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15-year agreement brings themed café development to Camp John Hay, reinforcing its place as a tourism destination BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) continues to strengthen Camp John Hay’s investment appeal with the signing of a 15-year lease agreement with Sophia Real Estate Executives and Development Corporation (SREEDC) for the construction and development of a themed café within the property. The agreement, signed on 30 March 2026, covers a 500-square-meter site within Camp John Hay and a step forward in BCDA’s ongoing efforts to attract quality investments that elevate the camp’s position as a premiere leisure and ecotourism destination in Baguio City. Beyond enhancing the visitor experience, the project is expected to spur local economic activity and create jobs in construction, hospitality, and day-to-day operations. BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said this development reflects sustained private sector confidence in Camp John Hay’s long-term potential. “Our goal is to build a stable investment climate that empowers our partners to succeed,” said Engr. Bingcang. “By aligning with our Master Development Plan, this project brings a fresh dimension to the camp, further establishing it as a world-class tourism hub where nature and leisure meet.” SREEDC President Donna Mae B. Ame affirmed the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to the Camp John Hay community. “We are very excited to embark on this journey with BCDA and JHMC,” she said. New offering for the Camp Artist’s render from the 2025 Comprehensive Master Development Plan for Camp John Hay The upcoming themed café will introduce a distinctive new offering within the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ), diversifying the ecozone’s portfolio of commercial and hospitality establishments. The project is fully aligned with the updated Master Development Plan of Camp John Hay, ensuring that it contributes to the integrated and sustainable growth of the property. It is expected to draw both local and international visitors seeking curated leisure experiences in Baguio’s highland setting. The signing event was led by BCDA President Joshua M. Bingcang and SREEDC President Donna Mae B. Ame, marking the beginning of a promising partnership for Camp John Hay’s future growth. Also present were SREEDC Director Man Sik Jang, SREEDC Corporate Secretary Analiza B. Intuya, John Hay Management Corporation Director Atty. Kristoffer Lee V. Dance, and BCDA Vice President for Investment and Promotions Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta.

PBBM visits Agri-Pinoy Trading Center to address impact of crisis on Benguet agricultural sector

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad, to ensure the government’s ongoing efforts to address the impact of the crisis on the agricultural sector and outlined some of the measures to help farmers, on April 17, 2026. PBBM, together with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., led the distribution of farm equipment and inputs to crisis to about 45 cooperatives and associations in Benguet, following interventions under the High Value Crops Program of the Department of Agriculture, PBBM visited the Spot Trading Building 2 (Wholesale Area), where post-harvest activities are conducted, and interacted with farmers and key stakeholders in the vegetable industry in the Cordillera mountains. The visit underscores the government’s commitment to strengthen the agricultural value chain by improving market efficiency, price stability and supply distribution. “We are now at the trading center and market, because we were surprised by reports that most vegetable products here from mountainous areas are no longer imported due to the high gasoline prices we are experiencing. So we are looking into it and looking for a way out. First of all, we reduced the price of diesel by ten pesos and the local government charges were waved, then we also removed the toll fee for trucks traveling. The ten wheeler was supposed to pay P3,000 and the four wheeler was P1,000, now they will not pay until this oil price increase is over,” PBBM said in a media interview. He said that drivers who need assistance were also included in the TUPAD program (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). “This is our help, first of all to ensure our food supply, secondly, to ensure that our farmers, our producers, wholesalers do not feel too bad, to ensure that our food supply continues so that we do not have problems with food prices and supply.” He added that because of the initiatives, there is now a better system that is already in place and the initiatives are ongoing. “That is why we are here to talk to the vendors about what else they think we can do.” PBBM added that they are continuing to monitor to ensure that everyone feels the government’s help now in the current crisis caused by the war in the Middle East. Vegetable Trader Mona Dongkasi expressed her gratitude for the personal visit of President Marcos, Jr. and hopes that the situation in the trading area in Benguet will be resolved. “Now our President has seen our situation here where vegetable prices are falling and our buyers are decreasing due to the increase in crude oil prices. We ask our dear President to help him find a solution to this current crisis,” Dongkasi said. (By Zaldy Comanda with reports from PIA-Cordillera)

