Young individuals take a well-deserved break from the pressures of urban life, finding relaxation and renewal in the cool waters and serene beauty of Lapnisan Falls, a forest waterfall in Barangay Iraya, Buhi, Camarines Sur. The outdoor escape offers a chance to recharge, strengthen friendships, and appreciate the healing power of nature. Photo credit: Rainier Photography

(As part of its advocacy for healthier lifestyles, The Bicol Mail is publishing this article to encourage smokers to take the first step toward quitting. Giving up smoking is one of the best decisions a person can make for their health, and the benefits begin almost immediately. Understanding the remarkable changes that take place in the body after quitting can inspire smokers to break free from this harmful habit and embrace a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life. –Ed

The images of Inâ, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, and El Divino Rostro visits the Bicol Access Health Centrum Hospital in Naga City, August 3, Monday. (Photo credit: Bicol Access Health Centrum Hospital/Facebook)

(Upper Photo) – Shows Bula Town Vice Mayor Nellie “Bikol” Largo delivering her short and simple message to thousands of residents among the Persons with Disability (PWD) sector at the Covered Court (Sports Complex) of the LGU of Bula, Camarines Sur, on July 24, 2026. Also seated in the front row are Ms. Edith Deloverges (right) and Mrs. Maria “Mar” B. Pontanal (left). Both are officials of MSWDO–Bula and facilitated the program and its activities. (Lower Photo) – Shows the at

By Joela Mizchelle D. Dacillo For many Bicolano communities, the sea is not only a view from the shore. It is food on the table, work for the family, protection from storms, and part of everyday life. From the fishing grounds of Camarines Sur and Albay to the coastal barangays facing the Pacific, the health of our marine and coastal resources directly affects the safety, income, and future of our people. Yet these resources are under growing pressure. Coral reefs, mangroves,

Upper Photo: Two teenage boxers exchange punches during the 1st Bula Masarig Boxing Tournament, officiated by a DepEd-ABAP referee/judge at the Bula Municipal Covered Court/Sports Complex on July 18, 2026, one of the highlights of the Municipality of Bula's pre-fiesta celebration. Center Photo: Round girls Kaith Angel Soliman (left) and Jasmine Joy Flotildes (right) pose with DepEd-ABAP National Referee/Judge Richard Bechayda of San Fernando, Camarines Sur. Also present is Bu

By Joela Mizchelle D. Dacillo When people speak of saving the sea, many imagine distant coral reefs, fishing boats, mangrove forests, and marine protected areas. These are important, but the health of the sea does not begin only at the shoreline. It begins much earlier in our homes, markets, schools, farms, streets, drainage canals, and rivers. Every plastic wrapper thrown carelessly, every clogged canal left unattended, every sack of garbage dumped near waterways, and every

By Joela Mizchelle D. Dacillo The Philippines is a country surrounded by water, yet many Filipino families still feel the burden of high fish prices and unstable fish supply. In markets across the country, fish remains one of the most common sources of protein, especially for ordinary households. For many coastal families, it is also the main source of income. This makes fisheries not only an environmental concern, but also a food security issue. It is worth asking: how can a

By Christopher B. Dacer CBSUA-College of Development Education In a small classroom shared by children of different ages and grade levels, learning is not defined by uniformity but by individuality. Each learner carries a story of distance walked, challenges faced, and dreams quietly nurtured within the four walls of a multigrade school. For many of these children, going to school is not as simple as stepping out of the house and arriving in a few minutes. Some walk long dist

Ni Dr. Christian C. Vega Hindi lahat ng liko ay tanda ng pagkakamali, hindi lahat ng kalsada ay pantay, at hindi lahat ng paglalakbay sa buhay ay madali. May mga landasing mabato, malubak, may mga daang mahaba at nakakapagod, at may mga pagkakataong tila naliligaw tayo sa direksiyon hilaw nating tinatahak. Ngunit sa bawat kambyo at pagliko may pagbabago ng daan, may mga aral na naghihintay upang hubugin ang ating pagkatao. Si Andres ay isang batang puno ng pangarap. Bata pa l

Ni Jay-ar Nodalo Maagang nagising si Amihan nang marinig niya ang mahinang tunog ng habihan sa bahay ng kaniyang lola. Habang sumisilip ang sinag ng araw sa bintana, tila sumasayaw ang makukulay na sinulid na nakahanay sa mesa. “Lola, bakit po napakahalaga ng mga telang ito?” usisa niya. Ngumiti ang matanda habang marahang hinihila ang sinulid. “Hindi lang ito tela, apo. Bawat kulay ay alaala ng ating mga ninuno.” Tahimik na nakinig si Amihan. “Itong pula,” sabi ng lola, “ay