Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) has remitted a total of ₱585 million to the National Treasury, marking its highest dividend contribution to date. CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar said the total remittance of ₱585,709,498.80 represents 60 percent of the agency’s adjusted net income from its 2025 operations. This is 88 percent higher than the ₱310,987,163.00 remitted in the previous year. “CIAC was able to surpass its previous high due to improved operations, alongside a consistent upward trend in revenue and efficiency in 2025,” Alcazar said. He added that enhanced operational performance and effective revenue generation resulted in a net income of ₱976 million in 2025, an increase of 72 percent from ₱565 million in 2024. Alcazar also underscored CIAC’s continued compliance with Republic Act No. 7656, which mandates government-owned and controlled corporations to declare and remit dividends to the national government. “CIAC remains financially strong due to prudent fiscal management, a business-friendly environment for locators, and its ability to attract partnerships and investments through development projects within the Clark Aviation Capital,” he said. Under the guidelines of the Department of Finance (DOF), government corporations are required to remit at least 50 percent of their adjusted net income as dividends. For CIAC, this corresponds to approximately ₱488 million based on its ₱976 million adjusted income in 2025. “We also complied with the DOF’s request to increase the dividend remittance rate to at least 75 percent of CIAC’s 2025 net earnings, which led to the higher payout,” Alcazar explained. The agency expects its dividend contributions to grow further in the coming years as it implements its seven flagship projects within the Clark Aviation Capital, CIAC’s aviation-centric development hub that integrates logistics, commerce, and sustainable urban growth, aimed at contributing to national economic progress.

Good Luck, Benguet Little League

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BENGUET, Philippines — The Benguet Little League delegation, composed of 32 athletes and coaches, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas. The team, made up of players from both public and private schools in La Trinidad, Kapangan, Mankayan, and Itogon, will compete in the 2026 Little League Philippines Series – National Finals in Ilocos Norte from April 17 to 24, 2026. The squad was formed through a series of tryouts, selecting athletes to complete two teams composed of 16 players each for the male and female divisions. Governor Diclas extended his best wishes and good luck to the delegation, while providing financial assistance from the Provincial Local Government Unit and personally extending additional support as a gesture of encouragement for their participation in the national competition.

Your Vibe, Your Tribe: SM Supermalls Drops New Anthem “Gala To The Max” by DNA

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines – Forget the usual mall run; it’s time for a total vibe check. SM Supermalls, in an electrifying partnership with StarPop, has officially pulled the curtain back on its newest anthem, “Gala To The Max.” Performed by the rising group DNA, the track is more than just a catchy earworm; it’s a tribute to the way we hang out today. The message is clear: SM isn’t just a place to buy things. It’s your “third space.” It’s where you meet the crew, find your community, and—as the song says—live life to the max at your most loved mall. More Than a Destination, It’s a Mood. “Gala To The Max” captures the essence of what it means to visit SM. Whether you’re there for a fitness milestone, a deep dive into your favorite fandom, a gaming marathon, or just a chill afternoon with your furbabies, SM remains the ultimate backdrop for every subculture. SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing JonJon San Agustin emphasizes that the mall is an extension of the shoppers’ identity, “At SM, we’ve always been about creating spaces where memories are made. With ‘Gala To The Max,’ we’re celebrating that unique energy our shoppers bring. It’s about your vibe and your tribe. Whether you’re here to play, shop, or just hang out, we want you to feel that this is your space, the most loved mall that truly fits your lifestyle.” ð—§ð—µð—² ð—¦ð—¼ð˜‚ð—»ð—±ð˜ð—¿ð—®ð—°ð—¸ ð˜ð—¼ ð—¬ð—¼ð˜‚ð—¿ ð—¡ð—²ð˜…ð˜ ð—Ÿð—¦ð—¦ Produced alongside StarPop, the track features the high-energy vocals of DNA, a trio of sisters composed of Ezri, Julia, and Tasha. The song is designed to be the definitive background score for every TikTok transition and weekend hangout. Tasha, a member of DNA, shared her excitement about the track’s infectious energy, “Recording this song was such a blast because it’s exactly how we feel when we’re out with the crew. We wanted to bring that fun, ‘no-pressure’ energy to the track. We hope that when people hear it while they’re at the mall, they can’t help but move, vibe, and just enjoy the moment. It’s definitely going to be your new summer LSS!” ð—ð—¼ð—¶ð—» ð˜ð—µð—² ð— ð—¼ð˜ƒð—²ð—ºð—²ð—»ð˜ The official rollout begins this weekend across all SM malls nationwide. With more music and more reasons to stay longer than you planned, SM is officially calling on the community to show off their moves. Come as you are, bring your tribe, and show the world how you gala to the max.

