Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the GASA Philippine Chapter, and Globe unite to strengthen digital protection for overseas Filipino workers through closer collaboration against evolving scams. MANILA, Philippines — Online scams are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly borderless. For millions of overseas Filipino workers and their families, the risks are real and often personal, especially when it comes to cross-border financial transactions and digital communication. To confront this escalating threat, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement sets a clear direction to strengthen digital safety programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), deepen cross-border intelligence sharing, and widen access to practical tools and resources that help migrant workers recognize, prevent, and respond to scams before real damage is done. Globe serves as Chair of the GASA Philippines Chapter, reinforcing its leadership in responsible AI, strong privacy governance, and sustained scam prevention efforts. Through the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) coalition, which brings together Globe, Gogolook, Meta, Google, Mastercard, Scamwatch Pilipinas, and other partners, with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) participating as an observer, the partnership will expand public awareness campaigns, strengthen digital literacy programs, conduct joint training sessions, and advance research initiatives. “Overseas Filipino workers make tremendous sacrifices for their families and for the country. They should not have to worry about falling victim to scams while working abroad,” said Derick Ohmar Adil, Globe’s Head of AI and Privacy Governance. “Through this partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers, we are strengthening digital literacy and promoting responsible use of technology so that protection keeps pace with evolving threats.” Together, these efforts aim to equip OFWs and their families with clear, practical guidance and accessible tools to spot warning signs, verify suspicious messages or transactions, and protect the income they work so hard to earn. “For our overseas Filipino workers, every peso they earn represents sacrifice, discipline, and love for their families. We cannot allow criminals to take that away through deception,” said Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac. “This partnership strengthens our ability to protect OFWs through better information sharing, stronger digital literacy, and coordinated action across borders.” The initiative reinforces Globe’s broader commitment to digital safety, cybersecurity, and responsible AI governance. It also highlights the importance of public and private sector collaboration in combating cyber-enabled crimes that do not respect geographic boundaries. Through sustained collaboration and shared accountability, Globe and its partners aim to empower every Filipino, wherever they may be in the world, to navigate the digital space more safely and securely.

Cebu to host Sports Tourism Forum at NUSTAR Resort Cebu

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu will welcome sports and tourism industry leaders, government officials, and private sector stakeholders to the Sports Tourism Forum 2026 at NUSTAR Resort Cebu in Cebu City on March 18, 2026. The one-day forum is supported by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Tourism Region 7, the Cebu MICE Alliance, and NUSTAR Resort Cebu, with The Freeman as its official media partner. The forum will feature three rounds of panel discussions on key topics shaping the industry today: Is the Tourism Sector Doing Its Share in Sports Tourism Sponsorship Impact on Sports Tourism in Cebu Achievements & Challenges in Managing Sports Tourism Events Distinguished guest speakers include Mr. Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission; Ms. Cleofe Albiso, President of the Cebu MICE Alliance; Ms. Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events Inc.; Dir. Roberto “Robby” Alabado III, Director of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism at the Department of Tourism; Mr. Kenneth Peralta, VP of Investment, Promotions, and Marketing at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Mr. Andrew Fernandes, Bohol sports tourism organizer; Mr. Marko Kasic, Founder of FundLife International; Mr. Carlo Sampan, Head of MILO Sports; and Mr. Benito “Bong” Bengzon, Jr., Vice President Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. and Executive Director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association. The Sports Tourism Forum, since its inception in 2004, has been held across the Philippines to improve managing and encourage sports events in the country to boost tourism. Sports events create a positive social, cultural and economic impact for the host city. The series is hosted by Selrahco Management, a strategic marketing and public relations company based in Cebu for Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc., a non-stock, non profit organization, a member of the London-based, International Association of Event Hosts. Registration to the forum is at ₱2,500.00 on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee includes lunch, one snack, a certificate, and networking opportunities. Interested participants may register online at https://form.jotform.com/250370552303446 or email arantxa.selrahco@gmail.com.

