By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has extended aid to the family of radio broadcaster Noel Samar, who was killed by a still unidentified gunman in Guinobatan, Albay earlier this week. Social workers visited his family to offer support by providing psychosocial interventions to help them cope with the tragic loss of a loved one, funeral expenses, and financial support for burial arrangements. In a statement, DS

By Ana-Liza Macatangay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Bicol has encouraged the local pharmacies in the region to apply for accreditation for the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program. Alberto Manduriao, regional vice president of PhilHealth Bicol, said that PhilHealth GAMOT is not yet accessible in Bicol as the accreditation for local pharmacies is still ongoing. “At this point, we still don’t

QUEZON CITY – In response to the 8 September 2025 directive issued by Department of Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission ex-officio Chair Ralph G. Recto to roll out faster services to pensioners and members, the Social Security System (SSS) has officially launched the MySSS Card – designed to transform the way Filipino workers, pensioners, and their beneficiaries access their social security benefits and financial services. SSS President and Chief Executive Office

By Keren Anne Bernadas Climate change-adaptive architecture is often celebrated for its ability to adjust to the changing conditions and impacts of a warming climate, ensuring buildings remain functional during extreme weather events like typhoons, floods and heatwaves. There’s perhaps no better example of this in the Bicol region than the new town hall of Pasacao, Camarines Sur, set to be inaugurated in early 2026. Pasacao Mayor Niño Tayco told the Philippine Information Age

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- Albay Governor Noel Rosal, the newly appointed chairperson of the Regional Development Council in Bicol, will focus on infrastructure and connectivity projects to boost Bicol’s economic growth during his three-year term. Recently appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the RDC position, Rosal identified 30 flagship projects, including upgrading the Bicol International Airport, improving major seaports like Matnog and Pantao, and en

By Ernie Delgado MASBATE CITY --- Weeks after Typhoon Opong devastated the island province of Masbate, local officials are reflecting on the restoration efforts by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the lasting impact of its initiative to upgrade transmission lines. The NEA launched a comprehensive restoration effort, mobilizing nearly 400 personnel—mainly linemen and boom truck operators—from 47 electric cooperatives across Luzon and the Visayas, while als

By Paulo DS Papa POLICE authorities in Naga City are ready for deployment inside and outside both public and private cemeteries this coming All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Police Lt. Col Chester Pomar, spokesperson of the Naga City Police Office, said that about 33 personnel have been assigned to man motorist assistance desks to be installed in critical and strategic areas of the city. Pomar also mentioned that the city police office has prepared around 70 personnel for poli

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 5 (Bicol) has raised its alert status and operational readiness to manage the massive influx of passengers expected for Undas 2025. PCG-5 Commander, Commodore Ivan Roldan, said Tuesday that they have intensified Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspections (VSEI) to ensure all vessels comply with safety standards set by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Roldan said the VSEI is an important step to ensure tha

By Rosalita Manlangit DAET, Camarines Norte --- Local chief executives and healthcare providers have expressed their support for the implementation of the YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), which aims to provide health services at the barangay level. YAKAP is an expanded version of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Konsulta Package, designed to bring comprehensive health services closer to every Filipino. “I am happy that the Universal Health Care la

By Manuel T. Ugalde LEGAZPI CITY — Albayanos have criticized neophyte Albay Congressman Carlos Loria for his solo efforts to push for the reprivatization of the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO), recalling the province’s dismal power service experience during the eight years it was managed by the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) through the Albay Power and Energy Corporation (APEC). SMC created APEC to operate and rehabilitate ALECO under a 25-year concession. However, the SMC-A

By Ernie Delgado and Marlon Atun LEGAZPI CITY --- Projects not aligned with the Bicol region’s master plan will not receive support from the newly appointed chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC). “Bakit ka pupunta sa mga unprogrammed eh hindi pa natatapos ang master plan mo,” said RDC Chair and Albay Governor Noel Rosal during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency. (Why pursue unprogrammed items when your master plan is not yet fully implemented?) Rosa

By Benilda Recebido SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has entered into a partnership with MKV Builders and Construction Supply, designating the latter as an official training ground for aspiring construction professionals in Gubat, Sorsogon. “The partnership marks a significant step in advancing the enterprise-based education and training (EBET) program in the province,” said Gilda Ranido, the TESDA provincial directo

PAMPLONA, Camarines Sur --- Aligned with the Chief PNP’s tagline, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” which underscores the commitment to ensuring peace and order, public safety, and security, the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO). At around 8:45 PM on October 27, 2025, personnel of Pamplona Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with PDEA ROV, conducted a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Veneracion, Pamplona, Ca

By Rhaydz Barcia LEGAZPI CITY — Slain radio broadcaster Noel B. Samar, 54, had no prior death threats, according to his wife, Rogelyn P. Samar, in an interview with The Manila Times via Messenger. Samar, who also served as a village councilor of Barangay Pag-asa, Legazpi City, hosted the social media program Kadunong iTV and radio programs over DWIZ. He was attacked by unidentified assailants on Monday, October 20, 2025. When asked whether her husband had received any death t

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are warning the public to be extra vigilant against online scams, particularly those involving fake Airbnb listings and fraudulent vehicle rental or “rent-tangay” schemes, as millions of Filipinos prepare to travel for Undas 2025. At the DILG Media Forum, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño said the campaign is part of the PNP’s commitment to the directiv