng data—isang pananggalang upang maprotektahan ang integridad ng programa. Ang pagbibigay-diin ng Aplaten sa katumpakan ay nangangahulugan din na ang mga kasalukuyang benepisyaryo sa ilalim ng 4Ps program ay hindi karapat-dapat para sa AKAP, na nagpapatibay na ang tulong na ito ay naka-target na dagdagan ang mga pangangailangan ng malapit sa mahihirap. Transparency higit sa Impluwensiya Malinaw ang apela ni Aplaten sa publiko: ang mga tanong tungkol sa proseso ng AKAP ay dapat na direktang pumunta sa kanilang opisina. Hindi na kailangang mag-funnel ng mga katanungan sa pamamagitan ng opisina ng mayor o congressman. Tinitiyak niya sa publiko na ang paghingi ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng mga channel na ito ay hindi tinitiyak ang tahasang pag-apruba. Nandito ang programa para maglingkod, hindi para gamitin bilang political vehicle. Sa pamamagitan ng pagputol ng mga hindi kinakailangang middlemen, hinihikayat ng DSWD-CAR ang transparency at accountability, tinitiyak na ang mga tao ay ganap na alam at may kontrol sa kanilang mga aplikasyon. Debunking the Myth of Political Endorsements Ang mga pag-endorso, lalo na sa panahon ng ikot ng halalan, ay maaaring magdala ng mapanlinlang na timbang. Nais ni Aplaten na malaman ng publiko na habang ang mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan ay maaaring subukang magbigay ng kanilang “suporta,” ang isang pag-endorso ay hindi katumbas ng garantisadong pag-apruba. Umiiral ang AKAP para tulungan ang mga nahihirapang pamilya, hindi para magsilbing political leverage. Ang mga pampublikong opisyal na umaasang mapakinabangan ang abot ng programa ay dapat tandaan na ang pag-endorso ay hindi nakakaimpluwensya sa proseso ng paggawa ng desisyon sa DSWD-CAR. Pagpapanatiling nakatuon ang AKAP sa publiko Ang tiwala ng komunidad ay nakasalalay sa isang malinaw na paghihiwalay sa pagitan ng pampublikong tulong at mga ambisyong pampulitika. Tinitiyak ng diskarte ni Aplaten na mananatiling malaya ang AKAP sa anumang kulay pampulitika. Para sa kanya, ito ay tungkol sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan ng mga tao nang direkta at may integridad. Inaanyayahan niya ang lahat na dumiretso sa tanggapan ng DSWD, pinatitibay na ang transparency at pagiging patas ay nasa ubod ng AKAP. Bakit ang pananaw ni Aplaten sa Serbisyong Pampubliko ay nararapat ng higit na pagtuunan ng pansin Ang paninindigan ni Direktor Aplaten ay nagbibigay liwanag sa pagkakaiba ng serbisyo publiko at postura sa pulitika. Sa halip na umasa sa mga pag-endorso sa pulitika o tumutugon sa mga kapritso ng mga madla, itinutulak niya ang AKAP tungo sa isang tunay na modelo ng serbisyo—walang kabuluhan, malinaw na suporta lamang kung saan ito higit na kailangan. Ito ay isang tapat na pananaw, isa na humihimok sa mga pulitiko na iwanan ang kanilang mga personal na interes sa pintuan at unahin ang aktwal na kapakanan ng komunidad. Sa buod, ang mga pahayag ni Aplaten ay nagwawalang-bahala sa anumang mga pagtatangka na pamulitika ang AKAP, na nagpapakita na posible ang isang epektibo, walang kinikilingan na diskarte sa kapakanang panlipunan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapanatiling bukas sa mga pinto para sa direktang mga aplikasyon, paglilinaw sa proseso ng cross-checking, at pagtiyak na ang mga pag-endorso sa pulitika ay walang epekto, pinapanatili ng DSWD-CAR ang pangako nito sa isang people-first approach.

