Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Maria Jenifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment in Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR) has strengthened its monitoring of nearly 6,000 profiled child laborers in the region, prioritizing them for government interventions. The Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL-NIR) convened to reinforce interagency efforts and institutional mechanisms aimed at eradicating child labor in the country by 2028. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the number of working children aged 5 to 17 was estimated at 861,000 in 2024, continuing a downtrend from 1.09 million in 2023 and 1.48 million in 2022. Labor and Employment Officer II Florabelle May Libawan of DOLE-NIR reported that DOLE profiled 5,749 child laborers in the region in 2025—60%, or 3,475, from Negros Oriental; 35%, or 2,020, from Negros Occidental; and 5%, or 254, from Siquijor. Child labor was most prevalent in Negros Oriental, where the municipalities of Bindoy, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Ayungon and Tanjay City recorded the highest concentrations. Libawan noted that the agriculture sector has consistently employed the highest share of working children, given the region’s extensive sugarcane plantations. Of the 5,749 profiled child laborers, 77%, or 4,428, were engaged in farming; 368 in fishing; 236 in domestic work; 186 in forestry; 142 in construction; 71 in quarrying; 47 in manufacturing; and 27 in transportation, among others. “A large number of child laborers are exposed to various hazardous conditions. The most common is exposure to physical injury because they are engaging in hazardous activities using tools that are inappropriate for their age,” said Libawan. DOLE’s Technical Support and Services Division Chief Nole Torres said child labor remains a pressing challenge deeply rooted in poverty, noting that NIR has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. Under DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), 208 parents or guardians of child laborers in Negros Oriental and Siquijor received direct government assistance to help ensure their children could attend school and complete their education. Through livelihood assistance awarded to parents, DOLE aims to boost family income and keep children from returning to hazardous work. In 2025, DOLE’s Project Angel Tree provided food, clothing, hygiene kits and educational materials—sourced from donors referred to as “angels”—to 311 children in Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Torres stressed that addressing child labor demands convergence, coordination and sustained collaboration, calling for the institutionalization of a unified approach to ensure that “all children deserve to learn, to grow and to dream free from exploitation.” Under Republic Act No. 9231, child labor refers to any work performed by a child under 18 that subjects the child to exploitation or is harmful to his or her health, safety or physical, mental and psychological development. (JCT/PIA-NIR Negros Oriental)

Batangas City pushes e-trike initiative

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Bhaby De Castro BATANGAS CITY, Philippines (PIA) — The Batangas City government is advancing its E-Trike Initiative Program which will deploy 10 e-trike units to support the city’s free ride service amid the rising fuel cost. As part of the initiative, the local government conducted a study to ensure that the free ride program will not negatively impact the operations and income of tricycle drivers while still benefiting commuters. Five of the e-trike units will be assigned to selected routes in the Solid North, Solid East, Solid Baybay, Solid Upland, and Solid Poblacion clusters, operating from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., and again in the afternoon until evening. The program aims to assist early commuters such as city employees, students, and residents transporting goods to the town proper, as well as those traveling home later in the day. Each e-trike unit is also equipped with a spare battery, allowing continuous operation without the need for downtime due to charging. Prior to this, the city government launched its walk-to-work and bike-to-work programs, encouraging employees to walk or cycle to work as a response to rising fuel prices. In line with these efforts, 10 employees who joined the walk-to-work program received new shoes, while 10 bicycles were raffled off to participants of the bike-to-work initiative. Mayor Marvey Marino said the city government continues to seek solutions to help ease the burden of high fuel costs on the public. “We will not stop finding ways to ease the challenges we face. We only ask for everyone’s cooperation so we can overcome these trials together. If we work as one, we can get through this,” Marino said. Earlier, 10 employees received new shoes and another 10 received bicycles when the program was launched on April 13, 2026. (MPDC-PIA Batangas)

