Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Sheen Eugenio A total of 113 farmers from the town of Nampicuan and Quezon in Nueva Ecija graduated SM Foundation Inc. Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) on October 11, 2024, at SM City Cabanatuan. During the 14-week course, the farmers learned effective planting techniques for fruits and vegetables. This improved their harvests and provided organic food for their families. SMFI also helped farmers form associations and connected them with government organizations, local markets, and SM suppliers for a more stable income. SMFI joined with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), St. Isidore The Farmer Learning Center Inc. (SITFLCI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade in Industry (DTI) and leaders from the Local Government of Nampicuan and Quezon. Marilou Pascual, 46 years old, a mother of three, a tricycle driver, and a former bet solicitor is one of the graduates who said that during the training period from August to September, they were able to sell harvested organic vegetables amounting to 16,660 that inspire her to plant and sell more. “I would like to take care of this opportunity given to us by SM Foundation and live with Tatang Henry Sy Sr. life principles. After this graduation, I will plant more crops with my co-graduates to continuously produce more and earn more in the coming days, months, and years,” Pascual said. The KSK-SAP is part of the SM Foundation Inc. which has been serving different communities since 1983, focusing on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for those in need. The foundation serves as the core belief of SM Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility, established by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, while anchoring on the principle “People Helping People”.

Baguio wins gold in Seoul Smart City Awards

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The City of Baguio, represented by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Francis Camarao of the Management Information and Technology Division, bagged gold in the Human CentriCity category of the Seoul Smart City Prize Ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea, on October 10, 2024. The city won for its ‘Baguio’s Inclusive and Accessible Health Governance’ (BIAG) system which provides accessible health records, telemedicine and equitable health protection. It aims to transform the healthcare in the city of Baguio. Mayor Magalong and Baguio’s delegates are in South Korea to attend the 1st Seoul Smart Life Week, which promotes the vision and values of a “people-centered smart city.”

Council okays P12-M for Batang Pinoy games

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY — The City Council, recently, approved the request for additional funding for the city’s sports fund amounting to P12 million for the preparation of the athletes participating in the annual grassroots program of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Philippine Youth Games or Batang Pinoy National Championships 2024 that will be held 2024 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on November 23—28, subject to availability of funds. The fund allocation was contained under Ordinance No. 53, series of 2024 for the local government to field its delegation to the annual grassroots sports competition. Earlier, the council considered a letter dated August 30, 2024 of City Administrator Bonifacio dela Pena requesting additional funding for the city’s sports fund amounting to P12 million to prepare Baguio-based athletes participating in the annual grassroots program of the PSC, particularly the Philippine Youth Games or Batang Pinoy National Championships scheduled on December 15-20, 2024 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. He explained that the amount of PhP7 million will be spent on the participation of athletes in the Batang Pinoy while PhP5 million will augment the current incentives fund which is already depleted. However, in an official statement dated September 12, 2024, Executive Director and Project Director Paulo Francisco C. Tatad of the PSC, Batang Pinoy National Championships 2024, stated that after the release of the Department of Education’s calendar, it was discovered that the period December 15-20, 2024 still coincides with school classes and as a result, the event will be adjusted from the earlier schedule to November 23-28, 2024 which is aligned with their mid-year school break. (Baguio PIO)

Congratulations to Baguio City for its Triumph at the 2024 ATOP Pearl Awards

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Baguio City has once again showcased its tourism leadership, earning ten major accolades at the 2024 ATOP Tourism Pearl Awards, including the prestigious Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Unit (LGU) and Best Tourism Video awards. This remarkable achievement highlights Baguio’s dedication to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community engagement. The ATOP National Convention and Pearl Awards, held in South Cotabato, celebrate exceptional tourism programs across the country. Baguio’s innovative initiatives were recognized for promoting responsible tourism, positioning the city as a leader in the industry. City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo, Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairperson Gladys Vergara, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Jovi Ganongan, and staff from the Baguio Tourism Office and BTC proudly accepted the awards. Ms. Vergara expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This victory belongs to every Baguio resident. It reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage while embracing sustainable practices that benefit both locals and visitors.” BTC Co-Chair, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, shared his pride in the city’s achievements, acknowledging that these awards reflect collective success and strong leadership in steering Baguio’s tourism strategy towards sustainability and inclusivity. Baguio’s victories spanned a variety of categories, including: Best Tourism-Oriented LGU: Baguio City – Grand Champion Best Tourism Promotion – Video: Grand Winner Best Tourism Promotion Brochure: 2nd Runner Up Best Event Hosting (Local): An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2023 – First Runner Up Best Tourism Week/Month Celebration: HRAB’s 16th Annual HRT Week in Baguio – First Runner Up Best Sports Tourism Event: Sang-atan Bike Festival 2023 – First Runner Up Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism: Baguio Country Club’s Sustainable Practices – Special Citation Best Cultural Festival: Gong Festival – First Runner Up Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts: Montañosa Film Festival 2023 – First Runner Up Best Community-Based Tourism Program: Baguio Pony Boys – Second Runner Up These accolades reaffirm Baguio’s ability to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability and cultural stewardship. From sustainable practices to vibrant cultural festivals and community-based initiatives, Baguio continues to lead in both innovation and heritage conservation. Vergara emphasized the collaborative effort behind these achievements, saying, “These awards reflect our collective vision for a sustainable, culturally vibrant city. It is a triumph for every Baguio resident, our creative community, and all who work tirelessly to make our city a model of responsible tourism.” The ATOP Pearl Awards celebrate tourism excellence across the Philippines, and Baguio’s multiple wins reaffirm its status as a premier destination. The city continues to attract visitors with its scenic beauty, cool climate, and leadership in promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and the local community.

Zamboanga’s Hermosa Festival 2024

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

The Badju Fashion show and competition was held Tuesday night, October 8, at the Astoria Regency in Pasonanca, as one of the highlights of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2024. A total of 20 entries created by local fashion designers were showcased during the Badju Fashion Show and Competition, which aimed to celebrate and highlight the traditional designs of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the city. Mayor John Dalipe vowed tocontinue advocating for the preservation of the city’s culture and recognizing the city’s IP sector. The city government of Zamboanga was the first city to hold the Badju Fashion Show and competition that started during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival two years ago. “Badju,” is a Muslim term that refers to traditional dresses, but this word also serves as a tribute to all Indigenous People of Zamboanga City and is accepted as an umbrella term for dresses inspired by indigenous motifs. ENHORABUENA! to the winners in the Badju Fashion Show and Competition: Yakan Edition: 1st Place: Mandrake Servito 2nd Place: Maverick Francisco Oyao 3rd Place: Usni Sali 4th Place: Ruel Sardan 5th Place: Marcle Craig Del Rosario Photo credits: Raffy Reyes

Businessman, Advertising expert and PR mogul eyes mayoralty seat in Olongapo City