Pangasinan officials dadalo sa Smart City Expo World Congress

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Ang mga opisyal ng Pangasinan ay sasama sa iba pang pandaigdigang dadalo na umaabot sa humigit-kumulang 25,000 mula sa publiko at pribadong sektor sa buong mundo. Ito ay alinsunod sa imbitasyon ni Consul General Maria Theresa SM. Lazaro na dadalo sa taunang Smart City Expo World Congress mula Nob. 5 hanggang 7. Ang mga delegado ng lalawigan ay nakatakda sa isang 10-araw na opisyal na pagbisita sa Barcelona, Spain, na nakatakda sa Nobyembre 2 hanggang Nobyembre 10. Ang Smart City ay ang pinakamalaking at pinaka-maimpluwensyang kaganapan sa mundo para sa mga lungsod at urban innovation, na nagsisilbing daan upang matuklasan ang mga pinakabagong teknolohiya at masiyahan sa nangungunang networking kasama ang mga pinuno sa gobyerno at negosyo mula sa buong mundo. Ayon sa invitation letter na naka-address kay Atty. Verna T. Nava-Perez, Pangasinan Provincial Board Secretary, at iba pang opisyal ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, ang taunang kongreso ay nagsasama-sama ng mga pinuno ng gobyerno, C-level executive, pandaigdigang eksperto, at mga visionaries upang ilipat ang mga lungsod patungo sa isang mas magandang kinabukasan sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi ng kaalaman at pinakamahusay na kasanayan na naglalayong sa pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa mga lungsod na harapin ang kasalukuyang mga kritikal na hamon. Ang mga delegado ng lalawigan ay inaasahang may nakaimpake na iskedyul ng trabaho/itinerary sa kanilang paglalakbay sa ibang bansa, na kinabibilangan ng courtesy call kay Consul General Ma. Theresa SM Lazaro, Philippine Consulate General, Barcelona, Spain (Nov. 4); Keynote Session: Majora Carter Infrastructure & Building: Paano Mag-uugnay ang Urban Resilience at Talent Retention (Nov. 5); Enerhiya at Kapaligiran Mobility Dialogue: Elevating Urban Living: Engaging Communities and Integrating Services for a Net Positive Smart City (Nov. 6); Keynote Session: Stephanie Hare Enabling Technology (Nob. 7); at Benchmarking Tour sa Lungsod ng Barcelona (Nob. 5 hanggang 7). Ang mga ito ay bahagi ng maraming sesyon na sasalihan ng mga kalahok mula sa lalawigan na mahalaga sa pagkamit ng mga tagumpay para sa lalawigan tungo sa mga sosyo-ekonomikong pagkakataon bukod sa pagkuha ng mga pag-aaral na maaari nilang personal na magamit kaugnay ng kani-kanilang mga tungkulin at responsibilidad sa pamahalaang panlalawigan . Bukod dito, ang nasabing paglalakbay sa ibang bansa ay magiging isang paraan para sa paglikha ng mga ugnayan sa higit sa 130 mga kalahok na bansa. Ang mga aktibidad o komposisyon ng kaganapan ay nakahanay at makabuluhan sa bisyon at misyon ng lalawigan sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

Contemporary Filipino Artists hold Art Exhibit Tour in Europe: Celebrating Cultural Fusion