SM and ARISE PH with Partners Aim to Accelerate Resilience by 2030

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

The ARISE Philippines 2026 Annual General Meeting led by Hans Sy, Chairman of SM Prime Holdings Executive Committee and Chairperson of ARISE PH, brought together key network members and partners to advance the national disaster resilience agenda, highlighted by the ceremonial launch of the new ARISE Philippines website. The event also introduced the ARISE Knowledge Management System: SkillsBuild by IBM, a new platform facilitated by the Asia Pacific College to strengthen technology-enabled resilience initiatives nationwide. The milestone gathering was supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology, DOST-PHIVOLCS and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

SM Supermalls bags top honor at 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Recognized as the Organization of the Year, SM Supermalls won 30 awards across diverse categories SM Supermalls continues to raise the bar for customer excellence after being named Organization of the Year at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious programs recognizing innovation in business. The win marks the second time SM Supermalls has received the prestigious honor, earning a total of 52 award points across Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie recognitions. The achievement highlights the company’s sustained commitment to delivering meaningful, innovative, and customer-first experiences across its most-loved malls. “On behalf of SM Supermalls in the Philippines and China, we would like to thank the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for this honor. This is a testament to how we continue to evolve and innovate to deliver a truly maxed-out experience for our customers,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President Joaquin L. San Agustin, who accepted the recognition. “We dedicate this to the millions of our customers back home, as well as to our tenant partners and employees who make these experiences possible.” Driving Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship SM Supermalls continues to embed sustainability into its core operations through impactful initiatives such as SM Green Movement, International Coastal Cleanup 2025, Powered by the Sun, and Save Water. These programs highlight the company’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility—encouraging everyday action while building greener, more resilient communities, especially in times of crisis. Championing Social Good and Inclusive Communities Beyond environmental efforts, purpose-driven initiatives remain at the heart of SM Supermalls’ mission. Programs like Mall for All, Empowering Communities, Empowering Together, and SM Job Fairs create meaningful opportunities for Filipinos, while Movies for the Blind ensures that mall experiences are inclusive and accessible to all. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ role as a space where communities come together and where everyone can truly Gala To The Max. Celebrating Local Arts, Culture, and Creativity SM Supermalls continues to bring culture and creativity closer to communities through initiatives such as Mindanao Art, Philippine International Pyromusical Competition, Konnichiwa Japan, Animezing North, and Art from All. These programs transform mall spaces into vibrant cultural destinations—where stories are shared, traditions are celebrated, and creativity thrives across your most-loved SM Supermalls. Empowering Youth and Strengthening Family Connections Creating spaces for young talents and families to grow remains a key focus. Initiatives like SM Super Spelling Bee, SM Little Stars, and Besties of Joy provide platforms that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. Through these programs, SM Supermalls continues to nurture the next generation while strengthening family bonds—making every visit a chance to enjoy a maxed-out experience together. Expanding Destinations and Elevating Experiences SM Supermalls’ continuous growth is anchored in thoughtful, community-driven development. The recognition of SM City Laoag and SM City La Union’s Opening in 2025 highlights the company’s continued expansion across the country. Meanwhile, initiatives such as SM City La Union’s Translating Local Identity into Purpose-led Brand Experience and its Mallseum showcase how each development reflects the unique identity and heritage of its locale. From large-scale spectacles to everyday engagement, SM Supermalls continues to redefine the malling experience. Crowd-favorite activations such as SM Active Hub, Pride Pheerayde, and SM Mall of Asia Night of Lights bring communities together through dynamic and immersive events. These experiences embody the brand’s commitment to creating moments that go beyond shopping—inviting everyone to Gala To The Max in every visit. Extending Innovation Across SM China Beyond the Philippines, SM Supermalls’ excellence is mirrored in its China portfolio through locally resonant, highly engaging campaigns. Initiatives such as SM City Zibo: Let’s Wave, SM City Tianjin: Three Color Sports 6.0, and SM City Yangzhou: Mango Vibes Only highlight the brand’s ability to create vibrant, lifestyle-driven experiences tailored to diverse communities. .Seasonal and cultural storytelling also took center stage with SM City Xiamen: Chinese New Year with Songxi Woodblock Prints and SM City Chengdu: The Frog Prince, blending tradition and creativity to deliver immersive mall experiences. Meanwhile, SM City Jinjiang: Bean There, Beat That Stress! showcases innovative wellness-driven engagement, while SM Haicang: Grand Opening reflects the continued expansion and growing footprint of SM Supermalls in the region. Together, these initiatives underscore SM Supermalls’ strength as a regional brand—capable of delivering impactful, culturally relevant, and truly maxed-out experiences across markets.

