Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

The Baguio City Council has sought updates on the implementation of the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program, a key initiative designed to assist marginalized electricity consumers. During the City Council’s regular session on March 9, 2026, representatives from the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) were invited to shed light on the program. BENECO General Manager Melchor Licoben, General Manager of BENECO, and Engr. Ramel Rifani briefed the City Council members on the updates and adjustments being made under the amended Lifeline Rate Law and amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001, formally known as Republic Act No. 9136. The new ERC resolution, which amends certain provisions of Republic Act No. 11552 enacted in 2021, was approved in February 2024 and is set for full implementation starting with the March 2026 billing period. The resolution raises the consumption threshold for qualified lifeline consumers from 45 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 50 kWh per month. Under the new schedule, households consuming up to 50 kWh per month and registered under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will automatically receive a 100% discount on their electric bills. Non-4Ps consumers using 50 kWh or below may also avail of the subsidy, provided they secure a certification from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) confirming their status as indigent or marginalized households. Discount rates will follow a ladderized system based on consumption: 51-70 kWh: 35% discount 71-100 kWh: 20% discount As of the latest records, BENECO has 354 registered lifeline beneficiaries under the existing program. During the discussion, Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda inquired whether non-lifeline consumers are subsidizing the discounts for lifeliners. Licoben confirmed that a minimal charge equivalent to one centavo per kilowatt-hour is collected from non-lifeline consumers to sustain the fund. Any surplus or deficit in the collection will be adjusted through the fund’s administrator, ensuring the program’s stability. Licoben also noted that while lifeline consumers will benefit from the discounts, overall electricity bills are expected to slightly increase due to rising oil prices. He added that standard senior citizen discounts of 5% for consumption up to 100 kWh per month remain in effect. The Lifeline Rate Program, originally established under EPIRA, has been repeatedly extended, first for ten years in 2011, and again in 2021 for a new 50-year period ending in 2071. -Danella Corin David (SP PIO Intern/UB Polsci)

Learning Sustainability Beyond the Classroom at SM City Baguio

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY — Students from the College of Arts and Sciences of San Beda University recently visited SM City Baguio for a sustainability tour that highlighted the mall’s environmental initiatives and commitment to responsible operations. The visit offered students a closer look at how sustainability practices are integrated into everyday mall operations while supporting both the community and the environment. During the tour, students explored several sustainability features of the mall, including its open-air design, which allows natural light and ventilation to reduce energy consumption while creating a comfortable shopping environment. The group was also introduced to the mall’s rainwater catchment system, which helps collect and reuse rainwater for operational purposes and supports responsible water management. Another highlight of the visit was the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, which supports the growing shift toward cleaner transportation by providing convenient charging options for EV users. These initiatives demonstrate how environmental considerations are incorporated into the mall’s infrastructure and daily operations. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Moses Angeles, Vice Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences of San Beda University, shared that the visit gave students a deeper appreciation of sustainability in practice. “I think one of the crucial things the students must have learned is not only about the actual output but the commitment of SM Baguio, that commitment really to become a sustainable institution not simply for the sake of business, not simply for the sake of commerce but it is about the community, about the environment and ultimately the commitment to preserve our common home.” The tour allowed students to connect academic learning with real-world sustainability practices, showing how businesses can actively contribute to environmental responsibility while serving the community. Through initiatives such as sustainability tours and educational visits, SM City Baguio continues to open its doors to institutions and organizations seeking to learn more about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community-centered development.

Power up your BDO credit card with the best payment app in town

Business

Business / Street Journal

Managing your spending is now as easy as a few taps on your phone. Whether you’re shopping or paying bills online, BDO Unibank (BDO) keeps pace with your busy lifestyle—giving you real-time control, security, and convenience right at your fingertips. Designed to simplify your financial routine, the BDO Pay app makes managing your BDO credit card intuitive and hassle-free. Instantly check your outstanding balance, track transactions, view statements, and see payment due dates in your app in real time. Security you control With BDO Pay, you can keep your credit card locked when you’re not using it and unlock it instantly when you need it, adding a layer of protection against unauthorized transactions. Activate your credit card, access e-statements, or file disputes directly in the payment app so you can skip the customer service calls. Everyday services, simplified You can request card re-delivery, apply for a Cash Advance PIN, or check the status of a credit card application, all by using BDO Pay. You can even request supplementary cards right from the app, making tasks quick and easy. More ways to pay Through BDO Pay’s Scan to Pay option, you can make purchases even without your physical credit card. Simply scan QR codes at merchant stores nationwide and complete your transactions securely, avoiding the risk of wrong transfers or fraudulent cash-ins. No need to pre-load funds and no more awkward delays at the counter due to insufficient funds. Easy access to Rewards Every qualified spend earns points when you pay with your BDO Credit Card linked to your BDO Pay. Convert your points to Cash Credit for more shopping or transfer points to your BDO Rewards or SMAC or SMAC prestige to enjoy member privileges. Go further every time you spend. By blending financial control with everyday lifestyle ease, BDO Pay transforms the BDO credit card into a smarter, more flexible tool. Simply perfect for today’s always-on, mobile-first way of life. Unlock exclusive dining deals and shopping rewards when you download BDO Pay and use it with your BDO Credit Card. Get it for free on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.

