Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed deep regret over the impending closure of the Baguio Midland Courier weekly community newspaper which had ruled the region’s print media landscape for almost eight decades now. “Like the rest of the Baguio community, we are saddened by this development. Baguio Midland Courier has been the trailblazer, the leader of the pack in the city’s newspaper industry, a veritable icon and builder of the city,” the mayor said. “For 77 years, the paper had been woven into the fabric of everyday life in the city so much so that losing it would feel like losing a piece of the city itself.” “As a pillar of community journalism in the Cordillera region, the Baguio Midland Courier has always upheld the tenets of the profession establishing a culture of excellence and high standards for other newspapers to emulate. “The same ideals had been carried on by the countless journalists who were bred and nurtured with benevolence by the paper over the decades. “Its commitment to service transcended to the City Government by serving as its partner in disseminating news on the city’s projects, activities and programs. “Indeed, parting is such sweet sorrow as Shakespeare wrote, but as we finally bid adieu to the Baguio Midland Courier, rest assured that its years of dedicated, committed and selfless service will forever be etched in the collective hearts and memories of the people of Baguio, Cordillera and beyond. Farewell.” On BMC’s social media page, Antoinette Hamada, publisher and chief operations officer, announced that they still have three issues left, before they finally close the publication on July 22. “The decision to cease publication was a difficult one and the management deeply regrets any impact this may have on our esteemed readers, newsboys, supporters, contributors and advertisers,” according to the post.

Fearless Highlanders gear up for the 2024 Palarong Pambansa

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) delegation is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2024 Palarong Pambansa set to be held in Cebu City from July 9 to 16. This prestigious event promises to showcase exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and cultural diversity on a national stage. The grand opening ceremony on July 9 at the Cebu City Sports Center will kick off the festivities with the Parada ng mga Atleta. From July 11 to 15, athletes will compete in a wide array of sports including athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, and more, across various venues in the city. The event will culminate in a vibrant closing ceremony on July 16, celebrating the outstanding achievements of young Filipino athletes. Additional highlights include the Learners Convergence: Hop-On-Hop-Off Kabilin Tour on July 12 in Downtown Cebu City, and the National Sports Heroes Day and Partners Appreciation Night. Athletes participating in the games will be accommodated primarily at the Cebu City Sports Complex Dormitories, with additional billeting arrangements at local schools and universities. CAR delegates will be housed at Mabolo Elementary School. The 2024 Palarong Pambansa stands as one of the largest and most prestigious sports competitions nationwide, uniting young athletes in the spirit of friendly competition and cultural exchange.(Source: 2024 Palarong Pambansa – Cebu)

Cayetano sa DPWH: Maaaring naiwasan ang pagtaas ng gastos sa New Senate Building

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Sinabi ni Senator Alan Peter Cayetano na “avoidable” o naiwasan sana ang pagtaas ng gastos sa New Senate Building (NSB) kung aktibong nakipag-ugnayan ang Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) sa Senado bago aprubahan ang Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED) ng proyekto. “How could we have avoided those revisions? Kasi looking back at all these papers na ibinigay ninyo sa opisina ko, avoidable ang mga ito,” ani Cayetano sa DPWH sa isinagawang pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Accounts noong June 3, 2024 hinggil sa pagsusuri sa NSB. Bilang chair ng Committee on Accounts, iginiit ni Cayetano na ang pagsusuri sa konstruksyon ng NSB ay may layong na magkaroon ng malinaw na completion date, cost, at design na maaasahan ng Senado at ng publiko. Inihayag ni Cayetano na ang lumalaking gastos sa konstruksyon ay maaaring naiwasan kung sumunod lang ang DPWH, na project manager ng NSB, sa “standard procedure” ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa Senado bago aprubahan ang DAED ng gusali. “Paano ka makakagawa ng DAED kung hindi mo naman kinakausap ‘yung mga gagamit ng building?” aniya. “If you made all the revisions before DAED, may bayad ba ‘yan? Wala ‘di ba? Pero hindi ninyo kinausap ang Senado before DAED. Kinausap niyo after na, that’s why lumaki [ang gastos],” dagdag niya. Sinabi ng DPWH na hindi nila “inaasahan” ang mga design revision na nagdulot ng dagdag na gastusin para sa proyekto. Ipinunto ni Cayetano na maaaring naiwasan ito kung nagkaroon ng kusa ang DPWH na pag-ugnayin ang Senado at ang Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation na kontraktor ng proyekto. “Before DAED, wala kang redesign fees kasi nga wala pa ‘yung detailed design,” pahayag niya. “Kaya tayo panay revision kasi pinag-usap ninyo ang Senate at ang contractor after na ng DAED,” dagdag niya. Para mapabilis ang pagsusuri sa proyekto at mabuo na sa wakas ang “iconic and functional” na NSB, hinimok ni Cayetano ang DPWH na bumuo ng isang komite na magdedesisyon nang naaayon sa batas o protocol at tapusin na ang Revised Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (RDAED) nito. “Kung ano ang kulang na makakatulong sa amin para ma-desisyonan ito, i-submit [ninyo],” aniya.

