Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 249 athletes from the Summer Capital attended a pre-departure orientation at the President Fidel V. Ramos (PFVR) Gymnasium spearheaded by the Baguio City School Division, on May 14, 2026. Comprising 60 percent of the entire Team Cordillera delegation, the Baguio athletes are depart in batches from May 17 to 20 to represent the Cordillera Administrative Region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, Mindanao, set from May 24 to 31, 2026. Chief Education Supervisor Niño M. Tibangay of the Schools Governance and Operations Division discussed important matters including fare allowances, travel guidelines, uniforms, and playing attire for the athletes. Among the participants was 17-year-old basketball player Maxine Hernandez, who will be competing in the Palarong Pambansa for the fourth time. She said that maintaining consistency in training has helped her stay physically prepared despite balancing academic responsibilities and time management challenges. “To my family, thank you for always supporting me in everything I want to do and for always watching my games,” Hernandez said in a message to her parents. Tibangay also acknowledged the challenges posed by limited training facilities but stressed that the athletes were still able to prepare adequately using venues such as the Melvin Jones Football Ground and the Wangal La Trinidad Sports Complex. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong concluded the orientation with words of encouragement for the delegation. “I wish you all the best. Always take care, especially during your travels. God bless you all,” he said.— Kyth Dongga-as/PIO-Baguio intern/gabykeith

BCDA drives EV manufacturing push in Morong Discovery Park

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

BATAAN, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is ramping up efforts to advance electric vehicle (EV) development and sustainable mobility in Bataan, following a site visit and engagement with industry partners and local stakeholders at the 200-hectare Morong Discovery Park. BCDA Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Kalalo and Vice President for Strategic Projects Management Randy Viacrusis, led a site visit and briefing at Morong Discovery Park with officials of Provincial Government of Bataan, V-Green Global Charging Station Development Corporation, and VinFast Electric Vehicle Philippines Corporation, to explore opportunities for the potential establishment of an EV manufacturing facility within Morong Discovery Park. The activity highlighted the park’s potential as a strategic location for green and future-ready industries. Following the site visit, BCDA witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Provincial Government of Bataan and V-Green Global Charging Station Development Corporation for the planning, deployment, and operation of EV charging infrastructure across the province. The partnership aims to establish a province-wide EV charging network, support the adoption of EV fleets, promote environmentally sustainable transport solutions, and develop long-term infrastructure for the EV ecosystem. Initial efforts include the rollout of DC fast charging stations, identification of suitable locations, coordination with relevant government agencies, and public awareness initiatives to encourage EV adoption. Morong Discovery Park is one of the key locations being considered for EV manufacturing investment. The development of the park supports BCDA’s goal of transforming its properties into centers of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. BCDA Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Kalalo emphasized the importance of partnerships in turning sustainability goals into action, “Partnerships like this turn long-term plans into concrete action. More importantly, they bring cleaner mobility and better air quality closer to our communities. At BCDA, we believe development should uplift people’s lives while caring for the environment. This initiative supports our vision of building green, inclusive, and future-ready communities, while opening opportunities for investments in EV manufacturing, logistics, and other sustainable industries in Bataan.” The initiative is aligned with the development agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., particularly in promoting green infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and advancing sustainable economic development. About V-Green V-Green Global Charging Station Development Corporation is engaged in the planning, development, and operation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure aimed at building an accessible and reliable nationwide charging network.

City Urban Agri Program named ‘Walang Gutom’ finalist, gets P1-M grant

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government’s Urban Agriculture Program has been named among the national finalists in the Walang Gutom Awards 2025, earning recognition as one of the 20 finalists from 50 applicants nationwide before advancing to the final 10. While the program did not place among the top winners, the city will still receive a P1-million financial grant to support the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The SLP is designed to address involuntary hunger, particularly among malnourished children, by providing sustainable sources of food and income for vulnerable communities. The city’s Urban Agriculture Program traces its roots to 2017 through the Integrated Community Food Production Project (ICFP). It was sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic under City Ordinance 2020-095, ensuring continuous food production efforts at the community level. Under the program, Barangay Agricultural Technicians plant, grow and monitor the progress of assorted vegetable seedlings distributed by the City Agriculture Office and oversee the maintenance of barangay-based nurseries. City Agriculturist Ernesto Asence III said that for a targeted approach in the implementation of the Urban Agriculture Program, the City Agriculture Office coordinates with the City Population and Nutrition Office in the identification of households with undernourished children. In addition, the i-Governance office assisted in the preparation and submission of the Walang Gutom Awards. Mayor Leni Robredo said the initiative aligns with her administration’s 2028 “Finish Lines,” which prioritize achieving zero hunger and zero malnutrition in the city. Robredo added that the P1-million grant will be used to expand the program by assisting small farmers in supplying produce for government feeding initiatives. She emphasized the program’s dual purpose: to improve farmers’ incomes through assured market access, and to ensure a steady supply of vegetables and other agricultural products for feeding programs benefiting malnourished children. I via Jason Neola

Globe supports ASEAN 2026, advancing national efforts through enhanced connectivity

