Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — For the 4th consecutive time since the inception of the Media Awards in 2019, the Northern Samar Provincial Information Office (NS PIO) has been awarded the title of Best Information Office among all 136 local government units (LGUs) in Region 8, comprising six provinces, seven cities, and 123 municipalities. This prestigious recognition, presented at the annual Media Awards and Recognition of Media Partners on December 29, 2025, at the Radiant Hotel in Tacloban City, reaffirms Northern Samar’s position as a benchmark in strategic communications. Previously, the NS PIO was recognized as the Best Information Office in 2021 and 2023, with the Most Outstanding Public Information Award being bestowed upon former Provincial Information Officer Jhon Allen B. Berbon, who is currently the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer. In 2024, the NS PIO once again earned the title of Best Information Office, while the OIC-Provincial Information Officer Arlyn Cui-Tepace received the Most Outstanding Public Information Office Award. Notably, Cui-Tepace was also honored as the Most Outstanding Government Worker of the Year for 2024. This year, in addition to the NS PIO’s 4th commendation, Danilo Niegas has been acknowledged for his exceptional contributions to public communications. His unwavering dedication to serving the Nortehanons has not only brought pride to the Provincial Government but has also established a standard for public service in the community, setting the Northern Samar PIO apart as a leading force among digital media platforms in Eastern Visayas. The awards were presented by Jhon Allen Berbon, former Northern Samar PIO. Congratulations to the Northern Samar Provincial Information Office and Mr. Danilo Niegas for this remarkable achievement.

LGU, PNP, AFP declare Zambales in a state of stable internal peace and security

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

By Ruben A. Veloria IBA, Zambales, Philippines – Zambaleños not only have sun and sea, the province have now real peace and security as peace makers and DILG declares on Friday (Nov. 28) the province’s state of stable internal peace and security. In peaceful milestone, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. led the signing of joint declaration attesting the reaffirmation of the Province of Zambales in a stable internal peace and security. The event also kick-off the Implementation of PNP-PCG-AFP Collaborative Efforts (PACE) Program in Sustaining Peace and Security in the province of Zambales. Signed the Joint Declaration were DILG Provincial Dir. Melissa Nipal, who is also the concurrent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Head Secretariat; Police Dep. Reg’l. Dir. P/Col. Reynaldo Ogay, Jr.; BGen. Mario Jacinto PA, Ass’t. Dir., 7ID, PA; BGen. Cesar Molina PA, Dep. Cdr., North Luzon Command; Cdr. Bernard Ventura PCG, Dep. StaCom- PCG Zambales; and P/Col. Palmer Tria, Dep. Cdr, Sub-Task Force Disbandment of Private Armed Groups-NLuzon. Dir. Nipal lauded the signatories of the Joint Declaration saying the action is so significant and considered heroic deed as such this will serve as big come-on for investors. “This event is a significant status for Zambales being having with stable peace and security,” Nipal said. She added that this achievement not only serve the governor or his government, but most especially the people and community of the region. Meanwhile, BGen. Molina expressed the commitment of the Philippine Army in supporting the effort of the government in preserving peace and protecting the people through community engagement. For his part, Gov. Ebdane, congratulated the DILG and officers in uniform as he said that peace and security can be achieve only with teamwork, together with the police force, local officials, the armed forces and all other government agencies. “It is so disheartening to fight with the rebels knowing they are also or brothers,” Ebdane narrated. Our country was so left behind in terms of economic development because of the problems brought by the skirmishes with the rebels all of course due to mistakes committed by previous leaders. “I thanking the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for initiating the full investigation over the anomalies committed in the past, at least the people now feel that the government is committed the punish those involve in corruptions,” the governor continued. Ebdane also calls on the armed forces and the police offices to cooperate with the community and media people, “If there is something happening, let them (media) know what is happening. If an ordinary person seek your help, hear their problem, by doing so, you already solved half of the problem.” Meanwhile, the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council- Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council-Provincial Task Force End Communist Armed Conflict- Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PPOC-PADAC-PTF ELCAC- PDRRMC) passed a resolution on September 23, 2025, the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security in the province of Zambales and formally adopts the PNP-AFP Collaborative Efforts (PACE) as the primary inter-agency coordination mechanism for sustaining peace and security. The resolution also named PPOC-PADAC-PTF ELCAC-PDRRMC as oversight body for the implementation of PACE in Zambales, ensuring that security operations and interagency activities remain aligned with the provincial peace and development priorities. Gov. Ebdane, the concurrent chairman of the PPOC-PADAC-PTF ELCAC- PDRRMC, is the concurrent Chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Central Luzon (R3).

