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By Bobby Q. Labalan LEGAZPI CITY --- The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged various supplies and equipment purchased by the provincial government of Camarines Sur for bearing “markings, logos and symbols associated with specific officials” of the province. In its audit report dated May 8, 2025 but was published only this month, the COA noted that the procured items, amounting to more than P50 million, violated Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Circular No. 2010-101 and COA Circular No. 2013-004 which both prohibit the political branding. The DILG circular issued on September 23, 2010 “banned the names or initials and/or images or pictures of government officials in billboards and signages of government programs and properties” while that of the COA states that those banned under the said DILG circular are considered as irregular expenditures. Among those purchased were portable speakers amounting to P20.6 million where it was noted that the brand name of the equipment was missing but the label “Ka Fuerte” was instead printed on the box, speaker unit, microphones and manuals. It was learned that the speakers were intended for distribution to barangays, schools and non-government organizations although the provincial government refused to provide the audit team with the list of intended recipients, the report stated. The audit team noted that the speakers were high-end outdoor party speakers featuring a 10”+10” woofer, remote control, karaoke function, two wireless microphones, bluetooth connectivity and a built-in 12V/7500 mAh battery. The COA also called out the provincial government over its procurement of basketball backboards with markings “Migzerbisyo”, “Luigi”, “Marco Gumabao” and “a logo featuring a sun and two check marks in red and blue”. Also included in the audit observation were the “20,000 high-grade outdoor vests with 8 pocket” purchased at P599.75 per piece for a total cost of P11.995 million allegedly intended for barangay tanods though no distribution list was provided to the auditors. Based on the report, the vests were marked “From: Gov. Luigi Villafuerte” in front and “Gov. Luigi Villafurte” at the back together with the “LV” logo on both sides. The biggest volume both in number and amount, however, was that of the water containers with faucets wherein the provincial government purchased 75,000 pieces worth P244.95 each for a total amount of P18.4 million. Auditors reported that the water containers were stored in several warehouses and during the inspection they chanced upon personnel of the provincial capitol attaching a logo to the containers with “Serbisyong Kafuerte” marking. Even trash cans were not spared from the political branding as they were also included in the audit report as having been marked either “Luigi”, “Villafuerte”, “V” or “Serbisyong Kafuerte”. The audit commission has directed the provincial government of Camarines Sur to immediately remove the political markings, to stop such practice and to explain why government-procured supplies and equipment were so labelled.