Inside Politics, Region 3

Inside Politics, Region 3 / Street Journal

By: Dante Salvaña OLONGAPO CITY – Advertising expert, entertainment producer, and businessman Arnold Vegafria together with his council slate filed their certificates of candidacy at the SMX Convention Center, SM Central Olongapo City last October 7. More popularly known by his initials, ALV, as well as his monicker “Manager ng Bayan,” Vegafria is running under the “Anak ng Gapo” banner. Together with his council slate, he highlighted his platform and advocacies to help reform his hometown into a progressive and major tourism destination. Included in his councilor slate are Ian Vegafria-Bautista, Macky Alonzo, Erick Elmo Ison, Pocholo Galian, Derrick Manuel, Jan Ibarro, Bong Tocayon, Tina de Leon, Oliver Guerrero, Jerome Ducos and Earl Escusa. Vegafria’s platform of administration if elected as mayor of Olongapo are jobs generation, rebuilding the tourism industry, creation of additional economic zones, prioritization of Health programs, educational reform, Olongapo City modernization, transportation modernization, environmental advocacy and disaster management, sports, arts and culture development, prioritization of the fishing industry. Vegafria has established his legacy as one of the Philippines’ entertainment industry’s respected talent manager, as well as a prolific film, TV and concert producer, events specialist, and PR impresario. Among the artists he manage are David Licauco, Sunshine Cruz, Baron Geisler, Sylvia Sanchez, Pinky Amador, Mark Rivera, Geneva Cruz, Juan Carlos Gallano, JK Labajo, Kuh Ledesma, Korina Sanchez, Billy Crawford, Jay R and Kris Lawrence. Prior to starting his multi-faceted business career, he earned his Dentistry degree from the University of the East. Among his notable achievements, he was a guest speaker at the United Nations World Forum on the Diaspora Economy, U.N. Headquarters, New York, served as juror at the Soho International Film Festival, New York from 2013-2018, was one of the esteemed judges at the Miss World pageant in Sanya, China in 2017 and 2018, was twice awarded Philippine Empowered Men & Women of the Year (2017-2018) from BEST Magazine, awarded National Customers’ Choice Annual Awards 2014 – Certificate of Excellence for ALV Talent Circuit/”Most Outstanding High-Quality Talent Management Agency,” awarded Best Choice Awards 2014 – Certificate of Excellence for Best Choice Talent Management Agency – ALV Talent Circuit, Silver Award/Philippine Star – ALV Consultus Advertising Inc., awarded Top 20 Most Valued Advertising Agencies of the Philippines – ALV Consultus Advertising Inc. (Philippine Star) 2006. In the global pageant circle, he has also garnered acclaim as the official franchise holder of Miss World Philippines and the Miss Grand Philippines pageants. A philanthropist and entrepreneur with diverse business interests, Vegafria also dabbled in sports. He was one of the key founders of the Mahalika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), and is also the Chairman of the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) mixed martial arts league. He was also Senator Manny Pacquiao’s former business manager, and also ventured into politics, having served as the PDP-Laban’s campaign manager, political advisor and consultant, with established ties with some of the country’s prominent government leaders, including incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., former presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla, Bato dela Rosa, Dick Gordon, Gringo Honasan, Koko Pimentel, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, Dick Gordon, former Defense Secretary and Congressman Gilbert Teodoro, former Ilocos Sur governor and Congressman Chavit Singson, SAGIP-Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, and former Congressman and senatorial aspirant Zajid Mangudadatu. He also played a major role in the campaigns of the following party lists: YACAP, BUHAY, Ang Probinsyano, Marino, Agimat, Frontliners, Pamilya Ko, Ako-OFW and SAGIP. Having spent most of his formative years in Olongapo City, Vegafria fondly remembers the glory days when the city gained renown as the Cradle of Pinoy Rock back in the early ‘70s, as well as the bustling economic and tourism boom when the U.S. military bases were still in the area. “This is my most fervent wish, to bring back the glory days of Olongapo City the way I remember it best,” Vegafria reminisces. “All we need to do is to revitalize our industrial infrastructure and attract foreign investors and tourists to stimulate economic boom.” “I know that it won’t be an easy task, but I am confident that with our team’s dedication, we can rebuild this city and bring back the economic and tourist boom that our city enjoyed during the time of the U.S. naval bases,” he added. Among his key advocacies in his mayoral platform include job generation, tourism promotion, revitalization of economic zones, health prioritization, educational reform, infrastructure and transportation modernization, environmental protection, sports, arts and cultural development, flood control, waste management, reduction of electrical/power charges and anti-drug campaign.

PRO-8 welcomes new regional director

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, LEYTE – The Police Regional Office 8 proudly welcomes its new Regional Director, Brig.Gen. Jay Reyes Cumigad, during a significant Joint Turnover and Assumption of Offices Ceremony presided over by General Rommel Francisco D.Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police, at Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, on October 9, 2024. Before his new assignment, Cumigad served as the head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group (HPG). His experience and leadership skills have been cultivated over a distinguished career, beginning with his graduation from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), “PATNUBAY” Class of 1995. His background in various capacities within the PNP equips him to tackle the challenges ahead and guide the region toward progress and safety. In this transition, Cumigad succeeds the outgoing Regional Director, Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, who has now been assigned to the Directorate for Operations. Pawid, in his farewell remarks, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the men and women of PRO 8 for their unwavering support and dedication. He emphasized that during his almost one year in office, he worked diligently to enhance the welfare of all personnel and achieve the organization’s objectives. “As the leadership of PRO 8 transitions, I am confident that the region is in capable hands under the leadership of BGen. Cumigad,” Pawid added. RD Cumigad, in his assumption speech, echoed the same sentiment of optimism and readiness for the challenges ahead. “As PRO 8 embarks on this new chapter, the entire PRO is poised to foster a safe and secure environment for the communities we serve, especially as we prepare for the 2025 National and Local Elections. The collective efforts of the officers are sure to bring positive changes in the Eastern Visayas law enforcement landscape,” he stated.

