Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Amid calls for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of public infrastructure projects, Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Nueva Vizcaya to furnish all municipal mayors with complete details of projects to be undertaken in their respective towns, including the corresponding programs of work. The directive was issued during the recent Provincial Development Council meeting presided over by Gambito, following a request from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Nueva Vizcaya chapter, through its president, Bambang Mayor Benjamin “Jamie” L. Cuaresma. Cuaresma said municipal officials need detailed project information to properly respond to complaints from constituents regarding defective, delayed, or incomplete infrastructure projects. He also emphasized that local governments must be equipped to exercise oversight, particularly on matters involving project monitoring, situs tax, and other fiscal or administrative concerns. During the meeting, Cuaresma pointed out that mayors are often required to sign certificates of acceptance for completed projects within their municipalities. For this reason, he said municipal governments — through their municipal engineering offices — should be involved in monitoring project implementation. He added, however, that expenses related to monitoring should be shouldered by the implementing agency. At the same meeting, the DPWH 1st Engineering District presented its proposed infrastructure package for Fiscal Year 2027 amounting to ₱9,095,289,510. The proposal covers 78 projects across eight municipalities under its jurisdiction, including road rehabilitation and concreting, bridge construction, flood-mitigation structures, multi-purpose buildings, and water-supply systems. The proposed projects fall under major DPWH program thrusts such as SIPAG or Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Aleviating Gaps like access roads and bridges, TRIP or tourism access roads, ROLL-IT or industry access roads, asset preservation, and targeted flood-control initiatives. Based on the presentation, the proposed allocations by municipality are as follows: Bambang: ₱3,159,852,000 Bagabag: ₱2,340,756,900 Bayombong: ₱1,399,000,000 Solano: ₱1,004,333,000 Quezon: ₱899,347,610 Ambaguio: ₱195,000,000 Diadi: ₱75,000,000 Villaverde: ₱22,000,000 DPWH 1st DEO clarified that the ₱9.09-billion package is a funding proposal submitted to the DPWH Central Office for inclusion in the department’s 2027 budget proposal. It remains subject to budgetary review and approval by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Gambito said providing municipalities with complete project documents and programs of work will help improve coordination, ensure closer monitoring, and allow local officials to immediately act on public concerns as the 2027 budget process moves forward.

18 artists in Raya exhibit at Le Yan

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Eighteen artists including a mother and her two kids, and a couple who converted their house into a museum launched an art exhibit Fridqy at the Le Yan Museum. Husband-wife tandem Leandro Yangot, Jr. and Cheryl Daytec -Yangot welcomed creatives at their residence in Bengao, Bakakeng Central for the Raya exhibit. The multi- medium presentation welcomed not just visual artists but also those in handicrafts and clothing, as well. Raya or rays like that of the sun which is one of the most prominent feature of the Philippine flag. “It is a fitting theme since it is Indepence Day and rays can reach anything, any part of the Philippines or the world,” said Yangot. Curated by Much Camolo and Ceres Canilao, the works of Camolo’s two children – Kristelle and Asriel – are also featured. Some of the features artists include Eden Cawang, Gladys Labsan, Lopez Aquino, among others. This time the Yangots opened their second residence in the sanebarangay as display area. Le Yan Museum was opened to the public two years ago. EML

National most wanted rapist captured in Sierra Madre hideout

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The country’s No. 8 national most wanted person, accused of raping his minor niece in Mountain Province, was arrested on June 8 at his hideout in the Sierra Madre mountains in General Nakar, Quezon. According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspect, identified only as “Alias Leo,” is a native of Mountain Province. His arrest carries a ₱150,000 bounty under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) reward program for fugitives. The operation was jointly conducted by the CIDG and the General Nakar Municipal Police Station, executing warrants issued on September 8, 2022, by the Regional Trial Court in Bontoc, Mountain Province. The suspect faces three counts of qualified statutory rape with no bail recommended, and two counts of acts of lasciviousness under Republic Act No. 7610 (the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), which carries a recommended bail of ₱200,000. Investigations revealed that the abuse began in 2015 in Sitio Lumyeng, Lacmaan, Besao, Mountain Province, when the victim was a Grade 6 student. Silenced by the suspect’s threats, the victim hid the abuse for seven years. She finally disclosed the ordeal to her father in 2022, leading to an immediate police complaint. To evade law enforcement, the suspect fled Mountain Province and constantly relocated, moving from Tanay, Rizal, deep into the Sierra Madre mountains before CIDG operatives tracked him down. CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert A.A. Morico II commended the operating units, stating that the arrest reflects the agency’s unwavering commitment to pursuing fugitives and protecting women and children from abuse.