SSS clarifies reports on red tape complaints; All cases addressed

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

In light of recent news reports citing the list of most complained-about government agencies based on January to August 2025 data presented by the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to the Senate during budget deliberations, the Social Security System (SSS) wishes to assure the public that its management takes these matters seriously and is committed to continuous improvement in service delivery. “SSS is currently coordinating with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to validate the reported data involving 244 complaints. From our own monitoring of ARTA referrals, all complaints received during the period covered were addressed and resolved within ARTA standards as our resolution rate is at 99.3%. For the period covered by ARTA presentation to the Senate, SSS tracked a total of about 474,000 emails working diligently until they are all resolved within ARTA standards,” SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said. “Most complaints are about our service delivery, followed by matters concerning our loan programs, and then about contributions matters. Service delivery complaints were mainly about queuing at the branches and repeat visits to SSS branch for a benefit claim. Loan programs complaints were about salary loan and calamity loan programs – both were enhanced this year featuring lower interest rates – mainly on difficulty as regards calamity loan applications and challenges on loan eligibility requirements and procedures. Contributions complaints were mainly about non-remittance by employers and long wait time for manual verification,” De Claro explained. As far back as June 2021, the SSS created a Committee on Anti Red Tape (CART) with effective receiving of complaints and feedback as a major function and responsibility. Such complaints and feedback are received by SSS via hotline, corporate email, postal mail, referrals from various government entities including ARTA, and through SSS Branches. We also monitor news reports and social media for SSS-related matters and issue Press Releases or Statements to keep our stakeholders informed. “We value transparency and accountability in all our operations. While we recognize the importance of these reports, we want to assure our members that every concern raised through our channels is being acted upon until resolved. Our partnership with ARTA reflects our commitment to improving processes and delivering efficient services,” De Claro added. The SSS remains steadfast in its mission to provide fast, efficient, and transparent services to its members. We continue to implement reforms and digital innovations to minimize bureaucratic delays and enhance customer experience. For inquiries or feedback, members may contact the SSS through hotline 1455, email usssaptayo@sss.gov.ph, and our branches. See us also through our website (www.sss.gov.ph) or our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Viber, X, and Youtube) under the MYSSSPH handle for latest announcements and instructional material on SSS programs.