BDO recorded ₱87.2 billion net income in 2025

Business

Business / Street Journal

We find ways. BDO Unibank reported a net income of ₱87.2 billion in 2025, a 6% increase from ₱82.0 billion last year. Highlights: Earnings grew by 6%, driven by expansion in core businesses; ROCE stands at 14.4% Gross loans increased by 13%, supported by double-digit growth across all market segments, reflecting a balanced growth strategy NPL ratio improved to 1.68% with NPL coverage at 133% Capital position remained stable with a CET1 ratio of 13.8%; Book Value Per Share rose 11% to ₱119.03 BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) delivered a record net income of ₱87.2 billion in 2025, a 6% increase from ₱82.0 billion last year driven by the solid performance of its core businesses. Return on Average Common Equity (ROCE) was reported at 14.4% for the period. Net Interest Income increased by 9% as Gross Customer Loans expanded by 13% to ₱3.7 trillion, supported by double-digit growth across all market segments. Total deposits grew by 10%, with a Current Account/Savings Account (CASA) ratio of 68%. Non-interest income rose by 9%, while income from insurance operations went up by 10%. Asset quality improved, with Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio declining to 1.68% from 1.83% in the previous year. NPL coverage stood at 133%. Shareholders’ equity increased by 12% on sustained profitable operations, with Book Value Per Share up by 11% to ₱119.03. The Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio was recorded at 13.8%. In 2025, BDO advanced its sustainability initiatives with the successful issuance of its fourth Peso‑denominated ASEAN Sustainability Bond in July. The issuance raised a record ₱115 billion to fund eligible assets under the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework, support its lending activities, and further diversify its funding sources. BDO’s market leadership and robust business franchise, supported by a strong balance sheet and solid financial performance, position the Bank well to capture long‑term growth opportunities and emerging prospects.

‘Love the Philippines’ float blooms at Panagbenga’s 30th Grand Floral Showcase

CAR, Tourism / Health

CAR, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

The 30th Panagbenga Festival Grand Floral Float Parade unfolded as a vibrant tribute to three decades of blooming without end—celebrating artistry, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the people of Baguio and the Cordilleras. The city’s streets transformed into a moving garden of color and creativity, as beautifully crafted floats captivated residents and visitors alike.The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region proudly participated with its Love The Philippines float, embodying its commitment to creative, cultural, and community-based tourism. The float’s circular and flowing form symbolized continuity of seasons, traditions, and tourism’s vital role in connecting communities. It echoed the Department’s national campaign, “Love The Philippines,” inviting everyone to discover destinations that flourish not only in natural beauty but in culture, resilience, and shared narratives. Around thirty floral floats joined this milestone parade, competing and non-competing entries alike, each presenting intricate designs made from fresh blooms and locally sourced materials. As Panagbenga marks its 30th year, the Grand Floral Float Parade showcases how far the festival has come — from a celebration born out of resilience to a globally recognized tourism event that continues to bloom with purpose and promise.

DepEd Nueva Vizcaya receives P13.5-M SEF Fund for CAVRAA 2026

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) Nueva Vizcaya on Thursday formally received a ₱13.5 million check from the provincial government to fund the province’s participation in the upcoming Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) Meet set on April 12–16, 2026 in Santiago City. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito turned over the check to Schools Division Superintendent Orlando E. Manuel in a brief ceremony attended by personnel of the Schools Division Office. The amount comes from the province’s Special Education Fund (SEF), underscoring the local government’s continued commitment to youth development and sports excellence. Of the total allocation, ₱1.5 million was used to support the recently concluded Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Athletic Association Meet, which served as the qualifying competition for athletes advancing to the regional level. The remaining ₱12 million has been earmarked to cover the delegation’s expenses for the CAVRAA Meet, including training, uniforms, transportation, and other logistical requirements. During the turnover, Gov Gambito and NV DepEd officials also discussed Nueva Vizcaya’s preparations for its scheduled hosting of the CAVRAA next year. Gambito emphasized the importance of ensuring that the province is fully prepared to stage a successful and well-organized regional athletic event. “To host CAVRAA is both an honor and a responsibility. We must ensure that our facilities and preparations meet regional standards,” the governor said. In line with this, the provincial government has allocated an initial fund of ₱60 million for the repair and upgrading of the Nueva Vizcaya Sports Complex. Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan said ₱20 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the basketball and volleyball courts, as well as the repair of the perimeter fence. The remaining ₱40 million will fund the installation of a rubberized oval track, a key facility requirement for major athletic competitions. Nueva Vizcaya last hosted the CAVRAA in 2015 — a landmark year when the province not only successfully staged the regional meet but also reclaimed the overall championship title after a 27-year hiatus.