Philippine, U.S. Forces Kick Off Most Expansive Balikatan Exercise to Date

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military will conduct the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan across the Philippine archipelago from April 20 to May 8. Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, more than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand will train shoulder-to-shoulder, and an additional 17 nations will participate as part of the international observer program. “Balikatan is the embodiment of our nation’s commitment to a strong and credible defense posture,” said Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Education and Training Command Commander. “This exercise is a prime opportunity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to accelerate our modernization and enhance our capabilities as a vanguard of regional peace. Training shoulder-to-shoulder with our oldest ally and our many partners ensures our forces are prepared to face any challenge, together.” The exercise will feature cutting-edge training across the air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Key events include: AFP and U.S. forces will sharpen their ability to command and control by establishing parallel exercise joint task forces to navigate a challenging training scenario. Field training exercises throughout the Philippines will culminate in capstone events to rehearse warfighting skills in maritime security, coastal defense, and the integration of combined and joint fires. Dynamic maritime sustainment and distributed logistics through ship-to-shore equipment offloads and movements. Prior to the start of Balikatan 2026, the AFP and U.S. forces rehearsed equipment and supply offload from maritime prepositioning force shipping at Port of Cagayan de Oro that was transported and distributed across Luzon. Supplies and equipment movement and distribution will continue throughout the exercise in support of the training. Ships from four countries will participate in a multi-day multilateral maritime exercise along the west coast of the Philippines conducting deck landing qualifications, live-fire gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue training. Humanitarian and civic assistance activities including engineering and construction projects and community health engagements at five locations across the archipelago to directly benefit Filipino communities and strengthen humanitarian assistance preparedness. “Our alliance with the Philippines has been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific for 75 years,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman, I Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General. “Balikatan 2026 is a powerful demonstration of our ironclad commitment to that alliance. By training together with our friends and partners using the most advanced systems, we are not just enhancing our shared capabilities; we are forging the trust and readiness required to secure a prosperous and peaceful future for the region.” News media representatives interested in additional information or coverage opportunities may contact the exercise Public Affairs Combined Joint Information Bureau media officer at balikatan_media@usmc.mil.

PIA empowers campus journalists to use AI tool responsibly

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

By Harvy T. Bangayan and Gadjel M. Herodias PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here strengthened the capacity of campus journalists on responsible and ethical storytelling amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The activity gathered student writers to enhance their media literacy and adapt to the evolving digital landscape, held during the Journalism Seminar-Workshop at Josefina H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC)-Pagadian Extension. One of the participants, TJ Pahayac, noted the growing dependence of students on AI tools. Dako kaayo nga reminder for us na we should not be replaced by AI since halos kita tanan na ang mogamit, especially students who engaged in AI tools the most,” he said. (This is a big reminder for us that we should not allow ourselves to be replaced by AI since almost all of us are already using it, especially students who are the most engaged with AI tools.) Guided by the theme “Strengthening Campus Journalists for Ethical and Impactful Storytelling,” PIA highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with accountability, particularly in the use of AI tools in journalism. PIA Government Information Center Coordinator Clennkei C. Peñalosa emphasized that while AI is becoming more present in media and communication, journalists must remain grounded in truth and responsibility. AI should not replace you,” Peñalosa said. She stressed that authenticity and human judgment remain essential in producing credible and meaningful stories. She explained that AI may be used as a support tool for research and information gathering, but should not be relied upon to fully generate journalistic content, as this may compromise accuracy and ethical standards. Among the topics discussed by the PIA were developmental news writing, photo captioning, and mobile journalism. The seminar underscores the government’s commitment to empowering young communicators with the right knowledge and values to navigate modern journalism, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for truth rather than a substitute for it. J.H. Cerilles State College is an official member of PIA’s Information Volunteers (iVolts) Network, which aims to strengthen the dissemination of government information within academic institutions and communities. This network is composed of students and advisers who serve as citizen reporters, helping ensure that essential information on government programs, opportunities, and services reaches students and the wider community. (JPA/CCP/HTB/GMH/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur with reports from JHCSC)

Naga City to hold Cervical Cancer Summit to boost elimination drive

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government of Naga City will conduct a Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit on May 20 this year at Summit Hotel Naga to further strengthen its advocacy against the disease and adopt direct strategies for its eradication through a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach. Mayor Leni Robredo said the dreaded disease—considered the second leading cause of death among women, especially in communities that lack awareness or understanding of how to address it—can be eliminated if properly managed. She said the advocacy is being pursued in partnership with MSD Philippines, a pharmaceutical firm. The mayor added that at least 400 participants are expected to attend the summit, most of whom are Barangay Health Workers and other community volunteers. “We are expecting that these volunteer workers will bring to residents in their respective villages the learnings, know-how, and awareness they will gain from the summit,” she said. Robredo also emphasized the importance of helping participants understand the hardships and suffering experienced by cervical cancer patients so they will recognize the need to undergo preventive measures such as vaccination and regular screening. She said the advocacy is being advanced with the active support of the Public Information Division of the City Mayor’s Office, members of the Naga City Hall Press Corps, and personnel from various media outfits in the city. She added that the city government, through the City Health Office I, aims to reduce cervical cancer cases, underscoring the need for massive and widespread dissemination of relevant information. I via Jason Neola

