Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

IRIGA CITY, Philippines — The 2026 Tinagba Festival Street Dance Exhibition dazzled the crowd with electrifying performances, vibrant costumes, and powerful rhythms that truly embodied the spirit of Tinagba. ð—–ð—¢ð—¡ð—šð—¥ð—”ð—§ð—¨ð—Ÿð—”ð—§ð—œð—¢ð—¡ð—¦, ð—¦ð—§ð—¥ð—˜ð—˜ð—§ ð——ð—”ð—¡ð—–ð—˜ ð—–ð—›ð—”ð— ð—£ð—œð—¢ð—¡ð—¦! 1ð—¦ð—§ ð—£ð—Ÿð—”ð—–ð—˜: Zeferino Arroyo High School ðŸ®ð—¡ð—— ð—£ð—Ÿð—”ð—–ð—˜: Rinconada National Technical Vocational School ðŸ¯ð—¥ð—— ð—£ð—Ÿð—”ð—–ð—˜: San Antonio National High School To all participating contingents, thank you for showcasing the rich culture and talent of our Irigueño youth. (Lungsod ng Iriga) Arriba Iriga!

After decades abroad, OFW’s discipline and saving pay off in a big way

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

More than two decades of hard work overseas—and a lifelong habit of disciplined saving—came full circle for Benedicto Marra, 62, an overseas Filipino worker based in Saudi Arabia, after he emerged as the grand draw winner of 1 Million BDO Rewards Points under BDO Unibank’s Save Your Way to a Million Rewards Holiday Raffle Promo. A mechanic and heavy equipment technician for over 20 years, Marra left home out of necessity, driven by the responsibility of providing for his family. “Ginusto kong mag-abroad kasi kailangan. Mahirap ang buhay,” he shared, recalling the many challenges he faced—including a serious work accident—while continuing to persevere for his loved ones. “Number one d’yan yung pagkalayo sa pamilya. Yun ang di nababayaran ng salapi.” Since opening his BDO Kabayan Savings account in 2003, Marra has viewed banking not just as a place to store money, but as a tool to build long-term stability. His primary goal was simple yet deeply meaningful: To secure a home for his family. “Kahit papaano may masilungan,” he said, underscoring how saving with purpose guided his financial decisions through the years. While working abroad, Marra found reassurance in having reliable access to his finances through his Kabayan Savings account. He cited the convenience of online banking, real-time remittance crediting, competitive exchange rates, and transparent charges—features that proved especially valuable during the pandemic, when in-branch transactions were difficult. “Anytime, anywhere… basta may signal, nagagamit talaga,” he shared. By opening a new account with a minimum deposit of ₱50,000 during the promo period and signing up for BDO Pay for an additional raffle entry, Marra qualified for the holiday raffle—an initiative that turns everyday saving into opportunities for meaningful rewards. BDO said the promo reflects its broader commitment to encouraging responsible saving habits while recognizing the perseverance of its Kabayan clients. “Our overseas Filipino clients play a vital role in their families’ financial security,” said BDO Senior Vice President and Head of Remittance Genie T. Gloria. “Through Kabayan Savings and other bank services, we aim to provide secure, convenient, and accessible tools that support their long-term goals, wherever they may be.” Now spending more time at home and preparing for retirement, Marra hopes to open a small business related to his trade and build a more comfortable future for his children and grandchildren. His advice to fellow OFWs is grounded in experience: “Kung kailangan mo mag-save ng salapi, gumamit ka ng bangko. Kung may isinuksok, may madudukot.” Through initiatives like the Save Your Way to a Million Rewards Holiday Raffle Promo, BDO continues to recognize the quiet discipline of everyday savers—transforming years of sacrifice into moments worth celebrating.