SSS Luzon North 1 reports growth in digital Services, compliance efforts

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

The Social Security System (SSS) Luzon North 1 Division announced notable gains in its service delivery and compliance programs for 2025, reaffirming its commitment to expand service accessibility and strengthening the enforcement of social security laws across the region. SSS Acting Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Nancy Umoso reported that as of October 2025, the Division advanced several priority initiatives—including the full digitalization of all SSS branches, the rollout of E-Center sa Barangay sites, the expansion of SSS on Wheels (SOWs) deployments, intensified Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operations, and the continued strengthening of the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP). The Division’s most significant accomplishment for 2025 is the complete digital transformation of all nine SSS branches under its coverage—the first full-scale implementation of its kind within Luzon. Umoso said becoming fully digital enabled the system to streamline transactions, shorten processing times, and enhance access to online services. “With every branch now operating as a Digital Branch, members and employers benefit from faster, more convenient, and more efficient service delivery—whether onsite or online,” Umoso said. The Division also continued to expand its community-based service touchpoints through the E-Center sa Barangay initiative. As of October 2025, seven (7) E-Centers have been established across various barangays, providing easier access to online services for residents who may have limited digital resources. These centers have already assisted 1,208 constituents, enabling them to create My.SSS accounts, file benefit claims, and perform other online transactions with support from trained barangay personnel. Meanwhile, the SSS Service on E-Wheels (SOWS) program significantly extended the Division’s reach to communities with limited access to SSS offices. A total of 953 deployments across the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Mt. Province and Abra were conducted as of October 2025, bringing essential services to workplaces, remote barangays, and public areas. Through these mobile service missions, the Division was able to assist 38,358 constituents, reflecting its sustained drive to meet members where they are. The Luzon North Legal Department, headed by Atty. Blesselda Acosta, intensified employer compliance efforts through 111 RACE operations, resulting in 1,191 show cause orders issued to non-compliant employers. These operations impacted 5,152 employees, ensuring their eligibility for future benefits. “Through these compliance efforts, the Division successfully collected P13.08 million in delinquent contributions as of end of October this year,” Acosta said. She explained that Demand Letters are issued to employers who did not comply with the Billing Letters sent by the branch’ accounts management office. As of October, Acosta said that 287 demand letters were issued to non-compliant employers. “Employers who didn’t respond to Billing Letters within 30 days will receive a Demand Letter. If they still don’t comply, the case will be elevated to the court,” Acosta added. She disclosed that over P2.3 million was collected from 100 employers who settled after receiving demand letters or having cases filed in court. The Division also recorded strong performance under the KaSSSanga Collect Program. As of October 2025, it has formalized partnerships with 66 participating agencies, enabling the coverage of 4,046 Job Order and Contract of Service workers and generating P54.62 million in collections. This reflects strengthened government-wide support for the protection of non-regular workers. Umoso emphasizes that these accomplishments reflect its ongoing commitment to improving member experience, expanding its service footprint, and enforcing social security laws to safeguard the welfare of Filipino workers. “The Division remains dedicated to further enhancing its programs and strategies as it continues its mission of delivering accessible, responsive, and inclusive social protection services”, Umoso concluded. SSS Luzon North 1 Division is composed of SSS Laoag, SSS Vigan, SSS Candon, SSS Bangued, SSS La Union (San Fernando City), SSS Agoo, SSS Baguio, SSS La Trinidad and SSS Bontoc.

Luisita’s pads lead to 25 prior BCC foray

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines– Luisita Golf and Country Club widened its lead to 25 points as the Seniors Championship squads take a one-day break and return on Tuesday at the short and tricky Baguio Country Club course in the 75th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament. The Tarlac based squad slowed down with 127 after a sizzling 132 start for a 259 two-day aggregate to widen its lead over Riviera Golf at the Camp John Hay golf. This time Ronnie Littaua paced the squad with 34 points even as Ferdie Barbosa submitted a 33 and day one top scorer Abe Rosal after a three under 66 for 39 points carded a four over for 32and Benjamin Sumulong added 28 in the four to play, four to count event backed by Toyota and Mazda. Riviera improved to 121 and with its 113 on opening day now has 234 points as it leads Srixon IMG Team 1 by eight points. Srixon improved to third after opening at fourth on day two after a third flight best of 119 and 226as Valley Golf faltered with 85 after hot start of 110 for 195. Luisita’s Jerich Hechanova said the tournament is still a long way with two more days to play at the more difficult BCC layout. On a day when Tommy Manotoc did not play, Green Water limped home with 78 for a two day total of 182 and its lead down to only eight after a sizzling 104 and 23 points lead in the Am Championship at the BCC course. Roland Punzalan topscored for the squad with 27, Douglas Puckett had 20, while Suny Fontilea and Jose Quimson chipped 18 and 13 markers, respectively. Alan Edgardo Alegre ad Raul Montealto made 29 and 28, respectively, to lead Summit Point Golf to 93 and 174 total to overtake Mamala Bay at second spot. Mamala Bay had 87 points for a 170 aggregate and third spot in the competitions. Allan Rubrica carved 28 points and power Ultraflite 1 to 87 for a 177 total and an eight-point advantage over Sandigan 82 Team 1 which shot 88 for a two-day sum of 169 in Fil B. Sandigan thus overtook Macquarrie Links Sydney Team 1 which assembled 78 for 166 points. JHG – BCDA produced 73 points for a 151 total and its lead of eight was reduced to a single mark against a surging Stallion Golfers of Sen. Lito Lapid in Am B. Teddy Quizon paced the Pampanga based squad with 27 for a flight best 80. MCG Mimosa is two shot down after a 78 and 148 total. Meanwhile, Rosal still leads the Individual I scorers with 71, ahead by one on teammate Barbosa and Riviera Golf’s Kyung Young Jung.. FMR