NEW SENATE BUILDING UPDATE

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

URC’s Fun-O and Tivoli land in Thailand’s list of most influential brands

Business

Business / Street Journal

Two top-selling brands of Universal Robina Corp. (URC) in Thailand – Fun-O and Tivoli – have landed in the rarefied list of Thailand’s most influential brands. Fun-O and Tivoli topped the biscuit and wafer categories in the 2023 Top Influential Brands Awards handed out by Influential Brands Singapore. “These awards reaffirm URC’s commitment to delivering top-tier products and staying attuned to evolving consumer preferences,” said Tanant Suwanraks, Vice President & General Manager URC Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The awardees were selected following a comprehensive market survey of over 600 consumers representing both Generations Z and Y in Thailand. URC said it topped its category because of its adeptness at product innovation and for brands that offer uncompromising quality, value for money and consumer reach. Since the start of 2024, URC has been rolling out a robust marketing strategy to further entrench Fun-O and Tivoli as Thailand’s leading snack brands. The company has promoted the two brands via lucky draws that offer over 4.3 million baht (P6.7 million) in prizes. It also continues to introduce new variants, with the Fun-O Lava Chocolate Cookie targeting the premium segment and the Tivoli Selected Mint Chocolate tapping into the rising popularity of mint chocolate. “At URC, we drive product innovation to infuse vibrancy and differentiation into our existing product portfolio,” said Suwanraks. URC has also partnered with Thailand’s top brand ambassadors, enlisting Ble Patumrach, an iconic Thai northeastern-style singer, for Fun-O, and rock star Joey Phuwasit, whose songs draw over 100 million listeners, for Tivoli. “These partnerships underscore our commitment to delivering boundless joy throughout the year,” Suwanraks said. In the Philippines, URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Lexus, Tivoli and Fun-O. URC Thailand’s Fun-O and Tivoli brands are among Thailand’s most influential brands, topping the biscuit and wafer categories. Delighting everyone with good food choices: URC’s Thailand team celebrates a major win as two of its brands, Fun-O and Tivoli, landed in Thailand’s most influential brands list.

Cebu Pacific, Airbus Sign MOU for up to 152 Aircraft

Business, NCR

Business, NCR / Street Journal

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippine’s leading carrier, has signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for USD $24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion) based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history. CEB has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines to power the future aircraft. The MOU covers firm orders for up to 102 A321neo, plus 50 A320neo Family purchase rights. “The order is designed to provide Cebu Pacific with maximum flexibility to adapt fleet growth to market conditions, with the ability to switch between the A321neo and A320neo,” said CEB Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs. “When finalized, the deal will be a significant milestone for the local airline industry and a testament to CEB’s unwavering commitment to support the Philippine growth story.” The purchase agreement to finalize this transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year.

