Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families gathered at the National Migrant Workers’ Day celebration organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), where government and private sector partners highlighted programs aimed at helping migrant workers build financial secure and prepare for their long-term goals. As part of the event, BDO Unibank conducted a financial awareness session and assisted attendees with banking services. “Many OFWs make significant sacrifices to provide a better future for their families. Beyond sending money home, it is important that they have access to financial tools that help them save, manage their finances, and work toward their long-term goals,” said BDO senior vice president and remittance head Genie Gloria.

LTFRB suspends 24 buses of Genesis Transport following fatal Baguio road crash

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of DOTr Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, has temporarily suspended the operation of 24 units of a bus company following a road crash in Baguio City that left its employee dead and six passengers injured, on June 16. LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the suspension is for 30 days while the investigation is ongoing to determine if there were lapses committed under the rules and regulations of the issued Certificate of Public Convenience. “We commit to an impartial and no-nonsense investigation not only because it is our mandate but because it is the life and limb of commuters that are stake when it comes to public transportation,” said Chairman Vigor. The passenger bus involved a unit owned by the North Genesis Bus Line, Inc. in the road crash that happened on Tuesday, June 16 on Kilometer 6, Marcos Highway in Baguio City. The bus conductor died after he was trapped inside the bus and based on the report, the bus was heading to Baguio City when it hit a truck that was parked alongside the road early morning on Tuesday. At least six other people were injured and were taken to the hospital. In the show cause order issued to the bus company, it mandated the drug testing of all bus drivers and road worthiness inspection of the 24 suspended bus units. It also asked the bus company to explain in notarized writing why it should nor be sanctioned for hiring a reckless driver. Chairman Vigor said all the license plates of the suspended units were asked to be surrendered to ensure compliance of the suspension order. But he stressed the need to expedite the payment of insurance to the family of the deceased victim and all those who were injured. He tasked the regional LTFRB officials to regularly monitor compliance of insurance payment. Chairman Vigor then advised PUV operators and drivers to do their share in road safety, saying the trust and confidence given by their passengers should be paid back by safe travel.

Integration of AirSWIFT into Cebgo Operations

Business

Business / Street Journal

Cebu Pacific (CEB) advises AirSWIFT customers that effective July 1, 2026, all AirSWIFT flights will be operated by Cebgo. During this transition, there will be no changes in AirSWIFT’s flight schedules and services as flights to and from El Nido will continue as scheduled. Additionally, all T6 coded flights will be coded as DG flights as these will be operated by Cebgo. AirSWIFT currently operates flights between Clark and El Nido in northern Palawan, and between El Nido and other major tourist destinations in the country including Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Coron. CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations. CEB reminds passengers to book their flights directly through CEB’s official website, mobile app, and affiliated travel partners and agencies to avoid issues with booking and managing their flights.

