Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Residents in the country’s most isolated barangays are now accessing safe, potable water at costs reduced by more than 50%, according to a recent report of the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), the office created by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in 2023 under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to harmonize national water security. For residents served by local water districts, the WRMO has provided high-grade refilling equipment. With the barangays getting drinking water in-situ, retail price of drinking water was slashed to a fixed P15 per 5-gallon container, nearly half the commercial rate. In 2025, these equipment have been installed in remote water districts in Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Cagayan. The barangays collect the fees which are then used for maintenance and operation of the water system. In addition, remote island communities in Romblon, Sorsogon, Occidental Mindoro, Bohol, and Zamboanga City that previously paid between P50 and P70 for a 5-gallon container are now accessing safe water for just P20 to P25 under the WRMO’s Water Filtration Program. In 2026, two (2) additional sites are already operational in Bohol and Bulacan while the remaining sites are nearing completion, such as those selected in Zamboanga City, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Eastern Samar. DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna credited these operational gains to the vision of President Marcos, Jr., adding that these results are the product of the President’s direct “marching orders” to improve processes and strengthen monitoring. “The creation of the WRMO under the President’s mandate has allowed us to move from being mere regulators to being systems-builders,” he added. Proven Technical Milestones Beyond immediate cost savings, the agency has utilized scientific precision to secure long-term supply through the following achievements: Precision Surveys: As of May 2025, the DENR has completed 66 georesistivity site surveys at no cost to local governments, a technical service valued at P23.1 million. These surveys identify viable groundwater resources before drilling, which “reduces uncertainty and minimizes potential risks” for community projects. Alternative Source Development: The agency has successfully launched the Infiltration Gallery Project, which taps into naturally filtered subsurface river flows (hyporheic zone) to provide sustainable water for 79,420 beneficiaries. Geospatial Oversight: Utilizing the National Natural Resource Geospatial Database, the DENR now maps all natural assets to ensure that national infrastructure development is grounded in hard data. The 2026 Tactical Roadmap By the end of 2026, the WRMO’s cumulative efforts are projected to provide safe water access to a total of 440,904 individuals nationwide. The 2026 phase is backed by a P256.9 million allocation to reach 220,027 new beneficiaries. Key expectations for 2026 include: Infrastructure Expansion: The deployment of high-performance filtration and desalination systems to 59 additional barangays in water-stressed regions like Bohol, Palawan, Cebu, and Masbate. Institutional Support: Providing financial assistance to 13 additional Water Districts to extend service grids into unserved outskirt barangays. Upland Resilience: Completing spring water systems in 11 additional sites, with 2026 installations featuring a micro-hydropower component to provide simultaneous water and energy solutions. (DENR Post)

Cagayan Valley declared insurgency-free,placed under stable peace and order security status

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines —The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) in Region 2 has formally declared Cagayan Valley “insurgency-free” and placed it under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS). The declaration was approved through a resolution during the task force’s full council meeting on March 24, 2026, held at Ammungan Hall and hosted by the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya. Cagayan Governor Edgar B. Aglipay, chair of the JRTF-ELCAC Regional Council, presided over the meeting. The resolution cited sustained and coordinated efforts among national government agencies, security forces, local government units, and communities as key to achieving the milestone, following the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending insurgency. Through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), coordinated measures were carried out not only to address security concerns but also to deliver services, infrastructure, and livelihood programs to communities previously affected by conflict. Before the regional declaration, the province of Nueva Vizcaya had already been declared an insurgency-free province in 2023 under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. Gambito said the regional declaration is expected to open more opportunities for growth and development across Cagayan Valley, citing Nueva Vizcaya’s experience after it was declared insurgency-free. “Our experience in Nueva Vizcaya showed that peace and security create a strong foundation for development. After the province was declared insurgency-free in 2023, we saw increased investor confidence, more business opportunities, and stronger economic activity,” Gambito said. “With the entire Cagayan Valley now declared insurgency-free, we expect these benefits to be felt across the region. This will encourage more investments, improve livelihood opportunities, boost tourism, and further accelerate progress in the region”, Gambito added.

