Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Bontoc, Mountain Province – Adhering to the principles of merit, competence, fitness, accountability, transparency, and equal opportunity, the members of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRM PSB) and the Recruitment, Selection and Promotion (RSP) Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) convened for the reorientation and deliberation of the competency – based Merit Selection Plan (MSP) of the Bontoc LGU on June 11, 2024, at the Sangguniang Bayan Conference Hall of the Municipal Capitol. Sangguniang Bayan Member Dan Evert Sokoken who presided over the meeting remarked that it is but proper to review the agency’s MSP which serves as a guide in the selection, hiring, appointment, and promotion of individuals/ applicants in the first and second level positions. Sokoken added that the through the MSP, it creates equal opportunities for employment to all qualified applicants to enter the government service and for career advancement in the agency/ institution. With this, Human Resource Management Officer III Arleen Eickmee Gasmeña, presented the MSP before the members of the HRM PSB and the RSP TWG the MSP of the Bontoc LGU. Gasmeña explained that the policy aligns and contextualizes Bontoc LGU’s internal system on application, evaluation, selection, and appointment with the provisions of the Civil Service Commission (CSC)’s Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions (ORAOHRA). She added that the Bontoc LGU adheres to the principles of merit, fitness and equality, of which the selection of employees shall be based on their relative qualifications and competence to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Gasmeña further elaborated in her presentation that there shall be no discrimination in the selection of employees on account of age, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity,civil status, disability, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The issuance of the MSP is one of interventions of the Bontoc LGU to improve the human resource policies and processes in order to better serve stakeholders/clients. It is to be noted that under the provisions of the 2017 ORA OHRA, Rule IX (Agency Merit Selection Plan and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board) it was stipulated in Section 85 that the HRMPSB shall assist the appointing officer/authority in the judicious and objective selection of candidates for appointment in the agency in accordance with the approved Agency MSP. Likewise, the HRMPSB shall be primarily responsible for the judicious and objective selection of candidates for appointment in the agency in accordance with the approved Agency MSP and shall submit to the appointing officer/authority the top five (5) ranking candidates deemed most qualified for appointment to the vacant position. Further, it was stated under Section 86 that the appointing officer/authority shall be guided by the report of the HRMPSB’s assessment of candidates and in the exercise of sound discretion, select, insofar as practicable, from among the top five (5) candidates or less, deemed most qualified for appointment to the vacant position, depending on the number of candidates. By Alpine L. Killa, Bontoc LGU

BCBC celebrates 52nd Founding anniversary

Baguio City, Environment

Baguio City, Environment / Street Journal

The Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club, Inc. will celebrate its 52nd anniversary as an incorporated organization with the revival of the media-led Eco-Walk at the Busol Watershed on June 19,2024. BCBC president, Thomas AF. Picaña said that there is a need to revive the acclaimed media-led environment-oriented activity that seeks to educate locals, especially the young generation in protecting the environment. “This is timely”, said Picaña, as the BCBC celebrates its 52nd anniversary as an incorporated organization recognized by the Securities Exchange Commission on June 19. The BCBC was incorporated on June 19, 1972. He said a day-long activity is being eyed near the middle of June, considered as environment month. This is also the right time to activate the Eco-Walk with one of the mediamen who helped organize the activity right after the devastations of the 1990 earthquake in Art Tibaldo. Tibaldo said that, after the 1990 earthquake, Team Baguio was created which eventually led to the creation of the Alay sa Kalinisan and the Baguio Regreening Movement, the latter under then Baguio-Benguet Vicariate bishop Ernesto Salgado. The BRM in turn teamed up with the BCBC through then Public Information Officer Ramon Dacawi for the creation of a team to initiate an activity to educate the younger generation in protecting the environment. Thus the Eco-Walk was created in 1993, said Tibaldo. The Eco-Walk from the onset had help from the newly created Timpuyog ti Iit of the Association of Barangay Council led then by its president and now councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. “He was assisted by fellow barangay chairs in Wilfredo Wong and Raffy Pangan, among others,” Tibaldo recalled. “We had been wanting to re-activiate the Eco-Walk and in fact did similar activities at Busol Watershed,” Tibaldo, a retired government employee now with the Baguio Arts Creative Council. Picana said that the June 19 activity will also commemorate late BCBC members and mediamen, especially those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic. “This will be the proper time to commemorate those mediamen, who were our colleagues and some who we worked with in the past,” said Picana, referring to former SunStar reporter and former PNP Press Corps president Ernie Olson, Jr., and Ceasar Reyes. Olson and Picana worked together at the former Vibrations, which would later become SunStar Baguio. Picaña was one of the original reporters when SunStar Baguio was started in June 1995. Olson joined the paper in 1999, after Picana left the paper with the late former SSB editor Geronimo Evangelista, Sr. “Of course, we will celebrate the life and contributions of our elders,” Picana added. Aside from the iwik, a tree planting will be done also during the day-long event at Buyog, added Picaña. By Pigeon Lobien

