Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

BENGUET, Philippines — Even with the advent of technology that helps improve production in the field of agriculture, the presence of agriculture extension workers in every barangay, municipality, province, and even cities has proven to be an important part in the process of effecting positive change, particularly in the lives of farmers in the communities and their families. Leonora Carpio, a Barangay Agriculture Extension Worker (BAEW) and a woman leader of Tinongdan in Itogon, Benguet, practices participatory methods, recognizes and respects gender, identifies indigenous needs and problem solutions, and serves as a link for their local farmers to have access to programs and projects offered by the government such as the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera including the private sector. As a woman leader, Leonora reiterates that her connection to her constituents is often an intimate relationship and one which demands much tact and resourcefulness. Being an agent for change, she intervenes to bring about change to help improve the lives of their farmers and their families. Her intimate relationship among her constituents has allowed her to encourage their farming community to adopt the use of technology. As an extensionist, Leonora tries her best to make her constituents become aware of latest innovations and persuade them on the usefulness or importance of new technologies. “Our continuous encouragement and assistance to our farmers in Barangay Tinongdan to consider the innovations and technologies introduced by the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera have assisted our farmers in improving their production of agricultural products even on a family consumption level. But what is important is that these agricultural products are produced safely,” Leonora said. Aside from being a BAEW of Tinongdan, this woman leader is also a practicing farmer engaged in integrated farming by producing rice, vegetables, and ducks in their family’s farm, which also produces heirloom rice. She is proud to share that a greater number of the registered farmers in their barangay are composed of women. “Of the 1,200 farmers registered in the barangay, majority of these farmers are women who are engaged in the production of rice, high-value crops, coffee, and corn that follow good agricultural practices. Even in our coordination meetings, most of the participants are women farmers who eagerly attend the said activity, to be aware and informed of the latest programs and projects of DA-CAR,” Leonora explained. She also does her best to be an intermediary between researchers and farmers, and diagnoses problems of their constituents by advising them on how to resolve these challenges and difficulties. “As we continue to follow good agricultural practices in our production of agricultural products, we remind our fellow farmers to prioritize the production of sufficient food for their families. Being one of the Barangay Agriculture Extension Workers of Tinongdan, we constantly notify our farmers on maintaining their production of agricultural products without using chemicals, and for them to be aware of interventions available from DA-CAR to improve their efficiency, productivity, overall livelihood, while reducing possible environmental impact,” Leonora added. Tinongdan’s main source of income is agriculture, with the agricultural system ranging from the intensive type of wet rice planting to slash-and-burn cultivation of both grain and root crops. Significantly, taro and sweet potato are among the most preferred root crops, with taro considered very important to the Iwak tribe of the barangay as both a staple food and for ritual purposes. Most residents of Tinongdan rely on agriculture for subsistence, including backyard gardening, mango production, and livestock raising. Other sources of income include gold panning, small and medium enterprises, and ecotourism. Despite producing agricultural products primarily for subsistence, Leonora reiterates to her fellow farmers the importance of not selling their produce to ensure the availability of food for their families and their barangay. At the same time, staying true to the values and work ethic instilled in them by their ancestors, and ensuring that their legacy in agriculture lives on. // JTLlanes

Borongan City to boost coastal resilience and biodiversity with CRC-NURTURE Project