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

The CityGalleryVienna was buzzing with energy on the evening of September 16, 2024. Art lovers, expatriates, and curious locals gathered to witness an exhibition like no other, showcasing the vibrant and multifaceted talents of Filipino artists in a rare international setting. Titled ISANG GUHIT, this exhibit was a celebration of Filipino identity, bridging Manila’s bustling streets and Vienna’s refined art scene. Curated by Norlie Meimban and brought to life by the Vienna-based Artist Network, Sige!, and the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project, ISANG GUHIT was a captivating fusion of styles, stories, and spirits. Arnel David Garcia’s pieces, inspired by cubism, were the first to catch visitors’ eyes. His geometric abstracts hinted at hidden stories, and gallery-goers found themselves drawn to the layers of emotions embedded within his angular forms. Nearby, the vibrant drip paintings of Art Lozano were equally mesmerizing, with Volkswagen Beetles—relics of both nostalgic Americana and Manila street culture—splattered in joyful colors. Binong Alvin Javier’s work hung beside Lozano’s, echoing a similar vibrancy but with looser, more organic drips that created hypnotic patterns, as if the colors themselves were in conversation. Further along, Charmaine Taus’s canvases radiated with intricate, colorful patterns that evoked a sense of woven tapestries, creating a lively, visual dance across the gallery wall. And right beside her, Didier Alarcon’s overlapping realism was a study in depth and detail, blurring the lines between reality and dreams. His work contrasted beautifully with Gerry De Guzman’s traditional flat jeepney art, which transported onlookers directly to the streets of Manila, with its emblematic bright colors and bustling, lively energy. Harold Khan’s pop art portraits, meanwhile, seemed to stare boldly back at the viewer, infusing a modern Filipino perspective into the iconic styles of Western pop art. These were contrasted by Jojo Ramirez’s traditional works, which grounded the viewer in a more timeless representation of Filipino art and people. Not far from these were Maan Umotoy-Premacio’s abstracts of wild, blooming flowers—a celebration of nature, delicate yet bursting with life. In one corner, Norlie Meimban’s portraits stood out with their intricate, line-based technique, creating expressions and emotions through an almost rhythmic structure. Ejem Alarcon’s pop realism continued the rhythm with vivid, lifelike compositions that somehow still felt dreamlike, while Ela Andal’s European-influenced street pop art grounded it all with raw, urban energy, blending both Filipino and European perspectives in a playful, edgy manner. For days, the exhibit drew in people from around the city, each visitor exploring the depths and dimensions of Filipino artistry from a new angle. Vienna, known for its classical art heritage, embraced this influx of contemporary Filipino vision, leaving a lasting impression on both the artists and the viewers. As the event came to a close on September 21, artists and visitors alike felt that ISANG GUHIT had achieved more than just an exhibit; it had created a dialogue, a beautiful intersection of cultural narratives, leaving a mark on Vienna that would echo long after the gallery lights dimmed.

PRO 8 arrested rape suspect in Samar

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, LEYTE – The Police Regional Office 8 successfully apprehended the second-ranked provincial most wanted for rape in Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City, earlier today, November 5, 2024. Brig.Gen.Jay Cumingad, regional director said joint operatives led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit-Samar Police Provincial Office (PIU-SPPO), with support from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Western Samar Provincial Field Unit and the Catbalogan City Police Station, arrested alias “ML,” a 24-year-old male and resident of Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City, Samar. The suspect ranked as second most wanted person at the provincial level, was arrested based on a warrant for rape, with no bail recommended. Following his arrest, the accused was immediately brought to the Catbalogan CPS for documentation and proper disposition. Cumingad commended the coordinated efforts of the involved units, noting the importance of such operations in ensuring justice and community safety. “This arrest underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to actively pursue individuals wanted for serious crimes and reinforces public confidence in the criminal justice system,” he added.

Dynamic Learning Program, ipapatupad sa mga paaralan na apektado ng kalamidad

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachell Galamay-Cagayan PIO Nakatakdang ipatupad ng Department of Education (DepEd) ngayong Nobyembre ang Dynamic Learning Program sa mga paaralan na matinding naapektuhan dahil sa pananalasa ng mga nagdaang kalamidad. Ayon kay DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, layunin ng bagong programa na matugunan ang pagkaantala sa pag-aaral ng mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng make-up classes, paggamit ng simple at targeted activity sheets, at pagbuo ng temporary learning spaces. Bukod dito, maaari ring magsagawa ang mga apektadong paaralan ng parallel classes, activity-based learning, at minimal homework load na ibibigay sa mga estudyante. Sisimulan ang pilot implementation ng Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) sa mga paaralan na matinding naapektuhan ng kalamidad partikular na sa Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, at Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Sa pinakahuling datos ng naturang ahensiya nasa halos 3.97 milyong mag-aaral at 181,270 teaching at non-teaching staff mula sa 10,947 paaralan ang apektado sa suspensyon ng klase noong nagdaang bagyo. Aabot na rin sa higit P396-milyon ang kinakailangang pondo para sa pagsasaayos ng mga nasirang imprastruktura, kabilang na rito ang 113 totally destroyed classrooms at 227 na partially destroyed, kasama na ang mga nasirang palikuran, wash facilities, at kagamitan.