Celebrate All Dads with Unique and Thoughtful Gifts from SM

Business, Region 3

Business, Region 3 / Street Journal

Father’s Day is quickly approaching, which means it is time to start thinking about a gift for your dear dad. Make Father’s Day memorable with a gift he’ll truly appreciate and enjoy. SM Supermalls in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan and Olongapo have rounded up thoughtful gift ideas, cool finds, and even fun experiences for every type of dad out there. Check out our curated gift guide and make this Father’s Day a special one for your one-of-a-kind dad! Get your adventurous dad ready for his next outdoor escapade with top-notch gear from Decathlon. From high-quality camping equipment, biking gear, and durable backpacks to the latest travel accessories, Decathlon has all the essentials to fuel his wanderlust. If your dad’s a gaming enthusiast, swing by Huawei or visit Game Extreme and Data Blitz. The store got the newest gaming units, accessories, and video games, whether he’s into PC, tablet or console gaming. It is a one-stop-shop to ramp up his gaming setup. Show your appreciation for your athletic dad with top-quality sportswear and equipment from SM’s sporting good retailers. Sports Central offers a wide range of active wear, running shoes, and sports gear from top brands. Don’t forget to check out the fitness trackers and smartwatches at R.O.X Playground to help dad stay on track with his fitness goals. Surprise your tech-savvy dad with the latest gadgets and electronics. From cutting-edge smartphones and smart home devices to innovative accessories, SM Cyberzone provides the cutting-edge technology to keep him connected and entertained. If your dad is all about crafting and building, ACE Hardware has everything he needs for his next project. Mr. DIY also got a treasure trove of tools, equipment, and even DIY kits that will fuel his creativity. Check out Mr. DIY branches at SM Center Pulilan, SM Megacenter, and SM City Pampanga. Help your dad maintain his suave style and dapper look by visiting Bruno’s Barbershop and GQ Barbershop. These barbershops offer luxurious grooming essentials and services to keep him looking sharp. For the dad who lives and breathes music, find the perfect gift at Music Wizard, Musicworx, Music Gallery, and JBL. Choose from a wide selection of high-quality headphones and the latest musical instruments to keep his passion alive and well-tuned. Enhance your dad’s ride with some fresh car accessories from Motoworld, Moto, Ace Hardware, and SM Store. Concorde at SM City Baliwag also carries a wide range of options to choose from, making it simple and enjoyable to find the perfect accessory that fits your budget. For the dad who seems to have it all, your gift of time will be the most cherished. Treat him to a special day out: start with attending a mass, savor a hearty lunch at his favorite restaurant, and catch a movie at IMAX Clark. Wrap up the day with a thrilling visit at the Pampanga Eye at SKYRANCH Pampanga. Make this Father’s Day one to remember by crafting cherished moments with your dad. Visit your favorite SM malls in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan and Olongapo, and don’t miss out on the unique mall happenings at SM Supermalls.

