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Maybe, I still have some thoughts; or maybe I just can’t think of anything else to write about. Yes, it was irregular to fix the roads when the DPWH Secretary would be going on a road trip on it. Yes, it is quite unnecessary for the national department head himself to conduct an ocular inspection to directly experience actual conditions to be able to make decisions on projects (as if, he had no leaders on the lower levels). But on the other hand, privilege speeches on a given issue, ocular inspections on a specific sight, Facebook posts, media mileage and the like are undeniably helpful in getting things done, or starting to get things done. We would have to wait for the week before Holy Week if they really make some real progress. I guess, that’s how our culture goes. Of course, it is ideal for government services (and even private institution services) to be efficient and reliable without prompting of the public or politicians. But, we have to set aside dreams of the “ideal” and make do of what is “real”. After all, there ain’t really nothing wrong with high ranking heads going on visits. I would just hear or read about it, think that things could be done better, but not get mad about it. So, why are some people getting mad with Congressman Legacion inviting DPWH Secretary Dison to drive around Andaya Highway? What’s so wrong with that? A barangay kagawad invites the city engineer to take an actual look at the conditions of pavement of an alley in their barangay. Then, all of a sudden, the punong barangay, and the barangay kagawads and the corner store gossips allied with him are fuming with fury with the kagawad who invited the engineer for a walk. Why would they get mad? An office manager invites the company maintenance engineer to take a look at the conditions of the decrepit steps of stairs leading to different floors. Then, suddenly, the building manager, some department heads and employees get mad. Why would they? Maybe, because they feel that they should have been consulted or informed before the engineer visited. Maybe, they feel that the engineer didn’t need to visit because they can fix the problem themselves. But, the problem has been going on for a considerably long time now. What have we waited for? A few days ago, Governor L-Ray Villafuerte called on a congressional inquiry on accountability on the unfavorable conditions of the Andaya Highway. This seems well and good. The people of Camarines Sur could have justice for mismanagement of public roads and funds for it. But wait, wait! Hold the reins of your horses and step hard on the brakes. Wasn’t he congressman for how many years. Why has not the incumbent governor thought of that when he was a congressman? Then he wouldn’t be a Congress outsider calling for some investigation. Back then, he could have been the one to pass the resolution and even chaired the inquiry. I don’t mean to be cynical, but why now? Why is the good governor calling for such an investigation now after DPWH Secretary Dizon’s visit to the highway? Why just now? He had all those years to call for an investigation. Andaya Highway’s has long been in bad condition. It’s not like it suddenly developed potholes just last year. Andaya Highway has long been in neglect which has implied of massive fraud and inefficiency. Its defective structural design has long been made worse by the piecemeal rehab work made through the decades. It has long fallen to its exasperating state of disrepair. It has long been time for the government to get to the bottom of why the DPWH, for all the resources and expertise at its disposal year in and year out, has allowed this to happen. So, again, I ask. Why only now? Funds for wakeboarding facilities way back some twenty years ago, could have been utilized for a structurally efficient Andaya Highway. I got this feeling that this sudden call for investigation is a ploy to make a noise louder than the privilege speech that moved a DPWH Secretary to go on an ocular inspection by land. People would suck up the flare, dramatics and theatrics, just like doling out 500 peso bills to flood ravaged residents who would have a hard time to find a store that was spared by the flood, to spend those pesos, and would rather receive actual supplies. Maybe, it’s all a game of who gets the credit. Hebrews 6:11: “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.””