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

ð— ð—®ð˜†ð—¼ð—¿ ð—”ð—´ð—±ð—® ð—½ð—¿ð—²ð˜€ð—²ð—»ð˜ð˜€ ð—½ð—¿ð—¼ð—½ð—¼ð˜€ð—®ð—¹ ð—¶ð—» ð—Ÿð—²ð—®ð—¿ð—»ð—¶ð—»ð—´ ð—®ð—»ð—± ð—–ð—¹ð—¼ð˜€ð—²-ð—¼ð˜‚ð˜ ð—²ð˜ƒð—²ð—»ð˜ BORONGAN CITY, Philippines — The City of Borongan is nearing the fruition of its enhanced nature-based solutions (NbS) to community climate risks with the Learning and Project Close-Out event held for the Climate Resilient Cities – Nature-based Urban Resilience Through Unifying and Responsive Engagement (CRC – NURTURE) project in Legazpi City from March 16-18. One of the highlights of the event was its “Learning from Cities” component, where Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda served as a panelist alongside Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail and Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso. In his presentation, Mayor Agda shared Borongan’s existing NbS solutions, including its Former Rebels to Forest Rangers program, tree-planting requirement for civil unions, and engagements with the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund and the People’s Survival Fund, among others. He also expressed his gratitude to the CRC-NURTURE collective for choosing Borongan as one of its project recipients, noting that their support will be instrumental in realizing Borongan’s vision of an inclusive climate resilience plan that harnesses its natural resources as part of the holistic risk solution. On Day 3 of the close-out event, Mayor Agda, CENRO Head For. Jojito Acla, and City Administrator Atty. Romeo Alexis Devora joined the visit to Ibalong Park, where they each planted saplings to demonstrate their commitment to the CRC-NURTURE partnership. The three-day event was likewise attended by CRS Country Representative Mr. Jonas Tetangco; Director Elenida Basug of the DENR Climate Change Service; CRS Head of Programming Ms. Maria Conception Nobleza; Director Ibani Padao of the DHSUD – Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development (ELUPD) Bureau; and Mr. Alan Silayan, CRC Project Chief of Party. As part of its undertaking with CRC-NURTURE, the Borongan City Government submitted a proposal for the upgrading of its native beach forest nursery along Baybay Boulevard that is set to provide a steady supply of indigenous seedlings for coastal forest expansion, on top of the development of an adjacent green open space that will serve as a community hub for tourism and recreation. Aside from its proposed two-component Baybay Boulevard project, Borongan’s partnership with CRC-NURTURE also bore positive outcomes in a series of capacity-building initiatives. The risk communication workshop held at Prim Hotel from February 24-26, in particular, is slated to roll out its IEC materials to select climate risk-vulnerable Borongan communities. CRC – Nurture is an initiative funded by the United Kingdom’s Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) Program aimed at boosting climate resilience in Philippine cities by co-creating inclusive and nature-based solutions that empower local communities. Borongan is one of only three cities across the country selected by the CRC-NURTURE team to receive its support in mounting localized nature-based solutions and capacity-building projects, joining Zamboanga and Legazpi City. (Borongan City-PIO)

Dizon’s second visit assures infra completion in Naga City

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Aside from assuring the Naga City government of his support for the completion of major infrastructure projects, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon also vowed to continuously implement the national government’s Oplan Kontra Baha in the city. On March 17, Dizon, along with Naga Mayor Leni Robredo, inspected the 500-meter MT Villanueva Avenue (formerly Liboton Street), where the city government plans to make the area pedestrian-friendly. This will be done by improving mobility and safety, especially for students whose schools are located along the avenue, through the expansion of sidewalks, installation of bike lanes, and planting of trees on both sides of the road to provide shade for passers-by. No vehicle will be allowed to park along any portion of the stretch once the project is completed. Robredo, however, said that a public consultation will first be conducted before finalizing the design. Ken Abante of Safe and Sound Cities Naga said that Neil Bartolome, a colleague, was tasked to undertake social preparations and tactical urbanism efforts. This means that the project’s trial phase will be led by young individuals, who will also take the lead in conducting public consultations and other social preparations. Bartolome’s group is involved in the Naga City Tactical Urbanism Project. Safe and Sound Cities–Naga, in collaboration with the LGU-Naga (PSO, CEPPIO, CEO, CENRO, CPDO, and the Urban Mobility Council), the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC), the Naga City Art and Culture Coalition (NCACC), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), joined the field survey along MT Villanueva Avenue in Liboton (Magsaysay Extension). The inspection aimed to identify key areas that can be improved to enhance the commuting experience of both commuters and drivers along MT Villanueva. The project is expected to begin next week. The mayor and the DPWH secretary were accompanied by a team of engineers and personnel from the DPWH Regional Office and the 3rd District Engineering Office in Camarines Sur. Mayor Robredo also said they visited the Bicol River Esplanade project in Barangay Mabolo to check on the ongoing desilting operations in flood-prone areas. The desilting is being supervised by DPWH personnel as part of the implementation of the national government’s Oplan Kontra Baha. These efforts focus on areas where floodwaters are unable to pass during heavy rains. The third stop of Secretary Dizon’s team was Julian Meliton Elementary School in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, which experiences severe flooding during heavy rains due to a defective drainage system clogged with garbage and hardened mud. Stagnant floodwaters were also observed in nearby waterways due to improper waste disposal. Dizon and the inspection team were also briefed on ongoing clearing and declogging operations behind two large commercial establishments in one of the city’s business districts. Flooding in the area has been attributed to the improper dumping of waste into natural waterways during the construction of the malls. The team also inspected portions of the Naga River and Sagop Creek, which are currently being cleared of garbage and other obstructions. It may be recalled that Oplan Kontra Baha was launched in Naga City in February 2026, with President Marcos Jr. leading the initiative. I via Jason Neola