Baguio City releases P5k aid to 1,912 jeepney drivers

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A total of 1,912 public jeepney drivers operating 45 routes in the city received the first P5,000 fuel subsidy in a distribution held at the Baguio Convention Center, on March 25. The funds are from the city government to help with the severe impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East that has resulted in the rapid increase in oil prices worldwide. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that in exchange for the financial assistance, he requested that jeepney drivers adjust their trip schedules every night so that they can safely transport passengers from the various jeepney terminals to their homes in the barangays. It was learned that many passengers are complaining because even before their scheduled time, there are no jeepneys available for boarding, resulting in long lines of people at most terminals every night. According to Magalong, they observed long lines of passengers that began after a series of excessive oil price increases over the past three weeks. “ Now that we have addressed the small aid, it should be addressed through the commitment of the various jeepney associations to strategize their scheduled trips at night to ensure the availability of public transportation for residents returning home to the various barangays. According to City Social Welfare and Development Officer Liza Bulayungan, the more than P9.8 million needed for the first batch of aid to jeepney drivers came from the available Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) funds of the local government which will be distributed to all qualified beneficiaries until Saturday, March 28. She emphasized that recipients are only required to present a few documents to utilize the said aid, namely their driver’s license, certificate of residency from the barangay in the city where they live, and certification from the jeepney association where they operate aside from undergoing an interview from assigned social workers. Magalong also directed the concerned local government offices to continue to look for ways in which the city can provide appropriate assistance to the sectors that have been severely affected since there is no specific timeframe for when the ongoing war in the Middle East will end to pave the way for recovery and rehabilitation. He added that even if the war stops, it will still take about three to six months for the global economy to recover. “Therefore, any opportunities that can be used to reduce the effects of the crisis on people’s lives should be examined and utilized if possible.”

A Butbut woman finds her voice in Community Leadership

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

RIZAL, Kalinga, Philippines — For years, Gemma Pullis stood at the edge of community meetings, listening but unheard. A mother of four and a Barangay Health Worker in Barangay San Pedro, Rizal, Kalinga, Gemma balanced farming, caregiving, and raising her children while serving patients in a small and overcrowded clinic. When her husband fell ill, she became the pillar of her household, carrying both financial and emotional responsibilities. But beyond economic hardship, she faced something deeper. As a woman from the Butbut tribe, she grew up in a culture where leadership and decision-making were traditionally reserved for men. Women were expected to listen, not lead. Their role was often confined to the home and the fields. In 2023, her perspective began to change when the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) entered their barangay. During a data gathering activity held beside the small clinic where she was on duty, Gemma listened as Program staff explained that women had an essential role in community development. For the first time, she saw a space where women were not just present, but heard. She volunteered and was later selected as Barangay Development Council Technical Working Group Chairperson for the construction of their Barangay Health Station. The responsibility was significant. She monitored materials, recorded worker attendance, coordinated schedules, and ensured that transparency and accountability were upheld throughout implementation. Her first time speaking before a large crowd during their barangay assembly in 2023 was overwhelming. Her voice trembled. She questioned whether anyone would listen to an ordinary woman without a college degree or government position. Yet she stood firm. “Babae ka lang, ano bang alam mo?” was a phrase she had heard before. But through KALAHI-CIDSS, she proved that women know enough to lead. Under her guidance and alongside fellow volunteers, the Barangay Health Station subproject in their barangay was successfully completed in 2024. With a total cost of PhP1.2 million, the once cramped and uncomfortable clinic was replaced with a more spacious and functional facility which is set to benefit 194 households. Today, pregnant women, children, and senior citizens receive health services in a safer, more accessible, and dignified environment. Beyond infrastructure, Gemma helped transform perception. Women in the barangay began participating more actively in discussions. Their opinions were considered. Their concerns were addressed. For Gemma, empowerment means challenging long-held beliefs that women belong only in the home or in the fields. Today, she continues to serve as a Barangay Health Worker while encouraging her daughters and other young girls to speak up and participate in community affairs. She believes that leadership requires courage, conviction, and compassion. This Women’s Month, Gemma Pullis embodies the call to “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas.” Her journey reflects the strength of women who rise beyond tradition, claim their rightful place in decision-making spaces, and lead with resilience and care. Through her voice, a new generation of women in San Pedro is learning that they are not merely observers of change. They are builders of it. (By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III-DSWD-CAR, KALAHI-CIDSS RPMO)