Gumaca honors hall of fame awards by DHSUD

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

By Danny Estacio LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – The Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development region 4A awarded the Gawad Husay sa Pagpaplano (GHP) – Hall of Fame to Gumaca town under the leadership of Mayor Webster Letargo at Quezon Convention Center, this city. Letargo received the awards for five consecutive years. Gumaca town is the first town in Quezon to be awarded a Hall of Fame in Gawad Husay sa Pagpaplano. Letargo on his FB post said, “We are very proud of this recognition because the town of Gumaca is the only Hall of Fame Awardee, and this is the result of continuous planning, clear development direction, and proper use of data to ensure the safe, orderly, and long-term development of our town”. Letargo added that ‘this award is not just for the government, but for every Gumaqueño. Let us continue to plan correctly—because true development begins with a clear plan and concern for the people. With Letargo was Jefferson Uy, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), who continues to guide and lead the formulation of programs focused on sustainable and inclusive development. Letargo added that he recognized the tremendous contributions of the former MPDC officer Geminina Fernando.

PDEG nab No.9 MWP in Bacolod City

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

Operatives of Special Operations Unit NIR, PNP Drug Enforcement Group under the command of Director PBGen.Elmer Ragay, conducted a manhunt operation that resulted in the successful arrest of one a.k.a. “Mark, 22, ” Top #9 Most Wanted Person Provincial Level and Top #2 Most Wanted Person Municipal Level (MWP) in BS Aquino Drive Brgy. 4, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, on February 9. The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Hon. Karen Joy Tan Gaston, Presiding Judge of RTC 6, Branch 43, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental dated February 5, 2026 for violation of Section 12, Article II of R.A. 9165, docketed under Criminal Case Number 25-62519 for service of sentence. The arrested wanted person was brought to Police Station 2, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. for documentation and proper disposition. “The PNP Drug Enforcement Group commends the operatives of the Special Operations Unit NIR for the successful arrest of Top 9 provincial, Top 2 municipal most wanted person. This achievement demonstrates their professionalism, dedication, and continued commitment to the enforcement of the law and the campaign against illegal drugs.” Ragay, stated. Recently, joint operatives of Special Operations Unit 10, PNP DEG, together with Regional Explosive Canine Unit 10, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, Regional Intelligence Division PRO 10, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, PNP Maritime Group (5th SOU SND SBC), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Lanao Del Norte and IMEG – Mindanao Field unit 1, conducted a buy-bust operation in Purok 3, Brgy. Caniogan, Tubod, Lanao Del Norte that resulted in the successful arrest of one a.k.a. “Imaw,” male, 28 years old, identified as a High-Value Individual (HVI) and one a.k.a. “Bryan,” male, 24 years old, identified as a Street Level Individual (SLI), on February 10. The operating units seized approximately 15 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated total standard drug price of PhP102,000.00, along with other non-drug items. The arrested suspects were brought to Tubod Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition, while the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City for laboratory examination. “The arrest of a High-Value Individual in Tubod, Lanao del Norte reflects the PNP Drug Enforcement Group’s relentless drive against illegal drugs. This operation sends a clear warning that drug personalities will be pursued and brought to justice through sustained, intelligence-driven operations.” Ragay said.

BoC,PDEA,PNP intercept P278-M shabu shipment in MICP

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

MANILA, Philippines — In one of the largest drug interdictions to date, combined operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), successfully intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated value of ₱278,000,000.00, at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), North Harbor, Manila on February 10, 2026. The seized shabu weighed approximately 41 kilograms. This major anti-drug operation highlights the strength of inter-agency collaboration and invaluable assistance of foreign counterparts in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs. The operation was conducted under the institutional guidelines formulated by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), and in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to protect the Filipino people from the devastating effects of illegal drugs. The operation was a product of information sharing from foreign counterparts that highlighted the capabilities of BOC’s x-ray screening process and PDEA’s Narcotics Detection Dogs (NDDs). “This is a major victory for the Filipino people and a severe blow against organized drug syndicates,” said PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez. “The interception of the shabu shipment at the port represents prevention at its strongest — stopping the threat before it could reach our streets, schools, and communities.” he added. The seizure of such a massive quantity of illegal substances represents not only a major law enforcement success but also a significant social impact. By preventing these dangerous substances from reaching communities, the operation has potentially saved countless lives, shielded families from harm, and safeguarded the future of the country’s youth from the threat of addiction. PDEA extends its utmost appreciation to its partner agencies for their vigilance, professionalism, and unwavering cooperation. “The success of this operation once again demonstrates that unified government action remains the most effective weapon against the drug menace.” DG Nerez expressed. This landmark achievement sends a clear message: the government will remain relentless in dismantling drug networks, enforcing the rule of law, and protecting public safety. Through its supply reduction strategy, the PDEA and other law enforcement agencies target the production and distribution of illegal drugs. By reducing the proliferation of illegal drugs, the government lowers drug dependency, eases the burden on rehabilitation services, and ensures more efficient use of public resources.

