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By Fr. Roy Cimagala HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! As we open another year, let us first of all be thankful for everything that took place in the last year, regardless of what color they came, and look forward to this new year with great desire to do a lot of good things. We certainly have to continue with our usual routine which had been helpful in filling our day with meaningful and fruitful work, but let us not be unmindful of the new challenges that certainly would also present themselves to us. Let’s remember that the world is constantly evolving, and even if there are different times and conditions and things would just be the same in the end, there will always be new things that we need to deal with properly. For us to discern these new things, we need to be most attentive to what God is prompting us in our prayer. He is always showing us the way for us to go. We should be quick to capture these promptings and act on them, coming up with plans and strategies that would involve new initiatives even as we retain the usual routine we have. To take the initiative can only mean that we are following God’s primal command, the one given to our first parents: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” (Gen 1,28) It is a command that has not become obsolete nor superseded. It remains effective, reaffirmed in the commandments given later. To take the initiative can only mean that we should be discovering something new, conquering and covering new territories. It need not mean something new in a quantitative sense. It can mean something new in the qualitative sense. “Non multa sed multum,” goes a Latin expression that highlights that point. “Not many things, but much.” So, it is possible that this duty of taking the initiative can be carried out even if we are doing the same things everyday. We may be producing the same quantity of things everyday, but there should be growth in the quality of the things produced, of the way we do things, and of the way we are. In the end, taking the initiative should redound to our becoming more and more a child of God. There should be growth of love, in any and all of its manifestations, because love is the essence of God and it is what makes us more and more like God as we should. We have to be wary of our tendency to be contented at a certain level of human accomplishment. We have to do more to be more like God. That’s because love is not just sweet words, sweet feelings, but rather concrete deeds. And the character of true love involves being open to unlimited self-giving. It is given without measure. Everyday, we have to take initiatives. Otherwise, our spiritual growth gets stalled, stunted or stagnant. And later on, our soul becomes a breeding ground for everything that is the opposite of love. We have to take initiatives in developing our spiritual and apostolic life. We can never say enough—that we are already ok. There will always be new challenges. That is due to our weakened and erratic human condition. God will always be asking for more even as he gives us more graces. He will always be asking us to look for new frontiers in our effort of personal sanctification and apostolate.

Atty. Paolo Tolentino Problema kan kapitbahay sa boundary kan lote Atty., kung dai kami nagkakaintindihan kan kapitbahay sa boundary kan lote, ano an pwedeng gibuhon para maresolba an problema peacefully? Pwede ba kami mag-meeting sa barangay o magpa-notarize nin kasuratan bago mag-escalate nin kaso sa korte? --- Iyo pwde kamo mag olay muna sa barangay para maresolba peacefully ang dae nindo pinagkakasundoan. Sa tabang kang barangay, pwde nindo sabihon, ipaliwanag saka iresolba ang problema. Pwde man kamo magpa survey kang lote para mahiling talaga ang tamang boundary saka area, saka kung sisay an nasa tama. Kung magka sundo kamo, magibo ning pormal na kasunduan ang barangay, dawa dae na iyan inotaryo. Pero kung gusto pa nindo mag-gibo suway na kasuratan na notaryado, pwde man yan. Kung mayo kamo kasunduan na maabot sa barangay, pwde mag sampa kaso sa korte, saro sa requirements kang kaso ay certification hali sa barangay na nag-agi na kamo sa barangay mediation. Kung may mga kahaputan, mag email sa: ihapotkiattorney@gmail.com

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay LEGAZPI CITY --- Children in the rural village of Monbon in Irosin, Sorsogon, have more to celebrate this Christmas. Their Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) organized several festive activities before Christmas Day. Twelve-year-old Jhoemico Lincuna joined a spelling bee and won first place, earning P1,000, while his team also took part in a quiz bee, finished second, and received P500 during the “Padurunungan: Academic and Literary Contest” on Monday, December 22. “The SK leaders are great because they made everyone in Monbon happy,” said Lincuna, who is an academic standout at Monbon Elementary School. His schoolmate, John Christian Dorol, also 12, expressed his gratitude to the Monbon SK after receiving a Lego toy during the SK’s gift-giving event last Monday. “My Christmas is joyful because of our SK,” he said. In collaboration with staff from Monbon Elementary School, Bliss Elementary School, and the non-government organization Tindog Kabataang Monbonanon, the Monbon SK played Santa Claus for nearly a thousand learners, providing each child with a new toy during the gift-giving event. Monbon SK Chair Ralph Kevin Balaguer emphasized the importance of bringing joy to children during this season of giving, especially considering the academic challenges they face throughout the year. “Christmas is a time for kids, so no child should feel unhappy this holiday season,” Balaguer said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino. The council organized eight activities for all youths in Monbon to celebrate Christmas, including badminton, table tennis, and online e-sports tournaments for Mobile Legends and Call of Duty, among others. Balaguer noted that they initiated this Christmas tradition last year. Additionally, older youths in Monbon participated in a symposium on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mental health, organized by the Monbon SK with assistance from health professionals from St. Expeditus Medical Emergency Response Services. They also offered HIV testing and distributed contraceptives to interested youths on Dec. 22. “Monbon SK is always here to bring you joy. We will organize various events every Christmas to make your experience the most fulfilling,” Balaguer said. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story)

