By Reynard Magtoto, Baretang Bikolnon LEGAZPI CITY --- Media groups called on the authorities to conduct a swift and in-depth investigation into the murder of radio broadcaster Noel Bellen Samar in Albay province. Samar, 54, was shot on the road in Guinobatan on October 20 and was declared dead the following day while being treated for four gunshot wounds in a hospital in Daraga. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) described Samar’s killing as ‘distur

By Sally Atento-Altea LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Albay’s economy expanded by 5.5 percent in 2024, driven mainly by strong performance in the financial, trade, and construction sectors, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). During the recent Provincial Product Accounts Dissemination Forum, PSA Albay Chief Cecil Brondial reported that the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew from P153.66 billion in 2023 to P162.17 billion in 2024. “As of 2024, our Provinc

By Sally Atento-Altea LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Farmers and residents from five upland barangays in Polangui, Albay, are now enjoying improved market access and faster, safer transportation following the completion of new farm-to-market roads funded by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The road projects benefit around 7,400 residents and 473 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), who are engaged in cultivating coconut, corn, sugarcane, and vegetables, the department has

By Arnold C. Noda, IO III – BU CPRO With his vision of a University for Humanity towards Sustainable Societies, Bicol University (BU) President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III received a distinguished excellence and humanitarian leadership recognition from the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) as a “Champion of Humanitarian Service and Social Responsibility.” Conferred as part of the 80th UN Anniversary Celebration, the BU President was also elected as

Angat Buhay’s focal person on mental health, Naga City Councilor Gayle Abonal-Gomez, represented the Philippines at the inaugural assembly of the Zero Suicide International Asia Alliance held in Kathmandu, Nepal. Abonal-Gomez joined mental health leaders and advocates from across Asia to share Angat Buhay’s efforts in advancing community-based mental health care through the Angat Kahimati Program in Naga City. This undertaking clearly falls under Mayor Leni Robredo’s “2028 Fi

By Rhaydz B. Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- Governor Noel Rosal is once again facing a tough political battle after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division ordered the cancellation of his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor in the May 2025 midterm polls. The decision stemmed from a petition filed by Adrian Loterte in October 2024 seeking to cancel Rosal’s COC, arguing that the governor was ineligible to run for public office following his dismissal by the Offic

By Jason B. Neola FROM humble beginnings in 1926, the Naga-based funeral company stands as one of Bicol’s leading service providers — expanding its facilities, strengthening community outreach, and upholding a nearly century-old tradition of care. Funeraria Imperial (F.I.) has grown into one of the most trusted and enduring funeral service providers in the Bicol Region. As it approaches its 100th year in 2026, the family-run business continues to blend tradition with innovati

All offices of the city government will soon be displaying “No Gift Policy” posters in their entrances and public areas, following Mayor Leni Robredo’s issuance of Executive Order No. 58, which institutionalizes a comprehensive prohibition on the giving and receiving of gifts in any form. The directive mandates that the “No Gift Policy” be prominently displayed in all city offices and integrated into contracts, bid documents, and official correspondence. This move reinforces

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI City --- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified on Friday that its 2nd Division's decision granting the petition to cancel the certificate of candidacy of Albay Governor Noel Rosal is not yet final and executory. Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said Rosal has five days to file a motion for reconsideration (MR) with the Comelec en banc. “The decision is not yet final and executory, may pagkakataon po si Mr. Rosal na i-elevate ang ca

By Ana-Liza Macatangay LEGAZPI CITY --- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Bicol continues to place education at the heart of its mission by prioritizing scholarships for poor but deserving members of indigenous communities across the region. One of NCIP’s key initiatives—the Indigenous Peoples Education and Advocacy Services (IPEAS)—supports IP learners through two major programs: the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and the Merit-Based Scholarship Prog

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 5 (Bicol) has placed its Emergency Operation Center under “blue alert” status to ensure readiness in case of emergencies during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2. In a memorandum, RDRRMC-5 chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD-5) Director Claudio Yucot said the alert will be in effect from Tuesday until Nov. 3, in observance of Unda

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