Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

West Philippine Sea, do you know where to defend it? Amidst the on-going tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), assisted by hundreds of Chinese militia vessels and fishing trawlers, has intensified the conduct of more dangerous and more provocative maneuvers against the Philippine air and sea assets and personnel, as well as Filipino fishermen, in the area. These harassments of the CCG are in blatant violation of the 2016 arbitral decision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which discredited the People’s Republic of China’s claim over almost all of South China Sea. The Convention’s Tribunal affirmed the sovereign rights of the Philippines over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf which is the West Philippine Sea. Unfortunately, during the recent Kongreso ng mga Mangingisda para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran held in Subic, Zambales, none of the 150 fishermen know the difference between the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, and where is West Philippine Sea can be found. And it could be assumed that only a handful Filipinos can give a correct answer. While most Filipinos wrongly refer the name West Philippine Sea as substitute for South China Sea, the former refers only to the boundaries extending to 200 nautical miles (321.87 kilometers) from the shoreline, which we know as Philippine’s EEZ. This was the substance of the Administrative Order No. 29 which then President Benigno Aquino III issued on September 12, 2012 designating the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago and within the Philippine EEZ as the West Philippine Sea. The traditional Filipino fishing ground Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc is merely 120 miles (193 km) from Zambales, and is clearly inside the Philippine EEZ. The Spratly Islands or the Kalayaan Island Group is merely 30 nautical miles (48.28 Km) off Palawan, against more than 400 NM (643.7376 Km) from the nearest land in China. To this situation, it is necessary to first educate the Filipino people on the issues of WPS; and at the same time, listen to their concerns and recommendations to better serve them by the government. As National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya explained, the government’s priority today is to respond to the needs of the fishermen in the WPS, while the Marcos administration is asserting the Philippine rights and sovereignty over the territory. Hear’s to Watch. The Philippine Coast Guard assured that they will provide escort and assistance to fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal, and to BFAR ships deployed to ensure safety of the Filipinos in the area. The Army and Navy signified their readiness, too. But for the fishermen, the questions remain: until when the Philippine West Sea be free from Chinese “occupants’ and aggressors? How long our fishermen can freely catch fish in our own fishing ground without being harassed and shooed away by the foreign intruders? How many more Filipinos should lose their fingers due to greed of space? And lastly, are we, common Filipinos, willing to defend our ground against the giant army?.

46 night establishments closed for lack of permit

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By JM Samidan-PIO BAGUIO CITY — The city government through the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) ordered the closure of 46 night establishments for operating without the necessary business permit and violation of existing local laws. The BPLO under the City Mayor’s Office inspected a total of 152 night establishments from January to September 2024 wherein 76 were found with permits while the remaining 76 failed to show proof of business registration. Of the 76 without business permit, 46 were issued with closure orders for failing to comply with permitting requirements despite being given grace period. The BPLO along with other departments in the city such as the Public and Order Safety Division (POSD), City Health Services Office, City Treasury Office, along with the Baguio City Police Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection – Baguio Station, and barangays concerned have been conducting routine joint inspection on night establishments. This is to ensure compliance to existing policies such as business permit, liquor permit, noise level monitoring, fire safety, sanitation practices and operational guidelines as well as anti-human trafficking among others. During inspections, entertainers or workers of night establishments are also required to present their work permit with their health card or pink card as proof of undergoing the necessary tests in compliance to City Ordinance No. 16, series of 2022, or the Baguio City Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Control Ordinance of 2022. For entertainers who travel from one place to another without a pink card or work permit, members of the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC) have yet to come up with a policy in consideration of health risk, safety and security concerns.