Building a Generation of Digital Leaders: Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program Champions Safer Online Spaces

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Ten years after its launch, Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) has officially reached a historic milestone, reaching more than two million students and educators nationwide. What began in 2016 as a corporate initiative to teach online safety and responsibility has grown into a nationwide movement against fast-evolving digital risks. When classrooms shifted online during the pandemic, Globe adapted quickly, converting modules into digital courses on the Globe of Good YouTube channel. These resources have been viewed over 432,000 times, ensuring learning continues anytime, anywhere. DTP equips learners with practical skills to navigate the online world safely, from protecting personal data to practicing cyber ethics and responsible technology use. By turning awareness into action, the program empowers students not just to protect themselves but also to guide others in their communities. In 2019, Globe partnered with the Department of Education to strengthen DTP’s impact, integrating lessons on responsible online behavior into the K–12 values formation curriculum and giving millions of students and teachers structured guidance to navigate digital spaces safely. In 2025 alone, 16,560 students and teachers participated in DTP workshops and learning sessions nationwide. Taking the initiative further, Globe launched the Digital Thumbprint Student Ambassador Program in 2025 with Technological Institute of the Philippines as the pilot school. Student ambassadors will now act as peer mentors who will share digital safety knowledge to classmates and vulnerable communities and create a multiplying effect of awareness and protection nationwide. The 2026 curriculum now features 36 stackable modules, in recognition of the evolving digital landscape, including AI ethics, digital etiquette, Philippine cyber laws, and digital rights, designed to combat current threats that didn’t exist when the program began Structured across basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, the curriculum guides learners through each stage with facilitated training sessions, helping them build mastery and confidence in navigating the modern digital landscape “Reaching the 10-year mark is a testament to the urgency and importance of our mission. When we started in 2016, we talked about passwords; today, we are talking about AI ethics and digital empathy. With our new student ambassadors leading the charge, we are not just teaching safety; we are building a nation of digital guardians,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. This commitment to digital literacy and online safety has also gained recognition. In the 2026 Consumer Choice Awards by Standard Insights, Globe earned Excellence in Digital Literacy and Safety, a new category introduced this year. Among professionals, Globe ranked highest in digital literacy, reflecting its role in enabling productivity and responsible digital engagement. Among students, its online safety initiatives also stood out, highlighting the growing importance of protection in an increasingly connected society. A decade in, DTP is more than a program; it is a legacy of #AlagangGlobe and action. By empowering students as digital leaders, Globe continues to help build a safer and more responsible digital Philippines, protecting digital thumbprints while inspiring the next generation to lead online with confidence. Drawing on the company’s DTP journey, Globe helped shape the global discourse on digital inclusion by contributing to the development of GSMA’s “The Business Imperative for Digital Inclusion”. This serves as a guide that helps mobile operators embed digital inclusion into their strategies, track progress, and report their impact transparently. This views digital inclusion as a holistic ecosystem, encompassing access, skills, meaningful use, and a supportive environment.

P50M allocated to Kalinga for classroom building; nine priority schools endorsed

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Iryll Sicnao TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — The provincial government has announced that P50 million is allocated to Kalinga under the government’s classroom building program, which seeks to fast-track the construction, rehabilitation, and repair of classrooms. Gov. James Edduba endorsed nine schools to the Department of Education to be prioritized for the program based on several critical factors, including their location in remote and hard-to-reach communities, existing classroom shortages, structural deterioration of facilities, and the increasing number of learners. These priority schools are located in the towns of Balbalan, Rizal, Pinukpuk, and Tinglayan, particularly the Guinaang Dao-angan Primary School, Cadao Elementary School, Laytok Primary School, Balbalan Agricultural and Industrial School (Poswoy Extension), Balay Elementary School, Bayowong Elementary School, Calbayan Elementary School, Aguimitan Primary School, and Utah Community School. “These schools were identified as priority beneficiaries. Many of the schools serve upland and geographically isolated communities, where access to safe and adequate educational facilities remains a pressing concern,” the Kalinga provincial government said in a press release. The provincial government proposes that each school be provided with a one-storey, two-classroom school building to address their classroom shortages and improve learning conditions. President Ferdinand Marcos, in February, formalized a partnership between the DepEd and the provinces to address the country’s persistent shortage of learning spaces. Under the partnership, the DepEd will set technical standards, provide classroom designs, and provide funding, while the local government units will spearhead procurement and construction. Edduba assured the provincial government’s commitment to properly utilize the funding. “Once approved, the [provincial government] will monitor and supervise its implementation to ensure quality construction of each, assuring that the people’s taxes won’t go to waste and that the classrooms will truly serve their purpose, and that is to uplift the education for all Kalinga,” he stated. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