Last week, a friend from Pingxiang, China—an engineer and renewable energy expert—visited the Mariners campuses to share insights on solar power as a practical and scalable energy solution. A month earlier, a delegation from Denmark introduced plans for an ocean-based wind farm envisioned for the coastal towns of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte. These visits, coming from opposite sides of the globe, point to one reality: Camarines Sur is increasingly on the map of the global renewable energy transition. The province now stands at a crossroads. Camarines Sur faces rising electricity costs, recurring power disruptions intensified by climate change, and uneven access to reliable energy—particularly in coastal and disaster-prone barangays. At the same time, it holds immense renewable energy potential: abundant sunlight, strong coastal and offshore winds, and growing national momentum toward energy security and net-zero commitments. Solar power has already arrived. The 74-megawatt Calabanga Solar Project is operational and feeding clean electricity into the Luzon grid, proving that large-scale renewables can work in the Bicol Region. Wind energy, however—especially offshore wind in San Miguel Bay—is new territory. And while its promise is enormous, so are the stakes. If done right, wind and solar together can position Camarines Sur as a renewable energy leader. If done wrong, offshore wind risks deepening social conflict, disrupting livelihoods, and eroding trust between communities, government, and developers. This is why the conversation must move beyond megawatts and investments—and toward people, place, and participation. Combining solar and wind offers clear advantages. Solar power peaks during the day, while wind often strengthens at night or in different seasons. Together, they stabilize electricity supply, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and protect communities from volatile fuel prices. Renewables also generate green and blue–green jobs in construction, operations, port services, training, and supply chains—especially relevant for coastal provinces like Camarines Sur. More importantly, renewable energy strengthens climate resilience. Distributed solar systems, hybrid microgrids, and energy storage can power evacuation centers, fisheries infrastructure, health facilities, and community enterprises during disasters, when centralized grids often fail. But these benefits are not automatic. San Miguel Bay is not an empty development space. It is a living, working seascape supporting thousands of small-scale fishers, fish cage operators, shell gleaners, and coastal families, and an ecological system linking mangroves, seagrass beds, and open waters that sustain fisheries and food security. Offshore wind farms introduce real risks if poorly planned. Construction noise can disturb marine life, exclusion zones may displace fishers, and subsea cables and seabed disturbance can alter habitats. Poor turbine layouts may also pose navigation risks for small fishing boats, especially during rough weather. For municipal fishers living day to day, even short-term disruptions matter. The greatest risk, however, is social. Projects fail when communities feel excluded, inadequately consulted, or unfairly compensated. Even technically sound renewable energy projects lose legitimacy when benefits are centralized and burdens are localized. Renewable energy is not just an engineering project. Offshore wind in San Miguel Bay demands a model rooted in the blue economy, participatory governance, and social equity—requiring early, meaningful consultation and genuine involvement of fishers, women, youth, barangay leaders, civil society, and local enterprises. Wind farms are not inherently bad. Solar farms are not automatically good. Renewable energy becomes transformative only when it is inclusive, well-governed, and grounded in local realities. The wind is coming. The sun is already here. The real question is whether the people of Camarines Sur will be partners—or bystanders—in shaping the energy future rising on their shores.

Time may look like a simple idea on the surface, but the way people experience and interpret time is deeply cultural. Understanding how people from different cultures view time will shape how we relate to one another. Such awareness reduces the risk of falling into ethnocentrism, the belief that one’s own cultural perspective is inherently superior to the rest. We, Filipinos, are often criticized for our tendency to arrive late when attending social functions. I am not even going to deny or defend this behavior. In fact, after having lived in the US for more than forty years now, where punctuality is held in esteem, close to being considered a virtue, I still come in late to some Filipino social functions, which do not start on time anyway. Many Filipino friends I know are like me. They tend to be always late. A former classmate survived the September 11 tragedy only because he arrived late for work that morning. What can we learn from this unusual behavior? All of us are products of cultural values and orientations. As Filipinos, we are culturally different from Americans or any other individuals from other countries. We place primary importance on the group like our family as the foundation of our self-identity, in contrast to the more individual-centered orientation characteristic of Americans and many Europeans. Our communication style is reserved and indirect rather than direct and explicit