By Bobby Q. Labalan SORSOGON CITY --- Two major provinces dragged down the overall economic growth of the Bicol Region in 2025, with both logging negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported. During a dissemination forum held at a hotel here on Tuesday, October 6, PSA-Sorsogon provincial head Cross Doreh Lee revealed that the sluggish performance of Sorsogon and Camarines Sur tore down the gains posted by the region's

By Jordan Kurt Domingo Bicolanos below 18 years old may face new restrictions on using social media if a proposed law approved by the Senate becomes effective. The Senate approved on second reading on Wednesday Senate Bill No. 2424, or the Child Online Safety and Protection Act, which seeks to prevent people below 18 from accessing or creating accounts on social media platforms covered by the measure. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, aims to protect children fro

THE dormant volcano called Isarog and the rich agricultural and forest lands of Ocampo and Iriga City, Camarines Sur can be seen from the peak of Tinawagan hills in Barangay Lourdes Old, Baao, same province. Locals considered the area as a big opportunity for building an eco and agri tourist zone. (PAULO DS. PAPA)

By Jordan Kurt Domingo LEGAZPI CITY --- Water districts and other water service providers in Bicol are being urged to strengthen preparations and secure alternative water sources as a stronger El Niño is expected to affect the country through the first half of 2027. The call comes as the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has directed Metro Manila's water concessionaires to look for alternative sources amid the projected reduction in available water from Angat Dam as El Ni

Bicol is among the regions that could face worsening dry conditions as a strong El Niño is expected to intensify in the coming months, with all provinces in the country potentially experiencing drought by the end of March 2027, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. issued the warning during a press briefing on the El Niño phenomenon when asked how many provinces could be experiencing drought by March next year. “By end

MAYOR Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo has appealed to Nagueños to conserve water as the city government intensifies its information and education campaign in preparation for the expected impact of El Niño. Robredo said the city government is using its social media platforms and conducting forums in barangays and schools to provide residents with practical measures they can adopt to help cushion the effects of the weather phenomenon. Raynor Rodriguez, head of the City Disaster Ris

CALABANGA COCKPIT/WIN Radio had the last word on the court, capturing the inaugural BicolMail SHBL Commissioners Cup championship after a tournament-long battle for bragging rights. BicolMail Oldschool settled for first runner-up, followed by Team KD in second runner-up and Team Badboyz in third runner-up. Calabanga Cockpit/WIN Radio’s Pekto Llamado added the Finals MVP trophy to the championship haul, while BicolMail Oldschool’s Joseph Beugis took home the Season MVP award f

FOR a parent raising a child alone, every peso matters. The decision to spare qualified employed solo parents from paying their share of PhilHealth premiums is therefore more than a change in an insurance remittance system. It is a practical form of assistance to families carrying responsibilities that would ordinarily be shared by two parents. More importantly, this is not merely a proposal being studied or considered. Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2026-0015, the new arrange

It should be rainy at this time of year. Traditionally, this is the season of one typhoon or low-pressure area after another. I’m not complaining. It is remarkably beneficial that we in Bicol have been spared from torrential rains lately. But at the same time, we seem to be experiencing what I would call a “dry-season extension.” PAGASA has been warning about El Niño, and prolonged heat and dryness during a season we normally associate with rain certainly feel unusual. Someti

Sa kaso na Shopping Center Management Corporation v. Galutera, G.R. No. E-02121, April 23, 2026, nanggana an sarong babae sa raffle sa SM City Cauayan asin brand-new car an premyo. Pero dai ini tinao saiya ta an saiyang agom sarong security guard sa BDO branch na nasa mall. An basehan kan organizer: nakasurat sa promo mechanics na dae qualified an close relatives kan employees kan organizer, affiliates, mall tenants, agencies, asin service providers. Pero sabi kan Supreme Cou

If it rains tomorrow, does that mean El Niño is not a problem? Not necessarily. That may be the easiest thing to misunderstand about the phenomenon now affecting the country. El Niño does not mean the Philippines will suddenly become one giant oven with a “No Rain” sign hanging over it. It can rain. And we can still have drought. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a Strong El Niño is currently present and is

Gabos apektado kan init kan panahon asin biriglaang bulos nin makusog na uran. Mag-hydrate pirmi. Pinapagiromdom na pirming magpasiguro pirmi nin tubig asin mas marhay na dai na muna magparaluwas poon alas dies nin aga hanggang alas cuatro nin hapon (10:00AM-4:00PM) kung mayo man sana nin importanteng kalakawan. I-adjust ang calendario nin pagtanom. Sa sektor nin agrikultura, inirerekomenda ang early planting o amay na pagtanom tanganing maiwasan ang kasagsagan kan init sa bu

Filipino American history is often told through the people who eventually demanded recognition—labor organizers, civil-rights advocates, community leaders and public officials. Their stories matter. But there is another story that began much earlier. It is the story of the Filipino sailors. They were already moving through the Americas before there was a Filipino American political movement. They were sailors, fishermen, shipbuilders, merchants and skilled workers. They did n

When we hear the words Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, many of us will likely think of a United Nations document, with the 17 colorful icons being memorized by students and shown in many Powerpoint presentations in international conferences, government reports and classrooms. It can sound abstract and academic. And foreign. Perhaps even bureaucratic to be complied with and followed. But what if I say that the SDGs are already in Bicol? They are in our flooded streets

By Paulo DS Papa POLICE have filed a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against the 34-year-old company manager who allegedly hit and killed an 82-year-old woman at a pedestrian lane along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Concepcion Grande here on Monday, Oct. 5. PMAJ Rey Alvarez, commander of Naga City Police Station 2, identified the driver as Janet Pasibe, 34, a company manager and resident of Deca Homes Granvale in Barangay San Felipe, Naga City. The inc