Aboitiz Power, sanib-pwersa sa Brigada Eskwela 2026 sa Pagbilao, Quezon

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio PAGBILAO, Quezon — Upang maihanda ang dalawang lokal na paaralan sa pagbubukas ng klase, nakiisa ang Therma Luzon, Inc. (TLI), isang subsidiary ng Aboitiz Power Corporation, sa annual n Brigada Eskwela ng Department of Education (DepEd) sa bayan ng Pagbilao, Quezon. Katuwang ng mga mag-aaral, guro, at magulang sa Pagbilao ang mga boluntaryo mula sa TLI sa paghahanda ng mga paaralan. Kabilang sa mga ginawa ang paglilinis ng kampus, pag-aayos ng mga halaman, at pagpipinta ng mga gusali. Ang proyektong ito ay inilunsad sa dalawang paaralan sa Isla Grande: ang Pagbilao Grande Island National High School (PGINHS) at Binahaan Integrated School (BIS). Higit sa karaniwang paglilinis at pagsasaayos, nagbigay tulong din ang AboitizPower sa pamamagitan ng pagpopondo sa pagaayos ng mga pasilidad upang masiguro na ligtas ang kapaligiran para sa pag-aaral ng mga estudyante sa isla. Sa Pagbilao Grande Island National High School (PGINHS), tumulong ang AboitizPower sa pagaayos at pagpapaganda ng covered court ng paaralan. Dahil dito, muling magagamit ang mahalagang pasilidad na ito para sa mga klase sa Physical Education (PE), mga asembleya, at iba pang aktibidad ng mga mag-aaral. Samantala, sa Binahaan Integrated School (BIS) naman, pinondohan ng AboitizPower ang pagpapatayo at pagkakabit ng isang matibay at bagong main gate upang mas mapalakas ang seguridad sa loob ng kampus. “Ang epekto ng mga pagbabagong ito sa imprastraktura ay higit pa sa pagpapaganda ng itsura. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng matibay na pangunahing gate sa Binahaan Integrated School, direktang nag-aambag ang AboitizPower upang mas maging ligtas at protektado ang ating kampus para sa ating mga mag-aaral,” pahayag ni Catalino L. Porta, Pagbilao Public School District Supervisor. Ang pakikibahagi ng TLI ay bahagi ng kanilang adbokasya para sa pagtutulungan at katatagan ng komunidad. “Hindi namin ito itinuturing na simpleng pamimigay lang ng donasyon o obligasyon ng kumpanya—ito ay tungkulin na ginagampanan namin kasama ang mga komunidad na aming pinaglilingkuran,” ani Lou Deligencia, AboitizPower AVP for Corporate Services for South Luzon & Metro Manila. “Sa pamamagitan ng paglahok sa Brigada Eskwela, binibigyang-pugay namin ang mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral na walang pagod na nagsisikap para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa.” Ang mga aktibidad ng Brigada Eskwela sa Pagbilao ay patunay sa magandang idinudulot ng pagtutulungan ng gobyerno at ng pribadong sektor para sa kapakanan ng mga paaralan at komunidad. Sa pagbubukas ng taong panuruan, hindi lamang mga silid-aralan ang isinaayos, kundi maging ang kolektibong pag-asa para sa isang ligtas, patas, at may kapangyarihang kapaligiran sa pagkatuto.

