Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Employee volunteers participated in clean-up and preparation activities within the school grounds to help provide a more welcoming and conducive learning environment for students and teachers. The initiative forms part of the mall’s continuing community efforts in support of education and school readiness. Beyond preparing classrooms and shared spaces, the activity also highlights the importance of collaboration between schools, private organizations, and the community in creating better learning environments for students. For SM City Baguio, Brigada Eskwela has become more than an annual volunteer activity, but also a continuing partnership with the school community through the years. Through initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, SM City Baguio continues to support meaningful community programs that contribute to education, volunteerism, and shared responsibility for the next generation.

BCS, UC Athletes Commended for Medal Haul in Benguet Grand Slam

Sports

Sports / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The city goverment of Baguio on June 8, commended student-athletes from Baguio Central School and the University of the Cordilleras for their outstanding performances after winning multiple medals during the 1st Benguet Open Dancesport Competition and PDSFI Grand Slam Luzon Leg 2026, held on May 9 in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. Under the guidance of Coach Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano, the young athletes showcased discipline, skill, and perseverance as they competed in various dancesport categories against participants from across the region. Leading the medal winners were gold medalists Jahzaer Andrei S. Agapito of Baguio Central School and Allysson Jean D. Soriano of the University of the Cordilleras, who excelled in several events including Open Juvenile 1C Latin, One North Luzon Juvenile 1C Latin, and Grassroot Juvenile 1 Samba, Jive, and Cha-cha-cha. Also earning top recognition were Gwyneth Angelique C. Diaz and Cebriel Morgan O. Abila, who secured medals in the Open Juvenile 1B Latin category. Among the silver medalists were Precious Jelaine Q. Garcia and Willord Zach G. Quero, who won in the Grassroot Juvenile 1 Cha-cha-cha, Samba, and Jive, while Sethrealle Colton M. Ibasco and Saphierre Angel Lique T. Dato-on earned honors in the Juvenile 2B Latin division. Bronze medalists included Jhusryl King Jacob H. Zulueta and Erich Harmonie R. Navalta, who placed in the Grassroot Juvenile 1 Cha-cha-cha, Samba, and Jive and Open Juvenile 1C Latin categories. Gwyneth Angelique C. Diaz and Cebriel Morgan O. Abila likewise secured bronze medals in the Open Juvenile 1C Latin and One North Luzon Juvenile 1C Latin events. Meanwhile, Brianna Wrenn K. Lopez and Braizzy Khaled F. Navarette earned bronze in the Open Juvenile 2C Latin, while Sethrealle Colton M. Ibasco and Saphierre Angel Lique T. Dato-on added another bronze finish in the Juvenile 2A Latin and One North Luzon Juvenile 2A Latin categories. Coach Terrence Jeoffrey Soriano praised the athletes for their dedication and commitment to training, saying their achievements reflect the hard work and passion they poured into the competition. The medal haul brought pride not only to Baguio Central School and the University of the Cordilleras but also to the City of Baguio, as the young athletes continued to showcase excellence in dancesport on the regional stage.

DOLE deploys over 19,000 TUPAD workers for ‘Brigada Eskwela’ in Bicol

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

By Rosalita Manlangit DAET, Camarines Norte, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has sent more than 19,000 workers from its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program to help public schools in the Bicol region get ready for classes starting on June 8. Speaking at Labo Elementary School in Camarines Norte on Wednesday, DOLE Regional Director Imelda Gatinao announced that DOLE is working with the Department of Education on this year’s Brigada Eskwela, which seeks to ensure that public schools are clean, safe, and prepared to welcome millions of students and teachers at the start of classes. As part of the partnership, DOLE Bicol has set aside P103 million to help run Brigada Eskwela and offer temporary jobs to 19,348 workers through its TUPAD program. According to Gatinao, the workers will help get the school ready by cleaning classrooms, managing waste, moving furniture and learning materials, clearing plants, landscaping, repainting, and doing other simple campus improvement tasks. She said the workers have been sent to more than 1,295 schools in Bicol, covering 12,105 classrooms. She added that the workers may be assigned for up to 10 days during Brigada Eskwela and other preparations. Each worker will receive P4,550 for their work, Gatinao added. At the same event, DepEd Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad expressed his gratitude to those who provided support, such as national government agencies, banks, private individuals, and organizations in Camarines Norte, who gave in-kind and cash donations. “This Brigada Eskwela is what we need today: cooperation despite the many problems we are facing. If we help and support each other, these hardships will become lighter for us and our families,” he said. Emalyn Villaflores, 50, who supports her two grandchildren, expressed her appreciation for the DOLE-TUPAD program. She is one of the 76 TUPAD beneficiaries at Labo Elementary School. “It is encouraging that more people are working together, especially when they feel overwhelmed. We are here to help with the cleaning,” she said. She said that her earnings would significantly aid in covering her grandchildren’s school expenses. (Reyjun Villamonte contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)