United States, Philippines Sign Intent to Deepen Health Cooperation

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines —As the United States and the Philippines mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, U.S. Embassy to the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing and Philippine Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Health Cooperation on April 7. Through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy, this Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) commits to further U.S. health cooperation with the Philippines – an important friend, partner, and Ally. The JDI establishes a framework for the Philippines to transition to greater autonomy and self-reliance in its health systems while strengthening the Philippines’ capacity to detect and respond to global health threats, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and other infectious diseases, and improve diagnostics and treatment. Chargé d’Affaires Ewing also announced a significant U.S. contribution to strengthen the Philippines’ fight against tuberculosis. This includes provision of Php580 million ($10 million) worth of TB medicines and 12 ultraportable TB X-ray machines valued at Php45.4 million ($783,000), and a Php14.5 million ($250,000) grant to the Philippines’ Veterans Memorial Medical Center to expand TB testing and treatment for Filipino veterans. These announcements build on decades of gains made through U.S. global health assistance, including the Php13.8 billion ($250 million) in U.S. foreign assistance through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy announced in September 2025, addressing tuberculosis, advancing maternal health, and enhancing preparedness, detection, and response to emerging diseases and global health threats in the Philippines. “The United States greatly values its longstanding partnership with the Philippine Department of Health, especially our work together on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and global health security,” Chargé d’Affaires Ewing said. “Through this Joint Declaration, the United States continues to engage closely with the Philippine government and health partners to support the Philippines’ continued progress toward greater autonomy and self-reliance in its health programs, and to identify impactful and innovative approaches to advance lifesaving work on TB and global health security,” he added. Through this JDI, the United States and the Philippines will negotiate a five-year Strategic Objective Agreement, advancing all three pillars of the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy that will save American and Filipino lives, increase the resiliency of the Philippine health system through coordinated co-funding, and foster collaboration with American commercial leaders in health technology and innovation to improve health outcomes. The Philippines has a strong track record of making commitments with the United States and leveraging innovations in the shared fight against infectious diseases like TB and HIV. The Philippine government’s efforts to enhance prevention, care, and innovation, including seeking new technology to counter these two diseases, are goals shared by the United States and are being advanced through this Declaration. This Joint Declaration joins several Bilateral Memoranda of Understanding on Global Health Cooperation with recipient countries, driving progress around the world through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy.

CSC, BCDA sign agreement to build national civil service leadership and management development center in New Clark City

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — In a landmark inter-agency collaboration, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Deed of Usufruct for the establishment of the CSC national training and development center in New Clark City, Tarlac. The signing ceremony, held on 13 April 2026 at the CSC Central Office, was led by Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. Joining them were Commissioner Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pañgulayan and BCDA Legal Services Group Senior Vice President Diana Joyce N. Basco-Galera. Under the agreement, BCDA grants the CSC the use of a one-hectare parcel of land in New Clark City for a period of 50 years, with possible extension upon mutual agreement, for the development of a dedicated complex that will serve as a national venue for training, learning, and professional development programs for government officials and employees. The project supports the agenda of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to build a more capable and responsive government. By strengthening the skills and leadership of civil servants, the training hub helps ensure that policies are implemented faster, services are delivered more efficiently, and government programs create real impact in the lives of Filipinos. Chairperson Yap expressed appreciation to BCDA for sharing the Commission’s vision of a civil service that meaningfully responds to the evolving expectations of citizens. “This will not be an ordinary leadership and management development center. It will be grounded in the unique demands of public sector leadership—one that calls for a distinct mindset, skills, and competencies. More importantly, it will be anchored on Filipino values and practices, shaped by our cultural realities and traditions of collaboration, to cultivate public servants who can engage citizens meaningfully and strengthen our collective capacity for inclusive national development,” she said. She added that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, emphasizing the broader transformation it seeks to achieve within the public sector. “May this be the beginning of a long and productive partnership between the CSC and the BCDA. We are hoping to build more than a facility, but a center for cultural reset in public service—a change in mindset focused on strengthening the values propelling the most critical asset of the government: its human infrastructure,” Chairperson Yap said. For his part, BCDA President and CEO Bingcang emphasized that the project contributes to the continued development of New Clark City as a center for public institutions and innovation. “This partnership is about building the people behind the government. When we strengthen the capability of our civil servants, we improve how services are delivered to every Filipino. In New Clark City, we are creating a national hub that helps make that happen,” he said. As part of the agreement, the CSC will prepare and submit a Development Plan within six months upon receipt of the relevant planning documents from BCDA, and develop and construct the facility in accordance with the New Clark City Comprehensive Master Development Plan, Design Standards, and Guidelines. Meanwhile, BCDA shall assist in the conceptualization and preparation of the development plans, layout of the complex, and formulation of the architectural and structural designs, as well as extend assistance in the operation and maintenance of the training complex. The planned CSC Training and Development Center will feature modern and sustainable facilities designed to support learning and collaboration across the public sector, including a plenary hall with a seating capacity of approximately 300 to 500 participants, breakout rooms and training classrooms, a data processing center, and conference and board rooms. It will also be equipped with boarding and lodging facilities for trainees; an executive lounge; a mess hall or dining facility; wellness and gym amenities; and renewable and sustainable design features, including solar power systems. Once completed, the CSC national training and development center is envisioned to become a premier venue for capacity-building programs that will support the continued modernization and professionalization of the Philippine bureaucracy.