‘Don’t Be Complacent Over the Decline in Dengue Cases’ – CHSO

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines – “Don’t be complacent, don’t let your guard down, and continue to follow mosquito control measures to prevent the possible return of the disease.” This is the urgent call of the City Health Services Office (CHSO) despite a significant decline in dengue cases in the city this year. According to CHSO Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes and Dengue Program Coordinator Miller Balisongen of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division, the current dengue situation “may not be very alarming, but it should not be a passport to be careless about our environmental health.” Dengue Cases Down by 57% Based on local data, Medical Technologist Ruby Magsino of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) reported that dengue cases decreased by 57 percent compared to last year. The city’s epidemic curve currently remains below the alert and epidemic threshold. *Current Data: From January 1 to May 30, 2026, the city recorded 196 dengue cases—a 50 percent drop from the 394 cases reported during the same period last year. *Demographics: Individuals aged 15 to 29 accounted for 43 percent of the reported cases, while 36.2 percent of the total cases required hospitalization. *Affected Areas: Currently, 13 barangays have recorded cases. Barangay Irisan reported the highest number in May with three cases, while Dominican Hill-Mirador and Middle Quirino Hill have recurring cases. Meanwhile, the barangays of Aurora Hill, Bakakeng Central, BGH Compound, Cabinet Hill-Teachers Camp, City Camp Central, Dontogan, Kias, Legarda-Burnham-Kisad, and San Vicente each recorded one isolated case. Despite the low numbers, health officials warned that an increase in cases is expected in the coming weeks due to the rainy season, which creates breeding grounds for deadly mosquitoes. City Government Steps Up Strategies To tackle mosquito-borne diseases—which also include Zika virus and Chikungunya—the city government has rolled out strategic campaigns under the guidance of the National Aedes-Borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program. Mayor Benjamin Magalong previously issued Executive Order No. 57-2026, re-establishing the Baguio City Anti-Mosquito Borne Diseases Committee (BCABDC) pursuant to Ordinance No. 10-2025, also known as “The Consolidated Anti-Mosquito-Borne Diseases Ordinance of the City of Baguio.” The city is currently formulating an active agenda for the third quarter of 2026, featuring: *Baguio City Dengue Summit 2026: To be held under the theme “Pan-iinabuyugan: Baguio City Dengue Summit: One Health, One Baguio, One Dengue-Resilient Community.” *Search for the “Top Rated Barangay for Dengue Prevention and Control Program”: An initiative to encourage local leadership. Participating barangays will be evaluated based on policy compliance, community mobilization, Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns, governance, and program innovation. *On-the-Ground Vectors Control: Ongoing larval surveillance in the top 20 affected barangays, product demonstrations for an Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Trap Project, and the procurement of space spraying chemicals and thermal fogging machines. In line with National Dengue Awareness Month (Proclamation No. 1204, s. 1998) this June and ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15, the city has scheduled a Symposium cum Orientation for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) to streamline case reporting and verification mechanisms at the community level. Residents Urged to Strengthen Prevention at Home The CHSO Environmental Health and Sanitation Division is strongly urging parents and guardians to take proactive steps to protect children by ensuring their homes remain free of mosquito breeding sites. Engr. Albert Pay-an, Head of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Division, emphasized that the home serves as the most critical health checkpoint in a child’s daily life. “The most important health checkpoint in a child’s day is not school, but home,” Pay-an said, highlighting the vital role of families in preventing infection. The CHSO advises households to: 1.Regularly check surroundings for stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. 2. Apply mosquito repellents and dress children in long clothing. 3. Consult a doctor immediately at the nearest health center if dengue symptoms appear. “Prevention of dengue starts at home. An uncovered container can harbor hundreds of mosquitoes. When families consistently take small actions, the entire community becomes safer,” Pay-an added. The CHSO emphasized that preventing mosquito breeding in a household goes a long way in protecting the entire neighborhood from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. The CHSO is also stepping up dengue prevention efforts as the rainy season begins with the opening of the new school year. The CHSO, through its City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), continues to monitor dengue cases in all barangays.

ARBOs in Benguet renew market agreement with institutional buyers

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Two Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in Benguet renewed their marketing agreements with government institutions on June 10, strengthening market access for farmers and supporting efforts to promote food security and sustainable livelihoods in the province. The agreement was formalized during a Kumustahan Session and Renewal of Marketing Agreement organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) Benguet through the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) Program. The renewed partnership involves the Bokod Sulfur Spring Multipurpose Cooperative (BSSMC) and Taba-ao Cuba Multipurpose Cooperative (TACUMPC), together with the Benguet Provincial Jail (BPJ), with the Philippine National Police Benguet Police Provincial Office (PNP BPPO), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Benguet serving as witnesses. OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Lailani A. Cortez said the collaboration aims to create lasting benefits for agrarian reform beneficiaries and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) while contributing to inclusive and sustainable community development. “This partnership is anchored on service, compassion, and shared responsibility,” Cortez said, expressing hope for its continued implementation and expansion. Provincial Jail Administrator JCINSP Jaime Batuyog Jr. also expressed support for increasing the procurement of agricultural products from partner ARBOs, underscoring the importance of collective action in improving livelihoods and fostering stability within communities. Meanwhile, PMAJ Edwin Sergio of the PNP BPPO’s Police Community Affairs and Development Division (PCADD) thanked DARPO Benguet and the partner ARBOs, describing farmers as the “living source” of food for communities and institutions. He encouraged members to sustain honest livelihood activities, emphasizing that gains earned through hard work and integrity are more meaningful than those obtained through dishonest means. The agreement was signed by PARPO II Cortez, BPJ Warden Peter Tip-ac, represented by Joseph M. Pul-oc, and the chairpersons of BSSMC and TACUMPC, Nicanor P. Sison, represented by Gil B. Amdos, and Prudencio L. Lacasandile, respectively. Under the agreement, DARPO Benguet will serve as the coordinating and monitoring body between the ARBOs and institutional buyers. The ARBOs committed to supplying quality agricultural products at reasonable prices while complying with existing procurement policies. In turn, the BPJ, BJMP, and PNP committed to continue procuring products from partner ARBOs in support of government efforts to strengthen local agricultural enterprises, enhance food security, and help alleviate poverty among farmers and PDLs. Representing Governor Melchor Diclas, Leo Calabias congratulated the ARBOs for forging partnerships with institutional buyers and reiterated the provincial government’s support for the initiative. He also encouraged the organizations to maximize available assistance programs for civil society organizations, including loan facilities that could help expand their operations.