QC LGU and BDO Foundation empower small businesses through financial literacy and entrepreneurship training

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — A positive start to 2026 welcomed nano-entrepreneurs as the Quezon City Small Business Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO) and BDO Foundation teamed up for “Ayusin ang Pera, Palaguin ang Negosyo”, a learning session on financial literacy and entrepreneurship held at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City. The activity was facilitated by Chinkee Tan, who shared lessons with his signature mix of wit, humor, and practical advice. More than 200 nano-entrepreneurs learned essential skills, mindset, and attitudes needed to start, manage, and grow a business. Sari-sari store owners, market vendors, and other self-employed individuals with a small capital gained practical insights from the Pambansang Wealth Coach as he drew from personal experiences and challenges. Mona Celine Marie V. Yap, City Government Department Head III of the QC-SBCDPO, emphasized that similar capacity-building activities are available to Quezon City small business owners at no cost through partnerships with various organizations, including BDO Foundation. “Katulad po ng mga ganitong pa-event, yung mga financial literacy, marami po tayong training that you can avail. Mayroon po tayong free trainings given by our partners (Similar to financial literacy events like these, you can avail free trainings given by our partners),” she said. “Sa BDO Foundation, naniniwala kami na kapag may tamang kaalaman sa pera at negosyo, mas nagiging handa ang isang negosyante na magdesisyon nang maayos at magplano para sa kinabukasan (At BDO Foundation, we believe that with the right knowledge in finance and entrepreneurship, business owners will be more prepared to make better decisions and plan for the future),” said BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito in his message of support. Aside from the learning session led by Chinkee Tan, participants were also briefed on the Nano-Enterprise Registration Program of the Quezon City Government. The briefing was aimed at encouraging nano-enterprise owners to register their businesses with the local government. During the session, participants were informed that registered nano-enterprises may avail of tax and registration fee exemptions, in accordance with existing local ordinance. The event was also graced by Quezon City District 1 Councilor Charm M. Ferrer, who delivered a message of support in her capacity as Chairperson of the Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Business Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives. Through this collaboration, BDO Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing financial inclusion — empowering business owners with the right knowledge and confidence needed to be more prepared in planning and deciding for their future.

