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E-TRIKE driver Lionel Bandojo has called on his fellow public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to rally behind the initiative of Mayor Leni Robredo to address the city’s worsening traffic congestion. Bandojo expressed confidence that the upcoming Transport and Mobility Summit will pave the way for the institutionalization of workable and efficient solutions to the traffic problem. The summit is scheduled on Saturday, January 31, at the BISCAST Student Pavilion, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. He said he is “100 percent supportive” of the city mayor’s plan to convene a multi-sector summit that will bring together all stakeholders in the transport sector. Bandojo said he trusts that one of the key issues to be addressed during the summit is the common practice of some PUV drivers lingering too long at loading zones, which obstructs other vehicles and causes traffic congestion. “Aside from that, other PUVs tend to follow suit by picking up passengers even outside designated loading zones,” he said. The summit will also tackle the identification of appropriate parking areas for motorcycles and cars, the designation of safe spaces and sidewalks for pedestrians, and the allocation of proper areas for street vendors. Meanwhile, a punong barangay has expressed his all-out support for the city mayor’s no-nonsense campaign to avoid traffic congestion on streets, particularly along the city’s busiest thoroughfares such as Peñafrancia Avenue, known as the city’s university belt. Punong Barangay Jacky Villafuerte relayed his support through the ANN Express, the city government’s official news channel that features programs, projects, and advocacies of the local government. The city mayor has been pushing for comprehensive reforms in the traffic management of transport vehicles within the city to ease congestion and improve road safety, especially in high-density areas frequented by students, commuters, and motorists. Villafuerte said the summit is expected to pave the way for innovative solutions to the city’s worsening traffic situation through consultations with multi-sector stakeholders. Among the proposals to be discussed during the summit is the provision of a subsidy for passenger jeepney drivers who are required to leave designated loading zones even if they have not reached the full number of passengers due to imposed time limits. The city government said the subsidy plan aims to discourage drivers from staying too long in loading zones, a practice that often causes congestion as public utility vehicles and private cars crowd the same areas. On January 27, Villafuerte joined a city government–commissioned group that conducted an ocular inspection along Peñafrancia Avenue to identify ideal locations for loading and unloading zones, as well as areas for car and motorcycle parking. Villafuerte also expressed his willingness to meet with the city mayor to further discuss traffic-related concerns and other issues affecting the welfare and well-being of his constituents.

DESCRIBED as a battle of the country’s best cagers, the 2nd South Luzon Invitational Basketball Tournament will reel off on February 6, 7, and 8, 2026 at the UNC Sports Palace, featuring top collegiate basketball champions from South Luzon and other regions. Representing the host city are reigning champions from the Naga College Foundation (NCF) University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), and Armando Cope College (ACC) of Tabaco City. They will face equally competitive squads from Guang Ming Colleges of Cavite, Olivarez College of Parañaque City, and the Faith Colleges of Batangas City. A highlight of the tournament will take place on February 7, when an Oragon All-Star Team will be formed and pitted against a squad to be fielded by WB Sofia, which is set to to include both an NBA player and a PBA player. The Oragon All-Star Team will be composed of standout players from the three local schools that recently emerged champions in major leagues: UNC in the PRISAA, ACC in the BUCAL, and NCF in the Oragon Basketball League. John Salvador, commissioner of the Oragon basketball League, said the tournament is expected to be highly competitive due to the presence of powerful and high-caliber players. “This will be a very exciting sports event,” Salvador said, urging the public not to miss the games. He added that an estimated 3,000 spectators are expected to watch the tournament, including groups of small and micro enterprise (SMEs) from neighboring municipalities. Jason Neola

By Manuel T. Ugalde LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol conducted a low-key turnover ceremony for its new regional director on Tuesday, January 27, marking a departure from the traditionally elaborate rites associated with the post. The ceremony was held at the former DPWH regional office in Rawis, Legazpi City, and was attended only by district engineers, assistant district engineers, and selected regional staff. No media representatives or local officials were present, and access to the compound was reportedly restricted during the activity. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon appointed Khadaffy Tanggol, formerly the regional director of Compostela Valley, to head DPWH Bicol. He replaced outgoing Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte. Several DPWH insiders noted that previous turnover ceremonies in the region were often attended by contractors and guests and featured large-scale receptions. The subdued nature of the recent ceremony was viewed by some employees as a significant change in practice. Only a few individuals identified as staff members from Tanggol’s previous assignment and from the office of newly appointed Assistant Regional Director Ferdinand Dallo were present during the event. According to Alex Lacuna, chief of the DPWH Construction Division, following the morning ceremony, Tanggol, Eduarte, district engineers, and regional staff proceeded to the DPWH office at the former Regional Equipment Service compound for lunch. Later in the afternoon, Tanggol, Eduarte, and Dallo left for Manila. An interview with the incoming regional director, earlier discussed with the outgoing official, did not materialize. Tanggol assumes leadership of DPWH Bicol amid continuing efforts by the department to address long-standing administrative and governance challenges within the region.