Puregold’s Lucio Co takes over Villar Group’s PrimeWater in Subic

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Ruben A.Veloria SUBIC, Zambales — Crystal Bridges Holding Corporation (CBHC), owned by Puregold Price Club founder Lucio Co, has officially taken over the management and operations of PrimeWater in this municipality. The transition follows CBHC’s 100% acquisition of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.’s stocks from the Villar Group, effectively transferring control of the Subic Water District joint venture as of May 11, 2026. The acquisition was announced during a media briefing attended by senior PrimeWater officials, led by President Engr. Jose Paulino Santamarina and General Manager Engr. Jose Dinulong. Also present were Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun, Zambales 1st District Representative Jay Khonghun, and Subic Water District Chairperson Paulyn Goña. An Apology to Consumers During the briefing, Santamarina apologized to the thousands of local households—representing roughly 35% of Subic’s water consumers—who have been plagued by chronic water shortages. ”We recognize the severe impact these water disruptions have had on local businesses and households,” Santamarina said. “We sincerely apologize to the public for the hardships they have experienced.” To address these issues, Santamarina announced several immediate initiatives to ensure a steady, high-pressure water supply through the dry and rainy seasons alike. The new management’s pipeline for the year includes constructing three new deep wells and replacing aging distribution pipes. Local Leadership Demands Accountability tability Local officials did not hold back their frustration regarding the town’s previous service provider. ”We were completely neglected by PrimeWater,” Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun said in Tagalog. “This must not happen again under Crystal Bridges.” Congressman Jay Khonghun echoed the sentiment, noting that past promises went unfulfilled. “The Villar Group promised us infrastructure development and better services, but nothing was delivered. Under Lucio Co’s leadership, we expect genuine and improved service.” To ensure accountability, Rep. Khonghun, Mayor Khonghun, and Engr. Dinulong have mandated that the new management submit a comprehensive program plan, detailing specific engineering upgrades and project timelines. Funding and Rate Freezes When asked if Co was prepared to heavily invest in the rehabilitation of Subic’s water network, Santamarina assured the public that the necessary capital is already secured. ”Crystal Bridges is fully committed. The resources have been prepared, and the funds are ready,” Santamarina stated. “The new management will settle all outstanding liabilities left behind by the previous operator. We acknowledge the financial obligations required for a total system rehabilitation, and we have sufficient funding to do it.” In a final reassurance to residents, Santamarina pledged a strict rate freeze during the transition period. ”While we work on improving water services across all barangays in Subic, there will be absolutely no water rate increases until all promised upgrades are completed and consumers are fully satisfied with our service,” Santamarina concluded.

SNAP highlights watershed and environmental conservation in observance of World Environment Day

Environment

Environment / Street Journal

In celebration of World Environment Day, SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship through watershed management, reforestation, forest protection, and community-based conservation programs. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, SNAP continues to promote climate resilience and sustainable development in its host communities. Among its major initiatives is SNAP-Magat’s Partnership in Uplifting Upland Natural Resources Livelihoods and Assets (PUNLA), an Upper Magat Watershed Management Program focused on the Province of Ifugao. PUNLA supports enrichment planting, reforestation, and the restoration and rehabilitation of the iconic Ifugao Rice Terraces while engaging local communities in watershed protection and sustainable livelihood activities. To date, PUNLA has rehabilitated and restored 34.3 hectares (ha) in the municipalities of Mayoyao and Banaue, reforested and enriched 100.44 ha of forest areas in Banaue and Hungduan, and established 5 ha of agroforestry farms in Lagawe, Ifugao. These efforts have helped mitigate an estimated 6,722 tons of soil erosion across the Ifugao Province. Complementing these initiatives is SNAP-Benguet and the National Power Corporation’s (NPC) 5-kilometer-radius Technical Cooperation Agreement, which strengthens forest fire prevention and suppression efforts through the establishment of firelines and greenbelts, the provision of firefighting equipment to community volunteers, and logistical support during wildfire response operations. The program maintains at least 13 kilometers of greenbelt areas and 12 kilometers of firebreaks annually, with volunteers deployed to assist various agencies in fire protection activities. SNAP-Benguet also supports the Adopt-a-Watershed Program, which advances NPC’s carbon sequestration objectives and consolidates watershed rehabilitation and protection efforts within a 1,000-hectare watershed area. Under NPC’s Energy Sector Carbon Sequestration Initiative, SNAP completed 42 hectares of its 50-hectare reforestation commitment from 2022 to 2025. SNAP further strengthens forest conservation through the Aboitiz Passion for Agroforest and Reforest to Keep (A-PARK), the Aboitiz Group’s flagship agroforestry and reforestation program. The initiative aims to establish at least 20 hectares annually through the planting of native and fruit-bearing tree species while promoting sustainable land management practices that create both environmental and livelihood benefits for partner communities. As of May 31, 2026, SNAP has planted 487,775 seedlings across 408.34 hectares within its watershed areas from 2008 to 2025, achieving an average survival rate of 91 percent. These efforts form part of the company’s long-term strategy to enhance watershed health, strengthen biodiversity, and support the sustainability of hydroelectric power generation. In support of this year’s World Environment Day observance, anchored on the call for “Now for Climate,” SNAP carried out environmental stewardship activities that promote sustainability and climate action. On June 5, 2026, SNAP-Magat conducted reservoir clean-up drives in Ramon, Isabela, helping protect water resources and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, on June 8, 2026, SNAP-Benguet employees participated in Hug-a-Tree eco-walk activities in Itogon and Bokod, Benguet, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental conservation. Through these collective efforts, SNAP continues to champion environmental responsibility and contribute to building greener, safer, and more resilient communities for future generations.