NV Lawmaker Pushes Bill to Speed Up Government Aid

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Rep. Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton is pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 9226, or the DALI Act, which seeks to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining financial assistance and other forms of aid from government offices. The proposed measure aims to reduce documentary requirements and ensure that complete applications for government assistance are processed within three working days. Cayton said the bill is not limited to financial assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development but will cover all government agencies and offices that provide aid or assistance to Filipinos in need. “When people are already in distress, they should no longer be burdened with numerous requirements and repetitive processes. Government service should be direct, fast and compassionate,” Cayton said in Filipino. The DALI Act seeks to streamline procedures in the release of government assistance, including medical, burial, livelihood, emergency and other forms of aid extended by national government agencies, local government offices and other public institutions. At present, individuals seeking medical assistance from the DSWD under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program are required to present a valid identification card, an updated medical document such as a medical certificate or medical abstract, and a barangay certificate of indigency. A social case study report may also be required by a DSWD social worker, particularly for requests exceeding P5,000. Cayton said the current process in several government offices often requires applicants to submit multiple documents and undergo repeated verification, causing delays for people who urgently need help. He said the proposed DALI Act would help ensure that aid reaches beneficiaries more quickly, especially during medical emergencies, deaths in the family, disasters and other crisis situations.

BIBATAWA keeps tribal heritage alive in Davao

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -‘ Inside a small tribal hub in Barangay Binugao, Toril District, sewing and handloom machines hum steadily as the women of the Binugao Bagobo-Tagabawa Women’s Association (BIBATAWA) work side by side. Scattered across their tables are colorful fabrics, beads, and threads. For them, these are not just materials, but expressions of identity, heritage, and a culture that continues to endure. For Mervin To-Ong, the creative director of BIBATAWA, every finished garment reflects the pride and resilience of his people. He carries a deep sense of responsibility, not only to preserve tradition, but to ensure it continues to grow in a changing world. “Gusto namo nga tangkilikon sa kadaghanan ang originally-made products nga gihagoan gayud pag-ayo sa tribu,” Mervin shared. (We want people to appreciate our products, which are made with a lot of effort and care by our tribe.) Their handwoven textiles, rooted in the rich history of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe, have begun to reach wider audiences. But their journey has not been easy. In the early days, sustaining their craft meant overcoming financial challenges, often relying on Mervin’s own savings to keep production going. “Pamilyado naman halos manghahabi namo, naa silay ginasuportahan. ” Mervin explained. (Most of our weavers already have families to support). “Dili lang sila basta nagatahi or weave, mga ginikanan sila, mga breadwinner nga naay responsibilidad nga ginakarga.” (They are parents, breadwinners, and providers who carry the weight of their families’ daily needs). A turning point came through collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), which introduced technology transfers and alternative dyeing methods under the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program. With this, BIBATAWA began exploring new techniques while staying rooted in their traditions. By 2023, handloom machines were introduced, enabling the weaving of tropical fabrics such as cotton, pineapple, and abaca into more diverse and contemporary designs. Yet even with these innovations, the community remained intentional in preserving the essence of their identity. “Although these handloom machines are an innovation, we make sure our traditional designs are still present in the fabrics we weave,” Mervin explained. “We collaborated with our IP leaders on how to do it properly.” Support also came through skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), strengthening the capabilities of the weavers. Alongside this, their neighbor in Barangay Binugao, AboitizPower’s Therma South, Inc. (TSI), donated P230,000 and continues to work with the community as a partner in both development and cultural preservation. As a baseload power provider in Mindanao, TSI helps provide the island’s electricity needs that power homes and local enterprises. This role connects directly to how communities like Binugao grow, where access to power supports livelihoods such as weaving, sewing, and other small industries that sustain families. Beyond energy, TSI has supported BIBATAWA by providing tools and materials that allow the community to strengthen and expand their craft. In November 2023, the company provided sewing machines, fabrics, beads, and other tools, followed by the inauguration and turnover of a Handloom Weaving Innovation Center in September 2025. “We wanted to promote the textiles woven here in Davao City, and with this support, we can make it happen,” Mervin emphasized. “Therma South is proud to support the Indigenous Peoples of Barangay Binugao just like BIBATAWA. By helping them grow their livelihood, we believe we are contributing to Davao’s overall progress,” said AboitizPower Transition Business Group AVP for Corporate Services Atty. Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo. Through their work, BIBATAWA has helped elevate the recognition of Davao’s handwoven textiles. Their efforts contributed to a city resolution officially designating their weaving hub as the first of its kind in the Philippines, a milestone shaped by both tradition and collective support. “This is a huge milestone for us. It’s a proud moment for our community,” Mervin said. “Our traditional textile is now on the map, and we are proud to promote ‘Matanab’, a Bagobo-Tagabawa dialect that means Karangal-rangal.” Recognition followed, including awards from the first Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival in Ilocos Norte and honors at Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw 2026. Yet for the community, these are not endpoints, but markers of a continuing journey. “Each piece we create brings us closer to a brighter future for the Binugao Bagobo-Tagabawa community,” Mervin said. In every thread they weave, the past and the future come together, shaped by culture, strengthened by community, and supported by partnerships that help carry both forward.

Storage facility with solar dryer itatayo sa La Union

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

BACNOTAN, La Union — Sinigurado ng Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) ang nalalapit na konstruksyon ng Provincial Storage Facility with Solar Dryer sa Bacnotan, La Union. Ayon kay Gov.Mario Ortega ang proyekto ay itinuturing na pangmatagalan at modernong solusyon sa La Union para sa post-harvest losses ng mga magsasaka. Pinatunayan din ni Governor Ortega na buo ang kanyang suporta sa proyektong ito na magpapaunlad pa ang kabuhayan ng bawat Elyucano sa sektor ng agrikultura. Ang Storage Facility with Solar Dryer ang nakikitang solusyon ng probinsya para matugunan ang epekto ng post-harvest losses sa mga magsasaka dahil sa kakulangan ng tamang imbakan. Ang kanilang mga ani ay tinatabi lang sa bahay gamit ang trapal o sako na siyang dahilan ng mabilis na pagkasira ng aning produkto. Ang maitatayong warehouse na may 350 square meter floor area at 572.37 square meter multi-purpose drying pavement ang nakikitang solusyon na makatutulong para maiwasan ang pagkalugi at mabawasan ang pagbilad ng mga ani sa kalsada na nakaaapekto sa kalidad ng produkto. Tinatayang nasa 22 Farmers Associations, Cooperatives, at Irrigators Associations mula Balaoan, Bacnotan, at Luna ang makikinabang dito pero tiniyak naman ng pamahalaan na bukas ang proyektong ito sa publiko kapag operational na. Sinabi ni Ortega na magiging maayos at mabusisi ang implementasyon ng nasabing proyekto sa pamamagitan ng isang Pre-Construction Conference na ginanap noong June 9-11, 2026 sa Bacnotan Public Market Function Hall. Layunin ng tatlong araw na conference na talakayin ang estratehiya at kabuuang plano ng Storage Facility na itatayo sa Brgy. Bungol, Balaoan, La Union. Dito binigyang-linaw ang mga kondisyon ng kontrata, documentary requirements, timeline, at schedule para maiwasan ang posibleng aberya sa konstruksyon. Buong suporta rin ang ipinadama ni Bacnotan Mayor Divina C. Fontanilla sa kanyang mensahe para sa mga komunidad na makikinabang sa pasilidad. Nagbigay ng overview ang mga personnel ng Department of Agriculture (DA) tungkol sa Philippine Rural Development Project – Scale Up (PRDP-SU) kung saan nakapaloob ang proyektong ito na pinondohan ng The World Bank. Tinalakay din ang tungkulin ng Contractor, Program of Work, Site Management, Social and Environmental Safeguards, funds flow, billing schedule, at paggamit ng Geo-Tagging Technology at Geomapping para sa monitoring. Iprinesenta ng contractor ang kanilang construction team, schedule, manpower at equipment plan, construction methodology, at safety plan. Kaakibat din sa proyektong ito ang supervision team na mula sa Provincial Engineering Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, at Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator. Bahagi ng conference ang isinagawang site visit upang makita at suriin ang kondisyon ng lokasyon ng ipapatayong istruktura na pag-aari ng PGLU. Personal na sinukat ang lawak ng lugar para tiyakan ang saktong sukat ng warehouse. Pinag-aralan ding mabuti ang site plan para matukoy ang mga dapat i-consider bago, habang, at pagkatapos ng konstruksyon. Binigyang-diin din ng supervising team at DA personnel ang safety protocols sa lugar, maging ang mga environmental safeguards na dapat sundin habang ginagawa ang storage facility lalo’t mahigpit ang ipinapatupad na guidelines sa mga proyektong nasa ilalim ng PRDP-SU. Isang makabagong hakbang muli ang pinatunayan ng PGLU para bigyang halaga ang kontribusyon ng mga magsasaka sa pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya ng probinsya.