that characterizes the American communication style. We avoid direct eye contact, as looking straight into another person’s eyes, especially the elderly or someone in authority, is traditionally regarded as a sign of disrespect. For Americans, eye contact is a big thing. As a newly arrived immigrant, I must have made an unfortunate impression on the bank manager who interviewed me in Seattle, as I avoided direct eye contact in accordance with my cultural upbringing. In retrospect, I understood why I was not selected for the position, despite having previously worked in a management position in a bank in the Philippines. Orientation to time is another cultural value that distinguishes us from what the late Edward Hall, an expert on cultural relationships, described as people from low-context culture like the Americans, the British, the Germans, the Australians, the Canadians and the Swedish, etc. People from low-context culture view time as something tangible, quantifiable and measurable. Time is viewed as precious; it is not supposed to be wasted. Coming late to an appointment is considered a waste of time because time is a commodity. Comments like, “We have to do time management” or "Always check your watch” are typical of how these people view time. However, this view of time is not shared by people from high-context culture like Asians, Latin Americans, Spaniards, Africans, Native Americans, etc. In their culture, time is viewed as something very personal, where social harmony is more important than rigid schedules. People are viewed as more important than clocks. I was told that if you ask a Native American what time the party will start, their answer is, “When the people are there. It will end when the people are gone.” There is no specific time to begin and end the party. These two orientations of how time is viewed point to the reality that what may be perceived as “lateness” in one culture may be “attending to some important needs of the moment” in another. Recognizing that our sense of time is not the only valid one, opens the door to patience, curiosity, more understanding, and better communication. Our Filipino time orientation is like that of high-context culture. We do not view time as a commodity. We do not segment time into smaller, quantifiable units. Rather, we view time as part of the total experience. Time is something flexible where people’s immediate needs or social relationships take precedence over punctuality or rigid deadlines. Filipino parties usually lasts longer because people want to hang around way past the designated time of closure and the host will not ask you to leave. As a boy growing up in the Philippines, I observed that my parents never made appointments to see a doctor. We just had to go to the clinic, and we would be taken care of. Our family operated on a sense of need rather than on a predetermined time. Everybody understood it; the doctor understood it. People from low-context culture like the Americans will never understand it. Both time orientations have their own advantages and disadvantages. Obviously, problems and misunderstandings do arise when people of different time orientations interact. It would be imprudent for me to arrive late to a job interview with an American company and attempt to justify my tardiness by claiming that I had to drive my children to school. On the other hand, it would be equally foolish for an American visiting the Philippines not to learn the local “rules” for punctuality and aggressively demand instead that clock time should take precedence over anything else in life. When we understand the different time orientations among cultures, we can avoid misinterpreting someone’s behaviors. What is important is to do a cultural shift of sorts, where we alter our mindset, becoming more accepting of other people’s cultural values and practices without necessarily abandoning our own. The goal is to understand other cultures and begin to see and behave differently than before. It’s like living in concrete the principle embodied in the adage, “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” So, when in America, do as the Americans do. And when in the Philippines, do as the Filipinos do. If all this means anything, it means that by understanding and respecting the different tine orientations across cultures, we can cultivate greater patience, minimize unnecessary friction, and foster more enduring personal relationships with people of different cultural values.

Sa modernong panahon ta ngonian, siisay pa saindo ang nagdadangog sa radio? Mga estacion sa AM saka FM? Ang satong mga paratanom, istoria ninda sakuya, nadangog sinda sa transistor na dara ninda sa tahaw kan uma. Tanda ko si mga naenot na model nin cellphone, keypad man o touch screen igua pa nin built-in na FM radio. Ngonian garo nagdidikit na ang igua nin cellphone na may radio. Ang teknolohiya garo man clima, “weather weather lang” man. Nasa AI Era na kita, baad mag-abot ang panahon na mas enot na ang teknolohiya mag-decision para sa tao. Maogma na parte kan istoria kan buhay ko ang radio, tanda ko si Lola Pining, ang lola ko sa ina mahilig magdangog sa radio. Pagkaaga bareta, pagkahapon drama asin bareta liwat, pagpatak kan diklom madalan na siya sa TV kan paborito niyang telenovela. Naapreciar ko ang bareta asin mga programa na nadadangog ko kadto, ang musika kan FM stations lalo na pag aldaw nin Domingo, mga oldies na kasabay nin siesta pakapangudto. Igua nin sarong estacion kadto na nagpapatugtog classical