Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Jayson de Lemon-CamSur-PIO LEGAZPI CITY — Limang parangal ang naiuwi ng Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Operations Office sa BICOL TOURISM STARS: RECOGNITION & CELEBRATION NIGHT 2024, na ginanap sa La Venezia Hotel, Legazpi City, noong Disyembre 13. Ang okasyon ay bahagi ng Year-Ender Recognition Activity ng Department of Tourism (DOT) – V, ngayong taon. Kinatawanan ni Tourism Operations Officer II si Ms. Genelyn David ang tanggapan ng turismo ng Camarines Norte sa nasabing gabi ng pagkilala. Ang mga parangal ay ibinigay bilang pagkilala sa kanilang natatanging pagganap at malaking ambag sa industriya ng turismo sa buong rehiyon ng Bicol. Narito ang mga parangal na natanggap ng Camarines Norte: Leading Province in Local Tourism Development Planning 2024 Statistical Progress Achievement 2024 (Provincial Level) Most Active Province Participating in Travel and Trade Fairs for CY 2024 Bukod dito, ang mga munisipyo ng Daet at Basud, na kinatawanan ng kanilang mga Municipal Tourism Officers na sina Jocelyn Cruz-Sarical (Daet) at Ariane Rodrigueza (Basud), ay tumanggap ng Certificate of Recognition, dahil sa kanilang naaprubahang Local Tourism Development Plan o LTDP. Ang LTDP ay mahalaga para sa patuloy na paglago ng turismo at ang positibong epekto nito sa ekonomiya sa susunod na mga taon. Nakakuha rin ng indibidwal na pagkilala ang dating Provincial Tourism Operations Officer na siMariano “Bong” Palma kung saan iginawad sa kanya ang Dedication and Service Excellence Award. Ipinahayag ng Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Office ang kanilang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa DOT Region V, sa pangunguna ni RD Herbie Aguas at ARD Maria Salee Mora, sa lahat ng mga parangal. Nagpasalamat din sila sa 12 Municipal LGUs & Municipal Tourism Officers, Provincial Government of Camarines Norte sa pangunguna ni Gov. Dong Padilla, Vice Governor Engr. Joseph Villaverde Ascutia, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members, at higit sa lahat, sa mga Tourism Stakeholders para sa kanilang patuloy na suporta. Patuloy na magsisikap ang tanggapan ng turismo ng Camarines Norte para sa ikabubuti ng kanilang minamahal na probinsya. Photo Courtesy: Cam Norte Provincial Tourism Office

Cebu Pacific celebrates 250 millionth passenger

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, proudly reached a new milestone as it celebrated flying its 250 millionth passenger, underscoring the airline’s continued dedication to providing affordable and memorable travel experiences for its passengers. The special occasion was marked with a vibrant event at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on December 11, 2024. The passenger, Singapore-based Russel Capaniarihan, is an overseas Filipino worker originally from Bacolod. Capaniarihan, who was aboard Flight 5J 814 from Singapore to Manila, returned home to the Philippines to spend the holidays with her family for the first time in 11 years. Upon her arrival at NAIA, Capaniarihan was warmly welcomed by CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao and Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog. As a token of appreciation for this historic milestone, Capaniarihan received PHP 250,000 in cash and 25 free round-trip tickets to any destination within Cebu Pacific’s extensive network, which spans the Philippines, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. “This 250 million passenger milestone is a testament to the trust and loyalty of every Juan who has chosen to fly with us. It represents countless stories, reunions, and memorable moments made possible over the years. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to making every Juan’s journey affordable, accessible, and unforgettable—not only across the Philippines but beyond,” said Lao at the NAIA event. The celebrations began earlier at Singapore Changi Airport, where passengers of Flight 5J 814 were greeted with a photo wall hinting at the milestone announcement. During the flight, cabin crew heightened the excitement with games and prizes, including round-trip tickets to any Cebu Pacific destination. Upon landing in Bacolod, Capaniarihan received yet another heartwarming welcome at her final destination, with local representatives celebrating her as CEB’s 250 millionth passenger.

