Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BAGUIO CITY – The DOTr – Land Transportation Office – Cordillera Administrative Region, in partnership with the ð˜ðŒð‚ð€ of Baguio City, is holding another Free Theoretical Driving Course at the YMCA Auditorium, located on the 3rd floor of the YMCA Building on Upper Session Road, Baguio City, on July 1-2. The two-day course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of traffic laws, road safety, and responsible driving practices. It is divided into three sessions that cover essential topics such as road safety, traffic rules, and responsible driving practices. Attending the TDC is a major requirement for those applying for student driving permits. At the end of the course, registered participants will receive certificates of completion after passing a 120-item written exam. These certificates serve as proof of completing a recognized driver education program and can be used when applying for a student driver’s permit. The DOTr-LTO-CAR’s Regional Driver’s Education Center (RDEC) continues to offer free theoretical driving courses as part of its outreach program, making road safety education more accessible to the public. (DOTr-CAR post)

P6.7-M shabu recovered in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur coastline

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union — Another pack of illegal substances was recovered off the coast of Barangay Daclapan, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, on evening of June 29. Initial tests conducted by the Provincial Forensic Unit of Ilocos Sur confirmed the substances as Shabu, with a total net weight of 997.51 grams and standard Drug Price of Php P6,783,068.00. The recovery comes in the wake of a similar discoveries in the coastal waters near San Juan, Caoayan and Magsingal, Ilocos Sur where 80 packs of Shabu with net weight of 79, 963.83 grams and Standard Drug Price of P550,537,112.00 were retrieved. According to report, two fishermen who were fishing in the area discovered a floating transparent aqua blue plastic pack. Upon noticing the package, they promptly brought it ashore and immediately reported to Cabugao Police Station. “We commend the swift action and support of these fishermen who reported and turned over the illegal substance,” said Brig.Gen.Lou Evangelista regional director. “Their vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our joint efforts to eradicate and block illegal drug sources in our communities,” he averred. He also encouraged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or findings to the authorities immediately. Police Regional Office 1 and other law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate closely to trace the origin of these illegal drugs. As of now, the Ilocos Sur police have recovered a total of 81 packs of Shabu from the coastal areas of Ilocos Sur, weighing 80,961.34 grams with a SDP of P550,537,112.00.

Converge and partners win AI Challenge award at TM Forum’s Moonshot Catalyst Awards

Business, NCR

Business, NCR / Street Journal

By Rizza C. Ampong Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently emerged victorious in a global challenge calling for ground-breaking technology solutions – conceptualizing a project that leveraged artificial intelligence to drive up profitability by as much as 30% whilst increasing overall customer satisfaction. “With this, Converge proves its mettle as a technology company – this Catalyst program of TM Forum perfectly showcases the innovative approach of the company (together with its partners) in resolving issues rooted in its customer journey, ultimately improving the crucial customer-facing processes. This is not just a tabletop exercise for us – this is a framework we want to implement to enhance customer experience using AI,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. Converge, together with Telecom Argentina, Vodafone GmbH, and the Vodafone Group, won TM Forum’s Moonshot Catalyst Award for its AI Challenge, with the project: “ AI-driven EBITDA Mastery : Revolutionizing Customer Journeys”. The AI-based architecture solution they came up with was created using technology from Aria, AWS, Calvi, Nespon Solutions and Salesforce. The project consists of an “AI architecture”, or solution that leveraged on generative AI in the customer service journey to make it faster and more data-driven. The solution was applied to two use cases: a billing inquiry of a customer and a technician encountering an issue while installing a line. Through the solution, the company was able to create a highly personalized interaction with customers through AI, using data analysis of billing and account data while also allowing for upselling. In another case, a field technician, through the AI solution, can access recommendations on how to solve a customer’s problem based on his history of previous diagnoses, thus speeding up issue resolution. A component of automated troubleshooting is also applied. Among the benefits of the solution is faster resolution time of customer troubles and inquiries, which is seen to improve productivity and revenue. Through the business case analysis, the solution can bring up EBITDA by 31-57%, mostly be reducing operational expenses in customer services. The solution leverages TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture to facilitate seamless access by the AI models in order to process data that is dynamic in nature. The win was announced at the recently held ‘DTW’24 – Ignite & Innovate Asia 2024’ in Copenhagen. TM Forum is a global alliance of telco and tech companies, and the Catalyst program brings together leading industry players to co-create solutions driving industry change through Open APIs, ODA, AI and automation.