SM Supermalls extends support through Operation Tulong Express

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — In support of families affected by the recent earthquake in General Santos City, SM City Baguio joins the Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) initiative of SM Supermalls to help provide assistance to impacted communities. Customers and mall visitors may extend their support through cash donations at the Operation Tulong Express donation booth located at the Lower Ground Level of SM City Baguio. Donations gathered through the initiative will go toward relief efforts in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross to help affected families and communities. Those who wish to directly send assistance may also course their donations through the Philippine Red Cross. The initiative reflects a shared effort among communities, partners, and volunteers to help provide timely support and assistance to those affected by the disaster.

A Home and a New Beginning: A Story of Hope through the Pag-abot Program

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

CORDILLERA, Philippines — Hope often reveals itself in the quiet strength of ordinary people. For Alfred Chullag, a Pag-abot beneficiary, hope became the light that carried him through years of hardship. Settled in the mountains of a small rural neighborhood in Barangay Dontogan, Baguio City, Alfred’s story represents one of perseverance. Through every struggle, he remained steadfast—a man whose resilience became the foundation of his family’s success and a better future. Alfred Chullag was born in Bontoc, Mt. Province but was raised in Zambales where his father worked as a miner at the Akoje Mining Company. He lost his eyesight due to a severe case of measles at the age of three, a condition shared by his wife, Aurelia Balittle, who in 2019 married Alfred after being widowed in 2015. Due to their underlying conditions, it makes it challenging for them to find a regular job. Alfred has previously completed training in massage therapy, however this skill did not translate into viable work due to his physical frailty and weak hand strength limiting him from performing tasks required in that field. This has led to Alfred’s frequent busking in the public streets which he did for more than 10 years especially along Session Road regardless of his safety, visual disability, advanced age and the local government’s prohibition against such activities. His persistence to continue busking stems not from the disregard of the regulations but from the pressing need to provide for his family. Alfred also lives with step-son, Aurelmar, who continues to pursue his education in accordance with his parent’s wishes despite their difficult circumstances. His days living on the streets living off busking were about to come to an end when on 07 May 2025, he was approached by a team from the Pag-abot Program during a profiling and reach-out activity. Through the intervention of the Pag-abot’s social workers, Alfred expressed his desire to receive appropriate support to avoid returning to street-based activities and improve his living conditions. Alfred received financial assistance from the program amounting to PhP 10,000.00 which signified his start to a more dignified quality of life. Alfred’s situation improved after the Pag-abot Program reached out and assessed his family’s needs. He received PhP 60,000.00 worth of Livelihood Assistance, which enabled his family to start a rug-making business and eventually expanded into a LPG and water-retailing business. Alfred also received assistance from DSWD’s partners including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which provided trainings in Basic Bookkeeping, Financial Literacy and Business Registry Assistance and Processing. These initiatives helped provide the knowledge and skills Alfred and his family need to sustain and expand their livelihood despite their disability and economic situation. Looking back at the time he spent on the streets to where he is now, Alfred shared: “Pagyanamak iti dagitoy DSWD Pag-abot Program ta tinulungan dak met uray kaskasanu, ada met iti kasla ma-irikrikos met nga pagalalaen ti kwan nu awan pay kurang nga kwan ket inararereg da ken kasta met agyamanak met kadakayo nga social worker nga nang tulong ken dakami ta nu awan kayo ket siguro talaga nga rigak, haan mi amo ti pangalaan mi ti kwa. (I am very thankful for the Pag-abot Program for helping me by providing the means me and my family need to live and for the investment for our business. I am also thankful for the social workers of the Pag-abot Program who helped me. Without them I would still be experiencing hardship because even through busking we were not able to live off of that.)” Alfred hopes to inspire his fellow beneficiaries still living in the streets. “Dakayo met nga kakadwak nga kwan, haan kayo nga madanagan ta nu bilang man ada met ti mangkwan kadakayo tulungan dakayo dagitoy DSWD Pag-abot Program tapnu nu kasta ket haan tayo unay marigatan. ‘(To my fellow beneficiaries and visually impaired, do not worry because there is always help like the DSWD Pag-abot Program who will make sure that we do have a hard time living.)’” Alfred Chullag’s journey is a testament that hope can still be found even in the most difficult circumstances. From spending years surviving through busking on the streets despite his disability and old age, he and his family are now slowly building a more stable and dignified life through perseverance, community support, and the assistance provided by the Pag-abot Program. Further, Alfred and Aurelia are now active members of a Persons with Disabilities organization in the city, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement and support. Alfred’s story is a reminder that the struggle for daily survival can turn into an opportunity for growth, self-reliance, and renewed purpose, with the right support such as the Pag-abot Program. #Sky P. Aguinaldo, Project Development Officer II