Globe, NTC, CICC, CIDG strengthen fight vs mobile scams with IMSI Catcher Detectors

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — Globe, together with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), is stepping up efforts to protect Filipinos from mobile-based scams. Globe donated IMSI catcher detectors to the three government agencies to help identify and locate unauthorized signal activity, strengthening the country’s ability to detect and respond to mobile security threats. This effort is a step towards addressing the growing use of illegal mobile infrastructure, such as IMSI catchers or fake base stations, which enable cybercriminals to send fraudulent SMS messages directly to unsuspecting users. These threats operate outside Globe’s network, making them hard to detect. The IMSI catcher detectors will enable the NTC, CICC, and CIDG to identify and locate fake base stations in real time, significantly improving response speed and enforcement actions. With these capabilities, authorities can expand monitoring and enforcement across high-risk and densely populated areas, strengthening protection for millions of mobile users nationwide. “The threats we are seeing today operate at a deeper level, and addressing them requires stronger systems and closer coordination,” said Froilan Castelo, Group General Counsel at Globe. “We see it as our responsibility not only to provide connectivity, but to make sure that it remains safe and secure for every Filipino who relies on it.” “What this initiative enables is visibility where it matters most,” said Anton Bonifacio, Chief AI Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Globe. “By detecting unauthorized signal activity, we can support faster investigation and response, which is critical in addressing threats like fake base stations.” The move builds on Globe’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect customers. Aside from removing clickable links from official Globe SMS advisories and being the first telecom company to implement the non-delivery of all person-to-person (P2P) SMS with clickable links within its network, the company also launched the SMS Scam Shield on the GlobeOne app to protect users from spoofed sender IDs and phishing attacks. In 2025, Globe blocked more than 967 million scam and spam messages and deactivated over 244,000 SIMs linked to fraudulent activity. Globe also continues to work closely with government agencies and law enforcement to share intelligence, strengthen enforcement, and improve overall protection mechanisms. For the company, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to digital trust and ensuring that connectivity remains a safe space for all. “Every scam message is not just a technical issue. It affects real people, their finances, their safety, and their peace of mind,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “That is why efforts like this matter. It strengthens our ability to detect threats earlier, respond faster, and most importantly, protect Filipinos in a more coordinated way.” The initiative brings together Globe, NTC, CICC, and CIDG, reinforcing a whole-of-nation approach to addressing increasingly sophisticated mobile-based threats. As mobile connectivity continues to play a central role in everyday life, Globe reaffirms its shared commitment to safeguarding the country’s digital ecosystem and ensuring that Filipinos can stay connected with confidence.

Globe strengthens mobile network across Tarlac to keep communities connected

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

TARLAC, Philippines — Tarlac, the heart of Central Luzon, is rapidly growing with expanding schools, thriving businesses, and increasing tourism – driving a greater need for reliable mobile connectivity in the province. Residents, enterprises, and visitors are relying more on mobile services for work, learning, and entertainment, making fast and stable internet essential for everyday life. The province is seeing significant infrastructure and development projects that are shaping its economic landscape. Major initiatives include the Capas-Botolan Road, a 68-kilometer corridor expected to cut travel time between Tarlac and Zambales from three hours to just over an hour by 2025. In Tarlac City, large-scale industrial estates and mixed-use townships are under development, alongside new manufacturing facilities and modern residential-commercial communities. Ongoing investments in Tarlac State University further enhance educational infrastructure, with laboratory refurbishments and building expansions supporting the next generation of talent. To address this demand, Globe is accelerating network upgrades across the province in 2025 and 2026. Additional LTE and 5G sites are being deployed to deliver faster speed and more consistent mobile experiences throughout Tarlac. The new build and expansion improved coverage and capacity in key municipalities including Tarlac City, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, Victoria, Paniqui, Mayantoc, San Jose, Moncada, Santa Ignacia, La Paz, Camiling, Bamban, San Clemente, Pura, San Manuel, Ramos, and Anao. Residents can now enjoy smoother browsing, clearer calls, and quicker uploads and downloads, enabling seamless connectivity for work, school, and leisure activities. Joel Agustin, Head of Service Planning and Engineering at Globe, highlighted the importance of the upgrades. He said that Tarlac blends cultural heritage with modern business and lifestyle opportunities, and Globe is committed to providing seamless connectivity for everyone, whether at work, in school, or exploring the province’s tourism destinations. The new network strengthens coverage and delivers fast, reliable mobile experiences for both residents and visitors. The enhanced network also allows customers to take full advantage of Globe’s mobile offers. Globe users can enjoy GO+99 and UNLI 5G 50, while TM subscribers can access TM EasySURF50 5G for affordable, dependable connectivity. These offers support streaming, online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and daily communication, making mobile services more accessible and convenient. Local businesses and institutions also benefit from the network expansion. Companies gain operational efficiency, schools gain better support for digital learning, and tourists experience smoother online access for navigation, bookings, and content sharing. Globe’s continued investments are recognized by independent industry analysis. The company maintains its title as the Most Consistent Network in the Philippines according to Ookla, reflecting the reliability subscribers experience nationwide. As Tarlac develops into a hub for commerce and tourism, Globe’s network upgrades ensure communities remain digitally empowered. By combining robust infrastructure with accessible mobile services, Globe supports the province’s progress and helps residents stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

