Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Ruben A.Veloria MANILA, Philippines – House Deputy Speaker Rep. Jay Khonghun of the 1st District of Zambales officially donned and took-oath of allegiance as honorary officer of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) in a ceremony held in PCG Headquarters in Manila. In a simple but heartfelt ceremony, Rep. Khonghun was donned to the honorary senior rank of Auxiliary Commodore (one star rank) and swore in before Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant Phil. Coast Guard. While promoting better and free education, Khonghun is also known for his advocacy in strengthening the Philippines’ presence in the West Philippine Sea, and vocal in condemning bullying activities and aggressive manners of China Coast Guard against Filipino fishermen. Khonghun is also active in calling members of the Congress for more support for the development and strengthening of the country’s maritime security resources to address the safety of Filipino fishermen in the WPS. According to Aux. Commodore Khonghun, the ceremony was not merely acknowledgement (of his advocacy), but a vow for stronger and deeper service to environment and the community. “The ceremony was not only a recognition, but a solemn vow for a stronger commitment to protect our sea, ensure the safety of the community, and to always be ready to respond to any emergencies and calamities,” Aux. Commo. Khonghun said. The PCGA officer also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his family, especially to Subic mayor Jon Khonghun, and the people of Olongapo and Zambales, for their continuous support and presence in the important events of his career. Khonghun noted, “This recognition will serve as inspiration for us to continue and broaden our delivery of public service and compassion for the community, and the country.” The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) is a uniformed non-government, non-profit, volunteer organization that support as force multiplier of the Philippine Coast Guard, in search and rescue, marine environmental protection, maritime safety, and community relations.

Tranquility Park opens at Camp John Hay

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A new haven for wellness and reflection has opened at Camp John Hay. The Tranquility Park, spanning approximately 896 square meters, was formally launched today as part of John Hay Management Corporation’s continuing efforts to enrich the area’s attractions and nurture community well-being. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by JHMC President Manjit Singh Reandi, who reminded staff and service providers: “Development means sustaining what we have built. Let us help one another to preserve and nurture it. The opening of a project does not mark the end of responsibility; it marks the beginning of it.” Inspired by Camp John Hay’s historic role as a rest and recreation site for U.S. soldiers during World War II, the park reimagines that legacy for the present. It now offers the public a serene space for meditation, exercise, and social connection—an environment where heritage and modern wellness meet. Designed by Architect Leonardo Biasura, Jr., with the significant creative input of JHMC’s Project Management Division, Environment Management Division, General Services Division, and the Aesthetic Enhancement Committee, the park embodies a vision of symmetrical balance. Its layout invites visitors to leave behind daily stresses and embrace tranquility. Among its key features are a central meditation statue, landscaped walkways for relaxation, and open areas that blend wellness activities with community interaction. The design emphasizes simplicity and harmony with nature, encouraging mindfulness, peace, and a renewed sense of balance.

BCDA moves forward with CRK second runway project

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is now moving forward with the Clark International Airport (CRK) second runway project as it begins the detailed design phase, marking a key step in improving the airport’s efficiency and supporting long-term aviation growth in Central Luzon. Following a competitive bidding process, the BCDA has awarded the detailed engineering design of the runway to the joint venture of Schema Konsult Inc. and South Korea-based Yooshin Engineering Corp., with a total project cost of Php206.9 million. The additional runway will serve as a backup to the main runway in the event of operational disruption or unavailability, ensuring continuity of safe operations and enabling non-stop airport activity. The expansion is also expected to support increasing demand from logistics carriers and improve overall airport efficiency. This project is aligned with the Marcos administration’s push to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure and strengthen the logistics network along the Luzon Economic Corridor. “By building a second runway, we are taking a significant step toward strengthening CRK’s operational resilience and long-term capacity. This development will build in redundancy to ensure uninterrupted operations, minimize the risk of disruption, and enhance Clark’s competitiveness as a premier logistics and aviation hub,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. “More importantly, this development will benefit Clark and the wider Central Luzon region by enhancing connectivity for locators and businesses, while also generating more employment opportunities for the local communities as airport and related support services expand,” he added. The detailed engineering design phase is targeted for completion by the second quarter of 2027. Once the design is finalized, BCDA will conduct a separate bidding process for the construction phase, with the new runway projected to become operational by the fourth quarter of 2029. The Clark International Airport is fast emerging as a premier gateway in the country, having served 2.75 million passengers in 2025. International logistics giants, UPS and FedEx, are also expanding their logistics operations at the airport. To support the growing demand, as well as the operational requirements of its locators, the BCDA, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, is pushing forward the development of additional airside infrastructure in CRK, including taxiways, aprons, runways, and utilities. These will enable CRK to accommodate more aircraft movement, improve turnaround times, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