Commercial hub officially launched in Quezon

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio TIAONG, Quezon, Philippines – A new site for a commercial hub for development in Quezon and San Pablo City was officially launched at Barangay Lalig, on April 22. The hub is hosted by the Villa Escudero Corporation, occupying a total area of 2.14 hectares within the property of Villa Escudero Plantation and Resort. The central project features high visibility from the South Luzon Expressway (TR4) exit and the Maharlika Highway, with less than 200 meters to the Tiaong interchange, and is directly accessible through the main highway. Mayor Vincent Arjay Mea said the development represents the next chapter of Tiaong’s economic growth and provides local job opportunities. The central hub targeted local and international investors, said Daniel Escudero, project development manager.

Apayao approves farm projects, forms new coordination body under VISTA

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

APAYAO, Philippines — Key farm development projects in Apayao are moving forward after provincial officials approved and endorsed proposed subprojects under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities (VISTA) Project. During the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting on April 15, the proposed subprojects for 2025 were reviewed, validated, and endorsed, clearing them for submission to higher approving bodies. The review ensured that the projects are aligned with provincial priorities and national development goals. Atty. Penelope B. De Ausen, VISTA provincial project director, said strong coordination among agencies and communities is crucial to ensure effective and inclusive rural development. The PCC action followed the earlier endorsement of the same proposals by the Expanded Agrarian Reform Community Cluster Coordinating Committee (EARCC-CC) during its meeting on April 13 in Conner, Apayao. Local government units, farmer groups, and partner agencies took part in the discussions, focusing on improving project design and addressing implementation concerns. Meanwhile, a new EARCC-CC was formally organized in Luna, Apayao on April 16 to strengthen coordination at the grassroots level. The body will serve as a platform for planning and decision-making in implementing future projects. The activity concluded with stakeholders signing a pledge of commitment, signaling unified support for the VISTA Project.//DARRO-CAR

A Space to Create at SM City Baguio

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – At SM City Baguio, creativity comes naturally. As more people turn everyday moments into stories, the mall continues to be a space where content creators can express themselves, connect with others, and bring their ideas to life. From lifestyle bloggers to video creators and social media enthusiasts, SM City Baguio has become a go-to destination for those looking to capture engaging and meaningful content. With its diverse spaces and vibrant atmosphere, creators find inspiration in every corner. Local content creator Gell Gadiano is among those who have found a creative home in the mall. Through her content, she highlights not only her personal style and experiences but also the different spaces and tenants within SM City Baguio, showcasing what the mall has to offer in a relatable and engaging way. Areas such as the Sky Terrace provide a dynamic backdrop where natural light, open spaces, and city views come together, making it ideal for photos and videos. Whether it is a quick shoot, a collaboration, or a spontaneous idea, the mall offers endless possibilities for content creation. Beyond aesthetics, SM City Baguio fosters a growing community of creators. It serves as a place where individuals can collaborate, exchange ideas, and support one another, creating a positive environment for creativity to flourish. For creators like Gell, the experience goes beyond content. It is about sharing stories, highlighting local brands, and connecting with audiences in a more meaningful way. By providing accessible and engaging spaces, SM City Baguio continues to support the local creative community while also giving tenants additional visibility through authentic storytelling. More than a lifestyle destination, SM City Baguio remains a space where creativity is celebrated, communities are built, and every visit becomes an opportunity to create, share, and inspire.