P20-M marijuana plantation dismantled in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday DUPAX DEL SUR, Nueva Vizcaya — Law enforcement authorities uprooted and destroyed an estimated ₱20 million worth of marijuana plants following the discovery of a hidden plantation in a remote upland area here on Tuesday, March 17. The operation, carried out in Sitio Gunot, Barangay Kimbutan, was led by the Dupax del Sur Municipal Police Station under Police Major Anthony Ayungo, in coordination with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Agency(PDEA). Police said the marijuana plantation was discovered by operatives on the afternoon of March 16 while conducting monitoring operations in Sitio Gunot. The discovery prompted immediate verification, which confirmed the presence of the illegal cultivation site, leading authorities to swiftly launch an operation to dismantle the plantation and identify those responsible. A total of 10,311 marijuana plants were uprooted from a 1,200-square-meter site. Authorities noted that a significant portion of the crop was already mature and nearing harvest, while the rest were in various stages of growth. Ayungo said the plantation showed clear indications of organized cultivation, with the terrain deliberately prepared for planting. Its remote location—accessible only after more than an hour of trekking—suggested a calculated effort to avoid detection. No individuals were apprehended during the operation. However, investigators observed signs that the plants had been recently sprayed, indicating that the cultivators may have fled shortly before authorities arrived. Sufficient samples were collected and preserved for submission to the Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for laboratory examination, while the remaining plants were destroyed at the site through burning. Police have launched follow-up investigations to identify those behind the illegal operation and to file appropriate charges. Authorities described the operation as a major setback to illegal drug production in the province, underscoring that the destruction of the plantation prevented the circulation of prohibited substances in surrounding communities. The Philippine National Police also assured that sustained monitoring and surveillance operations will be conducted in the area and nearby localities to prevent future cultivation.