By Benilda Recebido SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided livelihood assistance to 40 beneficiaries in Sorsogon to help their businesses recover from the adverse effects of typhoons. Each livelihood kit, valued at P10,000, was distributed to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the municipalities of Barcelona, Bulusan, Castilla, Donsol, Gubat, Irosin, Magallanes, Pilar, Prieto Diaz, Sta. Magdalena, and Sorsogon City. According to DTI Sorsogon Provincial Director Malou Pancho, this targeted assistance was designed for the specific needs of each business. “This intervention aims to help micro-enterprises resume operations, enhance productivity, and restore their primary sources of income after disruptions caused by calamities,” she said. The livelihood kits included a variety of items: 29 food processing sets, 2 sets for processing dried fish, 5 handicraft sets, and 3 sets for woodcraft/carpentry. Pancho said that the contents of the livelihood kits were determined based on the assessments conducted by DTI to identify the actual needs of the MSMEs. Food processors received equipment such as stainless steel work tables and tabletop ovens, while handicraft producers were provided with tools, including sewing machines. She emphasized that DTI does not distribute cash; instead, it offers in-kind assistance to ensure proper utilization and sustainability of the support provided. Since its implementation, the PPG Program has assisted over 3,000 MSMEs across priority industries in Sorsogon, including food processing, handicrafts, health and wellness, and manufacturing. In addition to providing equipment support, beneficiaries participate in capacity-building seminars, receive technical assistance, and undergo regular monitoring to ensure the effective and sustained use of the assistance. One beneficiary, Charmaine Marvida, owner of Kikik’s Tropical Ice Cream, shared how the support will significantly improve her business operations. “I’m so grateful to the DTI for providing me with the stainless work table and weighing scale. These will help ensure that our preparation processes become cleaner, of higher quality, and more efficient,” said Marvida, whose kiosks are located at SM Sorsogon City, SM Legazpi, and Ayala Malls. She also highlighted the impact of typhoons on ice cream sales during cold and rainy seasons, making government support particularly crucial for new entrepreneurs like her. Similarly, Chris John Enguerra Endaya, owner of Inasal-Ni-Juan Grill and Restaurant in Barcelona and Gubat, expressed his appreciation for the program, describing the livelihood kits as a vital boost for businesses struggling to recover from calamities such as typhoons, floods, and fires. “With the kits we receive, we are confident that we can recover from the adverse effects of past calamities,” Endaya said. (Mavic Aringo contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- The effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay continued for the 19th consecutive day on Sunday, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) observing a notable crater glow at night. “Notable crater glow caused by superheated volcanic gas emitted at the summit crater was photographed from the Mayon Volcano Observatory between 06:20 PM to 06:22 PM, 25 January 2026 (PST),” Phivolcs said in the caption for photos of the volcano posted on social media at around 9 p.m. Sunday. As of Monday morning, both lava flow and glowing from the volcano’s crater were observed. According to Phivolcs’ latest observation summary, Mayon logged 13 volcanic earthquakes, one ongoing tremor, 229 rockfall events, and 45 pyroclastic density currents. State volcanologists reported that the volcano belched 1,221 tons of sulfur dioxide within a 24-hour period on January 25. Moderate plumes of smoke rose to up to 700 meters above the crater, drifting in various directions: east-southeast, northeast, north-northeast, and north-northwest. On Saturday night, Phivolcs announced that the lava flow from the volcano’s summit crater had reached approximately 1.3 to 3.2 kilometers downslope, affecting the Mi-isi, Bonga, and Basud gullies. During the PIA Ugnayan sa Bicol briefing on Wednesday, resident volcanologist Paul Karson Alanis said that despite ongoing rumblings, monitoring shows no immediate signs that the effusive eruption will quickly escalate into an explosive eruption. The volcano is unlikely to experience a more hazardous eruption until its magma becomes more viscous and volcanic gas accumulates significantly, Alanis, resident volcanologist at the Ligñon Hill Mayon Observatory Station, said. (PIA Bicol)

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has distributed 10,000 family food packs (FFPs) to residents of Catanduanes affected by the shear line and Tropical Storm Ada earlier this month. DSWD-5 Disaster Response Management Division chief Claudio Villareal said in an interview on Thursday that aside from Catanduanes, family food packs were also being distributed to Camarines Sur residents. Villareal said the Bicol office now has 140,785 FFPs ready for augmentation, supported by 16,200 FFPs from the Visayas Disaster Resource Center. Affected families, including those near Mayon, are also being enrolled in the cash-for-work program, targeting 1,323 beneficiaries at PHP435 a day, while 79,000 families impacted by the shear line will also benefit. The program’s budget is PHP17.26 million. (PNA)

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- Tabaco City in Albay declared a state of calamity Tuesday due to heightened unrest at Mayon Volcano, allowing access to its PHP18 million quick response fund (QRF). The city council approved the declaration on Jan. 20 through Resolution No. 9-250. Mayor Rey Bragais said the disaster funds will be used for emergency measures and direct assistance to evacuees. The city also plans to supplement Department of Social Welfare and Development food packs with fresh meat, vegetables and fish. “We can now move and assist our internally displaced persons through our QRF,” Bragais said in a phone interview. Tabaco City has evacuated 489 families, or 1,787 residents, from the volcano's six-kilometer permanent danger zone. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported increased activity Tuesday, including 272 volcanic earthquakes, 155 rockfalls and 44 pyroclastic density currents over 24 hours. Sulfur dioxide emissions reached 1,221 tons Monday, with continued ground deformation. Access remains prohibited within the danger zone. (PNA) EVACUATION VISIT. Tabaco City Mayor Rey Bragais (right) checks on residents staying at San Antonio Evacuation Center on Saturday (Jan. 10, 2026) after they were displaced by restive Mayon Volcano. The city declared a state of calamity on Tuesday (Jan. 27) to access funds for evacuees. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Bragais FB page)

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- Police in Bicol arrested 104 wanted persons during a weeklong operation that ended Saturday, authorities reported Tuesday. The Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) said those arrested from Jan. 19 to 25 included one regional-level, eight provincial-level, seven city-level, and nine municipal-level fugitives, along with 79 others. Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda, PRO-5 acting regional director, attributed the results to the Enhanced Managing Police Operations strategy. “The successful arrest of these wanted persons reflects our strong commitment to public safety and justice,” Miranda said in a statement. He said the unit remains committed to locating offenders and bringing them before the courts. (PNA)