Globe reiterates public warning against SMS spoofing, calls for increased vigilance

Business

Business / Street Journal

Globe renews its call for the public to exercise vigilance against SMS spoofing, a sophisticated scam tactic that has seen a resurgence in recent months, with fraudsters using names of reputable organizations to take advantage of customers’ trust. Spoofing involves fraudsters impersonating legitimate SMS sender IDs, including Globe and other organizations, to trick recipients into believing that the messages are authentic. This technique has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in Metro Manila, despite the implementation of SIM registration last year aimed at curbing SMS fraud. Customers have reported receiving spoofed messages that mimic Globe’s sender ID, enticing them with fraudulent links or else hooking them with claims of account problems. These deceptive messages aim to steal personal and sensitive information, which can grant scammers access to online accounts such as social media profiles, e-wallets, and bank accounts. Globe is taking proactive steps to combat spoofing, including issuing public warnings, collaborating with industry partners and law enforcement agencies to apprehend scammers, and investing in advanced security measures to detect and block spoofed messages. “Spoofing is a form of cybercrime that is becoming increasingly difficult to detect. We urge everyone to be extra cautious with any SMS that asks for personal information or prompts to click on a link. Globe will never send a clickable link in its official customer advisories,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer. Spoofing is a global concern, facilitated by the use of illegal devices known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers or fake cell towers. These devices can intercept mobile communications within a certain radius, allowing fraudsters to send messages with spoofed sender IDs that bypass network spam filters. Globe urges the public to report any suspicious messages to its customer service channels and to follow these digital security best practices: Never click on links from unknown sources. Never share personal information via SMS. Regularly update your knowledge on the latest scam tactics. Be wary of unsolicited messages that offer deals that seem too good to be true. Turn on spam filters on your phone, if feature is available. By raising awareness and promoting collective vigilance, Globe aims to protect its customers and the public from these harmful practices.

SM Supermalls’ vision: Greener spaces for the community

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

Led by its President Steven Tan, SM Supermalls is in an era of reinvention, transforming its malls into sustainable, innovative, community-centric spaces. “The history of SM Supermalls is one that has been built on innovation and change to serve the needs of millions of Filipinos,” says Mr. Tan. In this new era, SM Supermalls is reimagining customer experience by creating more spaces for leisure and interaction, and celebrating local communities. “Our goal is to create spaces that not only meet the needs of our customers but also anticipate and evolve with them. This new era is about forging deeper connections with our community and ensuring that every visit to our malls is meaningful and enriching,” adds Mr. Tan. 3 ways SM Supermalls is transforming its malls for the Filipino community Greener spaces SM City Baguio Sky Terrace is a vibrant sustainable area designed for relaxation and social interaction, offering an inviting open space that functions as a mini park. This picturesque venue features charming coffee shops, providing visitors with the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying a delightful beverage. Surrounded by greenery and offering great views of the city, the Sky Terrace combines modern convenience with a focus on environmental sustainability, creating a perfect balance between urban development and nature. A key feature of the bold redevelopments of SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Bacolod, SM City Cebu, and SM City Iloilo is the integration of lush indoor gardens and the development of more outdoor greeneries. Optimized sustainability features SM’s proven sustainable solutions, such as water recycling and treatment, solar energy, natural lighting, and deck landscaping – which are already present in almost all SM malls – are continually improved. Community-centric designs In its new generation of malls, designs are influenced by the communities they serve. In the soon-to-open SM City Laoag, the inabel weave, a traditional Ilocano handwoven fabric, is reflected in its sky roof. The upcoming SM City La Union embodies the province’s youthful beach vibe. Additionally, spaces are created exclusively for local brands, celebrating and supporting the communities’ entrepreneurs. Stay tuned: Be the first to know about our grand openings and exclusive previews. Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media to get the latest news and exclusive sneak peeks. There’s #MoreForYouAtSM SM is continually pushing the boundaries of retail, redefining and reimagining the mall experience for Filipinos. More than just shopping spaces, SM is evolving to build and nurture communities where both Filipinos and businesses thrive.

Author name: Street Journal

113 Novo Ecijano farmers graduate from SMFI KSK sustainable agriculture program