PRO-CAR successfully hosts Pamilya ng Pulis Family Day

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) successfully conducts “Pamilya ng Pulis, Family Day,” held today, June 29, 2024, at Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet. The event, organized under the leadership of the Regional Director, PBGEN DAVID K PEREDO, JR, featured a day filled with activities and essential services aimed at enhancing the well-being of police officers and their love ones. During the program, PBGEN PEREDO JR. graced the event as the guest of honor and speaker, joined by other members of the Command Group, Regional Staff, Special Staff, Chiefs of the camp-based Regional Supporting Units, and personnel from the Regional Headquarters, along with their families. Highlights of the day included free services such as ID processing and renewal, medical services, legal counseling on VAWC cases, retirement benefits assistance, forensic services, consultation and counseling for weddings, baptisms, and communions, a financial service help desk, an information drive on the PNP recruitment program, and legal counseling on cybercrime. Additionally, officers provided easy access to authorized police uniforms and the new PRO-CAR patch, as well as the National Police Clearance. The event was further enlivened by photo booths capturing joyful moments and parlor games for children, fostering a vibrant and supportive atmosphere for families to participate in various activities together. In his message, the Regional Director emphasized the importance of family support in the effectiveness and resilience of police officers, stating, “Your family serves as your greatest support system. Let us uphold the values of love, respect, and unity within our homes and in our service to the nation.” This initiative by PRO-CAR aligns with Chief PNP PGEN ROMMEL FRANCISCO D MARBIL’s programs, highlighting the PNP’s steadfast commitment to supporting and uplifting the families of its personnel. It underscores the importance of family cohesion in enhancing police effectiveness and morale, ensuring a stronger and more resilient force dedicated to serving the community

City, LTO ink interconnectivity pact

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Gaby Keith BAGUIO CITY — The city government represented by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) represented by Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza, for the implementation of the LTO-Local Government Unit (LGU) Interconnectivity System in the Summer Capital, on June 26. Director Noreen San Luis-Lutey, the project’s chairperson; Regional Director Joshua Pablito of the Department of Transportation-Cordillera; and city councilor Fred Bagbagen, chair of the august body’s public utilities, transportation and traffic legislation committee, signed the agreement as witnesses. The MOA was executed for uniformity and proper coordination between government agencies/offices in the implementation of interconnectivity or Information Technology (IT) systems either through the Other Government Agencies (OGA) portal of the LTO’s Land Transportation and Management System (LTMS) or an Application Programming Interface (API). It also stipulated the responsibilities of both parties where the LTO, among others, shall evaluate through the Accreditation Committee, requirements submitted by the city government of Baguio based on a non-discretionary pass or fail basis depending on the presence and completeness or absence of the required document/s. The city government, on the other hand, shall ensure that its IT system that intends to interconnect with the LTMS shall undergo the mandatory accreditation process of the LTO to be compatible with the latter’s internal processes and IT system requirements; among others. As basis, the MOA cited several laws including Republic Act No. 4136, as amended, that mandates the LTO to register all motor vehicles and issue licenses to drivers of motor vehicles and implement effectively various transportation laws, rules, and regulations to achieve the desired objectives and uplift the economic well-being of the people. Also signed by both parties was a Data Sharing Agreement where the LTO is granting to the city government access to specified personal data for the implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations through physical contact, non-contact, and other lawful modes of apprehensions. The lawful basis for data processing; procedures for use or processing of personal data; security measures to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and availability of personal data; and more, are included in the agreement.

