Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

MALAYBALAY, Bukidnon — A total of 180 beneficiaries received livelihood opportunities from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano during a two-day distribution of assistance in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. This distribution, held from July 10-11, 2024, was conducted under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the two senators in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). With the support of Malaybalay Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, the distribution took place on the first day at the Municipal Hall of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. During this event, 150 individuals, including laborers and those who are unemployed, received assistance. “Binigyan kayo ng tulong ng gobyerno para umunlad ang inyong mga buhay. Baguhin na natin ang ating isip, may responsibilidad din tayo sa ating mga sarili,” Mayor Pabillaran said in his message to the beneficiaries. The mayor also extended his thanks to the sibling senators for their help, saying he will be happy if the beneficiaries use this assistance in the proper manner to improve their lives. According to the beneficiaries, the support would significantly help them as it could serve as start-up capital for those wishing to start small businesses and aid in covering their everyday expenses. The social welfare initiative continued on the second day in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, where 30 more beneficiaries were provided with livelihood assistance to engage in business ventures. This distribution was made possible through coordination with the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. The Cayetanos have been collaborating with the DSWD and local government units across the country to extend help to vulnerable sectors, aiming to boost livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.

A quarry operator in Quezon complies with the cease-and-desist order

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio PAGBILAO, Quezon- A quarry operator is complying with the recommendation of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) following a cease-and-desist order issued at Barangay Palsabangon, here. Michael Luis Ong owned the lot with an area of less than five hectares and was represented by his father as operator. According to the order, the operator must comply with ensuring the operations strictly adhere to the agreed-upon products, and implement measures to mitigate environmental impact, such as proper disposal of uprooted trees and rock debris, regular maintenance of road access, and siltation ponds to prevent sediment runoff; access and mitigate the risk posed to vendors and nearby communities, particularly those vulnerable to landslide due to proximity to quarry operations. The action of the PMRB was based on the complaint of the residents which also called the attention of municipal mayor Gigi Portes who quickly acted. Barangay chairman Lito Merle said the quarry is not the cause of flooding in the said area. He added that even though there was no quarry operation before, the area was flooded due to the rising flood water of the Palsabangon River and the hightide of Tayabas Bay. The operator assured of strict compliance as indicated in the order. The stiff portion of the hill was reduced and down by a backhoe as per PMRD recommendation to the operator at Barangay Palsabangon in Pagbilao, Quezon

SHAGGCLAI pocket miners conduct tree planting

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

By Primo P. Agatep ITOGON, Benguet- Pocket miners of Saddle, Hartwell,Goldhill, Gold coin Community Livelihood Association, Inc. (SHAGGCLAI) conducted tree planting activity at the scenic but rugged mountain slopes at Sitio Tapak, Barangay Ampucao,Itogon,Benguet, last Saturday,July 6. Sitio Tapak- covered by thousands of decades-old pine trees and wild plants, was among the communal forest areas in the province gutted by fire last summer, destroying a number of decades old pine trees. Some one thousand pine trees sourced from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera (DENR-CAR) were planted within the estimated 10-hectare mountainous area, according to Noli Pal-lay, the newly installed president of (SHAGGCLAI). Families and relatives of SHAGGCLAI pocket miners, including some members of the women and youth sectors, respectively, including a 9-year old boy and this writer, participated in the five-hour reforestation activity, by scaling the very steep but picturesque and refreshing planting area -with estimated 100 meters in elevation, and constantly on alert of falling rocks. As early as 6 o’clock in the morning last Saturday, native pocket miners including lowlanders began to assemble at the designated area (Sitio Tapak)-at the roadside leading to Philex Mines. Hours later, the group started to scale the mountain. Pal-lay and the group vice president ,Mike Banite told this writer, it’s an annual activity of their ass ociation mainly for the good of the mining communities–protection of the environment, and in support of the Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners,Inc. (BFSSM),local government units (LGUs) and the national government’s environmental efforts. Charles Andry Cabansi ,Grade 4 pupil of Manganese Integrated School, son of a pocket miner (Sebio), 28, was among those who participated in the tree planting activity at the safe roadside. Carla Gabino, wife of Mike (Banite), Zeny Cagampan, the group secretary, and Imelda Cabradilla, herself a pocket miner turned businesswoman, led the women’s sector who planted. Decades indigenous people of this mining community including the forefathers of these local pocket miners have been planting trees in the mining community, before the Spanish and American invaders. Over a million trees were planted, spread over to the mining communities-shown by the lush green scenery atop as far as one’s naked eye can see the splendor. Other regular environmental projects conducted by SHAGGCLAI include clean-up drives in water and local road systems. Meanwhile, pocket miners were about to leave the area when the DENR-Cordillera/Centro Baguio, tasked to monitor and document the group’s activity, arrived.