SCJ Volunteers Manila leads multi-sector tree planting drive for climate resilience

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

RIZAL, Philippines — In a unified effort to support environmental protection, disaster resilience, and future community livelihood, Shincheonji Volunteers (SCJ Volunteers) Manila led the multi-sector “Go Green, Grow Together” tree planting drive along the riverside in Barandal, Barangay Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal, mobilizing 85 volunteers from government, civic, and community partners in celebration of Earth Month. The initiative brought together the Philippine Army’s 2nd Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Civil-Military Operations Regiment (2CMOBn, CMOR, PA), the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), the Rotary Club of San Mateo, the San Mateo Business Club, and the local government units (LGUs) of Barangay Sta. Ana and the Municipality of San Mateo, represented by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to sustainability and community-driven environmental action. A total of 300 seedlings, consisting of 100 bamboo and 200 assorted fruit-bearing trees provided by DA-BPI, were planted across the designated site The Municipal Agriculture Office led the technical orientation, while DOLE-TUPAD workers under the LGU of San Mateo supported site preparation. Volunteers worked hand in hand from clearing to planting, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can deliver tangible environmental impact. Alexis Santos, Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Agriculture Office of San Mateo, said the initiative highlights the value of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. “This initiative proves that when communities, government, and organizations work together, we can build solutions that protect both people and the environment. Bamboo planting is not just for today. It is an investment in climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and the future of our communities,” Santos said. More than a tree planting effort, the activity underscores bamboo’s critical role in climate action. With its fast growth and high carbon absorption capacity, bamboo helps restore degraded land, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the impacts of flooding and heavy rainfall. For residents along the Sta. Ana riverside, the initiative also carries long-term benefits for disaster mitigation and potential livelihood opportunities, as mature bamboo plantations may serve as a sustainable source of income. The inclusion of fruit-bearing trees further supports food security and additional income sources for the community. Together, these serve as practical, nature-based solutions that support both environmental resilience and community development. To ensure sustainability, local residents will take an active role in monitoring and maintaining the site. This includes regular watering, replanting when necessary, and organizing follow-up activities to support the survival and growth of the planted trees. Rooted in faith and service, SCJ Volunteers Manila emphasized that caring for the environment reflects a deeper spiritual responsibility. The group underscored the importance of living out faith through meaningful actions that benefit others and honor creation, drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:16. Through this initiative, volunteers aim to serve both people and the planet. With “Go Green, Grow Together,” SCJ Volunteers Manila and its partners demonstrate that environmental stewardship becomes more impactful when communities unite with purpose, partnership, and a shared vision for a greener and more resilient future. SCJ Volunteers is a global non-government organization affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, dedicated to advancing community welfare through volunteerism. Its programs focus on environmental protection, livelihood support, and educational and social development initiatives.

Zambales LGU honors athletes after finishing 1st Runner-Up over-all in CLRAA 2026

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

By Ruben A.Veloria IBA, Zambales- The local provincial government of Zambales honored local athletes, coaches, and sports officials for finishing 1st Runner-Up over-all in this year’s Central Luzon Athletic Association (CLRAA) Meet. Board Member Rundy Ebdane, representing Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., greeted the athletes and delegates with celebratory beats of drums and echoing hooray to congratulate each member of Team Zambales for the successful CLRAA campaign in Tarlac and Aurora. Other key sports officials also were present, including BM Carl Eric Rico, Ass’t Schools Div. Supt. Alberto M. Otchengco Jr., Jade Ballesteros, Provincial Sports Devt. Officer, and Larraine B. Rico, Exec. Ass’t to the Governor, who have both shown steadfast support for the development of Zambaleño athletic talent. Athletes who wsports on gold, silver and bronze medals in various sports disciplines, were specially recognized alongside their respective coaches. They also received cash incentives as token of appreciation, and as a concrete show of support of the local administration and for their sacrifice and achievements. In his congratulatory message, Gov. Ebdane extended his gratitude to the athletes and sports officials who brought pride to the province. He also said that once the sports complex and football stadium were completed, sports in Zambales will go through in a greater heights. “Let us work together for Zambales! Sulong Zambales, Arangkada Zambaleño!” Gov. Ebdane expressed in immense joy and pride over the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing that all achievements come from unity, discipline, and continuous support from the government, schools, coaches, and families.

Author name: Street Journal

DOLE-NIR steps up child labor interventions, profiles nearly 6,000 cases across Negros Island