Albay Leadership Spotlight

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Leadership Spotlight | Honorable Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, Albay Board Member � PCL President ALBAY, Philippines � 𝘏𝘰𝘯. 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘻𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘻-𝘈𝘭𝘴𝘶𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 10, 1974, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘫𝘰 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘻𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘻, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘭 𝘈𝘭𝘴𝘶𝘢. 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 2010 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘦-𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘰 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 9 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 (2013-2022). 𝘋𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘓𝘎𝘜-𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 2019 & 2022. S𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘰 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥-𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 � 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 2014 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘝. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘰 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 (𝘗𝘊𝘓) � 𝘈𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 1, 2025, 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘌𝘹-𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰 𝘉𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘭𝘴𝘰, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘊𝘓 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 25, 2025. Pubmat layout: Lloyd A. Arevalo � Admin Aide III

Kalinga losses P1.37-B damage due ‘Uwan’

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

PROVINCE OF KALINGA, Philippines – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) reported, on November 26, that the damage caused by Super Typhoon Uwan in the province of Kalinga continues to increase to P1.37 billion. According to the PDRRMC, a total of 12,646 families or 54,561 individuals were affected throughout the province, while 1,967 were damaged, of which 82 were totally damaged for a total of P19,522,659,181 in damages. The province was also severely damaged in agriculture from the destruction of rice, corn, high value crops, vegetables, banana, calamansi, coffee, durian and rambutan amounting to P81,272,779, while the damage to agricultural infrastructure was P272,104,720. The damaged machinery includes tractors, rice mills, centrifugal pumps, lawn mowers, generators, chainsaws, thresher units, and other farm equipment in Tabuk and Pasil Cities, valued at ₱910,000. Extensive damage to public infrastructure, including community irrigation systems (CIS), slope protections, roads, greenhouses, national and provincial roads, day care centers, washing sheds, elementary school buildings, bridges, flood control systems, water reservoirs, material recovery facilities, tourism roads, foot canals, water systems, slope protections, bridges (including suspension and slab bridges), school buildings, barangay halls, church buildings, BFP and PNP facilities, comfort rooms, clinics, municipalities, and many others, with initial damage of P992,453,264.35 Animal and poultry damage was recorded at P29,313,9267.50, while damage to livelihoods was P704,945. Five fatalities were recorded: four from the landslide in Western Uma, where one is still missing and search and rescue operations are ongoing, and one from Buscalan who died of drowning and was found in a river along Bangad, Tinglayan. Here are the initial damages suffered by the eight towns of Kalinga. Tabuk City: P45,038,939.72 Tinglayan: P7,401,509 Balbalan: P7,949,367.86 Pasil: P6,309,795.34 Pinukpuk: P27,979,376.77 Rizal: P3,482,594 Lubuagan: P4,758,807.94 Tanudan: P7,228,831.03 Provincial authorities stressed that this is only a preliminary consolidated report, and the extent of damage may continue to increase as municipal LGUs complete their assessments, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The public is urged to closely coordinate with local officials for assistance, advice, and ongoing relief operations.