BENECO steps up safety drive as electrocution deaths hit four in January

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

By Laarni S. Ilagan BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — With four deaths from electrocution recorded in just the first three weeks of January 2026, the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has intensified its public safety awareness campaign, sounding the alarm over what it describes as a “disturbing and preventable” rise in electrical accidents across Baguio City and Benguet. Assistant General Manager Artemio Bacoco clarified that the recent incidents involved members of the public—not BENECO workers—and were largely caused by unsafe work practices near energized power lines. He said many of the cases stemmed from construction and installation activities conducted without proper safety precautions or coordination with the cooperative. Bacoco is rallying all BENECO personnel to take part in an intensified information and awareness drive, stressing that electricity becomes deadly when taken for granted. The most recent fatalities involved a father and son in Bokod who were electrocuted on January 7 while installing a water messenger pipe near power lines. Three days later, a house construction worker in Loakan was electrocuted after the GI sheet roofing material he was holding came into contact with a primary line, causing him to fall from a height of about 20 meters. Another construction worker was electrocuted on January 20 when the steel bar he was bending touched a primary line; he succumbed to his injuries the following day. Data from BENECO’s Health and Safety Office (HSO), under the Assistant General Manager’s Office and the Network Services Department (NSD), showed a 23.81 percent increase in electric shock and electrocution incidents in 2025, with 35 individuals affected compared to 24 in 2024. The trend has worsened early this year, with multiple incidents already recorded in January alone. BENECO Safety Officer Ellen Rufino also raised concerns over the increasing number of electrocution incidents involving workers installing solar streetlights. In Baguio City, just before the Christmas holidays, four construction workers from a large company were installing solar light poles along a road near the Justice Hall parking area when they accidentally came into contact with primary electrical wires. All four survived but sustained electric shocks and injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the latest report from Network Services Department–Construction and Maintenance Officer (CMO) Roy Olatic noted an alarming spike in electrocution cases involving solar streetlight installers. From December 2021 to December 2025, a total of 20 electrocution incidents were recorded, resulting in two deaths. Benguet logged the highest number of casualties at 13, followed by Baguio City with eight, with one fatality recorded in each area. Speaking during the regular employees’ assembly on Friday, January 23, Bacoco urged all BENECO personnel to act as “safety officers on the ground,” extending their vigilance beyond line workers to the general public. He emphasized that employees who witness unsafe activities near power lines in their barangays and communities should immediately call the attention of those involved and promptly report the incident to BENECO’s technical or safety offices. “If you see people working dangerously close to power lines, call their attention right away,” Bacoco said. “One warning, one simple reminder, can save a life.” BENECO data further showed that most electrocution victims are house construction workers, streetlight installers, and individuals trimming trees near power lines without proper coordination with the cooperative. While such activities may fall outside BENECO’s direct operational responsibility, Bacoco stressed that safety is a shared responsibility. “One life lost is one life too many. Life is precious,” he said, noting that electrocution incidents not only claim lives but also cause power interruptions that place linemen at greater risk during restoration work. In 2024, BENECO recorded three electrocution-related deaths in Benguet—in Bokod, Tublay, and Bakun—out of 24 documented incidents. Earlier, barely two weeks into January 2025, five electrocution incidents had already been logged, including one fatality in Mankayan and injuries to two construction workers in Tuba on the same day. As incidents continue into 2026, BENECO reiterated its call for heightened vigilance, particularly in construction areas. The cooperative urged the public to coordinate with BENECO before working near power lines and appealed to communities and workers alike to heed safety warnings. “Makibiyang tayo. Maysa lang nga abiso, mabalin nga mangisalakan iti biag,” Bacoco said. “Let us all be alert. Safety is everybody’s concern.”