Water finds its second life through SM Green Movement’s conservation program

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — In 2025, SM recycled 6.6 million cubic meters, or roughly 6.6 billion liters of water – an amount that is equivalent to nearly a thousand times the water consumption of Metro Manila daily. According to the United Nations, nearly half the global population faces severe water scarcity for at least one month every year. For SM, its year-round advocacy takes on greater urgency amid rising water scarcity concerns and a prolonged El Niño. As climate pressures and escalating water demand intensify strain on water resources, SM Supermalls steadfastly prioritizes water conservation and the circular use of this essential resource. An advocacy that started 30 years ago SM Supermalls’ initiatives began in the 1990s with the installation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at SM Southmall, aimed at conserving water and protecting the environment of nearby communities. Since then, the mall operator has expanded its water conservation efforts, with 90 malls now equipped with facilities that recycle wastewater annually. The mall operator has also embraced innovation to help reduce flooding and enhance water recovery efforts. SM City Baguio’s Rainwater Treatment Facility, for example, collects and treats rainwater for operational use by its tenants and kitchen facilities. From its first day of operations in November 2022 to December 2025, the facility has processed 53,740 cubic meters of rainwater, equivalent to serving an estimated 63,706 households. “Since the 1990s, SM has always prioritized the welfare of nearby communities and the environment. Water is a very precious resource, and we are committed to ensuring its sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability. SM Supermalls’ integrated networks recycle waste and rainwater for non-potable applications such as cleaning, irrigation, and watering its greeneries across its properties. Not only do the systems reduce demand for fresh water, but they also drive more sustainable and resilient operations, especially during seasonal shortages. The institution has accelerated its water conservation initiatives in its two new malls in 2025. SM City La Union has a 760-cubic-meter rainwater catchment system and a 543-square-meter sewage treatment plant, enabling efficient water use and enhanced wastewater management. Meanwhile, SM City Laoag has a self-sustaining water network that converts deep well water into a potable supply. SM Supermalls’ longstanding green initiatives have garnered multiple industry distinctions, including the Bantayog ng Lawa Para sa Kalikasan from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) awarded to SM Mall of Asia and the first ever Gawad Taga-Ilog Award bestowed upon a private entity by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to SM Prime for supporting water stewardship. “As SM Supermalls moves forward, it will continue to pioneer environmental systems and practices across our malls. We will continue working towards a resilient, sustainable, and eco-friendly future,” said Silerio.

Author name: Street Journal

BDO supports OFWs at Migrant Workers’ Day celebration