‘Mangan Taku’ Food Fair returns, highlights Cordillera indigenous cuisine and heritage flavors

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Rod G. Asurin BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The distinct flavors of Cordillera indigenous cuisine will once again take the spotlight as the 7th Mangan Taku Cordillera Food Fair opens from April 23 to 27, 2026, at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park. Organized by the Department of Tourism-Cordillera (DOT-CAR) in partnership with the City Government of Baguio, the event is part of the celebration of Filipino Food Month and carries the theme “Preserving Traditions, Sustaining Flavors.” DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita A. Ganongan said the food fair highlights the Cordillera’s rich culinary heritage through authentic dishes, traditional cooking methods, and locally sourced ingredients. “This is dedicated to the rich culinary heritage of the Cordilleras, authentic flavors that define our region’s identity. We will have all provinces participating,” Ganongan said. Now on its seventh year, Mangan Taku will feature 46 exhibitors, which include slow food communities and local food enterprises from the different provinces of the Cordillera, along with selected participants from Regions I and II, showcasing the wider Northern Luzon food landscape. Visitors can expect a wide range of indigenous food, from highland vegetables to traditional delicacies prepared through time-honored methods such as smoking, fermentation, and curing. Ganongan emphasized that food is a vital part of Cordillera identity. “When you taste Cordillera food, you also get a glimpse of our culture. Food is part of our heritage,” she said. To make the experience more interactive, the Mangan Taku Food Crawl will return, allowing guests to explore booths using a food passport. A minimum purchase of P200 per booth earns stamps, and visitors who complete at least 10 stamps may receive simple tokens from the organizers. The Cookfest will feature community cooks and professional chefs presenting Cordillera-inspired dishes using indigenous ingredients and traditional techniques. Ganongan encouraged the public to visit and support local producers. “We invite everyone, residents and tourists, to join us in exploring and celebrating the flavors that connect us to our roots while supporting our local farmers and MSMEs,” she said. The five-day fair aims to promote cultural preservation, strengthen local enterprises, and celebrate the living culinary traditions of the Cordillera. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR, Baguio City)

Rep.Cayton renews backing for Gov.Gambito

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

Governor cites unity as Key to Sustained Progress By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton on Monday renewed his support for the administration of Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, saying his presence at the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony signaled concrete backing for the governor’s leadership. “My presence in today’s flag-raising ceremony of the provincial government is an indication of my concrete support to the provincial government headed by Gov. Gambito,” Cayton said at the ceremony attended by provincial officials. Cayton said he has been closely monitoring the provincial government’s programs and activities and has sought to align his own initiatives with those efforts. He added that in his first nine months as congressman he has filed 43 House bills and resolutions intended to address the needs of Nueva Vizcaya residents and respond to contemporary challenges. Gambito thanked Cayton for his renewed support and framed the gesture as part of a broader unity among the province’s leaders. “Although we belonged to different political parties in the last election, we have come together as one for the sake of the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” the governor said. “Our priority is the welfare of our constituents, not partisan politics.” An advocate of unity since his return to the provincial government, Gambito said Nueva Vizcaya residents can expect sustained efforts to improve livelihoods and boost economic opportunities through continued solidarity among provincial officials.