music aroaldaw, maski bakong Domingo o weekend, 98.3FM ang frequency. Tano ta ang orolay ta ngonian manungod sa radio? Igua kitang sini-celebrar, ngonian na taon tolong dekada na ang DWRV 98.3FM Radio Caritas Mariae (RCM) The Mother’s Touch, ang harong kan programang Oras nin Paraoma (ONP). Ang pinagkuanan ta kang apod sa kolumn ta digdi sa Bicol Mail. Kan taon 2020, bago mag-lockdown dara kan pandemyang Covid-19, nagpoon ang ONP sa RCM. Mawot ko magpasalamat sa RCM sa pagbukas kan saindang pinto kan programa para sa sektor kan agrikultura, sektor kan mga paraoma asin mga parasira sa laog nin halos anom na taon na. Nagkaigua kita nin programa sa RCM sa imbitasyon ni Kapanalig Beauty sa closing program nin sarong event sa sarong mall digdi sa Naga. Ang sako man na pagpasalamat sa Bicol Mail sa espacio kan kolumn na ini. Palaog na ang kolumn sa enot na taon kaini sa periodico asin sa panahon ngonian puede nang sabihon na ang sarong taon haloy naman. A la suerte, ang sabi kayan. Ang treintang taon nin pag-exister, halawig naman. Kabanga kang average na edad kan tao sa kinaban kan Dekada 70’ hanggang 90’. Sa buhay nin punong kahoy, one-fourth o one-tenth depende sa klase. Sisay man baya makakasabi kung hanggang saen ang ilalawig kan buhay? A la suerte. Ang istoria kan Radio Caritas Mariae bako man a la suerte, kundi Providencia. Nagdalagan bilang non-profit radio station, bako bilang negosyo. Masasabi ta na ini ang puso nin pagserbi, na dai naghahagad asin naghahalat nin karibay. Maski limitado asin may kakulangan sa recursos, dai pinabayaan. Sa paagi kan mga pamibi, yaon ang mga taga-suporta asin padagos na donasyon kan comunidad. 30 years of grace ang sabi sa post kan RCM sa facebook page kaini. Causa ini nin pagpasalamat. Ang tingog kan Radio Caritas Mariae sa laog nin tolong dekada, iyo ang tingog kan lambang saro na yaon sa pagtubod, na yaon sa pagdangog, na yaon sa pag-serbi, asin yaon sa misyon nin pagheras!

Dai nanggad malikayan ni Announcer Rene Orillosa kan Radyo Kafuerte ang mapaturo an luha kun saiyang nagigiromdoman ang maogmang buhay sa Boarding House sa Naga. Iyo ini an mga pig dadagusan kan mga estudyante na mayong harong sa Naga ta sinda hale pa sa man iba ibang banwaan sa Camarines Sur asin sa ibang provincia kan Bicol. Sigun ki Rene, ibang iba kaidto ang saindang buhay na nagtapos sa pag escuela sa College na namatean ang buhay sa boarding house. Kaya kadakol kaidtong boarding house sa naga asin bed space ta ang Naga City iyo ang pinaka centro nin edukasyon sa Region 5. Bakong arog ngonian na igua na nin mga pampubliko asin private high schools asin colleges sa luwas kan Naga. Kaidto an mga bistadong familya sa mga provincia kan Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Legazpi,Sorsogon asin Burias iguang mga aki na pinapadagos sa mga boarding house ta digdi nag eescuela, alagad ngonian na mga panahon, dai na kaipuhan na magpasiring pa sa Naga ta kadakol na nin mga escuelahan sa mga banwaan asin ibang provincia. An kagayonan kan buhay sa boarding house tunay na namatean kan mga daraga asin Soltero ta duman sinda nagkaka mirinootan asin ang iba dagos nang nagkaka inaragoman. An sarong dakulang boarding house, igua nin para sa female asin male students kaya tunay na maogma ang saindang pagmati ta nahihiling ang saindang mga kras. An mga boarding house kaidto sa Naga, makukua harani sa mga escuelahan. An mga barangay na gulping boarding house iyo an Penafrancia ta sa mga interior kadakol nin boarding house asin bed space ta sinda nag enrol sa mga escuelahan kan CSNHS, Naga College, Trade School, asin Colegio de Sta. Isabel. Kadakol boarding house sa dating kalye supot na ngonian inaapod na Sto. Nino , igua man mga boarding house sa Bagumbayan, P. Santos asin mas dakul kaini sa Ateneo Avenue. An kadaklan sa mga estudyante sa University of Nueva Caceres, nakawarak sa mga boarding house kan Bayawas, Paraiso, Santa Cruz, Bagong Lipunan, Arana, Igualdad asin mas dakul an yaon sa P. Diaz na iyo an nakatudan na dagusan kan mga taga Garchitorena asin Caramoan. Si SM Ron Enon kan OK FM, dai nanggad malilingaw sa maogmahon niyang buhay sa boarding house nindang mga taga Lagonoy na an pinag dadagusan iyo ang lumang boarding house sa kataid kan Jumel Learning Center sa Jacob Street harani sa Naga Central School. Sigun ki Rene asin SM Ron, kaya maogmahon sa boarding house ta ang mga girls garong mga artista ang kagayonan ta sinda mga joven pa, payat pa sinda, mayo pa nin mga pligis an lalawgon asin mayo pa nin mga bilbil an parte kan bituka, asin magayonon sinda sa sulot nindang school uniform. Kaya sindang mga taga Lagonoy asin Siruma, pinag lalangkagan kan saindang mga magurang ta haros pa sana dai na magpuruli sa saindang mga baryo ta sinisiraman kan buhay sa boarding house. Sinabi ni Rene na dai nanggad niya malilingawan ang excitement sa buhay kan mga estudyante kan saiyang kapanahonan ta sa aldao nin Sabado, sindang mga mag sweetheart, nag papasiring sa mga sinehan ni Bichara na an balon toasted peanut na binakal sa Plaza Rizal asin puede sir saro iyan sa rason kaya mas ginugusto ni Rene an magpalipas na may pugol nin bote nin marka demonyo ta dai niya makontrol ang sadiri na giromdomon si mga kagayonan kaidto sa boarding house. Haros gabos na naging estudyante sa Naga, iguang maogmang experiencia sa boarding house ta iyo iyan an mga harong na saindang pig papasyaran ta sa saindang pag pasiring sa boarding house, naka abang na ang sarong magayon na estudyante na napapalukso sa kaogmahan ta nagbisita an inaapod na Atabs.

