Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By: Dante Salvaña Calasiao, Pangasinan – “Kailangan ng bawat Pilipino ang magkaroon ng sariling bank account.” This was the statement made by senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson during an ambush interview at the Monarch Hotel in this town on Saturday evening. The former Ilocos Sur congressman was on hand for the Calasiao Town Festival where he was the guest of honour. “Ang pagkakaroon ng bank account ay para makapag-impok ang isang mamamayan at makaiwas sa bisyo. Dahil kung ano man ang sobra sa kayang kinikita, nauuwi minsan sa bisyo,” he said. He added, “Andiyan ang sabong, sugal, alak, at Iba pang bisyo na puwede nila gamitin sa sobra nilang pera. Kaya gamitin sa bisyo, mas maganda itabi na lang Ito sa Bangko.” Manong Chavit said that the reason why he is introducing his VBank.PH online banking is to provide the masses with an account without the hassle of ever going to the bank. “You usually go to the bank and present various identification cards and documents before they could process your account. Dito sa VBank, selfie mo lang eh sapat na,” he said. The renowned businessman said that VBank aims to provide a platform for the masses that even with those working with minimum wage can save their money there. “This allows them to save their excess money and use it for a rainy day. Iba kasi pag may hawak na sobra, sa bisyo kagad napupunta,” he said. The goal, he said, is to remove the money from the hand and put it into an online account, and make it into a habit of saving. “Out of sight, out of mind. So hindi mo gagastusin ngayon ang pera na wala sa bulsa mo,” he cited. The VBank app is a digital banking platform designed to improve financial inclusion in the Philippines, will be launched on Sunday, 15 December. The event will be held at 3:30 PM at the Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Quezon City during the Blackout Festival, with celebrity guest Ai Ai delas Alas joining Singson at the launch. VBank aims to provide Filipinos with accessible financial services by enabling users to open bank accounts through the app, eliminating the need for traditional paperwork. The app offers features such as money transfers to banks and digital wallets, bill payments, and mobile load purchases. It also connects users to over 6,000 cash-in outlets nationwide, including Tambunting Pawnshops, Puregold, and Alfamart, ensuring convenient transactions even in remote areas. “This is not just about banking; it’s about giving every Filipino the tools to participate in our economy,” Singson said during a public demonstration of the app. “VBank makes it possible for anyone, regardless of location, to access essential financial services.”

City warns on impostor ‘Basurero’ solicitations this holiday season

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By JM Samidan – Baguio PIO The city government warns the public against giving in to solicitations from individuals pretending as garbage collectors of Baguio. City General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan issued the advisory after receiving a report from a concerned citizen sent to the Public Information Office about certain individuals in motorcycles soliciting for garbage collectors’ supposed Christmas Party. However, Buyucan said a lot of dishonest individuals are using the term “basurero” to solicit from the public. “We have instructed our garbage collectors to never ask for Christmas gifts or solicit in cash that is why we are sure that these individuals are fake basureros,” Buyucan said. “A lot of individuals are falsely representing themselves as garbage collectors to solicit, please don’t give any and report them to the police instead. Hindi po tama na magamit ang ating basurero sa (solicitation) kanilang gawain,” he added. Aside from solicitation for Christmas parties, some individuals are also soliciting for “abuloy” to the family of a supposed dead garbage collector or sick one. All of these were said to be untrue by the GSO and barangay officials whose signatures were also faked in some of the solicitation letters. Meantime, the city appeals to the public to treat garbage collectors with dignity by properly segregating waste, packing discards securely and to obey the prescribed schedule of bringing out garbage. The GSO only has around 60 waste collectors in its plantilla who are only augmented by some 140 volunteer pickers attending to daily total waste production at 400 tons. The amount of waste almost doubles during the peak tourism months.

