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By Ryan Mostar BOMBON, Camarines Sur --- What began as an effort to help repair a local church has grown into a sporting event that brought 137 runners to Bombon while putting the town’s landmarks, local businesses, artists and food in the spotlight. The inaugural Kampanaryo Ultramarathon, held Sunday, Aug. 9, featured 50K and 25K categories and raised ₱23,400 for the repair of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish. Of the amount, ₱20,000 came from the race, supplemented by ₱3,400 in donations from abroad. The funds were turned over to the parish during the awarding ceremony. For organizer Oscar Borja Jr., the idea began after he saw the parish undergoing construction and renovation. As an ultramarathon runner himself, Borja had also seen how running events could generate funds while contributing to tourism and promoting local culture. That led him to envision an event that would serve several purposes at once. “We all reach a point in our lives where we want to give back and serve our community,” Borja said. “Big or small, this is our way of giving thanks and offering what we can do.” The Kampanaryo was built around three objectives: fundraising for the parish, promoting Bombon’s tourism and heritage, and supporting the local economy. The town’s leaning bell tower became central to the event’s identity. The finisher’s trophy features the image of the Kampanaryo and was crafted by a local artist, giving the race an opportunity to showcase local talent. The route also passed local establishments, including a gasoline station and several resorts, while the winners received binamban, a local delicacy, as part of the event’s effort to highlight Bombon’s culinary identity. Borja said the broader tourism goal was influenced by his own experience as an ultrarunner who travels to other places to compete. He has seen how races can bring visitors into communities and expose them to local attractions, businesses and products. “That is exactly the positive, long-lasting impact I want to bring to our own town,” he said. The event drew 137 participants, exceeding the organizers’ initial target of 125. Borja said runners were still trying to register even after registration had officially closed. The race route provided its own challenge, with runners describing it as a “roller coaster” of uphill and downhill sections. Borja identified the stretch between kilometers 24 and 34 as one of the toughest portions, with gradual inclines giving way to steeper climbs. Organizing the race was done within a tight two-month preparation period, during which the team had to plan and conceptualize the event, prepare logistical materials and conduct online and onsite registration. Safety was among the organizers’ primary concerns. Borja said coordination with every barangay and local government unit along the route was necessary, but he also recognized that unexpected problems could arise during the race itself. Aside from coordinating with barangays and LGUs, organizers deployed their own race marshals and medical personnel to help ensure the safety of participants. With the inaugural event now completed, the organizers are already looking toward a possible second edition. Borja said requests for “Kampanaryo Dos” began coming in shortly after the first race ended. He hopes the event will eventually become an annual tradition, with future editions further improved based on what organizers learned from the inaugural race. For now, Bombon has its first Kampanaryo in the books. What began as an effort to support the parish has opened a new avenue for showcasing the town, its landmarks, local businesses, artists and products—leaving behind not just a race, but a new way for Bombon to introduce itself to the world.

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- Parts of Albay will experience power interruptions on Wednesday and Thursday due to a scheduled maintenance of the Albay Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Aleco) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). In an advisory, Aleco said an emergency power interruption is scheduled for Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in portions of Daraga, Jovellar, Guinobatan, and all areas in Camalig. The interruption will affect areas served by the Washington Feeder 2. Aleco said the interruption is necessary to facilitate construction of a double-circuit distribution line. Momentary power interruptions are also expected in portions of Daraga from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., affecting Barangays Kilicao, a portion of Tagas, Maroroy, Binitayan, San Roque, and Malobago. Following Wednesday's power interruption, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. announced the localized suspension of all classes at all levels in both public and private schools in the town. He said the decision is in accordance with Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 022, series of 2024, which allows school heads to decide on class suspensions based on prevailing conditions in their respective schools. “It depends on the condition of the classrooms and whether the facilities remain safe and comfortable enough to accommodate students even without electricity,” he said. Meanwhile, the scheduled power interruption by NGCP on Thursday is set from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in areas served by the Dunao and Polangui substations. NGCP said the power interruption is due to the maintenance shutdown of the Daraga-Ligao 69-kilovolt (kV) line. (PNA)