Atty. Paolo Tolentino Gender-based sexual harassment Atty., nag-report po ako sa HR saka sa supervisor tungkol sa gender-based sexual harassment na naranasan ko hale sa sarong co-worker, pero dae ninda ini inimbestigahan o inaksyunan. Ano po ang pananagutan kan employer sa arog kaning sitwasyon? Please hide my identity. Thank you po. --- Ang gender-based sexual harassment ay tigkokonsidera na sarong krimen. Ang employer may obligasyon sa irarom kang R.A. No. 11313 o Safe Spaces Act na mag implementar ning mga paagi para maiwasan ang gender-based sexual harassment sa trabaho. Kaiba igdi ang pag-gibo ning committee o proseso sa trabaho manungod sa pag-imbistiga saka pag-desisyon sa mga reklamo sa krimen na ini. Dahil igdi, ang saimong employer na dae sinunod ang batas sa paagi kang dae pag-imbistiga saka dae paghiro sa reklamo mo ay pwdeng pa-multahon sa halagang P10,000 hanggang P15,000 base sa R.A. No. 11313. Pwede pa ini makonsiderar na violation kang Occupational Safety and Health standards na iniimplementar kang DOLE sa saindang inspections. Nagkaigwa man desisyon ang Supreme Court na sinasabing liable ang employer sa reklamong “constructive dismissal” kang empleyado na biktima kang sexual harassment sa trabaho na dae inaksyunan tulos kang employer ang reklamo. Pang huri, sa paagi kang sarong civil case, posibleng maging liable ang employer kaiba kang nang-biktima saimo sa danyos na sinapo mo. Kung may mga kahaputan, mag email sa ihapotkiattorney@gmail.com.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (Mt 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs! Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12a When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

By Roy Lagarde/CBCP News The new head of the Catholic hierarchy on Saturday set a two-year agenda focused on caring for bishops, strengthening coordination, care, deepening synodality. Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, outlined his priorities at the opening of the 131st CBCP plenary assembly in Manila. As his first priority, he stressed support for bishops themselves. “Before tending the flock, we must care for the shepherds,” Garcera said, citing the need to care especially for retired bishops and guide newly ordained and “jubilee-year” bishops. He also urged ongoing formation for bishops, especially on emerging concerns such as artificial intelligence and the defense of human dignity. His second priority called for clearer roles for CBCP commissions. Garcera said CBCP commissions exist to assist bishops that “do not act independently,” urging better communication and closer collaboration. “In a truly synodal spirit, we seek clearer communication, shared direction, and closer collaboration, so that our programs genuinely respond to the pastoral needs of our dioceses,” he said. The third priority, Garcera said, is advancing synodality, which he described as “not an event but a way of being Church.” The bi-annual assembly gathered more than 97, including newly ordained bishops Dave Capucao of Infanta, Edwin Panergo of Boac and Samuel Agcaracar of San Jose in Nueva Ecija, who are attending the three-day meeting for the first time. The assembly was preceded by a three-day bishops’ seminar on artificial intelligence, the implementation of synodality and a follow-up discussion on transparency and accountability. On Jan. 22, an onboarding seminar for chairmen and executive secretaries of the CBCP’s various commissions, committees and offices was also held. Garcera, who was elected CBCP president in July 2025, said he accepted the responsibility amid national challenges and growing demands on Church leadership. The archbishop recalled surviving a severe COVID-19 illness and said his election felt like a renewed gift of life and service. “With gratitude to the Good Shepherd, I accept this mandate to serve,” Garcera said, referring to both his archdiocese and the bishops’ conference. He thanked fellow bishops for their trust and praised his predecessor, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, for “courageous and faithful leadership.” Looking ahead to the 2028 ecclesial assembly in Rome and the Philippine presidential election the same year, Garcera said the Church must exercise “pastoral vigilance and moral clarity.” “The presidency of the CBCP is not about one person, but about walking together in mission,” he said.