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY ---Aside from protective masks, people near the rumbling Mayon Volcano in Albay province should wear safety goggles whenever they go out, the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH-BCHD) said on Tuesday. Dr. Aurora Teresa Daluro, head of the Public Health Preparedness and Response Unit of DOH-BCHD, said that individuals affected by ash fallout from Mayon should wear close-fitting eyeglasses with side shields to protect their eyes from the harmful effects of sulphur-laden ash. “It’s not just the nose and mouth where dust particles can enter; they can also affect the eyes. Therefore, goggles should be used, as fine dust can irritate the eyes,” Daluro said during the Ugnayan sa Bicol briefing, speaking in both Filipino and English. Daluro issued this health advisory as a precautionary measure following reports of ash from Mayon blanketing areas near the volcano. According to a bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology released on Sunday, Mayon remains at Alert Level 3, which indicates “intensified unrest” and “magmatic unrest.” This level suggests that a hazardous eruption could occur within weeks or even days. Personnel from the Legazpi city government and police officers distributed hundreds of N95 masks to residents and motorists on Tuesday, as volcanic ash from Mayon drifted toward the villages of Matanag, Bonga, Mabinit, Buyoan, and Padang. Volcanic ash also reached parts of Daraga, Camalig, and Guinobatan towns due to the Northeast Monsoon winds, according to Roderick Mendoza, chief of Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office. Officials said this initiative aims to help those living and working in the affected areas carry out their activities safely, as exposure to ash can disrupt breathing. “Just like during the COVID pandemic, we shouldn’t go outside without an N95 mask,” Daluro said. Given the shortage of N95 masks, Daluro advised that individuals must use whatever protective measures they have to shield themselves from the harmful effects of the ash. “If we don’t have N95 masks and we must go outside our homes or offices, we should make sure to have a small towel to cover our face. It should be damp to help filter the air,” she said. “If the ashfall is severe and we don’t have dust masks, we should stay indoors and close all doors and windows,” she added. “If we’ve already closed everything, but there are still gaps, we should cover them with a damp cloth.” (PIA Bicol)

Nagpapadagos na an rehabilitasyon kan Camarines Sur 3rd Engineering District kan DPWH sa 29 anyos nang Metro Naga Sports Complex (MNSC) sa Barangay Pacol, Ciudad nin Naga matapos mapendiente an patrabajo huli kan controvercia sa flood control. An MNSC saro sa mga mayor na proyekto ni dipuntong Alcalde asin DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo na nakumpleto kan 1997 na premirong ginibo digdi sa Naga an Palarong Pambansa. Alagad sa administrasyon ngunian kan saiyang esposa, dating Bise Presidente asin ngunian Alcalde Leni G. Robredo iyo an naghingoha na mapakarhay an loma nang sports complex matapos makakua siya nin fondo sa gobierno nasyonal. Kinumfirmar ni Robredo na nag-impormar na sa saiya an DPWH sa Baras, Canaman, Camarines Sur na pigponan na an patrabajo kasunod kan pinaluwas na ‘‘notice to proceed’’ sa Delpar Construction and Supplies, kontraktor kan proyekto. An rehabilitasyon kan MNSC dapat naponan sa enot na mga bulan kan administrasyon ni Robredo alagad si DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon nagpaluwas nin memorandum na igilid ngona an mga iimplementar kan ahencia sa infrastraktura na nakadamay an pagpoon kan patrabajo sa MNSC. Sinabi pa kan jefe ejecutivo kan ciudad oras na matapos an rehabilitasyon kan diez hektaryang MNSC, andam an City Hall na mag-host liwat kan Palarong Pambansa. An sports complex nagkapera nang veces ginibo digdi an Palarong Pambansa maging Palarong Bicol sagcod sa panahon ni dating Alcalde John Bongat. Kan nagtalikod na administrasyon dating alcalde asin ngunian Representante Nelson Legacion nakatalaan kuta nang paarkilahan sa pribadong negoyaste alagad dai nangyari kasunod kan mga pagcontra kan manlaen-laen na mga sektor sa ciudad. Track oval kan Metro Naga Sports Complex primerong nagamit sa ginibong Palarong Pambansa 1997. (dpa)