BCDA, InfiniVAN to transform Poro Point into open submarine cable gateway for PH

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

Strategic partnership aims to reduce internet costs, expand fiber coverage, and accelerate the Philippines’ digital transformation LA UNION, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and telecommunications company InfiniVAN have signed a long-term lease agreement to develop the Poro Point Cable Landing Station in La Union into an open gateway for international submarine cables, a move expected to expand internet capacity, improve network reliability, and help bring down connectivity costs for Filipino businesses and households. The partnership will maximize the use of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets at the Poro Point Freeport Zone and strengthen the country’s international digital infrastructure. The agreement covers the Poro Point Cable Landing Station and related facilities under the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure, a strategic collaboration among the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), BCDA, and Meta aimed at improving the Philippines’ global internet connectivity. The Luzon Bypass Infrastructure established a 240-kilometer fiber corridor linking Baler, Aurora on the eastern coast of Luzon to San Fernando, La Union on the western coast. BCDA built the backbone infrastructure, which includes two cable landing stations, four repeater stations, and supporting terrestrial facilities, while DICT oversees its operations. Under the partnership, the Poro Point facility will be operated as an Open Cable Landing Station, capable of hosting multiple submarine cable systems while allowing domestic network providers to colocate their equipment. Designed to support two additional submarine cable operators, the model promotes greater competition in international connectivity and encourages new investments in submarine cable infrastructure. “This partnership with InfiniVAN’s nationwide fiber-optic network will expand access and service coverage, help lower the cost of internet services for enterprises and households, and accelerate the country’s digital transformation as it keeps pace with its ASEAN neighbors and the broader global digital economy,” said BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang. InfiniVAN Chairman Koji Miyashita said integrating the Poro Point Cable Landing Station into the company’s backbone network will allow submarine cable capacities landing on the northwest coast of Luzon to be distributed more efficiently to optical distribution hubs across the country. “This East–West connectivity will play a vital role in ensuring the resiliency and security of the nation’s communications infrastructure,” he said. InfiniVAN will operate both the Poro Point Cable Landing Station and the upcoming Baler Cable Landing Station under an Open CLS model, enabling any submarine cable system to land at these facilities and allowing multiple backhaul providers to operate within them. The development builds on InfiniVAN’s Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) and its ongoing construction of a new cable landing station in Baler, Aurora, which will serve as a landing point for the recently announced CANDLE submarine cable system. CANDLE is a 24-fiber-pair intra-Asia submarine cable with an estimated capacity of 570 terabits per second and is expected to become operational in 2028. Together, these developments position the Philippines to capture a larger share of regional data traffic and strengthen its role in Asia’s expanding digital infrastructure network. The initiative supports the digitalization agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which prioritizes stronger digital infrastructure, expanded connectivity, and improved access to online services to boost economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. In attendance were InfiniVAN, Inc. President Shigeki Nakahara, Chief Financial Officer Valenbert Juan, and InfiniVAN Advisor Alejandro A. Aquino, with BCDA Chairperson Atty. Larry B. Paredes serving as witness to the ceremony.