By Rhaydz Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- A total of 5,354 public-school teachers and school heads in Bicol have advanced in their careers under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, marking a major step toward faster promotion and better retention of educators in the region. Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the mass oath-taking ceremony for the newly promoted and reclassified teachers and school heads at the Camarines Sur Freedom Sports Complex on Friday, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directives in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). The mass oath-taking formally implements the ECP System under Executive Order No. 174, series of 2022, and DepEd Order No. 034, series of 2025. The reform seeks to address long-standing limitations in teacher promotion by providing expanded career pathways based on merit, performance and professional standards. It also aims to boost teacher motivation and retention while improving the quality of teaching and school management. Under the ECP System, public-school teachers can advance through expanded position levels from Teacher I to VII and Master Teacher I to V, while school heads can progress from School Principal I to IV. “It was part of President Bongbong Marcos’ vision when he signed the ECP that no Teacher I would retire as a Teacher I,” Angara said. “We will continue to fulfill that promise because under the ECP, teachers and school heads no longer have to wait for decades for a vacancy to move up,” he added. Angara also honored 35 of the longest-serving teachers in Camarines Sur during the ceremony, recognizing their decades of dedicated service to basic education. “On behalf of President Marcos, we thank you for your years—and for many of you, decades—of unwavering service to our learners and their families,” Angara said. “I am certain that you have inspired thousands of young Filipinos. We salute your dedication, sacrifice, and tireless service to our country.” Marcos said in his recent SONA that more than 82,000 educators had already received appointments under the ECP framework. Microphones for teachers Angara also led the ceremonial turnover of lapel microphones to teachers as part of DepEd’s efforts to address vocal strain and fatigue associated with daily classroom instruction. The initiative responds to the President’s directive to prioritize the health and well-being of teachers while providing them with modern teaching equipment. The lapel microphones are intended to help teachers communicate more effectively in the classroom while reducing the need to strain their voices during lessons. DepEd investments in Albay Following his engagements in Camarines Sur, Angara proceeded to Albay, where he led the inauguration of the Ligao City Schools Division Office building. He also inaugurated a 48-classroom school building at Marcial Rañola Memorial School in Guinobatan, Albay. The school project, funded by DepEd at a cost of P145 million, is expected to provide additional learning spaces for students and improve the delivery of basic education in the province.

By Manuel T. Ugalde LEGAZPI CITY --- Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Joey Salceda is pushing for the condonation of nearly P7 billion in debts incurred by the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco), saying debt relief should come first before a new solution is pursued to rehabilitate the troubled power cooperative serving about 250,000 consumers in the province. The proposal came amid continuing efforts by Albay leaders and lawmakers to find a lasting solution to Aleco’s financial and operational woes. Salceda, a former Albay governor, said the P1.2 billion in funds already made available through the General Appropriations Act should first be fully utilized as part of efforts to improve Aleco’s power distribution system. He said the proposed debt condonation could help create a more viable financial position for the cooperative and pave the way for a more sustainable rehabilitation program. Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin echoed Salceda’s position, saying P400 million of the P1.2-billion allocation has already been used to improve substations in Albay’s Third District. The remaining P800 million, Garbin said, is intended for substation improvements in the First and Second Districts. The latest proposal comes as local leaders remain divided over the best way to restore Aleco to stable operations. In 2014, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) entered into a concession agreement with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) for the rehabilitation of Aleco. The agreement initially covered 25 years but was terminated in 2022, after then-Gov. Noel Rosal pushed for its cancellation following an Aleco consumers’ assembly. Efforts to pursue another private-sector arrangement surfaced after the May 2025 elections, when newly elected Albay Second District Rep. Carlos Loria initiated discussions with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) regarding a possible rehabilitation program for Aleco. Several local leaders and Albay lawmakers, however, questioned the initiative, saying the negotiations were being pursued solely by Loria. Another group has been advocating a cooperative-to-cooperative, or “Coop-to-Coop,” arrangement led by Professor Virgilio Perdigon. The group has said the proposal received the support of the Regional Development Council when Salceda was its chairman. Meanwhile, reports by Bilyonaryo News and the Manila Bulletin have cited Meralco’s interest in assisting Aleco amid the ongoing rehabilitation efforts being undertaken by NEA. The current rehabilitation program is partly supported by the P1.2 billion in government funds secured during the congressional appropriations process. Rosal, meanwhile, said any move to enter into another concession agreement with Meralco should be decided by the Aleco board and concurred in by the cooperative’s consumers’ assembly. He also denied giving his imprimatur to negotiations with Meralco, contrary to an earlier claim attributed to Loria. Rosal said Aleco’s debt to its power supplier was less than P3 billion before the 2014 concession agreement with SMC but ballooned to more than P6 billion during the eight-year concession period. The continuing debate over Aleco’s debt, rehabilitation funds and possible private-sector participation underscores the urgent need for a long-term solution to the cooperative’s financial and operational problems, which continue to affect hundreds of thousands of consumers across Albay.