Cebu Pacific Welcomes 12th Aircraft Delivery for 2024

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, accepted its 12th aircraft delivery for 2024 — an A321neo — in support of the airline’s ongoing network expansion and fleet modernization efforts. The newly added 236-seater aircraft touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on September 26. This delivery comes just two weeks after CEB welcomed another fuel-efficient A320neo aircraft, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to accessible and sustainable air travel. “This latest aircraft delivery aligns with our goal of enhancing our fleet and expanding our network to better serve every Juan. With each fuel-efficient aircraft we welcome to our fleet, we are taking steps toward achieving our net zero goal by 2050, while continuing to open more routes and introduce new destinations for our passengers,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15 percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation. The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions. CEB operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversified commercial fleet mix of nine (9) Airbus 330s, 40 Airbus 320s, 23 Airbus 321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

Baguio bags Top Plum in Model Cities Awards

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Aileen P. Refuerzo-PIO Baguio City has been adjudged as top model city stamping its class as an Education Hub, Livelihood and Employment Centered, Family First and Social Service Oriented place, Retirement Haven, Safe Haven, and Food Security Enabler in the recently concluded The Manila Times Model Cities and Municipalities 2024 Awards. Aside from topping the seven categories, the city also placed first runner-up in the Sustainability Champion aspect of the prestigious awards program. Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed elation over the recognition as he shared the honor with the private sector and the Baguio community whose cooperation has been instrumental in the gains so far achieved in the continuing pursuit for a better Baguio. The mayor’s Executive Assistant V Samantha Jean Hamada received the award in behalf of the city government in ceremonies held Sept. 19, 2024 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasay City attended by Manila Times president and chief operations officer Blanca Mercado, P&A Grant Thornton Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing partner Olivier Aznar; Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels Cleofe Albiso; and Times Chairman and chief executive officer Dante Ang II. Sharing Baguio’s standing was Bacnotan, La Union which took the top plum in the municipalities category. A total of 26 cities and 12 municipalities were screened for the awards program this year which centered on the theme, “Reinventing, Reinvigorating Urban Living,” The project aims to give recognition to “exemplary cities and municipalities that manifest steadfast commitment to providing sustainable development and economic growth for their residents through various initiatives.” “The Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities 2024 celebrated the progress and development in urban areas across the country,” according to the Manila Times. “It highlighted the capability of the local governments’ capability to reduce poverty; enhance productivity and profitability; integrate information, communications and technology, and governance strategies; benchmark best practices; universalize literacy in the country; reform competitiveness in local trade and investments; and streamline the ease of doing business.”

Japan, Republic of Korea, United States announce P1.6-Billion partnership to improve Health Outcomes in BARMM