By Rhaydz Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed two days before Christmas in a broad daylight encounter between troops of the Army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police in an outlying area of Barangay Burabod, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Army Major Frank Roldan, spokesperson of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID), identified the rebel casualties as Christopher Endrinal, alias Bal, head of the Regional Urban Committee of the BRPC; Ramil Recto, alias Paeng, head of Platoon 1, KLG1, SRC2; and Danilo Budino, alias Ter or Dado, leader of KLG2, SRC2, along with their members Limuel Casiano Pacon, alias Cris, and a certain Pepe. Government troops recovered from the slain rebels an M16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, three anti-personnel mines, a laptop, and personal items at the encounter site after other rebels fled. The troops launched intensified pursuit operations against the communist guerrillas following a series of encounters in recent days that left two soldiers, including an Army official, dead. On December 20, Philippine Army troops in Camarines Sur recovered four M16 rifles in Barangay Pinamihagan, Lagonoy. “It was learned that the group was attempting to return to areas they previously controlled to generate support, but residents reported the presence of the government’s enemy to the authorities,” Roldan said. The 9ID lauded the community’s cooperation in maintaining peace and security. Roldan also urged the remaining rebels to lay down their arms, reunite with their families, and return to the fold of the law. Earlier, on December 20, at least two soldiers were killed after anti-personnel mines (APMs) were allegedly detonated by NPA rebels in Balatan, Camarines Sur. Elements of the 9th Infantry Battalion (9IB), under the 9th Infantry Division, were conducting security operations in the hinterlands of Barangay Cabungan on Friday, December 19, when the communist rebels detonated the APMs, the military said. The Army’s 9th Infantry Division condemned the rebels for using anti-personnel mines, which are strictly prohibited under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) because they cannot distinguish between combatants and civilians. “This incident is a blatant violation of the international rules of war and clearly shows the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army’s disregard for life, human rights, and the safety of innocent civilians who continue to be placed at risk by their terroristic activities,” Roldan said. Earlier, the CPP declared a four-day unilateral ceasefire from 12 a.m. of December 25 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, and from 12 a.m. of December 31 to 11:59 p.m. of January 1, in observance of the holiday season. However, the truce was rejected by the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which vowed to continue intensified military operations against the New People’s Army.

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- Recent powerful typhoons and torrential rains have severely impacted agriculture in the Bicol region, leaving small farmers needing support. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) acknowledged their plight and implemented a response policy. On December 16, Tuesday, CHED Bicol announced its new policy “to serve only locally produced foods as snacks and meals during meetings and other occasions.” On its Facebook page, CHED Bicol said the policy requires it to “prioritize regionally produced products, such as root crops, rice cakes, vegetables, and other food items produced by local farmers.” Government agencies, including CHED Bicol, typically source meals and snacks for official meetings from fast food chains, catering providers, and conference facilities, which usually serve processed foods, pasta, and sandwiches. Through the new policy, CHED Bicol “reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the local agricultural sector by helping small-scale farmers secure a stable, reliable market for their products,” it added. Not a few internet users lauded the initiative. One user, Iris Castillo, said, “I love this! Thank you, CHED, we have lots of root crops in Masbate produced by local farmers.” Another user, Rio Guimbaolibot, said, “Available po sa amin calamansi juice and concentrate titimplahin na lang kesa po so lagi kayo na softdrinks or tetrapack juices (We have calamansi juice and concentrate available, just mix it up instead of the usual soft drinks or tetrapack juices).” A third user, Robert Barba, said, “Kudos CHED RO V for this initiative! Worth replicating!” (PIA Bicol/Masbate) A woman sells produce from her farm at a temporary open market set up for agrarian reform beneficiaries in Masbate City by the Department of Agrarian Reform. (Photo courtesy of DAR Masbate)