IP community affirms cooperation with Hedcor in Benguet

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

LA TRIIDAD, Benguet — The La Trinidad Indigenous Peoples Organization (LTIPO) expressed their continued support for Hedcor’s 4.5-MW Bineng 3 Hydroelectric Power Plant during the signing of the Free and Prior Informed Consent – Memorandum of Agreement (FPIC MOA), recognizing the company’s contribution to sustainable development within their ancestral domains. Hedcor, AboitizPower’s renewable energy asset manager, has operated the plant for more than 25 years as part of its portfolio of run-of-river hydro and solar power assets. With the IP communities’ consent, the company will continue to manage Bineng 3 and contribute to the community’s development for another 25 years. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) played a crucial role in facilitating the process, as outlined in the 2012 Guidelines on Free and Prior Informed Consent. Moreover, the NCIP will guide the IP communities in formulating Community Royalty Development Plans and will monitor Hedcor’s commitments, ensuring the growth and sustainability of ancestral domains while improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples. “With Hedcor’s dialogue-driven approach, we see an opportunity to develop our ancestral domain, which will empower us, the IPs, to improve our living conditions and preserve our cultural heritage and identity to pass on to the next generations,” said Marcelo Abela, La Trinidad’s first Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and one of the elders in Barangay Alapang, La Trinidad, Benguet. He emphasized that the existing partnership would achieve mutual environmental, economic, and cultural sustainability goals, illustrating how inclusivity and community engagement can create lasting impacts. “For the Ibaloy, Kankanaey, and other IPs in the Cordillera, Hedcor’s project represents hope for a more sustainable and prosperous future in their ancestral lands,” Abela said. Enhanced Livelihood and Social Services In La Trinidad, Hedcor undertakes various community development projects—from medical and dental missions to livelihood assistance and education programs—all focused on improving the well-being of local residents. Margarita Batokil, a local resident from Brgy. Bineng, recalled how Hedcor’s social services have improved their living conditions. “We have been benefiting from the partnership because it helps with our health services, dental missions, and provides free medicine. There are children who can now go to school, receive scholarships, and finish their education. Our livelihoods have improved, adding income for us, the host communities, and beneficiaries,” she said. Another community member, Maria Sudaypan, noted the previous lack of work opportunities. “Before, it was difficult; there were no jobs. Now, with Hedcor’s help, we are receiving much-needed support. At first, we didn’t fully understand what could be offered, but after discussions and consultations between the community and them, we gradually began to see the benefits,” she said. Sudaypan also shared that the partnership paved the way for their children to reach their full potential through scholarship grants and access to job opportunities. Continued community development and ‘cleanergy’ generation With this support from La Trinidad’s IP community, Hedcor is positioned to continue harnessing the power of run-of-river hydro and help the La Trinidad community in different development initiatives. Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao shared, “Our commitment to drive the Philippines’ energy transition with our expertise in managing renewable assets while empowering communities is unwavering. We extend our gratitude to LTIPO for their continued trust and support for Hedcor, as we achieve our goals of delivering ‘cleanergy’ and building a brighter future for our host communities.” Hedcor is an Aboitiz Power renewable energy asset manager with over 40 years of experience in delivering reliable energy. It manages the largest fleet of renewable assets in the Philippines, supporting the country’s energy transition goals.

More ecozones are needed – Manong Chavit

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By: Dante M. Salvaña Clark Freeport – Renowned businessman and senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson is eyeing to create more ecozones in the area as part of his thrust of making the country an economic powerhouse in Asia. During a press conference held at the Choi Garden Park PH, Manong Chavit said that creation of ecozones in the Philippines would further boost the number of businesses investing in the country, adding that this would lessen the bureaucracy. He said that he once proposed to create an economic zone in Ilocos Sur, but was not supported by the government. He added that the economic zones he established in South Korea is currently flourishing and continuous to churn out jobs. He recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the construction of the K-Beauty Industrial Complex in Incheon, which serves as a hub for the creation of beauty and aesthetic products. He said that this new complex will create more jobs, while offering educational opportunities for Filipino students to gain expertise in one of the world’s leading cosmetic markets. The K-Beauty Industrial Complex will focus on research, production, and trade, creating a space for growth and innovation within the beauty sector. By aligning with South Korea’s advanced cosmetics industry, Singson aims to equip the Philippine workforce with skills that are competitive globally. The former Ilocos Sur governor said that ecozones are engines for economic growth and job creation, citing that the country is full of potential but has been plagued with bureaucracy, red tape, and corruption. “Our country is full of potential, but the bottleneck caused by government inefficiencies often holds us back from realizing our full economic potential,” Singson noted. Despite these obstacles, he is determined to push for reforms that will streamline processes and attract investments. Singson’s vision extends beyond industrial growth. During his recent visit to Ilocos Sur last week, he addressed pressing issues like unemployment and the challenges posed by the PUV Modernization Act. With the phaseout of traditional jeepneys, he pledged to support transport cooperatives with funding to transition to electric vehicles. In addition to supporting the transport sector, Singson announced the launch of “VBank,” an initiative aimed at increasing financial inclusion across the country. VBank will allow more Filipinos to access banking services, including debit and credit cards, especially in underserved communities. The platform will also serve as a payment option for modernized PUVs and a tool for the proposed “Chavit 500” initiative, designed to provide financial aid to lower-income families and small businesses. Through these efforts, Singson hopes to create a more inclusive economy and provide practical solutions to the everyday challenges faced by Filipinos.