Now is best time to visit Baguio City– Magalong

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — With a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals, the city government is encouraging visitors to take advantage of the lighter traffic and more relaxed atmosphere in the country’s summer capital. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the current situation offers a rare opportunity for tourists to enjoy Baguio City without the usual congestion, especially during peak travel periods like the summer. “Now is the right time for you to come up to the city of Baguio dahil expect na talagang maluwag ang trapiko natin,” the mayor said in a series of interviews, noting that the decline in visitor numbers has eased traffic conditions across the city. Known for its cool climate, scenic views, and vibrant culture, Baguio typically experiences heavy influxes of tourists that often result in long travel times and crowded attractions. However, the current dip in arrivals has led to smoother traffic flow and shorter queues in popular destinations. The mayor expressed hope that more visitors can come up to rediscover the charm of Baguio in a more serene and comfortable setting. Local businesses, particularly those in the tourism and service sectors, are also expected to benefit if more visitors take advantage of the less crowded conditions. The mayor assured the public that the city remains ready to welcome guests, with efforts in place to maintain safety, cleanliness and a pleasant experience for all. “As Baguio faces economic challenges brought by reduced tourist arrivals, we remain optimistic that travelers can help support local enterprises while having a more enjoyable and stress-free visit,” he said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo

Nueva Vizcaya lines up P45-M for school infrastructure projects

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has lined up ₱45.05 million worth of school building construction, rehabilitation, and improvement projects under its 2025 and 2026 Special Education Fund (SEF) allocations. The projects were presented by Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan during a recent meeting of the Provincial School Board. Of the total amount, ₱30 million has been allocated under the 2026 SEF for the construction of new school buildings in three municipalities. These include an ₱11-million one-storey, four-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms in Bascaran, Solano; a ₱12.5-million two-storey, four-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms in Dupax del Norte; and a ₱6.5-million one-storey, three-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms in Kasibu. Meanwhile, projects funded under the 2025 SEF amounting to ₱12.5 million are also ongoing. These include a ₱5.5-million one-storey, two-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms at Catarawan Elementary School in Kasibu; a ₱2-million two-storey, eight-classroom calamity-resilient senior high school building at Solano National High School in Quirino, Solano; a ₱2-million one-storey, seven-classroom calamity-resilient building with comfort rooms, Phase II, in Tubungan, Kayapa; and a ₱3-million one-storey calamity-resilient building with comfort rooms, Phase II, at Nagbitin Alternative Learning School in Villaverde. In addition, ₱1.8 million has been earmarked for the repair and improvement of a three-classroom Marcos-type building at Bintawan North Elementary School in Villaverde, while ₱750,000 has been set aside for the Phase II construction of four comfort rooms with water supply at Diadi National High School. Tan said the projects are intended to improve educational facilities and provide safer, more resilient learning spaces for students and teachers across the province. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito has repeatedly underscored the importance of investing in education as part of preparing Novo Vizcayano youth to become productive contributors to the province’s future.future of Nueva Vizcaya. He said the school infrastructure program forms part of the provincial government’s continuing effort to provide young people with better learning environments and stronger opportunities for development.

