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By Jake Adam M. Badong Naga City, Philippines --- The Ateneo de Naga University campus welcomed the first light of 2026 with energy, excitement, and more than 1,500 eager feet pounding the pavement for One Big Run 2026. Organized by the Ateneo Student Ambassadors (ASA) in partnership with the University Student Recruitment Office (USRO), the fun run marked the first major running event of the year in Naga City that drew students, alumni, and fitness enthusiasts from across the region. The day began at 4:00 AM with a lively warm-up session that set the tone for a morning of wellness and camaraderie. The 10KM race started promptly at 4:30 AM, with the 5KM and 3KM categories following in ten-minute intervals that took runners along scenic routes around the Ateneo campus and surrounding streets. For many participants, more than a test of stamina, One Big Run 2026 was an opportunity to start the year on a positive note that embraces the spirit of wellness and personal growth. All proceeds from the run are allocated to support the humanitarian initiatives of the ASA and the Marahuyo 2026: The Ateneo Open House, which highlights the event’s commitment to meaningful student-led projects. Race logistics were smooth and well-managed, with hydration stations, clearly marked routes, and on-site medical assistance provided by the Ateneo College Red Cross Youth in coordination with the City Health Office, Public Safety Office, and Philippine National Police. Top finishers were awarded medals, trophies, and cash prizes, while all participants received race kits complete with event shirts, bibs, and post-race snacks. Beyond the physical challenge, the run reflected the Ignatian values of cura personalis— care for the whole person— and magis, that inspired participants to go beyond themselves in service and community engagement. With its record turnout and flawless execution, One Big Run 2026 set an uplifting tone for the year ahead. More than the medals and refreshments, the early morning ended with a renewed sense of energy, connection, and shared purpose that made a memorable start to 2026 in the Ateneo community and Naga City. Photo contributions  from Liano Aloysus Reginales, Carl Wayne Sarines, Sam Lorenz Reula, Benedict Limjoco, Dinno Franco Noora, Riczon Prado, Reuben Ignacio Ayo, Sam Laurence Reula, Sky Lopo, Lara Lagto, and Joedelaine Auste.

THE rescue of a 17-year-old girl at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, intercepted while attempting to leave the country with a fake passport to work as a household service worker in Saudi Arabia, is both a warning and a reassurance. A warning that human trafficking syndicates remain relentless in exploiting poverty, desperation, and dreams of a better life; and a reassurance that the government’s campaign against human trafficking is active, coordinated, and increasingly vigilant. The Bureau of Immigration’s timely intervention underscores the critical role of frontline agencies in stopping trafficking at its last possible checkpoint—the country’s borders. The discovery of falsified documents and the confirmation of the minor’s true age during secondary inspection highlight how traffickers continue to rely on deception and forged identities to bypass safeguards. More important, the immediate coordination with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) shows that rescue does not end at interception. Protection, assistance, and case build-up against recruiters are integral parts of a system designed not only to save the victims, but to dismantle the networks that prey on them. Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado’s warning reflects a clear policy direction under the Marcos administration: there will be no safe passage for traffickers, and no tolerance for illegal recruitment, especially involving minors. This firm stance is crucial. Human trafficking is not merely an immigration violation; it is a grave assault on human dignity and national responsibility. The government’s continuing crackdown—through airport vigilance, inter-agency cooperation, and prosecution—sends a strong message that borders are no longer porous to exploitation. Still, enforcement must be matched by prevention. Communities, local governments, and families must remain alert to recruitment schemes that promise overseas employment, particularly to the young and vulnerable. Public awareness, accessible reporting mechanisms, and swift justice are essential to sustaining the gains of this campaign. The rescue of “Zia” is a life saved. The challenge now is to ensure that many more are protected before traffickers ever reach the departure gate. Beyond government enforcement, safety against human trafficking must also begin at home and in the community. Would-be victims and their families must exercise extreme caution when approached with offers of overseas employment, especially those that promise quick deployment, unusually high pay, or minimal documentation. Verifying recruitment agencies through official government channels, refusing to surrender personal documents, and reporting suspicious recruiters are basic but critical steps. Families, in particular, should be vigilant when minors are involved, understanding that no legitimate overseas work opportunity allows underage deployment. Awareness and skepticism can be powerful shields against deception. Ultimately, protecting oneself from traffickers requires collective responsibility and constant vigilance. Trafficking syndicates thrive on silence, desperation, and misplaced trust. Communities must speak up, families must ask hard questions, and individuals must prioritize safety over risky promises. While the government continues to strengthen border controls and law enforcement, personal caution remains an essential line of defense. At all costs, we must guard ourselves and our loved ones against criminals who see human lives not as people, but as commodities.