Baguio records 1,000 animal bites in two months of the year

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city’s Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) under the City Health Services Office (CHSO) reported having treated some one thousand animal bites in the city during the first two months of the year. Nurse Agnes Johanna Abad, ABTC manager, said that the significant number of individuals who sought treatment for their animal bites is a clear indication of the public’s awareness on the availability of treatment services right in the city’s health facility. In 2024, the ABTC recorded some 8,156 animal bites treatments they did in the center before dropping to only 7,099 bites last year. However, she claimed there had been no human rabies cases reported through the years except for the one animal rabies case in the city way back in 2021. The ABTC manager advised individuals who are bitten by their pets or stray dogs and cats to immediately seek the necessary treatment from the center for them to ascertain what type of bite did they sustain and the treatment that will be provided to avoid their situation from worsening. According to her, there are three categories of bites from animals – category one involves contact with an animal without breaking the skin and usually does not require vaccination; category two includes minor open wounds without heavy bleeding and requires a primary anti-rabies vaccine while category three is considered the most severe as it involves bites on sensitive areas such as the head, face, or neck, heavy bleeding or cases where the biting animal cannot be observed. She pointed out that the third category requires both anti-rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin administered on the wound after skin testing. Abad reported that most of the reported bite cases are owners of dogs or cats who are either bitten or scratched by their pets and that there are a few number of individuals who are bitten by stray animals primarily because stray animals are usually afraid of humans. She said that the city has three existing animal bite centers situated at the CHSO, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and the Saint Louis University Sacred Heart Hospital to cater to the treatment of the animal bites inflicted on individuals. (Baguio PIO)

SBMA, BJMP sign MOA for Adopt-A-Mangrove Program

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Adopt-A-Mangrove Program at the corporate boardroom of the administration building here on March 12, 2026. The MOA, which was signed between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and BJMP Regional Office 3 (BJMPRO3) Regional Director, Jail Chief Superintendent (JCSupt) Paulino H. Moreno Jr., stipulates the development of approximately 400 square meters of mangrove area within Subic Bay Freeport. Aliño explained that under the MOA, SBMA will designate an area within the SBFZ mangrove forest to be adopted by BJMPRO3. Mangrove seedlings from the agency’s Mangrove Nursery will also be provided. He added that SBMA will monitor and evaluate the adopted area annually. “And after completing the three-year program, SBMA will award BJMPRO3 with a Certificate of Completion upon turnover of the area to SBMA,” he added. Meanwhile, JCSupt Moreno assured that BJMPRO3 personnel will plant at least 100 seedlings and ensure the survival of the planted mangrove propagules in the SBMA-designated area. He also said that BJMPRO3 personnel will conduct regular cleanup activities, provide adequate manpower, and hand over the area to SBMA after three years. SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo and BJMPPO Zambales Provincial Jail Administrator JSupt. Ferdinand G. Malabo witnessed the signing of the MOA along with other officials from the SBMA and BJMP. Subic Bay Freeport Zone hosts approximately 61 to 65 hectares of protected mangrove forests, primarily in areas such as Triboa Bay, Binictican, and Malawaan. These areas serve as crucial coastal protection, wildlife habitats, and ecotourism sites, with ongoing conservation efforts, including tree planting and rehabilitation, conducted by the SBMA Ecology Center and its partners.

Young Vizcayano ranks Top 9 in Criminology Board Exam

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday Provincial Government eyes P100,000 incentive A young Vizcayano has again made his mark in a national licensure examination after placing ninth in the February 2026 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE). Mark Jether M. Eraña, a graduate of PLT College and a resident of Bintawan Sur, Villaverde, secured the ninth spot nationwide with a rating of 91.90 percent, according to results released by the Professional Regulation Commission. Eraña, the son of Celso and Rosemarie M. Eraña, is a potential recipient of the P100,000 Topnotchers Incentive from the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government under the administration of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. Under the province’s Topnotchers Incentive Ordinance, a P200,000 reward is granted to those who place first in any professional licensure examination, while those ranking from second to tenth receive P100,000 each. His achievement comes just a week after another young Vizcayano, Anthony George P. Lucero of Sto Domingo, Bambang, also a graduate of PLT College, ranked ninth in the recent Nurses Licensure Examination and is likewise expected to receive the same provincial incentive. Meanwhile, in the overall results of the criminology board exam, the King’s College of the Philippines–Bambang Campus was also recognized for its strong performance after placing among the Top 3 Best Performing Schools in the category of 101 to 199 examinees. The school posted a 95.37 percent passing rate, with 103 out of 108 examinees successfully passing the licensure examination.