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Globe reaffirmed its commitment to nation-building by supporting the Philippine government’s hosting of ASEAN-related events in the first quarter of 2026, delivering free mobile signal enhancements and dedicated on-ground support across key venues nationwide. In close coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the ASEAN National Organizing Council, Globe worked proactively to help ensure that the country’s hosting of regional engagements was backed by reliable, high-quality connectivity. The initiative supported events in Metro Manila as well as in Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, and Boracay. Recognizing the importance of seamless communication in international gatherings, Globe carried out extensive preparations ahead of the events. The company conducted readiness checks across dozens of venues and worked alongside government partners to anticipate connectivity requirements and strengthen network capacity in advance. During the events, Globe deployed dedicated teams on the ground to continuously monitor network performance and respond quickly to any issues. This allowed delegates, organizers, and participants to stay connected and focused on advancing regional cooperation. Improved 5G coverage To further support high-traffic venues such as hotels and function spaces, Globe rolled out targeted enhancements and improved 5G coverage in select locations. These efforts resulted in stronger, more consistent mobile signals and faster data speeds, helping ensure a seamless digital experience for all attendees. The DICT commended Globe for its proactive contribution, recognizing the company’s role in strengthening connectivity support for ASEAN events. “Globe stands with the government in enabling meaningful participation and collaboration during ASEAN engagements. By ensuring reliable connectivity, we aim to support the country’s role in fostering stronger regional partnerships,” said Joel Agustin, Senior Vice President for Service Planning and Engineering at Globe. Through early preparation, close public-private collaboration, and sustained on-ground support, Globe contributed to the successful staging of ASEAN activities in the Philippines. Globe continues to work alongside government and industry partners in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, supporting initiatives that promote national development and reinforce the Philippines’ position in the regional and global community.

Low tourist arrivals impact Baguio economy – Magalong

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the local economy continues to feel the effects of the decline in visitor numbers due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that has caused a sudden increase in the price of petroleum products. According to Magalong, tourism remains lower compared to previous levels, with arrivals on weekdays still particularly weak. “Tourist arrivals have been increasing for almost two weeks now, but the numbers are still low. If we previously experienced a decline of up to 50 percent, I would say we are still down about 35 to 40 percent,” he explained. He said discussions with accommodation facilities and members of the Tourism Council showed that many hotels and lodging establishments continue to experience very low occupancy rates on weekdays, with some even reporting zero occupancy. According to Magalong, they continue to monitor tourist activity through traffic indicators that use a color-coded system where green indicates smooth traffic flow or lower congestion, orange shows moderate congestion, while red indicates severe traffic conditions usually associated with high tourist arrivals. “Previously, when tourist arrivals were high, red indicators dominated our traffic reports. Now, red rarely appears, and if it does, it only lasts for a few hours,” he said. Magalong pointed out that currently, green and orange indicators remain dominant, suggesting that road conditions are still manageable and visitor numbers remain below normal levels. He added that the continued decline in tourist arrivals is still having a significant impact on Baguio’s economy.

BFAR returns endangered coconut crabs to habitat after illegal sale attempt

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Dennis Nebrejo BOAC, Marinduque, Philippines (PIA) — Authorities have returned 11 endangered coconut crabs to their natural habitat on Gaspar Island in Barangay Pinggan, Gasan town, after a resident allegedly attempted to sell the protected species to an undercover operative. According to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Marinduque Provincial Fishery Officer Joel G. Malabanan, the operation stemmed from information relayed by the Maritime Police regarding an individual from Gaspar Island, who was allegedly selling coconut crabs (Birgus latro), a species considered endangered. “The Maritime Police informed me that an individual from Gaspar Island attempted to sell 11 coconut crabs, which are considered an endangered species,” Malabanan said in an interview with PIA. Acting on the report, the Maritime Police conducted an entrapment operation in the morning of May 14 in coordination with personnel from the Gasan Municipal Police Station to verify the complaint. During the buy-bust operation, authorities arrested a male suspect inside his residence in Barangay Pinggan, where the transaction involving the sale of the captured crabs allegedly took place. Malabanan said the confiscated coconut crabs had a combined weight of nearly four kilograms and were reportedly being sold for P800 per kilogram. Under Section 102, paragraphs A and B of Republic Act No. 10654, the catching, possession, transport, sale, or exportation of rare, threatened, or endangered aquatic species carries administrative liabilities, including fines amounting to five times the value of the confiscated species or ranging from P500,000 to P5 million, whichever is higher, along with confiscation of the catch. Authorities said an investigation into the incident is ongoing while administrative charges are being prepared against the suspect, who remains under police custody. Malabanan also appealed to the public to refrain from catching, selling or harming endangered wildlife species, citing the important role these animals play in maintaining ecological balance. The coconut crab, locally known for its large size and unique appearance, is among the species facing threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. (DN/AS/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Marinduque)