5 LGBTQIA+ couples affirm commitment in Subic Freeport

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Pride Celebration 2024 culminated with five LGBTQIA+ couples who affirmed their commitment to each other during the Couple Mass Commitment Ceremony at the Subic Park Hotel on June 27. SBMA Gender and Development Executive Committee Chairman Amethya Dela Llana-Koval said that this year’s celebration of pride month was themed “Pride: Empowering Commitment & Unity.” She added that the commitment ceremony aims to show that two people could love each other regardless of gender. She said that the SBMA’s LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony was led by the LGBTS Christian Church Inc. and was celebrated by both Reverend Cresencio Agbayani Jr. and Pastor Macario Sangcap. The five couples were: Allen Dampil and Katherine Morales; Mavel Pascual and Maria Ana Liza Cruz; Nigelle Pedrosa and Clyde Canlas; Angel Villanueva and Kert Baugan; and Cristina Karen Cruz and Danna Marie Bautista. The said commitment ceremony is in cooperation with the SBMA Employees Association, the Olongapo City-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Association, and Barangay Gordon Heights led by Chairperson Priscilla Ponge, who is a member of the LGBTQ community herself. The ceremony also simulated traditional wedding rituals such as exchanging of vows, placement of ring, bible, cord, veil and wedding tokens, as well as cake cutting, and wine toasting. The Pride Month celebration in Subic Bay Freeport is a testament to the inclusivity in this premier Freeport where everyone is welcome, regardless of religion, race, language, physical or mental ability, or gender.

Honda Philippines celebrates a historic milestone of 10-Millionth motorcycle unit sales

Business, NCR

Business, NCR / Street Journal

By Ginalyn Gerolao Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, recently achieved a major milestone by hitting the 10-millionth motorcycle unit sales mark headed by HPI President Ms. Sayaka Arai-Hattori, along with HPI Management Team, supportive Dealers, and loyal customers. The 10-millionth unit sold was the Click125, marking a historic accomplishment that makes Honda the only brand to date to achieve this success. To celebrate this milestone, a commemorative Click125 model with a special 10M sticker was introduced at a sendoff ceremony hosted by the company. During the event, HPI emphasized the importance of its dealer partners and customers in achieving this milestone. The unwavering loyalty and spirited patronage of Honda’s customers also played a crucial part in this success. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of dealer nationwide and the customers who trust Honda’s products. The attendees were graced with an inspiring message from Ms. Arai-Hattori. “Ten million—a number that transcends mere statistics. It represents countless hours of hard work, collaboration, a shared vision, and the ingenuity each of you has demonstrated throughout the years. Each sale is proof of our collective effort, resilience, and customer trust,” Ms. Arai continued. “Our motorcycles have touched lives across the country, cultures, and generations. Achieving ten million sales is a testament to HPI’s commitment to being the unwavering number one motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines.’ Following Ms. Arai-Hattori’s message, attendees posed for a photo opportunity with the 10-millionth sales unit, the Click125. As Honda Philippines marks another milestone, reinforcing its position as the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the country, the company continues its promise of providing Filipinos with ease of mobility. HPI remains dedicated to serving the Philippine market with high-quality products featuring innovative designs, attractive aesthetics, and products with value for money, safety, and environmentally friendly features, ensuring Filipinos always experience the joy of mobility. HPI’s journey to the 10 millionth sales milestone: HPI moved to Batangas in 2006 to cater to the growing demand for its motorcycles. Among the motorcycle units that contributed to the 10-million sales include started with the TMX155 which is a popular business model. A motorcycle guaranteed to be strong and powerful that can handle even the toughest uphill roads, making it ideal for public transportation like tricycles and other business-related purposes. In addition to its success is the Filipino favorite cub model, the XRM, Honda’s unique cub model for Filipino customers, having a tough modern image that provides a durable and tougher performance which captured the heart of customers mostly in Visayas and Mindanao that conquers on and off-road conditions. Honda adapts quickly to the needs of the customers that’s why last 2018, Honda introduced the Click125 as “Game Changer” with its modern sporty, stylish design, fuel efficient and advance features that change the game in motorcycle industry and captures the heart of Filipinos making it the No. 1 model in the Automatic Transmission (AT) category. Honda expand its business as they introduced the local production of BeAT and Click125 to cater the growing demand and making HPI achieve the unwavering No.1 position in the market. HPI also maintained its strong partnership with Dealers despite challenges faced in recent years, and remained resilient and capitalized on opportunities for growth, particularly with the increasing demands for better riding and commute experiences among Filipinos. The company maintains its position as the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the country in terms of market share. The 10-million sales milestone was a testament to Honda’s success, highlighting its strong business partnerships, stakeholders, and most importantly, its valued and loyal Filipino customers. Honda’s commitment to providing the joy of mobility and comfort to all its customers remains unwavering. To pay tribute to all the hard work and support of HPI associates, this milestone is celebrated as a collective achievement. HPI ensures that Filipinos always experience the joy of mobility and HPI will never stop creating, emphasizing its philosophy: Joy of Creating, Joy of Buying and Joy of Selling.