SBMA named country’s “Most Sustainable Investment Hub” in 2024

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was awarded the “Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines 2024 during the World Business Outlook Awards 2024 on November 2, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis Queens Park in Bangkok, Thailand. Organized by the World Business Outlook magazine, the award-giving body fetes global brand companies that excel in Global Banking, Finance, Real Estate, Healthcare, Education, Technology, Mining, and other business sectors worldwide. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño received the prestigious award, along with Director Teodoro Del Rosario, Business and Investment Group for Leisure Manager Josephine Ivy Ferrer and General Business and Investment Officer-in-Charge Cleofe Espinelli from His Excellency Artur Dmochowski, Ambassador of Poland to the Kingdom of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. “The World Business Outlook Awards is a prestigious event that recognizes industry excellence, exceptional leadership, outstanding success strategies, and global presence,” organizers cited. They also cited that their expert jury panel was established to ensure that only the top performers from each sector will receive the top honours of the year. “This is why we have a very discrete and rigorous methodology for each of our award categories. The Global Recognition that our winners receive are a testament of our dedication towards promoting our champions,” the award-giving media organization cited. Chairman Aliño expressed his gratitude to the World Business Outlook for recognizing the SBMA for its thrust in developing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone a sustainable investment hub in the world. “It is with profound honor that we accept this distinct accolade from the World Business Outlook award-giving body for being the Most Sustainable Investment Hub in the Philippines for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” he said. “This is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community, stakeholders, and partners who share our vision for a sustainable future,” he added. Chairman Aliño also urged the event attendees to, “engage in innovative practices, promote green technologies, and ensure that our commitment to sustainability remains at the forefront of everything we do.” “Together, we will continue to pave the way for responsible investment practices, ensuring that we leave a thriving planet for future generations,” he said. Ambassador Dmochowski and India-Thai Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok President Sushil Kumar Dhanuka were the guests of honor during the ceremony. The event also served as a bridge to other companies, as some of the most innovative business minds and influential people were also present during the event. The World Business Outlook cited that their main motive is to “Reward the Ultimate in Business Excellence” from across the world. “We hope you take complete benefit of this networking opportunity at World Business Outlook 2024 and turn this evening into a memorable event for your company and your team.” Other Philippine awardees were ABS-CBN Corporation, Ayala Property Management Corporation, Cebu Pacific Air, Centro Escolar University, Megaworld Corporation, Nickel Asia Corporation, San Miguel Global Power Corporation, and among other Filipino brand names.

Yap to donate 2 dialysis machines, dental chair to BeGH

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — In celebration of its 53rd founding anniversary, Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap committed to donate two dialysis machines and one dental chair to Benguet General Hospital in a bid to improved its services and advance health care services in the province. Yap also commended the dedication of BeGH’s medical professionals and staff, who have been instrumental in delivering essential healthcare services to the people of Benguet. The solon added providing better healthcare facilities and accessible medical services is essential to uplift the welfare of their fellow Benguet residents, adding with these additional dialysis machines and dental chair, he hopes to bring even more accessible, quality healthcare to the province. “I cannot think of a good way to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of BeGH but to donate two additional dialysis machines for the hospital. Magbibigay din tayo ng isang dental chair kasi lumang luma na yung ginagamit nila sa hospital,” said Yap. Yap meanwhile emphasized the importance of government support in expanding hospital capabilities, noting that his office is working on to bring in more healthcare funding to rural hospitals like BeGH. Yap also initiated for the funding of 10 dialysis machines in 2021. “Parang kailan lang when we opened the dialysis facility ng hospital, we were able to get sa national government ng 10 units during that time. Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakikita natin na maraming nakikinabang. Now additional two units naman na idodonate natin,” added Yap. “Maraming nagpapadialysis na mga kailyan natin and to accommodate more sa BeGH, this is important. Marami tayong natutulungan thru our medical assistance program, but we want more to utilize yung facility ng BeGH.” Yap’s continuous allocation of resources from the national government has also enabled BeGH staff to receive adequate salaries and incentives with the hopes of constructing a new building for the hospital to cater to more patients in the province. “Gaya ng lagi natin sinasabi, we will not stop here, hindi tayo makokontento kasi our province deserves the best. So more will come,” Yap closed. Since coming to Benguet, Yap was instrumental in using his personal resources to put up and equip the BeGH molecular laboratory for suspected and potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, the existence of the high flow oxygen machines and other essential health equipment during the pandemic. (By Redjie Cawis-PIA-CAR)