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- Hospitals in the Bicol region are ready for the anticipated surge of patients during the holiday season, the regional health office assured. As part of its Ligtas Christmas campaign, health officials inspected several hospitals in Albay to assess their readiness for the anticipated surge of patients. Dr. Rosa Maria Rempillo, officer-in-charge and director of the Department of Health 5 (Bicol), visited the Josefina Belmonte Duran Albay Provincial Hospital and the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Both hospitals said their facilities and medical staff are prepared to respond to potential cases, particularly those related to firework injuries, road traffic accidents, and illnesses caused by overeating and excessive drinking, such as holiday heart syndrome. Health authorities encouraged the public to maintain healthy habits this holiday season by eating wisely, exercising discipline, being responsible while traveling, and avoiding the use of fireworks. As of Wednesday, the region has reported zero fireworks-related incidents. (PNA)

The Epiphany of the Lord (January 4, 2026) First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. R. (cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Dear Father Bill, Kada bagong taon, naggigibo nin New Year's resolution. Kaipuhan daw na gibohon ini? Pano kun dai man naggigibo? Kasalan daw kun dai māotob? An minagalang, Cora Dear Cora, An New Year's resolution sarong tradisyon na pinaggigibo, orog na sa western world. Ini lista kan mga maray na gawe na gustong ipadagos, sanglean an mga salang gibo o katangian, aboton an sarong personal na objeto, o pakarayon an ugali sa pagpoon kan bagong taon. Halimbawa, ngonyan na taon gusto kong mabuhay na simple, sincero, asin matoninong. Dai ako maparaisip o maparahadit, iiwasan ko an pagkadisganar asin dadagdagan ko an pagtabang sa kapwa." Kun dai mo magibo o masunod an saimong New year's resolution, dai ka man magkakasala ta personal mo sana man ining lista kan mga bagay na gusto mong gibohon sa bagong taon. Pero magkakaigwa ka nin dakulang kaogmahan asin kapangganahan kun masunod mo an kadaklan sa mga ipinangako mong gigibohon sa bilog na taon. Napoprobaran mo man sa sadiri mo na igwa kang sarong tataramon asin disiplina na gibohon an mga pagbabago sa sadiri mo. An minagalang, Fr. Bill * * * Email me at: billparisadmu@gmail.com

By Mimilanie Oliver Orbon On December 20, 2025, the Caceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP) brought the spirit of Christmas to the Naga City Children's Home. For me, the day was very significant. As the outreach unfolded for the 20 resident boys, I was also celebrating my own birthday—not by receiving, but by embracing the privilege of being a Ninang. Behind the joy of that day also was the quiet but determined effort of the COWCP advocates and friends who chose to pool their time, resources, and hearts to make each child’s Wishlist possible. It was not an obligation, nor something required of them—but love has a way of moving people beyond duty. Seeing the boys’ smiles, hearing their laughter, and witnessing their simple gratitude became a shared Christmas joy, reminding us that generosity multiplies when it is offered freely. Our hope is that more hearts may grow sensitive to the needs of the least of our brethren, recognizing that these children are not burdens, but blessings—worthy of care, attention, and hope. The gathering began with a eucharistic celebration, a solemn time of praise and thanksgiving. It was here, amidst the prayers for the year’s graces, that I was blessed by the community. That moment clarified a profound truth: as I am given another year of life, my purpose is to share that happiness with others. The atmosphere soon shifted from solemnity to pure joy. The boys’ eyes gleamed with excitement as they met their Ninangs and tore into gift boxes containing items from their personal wish lists. Watching their wishes become reality was truly heartwarming. Indeed, there is a profound beauty in how God orchestrates our moments. Celebrating my birthday as a Ninang to these wonderful boys wasn't just an act of charity; it was a revelation of purpose. During the Mass, as I was blessed by the community, I realized that the greatest gift I could receive was the opportunity to give. God truly prepares opportunities that are far greater than we can imagine. As I was granted another year of life, I was given the grace to share that life with the children of the Naga City Children’s Home. Watching their eyes light up didn’t just make them happy—it filled my own heart to the brim. This experience has taught me that while we make our wish lists, God writes the best stories. We, therefore, invite more people and fellow advocates to journey with us in this mission. Listen to the laughter of children who feel seen, notice the light in their eyes when kindness reaches them, and feel the quiet fulfillment that comes from making a difference. Together, we can help shape futures, restore dignity, and nurture hope. Changing children’s lives, one smile at a time. COWCP Core Group — faces behind the quiet work of love and protection. (Photo by Mimilanie Oliver Orbon)