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare in the Philippines, the development agencies of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States signed a partnership committing P1.6 billion ($29 million) over five years to improve health outcomes and advance Universal Health Care in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), on September 27 This funding is in addition to existing forms of assistance which the three development agencies have provided and will continue to extend to BARMM. Under the Memorandum of Cooperation, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will work closely with BARMM’s Ministry of Health (BARMM-MOH), the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH), local communities, and other key stakeholders to improve health information systems; increase public health financing; promote good public health practices; expand quality healthcare services, and improve access to essential medicines, facilities, and equipment. JICA, KOICA, and USAID have committed to share their expertise and resources to advance cross-cutting health system reforms and initiatives in the region effectively and innovatively. “Together with our partners, we aim to promote a more resilient and efficient regional healthcare system accessible to the community and the vulnerable groups within the region. Our efforts towards a more inclusive and responsive health system reflects Japan’s long-standing commitment to human security and peace-making efforts within the BARMM,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said at the signing ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila. “Korea’s experience rising from the ashes of war to prosperity drives our commitment to supporting peace and development, reflected in our 30 percent increase in official development assistance and a 48 percent boost in KOICA’s budget for 2024. Through this unprecedented partnership, KOICA will play a crucial role in delivering vital maternal and child health services, strengthening health systems, and improving emergency readiness,” KOICA Vice President KIM Dong Ho said. “Through this partnership, we envision a future where mothers and their children are in the care of highly capable professionals; where TB patients receive treatment; where young adults receive culturally sensitive reproductive health services; and where families are protected from infectious diseases and pandemic threats,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said. JICA, KOICA, and USAID will each have a unique focus and expand their priority health programs in BARMM. JICA will advance maternal and newborn health and nutrition, strengthen community health services, promote PhilHealth enrollment facility-based deliveries, and take into account contribution to gender mainstreaming. KOICA will enhance sustainable health financing through PhilHealth, provide culturally sensitive maternal care, upgrade facilities and equipment, and boost emergency preparedness with the DOH-certified Field Epidemiology Training Program. USAID will strengthen health systems, enhance the delivery of family planning, adolescent reproductive health, and tuberculosis programs, and improve preparedness and response to emerging health threats. “This collaboration reinforces the shared journey of DOH, BARMM-MOH, USAID, JICA, and KOICA towards our vision of Universal Health Care and the sustainable development goals for health, including quality service delivery, healthcare financing, health governance, and health regulations,” DOH Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa added. “The Memorandum of Cooperation is a call to action and a commitment to harness the collective power of our organizations to create a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous Bangsamoro with an end in mind to build a stronger Philippines,” said BARMM Health Minister Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. “By working together, we can amplify our collective action, enhance our efficiency, and ensure that every peso, dollar, won, and yen invested shall translate to tangible improvements in people’s health and quality of life.” In addition, the strategic partnership will more effectively provide training and support to local governments and communities so they can expand health outreach to vulnerable populations, laying the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity for the Bangsamoro. The efforts of the three agencies also support the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. This cooperation marks the first partnership in health in the Asia Pacific region among the development agencies of the governments of Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United States.

DepEd – Cordillera launched the Class-In Connect Project

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Redjie Cawis-PIA LA TRINIDAD,Benguet — A first of its kind initiative in Philippine public schools which features advanced hardware and software to facilitate real-time interaction between learners and teachers across different locations via an interactive smart board. DepEd-CAR officials led by Regional Director Estela Carino and Assistant Regional Director Ronald Castillo who initiated the project with Congressman Eric Go Yap who funded the inaugural interactive board to the Schools Division of Benguet. Yap, led the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the Class-In interactive boards at the Cordillera Regional Science High School in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet,on September 26. Cong. Yap also pledged to donate three additional Class-In Connect smart boards to foster high-quality learning opportunities for the students.

IWG to open a 45th shared workplace at Aurora Subic Hotel

Business

Business / Street Journal

By Dante Salvana SUBIC BAY FREEPORT– The Aurora Subic Leisure Inc. and the International Workplace Group (IWG) recently signed a memorandum of agreement which will pave the way of opening the Regus shared office workplace development at the Aurora Suite and Pavilion in Subic Bay Freeport zone. Aurora Subic President Paolo Francisco welcomes the new partnership agreement with IWG saying that this is another milestone, an endeavor and likewise a great opportunity here in Subic. The Regus Center will be located at the 4th level of Aurora Suite and Pavilion, with a dynamic work environment and breathtaking bay view blending professional excellence with unparalleled coastal beauty. A 900 square meter area roughly 220 work station with 45 offices with different sizes to fit difference needs like meeting rooms, reception and business lounge. “Today is marks the important milestone of Aurora Subic Leisure Inc. as we officially embark as a new chapter of thru collaboration and share successful with IWG,” said ASLI Chairman John Ross Francisco. “For us at Aurora Subic, this agreement is more than a contract is a statement of mutual trust, a pledge to work together to a common goal and shared commitment for delivering value not just for our company but for costumers employees and communities,” he added. Aurora Subic Inc. started the year by partnering with hospitality innovators incorporated (HII) and one of the winning hotels and service residences operated and manage by HII in the Philippines. For his part, Lars Wittig, Country Manager of IWG said that of Aurora Subic Hotel he truly believed in Subic Bay freeport investments and jobs creation at least a very bright future in this area. “Therefore I was delighted that Aurora Subic is committed in investments just like you did in your hotel business partner up with specialist on that area. We believe and delighted that we are the chosen partner for the flexible work space as a service for the Regus brand. We know that we have a strong demand here we know that Subic Bay Freeport is very important addition on our national network,” Wittig said. He described Subic Freeport as a strategic location targeted for their expansion since the opening of Regus (shared workplace) in Clark Freeport in 2015. “Clark is the gateway, driving from Metro Manila in the northern direction, and Subic is the logical extension that offers excellent logistics, free port and development zones in the same manner as Clark,” Wittig said. IWG is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. The company utilizes hybrid working platforms to increase productivity, efficiency, agility and market proximity of its clientele. It has a network coverage that includes 3,500 locations across more than 120 countries and 83 percent of Fortune 500 companies are part of their customer base. (Dante M. Salvaña)