Sarong mamundong bareta sa mga taga Camarines Sur ngunian na taon an desisyon na envez sa dating ruta sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) magbaba an pasajeros kan Cebu Pacific haling Naga Airport sa Pili, Camarines Sur alagad poon sa Marso 29, 2026, ililipat na sa Clark International Airport (CRK) sa Pampanga. Sarong desbentahe sa negosyantes maging iba pang regular na pasajeros huli ta envez na deretso sa Manila an saindang ruta alagad mas malawig pa sundo sa Pampanga kun saen yaon digdi an CRK airport. Ini an mga pahayag ni Bise Alcalde Tomas Bongalonta Jr. kan Pili, CamSur alagad segun saiya ‘‘kiisay na kasalan’’ na pigbabasol niya an Capitolio Provincial. Haloy na an proyekto kan Department of Transportation (DOTr) kan Naga Airport Expansion na kasabay pa kan Bicol International Airport sa Daraga, Albay na ngunian perang taon nang operational. Aram na kan mga taga Camarines Sur kun siisay an dapat basulon na nagpoon an isyu sa barakalan nin daga na dapat 134 hektaryas na ginibo niyang 200 hektaryas sagcod na gustong baratong an presyo kan daga kan mga paraoma na apektado kan proyekto. Saiyang napag-araman sa Regional Development Council an fondo na cantidad P402-M hale sa DOTr yaon sa gobierno provincial. Sa lado kan provincia an pigbabasol iyo an alcalde na nakakaulang sa proyekto alagad pinahimotikan man pabor ngani siya sa ‘‘development’’ kan Kabesira kan Camarines Sur. Kun mababa an pasajeros kan Naga Airport sa CRK, kaipuhan pang liwat na mag-viaje nin sagcod sa labing duwang oras nganing makaabot sa Manila. An mangyayari kaini, si mga pasajeros sa Camarines Sur na mawot magbaba sa NAIA, mapasiring sa Daraga, Albay nganing sa Bicol International Airport nalang magviaje para deretso na sinda sa Manila. Nagpaluwas naman nin advisory an Cebu Pacific nganing amay maaraman kan saindang regular na pasajeros. An desisyon na ini susog sa resolusyon kan Department of Transportation’s Manila Slot Coordination Committee petsado Hulyo 29, 2025 na an pinal na pagdakit kan turboprop aircraft operations hale sa NAIA Terminal 2 pasiring CRK airport. Enot kaini, an PAL o Philippine Airlines haloy nang nagdesisyon na dai na magviaje sa Naga Airport huli kan hayapit na runway asin an nawalat na sana iyo an Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific.

Gabos na mga Engineering District kan Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) iguang fondo para sa highways o sa tinampo alagad pupugolon na kan saindang central office. Si DPWH Secretary Vivencio ‘‘Vince’’ Dizon nagpahayag na bako sanang Maharlika Highway asin Andaya Highway an tatawan prayoridad sa rehabilitasyon envez poon sa North o Luzon, Visayas hasta sa Mindanao na mga national road an saindang central office iyo na an maimplementar kan proyekto. Ini iyo an mawot ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. nganing deretso na implementasyon kan proyekto sa Luzon, Visayas asin Mindanao, sabi pa ni Dizon. An pamayo kan ahencia sa paagi kan saiyang ‘‘road trip’’ nag-inspeksyon sa Maharlika Highway hale sa provincia kan Quezon sagcod sa Andaya Highway sa Camarines Sur asin nagpasiring pa sa Albay iba pang provincia sa Bicol hasta sa Samar. An DPWH nagpaluwas nin memorandum na nag-iimbitar sa siisay man na namamanuan asin nasa civil society organization na maging envuelto sa pag-monitor kan mga proyekto sa infrastraktura bako sana sa flood control. An isyu sa mga anomaliya sa flood control projects nadiscobre sa Bulacan maging sa iba pang provincia mala ngani naimbuelto an nagkaperang politico asin opisyal kan ahencia. Sinabi pa kan opisyal sa paagi kan Citizen Participatory Audit an saiyang memorandum sa gabos na Filipino iguang deretso na magkua nin mga impormasyon o official records asin iba pang documentos publico sa transaksyon sa gobierno. An lakdang na ini parte kan programa kan administrasyon Marcos na maseguro na mayong mga substandard projects maging isyu sa ghost project.