By CBCP News An international media executive has been appointed the first lay communications officer of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Edwin Lopez, 65, a married layman, was named executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (ECSC), a position previously held by clergy. Lopez has been the international manager for Asia-Pacific of the Eternal Word Television Network, a global Catholic media organization, for the past 24 years, and will continue in that role alongside his CBCP appointment. His appointment was announced during the Advent recollection of CBCP personnel and volunteers held recently in Manila. Lopez succeeds Fr. Ildefonso “Ilde” Dimaano, a clergy of the Lipa archdiocese, who served as ECSC executive secretary since 2020. Dimaano, director of Lipa Archdiocesan Social Communications Commission, was tapped by CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa as his spokesperson. As executive secretary, Lopez will work closely with Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres, who recently assumed office as the new chair of ECSC. Lopez is a board member of TV Maria and a professor in the philosophy and theology department of San Carlos Seminary in Makati City. He holds postgraduate degrees in business administration, international management and development communication, and has completed doctoral units in commerce. The executive secretary of a CBCP commission serves as its chief operating and coordinating officer, translating the bishops’ pastoral vision into concrete programs and initiatives. In the ECSC, Lopez will oversee program implementation, coordinate communications efforts and serve as the commission’s technical and administrative officer. Mr. Edwin Lopez, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications. JAY MANGUSSAD/CBCP NEWS

Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon closed the Jubilee Year of Hope on the Feast of the Holy Family, Dec. 28. A mass was celebrated for the said occasion at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral St. John the Evangelist Parish. (Photo credit: Nicole Assumption Marie Tria/The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral)

As Funeraria Imperial approaches its 100th year in 2026, its story stands as more than a tale of a business reaching a rare milestone. It is, in many ways, the story of Naga City itself—its culture, its heritage, and the progressive spirit of its people. Founded in 1926, the funeral company has become a fixture in the lives of Nagueños and Bicolanos, who have patronized the establishment not only because it is a home-grown enterprise but also because it has long embodied the values of dignity, compassion, and professionalism. Its century-long existence mirrors a community that, even a hundred years ago, was forward-thinking. Former city councilor Jose B. Perez, who once chaired the Committee on Trade, Business, and Economic Enterprises of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and served as director and vice president for chamber management of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describes the company as a reflection of the entrepreneurial character of early Nagueños. “One hundred years ago, Nagueños were already businesspersons,” Perez said. “They were running their own businesses, engaging in commercial activities, and owning institutional facilities. The success of Funeraria Imperial is proof of that.” According to Perez, reaching a century in business is no small feat. It signifies sound management, consistent customer satisfaction, and a kind of service that has been carefully maintained across generations. “The family itself has maintained that kind of relationship with their clientele,” he noted. “Since death is inevitable, the Imperial family understood early on that providing dignified and excellent service to both the bereaved and their departed loved ones was essential—and they never went wrong.” Today, Funeraria Imperial is managed by the third generation of the Imperial family, with the fourth generation already being prepared to take the helm. With each transition, the company has received recognition for its business ethics, the respect it commands in the community, and its ability to uphold trust in handling deeply sensitive services. Equally notable is the family’s commitment to its workers—employees who, in turn, serve with loyalty, competence, and dedication. This commitment to quality has kept Funeraria Imperial at the forefront of the industry in the region, even as nationally known funeral homes established branches in Naga City and Camarines Sur. Rather than being overwhelmed by competition, the company stayed ahead through innovation. One of its most forward-thinking expansions is the Naga Imperial Crematory and Columbary (NICC), established in 2010—years before national chains introduced the same services locally. For Perez, this move proves the family’s readiness to adapt. “They are with the times,” he said. “What is needed by the times, the family is also there.” For younger entrepreneurs, the story of Funeraria Imperial offers a powerful lesson in perseverance, adaptation, and vision. Perez points to the pioneering spirit of Felipe Imperial, the founder, who pursued the establishment of the funeral home at a time when such a business was considered morbid and unpopular. “In every breakthrough, there has to be a pioneering spirit,” Perez said. “Felipe Imperial had that courage—and the fruits of that courage are still alive today, 100 years after.” As Funeraria Imperial prepares to mark its centennial, it celebrates not only a business milestone but a legacy of service woven into the very fabric of Naga City. It stands as a reminder that traditions endure, families persevere, and communities thrive when built on trust, compassion, and the courage to lead.