By Rhaydz Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- For seven months eruption of Mayon Volcano, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol spent over P328 million to sustain the needs and ensure the safety of the displaced families, Norman S. Laurio, DSWD regional director in Bicol, said. A total of ₱324,453,325.56 worth of assistance was provided to the affected families, of which ₱ 310,869,340.14 from DSWD; ₱ 2,303,828.83 from local government units (LGUs); ₱ 983,904.00 from NGOs; and ₱ 10,296,252.59 from other partners, agencies, and private sectors, Laurio said. He said that the more than P300 million was used for food, non-food and cash provisions for displaced families affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption which lasted for seven months, considered as the longest stay of the 1,131 families in the temporary shelters from the municipalities of Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot, and the two cities of Ligao and Tabaco. The DSWD recorded at least 71,552 families or 293,975 persons from 159 barangays and 9 municipalities in Albay during the first salvo of Mayon volcano restiveness. During the course of seven months’ stay of displaced families due to Mayon Volcano eruption, 1,131 families or more than 4,000 persons reside temporarily in the tent city, school classrooms while 42 families or 140 persons temporarily stay with their relatives or outside the evacuation camps. The department provided 166,785 Family Food Packs (FFPs) amounting to ₱96,345,106.01. It said that the DSWD through the DRMD - Regional Resource Operations Section (RROS) has stockpiles and standby funds amounting to ₱293,361,458.73. Laurio said that the DSWD regional office continues to implement comprehensive disaster response operations and in strict adherence to Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s directives, ensuring all services and assistance of the department to ensure that all evacuation camps are conducive for the long stay of the affected families. Gatchalian personally visited the Mayon evacuees several times to bring their much-needed financial assistance and checked on their living conditions inside the evacuation. During the course of stay of the evacuees, the DSWD Bicol extended assistance to over 6,411 farmers through the conduct of Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) from May 12-14, 2026. The ECT Payout was also conducted on April 30, 2026 to 1,105 IDPs of the 4 Municipalities of Albay affected by Mayon Unrest. The total assistance amounted to P131,608,950.00. Cash-for-Work programs at least 1,318 affected families launched in Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot, Ligao City, and Tabaco City, providing temporary income opportunities for hundreds of disaster-affected individuals through community work. The CFW program employed 2,169 affected farmers whose livelihood are inside the 6km Permanent Danger Zone, posing challenges to their source of income wherein total assistance amounted to P47,449,800.00. In support of the displaced families’ transition from evacuation centers to their respective communities during the decampment process, the DSWD will provide FFPs to help meet their immediate food needs and facilitate their safe and orderly return to their respective homes. DSWD Bicol delivers family food packs on Thursday afternoon in the tent city evacuation camp intended for the Mayon evacuees of Malilipot town where 405 families stay in temporary shelters for seven months. The department provided additional 4 boxes of family food packs aside from 5 boxes of family food packs a day before the Phivolcs lowered the alert level 2 from level 3. Rhaydz Barcia photo

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Bicol has recorded low dissolved oxygen levels in the surface and middle portions of Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur after a fish kill occurred in these waters. The BFAR-Bicol Fisheries Protection and Sustainable Services Division (FPSSD) Fisheries Integrated Laboratory Section conducted a water quality assessment and validation on Aug. 10, two days after the fish kill was first reported in Ipil and Sta. Cruz. BFAR-Bicol spokesperson Rowena Briones said the assessment covered eight areas of the lake – Sta. Elena, the center of the lake, Iraya, Tambo, Salvacion, the NIA area, Sta. Cruz, and Ipil, affecting 14 cage operators. “The results of the sampling on Aug. 10 showed signs that there may have been water mixing in the lake,” Briones said. She added that dissolved oxygen levels also declined in the lake’s surface and middle portions, where the fish cages are located. “When oxygen is low, tilapia may have difficulty breathing, which can cause stress to the fish,” she said. Briones said strong winds and rainfall in recent weeks may have contributed to the mixing of surface and bottom water in the lake. The possible mixing of water could bring low-oxygen water and decomposing materials from the bottom toward areas near the fish cages, according to the assessment. Briones added that the current findings are not enough to establish it as the direct cause, noting that further monitoring is needed. “The results of the current sampling are not yet sufficient to prove that water mixing was the direct cause of the fish kill,” she said. BFAR recommended the immediate removal and burial of dead fish to prevent the water quality from deteriorating any further. Fish cage operators were also advised to temporarily refrain from feeding their fish and start emergency harvesting to save stocks that have not yet been affected. Continuous monitoring of dissolved oxygen and water temperature at different depths, particularly around the five-meter depth where the fish cages extend, is being conducted by the bureau. The agency identified Sta. Cruz, Ipil, and Salvacion as areas that require close monitoring due to the reported fish kill. She said that BFAR is also monitoring the possible movement of decomposing materials from the bottom of the lake toward areas near the fish cages. “No data yet on the damage, per Lake Development Office,” she said. BFAR also advised the public to ensure that tilapia intended for consumption are fresh and clean. “We have also deployed personnel from the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group in the area to ensure that carcasses damaged from the fish kill are not sold or brought to markets,” she added. (PNA) WATER SAMPLING. An employee of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol conducts water sampling in Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur on Aug. 10, 2026, two days after a fish kill was reported in the area. BFAR-Bicol assessed eight areas of the lake, affecting 14 cage operators. (Photo courtesy of BFAR-5)