AFRREDN stakeholders converge;extend Research,Extensions & Development

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — Stakeholders of the Cordillera Agriculture and Fisheries Resources Research and Extension Development Network (AFRREDN) advance research, extension, and development initiatives in the region during the 1st Quarterly Committee Meeting, held on February 4–5, 2025, at the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI), BSU Compound, KM 5, La Trinidad, Benguet. The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO CAR) with the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute CAR (DA-ATI CAR). The two-day meeting brought together the AFRREDN committees—Research for Development Committee (RDC), Extension and Technology Transfer Committee (ETC), Institutional Development Support Committee (ISC), and Knowledge Management Committee (KMC)—to present 2025 accomplishments, discuss the National Extension Agenda and Programs, and plan the network’s priority activities for FY 2026-2029. Participants included representatives from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), namely Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST), Apayao State College (ASC), Kalinga State University (KSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Benguet State University (BSU), and Mountain Province State University (MPSU); Local Government Units (LGUs) of Baguio City and Tabuk City, and the Provincial Local Government Units of Mountain Province, Abra, and Benguet; line agencies including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST CAR), Department of Tourism (DOT CAR), Bureau of Plant Industry Baguio National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center (BPI NCRDPSC), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP CAR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR CAR), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR CAR), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute–Isabela (PhilRice Isabela); Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) private institutions namely Mount Carmel Agri-Tourism and Learning Center, Inc. The Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (CorCAARRD) also participated. During the opening program, Dr. Charlie C. Sagudan, Vice Chair of CAR AFRREDN and Center Director of ATI-RTC CAR, emphasized the importance of advancing the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the Cordillera. “This initiative by the Cordillera AFRREDN management aims to critically examine how we can effectively operationalize programs in the region. We need to benchmark with other regions to ensure that we continue moving forward, using these agenda as a foundation to promote agriculture and fisheries development in the Cordillera,” Sagudan said. The AFRREDN serves as a bridge linking network members to research funding institutions such as the DA–Bureau of Agricultural Research. Its committees act as the primary mechanism for building partnerships among Research for Development and Extension (R4DE) stakeholders, including national government agencies, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), local government units (LGUs), private institutions, and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). Mr. Nicasio S. Baucas, citing the AFRREDN designation and position, underscored the role of research and extension in advancing the agriculture sector, noting that under the DA’s 10-point agenda, Research for Development and Extension is central to maximizing the sector’s potential. He emphasized that these efforts are aligned with the national aspiration of “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.” He also echoed the vision of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., who highlighted the need to modernize Philippine agriculture to ensure equitable benefits across the value chain—where farmers and fisherfolk receive fair value for their produce, consumers enjoy affordable prices, and industry players achieve sustainable profitability. Meanwhile, the DA-BAR joined the meeting virtually to provide updates and guidance on its programs, research proposal processes, funding mechanisms, and the national R4DE agenda, from national to local levels. The activity served as a vital platform for collaboration, strengthened extension efforts, and ensured that research-based interventions from national and regional R4DE institutions effectively reached local communities through the network. // Vincent G. Savella, Research Division

1st Lumin-Awa float parade set as Kalinga celebrates 7th Bodong Festival

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines – With the themed “Naindaklan a Kultura, Isu’t Bileg ti Kalinga” (Great Culture, the Strength of Kalinga), the Kalinga province celebrates its 7th Bodong Festival and its 31st Provincial Founding Anniversary, with a month-long celebration highlights the “Bodong,” a traditional peace pact system that remains the moral and judicial foundation of Kalinga society. Governor James Edduba has issued Executive Order No.2026-09, ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across the province on February 12-13,2026 and the suspension of government offices on February 13, in view of the celebration of the 31st Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Festival. A new highlight for this year’s celebration is the inaugural “Lumin-Awa Float Parade” on February 13, featuring mobile displays with lights, music, and live performances. The festival, which officially kicked off February 2 with cultural performances embodies the province’s commitment to peace and unity. The Bodong is the traditional peace pact system of the Kalinga people—an indigenous mechanism that ended tribal conflicts and established enduring agreements on justice, territory, and social relations. Guided by elders and customary law (pagta), bodong is sealed through rituals, chants, and collective oaths, symbolizing mutual respect and shared responsibility among communities.Today, bodong remains a living institution and the moral foundation of Kalinga society. Key upcoming events include “Diddiga Cultural Showcase,” a premier display of authentic Kalinga chants and dances on February 12 and the Miss Kalinga Coronation Night. On February 14, The Grand Civic Float Parade and the 31st Founding Anniversary Program at the Kalinga Sports Complex., while a “Bike Festival” traversing a scenic route from the Provincial Capitol to Talama on February 15. A “United for Health” mission at the Kalinga Sports Center, providing medical, dental, and legal services on February 16, while the inauguration of the Poswoy Bridge Project in Balbalan and the distribution of land titles (CLOA) will be on February 17. A “Festival Camp-out” is also featured, February 19 to 20 and a province-wide blood donation drive on February 20. Cordillera Tourism Press Corps Release Photos Courtesy of Department of Tourism Cordillera

Author name: Street Journal

Zeferino Arroyo High School wins 2026 Tinagba Festival Street Dance Exhibition