Eastridge takes six shot lead in Fil Champ, MSW takes commanding lead in Am Champ

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

It could be a repeat of the Seniors as Manila Southwoods appears to be heading to a Fil Championship defeat but remains the ruler of the Am Champion. This as the Eastridge –Primehomes I yesterday held off Southwoods and even increased its lead by a point as the two gear up for a showdown in the last and final round in the Fil Championship of the 74th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament at the Baguio Country Club golf course. Jhondie Quibol maintained his hot putter as he scored a two over 63 for 34 points to lead Eastridge which assembled a flight best 125. Contributing to the team’s efforts are Ronel Taga-an with 33, Roland Bregente with 30 and a 28 from Jefren Lumbo as Eastridge is on the verge of collecting its very first title. The team has 422 points and now stares at a six point lead from five over defending champion Manila Southwoods. The Carmona, Cavite parbusters assembled 124 points on the 34 of Coby Rolida, the 32 of Enrique Dimayuga and the pair of 29s of Miko Granada and Jet Hernandez.The final day will be a showdown between the two golf teams with Januarius Private Equity I fading after a 115 and 404 points total, 12 down the second placed team. Over at Camp John Hay, Southwoods 2 has virtually clinched the Am Championship title when it carded a cumulative six under or 150 points. Zeus Sara led the Southwoods charge with a five under 64 for 41 points, Patrick Tambalque chipped in a two under for 38, an even par for 36 points by Zach Villaroman and a one over for 35 markers by TJ Padilla. Southwoods now has 383 points and its one-point deficit has turned into a 23 point advantage over new second placer Eastridge. Eastridge – Primehomes 2 assembled 138 points on the one under for 37 of Chris John Remata, the even par for 36 of Gary Sales and the 33 and 32 of Edison Tabalen and Richard Joson, respectively. Eastridge’s third day performances catapulted the team to second spot with 367, pushing down two day leader Baangas Barakos to third after a 114 for its three day total of 348. Gavino Junio submitted a 25 and lead Integral to a 68 to remain at the top of Fil D with a round remaining. Integral has a three day total of 243, just three off BIBAK Igolfers which assembled a similar 68. Just a point down is Pugo Adventures which carded a 65 to move from second the third spot at 239. Yokosan is another five shot down after a 64. The Baguio Blue Bloods is one round short of claiming the Am D title with its 26 point lead over Cool Jocks 2 and another one on Eton Golf 2. Noel Lamsis was the team’s best performer with a 30 for the team’s 96 points and 238 total. Cool Jocks 2 foundered with an 85 and barely hung on to second spot with a 212 total and just one off Eton GC 2 which fired a 92 and 211 total. (Fil Am Golf Media Release)

BCDA statement on Camp John Hay court case outcome

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) lauds the Supreme Court’s ruling to “deny with finality” all motions for reconsideration filed by CJH Development Corporation (CJH DevCo) and its third-party respondents, upholding its decision to allow the BCDA to recover the 247-hectare property in the John Hay Special Economic Zone. In a resolution dated October 22, 2024, the Supreme Court En Banc ruled “to DENY WITH FINALITY the said motions for reconsideration as no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned decision…No further pleadings or motions will be entertained.” The Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court has issued on October 22, 2024 an Entry of Judgment certifying that the Decision dated April 3, 2024, has been filed and recorded with the Judicial Records Office. The Decision granted BCDA’s Petition for Review on Certioriari and REVERSED AND SET ASIDE the July 30, 2015 Decision of the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court further ruled that “(t)he March 27, 2015 Order of Branch 6, Regional Trial Court of Baguio City in Civil Case No. 7561-R, confirming the Final Award dated February 11, 2015, in PDRCI Case No. 60-2012 is REINSTATED. The April 14, 2015 Writ of Execution and the Ex-Officio Sheriff’s Notice to Vacate are likewise REINSTATED.” The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision affirms the 2015 arbitral award as well as reinstates the writ of execution and notice ordering CJH DevCo and all persons claiming rights under them to vacate the subject leased premises within Camp John Hay. The Decision in favor of BCDA has “become final and executory” and has been “recorded in the Book of Entries of Judgments.” BCDA assures the public that businesses will continue to operate in Camp John Hay. BCDA is closely coordinating with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. For questions or more details on the matter, please email us at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph.