BAAO, Camarines Sur --- Five individuals were arrested in an anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by Baao Municipal Police Station (MPS) on January 25, 2026, while police intelligence operatives also seized over P1 million worth of illegal drugs and a firearm in a separate operation in Minalabac. At around 1:40 p.m. on January 25, police led by PMaj Engelbert L. Toraldo, Chief of Police, conducted a raid at Sitio Luya, Barangay Lourdes, Baao, Camarines Sur, resulting in the arrest of five bettors engaged in illegal cockfighting or “tupada.” Authorities confiscated Php 5,550 in bet money, 12 gaffs, 11 live fighting cocks, and 14 dead fighting cocks. The arrested individuals were identified in their aliases as: “Markus,” 27, single, unemployed, resident of Baao; “Padi,” 44, married, farmer, resident of Baao; “Tony,” 55, married, construction worker, resident of Iriga City; “Pedro,” 64, married, unemployed, resident of Iriga City; and “Enso,” 68, married, resident of Baao. All five face charges for Violation of PD 449 as amended by PD 1602. They were apprised of their constitutional rights and brought to Baao MPS along with the confiscated evidence for proper disposition. “This accomplishment aligns with the Focused Agenda of the Acting Chief, PNP, on Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO),” said PCOL Virgilio O. Olalia Jr., Provincial Director of Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, emphasizing the province’s strict implementation of anti-illegal gambling measures. Drug bust in Minalabac In a separate operation, Provincial Intel Operatives, together with Minalabac MPS personnel and in coordination with PDEA-Rov, executed Search Warrant No. 2026-002 on January 20, 2026, at the residence of a High-Value Individual (HVI) suspect, alias “Nonon,” 46, in Minalabac, Camarines Sur. The operation was part of COPLAN 2026-77 TARPAN targeting illegal drugs violations under RA 9165. Authorities confiscated 148.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (“shabu”) with an estimated street value of Php 1,007,760, along with one caliber 45 pistol (ARMSCOR, Serial No. 2169977) loaded with four live rounds. The seized items included 37 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing the suspected shabu. The marking and inventory of the items were conducted at the suspect’s residence in the presence of the suspect and an insulating witness. Operatives also used Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) during the raid. “Police Col. Olalia lauded the exemplary efforts of the Provincial Intel Operatives for this accomplishment as part of the relentless campaign against illegal drugs in Camarines Sur,” the PNP reported. Both operations demonstrate the continued efforts of Camarines Sur police in curbing illegal gambling and drug activities across the province under the EMPO framework.

This World Data Privacy Day, January 28, the City Government of Naga is partnering with civil society organization Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) to enhance the local government unit’s capacity to comply with data protection laws and to integrate data protection and information security measures into its day-to-day operations. FMA is a Quezon City–based non-profit organization that assists citizens and communities in the strategic and appropriate use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) for democratization and popular empowerment. A critical component of its advocacy is the promotion of the fundamental right to privacy and data protection. With a Memorandum of Agreement expected to be signed soon, the partnership will center on a two-day data protection training program designed specifically for LGU offices and personnel. This will be followed by a series of consultation and coordination activities involving the city government, FMA, and the latter’s pool of subject-matter experts and advisers. Scheduled for February 2026, the training will provide participants with foundational knowledge on the right to privacy, as well as key data protection concepts and principles. It will also introduce the country’s Data Privacy Act of 2012 and relevant issuances of the National Privacy Commission. By the end of the course, the city government is expected to develop a practical roadmap for strengthening its existing Privacy Program. The collaboration is particularly timely for the City of Naga, which is currently at the forefront of domestic initiatives promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to advance transparency, accountability, and good governance. The responsible use of such tools, after all, can only be ensured when guided by a rights-based framework. For FMA, this partnership reinforces the crucial role it has continued to play in shaping the Philippine data protection policy landscape since the enactment of the Data Privacy Act. The organization was involved in the development of the law’s implementing rules and regulations and has previously provided basic privacy and data protection training to civil society organizations and academic institutions across the country. Both institutions hope that this pilot implementation of FMA’s data privacy training program for local governments will pave the way for similar strategic partnerships with other LGUs that share their vision of good governance—one that not only serves the people, but also upholds their rights.

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)