New wellness hub to serve 500,000 Filipino seafarers with public-private support

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

More than 500,000 Filipino seafarers help keep the global maritime industry moving. Now, a new Seafarers’ Wellness Center aims to ensure they and their families are supported beyond the deck. Led by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the center brings together legal, medical, and welfare services in one accessible hub. BDO Unibank joined the initiative as part of its continuing “Alagang Kabayan” commitment to overseas Filipinos. The facility offers free legal assistance through the Public Attorney’s Office and volunteer lawyers, an Alagang OWWA Yakap Clinic and Gamot Botika para sa mga Marino, rest and recreation spaces, and training rooms for Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS). OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan described the center as a meaningful first step toward expanding similar facilities nationwide. “Maliit man ito, magandang simula ito upang mas lalo nating maiparamdam ang Alagang OWWA—serbisyong may puso,” she said, noting that sustained public support will allow similar centers to be established in other regions. While the center focuses on physical and legal welfare, financial preparedness remains essential to long-term stability. Through its Alagang Kabayan program, BDO works closely with OWWA and DMW to deliver financial literacy sessions and PDOS nationwide. These sessions guide seafarers on budgeting, remittance management, scam prevention, and reintegration planning. “We want OFWs to be financially empowered and in control of their future,” Caunan said, underscoring the value of public-private partnerships in extending meaningful services to migrant workers. For seafarer Christian Jay Padrigon, digital banking has made managing money at sea more convenient. Through his Kabayan Savings account and BDO Pay, he monitors transactions and remittances in real time—giving him peace of mind even while onboard. Another seafarer, Ronnel Hurgo, shared that disciplined saving and consistent remittances over nearly two decades helped him build assets and secure his family’s future. “Malaking tulong ang BDO sa pag-iipon at pagpapadala ng pera. Importante na may naipupundar tayo para sa pamilya at sa sarili,” he said. DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac also acknowledged the seafarers’ sacrifice and dedication not only to their family but also to their community and country. Congresswoman Johanne Bautista emphasized that increased budget allocations for OWWA and DMW in 2026 reflect sustained national commitment to migrant welfare. The Wellness Center, she said, is a concrete example of how resources translate into frontline services. By aligning financial empowerment with holistic welfare initiatives, BDO reinforces its role as a long-term partner to Filipino seafarers—from pre-departure planning to reintegration.

Northern Samar showcases Tourism Potential at the 11th International Travel Festival 2026

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through its Provincial Tourism Office, marked its first participation in the International Travel Festival 2026 held at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu City. The International Travel Festival (ITF) is recognized as one of the country’s most important tourism trade events, bringing together travel destinations, tour operators, airlines, hospitality groups, and tourism stakeholders from across the Philippines and the international market. By participating in this event, Northern Samar strengthens its presence in the national tourism industry while promoting the province’s emerging destinations to a wider audience. The choice of venue—the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel —is significant. Located at the heart of Cebu’s business and tourism district, the hotel is one of the region’s largest convention and exhibition venues. It has long served as a hub for major national and international gatherings, providing an ideal platform where destinations, travel enterprises, and tourism decision-makers converge. Holding the festival in this venue underscores the scale and importance of the event as a meeting ground for industry leaders and tourism promoters. Northern Samar’s participation in the festival reflects the province’s commitment to expanding its tourism market by connecting with the large influx of travelers visiting Cebu each year. As one of the country’s busiest travel gateways, Cebu presents an opportunity for Northern Samar to invite tourists to explore the province’s pristine beaches, island communities, eco-tourism sites, and rich cultural heritage. Through engagements with tour operators, travel agencies, and tourism stakeholders, the province aims to encourage travelers to extend their journeys beyond Cebu and discover the unique experiences that Northern Samar has to offer. During the opening ceremony, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro warmly welcomed exhibitors and participants, expressing her support and encouragement for destinations across the country to collaborate in strengthening the Philippines’ tourism industry. Equally important in strengthening tourism connectivity between the two destinations are the direct flights operated by Philippine Airlines between Catarman National Airport and Mactan–Cebu International Airport. These regular flights significantly reduce travel time and provide convenient access for both domestic and international travelers arriving in Cebu who wish to explore Northern Samar. Improved air connectivity plays a crucial role in boosting tourism, facilitating travel, and strengthening tourism circuits between Cebu and Northern Samar. As Northern Samar continues to position itself as an emerging destination in Eastern Visayas, its presence at the International Travel Festival signals a forward-looking approach—one that seeks to build connections, inspire travel, and invite the world to experience the natural beauty and authentic culture of the province.