Baguio notes growing businesses in the city

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY — Businesses are increasing and expanding in Baguio City per data monitoring of the city government’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO). For the first semester of the year, the BPLO noted an increase in the registered number of medium and large enterprises over the past seven years. As of June 2024, there are 546 medium-scale enterprises registered with the BPLO – an increase by 137 establishments compared to 409 in 2023. For the large-scale enterprises, there are 96 establishments registered as of June 2024 compared to 77 in 2023. BPLO head Allan Abayao said most of these establishments are engaged in Wholesale, Retail, Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles; Accommodation and Food Services; and, Real Estate Activities as the top three industries in the city for the first half of the year. Small enterprises are also increasing from 1,860 in 2023 to 2,049 this year. Only the micro enterprises decreased from 22,080 last year to 18,994 as of June 2024 but Abayao is hopeful that this will increase as the BPLO started its routine inspection of business without permits in the barangays to encourage entrepreneurs to register. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) classifies an enterprise based on assets and the number of employees. Micro are those with less than 10 employees, small for 10-99 employees, medium with 100-199 employees, and large if it has 200 or more employees. The BPLO issued a total of 21,685 business permits as of June 2024 with 1,525 new business registrations and 20,433 as renewal of licenses. Compared to the total 24,426 business permits issued last year, the BPLO needs to register at least 3,000 more enterprises to surpass its annual performance. Abayao said that applications for new business permits at the BPLO are processed within 20 minutes for renewal as long as necessary clearances such as fire safety and building clearance for safe occupancy from concerned offices and agencies are submitted. Businesses without permits are issued Notice of Closure by the BPLO. Over 500 closure orders were already issued as of May 2024. (By JM Samidan-Baguio PIO)

City gov’t listening to public on projects – Magalong

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured that the city government continues to uphold public opinion as its benchmark in implementing its flagship projects. “We cannot discount the value of public opinion in shaping our programs and projects. Even during the pandemic we continue to conduct stakeholder engagements listening to the suggestions of our constituents and explaining the details of the proposals,” the mayor said. “In fact some of the critical suggestions became part of the plans and terms of negotiations. There were also those that were abandoned because we listened to public sentiment,” he added. The mayor also said that the city government does not rush things especially in critical projects. “We take our time and we make sure that every step is done in accordance with the requirements of the law,” he said. He cited the Smart Urban Mobility Project which was planned in 2021. A master plan was crafted in the same year and approved by the city council in 2022. Stakeholder engagements began in 2023 and are continuing to the present. The same with the Market Redevelopment Project which began in 2020. Consultations on said project started in 2021 and continue to this day. The mayor has always emphasized the importance of conducting consultations in implementing projects, especially those strategic ones under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. “This is to properly explain to the stakeholders and the public the intention of the projects, their concepts and dynamics. It is always best if people have an understanding of the projects before the PPP process takes off,” the mayor said. (By Aileen P. Refuerzo-Baguio PIO)

PRO-CAR awards 5 police officers and 4 personnel from partner agencies for their notable accomplishments