Eastridge denies MSW 10th straight Fil Champ title

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

Eastridge – Primehomes I it is this year. Jhondie Quibol slowed down with a 32, but Jefren Lumbo picked up the slack to lead Eastridge with 35 and a last round output of 132 for the four day total of 554 and an 11 point victory in the premiere Fil Championship and deny Manila Southwoods a 10 straight crown. It was a well-balanced output for Eastridge as Rolando Bregente added 33, while Rinel Taga-an matched Quibol’s output. Joaquin Hernandez tried to rally Southwoods as he scored a one over 35 en-route to a 129 and 545 total in the two-way battle for the title. Coby Rolida and Enrique Dimayuga had an identical 32s, while Miko Granada added 28 to count for the erstwhile defending champion. First round leader Januarius Private Equity 1 completed the podium with 512 after a 108. It was a reverse in the Am Championship where Southwoods weathered a strong Eastridge 2 rally to still win the crown by seven shots. Thanks to Zeus Sarfa’s 39 point production, the 35 of Zach Villaroman, and the pair of 34s from Rafa Leonio and Patrick Tambalque, Southwoods made 142 for a four day total of 525. Eastridge had the day best of a seven under or 151 points when three of its men scored in under par. Chris John Remata led with a four under for 40, Richard Joson had a three under for 39 and Edison Tabalin with a two under for 38 in the mammoth effort that, however, fell short. Gary Sales counted with a two over for 34 points. First round leader Batangas Barako closed with a 119 and an aggregate 467. Former Southwoods player Luigi Paolo Wong led CJH to the Fil A title after closing out with 109 and 472 total for a 23 point victory over round two leader Forest Hills 1. Wong closed out with an even par for 36 and with rounds of 39, 38 and 33, the La Trinidad born and raised golfer finished with a two under for 146 and the individual group 2 title. Counting for his team are Melchor Carlos Rabanes II (27), Emilio Antonio Curran (24) and Leonard Corpuz (22). Forest Hills closed out with 88 for 449, just a point off Eastridge – Primehomes which closed out with a 103 and 448. Richard delos Santos hot a one under for 37, while Theody Pascual added an even par for 36 to power Time Cargo Logistics 2 to a flight best 131 and 442 to move past day three leader Forest Hills 2, which closed out with 120 and 437 aggregate. Team Master is a distant third with 416 after a closing round of 117. Pearl Kai Golf Club had a closing round of 78 and a four-day total of 389 to win Fil B title. Moto I is 15 shots down with 374 after an 80 for second, while Green Water Golfers of California complete the podium with 373, just a point off erstwhile third ranked Cool Jocks which closed out with an 80. CJH 2 made it two for two by winning the Am B crown by a measly four points. CJH 2 closed out with 109 and 393, just four off Team M which had a closing round of 115, thanks to the round four brilliance of Matt Manotoc, who drilled 40 points or a four under 65. Team Surigao 2 took third honors with 360 after a 101. Emiliano Mendoza and Cris Garbo scored 23 points a piece and lead MCG/Edmari to 86 and 397 total to take a nine point victorying Fil-C. The last day total was enough to lift their team which was tied with FLCA Golfers 1 after the third round. FLCA Golfers 1 had a closing round of 77 for 388, while JAC Liner – 13th Tee came in fourth after an 85 for 344. In Am-C, like in Fil-C, the top two teams were tied after the third round, but Green Jacket scored 103 in the final round, outscored Isabela Leaders by six to take a six point victory. Isabela had a closing round of 96 for its 330 points, 15 points off third placer Red Core Solutions. In Fil D, Team Phoas of Uragun closed with a 70 for 316 and a seven shot victory over BIBAK Golfers which shot a 69 and 309. BIBAK Golfers actually leap frogged two higher squads for its final placement – Mixed Nuts, which finished third, shot 59 and 308 and Integral which had 61 and 304. Palm Grove coasted to the Am E crown by closing out with 94 and 337 for a seven point victory over FLCA Golfers 2 which had a 92 and 330 total. Fil-Am League of Golfers Chicago 2 took third place with 320 after a 76. In Fil E, Jon Fokomota scored 20 points to lead to 73 for a 312 points total for a 10 shot victory for Fil-Golfers of Hawaii 1. Uraguns 1 had 71 for 302 to seal a bridesmaid finish, while a 67 for Isabela Builders was enough for the last podium finish. In Am E, Jose Gerard Asuncion’s 25 for the team’s 80 points was enough for Royal Northwoods 2 to take the title. The team had 282 points, six shots off Fil-Golfers of Hawaii 2, which had a closing round of 82 for 276. Ultraflite 2 had 77 for 241 and third place. In individual play, top honors went to Forest Hills 2’s Jose Carlos Taruc as winner of group 2 with 115 points; Dennis Nicomedes also of Forest Hills 2 as group 3 winner with 119 points; group 4 winner is Junel Soriano of Integral; Douglas Puckett in group 5 with 112; while Donald Daganos of FLCA Golfers 2, Irwin Fernando of Razcals – Gold, Migs Enrile of PHOAS of Uragun and Ferdinand delos Santos of Fil Golfers of Hawaii 2 are group 6, 7, 8 and 9 winners, in that order. (Fil-Am Golf Media Release)