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Three hundred forty-five attendees from twenty-five participating schools of the Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL) joined the Educators Congress yesterday, Jan 28, feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and patron of Catholic schools. In his message, CEACAL President Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, called on attendees to "form hearts that burn with the love of Christ, capable of transforming societies and shaping nations toward justice, peace, and the common good". He emphasized that true knowledge is not just the accumulation of information nor the act of thinking and studying, but rather, the foundation of integrating "intellect, affectivity and action" -towards "love, truth and service to God and neighbor". He also underscored that Catholic education is a "true instrument for addressing the social ills of our country and the world" and a strong medium for social transformation. Inspired by the encyclical of Pope Francis, Dilexit Nos, Tria said "the heart must lead the head and guide the hands in service." He further urged participants to make their schools "true heart centers", places where values such as tenderness, compassion and love are fostered and encouraged to be practiced. Themed "Forming Hearts, Shaping Nations: Catholic Education for Transformative Change", the said Congress was held at Sundaze Hotel in Naga City. Resource speakers were Dr. Rhodora Angela Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee; Hon. Joseph Rañola, former Mayor of Jagna, Bohol; Atty. Alex Lacson, founder of the Kontra Dinastiya Movement; and Dr. Julius Somera, Quezon City Public School District Supervisor. Educators Congress 2026 (Photos by Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria)

By The COMBIBLIA Staff TINANGIS PROVINCIAL JAIL – “We are all sinners. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all members of the Church.” These were the comforting words of Fr. Erwin Blasa, Director of the Caceres Commission on Biblical Apostolate (Caceres COMBIBLIA), to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) during the celebration of National Bible Sunday on January 25. In an event emphasizing inclusivity and participation in the Church, Caceres COMBIBLIA, in partnership with the Caceres Prison Apostolate led by Fr. Jayson Gaite, held a Holy Mass and Bible Study for 68 PDLs. They were joined by the Daughters of Charity and members of the Adonai’s Love charismatic community. Reflecting on the theme, “The Word of God Gives Life to a Church where Everyone Belongs,” Fr. Blasa’s homily struck a chord. He likened the PDLs’ struggles to Israel’s experience of darkness, reminding them that God’s Word brings light and hope even within prison walls. He challenged the inmates to heed Christ’s call to “Follow me”, just as the apostles did. To close, Fr. Blasa shared the powerful testimony of a former inmate whose life was transformed from abuse and addiction to advocacy through daily Bible reading in a crowded cell. Following the Mass, COMBIBLIA distributed 40 free Bibles. Fr. Blasa conducted a session on Bible basics, teaching the PDLs what the Bible is, how to locate verses, and introducing the concept of Kwentuhan sa Salita ng Dios (Spiritual Conversations on the Word of God), a prayerful group sharing method to be practiced during the next visit. The impact was immediate. “Maogma ta nakanuod kami tungkol sa Biblia (I am happy to learn about the Bible),” one PDL shared. Another expressed gratitude: “Salamat ta ngonyan igwa na kaming Biblia (Thank you, because now we have Bibles to read).” Seeing the hunger for spiritual nourishment, organizers announced plans for a future program: Sarong Biblia kada Selda (One Bible for Each Cell), ensuring that hope remains accessible to everyone behind bars.