Sun‑Powered Spaces: How SM Is Transforming Malls into Energy Hubs

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

To reduce congestion to the power grid and improve power availability to the communities it serves, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has implemented the use of rooftop solar power systems across its properties and nationwide network of SM Supermalls. Since its pioneering installation of solar panels over SM North EDSA in 2014, clean solar energy generated through SM is now large enough to power a city as large as Mabalacat, Pampanga or Mandaue, Cebu. “The use of solar power enables SM Supermalls to elevate the service we provide to our customers by embedding sustainability into our daily operations,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “When Filipinos visit their most-loved SM malls, they are entering a space that actively helps preserve the environment through responsible resource management, reducing carbon emissions while ensuring more resources remain available for our surrounding communities.” Maximizing space makes room for energy efficiency SM currently utilizes 65 hectares of space for its rooftop solar panels—which is almost as big as the entire SM Mall of Asia complex, but has also applied innovative ways to maximize mall space for energy efficiency.

Jollibee Group Expands Senior Citizen and PWD Employment Initiative with Baguio City Partnership

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Jollibee Group is expanding its inclusive employment initiative for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through a new partnership with the Baguio City government, creating additional employment opportunities across its restaurant network while reinforcing its commitment to inclusive workplaces. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on March 5, 2026, with the Baguio City local government, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, enabling qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities to work in participating Jollibee Group stores across the city. Under the initiative, employees serve as Customer Relations Staff, supporting store teams in roles such as order presentation, drink service, table management, and guest relations across 12 participating stores of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King. Expanding Opportunities through LGU Collaboration Since its launch in 2019, the Jollibee Group’s inclusive employment program has provided job opportunities to more than 1,000 senior citizens and persons with disabilities across the country. The milestone reflects the company’s expanding collaboration with local government units nationwide, including partnerships in Manila, Antipolo, Pasay, Pasig, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Quezon City, Cagayan de Oro, Cabuyao, and Davao, as well as several municipalities in Rizal. The program was temporarily paused during the pandemic due to health and safety considerations, but resumed expansion in 2023. Since then, the initiative has continued to grow, with 451 senior citizens and persons with disabilities hired in 2025 alone. Growing impact nationwide: Since launching in 2019, the Jollibee Group’s inclusive employment initiative has provided job opportunities to more than 1,000 senior citizens and persons with disabilities across the Philippines, including 451 hires in 2025 alone, demonstrating how partnerships with local governments can expand access to dignified work while strengthening restaurant teams and communities. Supporting Joy for Tomorrow: People Pillar The program supports the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda, particularly its People Pillar, which focuses on strengthening communities and fostering inclusive and diverse workplaces. Joseph Tanbuntiong, CEO of Jollibee Group Philippines and Global Head of the Jollibee Brand, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to inclusive growth. “We believe that business growth is strongest and most meaningful when it is inclusive. By opening employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, we’re strengthening our store teams while helping more members of our communities remain active and engaged.” “When businesses work closely with local governments, we can create pathways for more people to participate in the workforce. In doing so, we help build more inclusive communities and contribute to the country’s broader economic and social progress.” Creating Inclusive Workplaces “At the Jollibee Group, inclusion means creating opportunities for people to work with dignity, independence, and purpose,” said Ruth Angeles, Chief Human Resources Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and Head of Human Resources for Jollibee Brand International. “Through our partnerships with local governments, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are able to contribute meaningfully in our stores, bringing their experience, dedication, and warmth to the teams that serve our customers.” Angeles added that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to building workplaces where everyone has the chance to contribute. “We believe that people who have the capacity and desire to work should have the opportunity to do so. By opening our doors to seniors and persons with disabilities, we strengthen our store teams while helping members of the community remain active and valued.” Restoring Dignity, Building Impact More than 1,000 senior citizens and persons with disabilities hired under the initiative stand as proof of the Jollibee Group’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. By extending employment opportunities across multiple regions and continuing expansion into new cities such as Baguio, the Jollibee Group demonstrates how inclusive employment can create meaningful social impact—strengthening communities while building more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Recognition of partnership: Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (right) presents the Key to the City of Baguio to Ruth B. Angeles, Chief Human Resources Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and Head of Human Resources for Jollibee International (left), recognizing the Jollibee Group’s partnership with the city in advancing employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Author name: Street Journal

DENR slashes water costs for remote barangays by over 50%