Gob.Mamba, iniutos ang agarang implementasyon ng mga napondohang proyekto

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Badz Heralde-Cagayan PIO TUGUEGARAO CITY — Mahigpit na ipinag-utos ni Gob. Manuel Mamba sa mga Department Head ng Kapitolyo ng Cagayan na agarang ipatupad at tapusin na ang mga nakabinbing proyektong napondohan sa mga nakalipas na taon. Ipinahayag ito ni Mamba sa Department Head, kasama ang mga Chief of Hospital sa naganap na Management Committee (ManCom) Meeting sa Conference Hall, Capitol Main Building, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, noong 14. Aniya, nararapat lamang na matapos na ang mga ito dahil pondo ito sa ilalim ng kanyang administrasyon. Kabilang sa mga pinatututukan ang iba’t ibang proyektong pang-imprastraktura at iba pa na kailangan aniyang tapusin at ipatupad upang mapakinabangan na ng mga Cagayano. “Posible maapektuhan ang mga ito pagsapit ng eleksyon dahil sa gagawing election ban, dagdag pa ng Gobernador. “Ang dami kong gustong matapos at the end of the year. All of these things are funds after my administration. Let’s do this fast. Tutukan ang lahat ng kayang gawin, lahat ng kayang i-implimenta. As you know I signed everyday, kapag nakikita niyo na na-stock, puntahan niyo,” ani Gob. Mamba. Ayon pa sa Gobernador, bagama’t siya ay patapos na sa kanyang ikatlo at huling termino ay nais pa rin niyang maipagpatuloy ang mga magagandang nasimulan sa probinsiya. “I’m on my last term pero ‘di ko pababayaan ang province. I am considering not running anymore pero sinabi ni Manong Egay, ikaw ang Vice Gov. ko. People still believe, people clamor for continuity. Nakikita ko ‘yun,” sambit ng Ama ng Lalawigan. Kaugnay rito, isa-isa namang nagprisinta ang mga departamento ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cagayan at ang 12 District Hospitals sa kanilang mga programa at proyekto na naisagawa ngayong taon. Kabilang na rito ang mga proyektong imprastraktura ng Engineering Office; serbisyong naihatid ng Social Welfare Office at programang pangkalusugan ng Provincial Health Office. Tinalakay rin sa pagpupulong ang gaganaping Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) sa buwan ng Abril, kung saan magiging host province ang lalawigan ng Cagayan kasama ang University of Cagayan Valley (UCV). Hinakayat naman ni Gob. Mamba at Provincial Administrator Atty. Maria Rosario Mamba-Villaflor ang mga kawani ng PGC na suportahan ang aktibidad at ipakita na handa na ang Cagayan na pagtangan sa mga malalaking kaganapan katulad ng PRISAA.

Seal of Good Local Governance, nakamit ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Quezon

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Sa pangunguna ni Governor Doktora Helen Tan, nakamit ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Quezon ang 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance Award ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Bilang parte ng HEALING Agenda ang Good Governance ni Gov. Tan, patuloy na isinusulong nito ang mabuting pamamahala at pagsisikap na maihatid ang tunay at epektibong serbisyo para sa bawat mamamayan. Ang Seal of Good Local Governance ay ang pinakamataas na pagkilala na iginagawad ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sa mga lokal na pamahalaan sa buong bansa. “It’s a concerted effort of everyone, and it’s a proof that we are doing our best sa Capitol [Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Quezon] na ayusin lahat ang mga proseso at sistema,” saad ni Gov. Tan. Iniaalay naman ni Gov. Tan ang parangal na ito para sa lahat ng mga Quezonian. Dagdag pa niya, magpapatuloy ang ganitong klase ng serbisyo para sa tao. Samantala, tumanggap din ng pagkilala ang bayan ng Pagbilao, Gumaca, Candelaria, Dolores, General Nakar, Real, Sampaloc at Mauban.

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

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

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.

Author name: Street Journal

Filipinos need bank accounts – Manong Chavit