TIEZA nagsagawa ng final inspection sa Hyperbaric Chamber project sa Puerto Galera

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

PUERTO GALERA. Oriental Mindoro — Nagsagawa ng final inspection ang mga opisyal ng Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) sa Hyperbaric Chamber ng Puerto Galera, isang mahalagang pasilidad na inaasahang magbibigay ng agarang serbisyong medikal para sa mga diver at magpapalakas pa sa katayuan ng bayan bilang Diving Capital ng bansa, June 5, 2026. Pinangunahan ang inspeksyon nina Engr. Gregory A. Oller, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for Architectural and Engineering Services Sector; Rodolfo E. Ancheta, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for Assets Management Sector; at Engr. Micha Evangelista, Project Engineer ng TIEZA. Kasama rin sa isinagawang inspeksyon si Engr. Geraldin Bacay, Municipal Engineer ng Puerto Galera. Ang Hyperbaric Chamber ay isang napakahalagang pasilidad para sa Puerto Galera, na kilala bilang isa sa mga pangunahing destinasyon para sa diving tourism sa Pilipinas. Sa oras na maging ganap na operational, makatutulong ito sa mabilis na pagtugon sa mga diving-related emergencies at sa pagbibigay ng kinakailangang paggamot sa mga diver, na magdaragdag ng seguridad at kumpiyansa sa mga lokal at dayuhang turistang bumibisita sa bayan. Matapos ang final inspection, nagtungo rin ang grupo sa Tamaraw Falls upang inspeksyunin ang lugar na inaasahang paglalagyan ng Tamaraw Viewing Spiral, isang iminungkahing tourism infrastructure project na naglalayong mapaganda ang viewing experience ng mga turista habang pinapangalagaan ang likas na kagandahan ng isa sa mga pinakatanyag na atraksyon ng Puerto Galera. Ang mga proyektong ito ay patunay ng patuloy na pagtutulungan ng TIEZA at ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Puerto Galera sa pamumuno ni Mayor Robinhood D. Ylagan at Vice Mayor Rocky D. Ilagan sa pagpapaunlad ng turismo, pagpapahusay ng mga pasilidad, at pagbibigay ng ligtas at de-kalidad na karanasan para sa mga bumibisita sa bayan.

Gov.Ongchuan, DILG, key infra agencies, partner for Local Infra Learning Hub

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — A significant step in upholding good infrastructure governance, Governor Harris Ongchuan committed to establishing the Local Infrastructure Learning Hub (LIL Hub) in Northern Samar, signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and partner agencies involved in infrastructure development in the province. The MOA formalizes the commitment of the Provincial Government and partner agencies to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to LGUs on infrastructure audit and related activities, assist and provide pool of trainers or resource persons in delivering capacity development interventions to improve local infrastructure governance, and collaborate in the development of infrastructure audit plans to ensure the sustainability of the LIL Hub. It strengthens mutual cooperation among partner-implementers for disaster preparedness and infrastructure audit. ”We have seen how typhoons get stronger each year, so it is vital that we build quality, safer roads, bridges and government facilities for our constituents. This MOA ensures that the quality of our infrastructures are looked into,” Governor Ongchuan said. He also commended the DILG for the initiative, expressing the Provincial Government’s full support and cooperation to its goal. The governor’s commitment encompasses the PGNS departments involved in infra-building: the Provincial Engineering Office, the PDRRMO and the Provincial Health Office. Spearheading the agreement-signing, DILG Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit stressed how vital high-quality local infrastructure delivery is. ”The LIL Hub is a response to the challenging times, a commitment to protect lives. For good governance is also about safe buildings and infrastructures – the biggest legacy that government leaves to the next generation,” she emphasized. Also signing the cooperation on June 4, 2026 at the Provincial Capitol were DPWH First Engineering District head, Engr. Alvin Ignacio, DPWH 2 District Engineer, Atty. Eric Sabong, DepEd Northern Samar Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rey Bulawan, BFP Northern Samar OIC Provincial Fire Marshal Darwin Orsolino, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Northern Samar Chapter Officer, Engr. Felix Licas and the representative of UEP. Also present were DILG OIC Cluster Head Eduardo Diaz Jr. and members of the DILG PDMU Team, OIC Provincial Engineer Noel Berbon and Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Adah Gwynne Tobes. The learning hub, a catalyst for innovative and collaborative ingfrastructure governance, aims to build an enduring framework to elevate development standards, guarantee public accountability and ensure future public works deliver a safer, more resilient infrastructure landscape for Northern Samar.