30 floats blooms the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio

Baguio City, Tourism / Health

Baguio City, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Colorful designs of various types of flowers and ornamental plants were the designs of the 30 floatsthat participated in the grand Panagbenga Festival flower parade in Baguio City, on March 1. Themed “Blooming WithoutEnd”, the floats from the Small, Medium and Large categories, some of whichwere brought by celebrities, onceagainshone brightly, with the participants highlighting their float entries in line with this year’s theme, which will be the basis for the judges’ selection of the winners. As early as 4:00 a.m., spectators took their seats at Session and Harrison Road to get a closer look at the elegant designs of the floats, some of whichwere brought by celebrities, much to thedelight of the spectators. Each float reflects the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural pride of local designers, artists, and community groups who carefully transformed fresh flowers into moving works of art. From intricate floral designs tocreative themes inspired by the nature and heritage of the Cordillera, the parade attracted thousands of residents and visitors eager to witness the colorful spectacle. In the small float category, there are 7; in the medium catego ry 7; and in the large category 11 are all in the competition category. Also participating in the parade are the City Government’s large float; the Department of Tourism-CAR float and AB Leisure Exponent Inc (Bingo Plus), as non-competing floats. The large floats of Baguio Country Club and SMPrime Holding Inc. also participate annually as Hall of Famers. This year, the participants in the small floral float category are Radiowealth Finance Company, BB Wedding and Events Styling, Jam AE Enterprise Corp., Wlcon Depot Inc., Eurika Garden, Zaparatta’s Garden, Zaparita’s Garden. In the medium category, Wright Park Hotel, Chowking-Fresh N’ Famous Foods Inc., KFC, Mang Inasal, Palawan Express, Philippine Retirement Authority, RBC Flower Trading/RBC Cutflower Organization. In the large floral category, International Pharmaceuticals In., TIEZA, Pepsi Cola, Golden Arches Development Corporation (MCDO), Regasco, Gamezone IThru Caper Consumer Business Innovation,Inc.. John Hay Management Corporation, GMA Network Inc./Sunsilk, Jollibee Food Corporation, Chooks to Go, Zaparita;s Garden. The flower float is considered a crowd-pulling event in the history of Panagbenga Festival since 1995.By Zaldy Comanda

Tribu Siglat, Mabini Elem.School wins Panagbenga streetdancing

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Tribu Siglat-Tinungbo Festival of Pugo, La Union won the Festival Dance category, while the Mabini Elementary School Drum and Lyre Corps topped the Elementary Drum and Lyre category, after the showdown competition of the grand street dancing competition of the 30th Panagbenga Festival held at the Melvin Jones Football ground, Baguio City, on February 28. Apart from the performance of the Tribu Siglat, the audience was also impressed by the participation of a female short stature dancer who did not lag behind in her energetic performance in the street dancing parade and showdown competition. Their dance performance showcased the rich culture of the Bago Tribe through traditional dances such as Manmanok, Sadong, and Tadek, accompanied by gongs and bamboo instruments—elements that reflect their origins and beliefs. Aside from their colorful traditions, an important part of their lives is farming and fishing, known as Panagkammel. Their livelihood is based on agriculture—growing rice, vegetables, and other crops—as well as the abundant natural resources of their environment. Panagkammel is not only a livelihood but also a symbol of their hard work, cooperation, and deep connection with nature and they also maintain customs such as Tinungbo, cooking food inside bamboo, which shows their creativity and environmentalism. Tribu Siglat will receive a P200,000 cash prize as 1st place; Tribu Kanluran Jones, of Jones, Isabela, 2nd place, with a prize of P100,000 and Tribu Balitok a Pagey, of Malasiqui, Pangasinan, 3rd Place with a prize of P70,000. Mabini Elementary School Drum and Lyre Corps won 1st Place in the Elementary Drum and Lyre category, with a prize of P150,000; second place went to El Tribu d Lucban, of Lucan Elementary School with a prize of P100,000 and third place went to Tuba Central School, Tuba, Benguet with a prize of P70,000. Aside from the cash prizes received, the participants will be given P100,000 each as a subsidiary for their participation in the competition. (By Zaldy Comanda)