DOTr-LTO holds two-day free Theoretical Driving Course

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – The DOTr – Land Transportation Office – Cordillera Administrative Region, in partnership with the ð˜ðŒð‚ð€ of Baguio City, is holding another Free Theoretical Driving Course at the YMCA Auditorium, located on the 3rd floor of the YMCA Building on Upper Session Road, Baguio City, on July 1-2. The two-day course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of traffic laws, road safety, and responsible driving practices. It is divided into three sessions that cover essential topics such as road safety, traffic rules, and responsible driving practices. Attending the TDC is a major requirement for those applying for student driving permits. At the end of the course, registered participants will receive certificates of completion after passing a 120-item written exam. These certificates serve as proof of completing a recognized driver education program and can be used when applying for a student driver’s permit. The DOTr-LTO-CAR’s Regional Driver’s Education Center (RDEC) continues to offer free theoretical driving courses as part of its outreach program, making road safety education more accessible to the public. (DOTr-CAR post)

P6.7-M shabu recovered in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur coastline

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union — Another pack of illegal substances was recovered off the coast of Barangay Daclapan, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, on evening of June 29. Initial tests conducted by the Provincial Forensic Unit of Ilocos Sur confirmed the substances as Shabu, with a total net weight of 997.51 grams and standard Drug Price of Php P6,783,068.00. The recovery comes in the wake of a similar discoveries in the coastal waters near San Juan, Caoayan and Magsingal, Ilocos Sur where 80 packs of Shabu with net weight of 79, 963.83 grams and Standard Drug Price of P550,537,112.00 were retrieved. According to report, two fishermen who were fishing in the area discovered a floating transparent aqua blue plastic pack. Upon noticing the package, they promptly brought it ashore and immediately reported to Cabugao Police Station. “We commend the swift action and support of these fishermen who reported and turned over the illegal substance,” said Brig.Gen.Lou Evangelista regional director. “Their vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our joint efforts to eradicate and block illegal drug sources in our communities,” he averred. He also encouraged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or findings to the authorities immediately. Police Regional Office 1 and other law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate closely to trace the origin of these illegal drugs. As of now, the Ilocos Sur police have recovered a total of 81 packs of Shabu from the coastal areas of Ilocos Sur, weighing 80,961.34 grams with a SDP of P550,537,112.00.

Converge and partners win AI Challenge award at TM Forum’s Moonshot Catalyst Awards

Business, NCR

Business, NCR / Street Journal

By Rizza C. Ampong Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently emerged victorious in a global challenge calling for ground-breaking technology solutions – conceptualizing a project that leveraged artificial intelligence to drive up profitability by as much as 30% whilst increasing overall customer satisfaction. “With this, Converge proves its mettle as a technology company – this Catalyst program of TM Forum perfectly showcases the innovative approach of the company (together with its partners) in resolving issues rooted in its customer journey, ultimately improving the crucial customer-facing processes. This is not just a tabletop exercise for us – this is a framework we want to implement to enhance customer experience using AI,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. Converge, together with Telecom Argentina, Vodafone GmbH, and the Vodafone Group, won TM Forum’s Moonshot Catalyst Award for its AI Challenge, with the project: “ AI-driven EBITDA Mastery : Revolutionizing Customer Journeys”. The AI-based architecture solution they came up with was created using technology from Aria, AWS, Calvi, Nespon Solutions and Salesforce. The project consists of an “AI architecture”, or solution that leveraged on generative AI in the customer service journey to make it faster and more data-driven. The solution was applied to two use cases: a billing inquiry of a customer and a technician encountering an issue while installing a line. Through the solution, the company was able to create a highly personalized interaction with customers through AI, using data analysis of billing and account data while also allowing for upselling. In another case, a field technician, through the AI solution, can access recommendations on how to solve a customer’s problem based on his history of previous diagnoses, thus speeding up issue resolution. A component of automated troubleshooting is also applied. Among the benefits of the solution is faster resolution time of customer troubles and inquiries, which is seen to improve productivity and revenue. Through the business case analysis, the solution can bring up EBITDA by 31-57%, mostly be reducing operational expenses in customer services. The solution leverages TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture to facilitate seamless access by the AI models in order to process data that is dynamic in nature. The win was announced at the recently held ‘DTW’24 – Ignite & Innovate Asia 2024’ in Copenhagen. TM Forum is a global alliance of telco and tech companies, and the Catalyst program brings together leading industry players to co-create solutions driving industry change through Open APIs, ODA, AI and automation.

Author name: Street Journal

Baguio Midland Courier a great loss to city’s media landscape – Magalong