BoC-NAIA intercepts P13.3M suspected marijuana at Terminal 1

Uncategorized

Uncategorized / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), successfully intercepted approximately ₱13.3 million worth of suspected marijuana “Kush” from a passenger arriving from Thailand at NAIA Terminal 1 on June 4, 2026. The Filipino passenger arrived from Thailand, and during the X-ray examination of checked-in baggage, the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) detected suspicious images indicative of organic substances, prompting further inspection. A thorough physical examination of the luggage was immediately conducted. The inspection resulted in the discovery of 21 medium-sized packs, 42 small-sized packs, and two medium-sized containers containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana “Kush.” The items weighed approximately 8,910 grams with an estimated street value of ₱13,365,000. Following the discovery, the BOC immediately coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which conducted a K9 sniffing operation that yielded a positive indication for illegal drugs. The suspected contraband was subsequently turned over to PDEA for laboratory examination, further analysis, and case build-up. Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the vigilance and professionalism of the personnel involved in the operation, underscoring the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders against the entry of illegal drugs. The BOC-NAIA, under District Collector Atty. Yasmin Obillos-Mapa, continues to strengthen its border protection efforts through intelligence-driven operations, advanced screening technologies, and sustained coordination with partner law enforcement agencies in support of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. (BOC Release)

Funeral home, 40 other, face closure for Smoke-Free Ordinance violations

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A total of 41 establishments including a funeral home have been recommended for closure the Smoke-Free BaguioTask Force, due to repeated violations of the city’s Smoke-Free Ordinance, particularly City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017. Mayor Benjamin Magalong who heads the Smoke-Free BaguioTask Force said the establishments were identified as repeat offenders after repeatedly failing to comply with regulations aimed at protecting the public from exposure to tobacco smoke and other smoking-related products in prohibited areas. Magalong directed the city’s Permit and Licensing Division to take appropriate action against the establishments and implement the necessary closure procedures in accordance with the ordinance. Located in different parts of the city, the flagged establishments include 21 night restaurants and bars, nine sari-sari stores, five restaurant-cafes, three dry good stores, two entertainment centers and one memorial chapel. Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products in all public places, enclosed spaces, public utility vehicles, streets, accommodation establishments (including apartments and hotels), entertainment venues and areas within 100 meters of parks, schools and churches. Individuals and establishments that violate or tolerate violations are subject to penalties. Individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas face a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P3,000 for the third offense. Third-time offenders may also face up to three months imprisonment at the discretion of the court, along with community service and confiscation of tobacco or vaping products. Establishments that fail to enforce the ordinance or repeatedly allow violations within their premises may be fined up to P5,000 and risk the revocation of their business permits. He said the strict enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ordinance is part of the local government’s continuing efforts to promote public health and maintain a healthy environment for residents and visitors. CITY TO INTENSIFY ANTI-VAPING CAMPAIGN AS CLASSES OPEN Meanwhile, Magalong has directed members of the SFBTF to launch a more aggressive and sustained campaign against vaping in line with the opening of classes in the city. He said efforts to enforce City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017 or the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance which covers vaping prohibition, although already being implemented continuously in the city, have to be stepped up further to make a lasting impact. The mayor emphasized that consistent enforcement would discourage the illegal sale of vape products in the city. He said sellers would eventually realize that operating in Baguio is no longer profitable if authorities maintain a strong and sustained campaign. “We will aim to make vape selling a non-profitable business in the city and evebtually permanently stop the operation of these sellers,” the mayor said. The task force said recent studies had shown that although smoking incidents had declined in the city, vape use had increased especially among the teens. City Health Services Office (CHSO) tobacco control coordinator Dr. Donna Panes said that in view of this, the city also needs to strengthen smoking and vaping cessation services, particularly for adolescents. Public Order and Safety Division Head Daryll Longid reported that daily apprehensions and operations are already being conducted by his team and other task force members but assured the mayor that enforcement efforts would be further intensified. Longid noted that Baguio is believed to be the only local government unit in the country without a legally operating vape shop after all such establishments were ordered closed in 2023. He said many vape sellers relocated to neighboring areas, particularly La Trinidad, but continue to target Baguio consumers through online platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, and TikTok. He emphasized the need for national government agencies to help regulate online sales, proposing the creation of an online reporting mechanism where citizens can report social media accounts engaged in selling vape products. Such reports could then be acted upon by agencies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry in coordination with social media platforms. Baguio City is widely regarded as a frontrunner in the country’s smoke-free and vape-free campaign, having implemented strict ordinances and enforcement measures aimed at protecting public health. Just recently, the city was invited to join the filing of the proposed Smoke-free and Vape-free Bill by Rep. Krisel Lagman in the House of Representatives. “This landmark legislative measure is a timely and necessary step towards nationalizing and strengthening the very protections that local government units like Baguio City have long worked hard to establish and sustain to protect public health and promote a smoke-free environment,” the mayor in his statement of support to the bill, said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo

Hospitality Without Limit: Building a more accessible Tourism Industry

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) successfully conducted a Barrier-Free Tourism Training for representatives of various accommodation establishments across the region to strengthen their understanding of accessible tourism and encourage the adoption of inclusive and persons with disabilities-friendly practices, onJune 4–5, 2026. The training forms part of DOT-CAR’s Barrier-Free Tourism Initiative, which promotes awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and advocates for inclusion, non-discrimination, and equal access to travel experiences for all. Through this initiative, DOT-CAR continues to champion an accessible and inclusive tourism industry where every traveler is welcomed and valued. Accessible tourism is not merely about ramps and infrastructure; it is about ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty, culture, and opportunities that tourist offers. An accessible tourism destination is a destination that welcomes everyone. Through accessible tourism, persons with disabilities are empowered to enjoy tourism activities, destinations, and experiences on an equal footing with others. Together, let us build a tourism industry that breaks barriers, embraces diversity, and ensures that no one is left behind.

69 Nueva Vizcaya ‘golden couples’ receive incentives

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Another 69 couples in Nueva Vizcaya who have been married for 50 years or more received P50,000 each from the provincial government under its Enduring Devotion Ordinance, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 681 and the total disbursement to P34.05 million since the program was implemented. The latest distribution, totaling P3.45 million, was held yesterday at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center and was led by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Flordelina C. Granada. Granada said the recipients make up the 12th batch of beneficiaries of the program, which covers qualified couples from the different municipalities of the province. Granada added that the provincial government is continuously processing applications for the incentive, noting that another P10 million has been allocated to accommodate additional 2025 applications, an amount enough to cover 200 more qualified couples. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito said the provincial government remains committed to sustaining the initiative, which he described as a tribute to couples who have shown enduring love and commitment. “We have already disbursed more than P30 million for this program. This is a significant amount, and while it could have been used for many other projects, I do not mind because this is more than a financial reward. It is the provincial government’s way of recognizing your lasting commitment, sacrifices and devotion to one another,” Gambito said. He said he hopes the program will inspire younger couples to nurture their relationships and remain committed to keeping their families intact. Gambito also reiterated his observation that many troubled children come from broken families, stressing the importance of strong and stable family relationships. Notably, Gov. Gambito and his wife, Beth, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary making the program personally meaningful for the governor as the province continues to honor couples who have reached the same milestone. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the provincial government, saying the cash assistance would help them meet their daily expenses, particularly the purchase of maintenance medicines. The Enduring Devotion Ordinance, authored by then Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao Jr., grants P50,000 to couples who have been married for 50 years or more.The ordinance aims to recognize and honor couples who have stood the test of time and who serve as role models for younger generations.

Author name: Street Journal

SM City Baguio continues Brigada Eskwela support at MLQ Elementary School