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) commemorated the bravery of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) officers who lost their lives during an anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur in 2015. PRO-5 Acting Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda led a wreath-laying ceremony at Camp Simeon Ola here on Sunday. Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., in his message read by Miranda, said the nation continues to remember their ultimate sacrifice for 11 years now. “This day of national remembrance is not only about remembering what happened but also about honoring who they were and why their sacrifice still matters. It is about honoring courage, recognizing sacrifice and renewing our pledge, not only as police officers but as Filipinos,” he said. He said the SAF commandos were fully aware of the dangers of their duties yet they chose to serve. “They did not hesitate, they did not retreat, they stood firm even at the risk of losing their lives,” the message read. Lt. Col. Jabesh Napolis, Officer-in -Charge of the Pili, Camarines Sur police, said the SAF 44’s sacrifice exemplified unmatched dedication, courage, selflessness and unwavering love for democracy. “We are forever indebted to these heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace, freedom and prosperity. Let us stand united in solidarity not only to commemorate the valor of the members of the SAF 44, but also to honor their families and loved ones they left behind,” he said in his message. He said the sacrifices of the SAF 44 will serve as an enduring inspiration for the police force to defend the nation’s liberty and honor. Among the fallen heroes was Sr. Inspector Max Jim Tria from Catanduanes province. The operation on Jan. 25, 2015, codenamed Oplan Exodus, successfully neutralized Zulkifli Bin Hir, also known as Marwan, a Malaysian bomb maker and leader of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah. Proclamation No. 164 declaring the National Day of Remembrance of the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44, was signed on Feb. 21, 2017 during the Duterte administration. (PNA) HONORING HEROES. The Police Regional Office-Bicol holds a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the Special Action Forces 44 heroes at Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City, Albay on Sunday (Jan. 25, 2026). The SAF 44 officers were killed in an anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)

FUNERARIA Imperial, a family-owned funeral service in the city, is more than a business milestone—it is a century-long blueprint for survival, resilience, and good management. Celebrating 100 years of service this year, the company stands as an inspiration to entrepreneurs across Bicol, demonstrating how dedication, innovation, and strong business ethics can sustain growth through generations. Jay Percival Ablan, Camarines Sur provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), lauded Funeraria Imperial as “an inspiration to many businesspersons, especially those planning to start their own ventures.” He emphasized that reaching a full century is not merely an anniversary but an achievement worth documenting, as it reflects grit, adaptability, and a deep understanding of evolving business landscapes. Naga College Foundation (NCF) President Mario Villanueva echoed this admiration, noting that the Imperial family’s journey mirrors that of his own institution. Founded in 1947 by his grandfather, Melchor Villanueva, NCF grew from a family determined to serve the community—values rooted in dedication, discipline, and the desire to help others, much like Funeraria Imperial. Villanueva, who also serves as president of the multi-awarded Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the city’s business culture of mutual support, a modern expression of the Bayanihan spirit, which fosters entrepreneurial success. Reuel Oliver, executive director of the Naga City Investment and Tourism Promotions Office, praised the company as a classic example of Bicolano entrepreneurship, noting that the Imperial family has earned awards for not only surviving the test of time but also achieving steady growth and expansion. Oliver attributed this success to the family’s strong business ethics, innovation, and the stable business climate in Naga that encourages confident expansion. Former City Councilor Joe Perez, editor-in-chief of the 73-year-old Bicol Mail, described Funeraria Imperial as a reflection of the entrepreneurial character of early Nagueños. “One hundred years ago, Nagueños were already merchants,” Perez said. “They ran businesses, owned institutional facilities, and engaged in commercial activities. Funeraria Imperial is proof of that legacy.” Perez noted that the company’s commitment to quality and innovation has kept it at the forefront of the funeral service industry, even as national funeral chains entered the local market. Among the company’s forward-thinking initiatives is the Naga Imperial Crematory and Columbary (NICC), established in 2010, years before similar services were introduced locally by national chains. From its strong roots in family values to its continuous drive for innovation, Funeraria Imperial stands as a testament to Bicolano entrepreneurship at its finest—a business that has endured and thrived across a full century. Indeed, Funeraria Imperial has proven to be an essential presence in the lives of countless Nagueños. Through generations of change, survival and challenges, the funeral home stood the test of time as it continues to guide and assist families in their most difficult moments, offering not just professional care, but genuine love and empathy, making sure that memories are not forgotten. This humble family-run business has evolved into a legacy — one that reflects the values of tradition, integrity, and service. From interment to modern memorial services, Funeraria Imperial has been there to meet the needs of the people, always grounded in the core mission of honoring lives with grace and excellent care.