Tighter security measures in local establishments, tourist spots

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Gaby B. Keith-Baguio PIO BAGUIO CITY — A local measure “requiring owners/operators of hotels, malls, supermarkets, amusement centers, tourist spots, and other establishments/areas where the public converge to adopt tighter security measures through the installation of closed-circuit televisions (CCTV), use of metal detectors and the like to ensure public safety and providing penalties in violation thereof”, is being implemented. This was the findings of a status report on City Ordinance no. 49, series of 2018, submitted to Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, Oct. 10, by Michelle Dulay, local legislative staff officer 1 based on the information and inputs of the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), the measure’s concerned/implementing offices. The report suggested that CBAO, in coordination with the BCPO and POSD, be urged to prepare the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the said ordinance and to submit the same to the City Mayor and City Council for approval. It also recommended that the IRR consider the guidelines laid down in the National Privacy Commission Advisory No. 2020-04 (Guidelines on the Use of CCTV systems), particularly on sections 6 and 10 which provides the procedures on how to secure a copy of a CCTV footage from personal information controllers and processors by law enforcement agents conducting investigations. The status report contained the comments, suggestions, and recommendations of the CBAO, BCPO and POSD.

P130-M illegal drugs seized, 25 drug pusher arrested in Cordillera

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

CAMP MAJ.BADO DANGWA,Benguet — The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) made a significant impact on its anti-illegal drugs campaign following the seizure of P130,040,403.00 worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 25 drug personalities during the month long drug ops from October 1 to October 30, 2024. According to reports from the Regional Operations Division, 102 operations were conducted, which included 78 marijuana eradication efforts, 12 buy-bust operations, six implementations of search warrants, three services of warrants of arrest, and three police responses. These efforts led to the confiscation of 107.41 grams of shabu, 470,353 pieces of Fully Grown Marijuana Plants, 27,402 pieces of marijuana seedlings, 5.00 grams of marijuana seeds, 274,525.50 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops; 10,000 grams of dried marijuana stalks, and 3.00 ml of marijuana oil, with a total Standard Drug Price of P130,040,403.00. Additionally, 25 drug personalities were arrested, with 15 identified as High Value Individuals and 10 identified as Street Level Individuals. The most significant operations occurred in Kalinga, where the Lumin-awa Cops of Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO) confiscated illegal drugs worth PhP59,057,110.00, and in Mountain Province, where the Inayan Cops of Mountain Province PPO seized illegal drugs valued at PhP45,098,005.00. Moreover, in Benguet, the Cabalyero Cops of Benguet PPO also had substantial success with the seizure of PhP25,296.048 worth of illegal drugs, and in Baguio City, the Napino Cops of Baguio City Police Office confiscated a total of PhP553,036.00 worth of illegal drugs. These achievements underscore the unwavering commitment of PRO-CAR in combating illegal drugs and ensuring community safety. Beyond law enforcement, PRO-CAR actively engages in community education programs and collaborates with local organizations to provide essential support services. By integrating enforcement with prevention and support initiatives, PRO-CAR aims to foster a drug-free and secure environment across the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Author name: Street Journal

DSWD sa AKAP Applicants: Makakakuha ng mga Benepisyo nang walang Pulitikang dadaanan