Palawan records no major incidents during Holy Week 2026

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Orlan C. Jabagat PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines (PIA) — The Provincial Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported no major incidents directly related to the observance of Holy Week 2026 across Palawan. According to PDRRM Officer Jeremias Y. Alili, the overall conduct of Holy Week activities in various parts of the province remained peaceful and orderly, with only minor incidents recorded. “Naging maayos at ligtas ang kabuuang pagdaraos ng mga aktibidad sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng lalawigan, maliban sa isang vehicular accident at isang insidente ng pagkahilo na agad namang natugunan,” Alili said. He clarified that while other incidents were monitored and coordinated by the EOC, these were not directly related to the Holy Week observance. Alili also noted a key difference in this year’s activation, highlighting the strong participation not only of Municipal DRRMOs but also of Community Disaster Auxiliary Groups (CDAG) and DRRM volunteers across various municipalities. “Ang isang kakaiba sa ating activation ngayong Mahal na Araw ay hindi lamang ang ating mga MDRRMOs ang naging katuwang kundi pati ang ating mga volunteers,” he said, citing their role in monitoring, assisting, and providing services. He added that the presence of responders played a significant role in ensuring safety, especially for Catholic devotees participating in religious activities. “Marahil ito ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit halos wala rin tayong naitalang insidente dahil sa dami ng mga responders na nag-assist at nagbigay ng first aid,” Alili explained. The development also reflects the ongoing efforts of the provincial government to strengthen coordination among the province, municipalities, and barangays. “Ito po ay napakagandang indikasyon kung saan nakikita na natin na unti-unti ang adhikain ng ating mahal na gobernador na maging malakas ang pagtutulungan ng probinsiya, mga munisipyo, at mga barangay na naisakatuparan sa activation na ito,” he added, expressing his gratitude to the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort during the Holy Week operations. He added “We salute ang ating mga volunteers na tumulong. Maraming salamat po sa inyo. Nawa ay gantimpalaan ng Panginoon ang inyong ibinigay na oras at serbisyo ng may kasamang siksik na biyaya.” The Provincial Government of Palawan continues to support and strengthen volunteer groups across the province, recognizing their vital role in disaster response and public safety efforts. The EOC was placed under Blue Alert Status from April 1 to April 6, 2026, as part of intensified monitoring in the province in line with the directive of Governor Amy Roa Alvarez. (Nicole Angelo Celis/OCJ/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)

Baguio fulfills goal to become Resiliency Hub by 2026

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government has successfully fulfilled its commitment to become a global model for disaster preparedness and climate resilience after it was officially designated as a “Resiliency Hub” by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction on March 26, 2026. The recognition marks a major milestone for the city, which had earlier set a target of achieving resiliency status by 2026 under the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) program. Notably, the city achieved the goal ahead of schedule, completing the requirements four years before the initiative’s 2030 target. Mayor Benjamin Magalong accepted the distinction, placing Baguio among an elite group of disaster-ready cities. It is only the second local government unit in the Philippines to receive the designation, following Makati City, and now ranks fourth in Asia and seventh in the Asia-Pacific region. The city’s journey toward resilience began in 2021 when it responded to a UNDRR invitation for peer-to-peer learning in South Korea. Since then, local officials have worked to align policies and programs with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive and data-driven approach guided the city through the process, starting with a ten-point disaster resilience scorecard that assessed existing systems and programs. This was followed by a more rigorous evaluation that monitored implementation progress and challenges. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Charles Bryan Carame emphasized that the achievement was the result of sustained collaboration across all sectors. “This milestone did not happen overnight. It was a collective effort of all departments, offices, and partners who committed to making resilience part of everyday governance,” Carame said. He added that the recognition affirms Baguio’s transformation from a participant in global resilience programs into a leader tasked to mentor other cities. As a designated Resiliency Hub, the city will now share its expertise through key initiatives, including inclusive multi-hazard early warning systems, benchmarking of its Smart City Command Center, community-based data gathering and risk assessment training, and hosting regional and inter-city resilience forums. These efforts build on years of groundwork that focused on strengthening urban planning, disaster response systems, and environmental sustainability. The city implemented programs such as green infrastructure development, nature-based solutions, and enhanced monitoring of risk scenarios to address the growing threats of climate change. Mayor Magalong underscored that resilience in Baguio goes beyond infrastructure and technology. “Baguio’s resilience is built on inclusiveness and shared innovation. By combining data, compassion, and collaboration, we help cities thrive safely in a changing world,” he said. With the new designation, city officials said the focus now shifts to sustaining gains and extending support to other local government units. Authorities stressed that resilience will continue to be a shared responsibility among government agencies, communities, and citizens as Baguio strengthens its role as a leader in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. (Aileen P. Refuerzo)

Author name: Street Journal

CIAC hikes dividend remittance to National Treasury