SM Supermalls Dominates International Business Awards with All Community-Centric Wins

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

SM Supermalls once again proved its global excellence and heart for community as it clinched seven major awards at the 2025 InternationalBusiness Awards (IBA) held in Lisbon, Portugal — an unbeatable victory that shines a spotlight on its community-driven programs and campaigns. The awards reaffirm SM Supermalls’ purpose-driven commitment to uplifting communities through meaningful initiatives that combine creativity, compassion, and innovation. A clean sweep of community-centered honors SM Supermalls bagged top honors across multiple categories, winning two Gold, four Silver, and one Bronze trophies — all dedicated to its social good and sustainability efforts. SM Supermalls earned Gold Awards for its 100 Days of Joy campaign, recognized as the Branded Content Campaign of the Year, and for SM Art Market, which won Art, Entertainment & Public – Art Event of the Year. The company also took home Silver Awards for Building a Greener Philippines under Sustainability Leadership in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand; SM Cares’ Mall for All as CSR Program of the Year; SM Cares’ Coastal Cleanup for Sustainability Initiative of the Year in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand; and Tribe Marketing Revolution and Its New Era of Consumer Connection for Best Use of Data to Drive Brand Strategy. Rounding out the wins, SM Supermalls received a Bronze Award for SM Cares’ Book Nook under Achievement in CSR. Celebrating community through purpose and impact The all-community-centered win underscores SM Supermalls’ belief that business success is best measured by the positive impact it makes on people’s lives. From championing sustainability and inclusivity to empowering local creatives and promoting data-driven connections, SM continues to lead with purpose at every level. “These awards are a reflection of our deep commitment to serving communities beyond retail,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin. “Every program we create is rooted in our core mission — to bring joy, care, and positive change to every Filipino we reach.” The International Business Awards is one of the world’s most prestigious business recognition programs, celebrating organizations that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and social impact. Through its sweeping victory in Lisbon, SM Supermalls reinforces its standing as a global leader with a heart — proving once again that when business and purpose come together, communities thrive. To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @SMSupermalls on social media for the latest updates.

Baguio to join World AIDS Day commemoration

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city will be joining the global commemoration of World AIDS Day with a simple but meaningful program to be held at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC) at around 1 pm, on Monday, December 1, 2025 The event will start with a program inside the convention facility which will be followed by a candle lighting ceremony and the launching of the Baguio city NAMNaMa Center at the former triage area located at the side of the BCC. Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and Councilor Elmer Datuin, Chairperson of the City Council Committee on Health, Sanitation and Ecology, will be sharing their messages of support to the city’s aggressive interventions to combat the unabated increase of human immune virus – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) – while City Health Officer Dr. Celiaflor Brillantes will provide the overview of the city government’s programs and initiatives to combat the proliferation of cases in the city. Dr. Amelita M. Pangilinan, regional director of the Cordillera office of the Department of Health (DOH-CAR), will also be providing the overview of the agency’s program on Nurturing Awareness, Mobilizing Networks and Advocating to Mitigate the Actual Impact of AIDS (NAMNaMa) which employs localized ad culturally sensitive strategies to combat HIV and sextually transmitted illnesses, including health promotion in schools and communities, online campaigns, free HIV testing and empowering local health leaders. Earlier, the local government, through the City Health Services office (CHSO) social hygiene clinic, identified the former triage area at the compound of the BCC as a sundown testing center where interested individuals can undergo the desired HIV screening that runs from 7 am to 11 pm. Members of the Baguio AIDS Watch Council called on city officials and residents who will be joining the commemoration to wear red which symbolizes the verdant desire of the local government and health officials to combat HIV-AIDS in the city and provide opportunities for HIV-affected people to be provided with the necessary interventions for their treatment. (BaguioPIO)

Author name: Street Journal

Northern Samar-PIO recognized as Best in Development Communications for Region-8