Zambales Provincial Gov’t implements 4-Day work, energy saving program

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Ruben A.Veloria IBA, ZAMBALES, Philippines – In compliance with the Memorandum Circular from the Office of the President, the provincial government of Zambales is to implement strict energy conservation scheme amidst possible global energy crises due to on-going conflict in the oil-rich Middle East. Issuing the Executive Order, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. directed all provincial offices and facilities to immediately implement “stringent energy conservation measures and adopt flexible work arrangements”. The EO is in compliance to the Memorandum Circular No. 114, series of 2026, from the Office of the President, which calls on all government agencies to significantly reduce electricity and fuel consumption. “With the volatility of global fuel prices and the rising demand for energy, we in the provincial government must lead by example,” Governor Ebdane stated. This order ensures continuous delivery of essential services to the people of Zambales, he added. Among the measures to be observed include: maintaining air-conditioning thermostats at a strict 24°C, switching off non-essential lights and electronics during lunch breaks and after hours, and utilizing power-saving settings on all office equipment; limiting official travel and out-of-town seminars, promoting virtual meetings. A Four Day A Week work schedules was also to be implemented at the Capitol Offices from Monday to Friday; while Fridays will be Work From Home scheme. Requiring skeletal force on Fridays are the provincial front line offices, including Provincial Accounting Office, Treasury, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and General Services Office. Hospitals and Emergency Services Exempted Critically, all provincial hospitals—including President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital (PRMMH), San Marcelino District Hospital (SMDH), Candelaria District Hospital (CDH), and Ospital ng Sta. Cruz (OSC)—will continue 24/7 operations with no disruption to patient care. Gov. Ebdane is encouraging the local government units and agencies to implement measures to support the call of the President on energy saving, especially petroleum consumption, while the crisis in the Middle East intensifies. Meanwhile, the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) warned against fuel hoarding or illegal transactions on petroleum products in support to Department of Energy (DOE) actions to maintain the fair distribution of gasoline supplies. PCOL Benjamin P. Ariola, Provincial Director ng ZPPO, delivery of petroleum products may be delayed, and hoarding will cause artificial shortages in the market which may cause severe effect to consumers and businesses. Col. Ariola instructed all police stations in the province to coordinate with the local officials to monitor the operations of the gasoline stations to make sure that they comply with the law. According to Col. Ariola, hoarding or over pricing of petroleum products are in violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 and Presidential Decree No. 1865.

New Bolinao Community Hospital Breaks Ground

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN, Philippines – Governor Ramon V. Guico III led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bolinao Community Hospital (BCH) in Barangay Liwa-Liwa, Bolinao, Pangasinan, marking another significant milestone in the province’s healthcare development. Situated in an 18,459 square meter lot donated by the Local Government of Bolinao through Mayor Jesus ‘Boying’ F. Celeste , the new three-storey hospital will replace the existing 25-bed facility in Barangay Sampaloc, expanding its capacity to 64 beds and equipping it with modern medical equipment. BCH Chief, Dr. Genevive Rivera, disclosed that the facility will offer surgical services. Future plans for the hospital include hemodialysis center and provision of CT scan services. Local government officials, led by Mayor Boying and Vice Mayor Noli F. Celeste, joined Governor Guico in the ceremony, underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure. First District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Sr. also expressed his full support to the project, highlighting its importance in delivering quality healthcare to the community. The project aims to provide faster, quality, and more accesible healthcare services to residents in Western Pangasinan. Governor Guico stated that the new Bolinao Community Hospital is a testament to the collective efforts of the provincial government and local leaders to prioritize the health and wellness of Pangasinenses. The upgraded hospital is expected to addresss the growing healthcare needs of the community, benefiting thousands of families in the area. Construction of the new hospital is a major step towards achieving the provimce’s health goals, ensuring that quality medical care is within reach for the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses. (Ruby F. Rayat, photos by JP De Vera & Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

Author name: Street Journal

Woman leader sees intimate relationship as key factor for cooperation with Tinongdan farmers