La Union Energy Task Force heightens Fuel Retail Monitoring

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) collaborates with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure fair market in local fuel supply amid the ongoing energy crisis. This partnership ensures that fuel retailers comply with legal mandates and price stabilization measures, as the global fuel market remains volatile in light of the tensions in the Persian Gulf. Members of the Provincial Energy Security, Conservation, and Crisis Response Task Force convened on April 14, 2026 to coordinate inspection protocols. Upon the order of Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, the task force provided augmentation to help the DOE monitor local markets effectively. To maximize efficiency, the monitoring teams were divided into two groups covering District 1 and District 2. This strategic division aimed to expedite the oversight process and lessen the risk of fuel shortages caused by logistical delays or illegal hoarding. Furthermore, the PGLU task force, with guidance of DOE, also sought to prevent cases of premature price adjustments among retailers. Inspections covered various gasoline stations across the province These joint operations aimed to deter fuel hoarding and other illegal activities that could further compromise the local supply. The DOE currently faces manpower constraints, with only ten personnel in its Rosales, Pangasinan office serving Region 1 and three adjacent regions.Through this reinforcement, the PGLU ensures stronger presence on the ground to discourage potential violations both from retailers and consumers. The PGLU remains committed to spearheading proactive initiatives that safeguard the welfare of every resident during challenging times. These continuous efforts in energy security and inter-agency cooperation reflect a dedicated path toward a stronger and better La Union.

PNOC’s Diesel shipment arrives at Subic Port, Strengthening Philippines’ Energy Security

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC), has recently received a major diesel fuel shipment at the Port of Subic Bay, signaling a crucial step in bolstering the country’s energy reliability. The shipment consists of 44,119 metric tons—or 329,505 barrels of diesel fuel. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the shipment of PNOC’s 329,505 barrels or 44,119 metric tons of diesel arrived in Subic Freeport on April 10 through the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC) storage facility. He added that as of March 30, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had already issued a special permit to the PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to fast-track the emergency importation of petroleum products, especially diesel, to stabilize the nation’s energy supply. “The special permit is designed to bypass standard bureaucratic processes and customs procedures that could delay immediate importation of fuel,” he said. The PNOC-EC is set to procure a total of two million barrels of oil and 22,000 metric tons of LPG to build a national buffer stock, aiming to mitigate price volatility and secure supply. These emergency stocks that are expected to augment around 10 days of the country’s additional fuel supply and strengthen LPG reserves, are being secured in response to Middle East market disruptions. Subic Bay Freeport is home to the PCSPC, the largest petroleum product import storage facility in the Philippines, which stores a significant portion of the national buffer stock. The facility currently has a storage capacity of approximately 6.3 million barrels (roughly one billion liters) of fuel. It occupies about 160 hectares and accounts for 20% of the total fuel storage capacity in the Philippines. The depot is spread across the Boton and Maritan Hill areas within the Freeport. The facility uses the infrastructure of the former U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. At its peak during the Vietnam War, the site handled the largest volume of fuel oil compared to any U.S. naval facility worldwide. It serves as a critical hub for storing and distributing various fuel products—including diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel—to major regions like Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon.

Magalong explains State of Calamity declaration

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city government has officially declared a State of Calamity in the Summer Capital to address the growing economic and social impacts of the global energy crisis due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Magalong said the declaration is necessary to legally access emergency funds under existing government regulations and that while the national government has already declared a State of National Energy Emergency, the Mayor stressed that mobilized resources under such a declaration are primarily allocated to national agencies, leaving local governments with limited flexibility. “To properly utilize our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) funds—especially the Quick Reaction Fund (QRF)—we need to declare a State of Calamity. The rules are very clear,” Magalong explained. Under Commission on Audit (COA) guidelines, local governments can only access the QRF—which comprises 30 percent of the DRRM fund—during a declared State of Calamity. The DRRM fund itself represents 5% of the city’s annual revenue. For Baguio, this translates to over ₱200 million, with approximately ₱146 million allocated for preparedness, mitigation, and prevention, and the remaining portion reserved for immediate emergency response. The city has already begun deploying these funds, as around ₱20 million has been allocated to provide financial assistance to the transport sector, including public utility jeepney (PUJ) and taxi drivers, while ₱5 million is being distributed as ₱3,000 cash aid to over 1,600 financially vulnerable residents. The city is also rolling out a significantly expanded rice assistance program, supported by funding from the national government, as the Mayor noted that this is the first time Baguio has received such a large allocation from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). Previously, the city could only allocate about ₱3 million annually for rice assistance, often supplemented by donations. This year, however, the allocation has surged to ₱56 million, equivalent to approximately 33,000 sacks of rice weighing 50 kilograms each. “This is a big help. A lot of people will benefit from this program,” Magalong said. He said the State of Calamity would remain in effect depending on the trajectory of the energy crisis, which he linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict involving Iran. “Even if the war stops now, recovery could take three to six months in the best-case scenario. In a moderate scenario, it could take six months to a year. Worst case, one to two years,” he said. Magalong warned that the current crisis could have a more severe economic impact than the COVID-19 pandemic, as he pointed out that before the pandemic, the Philippines recorded a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 6%in 2019. In contrast, recent figures show a declining trend, with GDP dropping to 4% last year and continuing to fall in subsequent quarters. “All the drivers of GDP—consumer spending, investments, government spending, imports, and exports—are affected,” he explained. “With the energy crisis beginning in March, we expect the first-quarter GDP to decline even further.” He urged residents to prepare for prolonged economic challenges as the city navigates the ripple effects of global instability. “We really have to brace ourselves,” he said. (Gaby B. Keith)