“Go Bag ti Umili” for Disaster Preparedness launches in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday PGLU Nueva Vizcaya In a proactive effort to bolster disaster preparedness among its residents, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, has introduced a new program titled “Go Bag ti Umili.” This initiative aims to equip families vulnerable to natural disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes with essential survival gear. The “Go Bag ti Umili” project will be spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). According to PDRRMO Officer King Webster Balawing, the provincial government has allocated a budget of 14 million pesos for this vital program. The initial phase will see 14,000 families receiving these life-saving Go Bags. “The Go Bag ti Umili is a comprehensive survival kit designed to provide immediate assistance during emergencies,” said Balawing. “Each Go Bag includes a non-electric and non-battery operated glow stick, a whistle, a rechargeable flashlight, and a first aid kit. Additionally, the bag itself can function as a flotation device, adding an extra layer of safety.” The procurement of the Go Bags is currently under review by the Bids and Awards Committee, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the acquisition process. Once the procurement process is completed, the distribution of the Go Bags will commence immediately, with priority given to families residing in high-risk areas. Prior to the distribution, recipients will be taught how to effectively use the Go Bag and its contents, ensuring they are well-prepared for any emergency situation. This initiative not only aims to provide immediate relief but also to instill a culture of preparedness and resilience among the community members. Governor Gambito highlighted the importance of readiness in disaster management. “Our administration is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every family in Nueva Vizcaya. The Go Bag ti Umili is a crucial step in enhancing our disaster preparedness and response capabilities,” stated Gambito. “We believe that preparedness is the key to mitigating the impact of natural disasters. By equipping our residents with these Go Bags, we are empowering them to take proactive steps in safeguarding their lives and properties.” He further added, “This program underscores our dedication to building a resilient community. We are not just providing tools; we are fostering a mindset of readiness and self-reliance. I encourage all residents to actively participate and stay informed about disaster preparedness. Future phases of the project are planned to extend the distribution of Go Bags to more families across the province.

SM Prime answers national call, signs ILP agreement with MORE Power

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

In a timely and critical move, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) has stepped up to address the pressing energy crisis in the Philippines by signing the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) with MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), the distribution utility in Iloilo City. The agreement, inked on April 30, 2024, is poised to make significant strides in alleviating the strain on the Visayas grid, which has been grappling with yellow and red alert statuses due to thin energy reserves. “In times of crisis, it is crucial for businesses to collaborate with utilities and government agencies to ensure the stability of our energy supply,” said Engr. Teodoro S. Bautista, Vice President for Operations, SM Engineering Design and Development. In a press conference on April 25, the Department of Energy emphasized that the country’s power situation has reached crisis levels, highlighting the urgent need for actions like this. The ILP agreement between SM Prime and MORE Power couldn’t have come at a more crucial juncture, as forecasts predict a worsening scenario this May with rising temperatures and escalating consumer demand for electricity. “We recognize the gravity of the situation and are committed to doing our part in supporting the nation’s energy resilience,” said Roel Z. Castro, president and CEO of MORE Power. The ILP serves as a beacon of cooperation between the private and public sectors in addressing the energy shortfall. By voluntarily reducing their electricity consumption during peak hours or when grid stability is threatened, participants like SM Prime play a pivotal role in stabilizing the energy supply and averting potential blackouts. “SM Prime’s commitment to the ILP underscores its profound dedication to corporate responsibility and the welfare of the nation. By actively participating in initiatives geared towards enhancing energy resilience, we hope we’re able to encourage other businesses to join in these crucial efforts,” added Engr. Bautista. In light of the ongoing energy crisis, such collaborative efforts between industry leaders and utilities like MORE Power are not only commendable but also imperative for safeguarding the nation’s energy security. As the country braces for the challenges ahead, partnerships like these offer a glimmer of hope amidst uncertain times.

Author name: Street Journal

DOTr-LTO holds two-day free Theoretical Driving Course