BDO, Mastercard mark 20 years of collaboration supporting overseas Filipinos

Business

Business / Street Journal

BDO Unibank and Mastercard are marking two decades of collaboration that has helped shape how overseas Filipinos send and receive money, and stay financially connected to their families back home Over the years, the collaboration has reached more than 4 million Filipinos abroad, supporting remittance and payment services designed to be faster, more secure, and accessible. Combining BDO’s remittance network with Mastercard’s global payments infrastructure, the two organizations have played a role in expanding access to financial services for Filipinos across different markets. “For the last 20 years, the collaboration between BDO and Mastercard has helped serve overseas Filipinos—over 4 million of them—and we look forward to the next 20 years of working with BDO,” said Jason Crasto, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard. The collaboration is also reflected in everyday financial use. Millions of BDO ATM cards carrying the Mastercard logo are used locally and overseas, supporting transactions that range from remittances to daily purchases. “We’re proud to stand alongside BDO in this collaboration that has reached millions of Filipinos here and abroad. Its use across markets reflects the role we’ve built together over the years in supporting how they stay connected financially,” Crasto added. For BDO, the collaboration is closely tied to its focus on serving overseas Filipinos and their families. “At the heart of our 20-year collaboration with Mastercard is a shared commitment to serve our kabayans,” said Genie Gloria, senior vice president and head of Remittance at BDO. She noted that beyond facilitating transactions, the aim has been to make it easier for Filipinos abroad to support their families. “As we look ahead, our focus remains clear—to continuously innovate and uplift the remittance experience, ensuring that every remittance is not just a transaction, but a connection delivered with care and trust,” Gloria said. As digital adoption continues to shape financial behavior, both organizations said they are working on new solutions aimed at improving security, convenience, and accessibility, particularly for Filipinos navigating cross-border transactions. “There’s a lot of innovation you’ll be hearing more about in 2026,” Crasto said, noting that upcoming initiatives will focus on making transactions simpler and more secure for users. As the collaboration moves forward, BDO and Mastercard said they remain focused on expanding financial access and supporting Filipinos wherever they may be.

2 piloto ng training aircraft na bumagsak sa Benguet, namatay

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY — Kinumpirma ng Philippine Air Force ang pagkamatay ng dalawang piloto habang ginagamot sa ospital bandang alas-4:00 ng hapon, matapos bumagsak ang fixed-wing training aircraft na kanilang pinalipad sa isang masukal na kagubatan sa Mount Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, bayan ng Tuba, noong Mayo 20. Ayon sa PAF, bumagsak ang PAF SF260 trainer aircraft sa Mt. Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet bandang alas-10:20 ng umaga habang nasa isang mahabang navigation training flight ng Military Pilot Training (MPT). Natagpuang walang malay ang dalawang piloto ng mga rescuer at agad na isinugod sa ospital. Ang nasabing aircraft, na sakay ang dalawang biktima, ay isa sa labing-isang aircraft na umalis mula sa Basilio Fernando Air Base sa Lipa City, Batangas. Ang huling lokasyon nito na minomonitor ay naiulat na nasa layong dalawang nautical miles hilagang-kanluran ng Loakan Airport sa Baguio City bago nawalan ng kontak. Sa isang post sa social media, ipinahayag ng PAF ang taos-pusong pakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng mga biktima at tiniyak sa kanila ang buong suporta sa mahirap na panahong ito.

Training aircraft bumagsak sa Mt. Cabuyao, 2 sugatan

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

TUBA, Benguet — Dalawang tauhan ng Philippine Air Force ang nasugatan matapos bumagsak ang sinasakyang fixed-wing training aircraft sa isang masukal na lugar sa Mount Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, bayan ng Tuba, noong Mayo 20. Ayon kay Lt. Col. Roy Calulot, spokeprson ng Police Regional Office-Cordillera, nakilala ang isa sa mga biktima na si 1Lt Ruth Angelique R. Pasos, ng Philippine Air Force, habang ang kasama nitong naka-unipormeng lalaki ay hindi pa nakikilala na miyembro din ng PAF. Ayon kay Calulot, ang pagbagsak ng eroplano sa hindi pa malamang dahilan ay may tail No.10-39, na napag-alamang isang eroplanong pang-training ng PAF SF260 na tumatakbo sa ilalim ng call sign na “COUGAR DELTA 1” Naganap umano ang insidente na nakita ng mga naninirahan sa ang pagbagsak nito dakong alas 10:20 ng umaga at naiulat sa pulisya dakong alas 11:40 ng tanghali. Agad na nag-responde ang mga tauhan ng Tuba Municipal Police Station, Baguio City Police Office Station 10, Bureau of Fire Protection-Tuba, at Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office , matapos itawag sa kanila ang Barangay Chairman ng Poblacion sa nakitang agbagsak ng eroplano. Pagdating sa lugar, ang isang kulay abo, puti, at orange na eroplano ng gobyerno na may logo ng Philippine Air Force sa bahaging masukal na bahagi ng Mt. Cabuyao. Sinabi ng mga awtoridad na ang eroplano ay naunang lumipad mula sa Basilio Fernando Air Base sa Lipa City, Batangas. Ang huling lokasyon nito na minomonitor ay iniulat na mga dalawang nautical miles hilagang-kanluran ng Loakan Airport sa Baguio City bago nawalan ng komunikasyon.

Author name: Street Journal

249 Baguio athletes bound for Palarong Pambansa