SSS responds to economic challenges with expanded relief programs, ₱60B in support for members and pensioners

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and under the guidance of Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Secretary Frederick D. Go, the Social Security System (SSS) is strengthening access to its existing programs in response to rising energy costs, inflationary pressures, and the broader economic impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These initiatives include policy enhancements to improve accessibility, and the early implementation of this year’s pension increase to provide timely financial relief to members, pensioners, and employers. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said, “We recognize that rising prices and economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on Filipino families and businesses. Through these enhanced programs, SSS is ensuring that our members and pensioners have access to timely, affordable and reliable financial support when they need it most.” Collectively, these programs are expected to provide up to approximately ₱60 billion in financial assistance and benefit support. Emergency Loan Program Members facing urgent financial needs may apply for the enhanced Emergency Loan Program, which offers up to ₱20,000 at a reduced interest rate of 7% per annum, with a six-month repayment moratorium. To improve accessibility, SSS has relaxed the eligibility requirements from 36 to 18 months of posted contributions, with at least six (6) contributions posted within the last 12 months. The program now also covers members with minimal past-due loans of up to three (3) monthly amortizations, as well as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through simplified eligibility requirements. Around ₱27 billion has been allocated for this program, which is expected to benefit an estimated 2.24 million eligible members, providing a safe and affordable alternative to informal lenders and helping them cover essential expenses such as medical needs, education and daily household requirements. Micro-Loan Program SSS is set to roll out short-term loans ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱20,000 with repayment terms of 15 to 90 days and an affordable rate of 8% per annum. The program will be delivered through digital platforms and partner financial institutions, enabling faster and more convenient access to funds. It aims to provide immediate liquidity support while promoting financial inclusion, with a target loan portfolio of up to ₱40 billion within the next two (2) years. Loan penalty condonation For members with past-due loans, SSS continues to implement the Consolidation of Past Due Short-Term Member Loans with Condonation of Penalty Program. Under this program, penalties of unpaid loans are fully waived upon settlement of the principal and interest. Members may choose flexible payment options: one-time settlement or installment terms up to 60 months with a minimum down payment of 10%. Applications may be conveniently filed online via My.SSS portal. Employer contribution delinquency reliefs SSS is also providing relief to delinquent employers through penalty condonation and restructuring programs. These include the Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management, and Restructuring Program (CPCoDe MRP) for businesses and the Contribution Penalty Condonation and Restructuring Program (CPCR-P) for household employers. These measures allow employers to settle contribution obligations through structured payment arrangements without additional penalties, ensuring continued social security coverage and protection for their employees. Early implementation of pension increase In support of pensioners, SSS is advancing the implementation of the scheduled 2026 pension increase under the SSS Pension Reform Program, from September to June 2026, providing earlier financial relief. Retirement and disability pensions will increase by 10%, while death and survivor benefits will increase by 5%. SSS is expected to release approximately ₱6.5 billion for the early implementation of pension increase from June to August 2026, directly supporting millions of pensioners and their families. In fulfilling its mandate, SSS remains committed to responding to the needs of its members while ensuring the prudent management and long-term sustainability of the social security fund for present and future generations.

Author name: Street Journal

Zambales Rep. Khonghun takes oath as Aux. Commodore of PCGA