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

CAMP DANGWA,Benguet — Recognizing their contributions and noteworthy accomplishments, five police officers and four personnel from partner agencies, were awarded during the visit of the Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs, Sec. Roman A. Felix, at the PRO-CAR Regional Headquarters, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet, on July 12. The presentation of awards was led by Sec. Felix accompanied by the PRO-CAR Regional Director, Brig.Gen. David Peredo,Jr.; Usec for Police and Military Affairs Ret.Gen.Atty Isagani Nerez and assisted by the members of the Command Group. For their successful implementation of the OPLAN “HIGHLANDER” that resulted in the uprooting and destruction of 1,575 kilograms of dried marijuana and 3,349,500 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants with a Standard Drug Price of P861,900,000.00 from April 29 to May 7, 2024 at Mt. Chumanchil, Barangay Loccong and Barangay Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga, the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) was awarded to: – the Deputy Regional Director for Operations, Co. Elmer Ragay; – the Officer-in-Charge of Abra Police Provincial Office, Col. Jeremias Oyawon; – Capt. Denver Agustin,Jr. from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15; – Capt. Christopher Tudias from the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit; – and Capt. Al Dionne Caboverde from the PNP Special Action Force. Meanwhile, for their valuable services rendered as officers and enlisted personnel in support to the successful implementation of the OPLAN “HIGHLANDER” through the conduct of aerial reconnaissance operations at Mt. Chumanchil, Brgy Loccong, and Brgy Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga, the Medalya ng Katangitanging Asal (PNP Outstanding Conduct Medal) was awarded to: – Col. Glenn Piquero from the Philippine Air Force; – IAV Randy T. Pulmano from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA); – Alfred Calicdan from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA); – 2LT Tristan Maglambayan from the 54 Infantry Battalion, 503rd Brigade, Philippine Army. Moreover, a plaque of recognition from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group was also given to Tactical Operations Group 2 of the Philippine Air Force, PDEA-CAR, NICA-CAR, and the 503rd Brigade of the Philippine Army.(PR)

Travel worry-free with your EV: SM Supermalls launches 57th EV Charging Station at SM City Pampanga

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Travel conveniently and worry-free on your e-Vehicle as SM Supermalls brings its 57th EV Charging Station at SM City Pampanga! Park, pop, and plug your e-Vehicle easily at SM City Pampanga’s EV 7.4kW chargers which supports e-Vehicles with Type 2 connectors. The charging station is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. And the good news is, charging your e-Vehicle at SM is FREE! Just head straight to Parking B near French Baker and Pizza Hut Mall Entrance to get your car battery fully charged. And while you wait, you can shop, dine, and be entertained at SM City Pampanga. SM Supermalls is the first mall chain to establish in-mall e-Vehicle charging sites in the Philippines and has created the PH’s biggest chain of e-Vehicle charging stations nationwide. By expanding infrastructure for EV owners, SM Supermalls is able to advance its Zero Emissions agenda, helping decrease carbon footprint while addressing air pollution concerns all over the country. (PR)

TULONG SA ZAMBOANGA CITY

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Various sectors in Pangasinan benefit from Cayetanos’ two-day outreach activities

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

PANGASINAN — “Malaking salamat po sa ibinigay ninyong tulong sa aming mga magsasaka, Senator Alan at Senator Pia.” Lianillo Lopez expressed his gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for reaching out to 1,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the town of Aguilar, Pangasinan on July 8, 2024 as part of their two-day visit in the province. The disbursement of assistance was made possible in partnership with the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the support of Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark O. Cojuangco. “Pinilit po ng ating mga senador na maabot at magbigay ng tulong sa atin. Makakaasa tayo na masusundan pa ito rito sa ating distrito,” Cojuangco told the beneficiaries. The next day, July 9, more Pangasinenses, including health workers and women attending a maternal seminar, benefited from a similar outreach activity. A total of 181 beneficiaries from Dagupan City and 203 from San Carlos City were also assisted by the senators’ team. These activities were made possible with the help of Ms. Khrismae “Mimi” Dy, staff of Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia, and San Carlos City Mayor Julier “Ayoy” Resuello. Barangay Health Worker Roda Andongo expressed her gratitude to the senators for their dedication to community development workers, a sector they consistently empower through their programs and legislation. “Maraming salamat po, Senator Alan at Senator Pia, sa ibinigay ninyo po lalong-lalo na po at marami kayong natulungan na maliit lang po ang kinikita,” she said. Over all, the senators were able to provide aid to 1,384 residents of Pangasinan during their past visit. This is not their first time to bring aid to the province as they previously assisted 4,800 in April and 2,500 in June this year. The Cayetanos have been working with various agencies and local government units to reach different provinces across the country to deliver essential aid to marginalized Filipinos.

Author name: Street Journal

Cayetanos deliver livelihood opportunities to 180 beneficiaries in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental