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An Philippine National Police Provincial Office (PPO) kan Camarines Sur iyo an napiling ‘‘Best PPO'' sa rehiyon Bicol base sa evalusyon kan taon 2024 asin 2025. Sa ginibong press conference kan Martes, Febrero 3, 2025 sa Camp Colonel Juan Q. Miranda, Concepcion Grande, Ciudad nin Naga, si Provincial Director P/Col. Virgilio Olalia Jr. nagkumfirmar sa prensa na pigbasehan kan Bicol PNP an saindang mga acomplisimiento kabale mga an operasyon, maging sa lado nin administrativo asin ‘‘impact of community’’. Laen pa kaini, namidbid internasyonal an PPO CamSur kasunod kan pagkakapili ki M/Major Inar Vic Florece komo Top 1 sa 52 international student officers sa ginibong International Police Exchange Program sa Abu Dhabi Police College. Digdi naheling asin nabantog an marhay na acomplisimiento kan PPO Camarines Sur bilang mga professional na awtoridad. Orgullo man kan mga miembros kan PPO sa dakulang onra na narecibe ni Major Florece na jefe de pulisya sa sarong Municipal Police Station sa Camarines Sur. An Camarines Sur sarong matuninong na lugar alagad kun igua man nangyayaring kriminalidad mga isolated sana asin menor na caso.

Ni Sonny Malate San Jose, Camarines Sur--- Nasa ika-apat nang taon  an famosong Harana Festival sa administrasyon ni Alkalde Jerold B. Peña magpoon kan buhayon liwat ini kan taon 2023. Arog kan dati, ini linalaoman na macolor, magayon saka bibo asin  dadagsaon kan rinibong katawohan. An festival namundag kan taon 2003 durante sa termino ni defuntong Alkalde Atty. Gil P. Pacamarra, sa pag-encaminar  ni dating Congresista asin ngonian Department of Energy ( DOE) undersecretary Felix William (Wimpy) B. Fuentebella para sa pagparambong kan cultura, arte asin  turismo sa Partido Area. Kan taon 2010, pagtukaw ni dating Alkalde asin Board Member Gilmar S. Pacamarra, aki kan gurang na Pacamarra, ini naontok asin pigribayan nin bagong festival na dae naghaloy asin namidbid  arog kan Harana Festival.  Kan primerong termino ni Peña,   ini ibinalik mantang nahiling niya an dakula kaining potential.sa paggantad kan cultura, turismo asin economia kan banwa. An harana sarong suanoy na kaugalian kan kalalakihan sa pagranga kan puso kan sarong babaye sa paagi kan gayon kan cancion  nin pagkamoot. Sa ngonian bihira o mayo na kaining naggigibo kaya kakadikit na an nakakaaram kaini orug na an hubenes.  An festival  nagresulta sa pagkamidbid kan mayaman na cultura kan San Jose asin an pig-oorgulyong marhay na gawi kan mga namamanwaan digdi, may mahoyong boot, religioso asin marhay sa pag-estimar sa mga bisita o dayo.  Sa pahayag ni Alkalde Peña,  an numero unong pang-engganyo sa mga bisita sa San Jose iyo mismo an marhay na ugali kan mga tawo digdi. Dagdag pa iyo an mga magagayon asin mapreskong lugar asin managom na pagkakan digdi. Initialmente, an local government unit (LGU) naglatag na kan enot na mga actividades para sa festival. Ini an Songwriting Master class, Regional Choral competition,  Inter- School Cultural Dance competition,  harana float parade competition asin an Banchetto de San Jose. Segun ki Angela Nicole R. Carrido, Municipal Tourism Operations Officer, sa mga maabot na aldaw maaaraman pa an ibang actividades. Siring man,  an mga aldaw na gigibohon ini na posibleng sa ikatolong semana kan Febrero.  Sinabi pa ni Carrido na maaaraman sa saindang FB posts an mga performers hale sa Metro Manila asin mga local na banda asin parakantang magiging front acts. Sinda an minaserbing dakulang panghatak sa rinibong mga hubenes sa concert night  sa laog kan festival.  Linalaoman man an presencia  kan haralangkaw na oficiales kan gobyerno sa distrito asin oficina rehiyonal kan Department of Tourism ( DOT) asin mga stakeholders.  An Harana Festival sa bulan na Febrero iyo an enot ngonian na taon  sa mga macolor, maogma asin bibong actividades na pigmamaigotan ni Peña na ilatag  tanganing ibusol an saiyang programa sa cultura, turismo asin economia kan banwa.  Masunod digdi iyo an pangnacion na motor riders event asin famosong actividad religiosa na  piglalaoman kan alcalde na  macomplemento sa saiyang vision na maging buhay na buhay  an turismo digdi. Dagdag pa an pagcompleto kan "Talisay Port: A New Important Place," sarong tourist hub sa vicinidad kan Partido Boulevard. Harana Festival 2026 pig-aantabayan ngonian na Febrero (Photo LGU San Jose)

Nagbugtak na nin mga satellite registration an Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) sa limang congressional district kan Camarines Sur alagad ginatos pa an mga aplicante an nagpipirila sa Registration Center sa Ciudad nin Naga nganing makakua nin national ID kan Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). Nabigla an ahencia huli ta kan taon 2023 hasta 2025 haros mayo nang mga aplicante sa ID alagad sa ngunian biglang nagdagmang. An PSA Camarines Sur sa pamamayo ni Raul Aspe nagsabi na nangalas siya sa ngunian huli kan nagparadakul an nagpipirila para makakua nin national ID. Sa ngunian an mga satellite registration; sa premir distrito yaon sa Sipocot, sa s egundo distrito sa San Fernando, sa tercer distrito sa Calabanga, sa ika-apat na distrito o Partido area sa Goa, asin sa ika-limang distrito sa Ciudad nin Iriga. Alagad saiyang napag-araman na an mga aplicante si mga miembros kan 4Ps mantang mandato na sa sainda kan DSWD na dapat magkua na nin national ID nganing makarecibe nin ano man na biyaya hale sa gobierno. Kabale pa sa mga nagpipila si mga miembros kan senior citizens na saro man sa rekisitos sa sainda kan ahencia nganing makarecibe nin social pension na cantidad P1,000 cada bulan. Nakatalaan maghagad an PSA Camarines Sur nin dugang na personahes nganing maparikas an pagrecibe kan mga aplicante.An National ID saro sa nagagamit komo ‘’valid ID’’ sa mga transaksyon sa bangko maging sa iba pang mga ahencias de gobierno.

Tanganing dai malugi an paraoma sa pagpabakal nin paroy sa mga kumprada na baratong magbakal nin presyo, an National Food Authority (NFA) Bicol pinapakusog an boot kan paraoma na sainda na dapat magpabakal huli ta an saindang presyo P17 cada kilo sa bagong ani asin P23 cada kilo sa malinig asin alang nang paroy. Sa ngunian agrangay an paraoma huli ta inaabot na sana nin P9 hasta P10 sa pribadong kumprada na apektado sinda sa siring na presyo envez na mag-ganansya asin bakabawi sa gastos kalugihan an saindang inaabot. Igua nang pinaluwas na Executive Order 100 kan Oktubre 2025 si Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na nag-eestabliser nin floor rice sa paroy nganing matabangan an mga paraoma alagad dai man na-iimplementar. An ibang paraoma disganado na envez nagbalyo na sa pagtanum nin natong na dikit pa sa gastos asin madali pa an ganansiya, alagad an NFA nagsabi na dawa arog kaini an reclamo kan ibang paraoma dakul paman giraray an nagpapabakal paroy sa sainda. Igua nang mga paraoma sa Ciudad nin Naga, Rinconada area, provincia nin Albay, Daet, Camarines Norte asin iba pang mga lugar. Pigkumfirmar kan Department of Agriculture an Deloverges Agri Farm sa Barangay Panoypoyan, Bula, Camarines Sur na nagdadakul nang ibang grupo nin paraoma an nagkukumbertir sa pagtanum nin natong sa saindang omahan. Sinabi ni Rey Deloverges sa paagi nin pagtanum natong nagkakaigwa an saiyang agri farm nin de calidad na natong asin perang taon na sinda nagsusuplay sa ibang nasyon sa tabang kan mga exports traders.

Tigsik ko ining si Lolo Kiko Naghanggilid sa dalan na tiko Nakaaging doot na langubo Pig-ib-ib, an sipon nagnorono'! Tigsik ko si Junjun na sobrang hisdol Dae mo madakop, sigeng kibolkibol Sa daeng ontok na pausol-usol Nagdirigay, an hinangos putolputol! Tigsik ko an mapungaw na viuda An hapot sa sadiri kada aga - Haen na an ika-duwang Gloria? Nakatangad, pirawpitaw kan mata! Tigsik ko man an Kastilang burara Tinakma an tilapiang mataba Napahalnas sa minama' kan Agta Sa ka'ka'an ni Kaka nakapungka! Tigsik ko an hamot mo Jasmin Sa parong sinda nagpalingpaling Ano an sangkap, ano baya ta siring? Nagtumbling pati si Lolo Mael! Tigsik ko si Lazarus kan nagadan Hinungit nin tumay na dinailan Lintian ta biglang naumayan Huminuyom, sabay sabing, sirammm!

Ni: Ryan Mostar Sa Pilipinas, kun di ka maingat sa pag-drive, puwede ini maging krimen na Reckless Imprudence (Art. 365, Revised Penal Code), maski dai mo sinadya na makakulog ka nin iba. Kun kotse lang an nadanyos, mabayad ka; kun may nakulugan, puwede ka makulong asin magbayad; kun may nagadan, mas dakula an posibilidad na makulong ka. Puwede ka mag-post nin bail, ta an batas (Art.365) nagtututok sa dai mo pag-ingat, bako sa intensyon na makakulog. An hapot kan batas, “Nag-ingat ka ba nin husto habang nagda-drive?”; kun dai ka nag-ingat, nagiging krimen na ini. Kun pinatawad ka kan pamilya, dai ibig sabihon mayo na kaso. May pananagutan ka pa man sa gobyerno. Nilabag mo ang batas dahil sa dai pag-iingat (reckless) kaya puwede ka pa din makasuhan.

Tigsik ko kun an mga tawo naagi nin pagtios, Kun minsan pigtutuyo iyan kan satong Diyos. Ta kun marhay an buhay lingaw nang dagos, Alagad kun nagsasakit, nakakarumdom tulos. Tigsik ko, pagirumdom sa mga kababayihan, Maglikay sa mga manyakis na kalalakihan. Dai magsulot nin malaen na mga kasulutan, Na bako kamo an magin dahilan nin kasalan. Tigsik ko ining bagyo na maabot na naman, Na iyo naman pighaharaditan kan kadaklan. Mga buhay, pagsasadiri pwede madanyaran, Nin huli sa darang duros sa makusog na uran. Tigsik ko man an mga magurang sa ngunyan, Importante an paggiya sa indong mga kaakian. Ta kun nalalagalag, nalilihis na sinda nin dalan. Mga paghingoa nindo masasayang sana man. Tigsik ko an mga lalaking pirmi nasa inuman, Kun dai susugon kan agom lingaw kan ulian, Kaya nasasalisihan siya ni padi kun minsan, Kaya nag-aataman nin aki na bako niya man.

By Rhaydz Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- Political differences within the Sangguniang Panlalawigan have stalled the approval of Albay’s proposed P4.1-billion annual budget, as opposition board members repeatedly deferred deliberations over the absence of the province’s certificate of beginning balance (CBB) or surplus figure for fiscal year 2025. The delay stemmed from the insistence of Board Member Melissa Abadeza-Armedilla, chairperson of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, that Governor Noel Rosal submit the certificate of beginning balance (CBB) before the provincial board could approve the 2026 budget. Abadeza-Armedilla, a lawyer by profession, demanded that the governor submit the document as early as last year, arguing that it was necessary for the board to properly decide on the proposed budget. Following the provincial board’s failure to pass the 2026 budget, Rosal wrote Vice Governor Farida Co and Abadeza-Armedilla, warning that the prolonged delay would adversely affect the delivery of vital government services, particularly the province’s healthcare programs. Abadeza-Armedilla is an ally of the Ako Bicol Party-list. Co is the younger sister of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy S. Co. Rosal urged the provincial board, led by Vice Governor Co, to immediately approve the budget to prevent disruptions in essential services, especially in public health. In his letter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Rosal said the demand for the beginning balance was not supported by law. “First, this surplus is not part of the budgetary requirements under Section 324 of the Local Government Code. Second, the surplus from the previous year does not form part of, and is in fact not included in, the computation of the budget for the ensuing year. This is the clear import of Section 322 of the Local Government Code,” Rosal said. The governor further explained that the beginning balance or surplus figure for FY 2025 was not yet available because the province’s books of accounts had not been fully closed. “The submission of documents supporting the computation of the beginning balance or surplus figure for FY 2025 was not yet possible at the time of your request—and even up to now—considering that the books of accounts have not yet been fully closed,” Rosal said. He cited Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2010-001, which allows local government units until February 14 of each year to close their books of accounts and submit year-end financial statements to COA. Rosal also warned of the serious implications of a re-enacted budget. “Generally, a re-enacted budget freezes the introduction of new programs and projects, the hiring and promotion of personnel, and greatly restricts access to unprogrammed funds,” he said. “In the case of the Provincial Government of Albay, a re-enacted budget would halt the substantial increase in funding for our local hospitals. Ensuring greater access to affordable healthcare for Albayanos would therefore be severely affected,” he added. On Monday, Abadeza-Armedilla—who has faced online criticism and accusations of politicking—handed over the sponsorship of the 2026 budget to Board Member John Gio Ong Bongao, also a lawyer and representative of Albay’s first district. In a Facebook post, Abadeza-Armedilla said she decided to relinquish the task in order to give another member of the committee the opportunity to sponsor the budget’s approval. She said her committee was merely waiting for the submission of the requested document to allow the Sanggunian to decide “properly and righteously” on the proposed budget. “Instead of respecting that, malicious intentions were imputed on my part—that I simply wanted to delay the approval,” she said. “I gave another member of the committee, Board Member Gio Bongao, the opportunity to immediately sponsor the approval of the annual budget for 2026,” she added. However, Abadeza-Armedilla said that despite her decision, the budget was again laid on the table, with some members still opting to wait for the submission of the requested document. Bongao, for his part, said there is no provision in the Local Government Code that bars the approval of an annual budget in the absence of a certificate of beginning balance. He explained that the beginning balance for 2025 is not yet available and will be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in due time, with any surplus to be properly reflected in the province’s funds. As a member of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, Bongao said he would take full responsibility for sponsoring the approval of the 2026 budget and would not delegate the task to other board members. He underscored that the Local Government Code serves as the “bible” of LGU operations and explained that a provincial budget consists of two components: the estimated income, already presented in the executive budget, and the total appropriations covering operating expenditures and capital outlays. “These two components must be balanced, and this has already been affirmed by the executive department,” Bongao said. Lawyer Edwin B. Bellen, retired Deputy Secretary for Legislation of the Philippine Senate, said Sections 318 to 323 of the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160) do not require the submission of a beginning balance or cash-in-hand report for the passage of an annual appropriation ordinance. “The law does not require it for the approval of an annual budget for a city, municipality, or province,” Bellen said. “A beginning balance can only be determined after the close of the preceding fiscal year and completion of accounting adjustments. Requiring it as a condition for budget approval constitutes an extra-statutory requirement,” he added. Bellen further noted that if no 2026 budget is duly enacted, the 2025 budget will be automatically re-enacted, with or without a beginning balance report. “Albay will be placed under a re-enacted budget if the Sangguniang Panlalawigan refuses or fails to approve the annual budget for the current year,” he said.

By Paulo DS. Papa A 23-year-old female student from a university in Naga City will face criminal charges after authorities discovered her newborn child dead inside a boarding house in Zone 3, Rosal Street, Queborac, Barangay Bagumbayan Sur, Naga City, last Friday, January 23. PCapt. Anthony Bueza, officer-in-charge of Naga City Police Station 3, said in an interview that at around 2:00 p.m. on the same day, police received a report about a newborn baby boy found dead inside a green eco bag, with the umbilical cord still attached. Bueza said police investigators were able to immediately identify the child’s mother through the cooperation of other occupants of the boarding house, as well as personal belongings left inside her room. He did not mention the name of the school but disclosed that the student is from Talisay, Camarines Norte. Police Station 3 coordinated with the Talisay Municipal Police Station to locate and inform the woman’s parents. According to Bueza, the student’s father said that his daughter is currently unable to respond normally, but the family is willing to cooperate with authorities as the case proceeds. “The mother was previously studying at a school in Manila. We believe she was already pregnant when she transferred to Naga City last December for the upcoming semester,” Bueza said. The baby boy, estimated to be seven to eight months old, was given a proper burial through the assistance of the Barangay Council of Bagumbayan Sur. The police are also probing who assisted the mother in delivering the child and in the commission of the crime.

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S FLAGSHIP FLOOD MITIGATION INITIATIVE, OPLAN KONTRA BAHA (OKB), continues to gain momentum in the Bicol Region, uniting government institutions, local leaders, civil society, faith-based organizations, and grassroots communities under the enduring Filipino value of Bayanihan. Anchored on the Bicol River Basin Masterplan, the program reflects a whole-of-nation approach, one that is inclusive, science-based, and sustainable aimed not only at flood control but at national renewal. For decades, the Bicol River Basin, one of the largest and most flood-prone river systems in the Philippines, has suffered from recurring inundation. These floods are not merely the result of natural forces but the cumulative outcome of years of neglect, fragmented planning, environmental degradation, deforestation, river siltation, poorly regulated land use, unplanned urbanization, and climate vulnerability. Entire communities have been displaced, livelihoods repeatedly disrupted, and local economies weakened, underscoring the urgent need for systemic, coordinated, and forward-looking intervention. The Bicol River Basin Masterplan serves as the strategic blueprint for this transformation. It integrates structural engineering solutions, watershed and environmental management, and active community participation. By aligning Oplan Kontra Baha with this masterplan, the government ensures that flood mitigation efforts are not piecemeal responses, but part of a long-term resilience strategy that protects lives, sustains economic productivity, and restores ecological balance. Upon arrival at Legazpi Airport on the 25th of January, 2026 , the DPWH Central Office delegation was led by Undersecretary Calima and Bureau of Equipment Director Toribio Noel Ilao, joined by technical experts including Coastal Engineer Vincent Jan Aurelio Nicer, Engr. Bernadette Ann A. Rociento, Engr. Dindo M. Macabante, and Engr. Shander T. Tasarra. Their presence affirmed the administration’s commitment to grounding policy in technical rigor and operational readiness. The delegation paid a courtesy call on Albay Governor Noel Ebriega Rosal, Chair of the Regional Development Council, followed by a working luncheon with representatives from DPWH Regional Office V and District Engineering Offices in Camarines Sur. Discussions focused on the synchronization of local priorities with the Bicol River Basin Masterplan and the broader OKB framework. “This is not simply about dredging rivers or repairing drainage systems,” emphasized Undersecretary Charles T. Calima, Jr., Task Force Commander of Oplan Kontra Baha. “It is about reimagining how we manage water, land, and communities. Oplan Kontra Baha integrates engineering excellence with environmental stewardship and civic participation. Resilience must be lived—felt daily by farmers protecting their crops, families safeguarding their homes, and communities securing their future. This is how we build a culture of preparedness, solidarity, and shared responsibility.” The seriousness of the national government’s resolve has been unequivocally articulated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has repeatedly underscored that flooding is not a local inconvenience but a national challenge requiring decisive, coordinated action. Under the Bagong Pilipinas Movement, flood mitigation is framed as both a governance responsibility and a moral imperative essential to inclusive development, economic stability, and public welfare. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon has reinforced this mandate, identifying Oplan Kontra Baha as a cornerstone of the administration’s climate resilience and infrastructure modernization agenda. The directive from national leadership is clear: flood control is not optional, it is foundational to nation-building. Subsequent coordination sessions among DPWH Officials and personnel were held at Lago del Rey in Pili, Camarines Sur where the Guests took lodging. In Naga City the following day, the DPWH Central Office team convened a brainstorming session on Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) at the 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO), joined by representatives from the CamSur District Engineering Offices and civil society groups. This preceded a meeting with Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Councilor Atty. Allan Reiz C. Macaraig, Councilor Frank Mendoza, CEO and ENRO representatives. The planning session, graciously hosted at the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) by General Manager Florencio “Jun” Tam Mongoso, Jr., was particularly remarkable. The Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of focal persons from the regional, provincial, district, municipal, and local levels, including DPWH, NIA, CamSur DEOs, and DENR demonstrated exceptional commitment by immediately mobilizing to identify priority sites, operational challenges, and both short- and long-term intervention strategies. Their proactive efforts ensured that an initial report was ready the following day for presentation to the Mayor, laying the groundwork for subsequent discussions on proposed interventions to benefit Naga City and its surrounding municipalities. Parallel engagements were conducted with the Province of Camarines Sur, under Governor Luis Raymund “L-Ray” Villafuerte Jr., through the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) headed by Chief Luzena N. Bermeo. Governor Villafuerte emphasized that flood resilience in Camarines Sur is inseparable from flood resilience across the entire Bicol Region. A defining strength of Oplan Kontra Baha in Bicol is the robust participation of civil society. Among the most active partners is Bayanihan Para Ki Ina, Inc., an NGO, faith based, non-partisan, non-political, ecumenical organization deeply rooted in discipleship, values formation, social justice, and nation-building. Its Chairman, Board Directors and volunteers were drawn from the church, academe, business, medical professions, arts and culture, youth, and missionary sectors have consistently prioritized service to the marginalized, including children, elderly, sick, PWDs, out-of-school youth, persons with addiction, persons deprived of liberty, informal settlers, and the poorest of the poor. In 2024, the organization spearheaded the clearing of the Naga River in preparation for the Centennial Commemoration of the Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of Bicolandia and the largest Marian devotion in Asia. This effort mobilized an extraordinary coalition of government agencies, NGOs, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, uniformed services, socio-civic groups, religious institutions, environmental advocates, and cultural organizations, demonstrating Bayanihan in its most authentic form. Beyond its ceremonial significance, the river clearing proved instrumental in mitigating the devastating effects of Typhoon Kristine, which inundated much of Naga City and Camarines Sur. While lives and livelihoods were still affected, the intervention significantly reduced flood severity in critical areas, underscoring how faith-inspired civic action can yield tangible disaster risk reduction outcomes. It is noteworthy that President Marcos Jr., in continuity with the nation’s deep Marian devotion, consecrated the Philippines to the Immaculate Heart of Mary upon assuming office, a gesture resonant with millions of Filipinos who draw strength from faith in times of crisis and renewal. Oplan Kontra Baha is not merely a domestic initiative; it is a program that resonates with global priorities by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It advances SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through improved drainage systems and river management, ensuring safer and more sustainable water resources. It contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by proactively addressing climate-induced flooding and strengthening community resilience against extreme weather events. At the same time, it supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) through watershed protection and sediment control, safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity. Most importantly, Oplan Kontra Baha embodies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by mobilizing government agencies, civil society, academe, business, and faith-based institutions in a collaborative effort to protect communities and promote sustainable development. By embedding these global commitments within the Philippine development agenda, OKB ensures that flood mitigation is sustainable, inclusive, and future-oriented. For residents along the Naga River, the 2024 interventions were transformative. Communities reported reduced flood levels, renewed confidence, and a restored sense of dignity. Students from local universities joined the efforts, discovering that engineering, governance, and citizenship converge in service to the people. With the tentative Oplan Kontra Baha launch set for February 23, 2026, continued strategic planning and coordinated efforts of stakeholders are imperative. National and local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to swift implementation. More than a program, Oplan Kontra Baha is a movement of healing, addressing not only the physical causes of flooding but also the deeper wounds of neglect, disunity, and short-term thinking. Through decisive national leadership, empowered local governments, and an awakened citizenry, it embodies the promise of Bagong Pilipinas. As President Marcos Jr. declared, “Flooding is a national challenge, and we will confront it head-on.” With Bayanihan as its soul and science as its foundation, Oplan Kontra Baha stands as a beacon of hope, proving that when a nation acts as one, resilience is not only possible, it becomes inevitable. Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro, we entrust to You the success of Oplan Kontra Baha and the renewal of the Bicol River Basin, that through the spirit of Bayanihan our communities may be safeguarded, our rivers restored, and our people strengthened in hope. Bless our leaders, engineers, workers, and volunteers with wisdom, courage, and unity, so that this endeavor may bring lasting resilience, dignity, and peace to Bicol. May faith and science walk hand in hand, and may Your loving intercession guide us always toward safety, solidarity, and renewal. AMEN OPLAN KONTRA BAHA: MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION MEETING -WHOLE OF NATION APPROACH: DPWH Central Office delegation was led by Undersecretary for Special Concerns, Charles T. Calima, Jr., Task Force Commander, Oplan Kontra Baha (seated 3rd from left) and Engineer Toribio Noel Ilao, (seated 2nd from left) Director IV of the Bureau of Equipment, joined by technical experts including Coastal Engineer Vincent Jan Aurelio Nicer, Engr. Bernadette Ann A. Rociento, Engr. Dindo M. Macabante, and Engr. Shander T. Tasarra. Their attendance underscored the administration’s resolve to anchor initiative policy in technical expertise and readiness. Also in photo are Naga City Mayor Leonora “Leni” Robredo; Project Manager II, Office of Special Concerns, Raymond Mendoza; District Engineer, DPWH Camarines Sur 3rd Engineering District, Engineer Jose B. Gigantone Jr.; and City Councilor Atty. Allan Reiz “Areis” C. Macaraig, Committee on Infrastructure of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (seated 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st from right, respectively). Also in photo is Janet Perua Serapio De la Cruz, RN, MAN (seated, extreme left), Founder and Lead Organizer of Bayanihan Para ki Ina, Inc., a faith-rooted, non-stock, non-profit organization committed to holistic and inclusive community transformation, and a faith-based, non-partisan, ecumenical NGO dedicated to evangelization and nation-building. Also present are technical representatives from LGU Naga, DPWH engineers from Regional and District Engineering Offices in Camarines Sur, municipal engineers, Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Board Directors of Bayanihan Para ki Ina, Inc., and a representative from the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Association. Photo credits: DPWH Central Coastal Engineer Vincent Jan Aurelio Nicer

PILI, CAMARINES SUR — January 25, 2026. The Ka-Fuerte Auditorium Sports Complex in Pili became a beacon of hope and achievement as 1,400 newly licensed nurses from 22 schools across Region V took their solemn oath before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The ceremony, divided into two batches at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, marked a historic milestone in the region’s continuing contribution to the nation’s healthcare workforce. The event was graced by distinguished guests, led by Hon. Mila Delia M. Llanes, PhD, RN, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, who delivered the keynote address. Dr. Llanes underscored the ethical responsibility and compassionate service expected of nurses, reminding the new professionals that their vocation is both a science and a ministry of care. Also present was Director Sharo B. Lo, Director of PRC Region V, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in sustaining excellence in nursing education and practice. His message highlighted the role of the PRC in ensuring that the nursing profession remains anchored in competence, integrity, and service to the Filipino people. Spotlight on Naga College Foundation, Inc. Among the 1,400 passers, the Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF) stood out with its strong contingent of successful examinees. The institution’s achievement reflects its unwavering commitment to academic rigor and holistic formation in the health sciences. Dr. Stanley O. Dy, RM,RN,MAN, Vice President and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, PNA - Governor Region V , ADPCN President, Region V and newly elected National Treasurer of Philippine Nurses Association, lauded the graduates for their perseverance and dedication. He noted that the success of NCF’s nursing passers is not only a triumph for the institution but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of faculty, administrators, and students in upholding the highest standards of nursing education. Dr. Dy further emphasized that NCF’s nursing program integrates technical proficiency with values-based training, preparing graduates to serve with competence and compassion in diverse healthcare settings. He expressed confidence that the new nurses will embody the Marian spirit of service and the civic responsibility that NCF instills in its students. A Collective Achievement The oath taking ceremony was more than a formal rite; it was a celebration of collective achievement across Region V. With 22 schools represented, the event showcased the strength of the region’s academic institutions in producing healthcare professionals ready to meet the challenges of the modern world. The presence of national and regional leaders in nursing underscored the significance of the occasion. Their messages resonated with themes of resilience, ethical practice, and the vital role of nurses in safeguarding public health, especially in times of crisis and transformation. Looking Ahead As the newly licensed nurses embark on their professional journeys, the ceremony served as both a culmination of years of study and a beginning of lifelong service. For Naga College Foundation, Inc., the success of its graduates reinforces its mission to be a leading institution in health sciences education, contributing not only to local communities but to the broader national and global healthcare landscape. The oath taking of 1,400 nurses in Pili stands as a powerful reminder: the future of healthcare in Region V is bright, and it rests in the capable, compassionate hands of its newest professionals. Heavenly Father, We gather before You today with hearts full of gratitude and hope. You are the Light of the World, the Divine Healer, and the source of all wisdom and compassion. We thank You for the gift of nursing, a profession rooted in science, yet lived as a vocation of love and service. As Florence Nightingale once carried her lamp into the darkness, becoming an angel at the bedside, may every nurse here be a bearer of Your light, bringing comfort, healing, and dignity to those entrusted to their care. Lord, bless these new professionals as they embrace their calling. May they see beyond the tasks of their hands and recognize the sacred ministry of presence, the quiet prayer at a patient’s side, the gentle touch that eases pain, the listening ear that restores hope. Grant them strength to uphold competence and integrity, courage to face challenges with faith, and humility to serve with compassion. May their work be a living testimony that nursing is not only a career but a mission of mercy, a reflection of Christ’s love for the sick, the poor, and the vulnerable. We pray also for unity and collaboration among communities, institutions, and leaders. May their shared efforts sustain excellence in nursing education and practice, ensuring that this noble profession continues to shine as a beacon of service to the Filipino people and to the world. Finally, Lord, remind us always that in every hospital ward, in every home, and in every place of care, Your angels stand beside us. May each nurse be Your instrument of healing, carrying the lamp of compassion into the lives of those who suffer, and reflecting the eternal light of Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Two hundred days beneath the troubled waters of Taal Lake is not just a statistic—it is a measure of resolve. As the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) marked the 200th day of its diving operations in search of the missing sabungeros, the recovery of three bags of suspected human remains in Laurel, Batangas underscored both the gravity of the case and the painful hope carried by families who have waited for answers since 2021. Each descent into the lake’s cold, dark, and low-visibility depths represents a willingness to confront danger in the name of truth and accountability. The PCG’s persistence, alongside the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, reflects a rare and commendable continuity of state action. In an era when public attention often shifts quickly, the sustained deployment of technical divers, responders, and an Incident Management Team sends a clear message: some cases demand endurance, not expedience. This mission is not merely technical. It is profoundly human. The Coast Guard has rightly framed its prolonged operations as a commitment to families who deserve clarity, dignity, and justice. For them, closure cannot be rushed, nor can it be abandoned when conditions grow difficult or when the calendar turns inconvenient. At the same time, the case exposes a deeper national wound. The allegations that the missing sabungeros were killed and dumped into Taal Lake point to a chilling disregard for human life and the rule of law. That such claims continue to resonate years later is a reminder that justice delayed—if left unresolved—risks becoming justice denied. The 200-day milestone should not be seen as a finish line, but as a moral checkpoint. The PCG’s assurance that the mission will continue is reassuring, but it must be matched by equal determination from investigative and prosecutorial bodies. Recovering remains is only part of the journey; identifying them and holding those responsible to account is the true destination. In the depths of Taal Lake, the nation is being tested—not only on its capacity to search, but on its willingness to persist. The Coast Guard has shown what steadfast public service looks like. Now, the rest of the justice system must ensure that this relentless duty leads to enduring truth.