Rep.Cayton backs National Minimum Wage Bill to end Provincial Wage Disparities

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has voiced his strong support for House Bill 8081, the National Minimum Wage Act, which seeks to replace the current regional and provincial wage system with a single national minimum wage for all Filipino workers. He made the declaration amid renewed calls to raise pay after successive increases in petroleum prices, which have triggered a domino effect of higher transport and goods costs across the economy. “Workers performing the same tasks should receive the same pay, regardless of where they live,” Rep. Cayton said. “It is unfair that provincial workers earn substantially less than those in Metro Manila despite equal effort and value in their labor.” Cayton highlighted the wage gap between regions as a driving reason for the reform. In Nueva Vizcaya the provincial minimum wage is approximately ₱500 per day, compared with ₱695 per day in the National Capital Region. Under HB 8081, the initial national minimum would be anchored to the region with the highest current wage—currently Metro Manila—establishing a uniform wage floor nationwide. “HB 8081 is one of the most significant labor reforms in recent years,” Cayton said. “Closing the gap in provincial wages sends a clear message that development should not be limited to major cities. Growth must be shared by every Filipino worker, wherever they are”. Beyond wages, Cayton framed the proposal as a matter of dignity and inclusive growth. “Equal pay for equal work recognizes the worth of Filipino labor and uplifts communities outside the cities. Increasing the minimum wage will boost purchasing power, helping families and strengthening local businesses,” he said. Rep. Cayton called on fellow lawmakers and stakeholders to prioritize the measure so that the benefits of economic growth reach workers in every province. The bill is currently pending in the House of Representatives.

Pangasinan among first provinces to integrate National ID authentication with Pangasinan E-Sys

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, formally partnered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through the ceremonial signing of the National ID Integrated Pangasinan E-Sys on March 10, 2026 at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall, Capitol Complex. With the initiative, Pangasinan became one of the pioneering provincial governments in the Philippines to successfully integrate National ID authentication services into a local digital system. The integration will support the management and monitoring of health services in the province through the Pangasinan E-Sys. Governor Guico said the integration contributes to the provincial government’s push to modernize public service delivery through improved data systems and digital governance. “We have always been wanting to improve and integrate our systems and to create synergy. Basically, we will integrate our data. So from PSA, from what you have gathered and from our own. They will all be integrated. May this be a model for all the LGUs and provinces.” Through the integration, the provincial government will be able to utilize verified PhilSys data to streamline identity authentication and strengthen service delivery, particularly in health-related programs managed through the Pangasinan E-Sys. The partnership agreement was formally signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and PSA Regional Director Shiela O. De Guzman, with Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth Torre and PSA Pangasinan Officer-in-Charge Verna M. Palsimon, represented by Statistical Specialist Xavier Narvas, serving as witnesses. As part of the province’s continuing collaboration with PSA, Governor Guico also announced plans to establish LGU-operated Civil Registry System (CRS) outlets to make civil registry services more accessible to Pangasinenses. The provincial government plans to open outlets in Lingayen and Binalonan, with another outlet being considered in Alaminos City. These outlets will allow residents to conveniently request civil registrydocuments such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR) without having to travel to distant PSA service centers. The provincial government also plans to strengthen its Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), which gathers and updates socio-economic data to help guide policy decisions and improve the targeting of government programs. PhilSys registration is among the services that may be availed under the Guiconsulta Plus program of the provincial government. Residents who wish to register only need to bring supporting documents such as birth certificate, passport, UMID card, or driver’s license. The registration will also facilitate enrollment in Guiconsulta Plus, which automatically registers beneficiaries under the PhilHealth YAKAP program, expanding access to health services for Pangasinenses. (Danna Laureano, photos by JP De Vera | PIMRO)

Author name: Street Journal

BENECO updates Baguio City on New Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program