Cayetanos deliver aid to Lumban, Laguna communities

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

LUMBAN,Laguna -“Kung mayroon pong mga turista, mayroon po kaming pinagtitindahan, pero kapag wala po, wala rin pong tinda. Kaya napakalaking tulong po nitong tulong nila Senator Alan at Senator Pia Cayetano, dahil magagamit ko ito para sa pang-tuition fee ng aking anak.” These were the heartfelt words of Reysie delos Reyes Cacalda, an espasol vendor from Lumban, Laguna as she expressed gratitude for the assistance from the sibling senators which will significantly contribute to a higher cause—funding her child’s education. “Makakapagpa-graduate na po ako ng aking anak na [may kursong] Civil Engineering,” she added joyfully. Cavalda was one of the 1,000 beneficiaries from the partnership between the senators and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. This partnership brought support to the Municipality of Lumban in the Province of Laguna. On June 11, 2024, the senators’ offices reached out to community workers, women, and small business owners in Lumban to provide assistance for their needs. The distribution was organized in coordination with Lumban Vice Mayor Belen Raga, who expressed her gratitude to the senators on behalf of the beneficiaries. “Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa tulong na dinala nila sa bayan ng Lumban. Sobrang blessing po ito para sa aming bayan at nawa po ay ibalik ito ng siksik, liglig ni Lord sa inyo,” she said. The activity also featured a Medical Assistance Desk to help individuals with medical expenses, covering hospital bills, medications, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic procedures. These initiatives are part of the Cayetanos’ ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities across the country. While the Senate is on a session break, their offices remain active, visiting various areas to bring aid closer to those in need. They closely collaborate with government agencies and local units to ensure that Filipinos receive the necessary assistance. ###bansa sa isa’t isa, lalo na sa mga panahon ng pangangailangan. “Whatever the problems are, [such as] economics, transportation, [and] the pandemic, we find a way to be relevant to each other,” wika niya. “When you need us, we will be there for you, and when we need you, you’re always there for us,” dagdag niya. Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang talumpati, pinasalamatan ni Cayetano si Paul Chan Mo-po, ang Financial Secretary ng Hong Kong, at nanawagan ng patuloy na pakikipagtulungan upang mapanatili ang matatag na relasyon ng dalawang rehiyon. “Thank you for the hospitality and the kindness you’re showing the Filipino people,” wika niya. “As you celebrate with us, you know the world is changing quite fast, but as long as we continue to be reliable, we continue to be relevant, and we continue to be resilient members of one family, we will continue our record,” dagdag niya.

Gov.Mamba, binuksan ang summer football clinic sa Tuao,Cagayan

Region 2, Sports

Region 2, Sports / Street Journal

Tuao,Cagayan – Opisyal nang nagsimula ang Summer Football Clinic sa bayan ng Tuao sa pangunguna ni Gov. Manuel Mamba at Mayor Atty. William Mamba, ngayong Sabado, June 15, 2024. Ang mga partisipante ay pawang mga kabataan na galing sa iba’t ibang barangay sa nasabing bayan. Ang inisyatibong ito ay sa pagtutulungan ni Gob. Mamba, Mayor William, mga barangay officials, United Cagayanos Football Club (UCFC), at Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. Ayon sa ama ng lalawigan, ang football clinic ay isang magandang pagkakataon para sa mga batang gustong matuto at malinang ang kakayahan sa larong football lalo na ngayong bakasyon ng mga ito. Sa pamamagitan ng clinic na ito, mabibigyan sila ng tamang kaalaman at kasanayan sa nasabing laro. Aniya hindi lamang physical benefits ang maaaring makuha sa clinic na ito, isa rin itong pagkakataon na magkaroon ng bagong kaibigan at masayang karanasan para sa mga kabataang magpapatuloy sa hangarin ng paglalaro ng football. Layon rin ng football clinic na magkaroon ang mga bata ng pagkakataon na mahubog ang kanilang physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, at iba pang importanteng life skills. Si Gov. Mamba rin ang nagbigay ng mga kagamitan sa clinic katulad ng bola at uniporme para sa mga manlalaro. Katuwang ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ang United Cagayanos Football Club (UCFC) na siyang mangangasiwa sa pagsasanay at mga drills na ituturo sa mga young football aspirants. (Cagayan Provincial Information Office) Christopher Cura