SBMA releases P204.7-M LGU shares to contiguous LGUs for H1 2024

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport—Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has released the ₱204.7-million in net revenue shares for the neighboring local government units (LGUs) of this premier Freeport. The net share received by the eight contiguous localities is part of the five percent corporate taxes paid by Subic Bay Freeport-registered enterprises from January to June 2024. Spearheading the distribution of LGU shares on behalf of the SBMA Chairman and Administrator was Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. Ramon O. Agregado. The revenue shares for this period is slightly higher than last year’s ₱203 million for the same period. For shares generated during the first half of 2024, Olongapo City will receive a net share of ₱47.8 million; Subic, Zambales will receive ₱30.7 million; San Marcelino, ₱24.5 million; Castillejos, P18.6 million; and San Antonio, ₱17.4 million. For Bataan, Dinalupihan will receive ₱25.5 million; Hermosa, ₱21.9 million; and Morong, ₱18.1 million. Revenue shares are determined according to the following parameters – 50% population, 25% land area, and 25% equal sharing. This makes Olongapo City the frontrunner and top recipient of revenue shares due to its population. According to the 2020 census, Olongapo pegged its population at 206,317, the biggest among the nearby communities of the SBF. It is also the highest in terms of population density with 1,407.12 resident per square kilometer with a total of 185 sq. km. land area. Meanwhile, net shares are computed by adding the current base share to the ten per cent retention amount from two years prior, but less ten per cent retention amount from the current period. Since August 2010, revenue shares were directly released to the LGUs on a bi-annual basis—August for the first semester, and then February the following year for the second semester.

60 dating rebelde at supporters, sinanay sa paggawa ng project proposal

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Badz Heralde AMULUNG, Cagayan — Sumailalim ang nasa 60 dating rebelde sa Peoples Organization (PO) Project Proposal Making and Packaging Training nag organisa ng 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army sa Farmer’s Training School, Anquiray, Amulung, Cagayan. Ang mga dating rebelde na kalahok ay mula sa Sambayanan Peoples Organization at Cagayan Alliance for Peace and Development (CAPD) na grupo ng mga dating miyembro at supporter ng makakaliwang grupo sa Cagayan. Sa nakuhang impormasyon mula sa 17th IB, ang training ay upang mabigyan ng kaukulang pagsasanay at maging produktibo ang mga dating rebelde. Layon rin ng proyekto na magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga kalahok sa paggawa ng paper work para sa project proposal upang mapamahalaan ng maayos ang mga ibababang tulong mula sa gobyerno. Nabatid na ang CAPD ay binuo sa inisyatiba ni Gov. Manuel Mamba upang matulungan ang mga dating rebelde na muling makabalik ng mapayapa sa komunidad. Samantala, katuwang ng 17th IB sa pangunguna ni Lt. Fernie V. Lua, CMO, kawani mula sa Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Northern Luzon na si Regie Gallardo, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Assistant Regional Director Rey Adattu, at Cristy Anne Mae T. Mamba ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) R02.

Author name: Street Journal

West Philippine Sea, do you know where to defend it?