SBMA to temporarily offer reduced fees, other support for port clients

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has temporarily taken measures to provide port clients with the much-needed financial support, amid the ongoing rise in fuel costs in the global market. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 110, which immediately placed the entire country in a state of national energy emergency due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Aliño added that such temporary measures aim to provide aid to industries affected by the Middle East crisis by ensuring that cost-stabilizing strategies for the transport and food sectors are implemented without delay. “These initiatives, including reduced fees and extended free storage, provide a fiscal cushion to reinforce investor confidence and prevent supply chain bottlenecks,” said Aliño. He also cited that key industry participants namely, importers, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, and consumers, will experience the impact of these measures through their respective counterparts – terminal operators, cargo handlers, brokers, consolidators, processors, ship agents, and shipping lines, resulting in a cascading effect throughout the supply chain. As part of this initiative, the SBMA will implement a five percent tariff reduction on all commercial vessels, including harbor fees, berthing fees/ anchorage fees, and harbor cleaning fees, as well as a five percent tariff reduction on cargo charges including wharfage fees, and storage fees. “We will also implement a five percent tariff reduction on SBMA shares such as pilotage fee, hauling services, tugboat services, heavy equipment rental, line handling services, chandling services, water tendering, cargo handling for containerized cargo, and bunkering services,” he added. Additionally, the SBMA is also offering free storage for non-containerized cargo, and free storage period for an additional 2-day extension. To further aid port clients, the SBMA will temporarily suspend the collection of shares from terminal operators/cargo handlers for liquid bulk cargo handling and related activities; the implementation of the one percent admission fee for liquid bulk; and the implementation of the ten percent increase on cargo handling and miscellaneous charges of non-containerized/ general cargoes. Chairman Aliño assured port stakeholders that these measures shall take effect immediately upon its approval and ratification by the SBMA Board of Directors, adding that these will remain in force until geopolitical tensions subside, at which point they shall be lifted via a formal issuance following Board approval. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the 2026 revenue projections will generate ₱76 million in fiscal relief over a one-year period. Yambao added that the direct tariff reductions will specifically account for approximately ₱49 million (a computation arriving at this figure is attached to this Memorandum, for your reference), while the suspension of new policies is expected to save stakeholders and domestic consumers an additional ₱25 million annually. Furthermore, the extension of free storage periods will contribute approximately ₱2 million in operational savings for port stakeholders for a year.

Nueva Vizcaya teams bag CAVRAA crowns, advance to Palaro

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya’s archery and poomsae teams captured championship honors in the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) Meet in Santiago City, Isabela, and qualified for the Palarong Pambansa on May 24-31 in Agusan del Sur. The province’s archery team, composed of junior and senior high school students from Salinas High School in Bambang and Belance TechVoc School in Dupax Del Norte topped its event with eight gold medals, five silver medals, and three bronze medals. Among those who qualified for the national meet are Adrian A. Barroga, Jazrine Joyce P. Fragata, and Hendrich Dave T. Cariazo, under coaches Arjan Leo V. Edrozo and Mark Daniel M. Atabay. Nueva Vizcaya also emerged as overall champion in the Poomsae Elementary Division, finishing with eight gold medals and seven silver medals. Gold medalists were Jaychelle Magalang (freestyle and team), Kalvin Dale Manuel (freestyle), Noward Hlway Enriquez (mixed pair and team), Nalla Ysabelle Corpuz (mixed pair), Xian Gabriel V. Gamata (individual and team), Jacques Daniel Cordova (team), Dynah Paddayuman (team), and Zafirah Dylan Mondala (team). Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito lauded the athletes and coaches for bringing pride to the province. “Your victories reflect the strength, discipline, and fighting spirit of Novo Vizcayanos. Congratulations, and bring that same fire to the Palarong Pambansa,” Gambito said. The twin victories underscored Nueva Vizcaya’s strong regional campaign and raised hopes for a solid showing in the national games.

Ilocos Sur employers recognized for exemplary SSS compliance

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Candon Branch recently recognized two employers in Ilocos Sur for their consistent compliance in remitting the SSS contributions of their employees. The awardees were William Chua Rice Mill and Rural Bank of Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur both cited for their timely and regular remittance of workers’ SSS contributions. SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Normita Cruz said the prompt remittance of contributions ensures that employees remain eligible for various social security benefits and loan privileges under the Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) Programs. “Employers play a vital role in safeguarding the social protection of Filipino workers by ensuring that their contributions are remitted on time and in full. Through initiatives like this, SSS commends responsible employers while encouraging others to uphold the same standard of commitment and accountability,” Cruz said. The William Chua Rice Mill, an SSS-registered business since 1996, employs 33 workers. Meanwhile, the Rural Bank of Sta. Maria, registered with the SSS as early as December 1969, currently employs 29 workers, all of whom are covered under the SSS through their respective employers.

Baguio, target 1,537 taxi drivers for P3,000 financial assistance

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city government is targeting a total of 1,537 taxi drivers to receive P3,000 financial assistance under the Assistance to individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). According to City Social Welfare Officer Liza Bulayungan, as of Wednesday, April 15, an initial 591 registered taxi drivers were given financial assistance and will continue until Friday, when the total target is expected to be given. According to Bulayungan, the distribution started on April 14 where 300 taxi drivers who have completed their documentary requirements will be given the said assistance on a daily basis until those in the list shall have received the cash aid from the city. The city targets to distribute the said financial assistance to some 1,537 taxi drivers as per the initial list but the number of registrants is expected to increase with the ongoing enlistment of qualified taxi drivers. The city government called on taxi operators to enlist their respective drivers with the City Engineering Office – Traffic and Transportation Management Division (CEO-TTMD) in preparation for the distribution of the financial assistance after the transport sector was heavily impacted by the staggering fuel prices that persisted in the country due to the ongoing Middle East war. (Rose Frejane A, Cruz)

Author name: Street Journal

BCDA inks deal with Baguio-based Sophia Real Estate for CHJ themed cafe