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- Ferry trips in the Bicol region and other parts of Luzon and the Visayas were canceled on Tuesday, Aug. 11, due to the effects of the southwest monsoon or habagat, according to maritime authorities. In an advisory issued at 12 noon, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported canceled trips at ports in Masbate, Mindoro, Batangas, Palawan, Panay-Guimaras and Western Leyte-Biliran. The agency clarified that it does not directly cancel voyages, noting that trips are automatically suspended once the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) enforces a no-sail policy. The PPA said that shipping companies may also cancel sailings in accordance with the terms of their Certificates of Public Convenience issued by the Maritime Industry Authority. As of 12 p.m., the PPA said that the following trips were canceled: Masbate Port Management Office (PMO) • Fastcrafts: Montenegro Shipping Lines – Masbate City to Pilar, Sorsogon Mindoro PMO • Port of San Jose: MV Saint Augustine de Ubon, San Jose to Semirara • Port of San Jose: MV Argo de Oro I, San Jose to Semirara • Port of Lubang: No-sail policy by Lubang local government unit • Port of Puerto Galera: MV Pterippus I, 11:45 a.m., Puerto Galera to Batangas • Port of Puerto Galera: MV City of Bacolod, 12:30 p.m., Puerto Galera to Batangas • Port of Puerto Galera: MV Binibining Coron, 2 p.m., Puerto Galera to Batangas • Port of Puerto Galera: MV Pterippus II, 2:30 p.m., Puerto Galera to Batangas • Port of Puerto Galera: MV Island Biri, 3 p.m., Puerto Galera to Batangas • Port of Puerto Galera: MV City of Bacolod, 3:15 p.m., Puerto Galera to Batangas • Port of Puerto Galera: MV Pterrippus I, 3:45 p.m., Puerto Galera to Batangas • Port of Roxas: Montenegro Shipping Lines, Roxas to Caticlan • Port of Roxas: Montenegro Shipping Lines, Roxas to Buruanga Batangas PMO • Port of Batangas: Island Water – Abra de Ilog • Port of Batangas: Montenegro Shipping Line, Batangas – Abra de Ilog • Port of Batangas: Island Water – Puerto Galera • Port of Batangas: Montenegro (Fastcraft) • Port of Batangas: Galerian (Fastcraft) • Port of Batangas: Island Water (Fastcraft) Palawan PMO • TMO Cuyo: All trips of vessels with 15 GT and below • TMO Culion: Excapade tours and all trips of vessels with 35 GT and below • TMO El Nido: Tours B and C and all trips of vessels and watercraft with 15GT and below Panay/Guimaras PMO • Port of Alegria: All trips from Port of Alegria to Roxas, Oriental Mindoro (Starlite Ferries and Marina Ferries Inc.) • Port of Sibunag: Port of Sibunag to Pulupandan (Ron Jayredine) Western Leyte/Biliran PMO • TMO Palompon: LCT Melrivic One of Tabuelan Sea Transport (Palompon to Bogo) Meanwhile, the PCG reported that 419 passengers, truck drivers and cargo helpers were stranded at ports across four regions amid rough seas due to the southwest monsoon. In an advisory, the PCG said the affected individuals were monitored in ports in Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas and Western Visayas from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on August 11. The agency said that it monitored 298 passengers and 20 rolling cargoes that were stranded, while 10 vessels and two barges were taking shelter in seven ports in Southern Tagalog. It added that 94 passengers, 46 rolling cargoes, and two vessels and motorbancas were stranded; and two other vessels were taking shelter in Western Visayas. Meanwhile, at least 27 passengers and 13 rolling cargoes were stranded; while a vessel was taking shelter in Central Visayas, according to the PCG. In its 5 a.m. weather update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecast that the southwest monsoon would continue to prevail over most of Luzon on August 11. (PIA Bicol)

Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymond “LRay” Villafuerte Jr. stands in front of sacks of rice prepared for distribution to residents of various barangays in Bula, Camarines Sur, on Monday, August 10, 2026. Each resident received 10 kilograms of rice provided under the initiative of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., carrying the slogan, “Bagong Pilipinas — Bawat Bayan Makikinabang.” The distribution was assisted by Bula Mayor Manuel “Nonoy” Ibasco Jr., Vice Mayor Nellie “Bikol” Largo, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan. Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Salvio “Sali” Fortuno Jr. also delivers a short message to Bula residents gathered for the rice distribution. He stressed the importance of the assistance being extended to the town’s residents and thanked the local officials and stakeholders involved in the program. (Alex Bustamante)

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara mingled with public school teachers during his visit to the Division of Camarines Sur–Pili Sports Stadium/Complex in San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, last Friday, August 7, 2026. Angara interacted warmly with the teachers, engaging in conversations, taking selfies and signing photographs. The gathering was attended mostly by teachers from various districts of Camarines Sur, who warmly welcomed and enjoyed the opportunity to meet the DepEd secretary. Also present were principals M.L. Lagas, Dennis Vibandor, and Alex Bustamante.

Sinisikwal kan mga election officers sa Camarines Sur an propuestong senate bill ni Senador Francis ‘Chiz’Escudero na nagpapalawig pa kan termino kan opisyales de barangay asin Sangguniang Kabataan sa limang taon asin italaan an eleksyon sa Noviembre 2028. Sa Ciudad nin Naga, si Election Officer Atty. Maico Julia Jr. maging iba pang mga election officers sa provincia nagpahayag na grabe na an saindang ginibong pag-andam para sa pigtalaan na Barangay Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) sa Noviembre 2, 2026 mala ngani an mangyayari kaini kun i-uktaba ciertong dagdag naman na gastos kan pag-andam sa pirilian sa Noviembre 28, 2028 mantang pigtalaan man an election presidential sa Mayo 2028. Milyones pesos na an ginastos kan central office kan commission masasayang naman an fondo kan gobierno, sabi pa kan mga elections officers.. An BSKE enot nang pigtalaan para sa huring semana kan Oktubre 2025 alagad pig-talaan naman kan congreso sa Noviembre 2, 2026 alagad ngunian dai pa giraray contento mawot naman i-uktaba. An dahilan kan senado huli kan krisis sa energia na bakong makatutubod. Alagad sa Liga nang mga Barangay saindang pinapaboran nganing mapalawig an saindang posisyon asin an dahilan dakul pa sindang magiginibo. Dakul nang ibang mga nag-aambisyon amay nang naglilibot para sa BSKE alagad nagtutubod sinda na dapat idagos an pirilian. An Comelec nagpahayag pa na dai papaboran kan Corte Suprema an pag-uktaba naman kun mayong balidong dahilan. Kun makapasar sa senado an propuestong bill kan Bicolanong senador asin cuestionon sa SC delicadong ibasura man sana mantang perang veces nang pig-uuktaba asin mayong naheheling na balidong dahilan. Alagad sa lado kan Comelec kun ano an huri asin pinal na desisyon masunod sana sinda.

Nagpoon na ngunian na Agosto 2026 an Ligtas Tigdas digdi sa Bicol kan Department of Health na target an 95 porciento kan mga kaakian na nag-eedad nin 6 hasta 59 bulan an dapat mabakunahan. Si Assistant Regional Director Dr. Joel Buenaventura kan DOH Bicol nagsabi na importante sa mga kaakian macompleto nin bakuna para sa proteksyon sa saindang salud. Bukas an mga Health Center o arin man na lugar na vaccination center kan LGUs nganing digdi darahon kan mga magurang an saindang papabakunahan na aki. An DOH Bicol nagpaluwas nang directiva sa mga Health Officers kan LGUs nganing ma-target an 95 porciento kan mga kaakian sa Bicol mabakunahan. Alagad padagos an advocacia kan ahencia nganing an mga magurang tabangan an saindang kaakian na madara sa health center o vaccination center. Hagad pa kan DOH sa mga opisyales lokal na suportaran an saindang Ligtas Tigdas program nganing halangkaw an numero kan mga kaakian na mabakunahan. Maging an kooperasyon kan mga magurang hagad kan DOH mantang an programang ini para man sana sa proteksyon sa salud kan saindang mga aki. DOH Bicol naglansar na kan pormal na pagpoon kan Ligtas Tigdas Campaign sa rehiyon para sa proteksyon sa salud sa mga kaakian.