By Jason B. Neola IRIGA CITY --- As it prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in February 2027, the University of Saint Anthony (USANT) is reaffirming its commitment to placing the welfare of its students, faculty members, and employees at the center of its development strategy. USANT President Atty. Emmanuel “Mickey” Ortega said the university’s “people-first philosophy” has enabled the institution to provide quality yet affordable private education while investing heavi

Calaguas Islands, Vinzons, Camarines Norte — July 5, 2026. The recently concluded Dream Swim Calaguas 2026 brought together athletes, local communities, and eco-tourism advocates in a vibrant showcase of endurance and sustainable tourism. Held on July 4–5, the event featured 3KM and 6KM open-water swim categories, drawing participants from across the Philippines to the pristine waters of Calaguas Island. Strengthening Sports Tourism The competition highlighted Calaguas as a p

MINALABAC, Camarines Sur --- A 49-year-old man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly attempted to attack his own daughter with a digging bar in Barangay Sagrada Familia, Minalabac, police said. Police identified the suspect only by the alias “Jim,” a widower and jobless resident of Minalabac. He is now under police custody and is facing an attempted parricide complaint. The victim, identified only as “Ange,” 21, a college student, escaped unharmed during the incid

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- Mayor Hisham Ismail on Tuesday outlined a development roadmap focused on infrastructure, public services, economic growth and good governance as the city advances its vision of becoming a Smart City and a Highly Urbanized City (HUC). In his first State of the City Address (SOCA), Ismail highlighted the city government's accomplishments from July 2025 to June 2026 and outlined priority programs to improve the delivery of public services, sust

By Benilda Recebido MAGALLANES, Sorsogon --- Healthcare access is expected to improve significantly for over 13,500 residents in the southern coastal areas of Magallanes, with the groundbreaking for the new Rural Health Unit 2 (RHU 2) in Barangay Siuton. The ceremony, led by Assistant Secretary Rea Uy Epistola of the Office of the Executive Secretary, assured the public that this additional healthcare facility will serve thousands of residents of Magallanes town. This infrast

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) seized more than PHP2 million worth of suspected illegal drugs during a series of operations conducted from July 6 to 12, an official said Wednesday. In a report, PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib said 59 successful anti-drug operations have been conducted during the period, resulting in the confiscation of 324.28 grams of suspected shabu and 15.42 grams of suspected marijuana, with a com

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) had provided protective supplies to communities affected by Mayon Volcano's continuing unrest in the First District. APSEMO chief Oscar Robert Cristobal said Tuesday the provincial government coordinated with Bacacay after light ashfall was reported in several villages as southwest monsoon (habagat) winds worsened the spread of volcanic ash. "So far, only Bacacay has reported e

By MANUEL T. UGALDE LEGAZPI CITY --- The power situation in Albay has once again come under public scrutiny as the province’s electric cooperative grapples with recurring power interruptions and growing financial obligations, reviving discussions on whether it should again be privatized. The Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO), which serves about 250,000 consumers, has been experiencing frequent brownouts, prompting renewed calls from some sectors to seek private-sector partic

By Bennie Recebido With reports from the Bicol Mail Reportorial Team SORSOGON CITY --- The coastal waters of Sorsogon province remain free from harmful red tide toxins, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Bicol Region. Although Shellfish Bulletin No. 16, Series of 2026 was issued on June 27, the advisory remains in effect because BFAR releases shellfish bulletins every two weeks unless monitoring results require an earlier update. BFAR Bic

By Sally A. Altea LEGAZPI CITY --- More than 200 farmers and fisherfolk in Albay received financial assistance through the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank), giving them access to affordable credit and livelihood support to help expand their agricultural enterprises. The financial support was distributed during the Uswag, Oragon MSME Fair at Albay Astrodome last week. LandBank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette Ortiz sai

By Franshen Rochelle A. Estrella Naga City is one step closer to becoming a regional training center as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) conducted an ocular inspection and evaluation at the Metro Naga Sports Complex, marking another milestone in the city’s commitment to advancing grassroots sports development and expanding opportunities for young athletes. Representatives from PSC’s Planning Division, and Engineering and Maintenance Division, including Ms. Gloria Quinto

By Ernie Delgado MASBATE CITY --- A bomb threat targeting the government-operated Masbate National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) in Masbate City on Sunday afternoon, July 5, prompted emergency sweeps by the explosive ordnance disposal unit. Authorities later declared the threat a hoax. The Masbate National Comprehensive High School releases an official statement, saying that: Classes at Masbate National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS) continue as scheduled after authori

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Bicol (DPWH-5) said Tuesday that the Oplan Kontra Baha (OKB) operations in Naga City have so far improved the drainage capacity of major waterways serving flood-prone communities. In an interview, DPWH-5 spokesperson Justin Dayandante said ongoing declogging, clearing and desilting operations have enhanced the capacity of Sagop Creek and Capucnasan Creek to efficiently discharge water into the B

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The city government has allocated funds for 1,500 beneficiaries of its “Gift of Life” program, providing financial assistance to help pregnant women cover childbirth expenses and meet the immediate needs of their newborns. Mayor Hisham Ismail said the initiative reflects the city government’s commitment to promoting maternal and child health by providing financial assistance to mothers during one of the most financially challenging periods o

By Paulo DS. Papa NAGA CITY --- City government officials involved in the construction of the Outpatient Department (OPD) building of the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH) may face administrative and criminal charges over alleged violations of the National Building Code, City Legal Officer Atty. Angel Ojastro III said on Wednesday, July 8. Ojastro made the statement following Mayor Leni Robredo’s disclosure during a recent press briefing that several city government projects