Ni Sonny Malate TIGAON, Camarines Sur --- Nagpagiromdom  si Gerry L. Navarez, Supervising Transportation Officer (SUTRO) kan Partido Land Transportation Office (LTO), Tigaon, Camarines Sur, na bawal na an mga e-trike asin e-bike sa mga national highway magpoon pa kan Enero 1 ngonian na taon. Segun ki Navarez, an saindang ahencia nagpaluwas na nin directiba dapit sa pag-aprehendir, pagpataw nin multa asin pag-impound kan vehiculo sa mga masinutil sa pagcomple sa kahurotan kan saindang oficina. Ipinahayag ni Navarez na an LTO nagdesiminar na kan pagpangalad na ini sa national TV, broadcast media asin ibang sistema nin comunicasyon kan mga nakaaging bulan asin ini higot  nindang ipapautob mantang ini implementado na. An e-trike asin e-bike baratong alternatibong sistema nin transportation asin  environment-friendly. Sa presente, dakol na an nagpapadalagan  kaini sa mga kalye, maging pangpersonal o pangkayod, sa Bicol asin bilog na nacion. Sa tahaw kan situacion na ini, naobservaran ni Navarez na an mga electric vehicles parating nagiging causa kan pagkaabala sa trapiko asin  aksidente orug pa kun yaon sinda sa fast lane, envez sa pinakatoong parte kan kalye sa caso kan mga 4-lane na  tinampo. An mga e-trike asin e-bike an kinakaipohan na iparehistro sa LTO. Siring man, an drayber kaini an  obligadong magkaiguang driver's license. Susog sa directiba, digdi sa Bicol an personahes kan LTO sa oficina regional sa ciudad nin Legaspi asin mga district office kaini  an designadong mag-aprehendir kan mga nagbalgang kagsadiri kaini. Sa presente, an LTO mayong mga deputized PNP personnel huli sa policiang pig-adaptar na ontokon muna an arog kaining sistema. Huli kaini, dagdag na trabaho ini sa lado kan personahes kan LTO.  Segun ki Navarez, an mga local government unit (LGU) iyo na man an  may poder na mag regulate kan ruta kan mga electric vehicle sa saindang lugar. Ini sa pagpagamit kan mga secondary roads sa banwa kun saen iguang designadong speed limit.  Mientrastanto, pigbuyagyag kan SUTRO na an LTO Pertido District Office iyo an ginibong pilot testing area kan bagong Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) gikan sa dating LTO IT system ninda. Katoyohan kan bagong sistema iyo an maparikas, mapagean asin maging conveniente an mga transaction digdi. Nanotaran ni Navarez na dae malikayan na an transition sa sarong  bagong sistema  minsan minacausa nin pagkaabala sa transaction sa oficina. Sa huri, ini nagiging madalahay na asin minaresulta sa marhay na servicio publico.  Nangapodan an pamayo kan district office sa mga drayber na manteniron an respeto, maging disiplinado asin malipot an payo sa gabos na oras. Nagpagiromdom siya na magbalon nin dakol na pasencia sa kada pagbiyahe. Dagdag niya,  dapat magtagama nin bastanteng oras sa pagbiyahe tanganing dae maging apritado, dae mag-init an payo asin makaencuentro nin kaiwal o aksidente sa tinampo. E-vehicles padagos nagdadalagan sa national highway. (Photo PNA)

Ni: Ryan Mostar An Plaza Quezon ipinangaran ki Presidente Manuel L. Quezon, an ikaduwang presidente kan Republika kan Pilipinas. Orihinalmente inapod ini na Quezon Square hasta 1971, kan pinagtibay nin sarong ordinansa na gibuhon Plaza Quezon an opisyal na ngaran kani. Kan 2025, igwa nin duwang proposed ordinances na baguhon an ngaran kan Plaza Quezon. An enot, “Plaza Quezon de Naga,” para mapakusog an lokal na identidad; asin an ikaduwa, “Plaza Arejola,” bilang pag giromdom ki Don Tomas Arejola, sarong prominente na Nagueño na propagandista asin reformista. An Ciudad nin Naga nakakua nin ₱190 milyon na pondo hale sa nasyonal na gobierno para sa konstruksyon asin rehabilitasyon kan Plaza Quezon, na pinaluwas sa paagi kan opisina ni Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. An pagtrabaho sa rehabilitasyon naantala nin pirang bulan dahil sa pagbaha asin iba pang epekto kan Bagyong Kristine.