SBMA, BJMP R3 to assist PRLs blend with workforce

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – A partnership that will help Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs) blend back into the country’s workforce was signed between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office III (BJMPRO-III). SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Workplace Reintegration Program for Persons Restored of Liberty (PRLs) with BJMP Region 3 Director Jail Chief Superintendent (JCSupt) Ma. Annie A. Espinosa, at the SBMA Administration Building on June 4, 2026. SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Atty. Ramon O. Agregado, SBMA Labor Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias, BJMPPO Zambales administrator JSupt Ferdinand G. Malabo, and officials of the Olongapo District Jail witnessed the signing. Aliño said that the agreement establishes a Workplace Reintegration Program to enhance public safety and extend rehabilitative or reformative efforts to PRLs or those released from incarceration. “Personally, I am a firm supporter of programs that aim to reintegrate PRLs as reformed and productive members of mainstream society. I strongly believe that it is not only our civic responsibility but more importantly, a just and humane act of service to our fellowmen,” he said. The program facilitates social mainstreaming and productivity by creating employment opportunities within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone through qualified skills-matching. Last year, the SBMA also entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) for a workplace reintegration program for parolees, probationers, and pardonees. “In fact, that partnership or agreement made the SBMA the first government-owned and controlled corporation to support the DOJ-PPA’s workplace reintegration plan. Among our earlier initiatives toward this end was the promotion of inclusive employment,” Aliño said. Meanwhile, Espinosa said the agreement is a significant step toward strengthening the PDL’s reintegration into society. She added that the activity emphasizes both institutions’ shared commitment to support reformation beyond incarceration by creating pathways to meaningful and sustainable employment. “By opening doors to legitimate work opportunities, the agreement seeks to empower PDLs with dignity, purpose, and a renewed sense of responsibility as they transition back into society,” she cited. “Through this milestone partnership, the BJMPRO-III and the SBMA reaffirm their dedication to transforming lives, fostering hope, and creating a more inclusive community where reformation is matched with real opportunities for growth and success.”

Author name: Street Journal

Gov.Gambito orders DPWH to open project records to Nueva Vizcaya mayors