79th Anniversary of the Victory of Bessang Pass

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

The Local Government Unit of Cervantes, Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, 50th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur led the wreath laying ceremony at the Bessang Pass Natural Monument in Cervantes Ilocos Sur in commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Victory of Bessang Pass. The event commemorates the victory on 14 June 1945 by Filipino soldiers serving the U.S. Army Forces in the Philippines Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) over the Imperial Japanese Army in the Battle of Bessang Pass which led to Japan’s eventual surrender and end to World War II in the Philippines. It is considered the greatest Filipino Victory in World War II. Governor Jerry Singson represented by SPM Ben Maggay, Cervantes Mayor Pablito Benjamin Maggay II, Department of History UP Diliman Representative Ricardo Jose, Pastoral Formator and Trainor Benito Cabanit, PVAO Administrator USEC LT General Reynaldo Mapagu (Ret) and Vice Mayor Armando Gabuno attended the commemoration.

Financial Assistance Continues

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas led the distribution of P385,000 financial assistance to at least 40 beneficiaries under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Office of Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD), spearheaded by Acting PSWDO Melba M. Motio. Held at the covered court of the provincial capitol on monday, June 10, this program aims to alleviate the financial struggle of socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Benguet residents who want to avail themselves of the services of the said program are advised to proceed to their respective Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs) or to the OPSWD on the 1st floor of the provincial capitol.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The city government of Baguio celebrated the 126th Indepence Day celebration at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. City Employees and other line agencies wherein Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and Mrs. Soledad Go representing Congressman Marquez Go delivered their Indepence Day Messages. Photos by Neil Clark Ongchangco

IPs in Camp John Hay reservation protest P10,000 construction fine

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Indigenous peoples (IPs) residing within the Camp John Hay (CJH) Forest Reservation are up in arms against the imposed administrative fines on their structures with no building permits. Joselito Shontogan, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Loakan-Liwanag Barangay, brought to the attention of the Baguio City Council on June 3, 2024, that residential houses undergoing repairs in Loakan-Liwanag, Loakan Proper, and Camp 7 barangays had received notices of violation from the City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO). Additionally, they were instructed to pay an administrative fine of P10,000.00 for breaching Section 301 of the National Building Code. Loakan-Liwanag, Loakan Proper, and Camp 7 are three among the 13 barangays being eyed for segregation. Aligned with the 19 conditions imposed for the development of the John Hay Special Economic Zone, the city government has been actively working for decades to achieve a commitment from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) concerning the segregation of the 13 barangays within the reservation. According to records of the CBAO, there have been 34 notices of violation issued across the 13 barangays in response to complaints from the CJH management. These violations are distributed as follows: four in Lucnab, 11 in Loakan-Liwanag, one in Upper Dagsian, 11 in Happy Hallow, one in Green Water, two in Camp 7, five in Country Club, and one in Scout Barrio. Shontogan mentioned that residents were also ordered to obtain building permits, further complicating matters as they are unable to establish legal ownership over their properties amid the ongoing land dispute between the IPs in the 13 barangays and the BCDA. Shontogan appealed to the city council for immediate intervention. He sought assurance that they could proceed with repairing their structures without the threat of demolition, thus avoiding potential displacement. In response to the appeal, the Baguio City Council requested a status quo from CBAO and the CJH management. The body sought the suspension of the imposition of administrative fines until jurisdictional matters are clarified. The city council further mandated Baguio IPMR Maximo Hilario Edwin Jr. to assist affected residents in negotiating the issue with proper government agencies. In a phone interview, Donald Gas-ib, head of the CBAO Investigation and Demolition Division, said dialogues with the CJH management and the affected residents along with their respective barangay officials had been set to thresh matters out. Gas-ib said the issuance of notices of violation was a response to the complaints filed by the CJH management before their office. While he understands the sentiments of the affected residents, he said it is the mandate of their office to act on complaints regarding construction of structures without building permits. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved through diplomatic dialogues. -Jordan G. Habbiling

Author name: Street Journal

Bontoc LGU strengthens selection, hiring, appointment, and promotion process through its MSP