COMELEC told to observe fair Elections Law

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Baguio City officials recently urged the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Baguio City to strictly enforce the observance of the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9006 or the Fair Elections Act by all political candidates in the city. Under Resolution No. 664, series of 2024, local legislators stated that in the previous elections, there were numerous instances where some candidates were accused of early campaigning and violations during the campaign period itself, thus, there is a need to avoid these recurring instances of violations and ensure a safe and peaceful May 12, 2025 midterm elections through the full cooperation of the candidates abiding with the provisions and mandates of RA 9006 or the Fair Elections Law. During the Senior Citizens Official For A Day (SCOFAD) session held on October 14, 2024, the SCOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SCOFAD Councilor Atanacio T. Padawil that urged the Comelec Baguio to strictly enforce the observance the Fair Elections Act by all political candidates in the city. Earlier, aspirants filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) for their desired elected positions in the city for the upcoming May 12, 2024 midterm elections during the week-long period from October 1-8, 2024. Further, the Comelec already started the necessary preparations for the upcoming political exercise with the finalization of the list of candidates in preparation for the scheduled printing of the official ballots within the year to ensure their availability by the time of the scheduled elections. Last December 2, the Comelec launched the nationwide roadshow on the use of the new automated counting machines (SCMS) to ensure that voters are fully aware of what to do during the conduct of the political exercise to ensure that their votes for their chosen candidates will be counted. Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the Comelec Baguio field office for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. (Baguio-PIO)

CJH Teams in command of A flights

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

Camp John Hay I reassumed command of Fil A in the 74th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament as their games resumed at the Baguio Country Club Thursday. Luigi Paolo Wong shot a flight best three over for 33 points to lead CJH I to a third day total of 108 and power the co-host team to 365 points with a round left. With a pair of 26 points from Melchor Carlos Rabanes II and Emilio Curran and a 23 from Leonard Corpuz, CJH I is now two off overnight leader Forest Hill II which wilted under an unforgiving BCC course where the latter came up with 95 points. The squad had 27 from Dan Braganza, 24 from Joshua Buenaventura ad a pair of 22 from Pierre Ticzon and Adrian Romero that allowed CJH I to overhaul an 11 point deficit going to the final round. Eastridge Primehomes is a distant third at 345 after an 88. Forest Hills 2, meanwhile, wrested the lead from Time Cargo Logistics 2 after a 121 at the longer Camp John Hay course. With an even par for 36 points from Jose Carlos Taruc, a 33 from Jose Nicomedes, 31 from Cherub Alcantara and 21 from John See, Forest Hills 2 had the best round in the flight as they submitted a total of 317, just two off Time Cargo which was leading by one after round two. Time Cargo had 118 for a 315 total and 16 off Team Master (108 = 299) CJH 2, meanwhile, shot a flight best 116 and a 284 total to increase its six points lead to 10 over Team M. Geroge Punasen led the charge of the locals with 33, John Marasigan submitted a 31, Bayani Tecson with 28 and Monet Garcia chipped in a 24. Team M, on the other hand, carded a 117 for 274, and 15 off Team Surigao II, which shot 94 for 259. The Championship flight will resume tomorrow and for two days play in the BCC for the Fil flight and at the CJH for the Am teams. (CEGYCC Release)

Shabu, firearms yields in separate operations in Mountain Province

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BAUKO, Mountain Province — A series of successful anti-drug operations conducted by law enforcement agencies in Bauko, Mountain Province, resulted in the arrest of two drug personalities and the confiscation of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and firearms on December 9. In the first operation conducted by the joint personnel of Bauko Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Mt. Province, 1st Mt Province Provincial Mobile Force Company (MPPMFC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)1502 and Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT)-Mt Province, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)14, a 36-year-old high-value drug personality was arrested by virtue of a Search Warrant in Guinzadan Sur, Bauko. Authorities were able to confiscate more or less 24.2 grams of shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) of P164, 000.00; drug paraphernalia, including improvised glass tooters containing MOL 1 ml transparent liquid substance with an SDP of P6, 282.8; and black Mitsubishi Montero with plate # ADL33. In a separate operation in Otucan Sur, Bauko by the joint operatives from Bauko MPS, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNPDEG), Special Operating Unit (SOU) CAR (lead unit) together with PDEA Mountain Province PO, PDEU Mountain Province, and 1st MPPMFC, arrested a 43-year-old male by virtue of a search warrant that resulted in the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs weighing MOL 7.94grams with standard drug price of P53,992.00; drug paraphernalia; one long converted Cal 22 with magazine and three live ammunitions; and one small firearm Cal. 38 with one magazine and five live ammunitions. Confiscated drug evidence was photographed, inventoried and marked at the scene of the operation in the presence of the arrested suspect and other mandatory insulating witnesses under Sec. 21 of RA 9165. The arrested individuals were turned over to the concerned police station for documentation and custody, while the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to Regional Forensic Unit CAR, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet for laboratory examination. Both operations were conducted pursuant to search warrants issued by the Presiding Judge of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court Besao-Sagada. Col. Ferdinand Oydoc,provincial director, lauded the operating troops for their exemplary performance in upholding the law and safeguarding our community. Their dedication to duty is truly commendable.

Author name: Street Journal

CamSur Tourism Office nagkamit ng limang parangal mula sa DOT-V