14 street dancers wowed the crowds in grand Panagbenga Festival

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY – A midget woman wowed the audience with her energetic performance during the grand street dancing competition of the grand celebration of the 30th Panagbenga Festival with the themed ‘Blooming Without End’ in Baguio City, on February 28. The said midget dancer is part of the Tribu Siglat- Tinungbo Festival continegt of Pugo, La Union, and showed their rich culture of the Bago Tribethrough traditional dances such as Manmanok, Sadong, and Tadek, accompanied by gongs and bamboo instruments—elements that reflect their origins and beliefs. Aside from their colorful traditions, an important part of their lifestyle is farming and fishing, known as Panagkammel. Their livelihood is based on agriculture—growing rice, vegetables, and other crops—as well as the abundant natural resources of their environment. Panagkammel is not only a livelihood but also a symbol of their hard work, cooperation, and deep connection with nature. They also maintain customs such as Tinungbo, cooking food inside a bamboo, which shows their creativity and environmentalism. The seven other participants in the Festival Dance are the Lamut Harvest Festival Dance of Ifugao, Pagibang Damara Festival of SanJose, Nueva Ecija, Tribu Balitok a Pagey of Malasique, Pangasinan, Tribu Bagtas, Alisto SDO of Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, Tribu Bannuar Ilocandia of Balaoan, La Union, Tribu Eulogiano-Baggak Festival of Bauang, La Union, and Tribu Kanluran Jones-PiniUsa Festival of Jones, Isabela. In addition, the six participants in the Elementary Drum and Lyre Streetdancing competition on February 1 will also be paraded on Saturday, to continue their remaining 70 percent performance, as only 30 percent was taken from their performance during the grand opening of the Panagbenga Festival. The participants include Tuba Central School Drum and Lyre Corps; Pugo Central School, El Tribu D’Lucban Elementary School. Baguio Central School, Lucban Elementary School, Puguis Elementary School and Mabini Elementary School. The participants will once again showcase their skills in the showdown competition as the finale at the Melvin Jones Football ground, Burnham Park, Baguio City.(By Zaldy Comanda)

Globe AT HOME Launches Home AI with Built‑in Broadband, Guarantees Gold Standard Service

Business

Business / Street Journal

During the latest installment of The Blueprint by Globe, Globe AT HOME unveiled its latest breakthrough in home connectivity: the Home AI with Built‑in Broadband initiative. This innovation integrates fiber ports directly into new property developments, ensuring that homeowners have seamless, high‑speed internet the moment they move in, no waiting, no post-build drilling, just instant internet access to live, work, and play. Globe AT HOME’s vision goes beyond speed, focusing on consistency, reliability, and easy access. With GFiber Plans delivering market‑leading speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, the latest Wi‑Fi 7 modem, and 5G Wi‑Fi for an always‑on experience, these power homes with Home AI and IoT technologies that dynamically manage bandwidth for flawless connectivity. Whether streaming 8K videos, gaming in high definition, or running smart devices, Globe ensures every household enjoys “Digital Peace of Mind.” To reinforce this promise, Globe AT HOME introduced its Gold Standard Service, anchored on the 24‑Hour Rule. Customers can expect installations, modem-upgrades, or repairs to be completed within 24 hours, supported by proactive care programs that send real‑time alerts through the GlobeOne app. Globe’s dedicated CARE Squad further enhances the experience by optimizing intelligent home ecosystems, while the CARE‑AVan brings on‑the‑spot installations, upgrades, and gadget demos directly to communities. “Globe understands that your time is priceless, which is why our service is built on a simple 24‑Hour Rule. Whether it’s a new line, a modem-upgrade, or a repair, we guarantee resolution within 24 hours. Ultimately, your home deserves a connection as seamless as the life you are building there, and with our experience‑driven products, tech‑led innovations, and robust service guarantee programs, we are delivering more than just fiber, we are delivering an elevated and worry-free digital home experience,” said Abigail Cardino, Vice President and Brand Head of Globe Broadband Business. By eliminating technical friction through innovations like Auto Band Steering and creating a seamless thread between home and mobile data, Globe AT HOME is redefining what connectivity means for Filipino families. The launch at The Blueprint by Globe underscores Globe’s commitment to building a future where connectivity is not just about speed, but about reliability, inclusivity, and empowering households to live dynamically with connectivity you can count on.

Author name: Street Journal

Globe Backs Stronger Protection for OFWs as GASA and DMW Sign Landmark Anti-Scam Partnership