Yes, Mrs. Padilla. We don’t deserve him. All the Filipino people, all together now, WE DON’T DESERVE HIM! Never has a disagreeable sentiment been faced with a loud agreement. The premise is that the Filipino people should deserve Robinhood Padilla as a senator. (Just the fact that he prefers to be called “Robinhood” makes me cringe. Joseph Estrada lobbied for “Erap” and “Estrada” to be accepted in the ballots. Bong Revilla retained his screen name over the name, Jose Mari Bautista which is quite good. They did this for recall. So, what’s the point with “Robinhood”?) A senator is a legislator, an elected government official who makes laws with national relevance, that would cause nationwide order and progress, something that would uplift us all. I don’t think he has done anything close to that. His greatest advocacy seems to be the change of government to federalism, which he hasn’t done much to advance. That was before he was elected, and on his initial months. But quickly, that advocacy very obviously shifted to protection and promotion of the Duterte camp. He does this with so much gusto and fervor as if it was patriotism. He obviously lacks knowledge of basic parliamentary procedures and seems not to have the interest to learn. He disrespects the institution of the Senate by seemingly flirting with the female senators, in the senate floor, while being shot and shown live. The Filipino people should deserve this? Sorry, Mrs. Padilla. We deserve better, so much better than this. If he does not indeed run for any public office in 2028, the whole nation would let out a collective sigh of relief. But, I would not be surprised if he still runs. He may give the excuse that he doesn’t really want to run for office anymore, but he is compelled by the insistent demand of the Filipino people and is driven by passionate patriotism. (Oh, brother.) After all, his godfather declared that he would not run for president. Then, later, he substituted a political nobody to effectively be a candidate for president. That’s qualified lying. People forget this or intentionally push it under the rugs. Of course, this is just the wife talking. This is the sister to the mother loving the face that only a mother could love. This is cousin to the uncle who calls his only nephew, his favorite nephew. This is the sacrificial love of a wife talking. But nevertheless, some wives would just keep silent. I understand that some sectors do appreciate the good senator. Mrs. Padilla mentioned indigenous groups and Muslims. I remember that Robin Padilla had been very helpful in negotiations with Muslim insurgents a few decades back. His status as a Muslim celebrity certainly helped. She says, her husband just wants to help. (I think, I heard a similar thing from Teddy Locsin Jr. when he was a congressman; something like you could never truly help unless you’re in public office.) But if someone really wants to help, especially the indigenous peoples and Muslims, why not organize a non-government organization for them? The NGO could provide scholarships, livelihood, employment, legal assistance or housing for marginalized sectors. Now, that would be very helpful. One need not be a senator, congressman or any elected official. If you really want to “help”, senate or congress sessions, debates on the floor, and playing the dance with coalitions and caucuses would take time off from actual “helping”. Not that legislation is not helpful, but legislature is the advancement of agenda or advocacy to ultimately and indirectly help the people. Some college students have better mastery of parliamentary procedures. Some high school students, and even some advanced elementary pupils have some basic knowledge of what to say, in what situations to say it and how to make motions. Some veteran senators have more sense not to talk too much, to avoid unfamiliarity becoming obvious. Some legislators come to the halls with a legislative agenda. Some push against poverty. Some promote peace and order. Some promote equal opportunity for livelihood and education. But some of them don’t have anything similar to that. It’s quite palpable that some of them among their ranks made it to their positions because of their “closeness” to some personality. Yes, I know, the people voted for them. But, come on; you know what I mean. But, at least, they learn the basic procedures, and push for more affordable health care and/or support important infrastructure projects. So, maybe, if the “not running” pushes through, he might consider the NGO option. Ezra 9:13: ““What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved…”

How online investment fraud exposes gaps in consumer protection A close friend recently told me something she is still trying to understand herself. She believes she fell victim to a cyber-enabled investment scam—one that did not begin with obvious red flags and never felt reckless. When she first shared her story, my instinctive reaction was disbelief. She is educated, careful, financially literate—the kind of person who reads the fine print. How could this happen to her? That question has stayed with me, because it is exactly why her story matters. This is not about greed or poor judgment. It is about how online investment fraud has evolved—quietly, patiently—and how even cautious, intelligent people can be drawn in before they realize the ground beneath them has shifted. According to her account, the scheme presented itself as an online program offering daily classes on cryptocurrency trading. She joined after a friend had signed up earlier but later backed out because of a busy schedule. There were scheduled sessions several times a day, clear timetables, group chats, assigned accounts, and constant reassurance that everything was “safe” and “regulated.” Participants were encouraged to invest small amounts as part of the learning process. It felt structured and professional—more like enrolling in a course than taking a risk. She started cautiously, investing ₱5,000. Over time, encouraged by steady guidance and claims of consistent returns, she increased her participation. Eventually, she transferred a total of ₱200,000 through bank accounts described as “merchant” accounts. At no point did it feel like gambling. She genuinely believed she was paying for education with controlled exposure, not placing her savings on the line. Each participant accessed the program through a digital application and was assigned an online ID. At its peak, the classes reportedly had thousands of members. Interaction, however, was tightly managed. A small group of highly enthusiastic accounts dominated conversations, sharing success stories and encouragement. One main contact person gave instructions with confidence and authority, slowly building trust—and a subtle sense that this was an opportunity not to miss. Then, without warning, everything stopped. Her account suddenly became inaccessible. She was told there were concerns about money laundering and that her account had been frozen “for safety.” To resolve the issue, she was asked to pay a “verification fee.” She was referred to a supposed customer service manager whose profile carried no real identity—just a logo. Shortly after, she was removed from the group chat. The classes disappeared. Messages went unanswered. Silence followed. Only later did she learn that others had quietly vanished before her. What is most striking is not only the money she lost, but how carefully the trap was built. This was not a loud get-rich-quick pitch. It relied on trust, repetition, social proof, and small steps that made larger commitments feel normal. It operated in a gray space between learning, investing, and regulation. This is particularly troubling because safeguards already exist. The Securities and Exchange Commission regularly warns the public about unregistered investment schemes disguised as training programs. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas oversees banks that can detect suspicious transaction patterns. Laws such as the Data Privacy Act and the SIM Registration Act were designed to reduce anonymity and abuse. What seems to lag is speed—speed in acting on warnings, freezing questionable accounts, and stopping schemes before they disappear and reappear under new names. Silence only makes this cycle easier. Shame keeps victims quiet, and while they try to recover privately, the schemes simply move on to new platforms and new communities. So this is a quiet appeal—to regulators, institutions, platforms, and ordinary users alike. Advisories are not enough. Early intervention matters. Reporting systems must be simpler and less intimidating. Digital platforms cannot look away when their tools are used to organize fraud. And for the rest of us, skepticism is no longer optional. Question programs that require money to learn how to make money. Be wary of communities that allow only praise and success stories. As I told my friend, the most important lesson is not only about what she lost, but about what we can still prevent. Education, awareness, and the courage to speak up remain our strongest defenses. Perhaps it is also time to rethink where we place our trust—toward social enterprises, cooperatives, and face-to-face ventures grounded in real production and shared accountability. They may not promise fast returns, but they offer something increasingly rare online: transparency, human connection, and trust that does not vanish overnight.

Parte kan memoria ko ang Igualdad, digdi sa Ciudad nin Naga ta iyo ini ang gusto kong pirming dumanan kan ako nagkamalay hasta first year high school ako. Bilang matuang makuapo namate ko ang pag-padangat asin pag-asikaso ni Lolo Erning saka ni Lola Ludy asin ang sakong mga tiyoon asin tiyaon. Garo baga may “special treatment” o privilegio ang mga enot na makuapo. Ang mga bagay natadom asin nalawig sa memoria kang tao kung ini nagdara nin kaogmahan o malaen na experiencia. Afuera kan mga nagigiromdoman kong memoria asin mga istoria, ang Igualdad segun sa mga nadangog asin nabasa ko, mayaman sa historia. Sa sarong lecture kadto manungod sa mga enot na calle digdi sa Ciudad nin Naga, ang pangaran na “Igualdad” sa Ingles “equality” na boot sabihon pagkakapantay-pantay o pagiging patas posibleng hale sa French motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). Digdi sa satong ciudad, duwa sa tolo ang yaon, Igualdad asin Fraternidad, napasaen ang Libertad? Ang Igualdad Street kan nakaagi iyo na ang J. Hernandez Ave. sa presente asin ang Fraternidad St. dai nagbago ang pangaran asin mahahanap sa Barangay Tabuco. Ang Igualdad Interior kadto nginaranan na Barangay Igualdad kan 1989 asin iyo ang naging apod hanggang ngonian. Saka ta na ini pag-olayan ta ihahapot ta ini sa mga historiador. Ang kabaliktaran kan tataramon na “igualdad” iyo ang “desigualdad” o situwasyon kan ekonomiya na igua nin halagwat na “income”, dakulang diferencia kan halangkaw sa hababang sueldong nareresibe kan constitutuentes asin limitadong oportunidad na dikit sanang tao o grupo ang nagtatamasa. Sa madaling sabi, “unfair”. Kan sarong Domingo, nadalan ko sa Youtube ang “How Did The Philippines Become One Of Asia's Most Unequal Countries?” sarong documentary kan CNA Insider. Magabat si mensahe kan enot na resource person kan documentary, sabi niya (i-Bicol ko na) “Garo ang pagmate, dai pa nagpopoon ang karera, haman nang daog lalo na sa mga nasa pagtios.” May nagkakapirang istoria hale sa mga indibidwal asin mga kapaliwanagan eksperto duman sa documentary. Pinahiling duman sa documentary ang pirang mayor na posibleng causa kan desigualdad digdi sa satong nasyon, yaon ang oligarkiya na masususog sa poder na tinao kan mga Kastila sa mga ninuno tang haman nang mayaman, yaon ang political dynasty-ang issue kan mga “nepo” babies na nabubuhay sa luho asin kagarbuhan, asin ang problema sa daga o palpak na land reform na dikit sana ang oportunidad na magka-igua nin pagsasadiri ang mga nangangaipo nin istaran o tanuman sa kaso kan satong mga paraoma. Ang pang-huri iyo ang korapsyon na haloy naman na yaon, na ngonian ta sana sinisita. Awot pa, magdagos-dagos ang satong esfuerzos na labanan ang katiwalian asin makaabot sa punto nin matanos na padalagan. Ang economia kan Pilipinas, segun sa sarong eksperto, bako naman agrikultural ta halos 9% na lang ang nakokontribwer kan sektor sa Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ang GDP sarong sukol kan pagtalubo o performance nin mga economia alagad bako ining sukol kan estado kan desigualdad (inequality). Gini coefficient ang gamit na sukol nin desigualdad, poon 0 (zero-perfect equality) hanggang 1 (one-imperfect equality). Mas harani sa 0 (zero) ang value mas may pagkakapantay pantay sa sarong nasyon asin mas harani sa 1 (one)-mas halangkaw ang inequality. Ang Gini coefficient sa Pilipinas kan taon 2023 yaon sa 0.391 saro sa may mga halangkaw sa Southeast Asia. Hababa sa 0.5 alagad mate kan tao ang pagtios. Kung arog kaini ang dalagan ta, ano pa daw sa sektor kan satong mga paraoma asin mga parasira? Kung ang sistema kan pagbuhay digdi daog na ang nasa pagtios bago pa magpoon ang karera, sisay man dai madidisganar? Kamawotan ta ang estado na igua ang kada saro nin patas na laban, na ang bunga kan kapagalan proporsionado sa sueldo, na ang kaginhawan puedeng ma-experiencia kan kada saro digdi sa satong nasyon, na igua nin tunay na pag-asa. Na ang pangiturogan posible man nanggad sa mga nagigimata. Na ang Pilipinas sarong totoong nasyon na may IGUALDAD!

Dai nanggad matatawaran ang kontribusyon ni Nora Aunor sa linya nin musika asin pelikula ninhuli ta kadakol siyang napaogma arog ni Lola Vinyeng na sarong avid noranian. Si Nora Aunor na an tunay na apelyido Montemayor tubong Ciudad Nin Iriga, naging sikat na artista asin singer sa Pilipinas kaidtong dekada 70. Si Nora Aunor nabisto sa mga amateur kan siya pirmeng nanggagana sa karantahan sa Plaza Quezon asin nagkampeon sa interong pilipinas ninhuli sa magayon niyang boses, magayon na diction asin magayon na hitsura nin sarong bikolana. Sa istorya ni Lola Vinyeng na kan siya daragita pa sana, dai nanggad niya pinapalihis ang mga pelikula ni Nora Aunor asin Tirso Cruz 111 na mas bisto sa alyas na Guy and Pip. Natatandaan ni Lola Vinyeng ang saiyang pakikipag susuan sa pila sa sinehan kan Bichara basta sana maka first showing sa pelikula ni Guy and Pip. Sa mga drama kan duwa, dai man makontrol ni Vinyeng ang magpaturo nin luha kaibahan an saiyang pinsan na si Maria na gikan sa mga familyang Vergara, na an ama tubong Tabaco Albay. An lanob sa sala kan harong ni Vinyeng interong naka display ang mga pig gunting naretrato ni Nora Aunor na napublikar sa mga babasahon na Liwayway asin Bulaklak. Ultimong si Nanay Andang asin Tatay Lilo na sarong parabuno nin orig sa mercado kan Naga ang naoogma kung mga retrato ni Nora Aunor an yaon sa lanob kan sarong tiklad na harong. Dai pa uso kaidto ang lamination asin magastos ang picture frame, kaya an mga retrato ni Nora Aunor napapatos sana sa silopayn asin pig tamtaks sa lanob. Kan magadan si Nora Aunor, dai mapugulan ni Lola Vinyeng ang mapaluha ta mayo na ang tawong nagtao saiya nin kaogmahan magpoon pa kan mga taon 70. Kan si Vinying ikasal ki Ruben na tubong San Vicente Libmanan, ipinangako ni Ruben na saro man siyang mag aataman sa mga retrato ni Nora Aunor na dapat naka paskil sa saindang lanob tanda nin pagpadangat ki Nora Aunor. Sa pag gurang ni Vinyeng, mayo siyang ibang gustong madangog na istorya asin kanta Kundi ang hale ki Nora Aunor. Ang enfluencia ni Nora Aunor sa buhay ni Vinyeng dakula ta naging maogma sindang mag agom kaibahan ang anom na aking babae asin duwang aking lalaki. Si Ruben na nag adventure sa Naga kan panahon kan Guy and Pip, inot nagka trabaho bilang Panadero sa Youngs Bakery na yaon sa tapat kan Alex Theatre sa kalye Panganiban, sagkod na nagka igua sinda nin familya sa Santa Cruz asin ngonian nag eerok na si Vinyeng asin mga aki asin mga apo sa Urban Queborac. Perang taon na ang nakaagi kan magtalikod sa kinaban si Ruben, kung kaya nawara an lalaking kaulay ulay manonongod sa buhay ni Nora Aunor. Ngonian ang pag romdom sa mga pelikula asin sonata ni Nora Aunor iyo ang kagubay kan saiyang pag rosario sa Diyos. Mayong sinasabi si Lola Vinyeng sa saiyang mga kaulay na saro siyang Avid Noranian …forever.

Atty. Paolo Tolentino Pananagutan kan seller sa depektibong sasakyan Atty., nag-loan po ako para sa downpayment kan mga sasakyan asin tolos ko tinao an ₱500,000 sa seller. Base po sa napagkasunduan mi, kukuahon ko an tulo (3) na units paagi sa financing. Kan kinua ko po an mga units, nagluwas po na depektibo an kada saro. An enot po may raot sa makina asin transmission kaya kaipohan ibalik. An ikaduwa po may problema man sa makina, asin sinabihan ako na papalitan daa an mga piyesa, kaya nagdagdag pa ako nin ₱30,000. Pagtapos kaini, sinubukan gamiton an enot na unit, pero dai man nagamit nin maayos ta dai tugma an transmission. An ikatulong unit mas grabe pa an raot asin halos dai na magamit. Sa huri, naibalik ko na po gabos an mga units, pero habo na po ibalik kan seller an ₱500,000 na downpayment, ta sinasabi niyang nagastos na daa niya ini sa pagpapaayos kan mga sasakyan. Sa arog kaining sitwasyon, Atty., pano ko po mababawi an downpayment ko? --- An kasunduan nindo may kinalaman sa bilihan nin sasakyan. Dai klaro kun ini contract to sell pa sana o contract of sale na, o kun nakasurat asin pirmado an kasunduan nindo. Sa ilalim kan batas, may obligasyon an seller na siguraduhon na an pigbebenta niya mayong nakatagong depekto asin magagamit nin tama kan buyer base sa tunay kaining gamit. Kun dai niya ini nasunod, arog kan nangyari saimo, may pananagutan siya. Bilang buyer na dai nagamit nin maayos an mga sasakyan, puwede mong ipawarang bisa (i-rescind) an kontrata, ibalik an mga sasakyan, asin bawi-on an kwarta na naibayad mo bilang downpayment. Obligasyon kan seller na ibalik ini. Para maging pormal an pag-rescind mo kan kontrata, padarhan mo siya nin surat na nagsasabing kinacancel mo an kontrata dahil dai niya nasunod an kasunduan nindo, asin mag-demand ka man na ibalik an kwarta sa laog nin nakatakdang aldaw. Kun dai niya sundon an demand letter, puwede kang magsampa nin kaso sa korte laban saiya. Depende sa detalye kan nangyari, puwede ini maging civil case para mabawi an kwarta, o criminal case na estafa kun may panlilinlang na nangyari. Kung may mga kahaputan, mag email sa ihapotkiattorney@gmail.com.

By Rhaydz B. Barcia Daraga, Albay --- The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has declared five significant heritage sites in Albay province as National Cultural Treasures (NCTs), underscoring the province’s rich historical, cultural, and scientific legacy. The newly recognized NCTs are the Cagsawa Ruins, Budiao Ruins, and the Our Lady of the Gates of Daraga Church, all located in the municipality of Daraga; the St. John the Baptist Church in Tabaco City; and the Mataas Shell Scoop discovered in one of the caves on Cagraray Island in the town of Bacacay. Provincial Tourism Officer Dorothy Colle said the declaration was announced by NMP Deputy Director-General for Museums Arvin R. Villalon during the opening of the Cagsawa Festival in Daraga on February 1. The event coincided with the 212th anniversary of the deadliest eruption of Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814. Daraga now hosts three sites declared as National Cultural Treasures, a distinction formally marked by the unveiling of the NCT marker at the Cagsawa Ruins—ten years after its declaration. The ceremony was led by the Diocese of Legazpi under Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, the local government of Daraga headed by Mayor Victor Perete, and the National Museum of the Philippines represented by Villalon. “The turnover of this important marker adds more value to the Cagsawa Ruins,” Colle said. “The LGU of Daraga is proud to have three national treasures—a very rare occurrence. For the province of Albay, having five National Cultural Treasures is truly something to be proud of,” Villalon said. A commemorative Mass was held at the iconic Cagsawa Ruins, officiated by Bishop Baylon, followed by the formal unveiling of the National Cultural Treasure marker. The recognition affirms Cagsawa as more than a celebrated heritage and tourism site, highlighting it as a sacred symbol of the Bicolano people’s faith, resilience, and enduring cultural legacy. A National Cultural Treasure is defined as a unique cultural property found locally that possesses outstanding historical, cultural, artistic, and/or scientific value significant to the nation. It is classified at a higher level than a National Cultural Property. For Albayanos, the eruptions of February 1, 1814 and February 2, 1993 remain deeply etched in collective memory, having claimed a total of 1,277 lives. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the 1814 Mayon eruption was classified as Plinian, characterized by violent and sustained ejection of volcanic ash and lapilli. Historical accounts—largely written by parish priests and government officials—record a series of earthquakes beginning January 31, 1814, intensifying before the climactic eruption on February 1. Pyroclastic flows swept down the southern slopes of the volcano, burying several towns under thick volcanic deposits measuring up to 10 to 12 meters. The old towns of Cagsawa and Budiao in Camalig, as well as parts of present-day Legazpi City, were severely devastated. The destruction forced the relocation of the provincial capital from Cagsawa to Daraga, then a small village. Budiao, Cagsawa, and the barangay of Bubulusan—areas traversed by streams radiating from the volcano—were completely buried by lahar deposits. Nearly two centuries later, on February 2, 1993, a sudden eruption claimed the lives of 77 farmers on the slopes of Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City. Phivolcs records indicate that a vent-clearing explosion generated a small pyroclastic density current, locally known as uson, marking the onset of a Vulcanian-Strombolian eruption. The victims were within the six-kilometer danger zone at the time of the explosion, which occurred at around 1:11 p.m. Small summit explosions continued until March 14, 1993, followed by lava effusion and pyroclastic flows from March 15 to April 1 of the same year. Cagsawa Ruins, Budiao Ruins and the Our Lady of the Gate Parish in Daraga Albay are the three heritage sites declared as National Cultural Treasures (NCTs), where the Diocese of Legazpi led by Bishop Joel Baylon, Local government of Daraga headed by Mayor Victor Perete and the National Museum of the Philippines represented by Villalon unveiled the NCT marker of Cagsawa Ruins on February 1, 2026, a decade after its declaration. (Rhaydz Barcia)

Helen Keller Intl Philippines in collaboration with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) launched the project, ‘Barangay First 1,000 Days: Cultivating Resilience Through Community Gardens,” which aims to support the health and nutrition of more than 60,000 mothers and infants in over 100 barangays across three sites in the country. Kicking off in Naga City, the project is also launching in February in the Provinces of Isabela and Negros Occidental. These project sites were identified as part of the 34 priority provinces of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) for 2023-2028. These areas have the largest population of stunted children and families facing food insecurity. “The core design of this support package is really about empowering our barangay health workers and nutrition scholars so they can organize community-led mother-to-mother support groups,” said Helen Keller Intl Philippines Country Representative Dolly Reario. The project will provide Php 12 million-worth of supplements, seeds, training, and expertise until 2027 to establish mothers support groups and community gardens focused on ensuring nutrition during the critical stage of a child’s first 1000 days of life, from pregnancy to two years old. “We found that mothers learn more easily about proper prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding, and optimal complementary feeding when learning with and from the lived experiences of other mothers,” Reario added. Through these peer networks, mothers are also provided with essential commodities such as pregnancy and feeding supplements as well as Vitamin A and deworming capsules. The collaborative project—implemented in close coordination with the Department of Health, National Nutrition Council, and partner local governments—will complement existing supplementation and feeding programs. It will also support policy advocacy so the gains of the initiative is sustained beyond the life of the project. The approach has already been proven to work as this project launch marks the third phase of Helen Keller Intl’s Barangay First 1,000 Days initiative in the Philippines. The approach has been successfully implemented the previous year in over 150 barangays in Camarines Sur, Oriental Mindoro, and Pangasinan, as well as Tondo, Manila. “One enhancement Helen Keller did for our third phase is integrating support for the government’s Gulayan sa Barangay initiative. This more holistic approach helps certain communities that are geographically and economically isolated to gain access to essential complementary foods,” said Reario. “We are excited to help barangays and mothers establish community gardens and add more fresh, delicious, and nutritious produce to their diets, ensuring a healthy and smart next generation of Filipinos.” Currently, Helen Keller Intl and LDS are also supporting similar nutrition initiatives in five more areas across the country including: Nueva Ecija, Sorsogon, Capiz, Negros Oriental, and Lanao Del Norte. These are all contributing to achieving the PPAN 2023-2028 target to reduce, eventually eliminate, all forms of malnutrition through healthier diets, better nutrition practices, improved access to quality nutrition services, and enabling mechanisms. Over 60,000 mothers to benefit from Helen Keller Intl-LDS new nutrition project in the Philippines.

A civil case for injunction was filed to stop the construction of the Enrile family owned-Nagaland Development Corporation’s new 2-storey commercial building that would block the front or main street view on Peñafrancia Avenue in barangay San Francisco of Naga City’s only two remaining Spanish-era civil building ruins which were declared as Important Cultural Properties (ICPs) by the City Government of Naga (CGN). The latter is however also impleaded as a defendant along with Nagaland for having issued to it the building permit, which the injunction complaint seeks to have initially suspended and then finally revoked. The case was filed last January 28 in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Naga City, now with Branch 24 which has set it for initial hearing on February 9. The four plaintiffs are all from the legal profession, including two retired RTC Naga Judges and one who is also an architect. The two retired Judges are Soliman Santos Jr. and Leo Intia. They are joined by private law practitioner of long good standing Luis Ruben General and architect-lawyer Winstoney Marie Salceda-Mazo. The plaintiffs filed the case primarily on the basis of the RA 7356 provision on “the duty of every citizen to preserve and conserve the Filipino historical and cultural heritage and resources,” and secondarily as jurisprudence-based “Legal Guardians and Responsible Stewards” of the two Naga Ruins. The injunction complaint alleges that the Nagaland commercial building fronting the Naga Ruins and the building permit issued for it by the CGN are “contrary to law, public policy, justice, and equity.” In particular, it is an “offense against historic/ heritage sites and structures” under the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Guidelines, Policies and Standards for the Conservation and Development of Historic Centers/ Heritage Zones. Such a heritage offense includes “visual obstruction” and “competition (a structure that competes with or subordinates a historic/ heritage structure), aside from “over-commercialism” and adjacent “heavy construction.” The complaint alleges that these offenses will prejudice “the heritage value and importance, in other words, the heritage justice,” that is due the Naga Ruins ICPs. They are part of “the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources” that the Constitution mandates the State to “conserve, promote, and popularize.” Such mandated promotion and popularization of the Naga Ruins would be defeated by the frontal visual obstruction and competition by a new dominant commercial building along the whole lot frontage of the lot where they are located. Conservation pertains not only to physical integrity but also to visual integrity. Naga City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Resolution No. 2024-264 had already declared the Naga Ruins “as important cultural properties (ICPs) as they hold local historical, socio-cultural and architectural significance and therefore are [an] invaluable part of the city’s rich heritage and history.” The two old buildings were variously used as a Barracks (Cuartel) and a Storehouse (Almacen), as an Administraccion del Correo complex with postal office and telegraphic station, as charitable foundation, as prison of the city or of the province, as torture chamber, as war room, as infirmary, as hospital, as schools superintendent’s office, as public library, among others. All these during two centuries of history, culture and life in Naga City from 1826 during Spanish rule, American rule, the Commonwealth period, the Japanese occupation, and the post-war independent Third Republic of the Philippines up to the more recent decades of rapid urban development. This year 2026 would be the bicentennial of the original Almacen, if it could only survive. In addition, the complaint alleges that the Nagaland Plan for a “Paseo de Nueva Caceres Heritage Complex” for the whole lot with its whole frontage occupied by the “Paseo de Nueva Caceres commercial strip” will entail cementing the whole lot, including around the two old buildings to be purportedly conserved by adaptive reuse. This over-cementing would aggravate Naga City post-Typhoon Kristine floodings in that area near the Naga River, contrary to Mayor Leni Robredo’s policy issuances for a “Flood-Resilient City” and more “open spaces, with thriving trees and gardens becoming part of our collective lives.” This relates more fundamentally to the constitutional “right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.” As it is, several Enrile family malls, hotels and cafes are found just across the street from the Ruins. Nagaland is already two months into ground preparation for the construction of its new commercial building fronting the Naga Ruins after the CGN issued the building permit for it in November 2025. As it is, one will readily see there at the lot frontage and near the Ruins, these accomplished facts on the ground: a big back hoe that is used for ground diggings and excavations; actual ground diggings and excavations, with several deep holes; a number of preliminary small posts or piles erected on the ground; a cement mixer, and many bags of cement lined up near one of the Ruins; G.I. sheets makeshift buffer but very close to the two old building ruins; a big shipping container used for storage near the old Storehouse (Almacen); and use of the old Barracks (Cuartel) as makeshift barracks for the construction workers. Once the cement starts to pour, it will be that much harder to undo. And so, the plaintiffs have resorted to a judicial remedy, that of a civil case for injunction, with application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and writ of preliminary injunction, to stop the construction of the Nagaland commercial building and for CGN to suspend first then later revoke the building permit. This resort to the Court came after the plaintiffs wrote two letters to Mayor Robredo in December 2025 in order to exhaust administrative remedies on the said matters at her level, but to which there was no response at all for more than a month. The last letter to Mayor Robredo on December 23 urgently requested for three decisive and prompt measures in the best interest of all concerned: [1] temporarily suspend the building permit (and therefore the ongoing construction ground preparation) in the meantime to give way to the soonest exploration of other options or better alternatives; [2] particularly explore a mutually acceptable lot swapping arrangement with Nagaland; and if none, [3] explore the next best alternative for its commercial building to be positioned elsewhere in the big 4,991 square meters lot in a way that does not block the frontal or main street view of the Naga Ruins. The complaint itself does not preclude court mediation whereby such alternatives may no longer be ignored but instead more seriously explored as could lead to an equitable and amicable solution to the controversy.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (4a) The just man is a light in darkness to the upright. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."